Purchase a Prairie Pirate Demi-Toque in support of Jordan's Sailing!
Demi-Toques are now available for purchase at http://www.prairie-pirate.com/
Forllow news on Jordan at www.jordancrowley.blogspot.com/
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
Hi Everyone!
I'm home from Hammo Week and I am exhausted! We did seven days of racing around the Whitsunday Islands- definitely an experience I will never forget! It's amazing how much the area reminds me of Lake of the Woods, except that the islands are taller and the water is salty, and there are whales everywhere! The proximity of the islands makes for some very tricky sailing and I didn't envy our tactician as he tried to sort through currents and tides.
Our team stayed in a rented condo on the island and had the good fortune of being able to cook for ourselves instead of going out every night. We bonded over discussions about 'tip vortex' and vectors and I think it really helped our on-water performance. We were just a short walk from the Hamilton Island Yacht Club (up hill- both ways!) which provided a good opportunity to get focused on our way to the boat.
We sailed very well as a team and we had pretty consistent results. The caliber of teams at this regatta was very high and the smallest mistake could cost you a race. We ended up 4th in our division by just 1 point, but were very pleased with the sailing that we did. The conditions over the week were quite varied but never seemed to click for the 40 footers. I am still at a loss as to how the handicapping system works (apparently the formula is guarded like the Coke secret) and it was incredibly frustrating to come in after what we thought was a great race, only to find out we'd placed 7th. Conversely, on day 5, we thought we'd had a horrible result and we were 3rd!
One of the best parts of the week was the whales. At the moment, humpback whale cows and calves are migrating south along the Queensland Coast. Every day we saw them around the race course and it never ceased to amaze me how big they were! The best whale moment was when an absolute giant breached high into the air 20 meters off our port bow. Incredible sight!
The regatta circuit with Two True is now over and it's back to weekend racing on Melbourne's Port Philip Bay. It has been an incredible learning experience with Two True and I am indebted to owner Andrew Saies, manager Brett Young and the entire team.for their coaching and leadership.
I'll let you know about the next step in the process as soon as I know!!
In other news, Prairie Pirate Demi-Toques are now available for purchase at http://www.prairie-pirate.com/ ! Check out the website and order them online for delivery. I'll be sending them home to Winnipeg and they will be distributed from there. 100% of the proceeds from the project will go towards my Ocean Racing Campaign, so please check them out! Prairie Pirate Demi-Toques make a great Christmas Gift- and you'll feel good knowing that you helped a prairie girl realize her dream of making it on the high seas ;)
Hope you're all well and I look forward to hearing from you about how the summer went! Thanks once again for all the emails you send me, they're great!!
Take care,
Jordan
