Ross Bennett's Olympic Dream

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Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

As promised:


Where you teaching a clinic out there? -03/22

So this Wednesday was my first time out since....... Turkey Day at ABYC? Fack it's been awhile....... This was a special occasion for me as one of my yacht clubs, Lake Mission Viejo Yacht Club (http://members.cox.net/lmvyc/) has recently acquired a handful of Balboa 13's from my other YC, Balboa Yacht Club, and it was the start of the Wednesday series, which also happened to be Spring break for me. The Balboa 13 is a funky little boat, to me the hull shape is a mix for a Finn, Europe, and a 505. It's got a fine entry in the front, and flat and wide in the back, if you roll it to hard, you'll scoop in tons of water. It only has a Main, but it has check stays, so its more fun than a Laser as far as adjustability goes, and it's very tippy! So I must say I love it! Gotta find one for cheap and fix it up! It was also nice to sail against other Balboa 13's, instead of being the only Laser on the lake. A lot to be said for One Design!

I admit that before going out on Wednesday, I was a bit worried that I might be a bit rusty. It's been since November, I am currently in Physical Therapy, and am currently doing the whole student thing. But as usual I worried for nothing and it all came rushing back to me. I did a roll tack, a roll jibe, remembered that hiking with a short tiller extension sucks and that winds on a lake ALWAYS shift just as you get comfortable, and then dump you in the water, forgot what it's like to have a wet butt.. We had a couple of informal races, never had a start line, we just grouped up and headed for a mark, and finished near a mark, and we did about three of those. It was nice to be able to jump in a new boat, on a lake, and feel pretty good in it, and do very well. As always, I can never remember where in bloody hell the marks are on this lake, so when I sail without a course chart, I have to rely on the usual plan: TACK ON EVERYONE! It seems to work. The key is to figure out the vague direction you heading in, get ahead of everyone, and tack on them, and when they tack, tack back, and continue. It's easy really. Sooner or later you figure out the marks again, and your legit! It was just nice to go out there after so long, and get ahead of everyone and win like the old days, lets hope it lasts.

When we go back to the Pizza place, for after race pizza, Rod asked me if I was running a clinic out there! Thats one of the best compliments I've gotten since I can remember! Thanks a lot Rod, Hope the knee keeps healing, we're pulling for ya!

Speaking of knee's... I met with my shoulder doc yesterday, for all of 10 minutes, after waiting for 45 minutes.... (shame on you for making me wait for long!!) and he said it looked like I was improving, but to do another month of Physical Therapy, and I'll see you in six weeks. I feel good, so another month of PT can't hurt. Oh well..

So I've started to buy all the stuff that I need for Europe this summer, and it's nice when you realize that you just might have underbudgeted, just a smidge..... So far I've got some Hot Chillys underlayers (http://www.hotchillys.com/cm/Home.html) for Baltic. Very good stuff, I used to own a bit of it before my whole gear bag got stolen while I was out sailing at a regatta a couple of years ago. But I would highly recommend it, but under layers I've ever had. I also got the Henri Lloyd Shadow Smock with hood, Salopette, and Musto HPX Ocean Boots, they seem like wonderful stuff, can't complain so far, but I haven't been sailing in it yet, so I have no reason to. Full reports on how all that works after it's been put to the test. My accountant is still crying.....

I also bought some stuff to do some splicing and that has been an adventure! The full adventure can be found at Sailing Anarchy, and I would like to thank everyone that got me through it and kept me from slitting my wrists, it was a long journey! http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtopic=68985&st=0
Basically I going to splice the primary line on to the top block of my downhaul. And splice the boom/top block of my vang, make it all nice and neat.

Also in the news, I will now be sponsored by Ink Me, in their Sail division, which is very exciting. The site is not up yet, but here's the link, so save it, and keep trying! More on that soon, as I don't know much either. www. inkmenow. com

I'm also going to be product testing and reviewing for Intensity Sails (http://www.intensitysails.com/) I'm very excited about this as they have some very good stuff. More on that as it comes in.

Laser MidWinters West is next weekend, and I will be sailing Friday and Sunday so I will have a report for those days. As usual, I will have to miss Saturday as I have math class, I must go because I have a test the following weekend, which I must pass to keep my average up!

Have a Happy Easter, and stay safe out there!
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Laser MidWinters West is next weekend, and I will be sailing Friday and Sunday so I will have a report for those days. As usual, I will have to miss Saturday as I have math class, I must go because I have a test the following weekend, which I must pass to keep my average up!

