Bring on the bruises!

After some intense rolltacks (resulting in many bruises and Joe's complaints for being too tall...), countless spinnaker maneuvers, and practice calling lay lines over the weekend , we are ready and confident to compete internationally. Although a few accidental elbows were thrown between the crew, laughter and smiles followed as we have worked out all the kinks to have quick tacks and jibes for great boat speed. :)

We were interviewed by the local TV station after the races on Sunday and given a camera to record any and everything that happens along our trip -- We're local celebrities now and creating a documentary!

Joe, Val, and I along with our coaches, Mark and Karen, depart from Alpena this afternoon with layovers in Detroit and Amsterdam before arriving in Copenhagen, where we will proceed to take a train to Kalmar, Sweden. We are very excited to get the trip started!!