Evaluation Day 8: Sun Sun Sun!!

Today greeted us with warm beautiful weather! However, very little wind. We tried to get a morning session in, but the wind quickly died and began to switch directions. We never made it off the launch ramp. We changed into shorts for the first time! It was up to 25 degrees when we went for lunch. We ate with the Brits, and Haylee from Australia. We all got a bit scorched.

We got to launch around 1:30pm, and headed out to the ocean. It remained fairly light, and we were just able to double trap upwind in the Aura. After two races we were suppose to switch into the FX. However, ISAF had one of the Spanish National team 49er sailors in the FX, to look at how heavier crews did in the boat compared to lighter crews. Emily switched out of the Aura, and Danielle remained in and sailed with a multihull sailor from Greece. After another two races Danielle and Emily got into the FX. We did our fifth and final race in the boat, happy to get in it for a second time before coming home.

After sailing we went shopping! Fillipe (ARG), Jen Glass (USA) and Hannah (SWE) from the 29erXX class invited us to go shopping to the Spanish version of H&M called Zara’s. We got a few items of clothing each. We both got uniquely Spanish dresses that we are quite excited about!

Then we had dinner with the 29erXX representatives in a very good restaurant, we will probably go back tomorrow. The dinning room was crowded with members of ISAF, the evaluation panels, as well as many of the skiff manufacturers and sailors.

Tomorrow is the last day of the event. We have heard multiple forecasts. Our notice board says that the day looks promising, but we have also heard that it may not happen. Our bodies are sore and beat up. It has been a challenge getting into so many different boats each day. We finally get use to one and then we switch. Everything huts, and we have never had so many bruises. We are looking forward to sharing everything we have learnt with everyone at home! This has been a great experience for us!