Last week I had a busy week before the first race of the year at Stokes Bay.
The week started taking a BBC presenter and some school kids sailing back at home in Rotherham, it was nice to get out on the water with some school kids that had never sailed before. The weather was gorgeous but unfortunately not much wind but we all had fun.

I had a great day in London as I went to the Palace with my parents and grandma to collect my MBE. Its pretty cool driving through the gates of Buckingham palace and parking in the inner quadrant. It was a really special day for us all and a great honor to have been recognised in such a way and receive my medal from the queen.

It was then back to business with my first race of the year. I was a little bit worried how i would fair after such a long break from sailing. The conditions were quite challenging and I made a few silly mistakes. I finished the weekend winning by 6 points which I was really pleased with. It felt good to get back out racing as I look ahead to the coming season, I defiantly felt a bit rusty but quite relived that all the basics are still there.

The squad has been in Highcliff this week and we have had some great sailing in strong winds, I think the rust is coming off bit by bit.

Other images included with this entry..