Report March & April 2009

Report March & April 2009 After 3 years on the international sailing circuit, I took the decision to pack my bags and base myself in Australia (Sydney). I am studying at UNSW (University of New South Wales) doing a 3 year under grad course in journalism and media. I was welcomed by friend and top Australian sailor James Burman at theairport. When I reached UNSW, I had attended the welcome address ofthe Elite Athletes Program hosted by UNSW and the Sports Association. Helen is the UNSW Athlete Development Officer and has been very helpful ingetting me started at the university campus. I later meet Gabrielle King, triple youth world champion, friend and fellow student at UNSW. With the help of both James and Gabrielle I have joined Middle Harbour Amateur Sailing Club and my sailing is now in full gear! The moment I entered the club I have been in complete awe! It is a great honor to be among the top Australian and world class sailors. There were members of the Australian sailing team, Australian development sailing squad andsailors from NSW Institute of Sport present. To name a few great sportspersons present - Michel Blackburn (Olympic silver 2000),Erik Stibbe (Coach), Tom Slingsby (World Champion/Olympianand world no.1 2007 - 2008) and a number of top ranked Australian sailors In the last two months I have been training with Gabrielle and herteam. We have had some very good on-the-water sessions. (Long andproductive sessions.) Often Gabrielle has been kind to offer me a lift to training as it is a fair distance away from University. Erik is a fantastic person to workwith, every time I have been on the water, I have learnt a great deal from him. Sailing and training on Sydney waters has been fantastic.There are always a number of boats on the water. And a great variety ofconditions. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to train. I have also been doing a fair bit of outdoor training (Running,Cycling) and actively taking part in college sports like Rugby,Hockey, football etc .The university gym is good and is equipped withgreat facilities. I took part in my first Australian University Regatta representingUNSW. I was leading the overall single handed division 1 after thefirst day of racing but by the third and final day of racing dropped to 3rd overall. I won the Laser Radial category comfortably. The racing was close between the different single handed classes. I enjoyedsailing inside the Sydney Harbour where the races for the 2000 Olympics were held. I have also had the opportunity to meet many top sailors in this short span of two months. I picked up my first road bike with help from current Australian andAsia Pacific Champion Ash Brunning. I have had a couple of rides onthe bike and trained with Mike Liegh, (CAN world top 10 ranked sailor,08 Olympian and friend), Ash Brunning and couple of other sailors. Just a week back I was delighted to hear the news that I was awarded a spot to represent India at the 2008 European Championships in Denmark to be hosted in July this year! My preparations haven’t been smooth sailing all the way for both the World's and the European's. I have had a number of hurdles. To name a few I havehad to get used to the university way of life/studies (after a 3 year gap!), deal witha bout of flu and the usual sport injuries. I am enjoying this experience asthis is part and parcel of being a sports man - to deal withdifficulties and look forward to the challenges. I am enjoying my newexperience being both a sailor and a university student, this has opened out many avenues in my life The next few months I will be focusing on preparing myself for theEuropean and World Championships and my semester 1 exams. I also hopeI will be able to cope with the crazy Australian winter. http://www.ajayrau.blogspot.com/