Amy and Kate have now returned from their first international regatta, held at the U.S. Sailing Center in Jensen Beach, Florida. They attended the regatta with Canadian sailors from Nova Scotia, Quebec and Alberta and participated in a Canadian training camp prior to the regatta, run by Canadian National Paralympic coach Craig Guthrie from Nova Scotia.
Although results for Amy and Kate were mixed, the experience was fabulous…time spent on the water with new friends, lots of great coaching, sailing in every kind of conditions (including survival winds on the last day of racing – they flew their spinaker anyway!) and a fabulously well run event.
The Nova Scotia team of Jacob Chaplin-Saunders & Joss Warren was the top Canadian team and will represent Canada in the World Youth Championships in July 2009 in Brazil. Canada could not be sending two more skilled representatives, or two better kids, to this regatta. Jacob and Joss were great sports on the race course and friendly teammates throughout. They overcame a slow start in the regatta and finished with a great last day of racing in very tough conditions. They were never seen to get discouraged with less than expected early results.
Here is the report from one of the Nova Scotia parents who attended the regatta as a chaperone for the Nova Scotia contingent:
“As many of you know, 16 of our Canadian 420 sailors have just returned from a fantastic experience competing in the 3-day Mid-Winters international 420 Regatta at the US Sailing Centre in Jensen Beach, Florida (www.usscmc.org). The organization was outstanding and the enthusiasm amongst the 73 boats from Canada, USA and the Carribean was tremendous.
This was my first experience as a sailing chaperon for my 15 year old daughter and her skipper… 5 days of great training and the 3 day regatta – what an eye opener! The camaraderie, great attitude, admirable sailing and competition were amazing and wonderful to see. I was struck most by the exceptionally positive and life learning lessons that team participation affords our Canadian kids… plus the keen family involvement that added to the equation. I am hopeful that this experience is one that will continue to be shared by even more Canadian sailors and their families. I can’t wait to hear the Canadian results at the World Youth Championships this Summer (in Brazil)!”