Sophie Weguelin and Eilidh McIntyre, Team 3,2,1, contacted Postcode Publications on returning from their triumphant gold medal performance in Miami in January. They told us that they flew out to their winter training camp at the Club Nautic Arenal in S’Arenal, on the Island of Mallorca which is about 15 minutes from the airport at Palma to meet up with their new 470 Olympic class boat when it arrived in Palma on 8th February. Sophie said “We love going back to Palma, it’s a fantastic training venue. Having been back for so many years, it really feels like a second home there! We had 3 training camps through February and March, each lasting between 5 and 10 days, which allows us enough time to settle in, get into a routine and make the camp as productive as possible. We soon had the boat unpacked and rigged up. Training Camp1 was the official launch of the new boat and she was greatâ€
After each camp the girls return to the UK for a few days allowing them to get into a routine, stay on top of planning, organisation and in touch with family and friends. However Sophie told us that their training plans for the Princess Sofia Regatta in Palma from 30th March – 5th April, the second World Cup event of 2014 were abruptly halted during Camp 2 which took place between 25th February and 2nd April. After 2 great days of training, tragedy struck on day 3. In a breeze of 18-20 knots and a heavy sea, Eilidh was badly hurt in an accident while manoeuvring in the dinghy in big waves. Eilidh was knocked by an angry wave and landed on the tip of her index finger and was in a bad way. She was taken ashore in the rib, and straight to hospital. After a small operation, and a large amount of pain she was patched up and returned to the UK for some TLC. She saw a hand specialist who confirmed that she had broken the tip of her finger. She had an operation to help it heal in place, and cannot sail for 4-6 weeks.
Sophie explained that although the set back will mean missing the next World Cup event, the Princess Sofia Regatta in Palma, it is not a disaster. It will be difficult not being there to test themselves against the fleet, but it will give them a different perspective and allow them to build on their fitness for the coming season.
Eilidh is due to have the wire removed from her finger soon and the girls plan to compete at the final World Cup event in Hyeres, France at the end of April, but will review it nearer the event depending upon Eilidh’s recovery.
Sophie and Eilidh were at Hayling Island Sailing Club in April for a Team 3,2,1 fund raising event. They shared with their supporters, sponsors, friends and families what their campaign will entail, some of the highs and lows (including a close-up of Eilidh’s broken finger!), where the journey will take them and what it will enable them to achieve.