Junior Worlds 2024
The Junior Worlds had been the event we had worked towards for the entire season, grinding day and night to achieve our goal of qualifying for the German Sailing Team. Unfortunately this time our regatta was filled with more downs than ups and we failed our trial. After spending a couple of days at home and coming back fresh for the final preparations before the Event we felt ready and quite relaxed. Our practice ring went well, our boat was tuned and polished and we were looking forward to giving it our all.
The Regatta started off with measurement and therefore a couple of setbacks. Our boat was weighed to be 99.5 Kilos, 5.5 Kilos overweight and our forestay was too long. A heavy boat does not make the big difference while sailing, but for us mentally it made it hard to not think about it being a disadvantage. The forestay was rather the problem. In any olympic skiff or dinghy the trims are build around the forestays length so meaning we had to change it, we were left to freestyle our trimming for the regatta. With two days of training going quite well after, we were mentally and physically ready to perform.
The first day brought along thermal winds of 10 knots, with us struggling to find a rhythm and a good speed. Our starts did not go well and in the second race our starboard lower shrout broke, forcing us to retire. Luckily we could change it on the water, allowing us to compete in race 3, but us still failing to perform.
On day two our sort of wind expected us. Light wind baby! We scored 6 and 2 opening everything up again and closing in on gold fleet with only 5 points separating us from it. With the new daggerboard our upwind was way more stable and the new gennaker pulled the boat on downwind.
Day three, four races to sail. Yet again, the wind did not play into our cards. In 10-12 knots and shifty conditions we just could not find our routine and failed start after start and upwind after upwind. Our dream had just been popped. This meant silver fleet racing for the final two days and a lot of frustration on all sides.
Day four brought on some wind and exciting racing. three races were sailed off wich we scored two in the back of the fleet and one 6th. On the final day we managed to sail our first first at a 49er event which was another little highlight of our run, but all in all we have to admit that the competition did not go as planned at all. We lacked consistency and a clear routine both ashore and on the water. The 49er fleet is extremely competitive and we are grateful to have the chance to compete against the best, but we have to start seeing ourselves as the best as well. The races have shown us that racing is tight and we are able to perform. We just have to start establishing consistency and believe in ourselves.
But for now it’s time to take a well deserved break after an intensive season and reflect. We will reflect upon the season, how it went and what has to be done so we can both reach our individual goals and come back stronger. Thank you for joining us on our journey and for the support.
We want to thank our suppliers Kingfisher Ropes, Brandl nutrition and Sea Clean for their support and are hungry for more. We are constantly on the search for sponsors who want to support Sustainable Sailing and make a change together. #LA2028 we are coming!