Day 1

Hi Everyone!

It was great to see your messages--you put a big smile on my face! There a couple things really important to the sport of sailing. The biggest one (once you have a boat) is the wind. Today was an unforgiving nearly windless day accompanied by big rollers (waves with deep dips). The wind never reached more than 4 knots and was 2-3 knots for the two hours we sat out on Lake Ontario. It was disappointing not to be able to race today. Another important aspect to sailing is not to suffer from sea sickness (Mark did today), so this gives you guys permission to bust his chops. Mark has promised to leave an introductory note and some messages for you too.

Just to fill you in on some more details...there are 29 countries represented in this event and there are 18 skud teams. Every day we are scheduled to race 3 races (weather permitting). Mark and I have to be dockside by 10:00-10:30. We have what we call "dock monkeys;" those folks that volunteer to help us rig the boat and get our bodies into the boat. It can be a very tedious process. For this event, every day we have to pull the boats (take them out of the water). I must admit, the volunteers on the dock and those hoisting the boats were awesome. I have never seen such efficiency in a regatta before.

I have some photos from today showing you the process (of hoisting and rigging the boat). It is really a great way to learn the lines (sheets) and sails. That is my job as crew--manage the lines and sails. The skud has three sails: the main, the jib, and the spinnaker. I will post a picture of my point of view so you can get the idea.

Again, thanks for visiting the site, say hi to Mark, and tomorrow I will fill you in again!
Amy