Today's report

Friday, 17-July 2009:   OK, yesterday was too packed with events to get a blog in but the Opening Ceremonies were Olympic-style grandeur which, as athlete's, we got to watch the end of it from the infield of the stadium, while sweating in the tunnels below for the really cool show part.  But it was truly amazing to be there.

Today was the first day of racing.   The 200 meter races were the morning event.   We took 3rd in our first heat, 3rd in second heat which was the fastest 3rd which put us in the A final.   We ended up in 5th but ironed out a lot of things that you would normally do if you practiced together more often.   

Then there was the 2000 ... we were DQ'd!  We battled the German boat 3 times and hit the Japanese boat ... pinning the steers-person to the tail of the boat and spinning it across the race course which disabled all teams behind us from passing.  This enabled the slower teams in front of the pack to enjoy their clear water and eventually medal.  We were wondering why the Canadian teams congratulated us coming off the water. 

Afterwards security whisked us away to a nearby hotel and the German team to a separate hotel.  It was suggested that we not attend the all-teams buffet dinner tonight to let things blow over.   Nothing like a little drama!