Just an idea......Many years ago when I was in school I had the chance to do a Chi-Mac race. However, we were having mid-terms during that week of summer school. I told all of my professors that I had a chance to do this great 300 mile sail boat race on the GL's and each one rearranged my exams so I could go!:D

My point? See if your teacher will allow you to sit in on another class so you don't have to miss the Saturday race. Tell them about your olympic aspirations and I'll bet they will work w/you.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

I understand what your saying, but this class, by this teacher is only on Saturday, so it doesn't really work, it's only one semester anyways. Gotta do what you gotta do....
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

I want to highlight a few things that stuck out to me while reading your newest entry - and in no way should it detract from the obvious positives of that wednesday's activities. You may have already done this during your post race debrief.

You need to begin train yourself to drop the self doubt. Sure it had been a long time between events but how many more times do you have to rediscover your ability before you finally believe in yourself? You can do it. So shut the doubt up and build on the fact you can do it. It's time to move on from maybe's, you don't need to go back to zero everytime. Everyone has their good and not so good days but the winner crosses the line first. That's all there is to it. It is possible to race your finest race and still feel like shit. Forget your emotions and support yourself in self confidence based on fact.

Secondly, that days racing was a fine stepping stone, but don't waste your time sailing against casual groups. That you didn't know the course or the bouys suggests either you were lax - perhaps the reason being your doubt, and you were soaking up some social good feeling to compensate - as in the above example, or that the group were not seriously racing. Socialising, pizza nights etc are great for a boost, but don't get lost in them. You have seperated yourself from that crowd by determining your path toward the olympics. Like a boy gives up his toys, you have chosen to give up certain luxuries in order to discover olympic gold. You can choose to socialise or not, but always stop to acknowledge what it is you're doing, why you are doing it and how it relates to your olympic focus. That way you will never waste time socilising at an event that does not offer any benefits for your goal.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Good to hear about the additional sponsors and access to intensity sails. Sounds like a good platform for success.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Practice is practice, and that is exactly was Wednesday night is considered. I just use it to out out there and stay sharp, The people that sail there are damn fine sailors, and will give you a run for your money if you let your guard down. It's not crazy serious, its after class, for two hours or so, just something to do, instead of sitting behind the computer, and then we eat! Certainly can't hurt.

And because of my ADD w/out hyperactivity, my memory is absolute crap! So when I haven't sailed somewhere for two years, I'm not going to remember where the marks are!
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Time in a boat is better than time in front of a computer! Good to see you're back out. Now lather, rinse, repeat.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

I heard about this guy, he got some wicked cancer, and is on deaths door.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Laser Midwinter's West Day 1 - 03/29


Laser Midwinters West started yesterday, and I was feeling ok about it. I thought that aside from missing Saturday because of math class, it was going to be just another regatta. Boy was I wrong. It was pretty horrific. The waves were absolutely huge. More like swells really, they were so big, that when you were in the trough of one wave, and the next guy was in the wave of the trough ahead, you couldn't see him, mast and all! Unfortunately unlike the 2003 MWW, which had swell to match, 10 ft+, and was blowing 20+ with three days of rain, Saturday was pretty light, ranging from 8 to 12. This made sailing the waves pretty difficult. You were usually fine going up the waves, but once you got on top of the waves, and over the side, the boat just seemed to fall on top of you, and you just stooped, you couldn't hike at all when this happened, you just got tea bagged, it sucked. And going into the waves was ok, but going parallel to them was horrible, just horrible. I didn't do well in this regatta, absolutely terrible for me. I know it's not my lack of practice. I went racing last Wednesday and got back into it. The Laser is like a bicycle, you can get back in and do your thing, and your pretty much good to go. I think I was just heavily mentally prepared for a flat water, or flat water with short chop/waves, and was just totally confounded with enormous swell, I don't often race in that, as Long Beach benefits from a breakwater, and Newport is pretty flat. Too my defense, there was a High Surf warning till 2pm yesterday, and the swells did get a bit smaller through out the day. Oh well, try again Sunday, and do better next time.


I also want to give a shout out to Sailing Pro Shop in Long Beach, for hooking me up with gear again for Baltic. They have some very nice gloves by Harken called Trimmer Gloves (http://www.sailingproshop.com/Products/Harken-Trimmer-Gloves__Harken-2087.aspx) and they are awesome! All five fingers fully covered, can't get much better then that.

Also, while I've been gone from Laser sailing because of school, (I'ts hard to maintain an A grade average, and Saturday Stats class! Gimme a break!) has the Laser outhaul setting changed at all? I've always done one had depth from finger tips to watch/glove band for the loosest setting usually done at the first mainsheet block, but I've seen pics of it at the boom cleat, anyone done it there? It was just weird, as at MWW, it looked like people were trimming their sail A LOT looser. Let me know your opinion, and shoot me an email.


