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August 16 – As the Meltemi was
blowing with full force today only the Finn/Yngling course was sent out
to race. Some asked why, with the sarcastic response being “because the
Finn is the featured “race of the day” on TV. Rumor has it,
(unconfirmed) that the day before when racing was scheduled to begin,
the start was delayed because the helicopters had not arrived at the
course area to film the action for TV. Following numerous attempts to
set up square lines and get races off there was a time delay and just
when the PRO was all set to start he was told to wait --while the
helicopters went to refuel!
Also the press situation has been very difficult to comprehend. In
previous Olympics, following racing, the press was allowed into the
venue to interview sailors. This year the rules are that at the
conclusion of sailing the press is allowed into a “mixed zone pen” where
sailors can come to them. However, for Team USA, the mixed zone is the
furthest away from our dinghy storage area as possible. When sailors
are trying to get their boats sorted out, washed down, checked for
damage, etc., the last thing they need to do is go to talk with the
press. The compromise is to “open” the dinghy park to the press one hour
after the last race finishes. On Sunday with the Ynglings delayed so
long and not arriving home until 7:45 pm by the time the press was
allowed access the only sailors left in the dinghy park were the
Ynglings.
We have worked out a system where we are able to use small radios to
communicate with the press so sailors may continue to work sorting out
their boats and the press may get their requested interview. Press
Liaison, Barby MacGowan is working hard to coordinate this and so far
things are working out. Numerous other photographers and reporters are
very frustrated and continue to complain to the organizers. Hopefully
things will work out over the next few days.
With only the Finn/Yngling course sailing, all the sailors under
postponement, along with coaches and support staff, were crowded into
the Athletes lounge to watch the racing on TV. Viewing was very civil
as there was no other racing and no one looking for other course
scores. Every so often you would hear a horn sounded and there was a
mass exodus to see if a fleet would be sent out. As the day progressed
it looked grim for any other sailing, however, the organizers wanted to
try their best. At about 4:30 racing was called off for 49ers. AP over A
was raised and all 49er teams went home. About 30 minutes later same
thing for the Laser/Europe course and by 5:30 the 470s were able to head
home as well.
This will cause a reshuffling of racing on Tuesday to catch up. 470s
will race on C course, Mistrals will sail on B first followed by 49ers
no earlier than 1430, and then the Mistral men will go back out to make
up their abandoned race from Sunday due to a RC error.
Although it seemed like a short day we did not get out of the venue any
earlier than a normal race day. |
