Blackburn is back on track

by Michael Blackburn on 26 Jan 2003 Sydney Olympics Laser Bronze medallist Michael Blackburn decided to try his hand in the 49'ers with Chris Nicholson. In spring 2002 he returned to the Laser Class. He is back on the campaign trail with wins in his last two regattas. Here is his latest report.

Four-regatta report - SIR, Nationals, Sail Melbourne, Commonwealths.

'It's been a while since I've reported on my Laser sailing activities, having just returned home from 5 weeks training and competing in Adelaide and Melbourne.

In preparation for the Nationals in Adelaide my training focused on straight-line speed in the waves and wind expected in the open water at
Largs Bay. Maybe as a result of this I struggled a little with the shifts and gusts at the Sydney International Regatta in December, finishing third
behind No.1 ranked Paul Goodison and Austrian Andy Geritzer.

Not a worry, as I had fairly good speed in the breeze of Adelaide. However, as usual the conditions we trained in (for 10 days before the
nationals) didn't really follow on for the regatta, i.e., it wasn't always breezy. But by gee it was a close regatta between the top 4. I was the
last of the 4, matching points with Brendan Casey and just 3 points behind the Finish winner Roope Suomalainen, with Andy second.

I had a great drive along the Great Ocean Road on the way Adelaide-Melbourne and saw some super scenery.

I think I warm more and more to Sail Melbourne each time I compete in it. It's mainly because of the top sailing conditions, particularly the waves
that build up whenever there's a bit of puff.

Of course winning the regatta against the same competition as at the nationals made it that more
enjoyable. And pocketing the $5,000 bonus prize was not bad either! (Given to the winner of any class with more than 10 nations represented).

Thoughts of buying some new toys were quickly dispelled when I realised I had to sink the full 5 large ones into my MasterCard to cover costs.

We had two days off before starting the inaugural Commonwealth Sailing Championships, a regatta with too long a name but a purpose nonetheless.

The powers that be used this regatta to start a push to get sailing into the Commonwealth Games. My sources tell me it's too late for Melbourne in
2006, but maybe 2010.

Despite this, the CSC may remain a biannual event.
Competing against Aussies, Brits Kiwis, Malaysians, Singaporeans, Irish and Indians I also won this regatta. Full results at www.sailmelbourne.com.au

Next up on the program are Sail Auckland and the Kiwi nationals that serve as useful training regattas.

For more news on Michael's campaign

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/1MichaelBlackburn