SoPYC Cross Training
Our regular cross overtraining had a couple of our Optimists sailors switching between our new Bic Techno Windsurfers and the 29er XS (Extra Small ) rig last Friday. The 29er XS was clocked doing over 15 knots in around 10knots of wind. The sailors have developed great junior skills and we see them progressing very quickly with our onboard expert coaching program. Good work Jack.
WASS Coaching Clinic
This weekend, South of Perth Yacht Club is hosting a training clinic for the WA State Sailing squad, which is a WAIS development group for some of our top youth sailors. Classes attending will be the Lasers, 29er’s and New Foiling Windsurfers.
Training is on Saturday morning and all day Sunday. If anybody would like to see the squads in action, please pop down. I’m sure the sailors and coaches won’t mind having a chat about their experiences. Looking at the forecast it will most likely be a heavy air training camp.
Some key considerations for heavy air sailing include:
- Having your boat very well prepared. Think, anything suspicious will break. So all equipment should be checked thoroughly days before heading out. Not only does it risk losing valuable training time, but you place yourself at risk and decrease the amount of time the squad and coach can conduct suitable training
- Tacks are high drag tacks in strong winds, so you need to pass through head to wind very quickly to minimise the drag effects on your sails.
- Gybes should be done as fast as possible to increase apparent wind and decrease the load on the sails and rig. It takes confidence to charge into high wind maneuvers at full speed.
- Boats are kept as flat as possible. Within 3 degrees of flat 100% of the time, is the aim for top sailors, and fast boat hull shapes are designed with this in mind.
- Know your depowering tools that are available. Foils up, sail controls lowering the center of effort.
