Rachel Larman writes:

I am delighted to inform you that we came 4th at the ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championships this year. In challenging boats and tricky conditions we were happy to match our result from last year, however the medals really are rather shinny and i would like one next time!

Our first training regatta in Sydney was great for getting used to the dinghy like keelboats and the competition was top notch, giving us the chance to polish our tactics in preparation for the Worlds, which were held in Auckland, New Zealand.

The first few days of the Worlds included the round robin where we faced all the teams that had qualified to attend and see what we were up against. Winning the first 3 matches was a good start, the winds were fair and the racing brilliant fun and close! We came out of the Round robin ranked 5th and were fast tracked to the quarters, whilst 2 more teams were selected from the repocharge. We were up against the German team in the Quarters and won this 2 - nil. Into the Semis and World No. 1, and Rolex Sailor of the year, Claire Leroy chose us as her opponent. She Won the semis and the rest was down to the other pair for the final placings as there was no wind or time for a Finals and Petit Finals.

The training we completed in Cowes and Queen Mary Put us in good shape for the conditions we faced in Auckland, a combination of Solent tides and Queen Mary shifts!

I would like to say a massive thank you to the Royal London Yacht Club for your support to attend what was an amazing opportunity. We are in a good place for the incoming class to London 2012, Top Brit and 4th in the Worlds! Many thanks!!!!

 As for further plans for the year: we have an entry to Kiel Week for Match Racing in Germany and Vigo Italy, May '09.