We caught up with some of the sailors on day 4 at Skandia Sail for Gold regatta. This is what they had to say.

Lucy Macgregor (Match-racing, GBR)
“I’m pretty gutted really [that the two Quarter Final matches out there didn’t go to plan]. The first match I think we were quite unlucky on two penalties and unfortunately, although we were sailing quickly around the course we couldn’t get rid of the last one and then that second race just got really whacky. Again I felt like we were sailing really well but got out of place in a couple of the shifts and just couldn’t quite catch them by the finish line.

The next match is really crucial; it’s the first to three points so we will be having a good night’s rest, coming back fighting in the morning and putting everything into it. They didn’t let us get away with anything out there - positionally they were good, but we felt pretty strong against them around the course, so really gutted to come away with a 2- 0 defeat.” 

Anna Tunnicliffe (Match-racing, USA)
“Lucy’s a great competitor and we still have plenty of racing ahead of us. We put ourselves in a good position [for a Semifinal spot] and tomorrow’s a new day, so hopefully we will continue. It was very tricky sailing out there, very shifty, very puffy, the boat behind downwind had very powerful control of the race and Lucy always ran behind us and made it really hard on us. It was really good racing but tricky. We are here primarily to learn the venue so when the Olympic Games come around we are ready for them.”

Hannah Stodel (Sonar, GBR)
“Today has not been too bad we had a second and a first, which has made the points very interesting, as we were four behind the Dutch but it looks they had an average day. I am not sure if we are first, but it will be tight, the conditions were shifty and pretty exciting today, luckily it’s our favourite condition... random!

“It’s been one of the most fun regattas, as it’s at home in Weymouth and it’s always great conditions - also it’s crucial to know the venue and get time in on the water. I have a full entourage this week my whole family is here. The event is also really good for the Paralympics to get the same credibility as the Olympics as we are all doing the same thing out there.”

Helena Lucas (2.4 m, GBR)
“I had a bit of a slow start to the Skandia Sail for Gold regatta. I have been struggling to get off the start which was putting me on a back foot and making life quite tricky, but today is a much better day. I got off the start line well and got two good results. So I am really pleased today. It may be a little bit late in the day, but I am turning the regatta around and starting to get the results I am more used to getting. I am building my confidence which is great for me as we have our worlds coming up in September, so it will be nice tomorrow to just finish on a high with another couple of good results, now that I seem to have my eye back in on the start!”

12/8/2010 20:30