January 31st, 2020
We made it to Geelong, Australia!
We arrived in Geelong about 2 weeks ago and after having some well deserved time off at home, we have enjoyed some nice sailing here testing out the venue for the 2020 World Championships starting on February 10th – 15th. The 2020 Worlds also serves as our last and final US Olympic Trials Event for the 2020 Olympic Games.
Today was Day 1 of the Oceania Championships & Sail Melbourne! This regatta serves as a Pre-Worlds event and a perfect opportunity to get some racing in on the same race courses we will be sailing on during the Worlds Championships. It’s beginning to feel as if there is a bit of history involved with how these regattas begin because unfortunately the 49erFX fleet didn’t get any racing in due to some weird up and down weather.
It reached a high temperature of 108°F and currently it is 6pm and still a temperature of 98°F. The 49er fleet ended up getting a couple races in today and from what we heard the wind ranged from 4 knots – 35 knots in a matter of one race. It was also so hot that it felt as if someone was blowing a hair dryer in your face as you sailed upwind. It certainly is a very dry heat. Due to the weird weather and wind patterns, we sat onshore and eventually got called off for the day.
Geelong has been rather unpredictable when it comes to the weather and wind, however we are optimistic that we will get a chance to do some racing tomorrow! There is no live coverage of this event, however you can follow the results here. The regatta concludes on February 3rd.
Last but not least, we would like to personally thank the St. Francis Sailing Foundation for their recent support. We feel very fortunate to be able to represent them here in Australia. The St. Francis Sailing Foundation does an incredible job supporting competitive sailing and US Olympic Sailing development by providing grants and we are so thankful for their support. THANK YOU St. Francis Sailing Foundation.
Paris & Anna
Henken | Tobias Sailing 