Posted on Saturday 5 August 2006
Stoked!
Well yesterday’s racing stayed consistent with an 18th in the first race. My starts were average with the second race start as bad as they come, as the wind changed to much on the start and i could not make the pin boat. After alot of yelling and crashing i got away and had an alright placing of 16th.
Today, racing was held in a 5-10knot WSW. With yesterday the right side paying off it seemed the best choice for the conditions. I started really well and got out in front, and along with the other leaders headed right as we learned from the day before. Unfortunately, the wind swung left with the back ofthe fleet reaping the benefits. This race turned out to be my worst with a 41st, not happy. We then had to get the last race in by 4.00pm otherwise it would be cancelled. I wanted another race as i had a shocker and needed a good one to keep my top ten spot. We had a general recall and restarted the timer at 3.52pm. The race got away at 3.57pm with a black flag start. I came away with an alright start and sprinted my way into the top 20. On the last downwind i was about 19th however i needed to finish in the top 15 to keep my spot. Fortunately, i caught more on the reach and on the last short upwind i caught another 3 boats, giving me 13th spot, and retaining my position.
Presentations were awesome with a sunset ceremony with the marina as a backdrop. I came 8th overall, due to countback tie with 7th. They only give out 8 world title cubes so i got one! So stoked! My goal was top ten so to achieve it is really exciting! After presentation the cubeholders had a special photo session where we were treated like red carpet celebrities with hundreds of cameras snapping away. Brasil’s Fabio sailed an awesome regatta and won by 5 points, he was a joy to sail with and taught me alot. All the competitors in this event have been awesome to race against and have so many stregths that i have learnt from. Now i have to use these lessons learnt to improve my results for the World Youth Titles which start on monday. Till then im gonna chill out, have a surf and recharge…till then cheeers
Ryan Palk
Congrats Ryan - well done and a CUBE fantastic - now to do it all over again at the Youths - rest for now - make sure you watch out for any pics / mags etc from the celeb moment - would be great to see - so very proud mum sis & pet tig XXXX
8th = success! Well done man - Finally a world cube, YESSSS good job.
Way to go Ryan. It will be good to have a famous Neighbour unlike you infamous Dad. Keep up the good work. Glenn
Hey Ryan! You should be so proud of yourself, you are doing so well! But it wouldn’t matter what you were placed, you are representing Australia and your great sportsmanship qualities are shining. You will appreciate sailing in Oz after sailing in the smog over there. Remember to come and have a holiday down south with us when you come home and do some sailing at Port Stephens (bring your mum with you!).
Love as always, Vicki, Rick, Alex and Arielle xxxx
PS Bit worried about the “massive rash” - better not tell your mum about that! Stay away from those girls!
Hi Ryan!;p alex and i have seen your pictures and we c that ur hair has grown…ALOT!!!we hope that u r having a heaps cool time in America and that you keep on sailing well,bye!;p Ari
Hey Ryan, seventh in da world, eh? wwooooo! rock on! well, i bet u if i went in some sailing race, i wouldn’t even make it past the start line! and even if i did, i would probably fall out of da bout on one of da sharper turns! how u stay in da boat at that angle amazes me! u are goin so well, i wish i could be over there to see da championships, it would be so amazing! well, dats it 4 now, and untill i chat wif u next, good luck!!! frm Alex
Ryan what’s happening !!! Not sure what DNE means but really do hope you win your redress. Just keep hearing the Aussie anthem in your head!!!
Proud of & love you regardless - Mum, B & Tig.
ps hope Dad’s surfboard gash isn’t too bad - tell him ‘that the ol boy just does’nt cut it in the US’ MX