2015 Laser Masters' Worlds, Kingston

The reason I started this blog was because I want to be a better sailor (and I tend to retain information better when I write it down).

The goal of "becoming a better sailor" is also the reason I entered the Laser Masters' Worlds in Kingston (http://kingstonlaserworlds2015.com/)

Some background: As of this writing, I've only ever raced at the club level.  I'm not bad, and am usually in the top few boats of any given race, often the first of the Lasers (we race in a mixed fleet with no handicap).  All this to say though, I've never competed in the nationals, provincials or even an inter-club regatta.

And I think the experience with sailing with the best at something bigger than the club will make me a better sailor overall.  And besides, I'd love to have a photo on the wall that I can point to when I'm old and decrepit, saying "yep, here's me sailing at the Worlds, right beside the Olympians".  I'll leave out the "old-timers' regatta" when I point to the picture...

I've also been reading some sailing blogs by other sailors.  Improper Course (http://www.impropercourse.com/) and Proper Course (http://propercourse.blogspot.ca/) are my go-to pages.  Applying their tips and observations moved me from the middle of the fleet to the top, and these guys sail in the Worlds.

Now as a relatively new sailor (I've only been sailing 5 years) the concept of "The World Championship" is pretty intimidating.  But when I heard a few months ago that they were being held 2 hours from my house, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to apply for a berth.  From what I understand, they allocate berths on a priory list.  First shot goes to past champions, then come past competitors, then come those who do well on the grand prix circuit, and so on.  The last priority is "anyone else who applies", which is where I fall in.

I'm not sure how many applications they received, but somehow I made the list, and was offered an entry.

So I have a lot to prepare for.  Lots to learn.  I know how to sail (slowly, in comparison to these guys) but I don't know the whole regatta thing.  Opening ceremonies?  Measurement?  Multiple fleets on one course?  Multiple courses?  UH-OH!

On a positive note, at opening day of the club, I bumped into Mario, and was telling him about the race -- it turns out, he's on the race committee!  So there will be at least once face I recognize there, to go with all the names.

[update - Proper Course had an article about preparing for the Worlds' which is setting my mind at ease]