Second training weekend – getting there

One more weekend on the water with Orza Racing Team on Aquaranta: over 20 gennaker sets and as many drops, over 30 tacks and 20 gybes, 10 practice starts and 2 one-on-one duels with other boats… I must say that I was quite dead on Sunday evening after such an intensive training!

We are far from perfect, but we are as ready as we could get with only four days of practice in our wake. We are conscious of our weaknesses, which are tacking speed and close quarters maneuvering: with the latter, we tried to improve by involving other boats in our sessions, but the real test will be next Saturday on the first race. As for our ability at tacking, it is only down to more practice at the helm, and to our will to help each other just that little bit more, and give each other that little bit more time to do everything right.

Now it is only a matter of deciding the roles on board for the first race, and to see how it goes! I have a few ideas about this, but at least for now I would like to put everyone in their favorite role, as it would be a good incentive to give their best. The weather for the weekend seems nice, with clear skies and good chances for a nice sea breeze. I am really looking forward to the thrill of the starting line! Let’s hope that this week goes by fast!

Thanks to Stefano Temporin, Orazio Mangrella, Roberto Barbieri and the whole crew for sharing the photos, as I did not have time to take any myself this weekend!