It's a Wrap Nov 3, 16:57
Chris Bedford (USA, team meteorologist) was not kidding when he said that, after record high temps in October, summer in Valencia was finally coming to an end. Last night the winds howled and it rained cats and dogs. Today it's been cool, dark and rainy. One of the yachts did dock out to tick off some remaining items on the testing list.
It has been a very productive and successful session here since we came back from the short break in early August after the German Sailing Grand Prix at Kiel.
For a number of us the week started in a plane returning from SFO and the Allianz Cup. With all that, plus getting back here to finish up this session and pack up, it's been a busy final few weeks. No doubt we're all a bit burned out, and happy the long 2006 sailing session in VLC is coming to an end. But I sense an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and achievement. There's a brief official statement on our main team website.
De-brief meetings and pack up continue tomorrow and Sunday, with a number of people and certain key assets soon making their way to NZL for the upcoming "winter" training session there. Talk about the perpetual summer program!
It has been a very productive and successful session here since we came back from the short break in early August after the German Sailing Grand Prix at Kiel.
For a number of us the week started in a plane returning from SFO and the Allianz Cup. With all that, plus getting back here to finish up this session and pack up, it's been a busy final few weeks. No doubt we're all a bit burned out, and happy the long 2006 sailing session in VLC is coming to an end. But I sense an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and achievement. There's a brief official statement on our main team website.
De-brief meetings and pack up continue tomorrow and Sunday, with a number of people and certain key assets soon making their way to NZL for the upcoming "winter" training session there. Talk about the perpetual summer program!
)
For a dozen sailors and marketing personnel the week began in SFO at the end of the Allianz Cup.
)
While there, Dicko was not only racing but as CEO of the
team kept in close contact with the continuing ops in VLC.
team kept in close contact with the continuing ops in VLC.
)
There was nostalgia in the air at the Allianz Cup last week, due in large part to the presence of Troy Sears' replica yacht America up from San Diego, which served as a VIP spectator boat. All good things come to an end, and after a nice week in our "hometown" of San Francisco it was time to return to our base in VLC.
)
On the long flight back from SFO to Munich, Mirko Groeschner (GER, marketing director) and your Ed. catching up on email. Lufthansa is one of the few carriers that has a live internet connection during long-haul flights -- not sure if it's a blessing or curse.
)
This week ACM held meetings for the TV rights holders from around the world. Wednesday night we took Marty Ehrlich (USA, third from left above) and his colleagues to "deenner at the Docks." Marty & Co. represent the esteemed Versus network (formerly OLN) that will be carrying the LVC semi-finals, finals and the AC Match live in the USA next May and June. ACTV vet and current Regatta Director, Dyer Jones (USA, at the far end of the table) joined us as well before heading off early the next morning to chilly Helsinki for the ISAF meetings.
)
Today in the rain and cold the shore and sailing teams shouldered the heavy lifting involved in the shut-down, here carrying sails in from the dockside storage to the sail loft...
)
...and from the Tender, which is also being prepared for storage over the Valencian winter.
)
One last lunch for the full team in the dining room here at the Base.
)
Logistician and crane operator Scotty Sandford (NZL, shore team) has been spending a lot of time in his "other office" this week.
)
Dicko did one last TV interview, cued by Jane Eagleson (USA, media relations) alongside the cameraman...
)
...while the spouses of our design team prepare a "French-Italian" dinner for tonight's session-ending team party being orchestrated by Russell Green (NZL, business director) and Mark "Squark" Bradford (AUS, sailing team).
Mileposts | by TFE
