Orangebowl Youth Training Regatta

The Orangebowl Youth Training regatta took place in Miami, FL from Dec. 26th to Dec.30th. Ten Radial athletes from the Quebec Team arrived in Miami Airport on the 25th leaving very few hours on water to prepare for the 4 day event with 127 Radials registered. At the US Olympic Training Center, the area a buzz of activity and completely covered with Lasers with a few winding paths to make it to the launch ramp. A good volunteer group and an effective boat rinsing system allowed for a smooth launch and docking.

Anthony Boueilh was also competing nearby in Laser at the Orangebowl Senior Regatta run out of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Anthony placed second at the event being bested only by veteran Laser sailor Clay Johnston.

It was a windier event with only the first race on the second day being less than 7knts. A steady north-easterly wind brought slightly cooler temperatures but the sun was strong everyday which led to perfect sailing conditions. Matching up against sailors who had not stopped sailing all year, the Quebec team steadily improved their performance as they got used to the short chop and stronger ocean winds of Biscayne Bay.

View results at
http://www.coralreefyachtclub.org/gui/coralreefyc22244/pageimages/Orange_Bowl_Regatta/completelaserradial.htm

Following the regatta, the team had a day off before the start of a five day FVQ training event. The camp, in conjunction with Ontario and Manitoba, had 16 Radials, 7 Lasers, 6 29ers, and was run by 7 coaches from across Canada. The days were 4-5hrs and very intense with an occasional grind out to the large swells of the open ocean (edge of the Gulf Stream).

Total on water time for the Quebec team was close to 45hrs at the end of the 11 day trip.

Quebec team athletes involved

Chanel Beaudoin-Cloutier
Laurence Bonneau Charland
Dominique Robitaille
Taylor Grant
Stephanie Bobrow
Maxime Gagnon
Martin Robitaille
Myriam Samson-Dô
Lauren Laventure
Kayla Vanderbanck
Anthony Boueilh

Congratulations to all Quebec team members participating in the event!

(Pictures are available on http://quebesailingteam.myphotoalbum.com)

Nicola Kim
Head Coach
Quebec Sailing Federation