Training in Hyeres, France

I have been training in Hyeres for the last week. After leaving Palma I spent the night with a good buddy of my Jr (Andrew Lewis) in Valencia. Jr works for the Victory Red Bull Challenge Americas Cup Team from Sweden. I have the feeling that Valencia will explode this summer when racing begins. The Harbour is already starting to fill with super yachts and other vessels to view the Cup.

My welcome to Hyeres was having little punk kids smash the driver’s side back seat window. They stole some Australian Sailing Team clothing but the worst of it was that my passport was in the pocket of the jacket.

It’s a length processes getting everything required to make the insurance claim on my return to Australia. Police report, reporting my passport stolen, ordering the window from Audi and have the window replaced has taken all week.

My container issues are no closer to being resolved and I have written off having my own boat and equipment available for racing in the French Olympic Classes regatta. It’s been over 50 days since the container was packed in Miami USA.

On a brighter note, Paul McKenzie will be providing me with on water support and coaching during the French Olympic Classes regatta and the training prior. Paul represented Australia the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and has an excellent Finn knowledge to help me improve my skill base.

This week in Hyeres, ISAF are holding trails for a new dinghy to replace the Women’s 470 Class. The boats that are being trailed are the 29er, 29erXX, RS800, International 14 and Cherub. My first impression is that it will be between the 29er, 29erXX and the RS800.

Thanks for your support
Brendan