ILCA 6 Women's World Championships Qingdao China Report
The ILCA 6 Women's World Championships in Qingdao China was an interesting event. In the week leading up we had great training on water with 10-15 knots, consistent breeze and strong current. Unfortunately, the wind had other plans for the regatta.
Day 1 had a long delay on water as we waited for the wind. This was challenging due to swarms of bugs and a large rolling swell that caused issues with many sailors and coaches getting sea sick. We did get a race started after a few general recalls. The wind started to drop and the whole fleet got stuck at the bottom mark unable to get around it due to the strong current. The race was abandoned and we got sent back to shore.
Day 2 felt like a repeat of day 1. We sat on shore waiting for wind and finally AP was lowered and all fleets went out with the plan for three qualifying races. Once we got out there was not enough wind to be able to sail against the current. A dense fog started to roll in and all fleets were sent back on shore as conditions were worsening.
Day 3 the fog was thicker and the wind was light. We launched, we sat around waiting and we came back in. Another day of no racing.
Day 4 felt the same as the day before and the outcome was the same. We went out and tried to start a race but the fog became so thick that during the start sequence the pin was nearly impossible to see causing a general recall. The RO attempted to start again but the fog was so thick that we could not see the pin or the gate marks and then got sent in. The fog was so bad that the shipping channel beside our course was closed.
Day 5 we finally got racing. The first race was raceable with 9 knots, I had my best international results over the line finishing 25th after rounding the top mark top 10. However, I was unfortunately over on the start so received a BFD. I took this in my stride as being on the start line had been a focus area after the Princesa Sofia regatta where I was struggling to hold my lane and get off the start line. The next two races were challenging with a dying breeze and increasing current with me getting a 36th and 38th.
Day 6 had a familiar feeling with no wind and fog but the forecast was positive. As we went to launch the wind came in and it came hard with boats capsizing on the ramp and in the boat park. It was a big day on water with three races completed with gusts up to 38knots recorded on course. I had a few capsizes around the course including one at go which caused me to lose many positions with me finishing 38th, 34th and a 39th. Overall, I placed 89th.
Although the weather did not allow for racing on the first 4 days the race committee and organisers did an amazing job and did everything, they could to get six fair races completed. The obvious disappointment of not being able to race and the physical and mental toll this takes made this a challenging regatta. But with the challenges there where many highlights and lessons learnt through getting to race with the best sailors in the world. I was able to see the progress I made particularly in my upwind speed and strategy. My downwind speed and starting are improving but I still have lots of work to do in this area.