Josh McKenzie-Brown reports on Day 4 Sail Melbourne Regatta

9:51 AM Thu 17 Dec 2009 GMT

'Josh McKenzie competing in the 2.4mtr at Sail Melbourne 2008' Click Here to view large photo

Josh McKenzie-Brown (18) reports from Day 4 of the Sail Melbourne regatta being sailed on Port Philip Bay. Sail Melbourne is the first round in the 2010 ISAF World Cup circuit. Josh is competing in the 2.4Mtr singlehanded class with the objective of representing New Zealand in the 2012 Paralympics at Weymouth.

Today was a difficult day and only 1 race was sailed. It was 20+ knots with very large waves. It was also cold and rained for most of the time.

The wind died almost completely just before our start. My start was alright and I worked the correct side of the course but unfortunately I didn't change the settings enough for the new different conditions. I rounded the top mark about 5th but just went backwards after that. The wind shifted 90 degrees during the race and our run became a reach. After rounding the bottom mark we reached to the top mark. The course was changed to give us a run to the finish. With no wind and huge waves it was very difficult making any progress.

After Race 1 the postponement flag went up and we waited around in the rain for a long time until they eventually decided to send us in, by which time the wind had picked up again.

Overall, a disappointing and unenjoyable day.