Practice Race and Day 1 impending

Qingdao presented form more similar to what we expected and experienced from the past year. Unfortunately this is not all good, as temperatures are slowly climbing, humidity is maxxing out and the breeze becoming a little less forgiving. Some courses experienced wonderful light air conditions with a gentle sea breeze developing and holding strong (ok solid) at between 6-8 knots with the odd more forceful puff. Other courses experienced variable light air some insufficient for racing but all reminicent of what we faced last year.

The Canadian Team's spirits appear good, with a positive and proactive approach to gaining as much knowledge as is possible about this tricky venue. As a side bar in the Finn practice race Chris Cook welcomed Ben Ainslie (GBR - AC helmsman from NZL - Finn World Champ) back to the class dogging him around the course, eventually passing him on the run and then leading him for much of the remainder of the practice session. Of course it is only practice - but if you want to win against the best you might as well show up and challenge them - good on you Cooker.

Racing starts in earnest today - Wednesday Aug 15th and daily reports will be filed right here on this thread. For additional information on the event find your way to www.2007qdregatta.com

Ken Dool
Head Coach

Opening Ceremonies

The Official opening for the 2007 Sinopec Qingdao International Regatta took place this evening. It was a gala event with speeches, entertainment and the most unbelievable upclose fire works that one could imagine. For perspective the shrapnel from the fireworks was steadily raining down upon us in our seats and we weren't even front row, just to add to the excitement, flame thrower type devices shot off intermitently with an intensity that had to be burning the eyebrows of the front few rows as it definitely was singeing the few hairs that remain on my palate.

Chris Cook of Toronto represented himself, his team and his nation with pride in carrying the flag for our team during this gala presentation which included a full parade of athletes. Some of the descriptions of nations must have lost a bit in translation, but all would be happy to know that Canada was described as having the"longest shore-line", at least a nautical theme as opposed to other countries that received descriptors such as "wonderful chocolate" or "have travel from afar". Take nothing away from the Chinese though, they know how to throw an event, and surely can rock the house with their fireworks.

Measurement and the final touches on preparation remain the focus for the team. The winds or lack there of experienced in 2006 have been replaced by torrential rain and some solid sailing breezes, with three days remaining before raciing begins in earnest it will be an interesting study to see what plays out for the event. Like is so often the case, the athelte that is able to compete in all conditions will likely be the one to come out ahead.

Stay tuned to this thread for further details on the event as it unfolds.

Ken Dool
Head Coach