Results / Training Day with Ben Whaley Parkstone YC - 25/04/2026

Parkstone Yacht Club RS400 Training Day with Ben Whaley – 25/4/2026 

Nine Helm and Crew teams attended the RS Training Day hosted at PYC including visitors Simon Geyman from Lymington Town SC crewed by Oli Hicklin from Bognor SC. 

Our Trainer Ben Whaley, past RS200 National Champion and RS400 Champion Crew, kicked off the days session in the Classroom focussing on the crewing role and how boat speed can be significantly impacted by making the helm's life easier, so they could focus on mainsheet and steering, driving the boat as fast as possible. This enlightening and thorough Q/A was then taken outside and using a fully rigged boat (with others sitting and holding it down), Ben jumped inside and gave a master class on crew positions, tacking ad sail control. 

We launched after and on a short Windward/Leeward course, practised the ‘Trigger Pull’ start, and slow speed manoeuvring and holding position on the line. A handful of races in the sunny conditions and building light breeze, satisfied the trainee competitors!  Then it was ashore for Debrief and Tea.  

Thank you to everyone who attended, Ben for an excellent and practical days instruction, and Rob Timmis who crewed the RIB, which was invaluable. 

Let's see who can put their skills into practice at the RS400 Southern Champs at Warsash, 6/7 June, closely followed by Parkstone's Southern Tour event on18/19 July!  Extra points for any that make it up to the Northern Champs at Carsington, this weekend, 16/17 May!

Report by Paul Frey 1407, Class Captain.