With the easing of restrictions, we attempted to start training last Tuesday with the Optimist Gold fleet, but the weather was a little too extreme for our junior sailors.  The sailors were keen.  Safety of the sailors, coaches and coach boats were the main factor canceling the session.

Two Youth sailors Toby and Annabelle got out in a Laser 4.7 and Open Skiff, Here’s a couple of videos showing the action.

Sunday saw us start with the Opti Gold and Silver squads at staggered times.

There was a light wind but when I checked on the session with coach Rome Featherstone it seemed to be running well.

 

Rome was asking the sailors in the socially distanced debrief to always ask “Why” they are doing a training session.  I thought this was a good point.  Many times I’m sure sailors go out for a sail because it is a habit.  Maybe there are bad habits being re-inforced every week.

Having a goal and a specific reason to address or improve something is a really good idea.

Sometimes I’ve coached sailors at regattas where we specifically worked on areas and didn’t even think of the result of the regatta.  Knowing once we fix those key aspects the results generally come.

So in the above, Toby was able to nail his heavy weather gybes.  From what I saw of the Opti’s, many need to work on using heel angle instead of rudder around marks to minimise drag.

So next time you are out sailing, try to decide on a small or large goal to work on and make it specific.  If you need help, drop me an email.

 

Hope to see more of you on the water soon.

Denis