The events over the last few days have made my decision the right one, but still I wonder why I feel really sorry to not be there !

AHHHHHH !

Turns out I'm actually working very hard these weeks (think 60 hours weeks) as to completely rewrite an university course on control systems that some old retiree never saw fit to update beyond the early 1970's. This basically comes down to writing all the lecture notes, a new (small) course book and completely redesigning & testing the assignments myself in the span of only 4 weeks. I just heard I'm also going to do the three courses on "mechanics of materials" and I certainly hope those are in better state or I have a problem.

However, it is good to see the Sicouri's participating themselves (the charter boat that was momentarily on offer and I went after) and the fact that Christa van Helden is there as well. She was with me in 2005 at one of the very first F16's ever. After a while Darren told me that he was taking three boats to Como and therefore he could no longer offer me (rather my boat) a spot. I had been wanting to get Christa on a F16 for years. Somehow, that makes losing my boat spot both bearable and unbearable at the same time.

I must also say that Geert (my hero) has offered me a crewing spot last week but I had to recline. He still went to the event however and is racing singlehandedly. People who have seen Geert in real life understand why that makes him my hero.

So I guess I'm now one of those people that crave for regatta news each day. So whoever is responsible for that, you'll have another deeply thankful reader !

Other then that I just have to accept that things didn't work out for me this time. It was simply a bridge too far.

But lets not forget that I'm also extremely happy with this switch between employers. It maybe be alot of work over the next few weeks and leaves a gap in my budget right at this F16 Europeans but the associated benefits are most certainly worth it ! The result of several years of investing lots of money and time.

So, have a beer on my account, gals and guys !

I wish you all the very best of luck and enjoyment there !

Wouter