It is crazy to think that my winter training is already well underway and Christmas is just around the corner, this year has gone ever so quickly and I remember January like it was yesterday! I am sure of one thing though; 2017 has been the best year of my life. I have been lucky enough to have travelled to many different countries, doing the thing I love surrounded by great friends and family.
I've made big jumps in my performance on the water and am now a more robust, well-rounded sailor than at the start of the year. Having had a long and productive season it has been nice reflecting on the year and taking the many learnings from 2017 I feel confident that I am totally prepared to step into 2018 and give it everything at the highest level.
With my training currently being based out of Weymouth at the Olympic sailing academy it has been great to get a lot of hours in before it gets too cold. Unfortunately the last few weeks have got a lot colder but one can hope for warmer weather in January.
Obviously enjoying the windy sunset downwind sessions in Weymouth!
Training with the lads at a British Sailing Team P3 camp.
Almost hitting the cliffs at Osmington after a monster downwind session - it's rather daunting when you turn back to go upwind and Portland is far in the distance!
After winning the Laser Inlands back at the start of November it was great to see the local paper put me on the back page with an article on my win and future in sailing - thanks guys!
A few weeks later I got the opportunity to feature in the British Sailing Team Christmas video which was great fun. With the theme being foiling I put on a ridiculous giant inflatable bauble suit and tried to jump into the Waszp and race against a foiling windsurfer and Nacra catamaran. Although rather silly it was great fun! Check out the video below:
Great photo of me flying above the waves with the red bauble suit on.
When the suit was inflated it was ridiculous! Despite not being able to see my hands or the boat I managed to race against a foiling windsurfer, with the Waszp emerging victorious.
Take a look at the video below for more shots taken on the day. I am really happy with how my learning in this new style of sailing is going and cant wait to attend some fun events next year.
Quickly returning to my singlehanded Laser sailing I enjoyed a very productive week at Weymouth before travelling to Hayling Island to coach RS Aeros for the weekend. It was great fun and I loved getting back into the boat, it really is a joy to sail. Plus it wasn't too cold on the RIB coaching either.
Coaching RS Aeros at Hayling Island in December.
I have a busy few weeks coming up before Christmas, setting up a new boat tomorrow before flying to Palamos in Spain for the annual Palamos Christmas Regatta on Saturday. Hopefully it'll be a bit warmer than it has been back home recently!
Beautiful sunrise back home the other day.
Merry Christmas!
Sam