Ryan Palk

                 Burning off the start, cunno strapped

Last weekend was the Metropolitan Titles held by the Queensland Laser Association at RQYS.  Despite the forecast, i decided on the full rig, to hone some  much needed skills and battleharden for the up and coming nationals at Hobart.  The first day had moderate winds with Brendan casey winning both races.  I got 2nd and 3rd, leaving me in second overall on the first day.  The second day of racing was postponed due to strong winds from the south.  After spending the majority of the day making makeshift sails to skate the carpark, we headed out for a 1.30pm start.  It apparently averaged 28 knots, with gusts in the high 30’s.  I had an interesting time trying to control the boat and some injuries i sustained from a skating accident during the weekend weren’t helping. First race, i was 3rd round the top mark and gaining quickly on a wild downwind. However i pushed to hard and put it her in the drink - a number of times.  After capsizing my way to the back of the fleet. I decided to have some fun and try do some power reaching and killer gybes.  The result was alot of crashes and some stressed bones, but it was great fun. Second race i had a crappy start then missed the first shift, and then a few capsizes later, found my self speeding uncontrollably round the course, finishing alright.  Even though i am sore now, (and slighty paralysed) it was well worth it and great fun, with the main lesson learnt that sometimes you gotta back off the gas to win the war, rather than the battle.  This week was also Kelsey’s last at RQ as he moves off to Cairns, cheers kelsey, at least your final week at RQ went off with a bang!

cheers

ryan