On Sunday I competed in Manly Yacht Club’s Helly Hansen Women’s Challenge. It’s been a few years since I have steered an Adams 10m and Ben Nossiter was extremely generous to allow me to borrow his boat. With some of my old Animus crew onboard it made it even better and a great deal of fun. I’m extremely lucky to be able to borrow Sirius and that Ben says yes before I ever can ask the whole question. I am extremely grateful to be in such a position.
I didn’t know how I was going to feel having spent so much time off the water to focus on getting my hypermobility under control. With the help of a great massage on Friday I can now say two days later I am feeling ok! YAY! This is a huge relief and makes all the effort, cost and time worth it. I am so glad I have a physio who has been able to help manage how I move forward. I just wish I could afford to visit more often for treatment to speed along the process!
There is still a long road ahead with this morning having more tests done but at least I can now hopefully get out on the water racing a little more than I have the last few years. The first lap saw a fair few cobwebs and with two fairly new crew onboard we eventually found our rhythm and had the boat going nicely. Sydney Harbour helped too as it was a stunning day to be out on the water racing. We managed a third place in our division which was great considering new crew and sailing only 5-up. To be honest we weren’t really focused on a result we just wanted to have an amazing time. For me it was all about having the chance to go for a sail again in the hope that I could do so.
Massive thanks to Ben for the boat, Damo, Brad, Tais and Lucy for a great day on the water! It is always a great event to do and so much fun thanks to Manly Yacht Club especially Ivana and the organising committee for talking me into entering after a few years away.
This weekend once again I will be around the water volunteering at an event.
Melissa Yeomans 