FOURTH PORTUGAL GRAND PRIX ROUND 2

Arriving back in Vilamoura again earlier this month, I felt good about the fitness block I had just finished and was looking forward to my first European regatta of 2022. Unfortunately, on the third day of the Fourth Portugal Grand Prix Round 2, I suddenly began to feel unwell, and in the end, I withdrew from competing due to COVID. 

I did manage to sail the first two and a half days before any symptoms kicked in. The first day brought moderate conditions. It was critical to have good starts in the sizable but mostly less competitive fleet as the leaders pulled away quickly. My "big line starting" was off, and I had poor starts in both races on the first day, having to battle back each time to mid-fleet. A disappointing first day, to say the least, but a good opportunity to identify what things need some focus prior to the major regattas this spring. 

RACE 1 - You can see me come into view on the left hand side of the screen. Sail number CAN 215019.

On the second day, the wind was much lighter in the 5-7 knot range and dying to zero throughout the day. Luckily our fleet was scheduled first and managed to get a race off. As the breeze died, there was a persistent right shift. I had a better start and correctly picked my side, but I did not continue all the way to the lay line, costing myself 5 places or so at the windward. I finished that race in 13th.

Obviously this regatta didn't exactly go to plan, but I felt I was making progress and have identified the areas I need to strengthen.

I am feeling better, but am currently resting and allowing myself the time needed to fully recover before beginning my return to training. Once fully recovered, I look forward to getting back in shape and ready for the next regatta, which, if all goes well, will be the Europa Cup in Pollensa, Spain.

Congratulations to my fellow teammate Luke Ruitenberg who finished up the regatta in 10th place.  

RESULTS HERE

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HEADER PHOTO CREDIT: OSGA.PHOTO

2017 FOUR SISTERS REGATTA

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Coming into the windward mark.

This past weekend I competed in the Four Sisters Regatta hosted at Port Credit Yacht Club. Unfortunately racing was cancelled on Saturday due to no wind so the regatta became a 1 day event. Sunday brought good wind and big waves from the east.

LIAM BRUCE - 2017 FOUR SISTERS START - IMG_1331 from Elle Bruce on Vimeo.

I competed in the laser radial fleet along with 57 other boats. The fleet was very competitive with the entirety of my team, the Ontario Sailing Radial Elite Team, participating. I managed to finish the regatta perfect with straight bullets. To top it off, I was also awarded the LYRA (Lake Yacht Racing Association) Single Handed Junior - Male Division Champion 2017 flag due to my top place finish as an 18 and under youth from a member club.  An honour that will make this regatta - one of the few remaining that I will race as a junior - all the more memorable. 

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Congratulations to my fellow racers and especially my fellow Ontario team members.  Finally my sincerest thanks to all that are involved who worked hard to make this event possible.

2017 FOUR SISTERS RESULTS

2017 LILAC REGATTA

For the second weekend in a row I raced a regatta in laser standard. This time it was at RHYC in Hamilton for the Lilac Regatta. Hamilton Harbour brought medium to light winds and on the second day, dense fog. It made for some interesting racing!

LIAM BRUCE - 2017 LILAC REGATTA from Elle Bruce on Vimeo.

Off the start and heading upwind - hopefully towards the mark.

Going into the final race I was in a 3-way tie on points for first place but a 4th saw me finish in 3rd out of 12. My consistent results showed that I can keep up with the top group and I look forward to training with them in the fall. 

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2017 LILAC REGATTA RESULTS

REGATTA PHOTOS