Kristopher - Day 2

Photo by David Hein (daveheinphotography.com)

Midway Report "West Side"

As we reported on the US Team blog we are half way through the fleet racing with team racing coming up tomorrow. The weather is quite remarkable here. With the exception of one day it has rained each day of our visit since the 23rd. Simply getting comfortable with it now. Of course with the rain coming and going and a constant flow of clouds through the neighborhood the breeze is all over the place. Direction wise it is shifty, mostly from the west, south-west. Although we've seen it from the east, north and everywhere in between. The first race of day two began in roughly 7-8 knots and finished in 20+. If scores are an indication of the level of unpredictability only 8 sailors finished day one with all single digit finishes. After talking to a handful or more of the sailors post day two consistency means "getting a solid start and settling into your own rhythm." Mostly however when the sailors are queried with "How did it go today?" We are met faces struggling to express something positive, but then the memories of being on the wrong side of a big shift, or sitting under a windless cloud come charging into their minds and their expressions turn nonplussed. As is always the case with sailing, tomorrow is another day and tomorrow brings a break from the fleet racing, a trip to Fort Henry for some fireworks, and a much needed day of rest on Thursday.

Kristopher On the Ready

Day 1 Racing - Westside Heading Out

Day 1 Racing - Romain

Day 1 Racing - Dane

Day 1 Racing - Kristopher

Day Four - The Practice Race

Who's that Kid in the Green Jacket?

Opening Ceremony Parade

The US North Americans Team 2010

Opening Ceremony -- The Boys from the West Coast Looking Good

Practice, Day 2 -- First in. Last out.

It was a long day for the US Team today. Pretty much the first team on the water (10am) and nearly the last off the water (a touch after 5pm). Breezy all day. They looked a touch tired when they hit the dock, but it wasn't long before their energy returned. Some soccer, dinner... bed by 9pm.

Day One (June 24) - Practice, Registration and Dinner

First day of practice included an on-going persistent shift from the west through the north and ending in the east. Puffy, windy and light with spotty showers. Looked a lot like the Virgin Islands for the boys from West Side. Water's a bit more chilly!

After about 4-5 hours on day one everyone went through a very organized measurement process. They even got a personalized preview of what will be checked while on the water (see the grim faces paying close attention to the official). Post measurement the entire team met with the US Team, checked into their dorms, ate dinner, posed for a picture and went to bed. Fun. 

Getting There is Half the Battle

It's always tough to leave home (Moki reference, sorry).

Regardless of whether West Side team members flew into Montreal or Toronto getting to Kingston was quite the challenge. For those coming from Montreal it was all about driving rain, driving in the rain and a beautiful lightening show... Unfortunately it lasted for nearly the entire 3 hour drive. For those coming from Toronto the travails mostly included security checkpoints and traffic jams related to the G8 and G20 summits. Good news is we're all here and happy, except for Moki.