Diamonds Masters Regatta 2011

This year's Diamonds Regatta changed its format this year,  splitting the events into two days: small boats on Saturday and the rest on Sunday. Sunday racing was further complicated when the schedule was significantly compressed the evening before because of predicted afternoon thunder storms. Between the heat and the intense schedule it was a difficult regatta but there definitely reasons to celebrate.

The first day of racing did not see any medals but several boats crossed the line first, unfortunately undone by handicaps, and others had respectable showings. The team also secured an shady spot for the trailer which despite the dust on Sunday was a pleasant place to work. 

Sunday was hot and hectic. The compacted schedule required some creative solutions which luckily the race organizers were able to arrange with helpful race officials. It meant constant activity: rigging, carrying boats, carrying oars, hot-seating but the team was up to it. Everyone, including several non-racing partners, chipped in. The day got off to a rocky start when the truck with all the hardware was later than expected getting to the site, but again TRRA MW  resourcefulness prevailed and thanks to the Vespoli reps, boats were ready on time.The team continued to overcome set-backs with strong teamwork throughout the day - everything from broken steering mechanisms to a close-call with heat-stroke. In the end there were two well deserved firsts for the B 4+ and the AA-B 8+.

All of the hustling during the day, while exhausting, did mean we got home in reasonable time and beat the beach traffic.