I wanted to share a quick update with RQYS following my return from Europe, where Jake Liddell and I competed in the Nacra 17 at the Trofeo Princesa Sofía (Palma) and Semaine Olympique Française (Hyères) regattas.

These were our first international regattas as a team, having only sailed together for three weeks before to departure, so we approached the competitions focused on development rather than results. Our goal was to lay a strong foundation for the campaign ahead. It was also my first time racing at both events. 

The Nacra fleet in Palma had four Australian boats, and after Day 1, we were sitting in 8th overall. We finished 15th by the end of the regatta, taking away some key lessons and moments of strong performance. From there, we drove the boats to Hyères and spent some time training in very different conditions—cold, wet, wavy, and often windy, with strong Mistrals rolling off the mountains.

Throughout the week in Hyères, we experienced everything from long delays on and off water waiting for wind to days with racing being abandoned in over 20 knots. Our highlight came on the second-last day with scores of 2, 2, 11, and 12—proof that we can compete at the front of the fleet. We finished 15th overall there as well.

We’re now back home, training with the rest of the Australian squad for the next two weeks before heading to Greece for the Europeans and then to Germany for Kiel Week.