Solo Fleet News

Solo Training at Corus (Margam)

Many thanks to Chris Goldhawk and Paul Kimmens for the training they both provided at Corus Sailing Club on Saturday 27 September 2008 . 11 Soloist attended 8 from the home club and 3 from nearby Llantephan’s River Towy Boat Club for a 10:30 start.

It is surprising what you can learn from accomplished trainers, no matter what level of sailor you are, even if it is only to confirm you are doing some things correctly, it also helps to get rid of the bad habits you have picked up and clarify what is legal to do and what is not.

We started with a quick warm up for the trainers to have some assessment of certain participant’s requirements. We then had a series of tacking and gybing on the whistle using the full length of the reservoir. Most of the sailor completed more tacks and gybes  during these exercises than they have all year during racing and came off the water for a break and debrief suitably tired.

After lunch it was down to us to suggest what we would like to practice, it came as no surprise we wanted to learn how to start, as for club racing we all push the line but when it comes to the Welsh open some get a bit line shy. Attempting to hold station caught quite a number of us out but the more we practiced the better we got, as Chris said this something you can practice anytime just get out a bit early for the club race pick a mark and see how long you can hold station. We also practiced hunters and hoverers this is good fun and very effective in trying to protect your bit of water for a good clean start.

We came off the water for the final debrief at 15:30 . Chris and Paul were very constructive with their criticism and gave useful tips to improve our sailing they were in no rush to go and we learnt even more having a general talk. Once again many thanks for everything you both have done and a special thank you to Simon Jones for co-ordinating the event at short notice. We hope to have another training day next year.

If you haven’t had one you are missing out and it is free to association members. It just needs some one at your club to sort out a day, a couple of rescue craft and some marks.

Happy sailing

Bob Taylor  

Meet the Fleet