I tried something new for November and I have to say I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I completed a Pilates course using the reformer, tower and other equipment. Going on looks alone, the reformer could be mistaken for a medieval rack but, whilst it was challenging, it fell short of torture! The workouts were a far cry from lifting heavy things in the gym and getting super-hot and sweaty but who knew learning control and activating the right muscles would be so tough. My body loved it, and I came away from each session feeling 2 inches taller. I was travelling a great deal during November, so it was great to realign my body in these sessions.
One of my trips was to Dubai where I hosted guests for Sail GP as it delivered, what we all agreed, was the most dramatic and exciting final ever. The three teams competing in the final were France, Australia and Team GBR. As they battled it out on the water, each team led at times with spectators convinced the result was in the bag. It ended up being down to the final gybe at the final gate where, and to quote Sir Ben Ainslie, Team GBR managed to ‘snatch defeat from the jaws of victory’ and went from first to third. You had to see it to believe it. Team Australia, took the top spot which was a surprise after having some pretty poor performances throughout the weekend. This has allowed them to cement their place at the top of the season’s overall leader board. The teams will all meet again in Singapore in mid-January.
Watching from an online perspective, I was following the action of the Route de Rhum race. There was drama and heroics and the devastating news of Fabrice Amadeo having to abandon his IMOCA Nexans – Art et Fenêtres due to his lithium-ion batteries catching fire. The boat sank within 30 minutes and his account of the experience bought tears to my eyes. It could have been a great deal worse, but it made the whole sailing community take note. https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2022/11/14/fabrice-amedeo-death-did-not-want-me-today/
My former co skipper, James Harayda, was also competing in the Route de Rhum as he took part in his first solo IMOCA race. He delivered a fabulous result, finishing in 14th place out of 38 starters. His performance will no doubt boost his confidence and determination to get to the start line of the Vendee Globe in 2024. I sent him a message every day to provide encouragement and let him know I was following him. I hoped it helped.
On my way home from Dubai I stopped off in Amsterdam to accept a cheque on behalf of the World Sailing Trust. The METSTRADE Show is the world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and systems. They also hold the DAME Design Awards each year promoting design innovation and technology within the industry. Each year the combined registration fees for the DAME Awards are donated to a nominated charity, as a way for the METSTRADE community to give something back to society. The METSTRADE Exhibition Committee selects a charity to receive the funds each year and the DAME design award charity for 2022 was the World Sailing Trust. I was so proud to accept this generous amount which will allow us to continue our work in two key areas for our sport – People and Planet.
When I attended the Yacht Racing Forum in Malta the following week, I saw many of the same faces. The last event was held before the pandemic in Bilboa back in 2019 and, as the leading annual conference for the business of sailing and yacht racing, there was a genuine buzz about the place as we were able to catch up in person with people from all over the world who work in our industry.
The opening keynote was delivered by Knut Frostad, and it struck a chord with everyone. He covered fragmentation in our sport, sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion – themes that were echoed throughout the two days. These issues were forefront of everyone’s mind in each topic discussed and I saw this as a genuine sign of progression. Without doubt we have a long way to go in our sport, but we are making positive steps forwards.
It is that time of year where we celebrate the sailing season we have just enjoyed as people take some rest ahead of next season when the frost thaws. As their Patron, I helped St Mary’s Junior Sailing Club celebrate their sailing achievements at their laying up supper. I talked about my sailing experiences throughout the summer and what I hope to achieve in the next few years before I awarded certificates to celebrate growth and development during the sailing season. With any luck, I will have provided some inspiration to the next generation of sailors.
Not everyone is taking a winter break and, just as the first frost arrived, I put on my winter woollies and headed out on the water to enjoy some sailing in a new boat, a Farr X2. Despite the light airs, she responded quickly, and it was great to be back out on the Solent as it has been a while. Regardless of the temperature, I was out sailing which always brings a smile to my face. I have a little more sailing to enjoy yet before the Christmas break and will tell you more about that next time.