Results / RS Asymmetric Coaching Notts County SC - 10/04/2010

Asymmetric Training Event – Notts County Sailing Club.

On Saturday 10^th April over 50 asymmetric sailors gathered at Notts County Sailing Club (NCSC) to participate in a training event supported by the RS association. Mark Reddington & Colin Staite both RYA national coaches and experienced asymmetric sailors provided a range of tips and advice on how to get more out of boat performance and how to move up the fleet.

The forecast was for a hot day with light winds …. we got the sunshine early on and enjoyed a cooked breakfast courtesy of the NCSC kitchen – the wind proved to be a bit more illusive.

 The course was fully booked prior to the event with 17 club boats and 5 visitors making up the 23 entrants.  In all there were 16 Rs400’s , 4 Rs200’s , 2 Vago’s and a Laser 2000. The keen crews had boats rigged prior to the introductory briefing at 10 am and were ready for an early start.

The 150 acre expanse of water looked inviting but very tranquil with no wind! Mark & Colin adapted their programme of instruction by focusing on boat set-up and rigging tips surrounded by attentive students on the lake shore. This gave an opportunity to ask specific questions of our experts and compare and contrast the set-up of the different designs.

After lunch the coaches showed video’s of previous training courses as we waited for the wind to fill-in, this focused on good techniques for boat handling.  Eventually the wind started to develop across the lake and we rushed to our boats and out on the water to apply some of the things we’d discussed. The coaches provided one-on-one comments as they tracked selected dinghies across the sailing area taking video footage for further tutorial support.

Late in the day we replayed some of the video footage which provided valuable feedback on boat handling with a focus on tacking, gybing and kite work.

The event was well supported and provided a platform to share knowledge from asymmetric coaches to boat owners keen to add to their sailing competences.  The evening rounded off with rice & curry in the traditional NCSC hospitable style.

My thanks to the professional coaches & other volunteers who helped to make the event a success.  Throughout the summer we can apply some of the new knowledge in preparation for our Rs400 open meeting on  25^th & 26^th September , when we hope to welcoming more visitors from around the country.

Ross Ryan

RS400 Fleet Captain.