Connor’s 2007 Goals: Did he do it?

At the start of the 2007 competition season, Connor’s goals were to get into the top10 of the Techno One Design class (the youth racing class) and to be selected for the British National Squad. Having finished 21st overall in 2006, this would seem to be a tall order, but did he do it? Read on…

April 2007. Performance: 2/5 stars

The season started at Marazion, Cornwall in April. I had high hopes but as we drew up to the beach, and there was not a breath of wind in sight, my heart sank as I knew my weakness was light wind sailing. However, by the end of the event I pulled a 12th place. It was my first event in the 7.8m Class, I had met up with my mates that I hadn’t seen all winter and I had even sailed with dolphins!

May 2007. Performance: 4/5 stars

My next event was at Christchurch , which was the World Championship qualifier so it was a very important event attended by the top dogs from the RYA (Helen Cartwright and Oli Woodcock). As it was a three day event my nutrition had to be good and I needed to put into practice all the things I’d learnt about eating right for competitions the previous year.

The wind was looking good with anything from 10 knots on Saturday to 30 knots on Monday. So it looked like it was going to be a good event if I kept my head and didn’t make silly mistakes. I did well on the first and second day as it was my sort of wind and ended up with a good place. However, after the last race I foolishly thought I could manage a 6.8 metre sail instead of my 5.2 metre in 30 knots of gusting winds so understandably I was massively overpowered and was helped back to the beach by the rescue boat. A good lesson learnt: be less hot headed when it comes to sail size choice!

Next it was up to Yorkshire and the wonders of Bridlington with yet another windy event (except for the first day). I stayed on my 7.8 metre sail throughout the event even on the third day and when it picked up to 20knots I pulled away and finished with a third overall in the Techno fleet and a second in the 7.8m fleet (under 17’s) beating my friend and rival on the water George Bowles on discards. I don’t think he took it too badly as he was selected to compete later with the National Team in Italy . The wind was so awesome that I collected my prize from the Mayor of Bridlington in my wet suit as I’d been out on my short board free sailing.

Bridlington results.

Christchurch circuits..

June 2007. Performance: 1/5 stars

So then on to Tenby which was to become a major ‘stress out’ event as it was a selector for the national squad and so true to the wonders of important races in my life - there was zero wind. I really don’t fancy re-living the memory of those three days, only to say that it was gruesome. Weird tides, weird wind-shifts and overall not a great time racing (finished 21 st) although I have to say the venue was fantastic and well worth the journey. It was a massive wake up call to let me know that my light wind sailing was nowhere near the standard it needed to be and that you need to get as much practice as possible sailing on the sea rather than just a reservoir. But the show must go on……

The lay of the land.

July 2007. Performance: 5/5 stars

The Derwent Reservoir event was part of the Inland Series where me and my two mates, Jamie Ingram and Callum Stewart, dominated the competition each pulling out with at least one first place. The wind was screaming all weekend and I sailed at the limit of my strength and in the end I got to first place which was a major confidence boost after Tenby. I felt most comfortable at the Inland events this year as that’s where I’ve been brought up so I definitely need to understand about those tides!

This was one of four inlands that I did this year (no need to go into too much detail) but this was definitely the highlight for me.

Back down to the south coast for the last event; Eastbourne Extreme. After the first day I was in third place with Sam Sills at my heels. I had high expectations for the final day as we looked out of the caravan window at 0730 to see a howling gale with Rich Jones doing forward loops and spocks into the beach. I rigged up with haste but as the race loomed closer, the wind died to less than 10 knots so I pumped my sail around the course until I could pump no more. I didn’t get a Tenby 21st but a decent 7th or so in the low wind races. So by the end I pulled away with a 3rd overall and a 2nd in the 7.8 fleet, which was the same result as Bridlington but with different people in front and behind. Phew!

Light wind skills needed!

The Result:

Techno One Design Fleet: 5th
GBR National Junior Squad: Selected

He did it!! Well done Connor. We look forward to hearing about your progress over the winter and your 2008 goals.

Connor would finally like to say…..

None of this would be possible without my Dad travelling miles around the country and my mum shopping for the right snacks to keep me going. They also bought a caravan this year so no more sleeping in the van. Thanks a lot Mum/Dad!!

Winter training northern style

The competition season is nearly over except for the last UKWA wave event at West Wittering. Full report in my next column.

Connor is sponsored by RRD Boards and Clothing, Ezzy Sails and Atan boots through www.seaspritesports.com and www.surfstore.co.uk He is personally mentored by www.jemhall.com and you can check out what it’s like to be a young windsurfer in the UK at www.rednemesisdog.com. Connor is also now sponsored by Grass Hopper Porridge. Click on their logo to find out all about them!