I started off my European adventure by heading to Palma de Mallorca for the Princess Sofia regatta in March. This was the first major regatta since the Olympics for the fleet, and as a result there were many keen sailors, and even more general recalls. With a full week of light to moderate conditions, we had long days on the water waiting for breeze. Out of five days of racing, I had four days with at least eight hours at the sailing club and on the water. So, this regatta proved to be a true test of patience, and an exciting regatta for most of the fleet to shake out the cobwebs in preparation for the World Championships.

I then travelled to Hyeres for a couple weeks of training before the French Olympic Week regatta. This was a smaller regatta than Princess Sofia had been, due to the timing being close to the World Championships. However, this regatta still presented great racing in a variety of conditions, including the mistrals that Hyeres is famous for. Unfortunately my results lacked consistently, and I ended up missing out on gold fleet by one point.

Now, after a week of resting in Germany, I have arrived in China to prepare for the World Championships. This will be my first open Worlds, so whilst I am sure this will be a challenge, I am looking forward to learning from the experience!

by Frances Beebe

images by CharterBoat