August « 2009 « GBR Match Race Girls - Women's Match Racing Olympic Campaign

Defending our title at the European Championships

Wednesday 5th August, 2009

After arriving home from the World Championships Sunday evening, Annie, Ally and I have had no time to catch breath. We were sailing at Cowes Week on Monday and Tuesday, before arriving in Middelfart, Denmark today for the European Championships.

Joining us for this week are both my sisters, Nicky and Kate (poor Ally and Annie!) as the boats we’ll be sailing are Match 28s which are designed to be a smaller version of the DS37s we were sailing last week but from our 2 hour practice today I can assure you they aren’t nearly as fun! We had a good practice today though, albeit brief we learnt a fair bit about the boats and are hoping to hit the ground running tomorrow to defend our title!

The club has put a huge amount of effort into this event, not only are there 16 womens teams but also 16 mens team competing on a different course and in different boats. We are in two groups for the first round robin with the first four of each group advancing through to the quarter finals. Racing starts at 10am tomorrow and we’re on the second flight so keep your fingers crossed for us!

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Tags: 2009, European Championships

Australia win the title.

Saturday 1st August, 2009

Nicky Souter and her Australian team beat the home hero Marie Bjorling 3-0 today to win the World Championships in a very busy, sunny Lysekil. Hundreds of spectators lined the rocks and bay to watch the racing in somewhat different conditions to yesterday!

In the semi finals both series went to 4 matches with Souter beating Leroy 3-1 and in the battle of the Swedish Bjorling beat Kjellberg 3-1 and after a break for lunch it was Souter on form in the finals and Anna Kjellberg with the edge in the petite final beating defending champion Claire Leroy 2-0.

Our 9th/10th playoff was raced at the beginning of the day against Linda Rahm. After a good start we led the first lap well but were then caught up on the second up wind and final downwind. A solid defending position however gave us a clear gybe to the bias end of the finish line and take the win.

Its been a tough regatta for us where just one more win could have made such a massive difference but we’ve used the event well to learn for the long run and we’re certainly looking forward to the European Championships next week!