| USA. Tunnicliffe wins Laser Radial Olympic Pre-Trials with two hard fought races against Railey |
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| Monday, 16 October 2006 | |
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Anna Tunnicliffe: I posted two first places today to win the US Sailing Olympic Pre-Trials Regatta for Laser Radials and the opportunity to represent the USA at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next July. But, that doesn’t begin to tell the story of an incredible, hard-fought day of racing against my rival Paige Railey. When we launched our boats off Newport’s Third Beach this morning Paige and I were first-equal in the standings, each with 10 points. Sarah Lihan was third with 22 points. The south westerly breeze was already at 14 knots and chopping up waves and it was pretty obvious that this was going to be a day of match racing between Paige and me. Just before the start of the first race I got to leeward of Paige and was able to force her away on port tack, right after we crossed the line. That set up a serious tacking duel between the two of us somewhere in the middle of the fleet. At the weather mark I was in seventh place and Paige in ninth. We stayed that way, with one boat between us as we worked our way through the pack. I finally grabbed the lead on the last run and got the gun. Paige was third. There was everything to play for in the final race as the wind built to16 to18 knots. I had to win this one. Because of the way the drop scores worked, if Paige won and I was second, she would win the tie-breaker and the regatta would be hers. We were match racing before the second start. I’d forced Paige above the line before the gun and was controlling her up the first part of the weather leg until I dropped my tiller and made a bad tack. It was Paige’s turn to get in front. We split and I hooked into a couple of good shifts, gaining back 10 boat lengths but Paige led me around the weather mark. I was sailing a little higher than Paige on the reach and beginning to roll over her when she luffed to protect her lead. I responded immediately, but my boom touched her boat seconds later, setting up a windward leeward protest. Paige maintained her lead despite my efforts to catch her and she crossed the line in first place. I was second. It all came down to the protest and the jury disqualified Paige. Mitch Brindley, my former college coach from Old Dominion University did a great job this week. The pressures of a series like this are considerable and he helped me step up the intensity and focus of my competition while maintaining my composure through some pretty tight spots. This was the first time Mitch has been able to join me as a coach and I’m looking forward to having him with me at other major events next year. I’m dedicating this victory to my sponsor Carmeuse, and to all my friends and loyal supporters at Old Dominion University and Norfolk Yacht and Country Club in Norfolk, Virginia, and at North Cape Yacht Club, in Lasalle, Michigan. For more information, check my website at www.annatunnicliffe.com. Until next time, Sail hard, Anna |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 16 October 2006 ) |
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