The Match Race trifecta is made up of three grade 2 events over three weeks in August, the Chicago Match Cup, The Detroit Cup and the Knickerboker Cup.  Team Line Honors had its far share of ups and downs over the three week trifecta. Match Racing is different from fleet racing in many respects. After the past three weeks the one that stands out the most is peaking when your best performance is required. If you combined the round robin scores for the 3 events Team Line Honors went 23 wins and 8 losses probably the best round robin score line posted of any team over the 3 events. In a match race event this is good for a few things top seeded teams sometimes can choose thier opponents, usually get to choose thier boat, get the starboard entry most times and are in a position to place well if the event is postponed or shortened due to light wind. But when it comes down too it to win events you need wins at the right time. In Chicago we lost 2 races in a row in the quarters for an early exit. In Detriot we tied for 3rd in wins but lost on the tie breaker to drop to 5th. At the Knickerbocker we were sailing well in the semis but light wind ended the event during the semi finals placing us in 3rd.

Match racing formats are subject to change so consistent performance from day to day is key. In Chicago we needed more wins on Day 3 to close out the event. In Detroit we needed 1 more win on the first or second day to advance to the semi finals. In the round robin its easy to think you have done enough to advance and let a loss slide or during the quarter finals it can be easy to over look an opponent or get caught up with the pressure of elimination in a deciding race and have your performance effected. Some may say there is an aspect of luck involved in winning a match race event and that maybe true for a team that wins an event once in while but after the past three weeks to win consistently you have to approach everyday with the attitude that every race is key and establishing the same routine each day, each race is most important.

I found that this routine changes from boat to boat, venue to venue and changes to the team also affect the routine. This can make being consistent a little harder. Its no wonder that the best AC teams are made up of a core nucleus of sailors that have sailed with each other in there roles for years and know what to expect and what is expected from each other in any situation.  

We had the talent required to win any event but we lacked the consistency in all situations that is necessary. The past three weeks was a great experience with some very talented teammates and competitors. Sometimes you have to endure a tough loss to improve in those same situations the next time you are in them and I think we had a few of those growing pains over the past three weeks.

Every match race event teaches you the importance of attention to detail; accurate sail trim, communication, weight placement and boat handling. Even just getting the proper amount of rest, eating the right food, staying hydrated and dealing with the down time between races require careful attention. Every detail has an influence over the out come and is magnified as the level of competition increases. That is what makes the game so interesting always trying to do the details just a little better than the next team. After 3 events in a row you would think it would be time for a break but after 2 days of rest I'm really looking forward to the next regatta.

Team Line Honors
Bill Hardesty - Helm

Malcolm Parker
Steve Hunt
Matt Cassidy
Cy Thompson
Jack Jennings

http://www.linehonors.com