Hyères Regatta 2025: Coming Full Circle
Coming back to Hyères hit differently.
It wasn’t a training crash or some dramatic incident — but this was the event where my shoulder injury first happened, and where everything shifted. So returning a year later carried a quiet kind of weight. Same venue, same breeze, same ramp — but a different version of me.
This year wasn’t about erasing that. It was about meeting it head-on and racing from a place that felt stronger, more grounded.
The Racing
The conditions served up the full Hyères experience:
Day 1: 4 course races in 12–15 knots with chop.
Day 2: No races.
Day 3: 5 course races in 25+ knots and steep offshore chop.
Day 4: 2 upwind sprints + 1 course race in light offshore wind.
12 races total — 10 course races, 2 sprints.
I finished 33rd overall, with best finishes of 16th in a sprint and 18th in a course race.
It wasn’t a breakthrough result — but it was solid. I kept my shoulder together, stayed consistent, and mentally held my ground.
What Felt Right
There were moments where I felt things clicking:
I committed on port tack starts.
I matched pumping off the line against strong sprinters.
My laylines — especially top marks — were much improved.
I stayed on the foil in fluky downwind pressure and managed the nerves in big breeze.
I finished every race. That shouldn’t be a big deal, but it is — especially here.
Off the water, my routines were solid.
Good recovery. Heat packs when I needed them. Prehab stayed consistent. Sleep was decent. All the unsexy stuff that makes the racing possible.
Mentally Showing Up
Emotionally, this regatta could have rattled me. But I kept things level.
The confidence dips were there — especially after average races — but I didn’t spiral. I had a clear post-race process, checked in with myself, and moved forward.
I was more present at the start line. Less freezing, more awareness. Not always aggressive, but sharper than I’ve been — and that’s a step forward.
What Helped
That training block beforehand, even with the van break-in and chaos, gave me a strong base. I knew my setups. I trusted my gear more.
I felt more comfortable pushing my body — even when conditions got heavy.
This week reminded me that while I’m still building, I’m also not where I used to be. And that counts.
Final Word
Hyères wasn’t about redemption. It wasn’t about proving anything.
It was about showing up at the same place where things went sideways last year — and choosing to race anyway. To do it cleaner, smarter, and with a steadier head.
I’m proud of how I handled this one. Not because it was perfect — but because it was mine. Honest effort. Honest progress.
Big thanks to my sponsors and support team — your backing makes weeks like this possible.
Wrapping Up Europe: A Season That Didn’t Show the Work
This wasn’t the European season I hoped for.
I left Australia feeling like things were on the up. Strong blocks. Clear plans. But results-wise, it didn’t land. And that’s hard — especially when you know how much effort has gone in behind the scenes. Not just from me, but from everyone supporting this campaign.
It’s tough to scroll down a results sheet and feel like the work isn’t showing.
It makes it easy to doubt yourself. To wonder if it’s working. If you’re still getting better.
But behind the numbers were:
30 races
A rebuilt shoulder
International travel alone
A break-in, lost gear, and still showing up
A whole lot of unglamorous, unseen work
Progress doesn’t always show up in the rankings. Sometimes it looks like just getting through. Keeping your head up. Still caring. Still learning.
Europe gave me clarity:
I know what needs more attention.
I know what kind of training I need.
I know that I’m still in this — even on the hard days.
To everyone supporting this campaign — thank you.
Next stop Worlds….