Thank you so much for your financial support, helping me to attend the 2019 U.S. Junior Women’s Double Handed championship for the Ida Lewis Trophy hosted by San Diego Yacht Club. I attend along with my skipper Sophia Devling in the c420 fleet. Ida Lewis is a unique event, US Sailing provides all coaching and the first two days of the event are a clinic. This year the coaches were Richard Feeny, Alana Marks, Beka Schiff, Charles Higgins, Molly Pleskus, Elizabeth Kratzig, and Giselle Nyenguis. This year was also particular unique because it was the first year that the event included a 49er fleet. In the c420 fleet there were 32 boats.
On the first day of the clinic we spent the morning on land discussing boat setup and other important aspects for success. We spent the afternoon on the water training in small groups then later with the whole fleet for a few practice races. The second day of the clinic we spent on the water working on boat handling and ended the day again with practice races. After the two clinic days we felt confident going into the first day of racing.
The first day of racing was classic San Diego with five to ten knots. We started off the event strong with three top fives including a first. The second day was particularly difficult for us. We struggled throughout the day but we continued to persevered. We finished the day with a top 10. We went into the last day of racing with renewed determination. The last day of racing required great focus with the wind dying and shifting. However, We continued to give it our all.
Overall we finished in 7th place. The whole event was full of great learning and some very fun racing. I’m so glad that I was able to attend along with so many other awesome girls. Thank you again for your continued support!