Withdrawn from the World Championship

Dreams sometimes die. 

That's true in Sport, and in Life. 

The decision to withdraw from the GP14 World Championships in Barbados in 2016 is the death of a dream. 

There are valid reasons; mainly that my wife's father is terminally ill, and I know that sailing has to take its place in the priority list. I don't regret the decision. 

Nevertheless, it is sad when I remember the effort to get here:

- Hours spent in the gym to get my fitness levels up.

- Professional Physio, Massage, Accupuncture, high intensity interval training 

- Professional Sports Psychology

- Help, guidance and coaching everywhere I could get it from members of the club, including Racing Instructor

- Money on sails, fittings, towing equipment 

- Time and energy away from family and work. 

None of this would have been possible without the encouragement and support I received from friends and family. 

I've enjoyed it all. And we did achieve one of our key goals :- to take part in the UK National Championships in Brixham in 2015. 

But we won't be doing the Worlds in Barbados. 

There is one more significant "Open" event with Chris - Erith this Saturday. 

Over the winter, I will be focusing on improving my club racing, and getting fit for the summer. Then we will see about further plans. 

What will the next challenge be?

The blog "GP14 Dinghy Racing" will continue.