Showing posts with label sailing news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sailing news. Show all posts

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Sydney-Hobart: Big Bite!

Some people are curled up recovering from the post Christmas Day "coma," watching T.V. tucking in the over-tired kiddos (and adults) and then there are those who recover by huddling around the computer to watch the start of the 64th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race...

And They Are Off!

Wild Olds Dominated Right From The Get Go!

Ahh...this is fantastic! Though I was unable to run a larger screen view the commentary was fantastic (still is as it is still on...) and the video/sound quality: excellent. There was a 1 minute delay, but hey, it's a real treat to watch and zero complaints.

As I close this out, at twenty minutes into the start, "Oats" was building, building on their early lead...now we follow to see how they hold out...

Hope all had a lovely Holiday ~ Cheers!

P.S. One Last Parting Screen Shot: "Oats" to left of screen and in the lead as they leave Bondi Beach to their starboard hip (upper left corner of screen.)

Monday, December 01, 2008

A Weighty Matter

Tell me, how are you all feeling after the American holiday? Which is completely focused on eating and drinking, with some more eating and a little bit more drinking, eating, etc. If your an American, does not matter where in the world you live, the last four days were focused on good eats!

How'd it go this year? Actually, should be asking, "how do you feel?" I'd share, but there seems to be this expectation the founder of SailTrim and front runner in the campaign for healthy One Design Weight Management never over indulges. Ha! Thanksgiving IS my most favorite holiday of the year.

With 48 days till Key West Race Week, this is my plan for the next couple weeks and there is no gym involved but there is some restraint. Ya ya, not easy during the holiday season and I can see the look on your face, I've been doing this for a few years, you OD sailors have a "look" at the thought of restraint.

  • Do Not Skip Breakfast! Bit of a broken record, but do whatever you have to do to to eat SOMETHING before 10am everyday. Eating this one meal, especially on the day of a holiday party, will ensure you do not over eat (unless you are one of those personalities that mirrors my pup, who will eat whatever is in front of them ~ tip for those types in a moment.)
  • Stay Active! This, a harder feat to achieve when your job requires you to be glued to your computer and under a deadline. Walk. Ride. Play with your little ones. Take the stairs. I say it every year but one has to make it a habit and apart of their lifestyle for it to carry them through this particular season. They say 15 minutes a day. This only works if you pair it with:
  • Clean Eats! Be GONE with the cream cheese ladened bagels, danishes, heavy cream based soups and sauces, super-sized anything, etc. I think the point comes across. IF you can clean up your eating habits, do your best to not eat, for the sake of eating because you are bored, stressed or nervous about something; you WILL be able to maintain a healthy weight with moderate day-to-day physical activity. This does not have to be a miserable task that involves carrot sticks and rice cakes.
  • Accessorize with a glass of water, hunger is many times dehydration in disguise and staying hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages will help you ward off unnecessary snacking.
I'm not racing in the 2009 KWRW and will be working behind the scenes, so no impending scale to motivate, but this really shouldn't be what motivates. Feeling awesome, having good energy and hell, looking hot while doing what you love: sailing and being with your sailing peeps on a cool island!

Life's too short to not feel your best all year long. BoatBites will keep the tips rolling till we all survive the holidays. Cheers

In The News:
All Smiles!

Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race
(l-r) Ericsson 4 Skipper Torben Grael greets Ericsson 3 Watch Captain Magnus Olsson

Friday, November 28, 2008

A Black Friday Holiday Gift Guide

The inbox has been terribly cluttered today and not a single email from any one of interest. Virtual junk mail to allure one out for some holiday hell in the local malls and shopping centers. I did scope out the "one day Apple" sale, but the site was not working very well with everyone one else in the world doing the same.

An Endurance Event

It is official, like the start of an endurance sail around the world people around the globe can officially think about Christmas and the gift giving season. Honestly, its been on my mind for awhile. However, I'm from a family who do at least one "creative" gift. For example, one year my mom took all my old t-shirts and crafted up a lovely quilt. This requires some early planning.

I don't have that sort of time, but do have a couple nifty ideas in the mix. I can't share, since my family actually checks out my blog occasionally!

Gift Guide Bite!

Here's the official SailTrim/BoatBites holiday gift guide. Items I have found to be a godsend and indispensable to my day-to-day, maybe a fellow sailing peep may enjoy for 2009. A few items, just for fun!

If you really really love them and have the budget:
  • Anything Apple! My "apple program" is pretty simple with Macbook and iPod but hoping Santa delivers the international converter set.
  • Canon G9 (now the G10) It's a digital "pug," an SLR stuck in a point and shoot body with old school flare. Interesting tid-bit: it's the official camera for the VOR media crew member! Sadly, Canon is not an official sponsor...when weight is an issue, happy middle ground.
Portable and Useful:
Keep Them Cozy At Home Or Abroad:
  • Discover Atlantis! They are a professional affiliate of mine but this is an unsoliciated plug and they don't even know about it! I ADORE my women's Number's Softshell, could use for a couple hand warmer pockets but it's a staple all year long. Both of my sisters wear this jacket. The guys I see wearing their gear look so sharp and handsome. Ladies, recommend as a gift for the hunky sailor in your life.
Stocking Stuffers And On A Budget:
  • Off The Line! One can never go wrong with a calendar and yes, we all know I am massive Amory Ross fan, but this calendar deserves the plug and already on my wall. It's SWEET!
  • "Be Your Own Sailing Coach" by Jon Emmett is a great book for that sailor who'd like a little guide to improve their skills. I read this book earlier in the year and have passed it on as a gift with great reviews.
  • Safe and re-usable water bottle! In Alicante, we only had those tiny little plastic shot-glass sized cups to stay hydrated at the VOR's media center and I HATE HATE to use plastic cups and damn if my water bottle was not a hot comodity and one I had to prevet from being stolen everyday.
  • Adopt A Creature! This year, I'm supporting my fav non-profit. I love receiving these sorts of gifts. Something my grandparents started for us a long time ago when we adopted a family whale.
  • Sustainable Shopping! I'm a bit of a Natzi when it come to plastic bags. I'll seriously be "that girl" who would rather carry the 20 plus items precariously stacked in her folded arms than use a plastic bag. Though, to avoid that scenerio, I never leave the house without my canvas bag.
Oh dear, there are plenty more but not so much as a guide item. It's easy to sneak in a few personal wish list items!! Maybe Santa will surprise me this year if I share it with the virtual world...but won't.

In The News:

The "boyz" of VOR will be in India by end of weekend, early next week...
Vendee front runners have begun their dance around the St. Helena High...
Key West Race Week deadline is coming up but race organizers are doing their best to help in hard economic times...

There's tons more sailing news out there!

Cheers!