National Ranker Queen Mary 9/10 March 2005
Third overall and second paralympian
Two days of racing at Queen Mary for the second of the season's national ranking series. Third place was a good result against the reasonably high quality fleet.
Three races were held on the first day. We shared the course with the Finns and the 470's who both started before us. The wind was blowing strong - 20 knots plus lots of large gusts. My first two races were ok, starts not too good, but my boat speed was certainly up with the best and I always reached the top mark within touching distance of the other leaders. In these conditions gust control was the primary speed factor. Two fourth places were a reflection on my average starts but at least I was within a few boat lengths of the lader in both races.
In race three I went for a port pin start and crossed the whole fleet into the lead. Helena went left and took some good gusts to arrive at the top mark with me. we went down the run together with me on the inside to take the mark. A Finn sailor then barged in calling for water he did not have. I had to take avoiding action and ending up doing a 720. From first position to seventh. A good opportunity thrown away.
I went home on after the first day and three races in fourth place and I was certainly out of touch of the the first two positions. So I really had my eye on ensuring that I won the third slot on the final day.
In the first race of the second day I touched a mark when I was in second position and went back to sixth. The second race I was third leaving all to play for in the final race. I needed to put about five boats between me and the boat ahead to secure third place. I did this by racing hard and well coming in second.
November 7, 2009
Latest Updates and Links
Michael Cogswell
Site last updated:
