inside view

SA friend Peter Greenhalgh is going after the UK Olympic 49er dream along with Chris Draper, and the hot team has just beaten Team GBR stars Stevie Morrison/Ben Rhodes in two straight regattas.  First they took out their teammates in the medal race at the Princess Sofia in Palma, passing the higher-ranked team to take Silver at the major spring event.  Then Team Greenhalgh/Draper beat Morrison/Rhodes again in a UK ranking event at the Weymouth Games site last weekend; are they peaking way too early, or do these guys have what it takes to go all the way?  Given the massive talent on the GBR Skiff team, the highly disciplined training and coaching regimen they follow, and their local advantage, either one of these teams could easily take Gold in the only class left in the Olympics that will be interesting to watch for those that like real speed and big spills.

The Greenhalgh/Draper team has offered an interesting prize to one lucky fan of 49er sailing (or any old racer chaser) who sends an email to the team with the words ‘SA Competition’ in the subject.  The winner will be chosen randomly, and will get to hang with the boys for a day of Olympic training.  Learn their secrets as they rig the boat, go out in the chase boat to watch them rip, and take a ride on the 49er for some go-fast tips or just a dose of adrenaline.  Enjoy  (ok…tolerate) a British lunch and take home a goody bag filled with sailing stuff.  And no, airfare isn’t covered.  Entries will receive a regular newsletter from the team including tips and tricks to improve your sailing, and you can find out more details here.