Disappointment at the Worlds
Written by Paul Goodison | 08 September 2010
After a tough seven days of racing in Hayling I left feeling disappointed. The week started well opening with 3-1 on the first day. I backed this up sailing solidly over the next four days to go in to the final 3 days in second overall just behind Tom.
The first race on the 5th day was a strong wind against tide race. With a lot of port bias on the line there were several recalls under black flag. Unfortunately in one of them the first three overall were spotted and had to sit the race out. This was a bit frustrating as most of the fleet were over and I had tried to stay just hidden, but it wasn't to be.
In the second race of the day I was over cautious and started poorly. It was a bit of a game of catch up after that as I pulled back to 17. Coming ashore I felt disappointed but was still 5th overall and in with a shout. Day 6 started with a good start and solid beat, I pulled through the fleet steadily.
After rounding before the run in 10th I threaded my way through several boats surfing the waves up to 4th. Unfortunately one of the jury didn't like my surfing action and penalized me with a yellow flag meaning I had to retire from the race ending my title hopes and I now had to count a retired (55 points)
What a disaster! I was so frustrated as I felt my surfing action was legal but had been interpreted otherwise. In the second race of the day I finished a frustrated 10th. After returning a shore I decided to go have a beer with some friends to try and take my mind off things...... It did the trick as I won the first race on the final day, In the second race I broke the top off the center board which cost me a few places before I finally finished the race in 10th.
I was pretty surprised to have finished in 9th overall counting a last! It all came down to a jury penalty in race 11 that cost me 2nd overall but hey that wouldn't have retained my title.
Congratulations to Tom Slingsby who sailed great all week. Its a few days rest at home before I head out to San Fran for the Big boat series and the Melges 32 Worlds. I'm looking forward to sailing in San Fran after chatting to the Finn guys last night should be a pretty special regatta.....
Goody