2024 started with a busy month for me. I competed in 2 events, culminating with the 2024 ILCA 7 World Championships, my first peak event of the year. This event was the second last opportunity to qualify Canada for a Men's Dinghy spot for the 2024 Olympics.
Before the Worlds, I competed in the Australian National Championships a few days after arriving in Adelaide. I finished this event in 65th out of 102 entries. Arriving early was critical to get a better feel for the wind patterns in the venue and get situated with the jet lag. After two weeks of training, the 2024 ILCA World Championships came post-Australian Nationals.
With the Olympics now only months away - the best of the fleet are all in attendance.
The first three days of the event and qualifying series saw us complete two races a day in mostly moderate to strong sea breezes ranging from 10-18 knots, depending on how clear the day was and the gradient. We had a return to shore on day two as we waited for the sea breeze to build. The following two days of the regatta in the final series brought more significant winds, with day 5 being 25-32 knots. Unfortunately, with the sea breezes late arrival and the scheduled medal race in the afternoon, the race committee could not get us underway for an 11th race in a narrow window on the 6th day before the top 10 competed in the medal race.
Starting line action
At this event, I had by far my best qualifying series, sitting in 65th after the first three days, finishing 7th and 15th in races, and having my best finish by percentage of the fleet. I was proud of my performance in individual races, competing with the best in the world, and I am moving in the right direction.
The team fell just short of our collective goal of qualifying Canada for the Olympics. With more places being given out at upcoming continental events, Canada will be one of the favourites to win one of the three remaining spots at the SOF Hyeres - Last Chance Regatta. For our internal selection, I currently sit 45 spots behind the top Canadian; my work is cut out for our second and final trials event, Trofeo Princesa Sofia, the Spanish World Cup event held annually in Palma. I want to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey thus far, including my family, coaches, and supporters.
Next up, I have a long training camp in Tenerife to attack my weaknesses in heavy wind and prepare me as best as possible for Palma.