Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation: Sailor Stories
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Siena Nichols at the Youth Champs - ILCA 6
Thank you for your support this summer getting me to the U.S. Youth Championships in Bristol, RI for the ILCA-6.
Last year I raced my first Youth Championships in Mission Bay, and was looking forward to this opportunity to participate again this year. This regatta was an amazing opportunity for me to be able to sail for the first time back east, and also allowed me the opportunity to get more time in a big fleet in the ILCA-6 because there were 100 boats in attendance.
Being able to race in a fleet this size really helped me improve my overall sailing experience and tactics because all the other great competitors pushed me each race mentally. I was especially able to work on my windy boat handling skills because the first two days of racing were extremely windy, blowing at least 20 knots each day. These conditions were exciting for me to be out in because I hadn’t been in anything like that in my ILCA 6 for a while because we typically do not get that heavy of a breeze in Newport Beach to practice in. So I had a great time experiencing it in Bristol this summer and appreciated the challenge.
Overall, this regatta was such a great experience in the heavy breeze and I look forward to next summer going back to R.I. again to see my growth. Typically I had been racing in the ILCA-4, and this event was the beginning of my transition into the ILCA-6. Thank you so much for your continued support.
Sincerely, Siena Nichols
2023 Youth Champs ILCA 6
Bristol, RI
2023 Youth Champs ILCA 6
Bristol, RI