What a year it has been. I have had so amazing experiences, learnt so much and had many great times on the water. 2017 sure hasn't been easy but I am proud of my achievements and have loved every second of it.
Looking back to last week I was out in Spain for the Palamos Christmas Race, a fun and competitive international competition held near Barcelona every December. A great event to do it is very easy to get to and has a lovely atmosphere to it. In the end I managed to finish 5th overall, a nice step forward and encouraging looking into next year. Check out my week below:
Often the hardest part of these sailing events is actually getting your boat to the competition! Despite some rather last minute complications I managed to fit my boat on another trailer with Ali Young and was able to make my pre-booked flights into Barcelona, flying over the snowy Pyrenees on my way.
After arriving at Palamos, unloading, getting ready and having a single day to practice I was thrown into competition in some stunning conditions - sunny, windy and wavy! Great fun.
After a week of very mixed conditions I managed to sail well in the medal race to finish 2nd and therefore move up to 5th overall! Still my performance was far from perfect and it is encouraging that I was so close to the leaders despite some of these mistakes. Onwards and upwards.
Giving it beans on an upwind leg at Palamos Christmas Race.
Beautiful (but incredibly cold!) sunsets greeted us everyday after racing in Palamos.
It was very sad to leave Spain after such a wonderful week with friends doing what I love at the highest level.
2017
2017 has been the best year of my life, check out some of the highlights from my Instagram feed:
I also have made a short 2017 highlights video, showcasing my sailing from January right through till December as I trained hard and competed at numerous national and international events. Check it out below:
Sam Whaley Sailing - 2017
2018
Looking onto next year I already have a very busy and productive calendar and look forward to exceeding my goals, fulfilling my dreams and hopefully bringing me one step closer to the Olympics.
Hope you all had a very merry Christmas and have a happy New Year!
Sam
