Samantha 2011 Report Card-

The first year in the Laser Radial is what seems to make or break most female youth sailors in the single handed classes.  Moving on from an Optimist or a Topper it is not the size of the rig (in theory the sail is not much bigger than a Topper) but it is the combination of the power of the rig and the weight of the hull, especially around the beach and in the slow speed maneuvering of start lines which perhaps present the greatest physical challenge at a time when the female competitors are pitched against male youths who are growing bigger, stronger and physically more powerful every day but using exactly the same equipment.

Sail for Gold 2011, Weymouth

Looking back on 2010/11 it is clear that Sammi has had a challenging year and it certainly has not been all plain sailing.  It is clear that Sammi Could NOT have tried harder. Perhaps on reflection she has tried too hard.  Seven full sailing weeks over the summer across two classes, in four seperate countries including two world championships, an ISAF World Cup Event and both the UK Youth and UK Open Nationals and two full time coached training weeks with all the travelling in between was always an ambitious programme when added to school work and Scottish Qualifications Authority Exams.

Big Waves at Pwllheli Qualifier, May 2011

Perhaps a lesser programme would have flattered to deceive.  International and Olympic sailing is an incredibly tough sport, perhaps one of the most challenging of all.  International success demands performance not just on one day but repeatedly day after day in all conditions both at home and abroad.  Medals are not won in a single performance but across a whole week or more in a range of conditions and testing the very bounds of athletic skills, technical knowledge, and physical and mental endurance.

Fireworks at the Topper Worlds, Ireland August 2011

This year was not about achieving excellence in a single event, this year has been about building the foundations of a long term campaign.  Gaining every experience possible, being in the right place at the right time and building the toughness and endurance which is essential in international competition.

Sovereign Ski Topper
World Championships 2011
 

In a difficult year there have been high points for Sammi including a Gold Fleet place at the UK Laser Radial Inlands 2010, a top ten race place at the Laser Nationals, great overall results at the Topper Inlands and the Derwent Nationwide and 2nd place overall and 1st Lady in Silver Fleet at the Topper World Championships, 2011 and just finishing the extremely challenging sail for Gold Regatta, the UK Olympic Test Event Selection Trials, sailing all week in winds of up to 30 knots which tested even the most battle hardened Olympic veterans!

With good passes in all her highers and all our key objectives delivered I am scoring Samantha A+ for effort..