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After a long build up to the event, we finally flew out to Bermuda on the 16th of June. We had a practice day before the regatta began, it was on this day that we saw Team Emirates and Team Oracle training for their final, it was amazing to see these amazing boats so close up on the water. We raced on the same waters as the Americas cup boats and the regatta consisted of 12 races across two days. We finished in 7th place in this regatta, it was a great two days with very close competitive racing between 12 teams from 8 different countries. The age of the competitors ranged from 9 to 14 as it was an under 15’s regatta and with the light winds of the two-day regatta, some of the younger and lighter teams excelled in the conditions. But when the regatta had finished this wasn’t the end of our racing, we had another day to look forward to.
On the Saturday during the America’s Cup final we took part in a half time show race in front of the thousands of people watching on shore, the race was also broadcasted worldwide. The course for this race was different to others we raced on, there was a reaching start and a slalom reaching course to the finish. After our best start and very close racing we finished the race in 1st place. It was a great feeling crossing the line in 1st knowing our friends and family would be so proud. Later that day we went on stage with all the other competitors for the prize giving and got presented with our trophy and prizes.
Overall, this regatta was an amazing experience for everyone involved. All the teams stayed together in Messina House which is a youth hostel on the waterfront in Bermuda. We made lots of lifelong friends that we will stay in touch with in the future. It was great to get to know everyone as the week went on and it was sad to say goodbye when our time in Bermuda came to an end. However, we know that we will meet some of our new friends at international events in the future as our sailing careers progress.
Alex & AJ
Hobie Wave America's Cup Endeavour Youth Regatta - by Alex Hamel
Earlier this year, my sailing partner and I got selected to take part in the Hobie Wave America’s Cup Endeavour Youth Regatta. We were one of two teams representing Great Britain in Bermuda. This was an amazing opportunity for AJ Luxton and I, so we quickly took to this chance of a lifetime and started training. My sailing partner, AJ, is also my next-door neighbour so this meant we could easily get out on the water and train for the event. We were lucky to be able to borrow a Hobie Wave from our local scout group as there aren’t many of these boats in the UK.
After a long build up to the event, we finally flew out to Bermuda on the 16th of June. We had a practice day before the regatta began, it was on this day that we saw Team Emirates and Team Oracle training for their final, it was amazing to see these amazing boats so close up on the water. We raced on the same waters as the Americas cup boats and the regatta consisted of 12 races across two days. We finished in 7th place in this regatta, it was a great two days with very close competitive racing between 12 teams from 8 different countries. The age of the competitors ranged from 9 to 14 as it was an under 15’s regatta and with the light winds of the two-day regatta, some of the younger and lighter teams excelled in the conditions. But when the regatta had finished this wasn’t the end of our racing, we had another day to look forward to.
On the Saturday during the America’s Cup final we took part in a half time show race in front of the thousands of people watching on shore, the race was also broadcasted worldwide. The course for this race was different to others we raced on, there was a reaching start and a slalom reaching course to the finish. After our best start and very close racing we finished the race in 1st place. It was a great feeling crossing the line in 1st knowing our friends and family would be so proud. Later that day we went on stage with all the other competitors for the prize giving and got presented with our trophy and prizes.
Overall, this regatta was an amazing experience for everyone involved. All the teams stayed together in Messina House which is a youth hostel on the waterfront in Bermuda. We made lots of lifelong friends that we will stay in touch with in the future. It was great to get to know everyone as the week went on and it was sad to say goodbye when our time in Bermuda came to an end. However, we know that we will meet some of our new friends at international events in the future as our sailing careers progress.
Alex & AJ
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