Early Birds 3rd July 2011

Four families have arrived early in Workum, Netherlands in preparation for the 4.7 Laser European Championships.

The Muskett, Mackley, Quinton and Bullocks spent the best part of twelve hours treavlling, so the first day was very relaxed affair, launching the rib, renting bikes and sorting out the boats.

Early signs are that this looks like it’s going to be a very organised event, the Flags of the seventeen Nations are up, the Dinghy park is neatly laid out with your name and sail number, the trailer park is already filling up as we already have about 50+ other sailors here.

The UK has selected 42 sailors to compete at the event, with three days of coaching in groups supported by both the RYA and the UKLA prior to the start on Saturday.

After a chilled out morning we decided to go for a quick sail in the nice 15-18 knot breeze so that we could experience the Workum chop.  This massive expanse of water is very shallow at around 3-5mts, the waves are therefore steep and short, hard work upwind but good fun downwind.

After a couple of hours on the water it was back to the Musketts smart waterside house, which has their rib parked outside for a BBQ.  Whilst the younger ones watched a film the older ones enjoyed some wine and good food.

More families arrive today so we are planning a longer session on the water, and we hope to join in with some of the other Counties this afternoon.

Sean has flown back to Edinburgh where he now works for the week, and the Mackley ladies leave this evening.