Till next time, keep your dreams alive.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Saturday was pretty light, ranging from 8 to 12. This made sailing the waves pretty difficult. You were usually fine going up the waves, but once you got on top of the waves, and over the side, the boat just seemed to fall on top of you, and you just stooped, you couldn't hike at all when this happened, you just got tea bagged, it sucked. And going into the waves was ok, but going parallel to them was horrible, just horrible.

Well, congrats on even trying! Sounds pretty scary to me. Can anybody give some tips on how to sail in this sort of stuff?
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

That would be great. It's been a long time since I've sailed in massive swells. It wasn't scary in the little amount of wind we had, just frustrating, now sailing in 10+ swells in 20+ knots of wind is "I need new underpants" scary!
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Laser Midwinter's West Day 1 - 03/29

I didn't do well in this regatta, absolutely terrible for me. I know it's not my lack of practice. I went racing last Wednesday and got back into it. The Laser is like a bicycle, you can get back in and do your thing, and your pretty much good to go.

Ross, do you really believe this? Of course it's about your lack of practice! Why else do the top guys spend 100+ hours per month on the water? The one thing more than any other that makes a Laser sailor fast is how much time they spend on the water.

It was just weird, as at MWW, it looked like people were trimming their sail A LOT looser. Let me know your opinion, and shoot me an email.

Just sounds like powering up for the big waves. You need extra power in that stuff otherwise you won't get up and over the waves.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Well, congrats on even trying! Sounds pretty scary to me. Can anybody give some tips on how to sail in this sort of stuff?

It's a big topic.

Upwind, lots of steering, lots of trimming, lots of body movement (the legal kind of course!). All three coordinated to keep the boat flat and fully powered. There will be big changes in apparent wind direction and strength and you need to react to every one, preferably before they happen. Minimise the time you spend going up waves and maximise the time you spend going down them.

Downwind, one wave more than the competition can give you a gain of many boat lengths so do everything you can to get on and stay on the waves. Use big angles. This only works if you work the mainsheet hard - you may be trimming 12 feet or more of mainsheet in and out with each change of direction. The trimming needs to be fast; use it and boat heel to make the turns. The boat planes faster flat, so keep it flat unless you are turning. Don't chase the wrong wave as chasing and missing a waves can be very slow. Always be looking ten seconds ahead for the next wave, and 30 seconds to a minute ahead for the pressure.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Only adjustment I've found that seems to work in big waves that don't match the light wind is leave the centreboard down when running. Sometimes you'll get pushed down the face of a wave sideways if there isn't enough board to stop you.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Laser Midwinters West Day 3 - 3/30


Well today was Day 3. Unfortunately I had to miss Day 2 because of math class, and I'm glad I did, as we have a test next Saturday, and we went over 60% of the material that will be on the test. Gotta do what you gotta do. Thankfully today was a lot better then Day 1. The swells seemed to have calmed down some, and the wind came up a bit, much nicer. It seemed I was able to get back in my groove a bit more, and I felt more comfortable for the conditions. This weekend really turned into practice for Kiel for me. Seeing as how I was so unprepared for this regatta considering the conditions, there wasn't much I could do, I haven't been in a Laser since Turkey Day because of school, but thankfully I did a bit better today then on Day 1, so I don't feel to bad. Just gotta get out more. It was interesting today that we had 3 general recalls for the first race, with the last have an I and Z flag. I'm pretty stoked that my starts turned out pretty well, so at least something went well this weekend.


Final scores can be seen at:
http://www.mbyc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=347&Itemid=51

To everyone at SA:

I gotta clear some stuff up for the guys on SA. I don't get why it is so necessary to put me down. I am no threat to you. I realize that there are A LOT of people that are A LOT better then me, and they have a far better chance of getting to the Olympics then me, and that the chance of me going is very, very, very, very, very slim. But did it ever hurt anyone to try? The dream of someday possibly going to the Olympics is something that keeps me sailing, and it gives me something to look forward to. It's just a dream, and while it is a dream, I think it's worth pursuing to the fullest extent that I can. I realize I'm not Andrew Campbell, not even close, but I'm just doing what I love. I don't have the natural God given talent that those of AC, and Schiedt, and Ainslie have. For those races that I have won, that come far and few between, I have to work very hard for.

