This month was exceptional as it was taken up by a four week trip to China to compete at the Pre-Olympic Test Event in Qingdau. I was expecting a polluted, hot, foggy building site and what I got was sunshine, wind and a breathtaking high rise city. The hosts for Olympic sailing have created an impressive marina with atmosphere and scale. But despite the initial good weather the venue is known to have very specific wind and tide conditions, so the British selectors were keen for Team GBR to perform.

Entering the gates of the Olympic marina, once passed x-ray security, I had to cycle down a long road before I could see into the vast boat park - it took my breath away. The whole marina is much more developed than it was at this stage before the Athens Olympics. They have already built a huge air-conditioned building for the athletes’ lounge, café and a press tower for the media that overlooks the sailing areas. The harbour wall is set up perfectly for spectators who line up to watch the racing with seating and sunshades. I have no doubt that the Chinese will be an impressive host for Olympic sailing.

I think my frustrations developed during this competition from how different the races were from one to the next and how long we spent waiting for wind onshore. In the light wind sea breeze the tide is a strong decider on best race strategy; offshore winds are forced around the tall mountains and skyscrapers of Qingdau that make a race very shifty and gusty. Swell can change the sea state from flat calm to very choppy with big waves in a matter of hours. Any strong winds are dictated by infrequent local low pressure systems and typhoons that can affect us from hundreds of miles away. Each condition demands specific techniques and a different tactical mindset. Thankfully I only have to compete in these conditions once a year, so for now my focus for September has changed to Lake Garda, the venue for the first RS:X World Championships.

Looking back on the test event it has been a big learning curve and highlights what I need to work on over the next two years. So in the big picture a 16th at this test event does not mean I will struggle to perform in Qingdau, because I will adapt and make sure that I peak in August 2008.