Full Report - Day 1
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Tuesday, July 8
Thirty-three teams from across the country arrived at Sausalito
Yacht Club yesterday. The yacht club literally overhangs the water
affording us fabulous views from the surrounding deck of the San
Francisco skyline. The boat storage and launching area is a short
walk away, either through charming downtown Sausalito or along the
water's edge boardwalk. Special thanks to Josh Toso of
LaserPerformance; the whole gang at SYC; and especially to Jim
Madden and the Sausalito Yacht Harbor for getting the boat storage
area ready for our arrival. At registration, the girls received a
much appreciated tote from "Sailor Bags" filled with a T-shirt and
other goodies.
In the evening, the traditional group photo was taken and dinner
commenced. Melissa Mooney, Regatta Chair, and Mary Richardson,
Commodore, welcomed the girls in an opening ceremony. Melissa had
each team come to the microphone to introduce themselves telling the
group where they were from and how many times they have been to this
event. We have quite a few "first timers" and lots of California
girls. Natalie Salk from Jamestown, RI wins the prize for the most
Doublehanded Championships. This is her 4th!
The host families, who were invited to attend the opening ceremony,
were matched up with their girls and everyone was on their way home
for some much needed sleep.
The girls arrived at Sausalito Yacht Club this morning in much warmer weather than everyone expected!
A wonderful hot breakfast was served and the girls made their lunch.
The coaches took over led by John Vandemoer, the National Coach and
the Naval Academy Sailing Coach. He is joined by Jay Kehoe, Stanford
Sailing Coach; John Pearse, Dartmouth Sailing Coach; Justin Law,
St.Mary's Class of 2008 and 4-time All-American; and Allie Blecher,
College of Charleston, Class of 2010 and 2-time All-American. In
addition to this incredible group, John has added Harry Legum from
Annapolis to the coaching staff this year. He is a personal trainer
and nutritionist and will spend time with the girls during the on-land
clinics covering these important aspects of being an athlete.
The on-land clinic and rigging took most of the morning into the early
afternoon. John Vandemoer stressed that each girl is here to improve
herself to the next level and that all the coaches are here to answer
any questions to help facilitate that. Lunch was eaten quickly on
land and the girls were launched for drills on the water. It is quite
amazing for the girls to dress for freezing temperatures on the water,
while they are sweltering on land! One commented that this was the
hottest weather she had ever tried to get into a wet suit in!
Tonight, the group is traveling across the bay to Pier 39 in San
Francisco for dinner, ice cream, and shopping. Thanks to all of the
chaperones for helping us with this event.
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