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12 th August 2008
Hi everyone,
We are now 6 races into the regatta. We are holding onto 3rd place overall but only just. There are 4 points separating 3rd to 11th position. We have 4 more races in our opening series, before the medal race, so anything is possible. The British and Dutch teams have been the most consistent are are currently in first and second respectively. I have to say the racing is incredibly close and we are finishing within seconds of each other.
The regatta started off with a bang. Before the first race the first protest of the regatta was a Yngling measurement issue with the Russian team The protest conclusion still leaves me speechless.
“Facts found:
Conclusion:
The fact that RUS was presented for pre race equipment control in a condition that did not comply with the Class Rules, is not by itself a gross breach of good manners or sportsmanship. It is possible that the lead could have been placed in the boat without the knowledge of the crew during the last 2 years. The location of the weight makes it possible that the crew were not aware of its presence, consequently the Jury are not satisfied that there was a gross breach of sportsmanship.
Rule(s) applicable:
Rule 69.1
Decision:
The Jury were not satisfied that RUS had knowledge of the weight correctors in the prohibited location and therefore there is no serious breach of sportsmanship.
Short decision:
No penalty given”
Our first day of racing was on course area “A”, just off the breakwater of the marina where we keep our boats. The last two days have been on course area “E” which involves a tow of at least 45 minutes. Longer if you are going into the current or there is a swell running. Our ice jackets are fantastic to help keep cool on the way out.
Before we leave the dock we get an update from Sam our weather man. He has multiple resources at his finger tips to help him come up with his best guess at what direction and strength of wind we are likely to see out on the race course.
Once we leave the dock there is no more communication allowed with the shore. We are not allowed mobile phones, either on the boat with us, or on the coach boat. The coaches are allowed to carry a radio but this must also be turned off. Presumably in an emergency they can turn it on but then who will hear them????
While we are racing the coaches are confined to a box area behind the start line. Once we finish they are allowed out of the box. But also milling around in the same area are numerous media boats and BOB (Beijing Official Broadcaster) film crew boats. It does make it challenging while they are all trying to get up close and personal when all you need to do is go to the toilet and then get more water from the coach to try and stay hydrated.
Quite a few of the other classes have now started racing and the Aussie team is off to a great start with the 49er boys leading, Jess Crisp on the sailboard and the 470 girls are 2nd overall. To receive a daily newsletter during the games go to http://www.australiansailingteam.com.au/ and 'Join the Club' by filling in the yellow box on the right hand side of the Australian Sailing Team website.
Overall results can also be found at http://www.sailing.org/olympics/resultscentre.php
We have a day off today and the main object is just to relax and keep out of the heat. I am staying inside our Olympic bubble. I have multiple Olympic events I can watch on TV, even the sailing. Unfortunately all of the commentary is in Chinese. Occasionally we get to see an Australian performing – but it usually requires a local to also be involved.
Thanks again everyone for all of your support – it is fantastic to have you all behind us.
Cheers,
Karyn
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