And I consider it a great honour to sail for this great country, and my great yacht club, and the possibility that I might be able to represent them in the greatest competition is just a wonderful thought, and I thought through this website, I could share that with everyone. Unfortunately you guys on SA are absolutely killing that for me. I just can't beleive that you guys have gone as far as you have putting me down. I am embarrassed for the sailing community. We really should try and be more uplifting of people, even if their goals are as lofty as mine, we should be doing everything we can to promote sailing as much as we can, and help everyone we can. We're not making ourselves look good here. I know that SA has always been different, but this has gotten out of had. You guys killed MWW for me, I actually did not want to go, I was not looking forward to it. I was actually questioning sailing altogether. But I had one of those harden up moments and decided it would in everyones interest to not go postal....

Also, you guys seem so concerned that I'm stealing sponsorship from other people, and I would like to assure you that I am not. My one sponsor offered to send me some shirts, and said put a sticker on your boom, and we'll call it cool. My other sponsor is a smidge more serious, their going to be selling a shirt for me, and they might send me a buck or two here and there. And thats it. In no way is anyone sending me bags of money, or Land Rovers, or containers of gear from Adidas. I am not stealing sponsors, and the sponsorship I have is pretty bottom of the barrel.

I am also not able to compete at my best level right now, you guys don't seem to understand the concept that I am a student FIRST AND FOREMOST right now! It's all that matters at this moment. If I can squeeze in some sailing around my class schedule, then thats pretty awesome, and I'll do it. As you guys know, I'll be doing Kiel and Baltic this summer, you know why? NO SCHOOL! And since I'll be going to Concordia next Fall, hopefully I'll be able to avoid a Saturday class, but Fridays are unknown, I'll have to take it as it comes. I just need to get through school as fast as a I can (preferably before I hit 30!) and after that, I will try to ramp up the campaign, and do some more stuff in Europe and Oceania, and I'll see what happens and try and do trials. But right now, I have to concentrate on school as much as possible, and sail when I can, and do the best I can.

I do know one thing, that when I die, I want to know that I tried the best I could, and that I gave it my all doing what I loved. If I've done that by then, I'll know that I accomplished something worth while, and that I can die happy.

Till next time, keep your dreams alive.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

It's Sailing Anarchy. They rip on everybody for everything over there. (I think I've heard you rip on people there, too) I imagine you've found that the people you meet at regattas are much friendlier than people in the Internet universe.

You're smart to get school done with first. I know a few people on Olympic campaigns, and they are all-consuming. A good thing to do right out of school and before you have to get a real job.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

What Michelle said, and:

I wish you well in your continuing quest to represent the USA at the Olympics. Most people with high aspirations keep quiet about it until they get nearer the goal. You, however, are not timid, and that is a quality that will help with your sailing and in life as long as you can express some humility along with it. You are getting better at that.

I’d like to advise you--SA has an entertainment function. You right now are the object of their entertainment, and often, comedy is cruel. It’s not just SA. When the net was new I found a writer’s forum, after I had my first book published, and I tell you those people were unusually good at giving cruel digs. But they were wannabes without any real vision and the necessary persistence to reach a lofty goal, and any new person who came in looking for advice and inspiration were shot down. It was soul killing and I was out of there after the second visit. Nothing good can come out of a place like that. Here’s the reason: People who live their lives from their armchairs or in their heads only want to bring you down to their level to validate their own lives. So if you want validation, stop hanging out on the seedy side of town. You can’t convert them from being losers. Associate only with people who support your dreams. This is one aspect of what successful people do in all walks of life.

Best,
Janet

P.S. Keep this in mind when you "rip on people" yourself and what it means about you.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

I do know one thing, that when I die, I want to know that I tried the best I could, and that I gave it my all doing what I loved. If I've done that by then, I'll know that I accomplished something worth while, and that I can die happy.

Till next time, keep your dreams alive.

Good attitude. Keep up the hard work.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Hey Ross,

Firstly, great idea on turning this thread into a sort of blog function, i've enjoyed reading it. I'm actually writing a paper analyzing 'virtual communities' and i choose LaserForum as my community. Your campaign and people's reaction to it is basically the focus of the paper.

Anyways, Im an active collegiate laser sailor and although to most it may seem far-fetched for you to become an Olympic sailor, it honestly boils down to what you think. I know from you're perspective that having the title of "Olympic Hopeful" adds so much pressure to you in the sailing community, because now everyone is wondering how well or how terrible you're doing at competitions. I coach my sailing team here in TX and i am astonished by how quickly my teammates learn how to sail from no experience at all. The Olympics are in 2012 and 2016? Who is anyone to say what you can accomplish in that time span.

Saying that, just watch what you say when responding to these "haters". you can loose a lot of credibility by exploding at someone, even if its on the internet.

