Evening Social Groups

I did a talk last night for the Hamble Ladies Group – a social group that meets monthly. It was a really nice evening – a touch base with the camaraderie that makes with world go round from day to day. I met a friend from 35-40 years ago from when I was crewing for my Father in GP14s www.gp14class.org.uk It really took me back.

I chose to start the talk by sharing the experience of walking into the Olympic Stadium in 1984 for the Opening Ceremony. What a special moment that was – riding high on all the hopes before the toughness of the competition itself.

One of the biggest impacts of that moment was the unfamiliarity of being in front of a huge crowd – in sailing we rarely perform in front of an audience. That was the first of the ‘party’ type ceremonies that have become the trademark of such occasions now. The most recent Games parties I attended were in Sydney for the Paralympics, where I was Team Leader and Coach for the British sailors – and they were amazing – fireworks and colour everywhere. I hear that Qing Dao, the host city for sailing in 2008, did the Sailing Test Event in 2006 proud with a true performance – and of course fireworks originated in China so they were splendid. I wonder what 2012 will bring?