Another Atypical Day in Perth
Today was the first day of Gold fleet racing, and we sailed two races in a shifty, puffy 5-15 knot offshore breeze. In the first race I had a great start near the boat and played the middle right. I was a little out of phase at the top, and I ended up rounding in about 20th. I was able to pick off a few boats throughout the race and ended up with a 13th, which is a keeper in Gold fleet!
In the second race, I liked the left side of the course. I had another good start in the middle-pin area and sailed off the line on the lifted tack. I had good speed and was looking to lead the group back from the left, when the breeze kept shifting right and right. The beat turned into 80% starboard tack, and I was hung out to dry. I rounded in the deep 30s and tried to catch up, but I made a mistake on the second beat by sailing in the middle. There was much more pressure on both sides, and I kind of got swallowed up by the fleet. I ended the race with a 44, which is fortunately my drop!
Tomorrow is a lay day and then we have two final races on Saturday before the medal race on Sunday.
