Balance and Trim! Crews cope with stronger winds

It all started from Jerry and his winter Race youth sailors two winters ago, from when they sailed Picos in the harbour in strong winds – and now we have a competent group who have progressed significantly to concentrate on race skills with Graham in their ILCAs. They return to help the current Tuesday youth group as needed, (and get extra coaching when not).
Tuesday 7 June was one such occasion, the wind forecast changing significantly since plans were made the Sunday before, increasing to 13 – 23 kts. Jack chose to use Fusions, helmed by our willing helpers, Simon kept his on-going 420 helms with the more advanced crews, and Jim got everyone on the water for a thrilling sail. There were valuable learning points and excited young sailors who’d faced challenges and been enthused.
Once on the water, Jim and the instructors concentrated on balance, trim and sail setting. If you look at the 420 with Ed’s group, below, you can see how he has the balance right – the boat is flat and his crew Louis and Monty, are concentrating on keeping it that way.

Whereas the Pico with Harry – for trim – he needs to be further forward going upwind and hike more or let the sail out a little to get the boat flatter.

Harry was returning to single-handed sailing after experience in a 420, and survived capsizes, the waves, and getting used to a Pico again in tough conditions – he can’t wait to get back again!
Tom, with Isla in Fusion – boat flat, weight back to get bow out of water on reach, sails set well.

Isla regained her confidence, responded to Tom’s approach, and even had a go at helming! Well done both of you.

Josh D and Alex in 420 – good balance and sail setting while reaching down a wave – bow out of water, sail not flapping, Alex trimming the jib. Josh commented happily : ‘We didn’t capsize’, while Alex said they’d tested their speed against other boats, good practice on the fetch/ reach legs, and he learned about crewing and sail setting as well as balancing the dinghy.

Alex concentrates on the course ahead, but Josh takes a moment to wonder if Elliot’s second crew, watched also by Henry, is hiking a bit too enthusiastically?

Ed has Louis hiking as they keep the 420 flat

Frankie takes Arthur down the waves. All photos : Jim T in Rescue 1, with Ray/ Ferdy
Sorry if we missed some of you in the photos – Jack and Simon working hard to mentor you, Ella jumping in with Alex W when Edward got a bit cold after several capsizes – and hope this gives you a reminder of the conditions we all enjoyed, and what you learned. Sally, for the Team. 7 June 22