The big weather we were expecting for the last day of full Tornado Class fleet racing at the Semaine Olympique Française in Hyères came in on schedule today and, if anything, there was too much of it. In the second race in 25 knots of wind and seven to eight foot waves we flipped the boat twice and went swimming.

The consolation was that we weren’t alone. In the first capsize we were in a group of five boats at the weather mark that were all upended by a rogue wind gust. In the second capsize as we jibed near the leeward mark we went surfing down a wave as the wind caught us aback. Don had time to say "This isn’t going to be good," before we were in the water for the second time. In all 13 boats did not finish this race, out of a fleet of 43.

In the first race, after a general recall, we got off the start line in good shape but it turned out we were going the wrong way and we were pinned there by a competitor who took us right out beyond the layline. In the second race we were ahead of the middle of the pack and rounding the weather mark in about 15th place when trouble struck and we went for our first swim. Our finishes today were 33rd and DNF, and we were 39th overall.

In all, this wasn’t our best regatta, but as we’ve noted before, the learning curve on these very sensitive boats is steep and we’re adding to our skill set every time we go out. Our upwind game is in pretty good shape but the big area where we need to improve is downwind, where a bad tactical call, a slow jibe or poor trimming can be immensely costly.

Our next event is the Holland Regatta in Medemblik, Holland, May 23-27 and our boat and gear is already on the way there. After 36-days on the campaign trail we’re on the way home to friends and family and we’re planning three and a half weeks of intense training in the States before we come back to Europe.

This is our last report from Hyeres. Our thanks for your interest and your support. You can check the results of the Medal Race and other races at Hyères Tornado Results. Also, be sure to visit our website at www.t-squaredracing.com. Our sponsor, Advanced Equities, is at www.advancedequities.com.

Sail fast,

Donald Thinschmidt and Drew Wierda - Team Advanced Equities II