June 2005

Bruce Keen, taking part in the recent Holland Regatta, one of the worlds biggest dinghy regattas and a key event on the Olympic classes circuit, finished a respectable 50th in the Laser class. With 112 boats contesting the regatta Bruce recorded results mostly in the mid teens, with his best being a 10th and an 11th. Prior to that, in April, Bruce had taken part in the Hyeres Olympic Classes Regatta in France where he finished 62nd in a 124 boat fleet. Smooth Sailing had the opportunity to ask Bruce a few questions after the regatta about Olymic classes sailing and his Laser campaign. Here is what he had to say:

SS: Are you doing an Olympic Campaign or just getting in as many good regattas as you can?

BK: My initial goal is to get as much experience as I can, up until the end of September this year. After that I will re-evaluate my performance (and my bank balance!) and then I will decide whether to commit to an Olympic Campaign.

SS: How are you enjoying the experience of the Olympic Classes Regattas, the atmosphere both on and off the water?

BK: On the water: The regattas are a great experience. The first regatta is a bit of an eye-opener, but once you realise what to expect then you can enjoy the regatta and concentrate on improving your results. Off the water: The phrases "atmosphere off the water" and "Olympic Classes Regatta" do not belong in the same sentence! After 3 races in strong wind there are only three things that interest most of the sailors: Food (followed by more food), TV and sleep! It is only on the evening after the last race that the local bars have some customers!

SS: Were you happy with your results at these events?

BK: Hyeres - Yes, considering I broke my bottom section and therefore had to count a DNF! Holland Regatta - I would have liked to have been about 5 places further up overall, as there were a few guys just ahead of me who I had easily beaten at a Europa Cup the week before.

SS: What's on the program for the rest of the European summer?

BK: Kiel Week, possibly a Europa Cup event in Warnemunde, UK Laser Nationals, Laser Europeans and possibly the Worlds.

SS: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us and good luck for the rest of the season!