The Qualifiers are by definition the fairest way of qualifying sailors for international events. Selection (someone choosing who gets a place) is always subject to personal opinion, whereas the results speak for themselves. My belief that the cream always rises to the top and 6 events per year achieves this.  Indeed, even at individual regattas there is rarely an unexpected result. Read more...

I should learn to listen to my own good advice! Not only about on the water things like focusing on the fleet, not just one boat but about taking action (it is nearly always best to do things sooner rather than later): It has taken me a long time to sit down and write about the Olympic games because the fresh emotion at the time always makes it hard for me to put my thoughts into words and as the dust settles and time moves on it is surprising what you remember. Now sat in Weymouth with strong winds forcing the cancellation of the first day of racing at the WPNSA Qualifier, I finally seem to have found the time to write. Click to read full article...