‘Ideal conditions’ was Jerry’s comment on the first Race Group training session of 2024. 7 keen ILCAs and one OK turned out for their coaching session with Graham and Jerry, highlighting strategies for rounding the leeward mark. A clear group working together with their coaches was easily visible from shore in the flat sea, Jo keeping watch as Beach. Some of our youth sailors are travelling to Starcross for the Starcross Steamer tomorrow, briefed by Graham and Dave about conditions, courses, tides and the importance of being prepared with a course diagram from the NoR – it is a pursuit race so the ILCAs will need to know where they are going. The 29ers expect to be the fastest, apart from any 800s. Abbey arrived with a double trailer, Dave prepared the Youth Own Boats Race coaching sailors, to take to the water again but in their 29er and L4K. The briefing was on ‘kill the kite’ before gybing, with a short video and demo. Getting the more complicated boats rigged, mast head floats and spinnakers, taping off metal bits and crew gloves, was good learning and good fun. Once on the water, a good breeze and choppier sea gave some challenges. An experienced and a first time crew, they’ve learnt a lot in a short time! The value of our Race groups coaching is making noticeable changes to our club and we are fortunate to have volunteer coaches like Graham, Jerry and Dave.Your Committee are backing 3 candidates on the RYA Level 2 Race Coaching course which will be held here on 13/14 April. Duncan West, SW Performance Manager, has supported our request for this course. We have taken up 4 of the 6 places. As soon as they have all registered, we will be sharing the link with other clubs before the booking goes live on the RYA website.
