The pin end was favored each race, so I prioritized starting there. Starts are one of my weaker areas, so I focused on getting a good line sight and working on timing. I was OCS once, but because I was at the pin I was able to go around and start on port. I only had to duck a boat or two and still managed to finish fourth. That clean lane made a huge difference and was a good reminder of how valuable clear air can be, even when things don’t go to plan off the line.

Off the start, my main focus was sailing in clear air. I didn’t have a wind indicator or compass, so I wasn’t great at catching shifts. Once I was ahead of boats, I shifted to covering the fleet rather than trying to sail the lifted tack or chase pressure. At times this meant sailing slightly headed, but the tradeoff was that I didn’t give up places, which felt like the right call in the context of the race.

Upwind, I couldn’t quite match boat speed with Laura or Steen. Even when I felt reasonably locked in, they were still able to roll or extend. That highlighted an area I need to keep working on, especially straight-line upwind speed.

Downwind, there were some small waves, and I focused on pumping and trying to surf whenever possible. The waves weren’t big, but there were enough opportunities to practice timing pumps with the wave pattern and getting the boat to surf.

Shallow water definitely came into play throughout the day. I ran aground more than once, which was frustrating but avoidable. By the last race, I was able to communicate with overlapped boats and ask for room to tack before the sandbar east of the committee boat.

All in all, a good but cold weekend.