I’m thrilled to take you on a voyage through the highlights and challenges of my recent World Regatta trip. Your generous support made it all possible, and we want to share every thrilling moment with you.
We had arrived in Greece a week before the start of the event, to help to adjust to the warmer climate. The championship was held in a regional city of Greece called Volos, a 5-hour train trip north of Athens. The city of Volos embraced our event with great enthusiasm hosting us with the world-renowned Greek hospitality. We felt very welcome and cared for.
On the first and second measurement day, I spent training and I had a rest day before the event began. At National and World regattas all boats and equipment are measured and signed off as having been inspected and met the class rules before the racing days begin.
The event attracted a record number of 437 competitors: 287 boys and 150 girls. It was an amazing experience just launching with over 400 boats! The racing was held on 2 racecourses (Area A and Area B). Across the 6 racing days, the plan was for the first 3 days of qualifying races and the final 3 days of final races divided over 4 boys’ fleets (gold, silver, bronze, emerald) and 2 girls’ fleets (gold and silver). Therefore 3 fleets were on each racecourse with approximately 75 boats for each start.
Day 1 – A Gentle Start
The regatta kicked off with great anticipation. The wind was a gentle 5-6 knots. While the courses were meticulously set, the start lines proved chaotic. In the first fleet, there was an over-eager, perhaps nervous crowd with four general recalls (all boats having to restart because too many were too early). I was in Red Fleet and the third to start. I was able to post some solid results, and able to avoid a BFD (Black Flag) despite watching 5 general recalls in the fleets starting before me. My weakness due to lack of sailing in big fleets was starting with over 70 boats but was able to make up gains throughout the races.
Day 2 – Good recovery
…End of this sample donor blog post
My final results were:
82 of 287 boys
10th Silver fleet
Thank you for being a part of my sailing journey.
This is a sample of the detailed report I write for our donors.
Find out more on how you can support me here:
Travel to 2024 ILCA 6 Australian Nationals Championships
Charles Allen Toyn 