Friday April 18
I have been training hard in Hyeres, where I will race in the SOF (Semaine Olympique Francaise). This is an extremely important regatta for me as this is the last selection for the Olympic games. Unfortunately I was unable to score a top 13 nations (Swiss Olympic requirement) in Palma, so if I want to become an Olympian I will have to achieve this result in Hyeres. The regatta will be held from the 19th to the 25th and it is a Grade 1 event, as good as it gets! I am feeling good about this event, during the past few regattas I have been sailing extremely well and I have been training hard. All results can be found through www.sailing-news.ch Over the past few months I have become a better sailor and I hope all this hard work will shine over the next regatta.
Weds Feb 13
Day 6 Laser Worlds
Its over and I got what I came for, a place for Switzerland at the 2008 Olympic games. After a long morning of waiting on the boat park, the race comitee abandoned the racing due to high seas and strong wind. I think we could have sailed as the weather wasn't to bad but they decided otherwise. I am happy, relieved and extremely tiered. I finished 5th in SILVER fleet and 2nd NationƯ out of the ten possible places. I also finished 1st Swiss sailor in a strong wind grade 1 event. Now I have to qualify myself in Palma or Hyeres, I am more motivated than ever. I would like to thank my sponsors and partners who made this all possible, along with all the people who believe in me and support me.
All the best,
Max Bulley
Tues Feb 12
Day 5 Laser Worlds
Today was yet another very hard sailing day. We started with a 12-15 kts breeze with a big swell. I had a very hard first race, where I had to work my way up the fleet as my first mark rounding wasn't so good (top20). I managed to sail a very good second beat and rounded the top mark in 12th. I then Worked well downwind and finished the race 8th. I was happy the hard work payed off. In the second race the wind climbed to 20kts, I had a good start and managed to speed away from the fleet, something which I have never been able to do before in 20kts!! I rounded 7th and had a good downwind. In the second beat I battled my way up to 4th place, with good boat speed and good tactical decisions. the four of us pulled away from the rest of the fleet to finish with a confortable lead. Overall I am happy with today, it was hard but I think I have really made some proress in the strong winds, which is my weak point in Laser sailing. Tomorrow is the last day of the World Championships I am currently 5th in SILVER fleet and qualifying Switzerland for the 2008 Olympic Games. I hope to consolidate this position in the two remaining races. I have never felt so exausted in my life.
