Jo Aleh on the Olympic Womens Singlehander at SFO

by Jo Aleh on 3 May 2006 Europe Report

After a slow start to my trip, with the container being held up in customs over Easter, and an impromptu trip to the Belgian coast as something to do to pass the time, just making it down to Hyeres was a relief.

I definitely started the regatta a little rusty, just making way too many stupid mistakes. The sorts of things you tend to do after a few months in New Zealand with no real racing.

But after getting the hang of racing again I moved up the fleet, getting up to fifth before the medal race. Which was definitely my favourite part of the regatta.

I loved the 10 boat fleet, just like racing at home in NZ. So with a second placing in the medal race, I moved up into a final placing of fourth overall, my best big fleet result ever.. so I am very happy with it, a good start to the European season.

I am now in Garda, Italy, training for a few days, and admiring the amazingly large mountains on either side of the lake..

On the 6 May I will head up to Austria for the ISAF World Sailing Games, with the other kiwis.

For additional info in Jo Aleh's Olympic campaign, go to: www.joaleh.com