Palma: Pre-Regatta Training and Getting Back in the Groove
After the long haul to Europe and a few foggy, jet-lagged days of unpacking and ferry rides, we finally settled into Palma. And while getting here was exhausting, this block of pre-regatta training was the start of something important. Not just racing again, but actually feeling like I belonged back on the water.
The conditions weren’t anything special — flat to slightly choppy, maxing out at around 12 knots, mostly offshore and gusty, with plenty of shifts driven by the clouds. But it didn’t really matter — I was just stoked to be back in Palma, racing, training, and seeing familiar faces again.
There was a different energy this time. New quad, new gear, and even a new boat park, closer to the city than previous years. It was cool seeing how much had changed, but also how much stayed the same — early starts, tight launches, the same sense of buzz in the air.
One of the best parts? Training on the new sails alongside so many international sailors. There was this mix of curiosity and inspiration — everyone trying different tuning styles, body shapes, transitions. It was like a floating test lab. You’d do a drill, pull up next to someone, and just watch the thousand different ways people are figuring these sails out. It made every session feel new.
Racing, Lineups, and Finding Flow
We trained three days on, one day off, but the schedule shifted a bit — strong wind kept us off the water on the 29th, and we only sailed post-measurement on the 30th. The first session was just lineups. Then we got in some racing with the French, Israeli, Dutch, and later with the Brits. Mostly L-course racing, which was good for flow and decision-making.
What helped me stay grounded was going in with a clear plan. Emily, Tom, and I had done a pre-training meeting and built a lead-in and regatta doc, which gave me structure. I didn’t have to overthink everything — I just had to follow the rhythm.
The Off-Water Reset
Off the water, I tried to keep things balanced. I swam, did some Pilates, rode around the city, and even found time for a bit of crochet and hanging out with friends. Having those small reset moments made the intensity feel sustainable.
I’d be lying if I said I felt fully prepped. I was still carrying a bit of fatigue, felt unfit at times, and hadn’t prioritised gym work as much as I should’ve leading in. Being sick before flying out definitely didn’t help. But I managed the jet lag, stayed on top of recovery, and was more consistent with nutrition and supps than I’ve been in previous overseas blocks.
In the Mix with the Fleet
Training with the 7.3m group was valuable, even if racing time was tight. Slalom starts were solid, but upwind starts still need work, especially when it comes to holding a lane in big fleets. Being in a mixed group with other girls changed the vibe — there was more traffic, more chaos, and more moments where I had to adapt quickly and back my decisions.
Mentally, I kept it pretty steady. There were moments of frustration — not being allowed into certain races, struggling to recreate the feeling I had back at home — but I didn’t let it derail my focus. I kept going back to basics: technique cues, mindset resets, and just finishing sessions clean.
Small Wins and Takeaways
The biggest lesson from this block? Keep it simple and do it well.
Don’t overload the plan. Just do what works, and do it properly.
The gym work needs to be more consistent, especially shoulder prehab.
I’ve got to improve how I log and reflect on sessions.
Fuel better, plan better, and be honest with myself about what I’m doing and why.
But I also showed up, did the work, and started building momentum again — and that’s a win in itself.
Final Word
This prep block wasn’t perfect, but it was real. And honestly, I wouldn’t be doing any of this — training, travelling, racing again — without the support of my sponsors. They make this campaign possible, and I’m massively grateful for that.
Now: back into the boat park, get the head in the game, and time to race.