By Craig Wilson
The USODA Team Trials, or the 15 and under US Championships
as I like to call it, was recently sailed over four steamy
days in what was a variety of shifty wind conditions. Adding
to the challenges the variable breezes threw at the sailors
was the short, steep, choppy seas generated by the 8-10
foot deep waters of Galveston Bay. Our small team consisted
of Cooper Weitz, Cal YC, Kennedy Placek, San Francisco YC,
and Quinn Wilson and Miguel Ferreira both of Santa Barbara
YC. Dane Wilson of Santa Barbara YC was sailing with the
WestSide team under Coach Manny Resano.
The week started off with beautiful conditions with three
practice days prior to registration and racing. The breeze
during practice ranged from light to heavy from the north
on day one, the west on day two, and the east and on day
three. We figured we had it all covered until day one of
racing came and the breeze settled into where it typically
blows from this time of year, which is from across the bay
in the south. Day one racing saw plenty of breeze in the
mid to high teens. And, as the day shook out the results
were as expected with one notable exception, the favorite
to win the regatta, Christopher Williford, had posted 2
OCS's out of 4 total races. With 12 races planned and 2
throw outs most likely Christopher had his work cut out
for him.
As the days and races ticked away each of the sailors settled
into their own personal realizations about where they stood
on the continuum of the scorecard. Which reminds me that
two different perspectives are at play here. The first being
the story of the results and how they came to be, and the
second, what we collectively learn as a result of putting
it all on the line.
As far as the results go our little crew ran the entire
spectrum. Quinn chose to opt out of the regatta, as his
inspiration just didn't live up to the demands of the event.
He had an awesome practice, but elected to watch each day
from the coach boat, probably learning as much as anyone
from a unique vantage point. His greatest discovery was
how incredibly nerve racking it is to root for your teammates.
Cooper continued to surprise himself as he posted solid
scores, but discovered that subtle mistakes playing the
shifts and favored sides of a big fleet costs dearly when
trying to break into the top tier. Good news is he now knows
that he can. Kennedy and Miguel both realized that starting,
straight-line speed and boat handling are all so entirely
intertwined that any tiny misstep amplifies the negative
result. Although both had moments when it all came together,
maintaining consistency across all of these disciplines
was a big challenge and where they'll focus moving forward.
As for Dane, he set a pretty lofty goal of qualifying for
Worlds, which requires a top 5 finish overall. After 12
races and three days of sailing Dane was in 7th place 3
points out of 5th. One race remained. He needed several
things to go very right to realize his dream. First he needed
to win the final flight. Then, he needed to leapfrog Luke
Muller in 6th and either Duncan Williford in fifth or Harry
Koepel in 4th. There were just a handful of points that
needed exchanged so it all came down to one race. Things
were shaping up nicely in flight one as Luke was over early
and forced to the wrong side of the race course, In the
second flight, Duncan was in 2nd at the first windward mark,
but with a small threatening pack close behind. Harry was
in the final flight along with Dane. Dane's plan was to
start aggressively and win the starboard end and take advantage
of what was clearly a right hand favored first leg. 30 seconds
after the start all looked well as he was punched to the
right bow out leading to the right. Harry was middle and
not looking great. The stage was set, but all of the intrigue
vanished just moments later as fate took control with a
slow, steady and unexpected left shift. As it rolled across
the course Dane's possibilities dissolved.
The grand lesson learned for all five sailors was that
each had their own successes based on their current place
on the continuum. Quinn opting out of the regatta altogether
held just as valuable an experience as Cooper's newfound
enthusiasm and confidence. Miguel and Kennedy clearly understand
what they need to focus on in upcoming practices and events,
and Dane, well, I think his experience represents a matriculation
of sorts, but you'll have to ask him. The point is, never
judge an event by the final results; rather, look closely
at the experience because each sailor's plays out within
unique circumstances and context. As I continue to participate
as a coach and parent in the sport of sailing I'm continually
reminded the lessons run deep and are always greater than
the simple needs of a perfectly executed tactic or a well
trimmed sail… Although, that always does help!
As a final note, Christopher Williford did keep it together
and overcame his shortcomings on day one to finish 2nd overall.
I would be remiss to not note how remarkable this is, and
how remarkable was Dane's accomplishment as well. To our
knowledge, Dane is the first sailor born and bred on the
West Coast to ever finish in the top 10 at Team Trials.
Congratulations to all
Results
