We arrived home last week after the 29er European Championships in Medemblik, Holland. After the first two days of light to medium wind, we qualified into Gold fleet in 9th position. (Only the top 25 boats after the qualifying races get into gold fleet, the rest are evenly divided into silver, bronze and, at this event, emerald fleet). We were really pleased with our first two days as we were going well and had smart races. Also this was our "goal" achieved as before the event we aimed for gold fleet racing.

After 2 days of gold fleet racing we had dropped to 14th but were still pleased with our racing as the fleet standard was intense with at least 15 boats always on pace out of the 25 and at least 22 boats with a good start. The wind was still very light; although there was one (well half a) race were the wind came up to a medium strength. Off the start line were us, followed by another British boat, followed by another, followed by another, in fact 5 GBR boats were in another league off the line and were top 4 at the first mark. Although it was great to be right up there leading the race, there was always that feeling of "what if the whole event was like this? Or even a little windier?" One of the Dutch coaches shouted over to our coach..."I see your having a good day at the office!" as we all rounded as the top 4 boats.

Still, there was no wind on the last day so the results stood from the day before and we finished 14th, not bad and we had achieved the regatta aim. We also got a hell of a lot out of the event and have plenty to work on before the Nationals at the end of the month.

MW

Well, that's it, I have now finished compulsory school and my GCSE's are all done. Now is a very long wait to see how the results come play out. Still we have plenty on to keep us busy, next weekend we have a couple of days training at WPNSA before a weekends racing. Then the week after we are heading out to the Europeans in Holland. We are both really looking forward to some racing and a chance to see how we match up on pace.

MW

I now only have 3 out of 16 GCSE exams left. The last 3 weeks have been pretty busy trying to fit in time on the water around "last minute Mike" revision! The last few exams are spread over the next two weeks so I should have a gentle run in to a 10 week holiday over the summer!

 MW

I am very pleased to announce Gill as team Wood-Redding's clothes sponsor for this 2008 season. Gill are one of the world's leading sailing clothes manufactures and produce extensive ranges for every type of sailing. Please visit the Gill website for more information and to view their sailing gear... www.gillmarine.com

Also, check out the pictures of the 29er all "logo'd" up!          MW  

Well after a pretty disappointing youth nationals by our standards, everything has gone a bit quiet. I have exams for the next couple of weeks so am having to dedicate some time to those. The end of the youths also marked the end of Team Wood/ Spensley-Corfield due to Ollie's age. He has now moved on to the 49er Olympic class so I wish the best of luck to him with that!

I am now going to be sailing with Nick Redding who is based in near Oxford. We have been friends (and opponents) in the 29er for a couple of years as we were both helms and both in the RYA National squad. But now Nick is going to be moving in to the front of my boat and we plan to campaign for the next 16 months leading up to the 29er World Championships in Lake Garda (happy hunting ground!!!).

Short term we have the Europeans and Nationals this summer which will be important events to retain our place in the National Squad and help us to find the fleet's pace. Only 65 days and counting!

MW