Final result

After our disappointing first day with results of a 15 and 12 we realized we were no longer contending for a position at the front of the fleet. We set a goal to make mid fleet. The next day we moved to 12 with two 8th place finishes. The rest of the regatta we steadily moved up two positions a day averaging 8th place finished each day. The last 2 days we had to make many tactical decisions to beat the Irish and the Italians. The next to last day we did not perform, leaving us in 10th place with one race left and 3 points out of 8th place. The last race was light and we won the pin and showed great speed to the left and tacked with half the fleet from the left, only to get a huge right shift, but we found the Irish in last and Italians right behind us. The last upwind was very challenging with our competitors spreading out and shifty breeze. We rounded with one boat in between us and the Italians and Irish. We needed to pass 2 more boats downwind to secure 8th. We split opposite of the fleet and it paid, we crossed France, Norway, and the Omans. This got us the necessary points to secure 8th place overall, mid fleet at ISAF youth worlds. The team had one last night together and everyone split early the following morning. I am now flying to Boston for the hyc regatta with over 25 f18s. Then it's back to building a cats.

ISAF Youth Worlds Endings

What a day we had on the last day!  To jump from tenth to eighth we had to put two points between us and the Irish and three between us and the Italians.  We had a difficult time finding any power in the boat up with a nasty chop, strong current, and light breeze.  Combine that with erratic wind shifts and one of the heaviest crew weights, we found ourselves toward the back of the fleet for most of the race.  On the last run, we were able to split off on starboard tack to find pressure and calmer waters, we made tremendous gains and were able to get the job done at the finish, gibing inside a fleet of boats that were minutes ahead.  Overall a great regatta and an awesome experience to have worked our way up through the standings into a respectable eighth place.

Race Day 4

We're still moving up!  Today we had our best finish so far, a sixth but started the day with a disappointing tenth.  It was a productive day in that we eclipsed the Irish team and were able to close the gap to three points on the Italian team, which should be a very manageable objective for the last two days of racing.  Currently we stand ninth; progress is always good but we're still not satisfied!

ISAF Youth Worlds

Today is our day off, we have raced three days and have three more days of competition.  The racing has gone well.  Having never sailed the SL 16 or any other catamaran without dagger boards, we have had a very steep learning curve.  As if the boat hasn't been difficult enough, the breeze has been blowing offshore giving shifty and gusty sailing conditions.  Over the past few days we have made strides refining our boat speed and  strategy allowing us to lead yesterdays first race for the first two legs against a very deep fleet.  After the first day we were 14th, but slowly we are climbing up the standings and currently are 10th.  The next two positions are within striking distance, with 9th being only a tiebreak away!  Follow Team USA's results, including Mitchell Kiss who is leading the Laser Radial class!  http://www.isafyouthworlds.com/editions/2012/results.php

ISAF Youth Worlds

Its finally here!  This morning we arrived in Dublin after flying through the night.  After settling down, we went over to the Royal St. George Yacht Club, the event host.  Had a first look at the boats, and I was able to meet a few of the event organizers and local sailors, which will be a great resource for us.  The fleet looked quite numerous, and tomorrow we will be able to get our equipment, and hopefully get out for some practice.
Follow the action! http://www.isafyouthworlds.com/

More Progress

Over the past few weeks the rear traveler bracket and the pads the traveler bar will rest on were made.  The deck, stern, and bows were taped together and faired.  The eyebolts for the stays were bonded in.  Today the bag was stripped off of the knuckle of the rear beam where a sleeve was placed over the beam to hull joint.