Diary From Qingdao
September 1, 2006
Katie Kelly writes:
With the 2006 Good Luck Beijing International Regatta behind us now, it's a bit easier to find some time to write. The end of an event is always so busy!
First, I'll start with the last few days of the regatta. Seventeen athletes in seven classes were scheduled to sail the Medal Race, and several medals were within reach. Following a Team dinner on the eve of the race, hosted again by our wonderful hotel, the Team was ready to race and to cheer on their teammates. The conditions for the Medal Race day were ideal for the number of races needed on the final day. So out we went in a staggered order to get to the racing. Once out near the breakwater, it was exciting to see it full of spectators. I heard at the Team Leader meeting yesterday morning that over the course of the regatta, 45,000 spectators bought tickets and went out there to watch. The city of Qingdao is clearly excited to have Sailing in their city!
The racing took up the better part of the day, but it was a great day for our team. Three teams went out and won the medal race - a fantastic way to wrap a regatta - and moved up in the standings as a result. I watched two of these races, and the whole event was made for me by watching three smiling faces sail up to the coach boat. Some of the sailors sailed their best race on the last day, so I saw more big smiles ashore. I also saw some high-fives, cheers and hugs as they congratulated one another on a great race, a great series and on being all done. I hope you've had a chance to follow the regatta and watch the results. We came here to learn, and learn we did, but ending on a positive note is always nice too.
The end of a regatta means container packing as well - always a fun task! Gary Bodie did a great job of getting it all organized so the sailors could come ashore and start. We called it a day by 7 p.m., after making a significant dent in the job. To celebrate the end of the regatta, Team GBR invited our team and the Spanish team to a party at the hotel (we are all in the same hotel). A hearty "Cheers" to them for a fabulous party and a night of great fun. We'll all be looking forward to next year for a few re-matches!
The event was officially closed last night with a fantastic closing ceremonies celebration. From start to finish, it was over 2 1/2 hours - but what a show. In between the medal ceremonies, we were entertained with singing, Chinese opera, acrobatics and, of course, fireworks. When Paige, Andy and Brad stepped up to the top of the podium, loud cheers were heard from our section. It was a very touching moment to see them up there while the national anthem was played and the USA flag was raised.
The suitcase is out, which means it's time to go home. I know many are very excited to get back home, myself included, as it's been a very long trip. Team USA sends a very big thank you to the Organizing Committee for a great event, to ISAF and to the city and the people of Qingdao. We've sincerely enjoyed our time here and have been made to feel welcome and comfortable in a place that is very far away from home. It was fun to be here all together. I will certainly look back on this trip and smile, and I hope the Team will too. Good job everyone.