In July 2024, I attended 2 regatta’s in Europe. The first was the Downtown regatta in Helsinki then the 48th Spinnaker Regatta in Estonia. There were 145 competitors competing in Helsinki, and the winds were very shifty and varied from 0 to 18 knots. There was 3 days of qualifying but unfortunately the wind disappeared for the two days of finals. During my time in Helsinki I made many new friends along the way. Overall I really enjoyed the experience and was happy to finish 3rd overall at the Finnish regatta.
The next day I hopped onto a ferry and went straight to Estonia. There wasn’t a break. We went straight into training then the regatta. It was much the same competitors at the Spinnaker Regatta so it was great to be racing them again. The wind was all over the place, with 90 degree shifts and various wind strengths. We lost one day of racing as there was too much wind and the RO was concerned about the sea state. Our coach had other ideas for us and we went training instead. It was so much fun! The experience of sailing in another country is Wild! I wasn’t too happy about my 8th place but was happy with all of the learning experiences I had.
These two regattas are great practice for the next major event in December where I will represent Australia competing at the IODA Worlds, in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
I am super happy to be able to go to these International events, but it wouldn’t be possible without the help which Ron Tough Yachting Foundation has given me.
Thank you all so much
Murray
AUS 1516