What made the RCYC Skiff Regatta such a different event, was that everyone helped each-other out, even during racing. The leaders of the pack, Matt Dubreucq and Trevor Parekh held debriefs that taught many basic lessons and really increased our understanding of the boat. During racing they would even give advise in hopes of trying to catch them!
The winds throughout the regatta were quite frustrating, and provided some interesting results. My team-mate Justin Barnes and I managed to steal a few bullets away from Matt and Trevor due to some wild winds, but also managed to go from first to last in a single move. The key to the regatta was not to do your own thing and take big risks, staying and managing the fleet was what won the regatta. The wind hardly ever exceeded 5 knots, and was extremely patchy. Keeping your head out of the boat and finding the better pressure was more important than playing playing the unexpected shifts. Although only 6 49ers (5 new rigs) were there, the International 14s had quite a significant fleet. In a combined start, they created some interesting start lines and also made the race a little more tricky. Overall it was a fun regatta and we learned much, can’t wait for Kingston Unlimited in 3 weeks!
- Dave Mori
CAN 946
Results: http://www.rcyc.ca/getattachment/Doc-Types/Regattas/Regatta-Logistics/SkiffJune27-(1).pdf.aspx
Group Debrief: http://www.pitchpoleenterprises.com/49er-class/?p=383
Canadian GP Standings after 3 regattas: http://www.pitchpoleenterprises.com/49er-class/?page_id=319