Results / GUL Grand Prix Middle Nene SC - 26/05/2012
RS400 Training at Aberdeen and Stonehaven
5
boats turned out for the 3rd and final 2011 training session at
Aberdeen and Stonehaven Yacht Club on weekend 16/17 July. This gave a
healthy ratio for superstar Olympic coach Mark Barron to build on the
work of the previous 2 sessions and given the sea venue there was
particular focus this time on sail trim and wave technique.
Unfortunately the weather was not as ordered, and despite some great
waves rolling in the light and variable northerly didn’t provide as much
excitement as was hoped, albeit with some useful starting, roll tack
and lightwind downwind practice.
After the sailing the crews reviewed the video footage in the comfortable clubhouse then retired to the “Ship Inn” for an informal crewing seminar, which developed into an informal Q+A session, which developed into an informal Dark n' Stormy evening into the wee small hours......
Sunday
dawned bright and sunny and Costa del Stonehaven lived up to it’s
reputation with a perfect F2-3 some nice waves and blue skies. Sunday
morning was spent with lots of starting practice and short upwind /
downwind races, with the
opportunity to swap both boats and crews which allowed the more
experienced sailors to help those newer to the class. In the afternoon
ASYC generously provided the 400’s with their own class start to the
club racing and special mention must go to Taffy McGibbon who won his
first ever race helming a 4 (and is now immersed in the secondhand
market on the hunt for a bargain boat for the nationals !).
“Most satisified customer” award went to Phil Britton who turned up late, secured a parking space (for both car and trailer!) directly outside the sailing club, discovered his B+B was directly behind the club and the “The Ship Inn” was 2 doors along (and that his stand in crew was an attractive young lady from the local 800 fleet).
Many thanks to all at ASYC for hosting a great event, and in particular Mark Barron and Oli Webster for running a first rate training programme which has been of particular support to those new to the class. The Scottish 400 circus is back at Stonehaven in 1 months time for the summer regatta on 13/14th August (and no doubt some more Dark n'stormys in preparation for the nationals!)