Well rested after the lay day, Chase and Benn were especially eager to get out on the water and give their new sails a try before measurement. Wind was between 8-12 knots which is what is normal for this time of year. There has been no shortage of crisp blue sky and bountiful sunshine. Kids got a good but shortened practice in so as to prepare for the Opening Ceremony. As seen in the photos the location was very a beautiful spot overlooking the river. Sailors paraded alphabetically in Spanish, which is why Antilles Hollandes(Netherlands Antilles) started us off. A short walk through the vast property and everyone was seated around the podium. Mikey carried the Bermuda sign, Benn raised the flag and Chase accepted a plaque given out by Gonzalo Bisi and Nacho Varisco both Club Nautico San Isidro members and past South American Champions. The plaque given to each delegation contains a note written in the 1925 by Sir William Burton outlining the importance of sportsmanship. A massive cocktail style party ended the celebrations with all the sailors mingling and running about or hunting down the waitresses to get their fill of delicious empanadas and pizza. Early to bed although the Practice Race was not set to start before 2pm, breakfast was at 7.30 and it was time to get more used to the early start.
Saturday...
8-12knots again. Coaches briefing at 11am followed by launching at 1pm. A bit of scatter action for many today as final stickers were applied, last tidbits of measurement, a test trial for trackers and anchors were missing but the Race Committee finally did get off the race off. Seemed a bit chaotic. Normally the fleet is divided by number into odds and evens however there were three starts this time with the majority of the fleet in the third. No one pays any real mind to the outcome but the solid favorites today were clearly the USA with many sailors in the top.
BER has the 7pm dinner time alongside MEX, URU, USA and AHO. Again all the countries were mixed together and dinner was a very nice piece of roasted chicken, french fries and salad followed by jello with apple bits. Quick debrief with Martin and lights out at nine.
Big day tomorrow.....
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