This trip was definitely an awesome experience. Julie, Joe, and I worked well as a team which helped to make the trip fun. We joked around a lot and allowed ourselves to laugh at one another, which took the tension off our anxienties. Experiencing the culture both on the water (how competitive it was, how other boats were rigged differently) and off the water (tasting a little of each culture during their happy hours) gave me a great outlook into the yngling sailing class as a whole. We had the opportunity to sail against the top sailers in the world and were lucky enough to get tips from them. Being able to spend time and joke around with new and old friends made this trip a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to the possible chance of going again next year.

A few words

Looking back on the trip, I have to say that first and foremost I had a great time. Sailing against the world's best, experiencing the culture, and spending time with new and old friends made for a great trip. I enjoyed the dinners every night, the sailing parties, seeing the Kalmar castle, and finishing in 10th! We gained a great deal of experience and learned many new things from our time on the water, good coaching, and a discussion with former world champion John Ingalls. We did well, and are happy with our final position at 21st. We did well despite coming into the regatta sailing in difficult conditions. We learned from our first few races and improved as the races continued and finished strong. I already miss being in Sweden and look forward to a possible trip next year!

Heading Home

The AYRT completed a very successful regatta on Saturday. with winds up to 8-12 knots they sailed well and could definitely see an improvement over the beginning of the week. Finishes dropped a bit to 23rd & 24th but they held on to a 21st for the regatta. This is the highest an Alpena boat has ever finished!
They received many compliments from opposing teams, coaches and the race committee who feel they show great promise. The International Yngling Class is eager for them to participate in the future. We should all be very proud and the way they handled themselves throughout both regattas.
Final results at: http://www.kalmarraceweek.se/Upload/ynglingWC.htm

Best Day Yet!

The AYRT continues to improve. As Joe said, "I wish we knew last week what we know now." In light 5-8 knot air they had 2 good starts (John says their starts have been "Awesome") and excellent boat speed. They rounded in the first mark in 9th place each race, and managed to hold on for a 14th in the first race but missed a wind shift in the second race and dropped to a 22nd. What would be a minor mistake in Alpena loses 10 boat in the worlds. In this the last day they are excited to sail and eager to try some new ideas given to them at the Danish and Swedish Team pig roast last night.

Worlds Day 3

AYRT still hanging tight, though not in hobbles. For the first time in 6 days of racing no one suited up in hobbles and the layers were peeled down to shorts and t shirts. The sun came out but the wind died with the 2nd race shortened. The AYRT held tight close to the top 10, lost a few in the home stretch , but should be happy with a 16th. Dock side it was pandamonium as everyone was being thrown in the water.
Kalmar is approaching its major festival and there is live music in every resteraunt and in 2 of the towns squares (both featuring dance floors), the populace is decked in their summer best and dozens of antique (American) cars cruise the streets with 50's music blaring from their radios. Klamar has been a super venue with lots of town activity, great sailing and beautiful views of castles and old buildings as we enter and leave the harbor. The Ericsonn Round-the-World yacht is perched in dry dock overlooking it all.

Results

The AYRT has been sailling on a race by race basis, starting afresh every race. However some have asked about overall results. They can be found, with additional pictures and news, at the event website: http://www.kalmarraceweek.se/index.php

Lay Day

Lay day took us to the Royal Castle at Borgholm on the island of Oland. It was one of the most important strongholds in the the middle ages owing to the abundant limestone and the recent discovery of a method of burning limestone to make mortar which was shipped throughout Scandanavia and Europe. Despite the abundant history spanning 1000 years the AYRT still managed to have fun exploring the walls and shopping in the local village.