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Surfing and Two Bullets PDF  | Print |  E-mail

Newport, RI
October 8, 2007

Rhode Island Sound served up the kind of conditions today that are always fun. Big waves and a fresh breeze made for some lively surfing downwind runs for Day Three of the US Sailing Olympic Selection Trials for the Laser Radial Class. The breeze died out almost completely towards the end of the second race but not before I’d added two more first place finishes to my score card. Paige Railey was seldom far from my stern all day and she finished with two seconds.

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Leaving the weather mark. Paige is approaching the mark. -- Photo: Mitch Brindley

When we got out on the course this morning we were greeted by a steady 12-15 knot southwesterly breeze and big, big swells. The first beat went well and I arrived at the top mark in second place behind Sarah Lihan with Paige and others close behind. We sailed downwind spread out side by side. Sarah and Paige went for the left hand gate and I chose the right. On the next beat I sailed the shifts well to lead around the weather mark and continue in front to the finish.

In any other circumstances, surfing down these waves, some as big as four or five feet would have been pure delight. Angle across the wave to load the sail up, then bear off and surf, keeping the boat flat while you look for the next wave. It was fun but no time to dwell on it. It’s all about focus and besides, the judges are right there with Paige and me, always watchful for kinetics that might bring a yellow penalty flag.

The breeze faded out between races but then came in again at around eight knots and shifting left. I had a rough start but did OK on the first beat to share first place around the weather mark with Annie Haeger. Annie had a good day today and posted two third place finishes. On the run I pulled clear to lead at the first leeward mark. The breeze was slowly dying as we sailed upwind and I extended my lead. On the run, the wind faded until it felt as if the waves were our only downwind propulsion. Luckily the Race Committee shortened the course at the leeward mark and I finished first, just as the southwester died and was overtaken by the first whispers of a northerly.

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On-water debrief with coach Mitch Brindley after Race Two

With six races completed, I have eight points. Paige is second with 11 points. Sarah is third with 23 points and Annie is fourth with 32 points.

There is promise of a front coming through tonight and a forecast that calls for north winds in the high teens at noon with gusts as high as 25 knots. This may turn out to be the gnarliest day of the week. Stay tuned.

You can find Laser Radial Results on the web pages of Sail Newport, and every night I will have a report for you. I would like to thank my sponsors Carmeuse and K-Swiss for supporting my campaign for the Olympic Gold. My website is www.annatunnicliffe.com.

Sail hard,

Anna
 

Team Member