So when not out on the water, we are working madly on the hull of the boat we plan to use at the Olympics.

We have rented some space in a boat factory in Qingdao and have three boats here at the moment. The boat we’re likely to use at the Olympics is receiving quite a bit of TLC courtesy of two boat-builders we have brought over from Sydney - Mark and Chris. They have been a great help so far, as have the team at the factory.

It’s all systems go here!

Back in Qingdao, China for another couple of weeks of training and preparation on the Olympic course.

You could almost be forgiven for thinking I’d changed from a water-based sport and moved into track and field – the surface of the course in Qingdao is covered with some sort of green spongy algae!

You can see in this picture below, the surface almost looks like a bowling green…it certainly makes for interesting sailing!

So…back home last week from Croatia where the weather was really very unkind, as you can see in the picture here. It’s not much better here in Sydney now either to be honest!

I’m pretty much straight back into the swing of things with back to back meetings at work, and lots of catching up with my wife and daughters.

I’m only here for a week and a half before heading off to China again for a training camp – by the time I get settled, I’ll be off again!

Split Regatta

Well, Day I of racing in Croatia was very quiet, with very little wind but some thunder storms around. We towed to the race course before one aborted start and then we towed home.

Day 2 saw the race committee try twice to race without success. That leaves 2 scheduled days of racing and a reserve to get some racing in...fingers crossed!

Split is a really beautiful place…just not very windy at the moment!

Lake Como to Croatia!

Well, we have just spent 5 days in Musso, Lake Como Italy. It really is quite a beautiful place, but we spent four days fairing and repairing at the boat’s builder, Lilia. Didn’t get to see much of the sights - but…the Star boat must be perfect!!

After some very long days we packed up again (me, crew ‘Dog’ and coach Euan) and headed off to Croatia – 1000km’s through Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Slovenia with the Star and coachboat both hitched to a trailer! That certainly slows you down.

Finally arrive to a warm and beautiful Croatia - Split looks to be a charming old city. We start racing tomorrow in the Split Eastern Hemisphere Championships…our last regatta on this trip before we head home to see our families.