SpinSheet readers have read about Annapolis sailor Dee Smith and his Paralympic campaign on the 2.4 meter in our June and August issues... now it's time for the local sailor to compete in the Games in Rio! From his official website deesail.com, here are some highlights from his last blog post before the sailing competition begins September 7:
I am flying to Houston for processing on my way to Rio for the Paralympic games. Many things are going through my head. I have been on this Road to Rio for 18 months now and it has been a crash course on how to get competitive in the 2.4 class. The class has some amazing sailors that have been at it for a long time. The development has never stopped and I expect a very tight regatta in Rio.
There are so many people that has helped me make the team and get me ready for the event. Though all my sailing, I have always thought no matter how big the circus is, it is just another yacht race and should be sailed in the same way, in order to do well. But as the time gets closer, I am feeling the importance to this regatta. Making the USA Team. Representing my country. But added to this, is sailing with the world’s best and the Para movement. This is special and something I have not done before. It is a honor, and I will do my best.
My trip in July was over 22 days long, training with both an old friend and 2.4 experienced Jeff Madrigali, as well as Brazilian coach Maru Urban. Having Jeff in Rio gave me the opportunity for 2 boat testing using Kanaloa against Ted Green’s 2.4. which I have been extremely fortunate to train on for the past year.
We were able to test out a possible break through in sail design, rig tune, boat setup and re-visit some sailing techniques. As a result I am feeling more confident going into the Paragames next week. It has allowed me to trust my speed for the first time and be able to keep my head out of the boat to sail in Rio’s tricky conditions. We worked on currents, tidal variations, weather and geographical elements on the 2 Olympic race courses every day for up to 6 hours each day. I am ready.
I am sure you have heard the stories about the on going problems in Rio. It is not perfect down there but there will be Olympics and Paralympic Games, and there will be medals won and lost for Team USA. Our job is to keep the distractions to a minimum and make sure we do all we can to have a good regatta. ...
