04/18/2016
As many of you know by now, we did not reach our goal of qualifying as the US Nacra 17 for the 2016 Olympics. That said, we have had many successes since embarking on our journey two years ago. We started as absolute newbies to the Nacra 17 class and the world of Olympic campaigns and leave with unquantifiable knowledge, unforgettable friends, and entirely unique memories.
In addition, two members of Odyssey Racing - Ian Andrewes and Evan Aras - will be coaching in Rio this August. Since parting with Odyssey Racing in the fall of 2014, Ian has been coaching the Canadian Nacra 17 team of Nikola Girke / Luke Ramsay - One Team, One Dream. This January they were successful in securing the bid for Canada in Rio, and we wish them all the success in the coming months. Evan went on from Odyssey Racing to coach the successful US 49er bid of Barrows Morris Olympic Campaign. I urge everyone to follow these two amazing teams and their coaches as they continue their push towards success in Rio.
I would like to thank everyone again for your continued support throughout our highs and lows over the past two years. By liking our page here, buying a tech tee or fleece, and donating to our campaign through the Sailing Foundation of New York you have become a part of Odyssey Racing and a part of the success we have had along the way.
As Vince Lombardi said, "We didn't lose the game, we just ran out of time." We feel this sentiment holds true to the great strides we were able to make over two years.
If anyone would like more insight into what campaigning has been like, you can read my article titled "The Realities of an Olympic Campaign" in the most recent edition of ILYA Scowslants.
The article spans pages 14-15 here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/fd076865-44ce-43cd-b282-70a3d3cb66bb
And finally, as our bid for 2016 has now come to a close, it is time to put the 123 and 269 up for sale. If you or anyone you know may be interested in a well maintained Nacra 17, please let me know - I currently have two of them!
All the best,
Stephanie Hudson