Thank you so much for granting me the opportunity to go to Connecticut for the
Riverside Exchange Program. Over the 6 days we were there, we learned how to sail a new boat as well as improve our skills in the C420. On Sunday, the day after we arrived, we first learned how to sail a Feva. Sadly. there wasn’t enough wind to get the spin full so we ended up practicing righting our boats. The next two days, Monday and Tuesday, was the Law Trophy Regatta which we competed in sailing Fevas. This was a great experience to be able to race in a
new venue, in a new boat, against competition we’ve never sailed against before.
On Wednesday, which was the 4th of July, we took a boat over a cove where we spent the day in the water, enjoying the Long Island Sound. Later that night, we went to one of the family’s house for a party where we were able to meet many more people. Thursday, which was our last full day there, we Junior Instructed in the morning, then sailed C420s in the afternoon. When we sailed 420s, we were able to do a few practice races to see how our speed, boat-handling, etc. compared to the RYC 420 sailors. My crew (Samantha Hemans) and I got 1st in every race.
Later Thursday night, we got the privilege of racing on a Summit 35 for Vespers (which is RYC’s version of Beer Cans). On Blue Fire (the Summit 35), the crew openly welcomed us and made us a part of their crew. For the race, one of the other girls and I did jib-trim, and boy did we get a workout. Friday morning was the time for us to pack and say our final goodbyes to all the amazing people that we met. Overall, I took away so many great memories from this trip, along with many new friends, and many new tactics and strategy for racing.