Training Levels 2-4
I completely underestimated how much the back and forth to Gosport was going to take out of me, never mind the exhaustion from actual training. Suffice to say, I fell a bit behind on my blogging for Levels 2-4.
Most important takeaways:
I didn’t cry
I didn’t puke
I made great new friends, including a 3rd generation dairy farmer!
I passed all levels and made it that much closer to becoming an Ocean Racer!
LEVEL 2 was my first experience actually living onboard and practicing the watch system. The crew is divided into 2 “watches” alternating between sailing and sleeping in 4hr and 6hr intervals. We sailed 24hrs a day for 5 days and crossed the English Channel on D-Day. Seeing the Gold, Juno and Sword beaches was pretty moving. I’ll admit I had a few moments during strong winds at night when I thought about quitting, but come daylight I was back in the race! In addition to the above, we also had an ocean safety course. It’s serious stuff, but it was also serious fun!
Level 2: Life Raft Training!
Level 2: Morning Coffee at the Helm!
I scheduled my LEVEL 3 right after Level 2 and I was absolutely “knackered”, as the British say. Training is a lot more intense than the actual race because you have to fit a lot in over a short time period. Doing two training levels back to back was serious business. I don’t actually remember that much of Level 3 except that we focused on flying spinnakers (large sails the size of tennis courts) and I could barely keep up. I got more practice during Level 4, but it’s still an area I need to work on. I also realized that I really like the foredeck and bow. Something about the smaller area and focused tasks that resonates with me.
Level 2: Sometime soon after swearing to myself “I’m quitting in the morning!”.
Happier Times on Level 3
LEVEL 4 was my first time on the actual race yacht team Sanya will be on for the race. It’s a 70’ racing yacht and even though its’ only 2’ longer than the 68’ yachts we had been training on for Levels 1-3 (retired from previous Clipper races), the layout of the 70’s makes them seem a lot bigger. The deck has less obstructions and I felt much more nimble moving around. Our group for Level 4 consisted only of crew members from team Sanya and we were led by our Race Skipper, Seumas, and First Mate, Jorge. There was something really nice about being together with teammates, even though many of them are on different legs than me. It was a great experience and I got to spend a good amount of time with two of Sanya’s Circumnavigators, Liz & Su!
Level 4: There she is! My ride across the Atlantic!
Level 4: Picking up my foul weather kit (i.e. foulies!).
Level 4: Su being silly.
Level 4: Learning to call trim on the headsails. If you’re not trimming, you’re not racing!!
Level 4: GREAT week with my fellow Sanya Crew! We’re ready to race!
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