Living in Miami for the winter, as Farrah Hall does, is really helpful as it gives her a home base from which to operate and that all important feeling of being settled and more grounded. This allows her to take care of a few chores. Finances and budgeting have to be put in order. Old windsurf gear has to be sold and new bought. Goals for 2010 have to be fixed. In fact she has the time to focus on the base structure of her Olympic windsurfing campaign. An essential part of the project planning that being on the road to the 2012 Olympics in London requires, nay demands.
Given warm weather she can spend time on her physical training both on and off the water. Farrah varies her routine. She has been been focusing on Formula windsurfing kit. However, the Rolex Miami Olympic Classes Regatta (OCR) and 2010 RS:X North American Championships are just around the corner so she's now back on the RS:X Olympic equipment. The OCR is the women windsurfers' U.S. team qualifier, so it's a mega important event.
RS:X racers from all over the world make a point of competing in the OCR. This is a chance for them to do some winter training before the European season gets under way. Farrah therefore has plenty of training partners to choose from. She's been working with girls from Finland, Canada, and Denmark, and benefitting from some input from their coach.
"It's a shock to go from huge Formula windsurfing rigs to an RS:X 8.5 which feels so small and light" Farrah says " Transitioning back to the RS:X can be difficult as it takes a few sessions to get the "feel" back"
This week is the final chance to get some on-the-water training in with her training partners then its show time.
First. she'll race the 2010 RS:X North American Championship (Alex Caviglia Bluewater Classic) regatta organised by the Shake-a-Leg Foundation at the Sailing Center in Coconut Grove, Miami which is a good warm-up. Then its the 'big one', the Miami OCR, and a place at stake in the US Sailing Team.
Goal one has to be achieved. There are no 'ifs', 'buts' or 'maybes' about it. Farrah will qualify!
The forecast for the weekend is for big breeze from the south. Some interesting racing is in prospect. Warm (in the 80s F) but interesting! Wish me Luck!
