Hello All!
It has been about 2 weeks since I started sailing again, and things have been going well! All the hours of physical therapy seem to be paying off, and my right shoulder is holding together really well. There were certainly a few cobwebs to brush off, but Thomas has been super understanding and I am quickly re-finding my feet in the boat. The weather certainly was kind to me, and for my first few practices the wind probably never broke above 12 knots. This past Sunday was my first day back in the breeze, with a shifty up and down breeze ranging from 10 in the lulls to 18 in the puffs. Needless to say I was unprepared at first, and we spent some time swimming early in the day. Luckily I figured it out, and by the end of the day we were ripping gybes no problem!
We have also been lucky enough to have a few teams around to practice against, which always makes things better. The Bermudians, the Mexicans and Team Frost/Arbuckle hailing from Canada have been out a few times with us and our usual training partners Fred and Zach, and one light air practice we decided to have a 2V2 49er Team Race! Although terrifying at times, the overall result was a positive one and we had a great time. Nothing burns frustration like some close downwind crossings in a skiff…
Sailing in the rain
THINGS YOU MISSED:
We sent our boat to Europe! It was a tight fit, but our boat fit right above our teammates boat… I think I tightened those straps well?
A tight fit...
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Our brand new spinnakers with a custom graphic from the VI Department of Tourism will be flying in the coming weeks, look for photos and video!
Our newest edited video with lots of new angles and footage is on its way, get your popcorn ready…
Our Euro trip is coming up! We leave in mid March, and we will be keeping you all in the loop via every path we can. Stay tuned for our broadcasting plans.
Thanks to Everyone!
A HUGE thanks to everyone who has bought a t-shirt, and another huge thanks to the Williams family for donating them! We have run out of a few sizes, but are currently putting in for another batch, so keep the orders coming!
Also, if any of you have some extra air miles you can afford to send our way it would go a long way towards helping us get to Europe and back. Also, if anyone has a vehicle in Europe with a trailer hitch, very sturdy roof rack, and room for 4 guys and gear (a large van or SUV) we would be very interested in renting it from you!!
As always, none of this would be possible without our generous donors and sponsors. Visit the Virgin Islands and find out why we love sailing so much, and if you need lines for your boat get the best at Gorilla Rigging!
I’ll leave you with a screenshot to whet your appetite for sailing video…
Bowcam Downwind
Nate
