Hero or Goat

(Nick Scandone, 2005 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, files this report from Perth, Australia, where he is competing in the 2.4 Metre class at the Alcoa IFDS World Disabled Sailing Championships.)

It’s been a wild regatta. It started with 20+ knot winds and very large shifts. The first two days were filled with big lead changes, and whichever side of the course you are on will result in if you look like a hero or a goat. I've been on the goat's side. You can't sail up the middle because one side always seems to pay big. Every time I'm in the top five, the wind seems to shift 40-50 degrees. I've also had some breakdowns as the wind has battered my old boat.

In yesterday’s first race (on Monday), I got off the line and due to small shifting winds, I lead from start to finish. Then race two came and after a poor start (you couldn't lay the starting line on starboard), I made some gains up the middle and then the wind shifted 40 degrees left and put me well behind. I’ve never been so frustrated.

Today they have delayed the start due to 50 knot winds at the coast. With four races to go I sit in ninth place but only 10 points from fifth. Hopefully I can get my head out of my a** and make a move.
I have never sailed in a place where you have to go to the corners and see how lucky you get. I wish we could just get a steady direction so the course isn't so unpredictable. - Nick Scandone