Someone mentioned before that the people you meet on the water are much nicer than the people on here. Thats true, its called seamanship and sportsmanship. Anyone who matters wont treat you like they do on SA.

Keep sailing and good luck.
If you're ever in College Station lets go cut up some waves.

-Dave
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

I promised myself I wasn't going to jump in here, but I can't resist...

I don't get why it is so necessary to put me down.

Ross, it's because you come off as kind of an ass much of the time (I mean, what's the deal with "Laser Savant"?). For example, compare your postings with the "Campbell Sailing" series. In your writing it's all about your classes and off-topic stuff. And stop "name dropping"; you're not good enough at it, and it just makes you sound desperate for attention.

Try concentrating on writing about your sailing and the experience of participating in all these events. Write about what your mistakes and what you learned from them. I think you'll find a much more receptive audience to that style (esp. here - SA is pretty much a lost-cause, although who knows...). It may even help your training to "debrief" after a regatta and think back and collect your thoughts about what happened.

Take your audience seriously and they will reciprocate.

Cheers,

Geoff S.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

The campbell sailing series is just plain boring. You can't talk to the guy unless you register on his site and if he visits here he ignores all comments. Result: a frontline sailing resource is lost.

Last I commented on his auto post here was his thinly veiled attempt at humility over what he does all day. Must have been copping flack from the thousands of "opinionators" round the traps and in response he made a mockery of his hard work. It's called tall poppy syndrome in these parts.

the opportunity here is that not only the campaigner, but the spectators get to learn something too. People want to be entertained and they love to see success and performance in sports. You can get that at any level.

So come on guys, ask some intelligent questions of these campaigners, bring some facts and figures to the table. All this gut feeling stuff and crystal ball gazing is boring as hell. Mix a bit of wanting to know about the campaigner with all this show of your own personal opinion. Tend this resource with a view to it becoming something that exceeds your expectations. Drop the "I know better than him" attitude. And bear in mind that these guys still have a campaign to run and can't be at your beckon call 24/7. Deal with your disappointment when they make a decision you don't agree with. They can't be you and them. LOL It's just a blog, a rough record of somethng happening out there in the real world, be realistic, take it easy, relax. LOL
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

In your writing it's all about your classes and off-topic stuff.
Geoff S.

This stuff is not off-topic. It's what's preventing him from full bore training, and he's constantly being attacked for not all out training. He's respecting his audience by explaining the situation to them.

I agree about the "Laser Savant." :rolleyes: A little humility, Ross, goes a long way.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

One thing for sure, he's getting press time and exposure! Kinda Paris Hilton type of exposure, but don't they say in the land of fruits and nuts, "It's worse when they don't talk about you at all."?
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

I agree about the "Laser Savant." :rolleyes: A little humility, Ross, goes a long way.


That was meant to be a bit of a joke, cryin out loud....

Poll Time: What should I change it to?
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

I promised myself I wasn't going to jump in here, but I can't resist...




Geoff S.

Didn't we go over this before, and you agreed not to read as what I do, and the way I do it, doesn't fit your lifestyle? What happened to that? I certainly held up my end of the bargain.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

This stuff is not off-topic. It's what's preventing him from full bore training, and he's constantly being attacked for not all out training. He's respecting his audience by explaining the situation to them.

My bad; I should have been more verbose on that item. I agree 100% that the "off topic" stuff is crucial to building a complete picture of Ross' situation. It's the "human interest" aspect to the narrative and it's one of the things that can make a story compelling.

IMHO, the problem with Ross' story is the dissonance between the "I'm a big Bad-Ass Laser Sailor" attitude and missing a day of a regatta due to class. Of course people expect a "bad-ass" to miss class for a regatta, and they get confused when he doesn't. (again) IMHO, if Ross presented himself as "just" a sailor with dreams of going to the Olympics, then his trials and tribulations would elicit more sympathy than scorn.

On the upside, a positive on-line presence can be a very helpful thing. I've been writing on-line about my iceboating for the past few years, and whenever I meet someone new at a regatta it's pretty common to get "Oh! You're Geoff from the Internet. Cool!". As people have pointed out before, publicity from a reputation like that can open doors; a different reputation can close them just as effectively.

All this is intended purely with a "constructive criticism" attitude, but you can't be constructive without being critical.

Cheers,

Geoff S.
 
Re: Ross Bennett's Olympic Path

Didn't we go over this before, and you agreed not to read as what I do, and the way I do it, doesn't fit your lifestyle? What happened to that? I certainly held up my end of the bargain.

I honestly thought I could add something constructive to the dialog.

If not, feel free to have the mods delete my posts.
 
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