2020 almost done

December 24, 2020

21 December 2020

2020 is coming to an end. While trying to stay out of all the cliche’s, let me just share some thoughts with you. The sailing world is trying to manage it’s way through the COVID-19 pandemic. Personally I did a few J/70 training sessions at times when the regulations allowed and I followed the webinars organised by Squid sailing, Miles Seddon and Campbell Field. The ‘Time over distance’ series organised by the RORC was amazing to keep the sailing spirit alive. For those who haven’t seen them; one hour talks by inspiring people including Brian Thompson, Rick Tomlinson, Ian Walker, Brad Butterworth, Carlo Borlenghi, Alex Thomson, Mich Des, a walk through the new Fastnet Course by Ian Moore and many others. Check; https://www.rorc.org/racing/time-over-distance to get through this lockdown. All very enjoyable, but not the real stuff.

The America’s Cup circus has come out it’s Lockdown and quarantine and has put in the first races over the last weekend. Luckily the Kiwi’s won the Cup in Bermuda, as at this moment of time, the only place in the world where events like the AC is possible seems to be New Zealand. With RYS written on WINSOME’s transom, the Old Lady is probably a supporter of  Sir Ben. His First results show that he has some work to do. https://youtu.be/Wv-f1oaS-KM for the highlights of the first event.

The Vendee started right in between the first and the second wave of COVID in France and the leaders are now at 56% of the route. Breaking foils and boats has had more impact than COVID on the actual race. But COVID seems to have much more effect on the virtual race. With many of us changing into armchair sailors, the virtual Vendee now has almost 1.000.000 ‘skippers’ compared to 450K ‘skippers’ in 2016. Many of WINSOME’s crew members are presently (virtually) circumnavigating their virtual IMOCA 60.

The 2020 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race was cancelled just two days ago. This reminds me; to this day 12 years ago WINSOME was being prepared for this Great Race. 

And so was her (rusty) crew:

It turned out te be a bad dress rehearsal for a great performance!

With the UK being locked off from the rest of the world even before Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing and all of us on the verge of the greatest vaccination project in human history, it is impossible to make any real plans for 2021. 
I’ll just share my pencil notes with you and get back to you by the time that seems more appropriate. Never the less, you could pencil them down in your agenda if you wish.

At this stage, I would like to wish you, your family, friends and loved ones as much happiness and strong health as possible. 
Hope to catch up with you and wishing you all the best for Christmas and New Year. I really hope to enjoy your company again in 2021.
All the best,
Boj