Saturday was sunny and breezy for the 1.00pm start of the Milford beach fun regatta.
Short notice change of venue – large swells at Milford Beach too much risk of capsizing boats. Jude did a good job of alerting the team to the change and so off to the training ground at Westhaven Marina.
As the newbie in the team a little nervous at the thought of swells on the water and what the fun races would entail. The blue gazebo was spotted in prime position at the end of the pier. Balloons and festive cheer adorned the tent as we waited for the event to kick off.
Leslie worked hard on the team seating and then put herself in the team (a paddler short) with the awesome Evan as sweeper for the day. The wait for the first race was a little nerve wracking but then we were off, not the best of starts in the swell but could only improve from here!!
A debrief from Leslie and plan of attack then off for race two without too much waiting between. Second race much better and concentrated hard on timing and power.
Still one heat to go and then a final - not sure what the fun race was to be but needed to focus my energy to complete the set of four. Third race feeling much more in the zone and great encouragement from all the team and the awesome Evan. Could really feel the team working together.
Lining up for the final race and what an effort, - first place wow! A great feeling to end the fun regatta and a well deserved celebration.
It was great to see and meet team family members and I was very humbled by Johnny and his generous gift of Bridgette’s paddle and other dragon boat items to the team.
First regatta completed and it really is great to be a part of this amazing team of women. Looking forward to the rest of the season.
- Lorraine