Training Camp - July 8 & 9, 2002

Skippers and crew drifted into the Central Okanagan Sailing Association (COSA) facility on Saturday and Sunday.  Monday was the first day of training camp.  The goal was to create a safe, competitive, satisfying racing environment for all participants.  Coaches Devin Rubadeau and Cindy Hardie, along with Canadian Yachting Association representative Kathy Campbell, briefed skippers and crews about racing regulations, trapseat sailing skills, local weather features, and practiced racing starts.  The camp had teams practicing in boats most of the time.  Much of these two days involved sailing buddies from around the word catching up on all of the news, scandals and stories.  The Strahles shared their legendary gin martinis.  Many competitors are now suspicious that the martinis are a secret strategy to minimize the capacity of their competition.

On Monday, the training camp started with traditionally calm waters.  The wind continued to build until the afternoon, it surpassed 20 knots.  Only three teams were out on the water including Antero and Marko (Finland), Jeff & Jared (USA) and John McRoberts (Canada).  The others were stuck on shore watching.  It took hours for the smile to subside off of Jeff’s face that evening.  “That wind was FUN”.

Team Finland Antero Karjalainen(skipper, left) and Marko Dahlberg enjoying the strong winds during training camp

Submitted by D. Hamilton