Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation: Sailor Stories

Maddie Nichols at the Youth Champs ILCA-6

Results

Thank you for helping to support my trip back east this summer to Bristol, Rhode Island to compete in the US Youth Champs at Roger Williams University. This was my first time racing at this event and in an ILCA-6.

I learned many things both on and off the water at this event. Off the water, I learned the importance of staying hydrated and eating the right foods in order to help with my  overall performance and energy levels throughout the day. On the water I learned how to tune or max out my controls on the heavy breeze days.

During most of the regatta days, the wind was anywhere from 10 to 30 knots, offering me two days of heavy wind experience at the beginning of the regatta. On those windy days, I learned how important it was to have good stamina, especially during the first beat of the races to the top mark and continually focused on trying to keep my boat flat and not flip and complete each race. The days with the lighter breeze were more favorable for me and I was able to sail more tactically and work on my mark roundings in this big fleet. 

All in all, this regatta taught me a vast array of new skills which I will take with me to other regattas this year and next, and I look forward to returning next summer. 

Thank you again for your support,

Maddie Nichols

2023 Youth Champs - ILCA 6
Bristol, RI