July 10 - Measurement Day

We have had a couple of very long days as we prepare for Worlds. Yesterday we did some more boat work and headed on the water. It was very warm and there was almost no wind. We tuned up with the other boats and consistently could not get the boat going as fast or high as our training partners. Karen and Dana and Jono and Teddy had brand new sails up, so that was part of it, but there were some other things going on. Our coach Dave hopped in and out of all of our boats so he could check the sail settings and talk us through how the top guys sail the boat. This was amazing, but also more than a little intimidating. It was great to learn how focused and how hard the top guys are working the boat, but also a bit of a wake up call-as we have so far to go! Once off the water we re-tuned the boat and re-spliced some lines.

Today was another long day, but a good one. We got on the water just after 11 and tuned up with the other Canadians. We had a minor breakthrough, in that we learned how to go point upwind! The thing about the 470 (apparently) is the boat just feels terrible when you sail upwind (I don't have the tiller, so I don't feel this). Jen has always tried to make the boat feel fast and powered up - which it does, just not when you are close hauled. So once we had this explained to us we were able to make the boat point - its easy, just make it feel really really crummy, and you're on the right track.

We headed in just before 2 as our measurement time was at 4 pm. Dave towed us all into the harbour, where we were sort of attacked by hooligans! A group of young men were diving off the sea wall and swimming across the channel and shouting and attempting to grab onto our boats. Yesterday they were just on the sea wall, spitting and shouting at us. One grabbed onto the boat and Jen hit him with the tiller to get him off! They were doing this to all the boats entering the harbour; they grabbed onto one boat's rudder and messed up the transom of the boat. We aren't really sure why or what their intentions are, but definitely not positive.

Once in we prepared the boat for measurement. This is when the measurers check everyone's equipment to make sure it fits the class rules. In case you are just tuning in, the 470 is just a bit complicated, so there are lots of things to check. The majority of boats only get a few main items checked while the top ranked sailors and some randomly selected individuals get "full measurement". Guess what? We got tapped for full measurement! The boat must be presented fully dry with the mast down and everything you use sailing must be present (tow line, compass, all foils, spars, sails and lines). They check everything to make sure it is the right size, they weigh the mast alone and then the entire boat. Our mast came in 60 grams underweight; so we had to add some blocks and shackles to it to bring it up to weight. Our boat came in 1.5 kg overweight, which is pretty normal for a boat of this age. They don't care if things are overweight, just if they are underweight. Then you put the mast back up and they check to make sure you cannot raise your sail above a set distance. Overall it was a positive experience, we only had to make a few minor adjustments and it is always good to learn more about what they are looking for.

Tomorrow we are aiming for a shorter day as it is the last day before the event begins! We are going to sand our centreboard a bit and then head on the water for the practice race. The weather has been very warm with little wind but as I write this we are in the middle of a thunderstorm with lightning and pouring rain and the TV just went out, so we will see what the weather is like tomorrow. More photos in the album.

From Den Haag, NED

From Den Haag, NED