We enriched the core of our experienced team that participated in previous competitions with several new members this year, which proved to be talented and active throughout the preparation and racing activities. We assembled our new team for the 2016 Posidonia Cup early this year and once again hired our beloved racing boat 'Hakuna Matata' for the race.
To refresh the memory of the old members and induct the new ones to the team, we started out with the basics. The crew went through 4 tough training days with 8-10 hours practice of sailing maneuvering and marine practice to familiarize themselves with the boat, the sea and the wind. During training we faced strong winds, cold as well as light winds and the burning sun, which helped the team experience a variety of conditions and adapt to the racing environment.
Finally, our hard training brought good results since the team was able to handle the boat and the sails well enough for the needs of the race. Everybody was excited and optimistic.
On the Friday of the race, the weather was ideal for sailing, it was sunny and cool, with fresh west winds blowing in Faliro bay. We started the 15 mile race at an advantageous position, at the starting line, away from other boats, sailing in fresh air. We sailed very fast during the first leg of the race and approached the last turning buoy in a good position very close to our competitors. The wind disappeared during the time we were around the mark and the fastest boats in the fleet spent about half an hour stopped waiting for wind. With 5 miles to go, we decided to approach the shore, we estimated that the noon heat would kick start shore thermal winds. Indeed we got a light breeze and advanced around 1-2 miles ahead of our competition, however near Kalamaki bay our wind finally finished and fresh west winds emerged pushing our rival boats, who sailed further south in the open sea, to finish the race.
In the end it was a fast and strong competitive race, the crew and the boat performed very well, nevertheless our aggressive and risky tactics to win the race cost us a good position.
The experience of the race left us with a good impression and feelings and a sailing team with a very strong core ready to tackle future competitions.