Posted By: Cody ••••••DATE: May 07, 2009

Team Trials

I recently competed in the USODA Team Trials in Stamford Connecticut. Light air (4-8knts) with current and chop dominated the 4 day event. Current was a very important factor in almost all of the races, and at timed prevented us from getting races off. With a new wind direction every day but consistent pressure for most of the regatta with only one race getting more than 10 knots, the regatta was an interesting one. The current's speed and directions, and big oscillations along with some persistent shifts made it an interesting event. Unfortunately for me the 4-8 knot range is my weak point. I can perform well in heavy, medium and even super light breezes but the light to medium transition phase is the hardest for me. I ended up placing 42nd out of 210. The fleet was very close together on the scoreboard and if I didn't have to take a 30 for my last race I would have been in the mid 20s, which was my goal at the beginning of the regatta. Depending on how many people decline teams I may be going to North American's in the Dominican Republic. The USODA is scheduled to post the teams on their website this Monday, the 11th. It may or may not be my last regatta in Optis. Even though the event didn't go as planned for me it was a good experience.


-Cody