It’s Sunday the 20th in Qingdao, China. We touched down in Beijing last Monday evening and took a short commuter flight to Qingdao for the Olympic Test Event. On Tuesday, the US Sailing Team, coaches, and support staff spent the day unloading containers and sorting out equipment. Our first base of operation was at the Yin-Hai Yacht Club about two miles up-coast from the Olympic venue.

Day #2 was consumed with getting over jet-lag and replacing our centerboard gaskets which had come off during the container-ride from the US to China. All went well and we got out on the water for a nice shakedown session towards the day’s end.

Days #3 and #4 were great training days. Fresh breeze surprised all and we took advantage of some longer sessions. Coach Skip Whyte admitted that we all had to “pig out” on good conditions while we could. We spent the first full training day with the Israeli and French teams and with Kei from North Sails Japan. The second day we trained with the US Team. Both days yielded steep learning curves about the local wind and current. The wind can be quite fickle with large shifts, but the current seems to be the trump card. Current lines, back eddies, and geographic effects all proved to be challenging. Everyone has much to learn!

On Day #5 we moved into the Olympic venue by early morning tow. The Olympic harbor is spectacular with ample room for support boats, staff, dinghy parking…you name it. Two of the largest ramps we’ve ever seen will certainly make launching easy. Unfortunately, Mikee came down with a bit of a stomach bug, so we decided not to sail.

Today is the practice race. Racing begins tomorrow, Monday, the 21st. Dave, too, seems to be coming down with a bit of a bug, but we’re both managing to fight through it well and we’ll be ready for racing this week. Check out the official regatta website.

Opening ceremonies tonight at 7pm!

Regards,

Mikee Anderson-Mitterling
Dave Hughes
US SAILING TEAM

08/21/06