The Down the Bay Race starts tomorrow morning.  We will be sailing from Annapolis, MD to Hampton, VA.  It will be the longest race, in terms of distance, that I have participated in and I'm really excited about it.  According to the SI's the race is 123 nm long.  With an average boat speed of 5 knots we should finish in about 24-25 hours.  The wind forecast may have something to say about that however.  Over the past few days, the forecast has oscillated back and forth from 10-15 knots to 5-10 knots for Friday.  Friday night has been consistently on the light side, but still 5-10.  Saturday looks a little better as we get closer and closer to Hampton with a fairly consistent forecast of 8-12 knots.  I'm hoping we can keep the breeze and make good time! 

During my daily check of the Volvo Ocean Race web site, I noticed they posted an article about sailing fitness.  Although the article's fitness recommendations have little to do with sailing specifically, the over message is important.  Train smarter not harder!

http://www.volvooceanrace.com/news/Five-tips-for-becoming-sailing-fit/3114

This Sunday, April 17th, is my first sailing event on the East Coast.  I'm pretty pumped.  The weather doesn't look spectacular, but I'm new to the area so maybe not spectacular is more spectacular then not spectacular back home...  I'm still getting used to the idea of tides and currents but I spent some time today looking up info and I think I have it figured out.  Of course I'll get to the course and quickly learn I know squat and will rely on my team to fill me in on the local know how.  For now I'll follow the basic, tide comes in tide goes out and the current goes with it.  I'll have a full report on the day of sailing afterwards!

Cheers!

Lookin good!

The fitness of the crew is one of the biggest limitations of an average sailing program.  Although its not expected that everyone will have to be at the same level as the folks sailing at 20 knots around the world, or competing in the Olympics, I think it is important to make an attempt to prevent injury and make improvements to one's strength, flexibility, and endurance.  If for no other reason, it is simply good for you!

My fitness routine includes a combination of cardio, strength training, stretching, and endurance training.  Two to three days a week I go to the gym, and two to three days a week I like to swim. 

At the gym I combine cardio and strength training:
Warm Up:
Strength:
Cardio:

Cool Down:  5 min walking
                    Stretching

I have to say that it looks pretty fast to me...  hopefully not faster than the next Puma Volvo 70 :)

So the next Volvo Ocean Race starts in October 2011, and I can't wait.  Although I didn't follow the race much until the last one, I'm completely addicted to it.  Here are a couple of my favorite video clips from past years of racing.  GO PUMA!!!



Cheers!

Joe

While waiting for a government shut down (don't 'get me started) I received the box my Dad (Happy 60th!) shipped from Milwaukee with most of my sailing gear for this years season on the Chesapeake.  It was hard to pack everything up thinking about missing out on the Milwaukee Bay Offshore Series, Wednesday Nights at South Shore, and Tuesday Dinghy sailing, but I know that all the experience I gain sailing with the shifty light air, currents, tides, and talent on the east coast will be worth it.  

It has also been made official, there will be a new Snow Goose following the Mac in July.  Although I'm not at liberty to talk about the boat itself, I can say it's going to be a blast for many years to come!  Can't wait to get out and tune her up!

My first event of the season is in a little over one weeks time.  I've been itching to get out after watching videos of past Volvo Ocean Races and following the Barcelona World Race which just rapped up the top three places this week. 

Happy Sailing!

Joe

Hello all,

Sadly the former Snow Goose has been sold.  Our old Tripp 37 is off to sail with a new owner as Art searches for his dream yacht.  The old Tripp will be greatly missed by the skipper, crew, and all of our butts which very much enjoyed the wide side decks and lack of a toe rail. Everyone is excited, however, about a new boat and new style of racing. 

Until I return from Washington DC, where I am currently working as a program analyst for NOAA, I will be joining the T-Bone racing team on the Chesapeake Bay.  After sending out feelers to the local fleets, Bruce, the owner of a J35, responded and set up a meeting.  The passion for sailing was evident in both Bruce and his lovely girl friend who grew up as a sailor and frequently gets tiller time on the race course.  Their first priority on the water: HAVE FUN! Although I've been managing the foredeck for Art and Snow Goose program, Bruce has asked if I would return to my trimming roots and take on the jib winches for them.  I am excited to return to the back of the boat as well as sailing in a new area.

Wish me luck!

Cheers,

Joe