Chris wins Europa Cup in Lugano, SUI
So the score card for this season looks good so far:
Sailed: 1 Won: 1
We went into this regatta knowing it was very much a training event. Having been ill the last 2 weeks or so, i'd only just managed to get back in the boat and to start to bring myself back up to speed.
So my main goal here was to get some race-time (having been out of competition since October last year) and to put into practice all of the elements we've been working so hard on in training over the last 4 months.
I knew the regatta itself would be challenging. Lugano is surrounded by mountains, and is characterised by thermal, shifty winds. I raced here last year so knew the venue quiet well; that is to say, i knew to predict the unpredictable. So i set myself up well for a weekend of "anything can happen".
I was tactically strong and most importantly, able to put some of the winter's work to good effect on the race course.
To come away with a win is very pleasing indeed. It had been a long overdue and i'm delighted that i've finally been able to convert my efforts into a good performance. This bodes well for the season ahead!
I'd like to thank everyone who has and continues to support me. I have little doubt that we'll share in more successes this year.
Sail hard.
Chris