Practice Race

Following the opening ceremony there was a bit of time to kill before heading down to the venue around noon to prepare for the 3pm start of the practice race.  The fleet was split into  2 starts - odd and even sail numbers.  The usual disregard for the rules (common for the practice race) prevailed with some sailors starting early and/or missing marks and it is rare that anyone actually goes across the finish line (bad luck?).  Zizi said the conditions were a little lighter than the day before with approx14 - 16 knots.  These conditions dictate one single tactical plan.  Zizi says it is very similar to Lake Garda, Italy where one must go to the right side of the course as soon as possible and keep going until the layline.  A good start and straight line speed is what counts on the first windward leg.  Apart from Michael banging his leg (he is fine) there were no major problems.  Dinner was spagetti and meat balls plus salad.  Much better than the night before.  As I write this the sailors and Zizi are having a Team meeting and everyone will get to bed at a decent time.  Tomorrow it will be breakfast at 8am, depart for the yacht club at 9am, coaches meeting at 10am and on the water right after that for the offical first day of racing.