SLAM SAILING CENTRE
SLAM SAILING CENTRE
Swiss Nationals 2015
Words Jasmine Sholer
My sister (Nicolle) and I went to the Swiss International Regatta
in Lake Thun, Switzerland. The Regatta was from the 5 – 9 of
August. We were competing with about 190 sailors. The first
two days, we were training with a Swiss-Italian team to get
prepared for the actual regatta. The coach who we were with
the whole week was Ricardo. We were able to practise with
his team. Meanwhile, the other sailors were doing some team
races. At first, my sister and I did not expect that many good
sailors, but we were wrong. On Wednesday, it was registration
and measurement day. I disliked that day mainly because we
were spending two hours lining up to measure our sailing items.
From Thursday to Sunday was the regatta, the first day was
probably the best day for me because that was the only day I
had the best results out of the week (17th). It was surprising for
me that ranking 17th was my best score, but both my coaches in
Hong Kong and CH said “You’re not there to win you are there
to learn from it”, and “If this is your first regatta, you are not here
to come 1st because this is the opportunity for you to open up
your mind”. I was pretty inspired by what they said but still, I was
sailing to the best of my ability. In the end, the results didn’t turn
out so well but I learned from the mistakes I made and realised
there are many things I need to improve on.
I’d like to thank my coaches Alfie and Ricardo for getting me
prepared for the regatta and Bruno, one of the organisers for
the regatta who helped us a lot. And of course my dad who
basically did everything for me and my family. It was definitely
a great experience for me and my sister and we are looking
forward to going again next year.
Japan International Friendship Regatta
Words Alfred Okoth
Hebe Dragons Team is back in Hong Kong after competing in the Japan
International Freindship Regatta in Miyako city. Miyako was one of the
cities which was hit by a tsunami four years ago. This race was part of the
commemoration for the opening of the new reconstructed port, after the
devastating tsunami. The Hebe Dragons were honoured to represent the
Club and to take part in this great and historic event.
Apart from sailors from Japan, four foreign teams were invited including Hong
Kong, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.
The event was well organised, with great sailing conditions. A light breeze
in the morning 6 to 8, and blowing 15 gusting 18 knots in the afternoon.
There were four races on Saturday, with two races in the morning and
afternoon.
Fantastic sailing from the young dragons who placed themselves very well in
the overall results, Pei finished 4th, narrowly missing 3rd position by only three
points, Pasu finished 12th and the newly joined dragon Sean, made his first
entrance in the overseas international regatta after joining the racing team
three months ago. He first entered the green fleet, but after practicing on
Friday, the race officer decided that his sailing ability was good compared to
the other beginners and moved him to the main fleet. He finished 28th overall
with his best race finishing 19th.
Shortly after, the team left again for another regatta in Qingdao China.
(More details in the next issue of Hebe Jebes).
20 HEBE JEBES • SEP/OCT 2015
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