SWYSA Winter Race Coaching concludes at Paignton Sailing Club
by Peter Solly 25 Mar 12:00 UTC
23 March 2024
SWYSA Winter Race Coaching concludes at Paignton © Tom Wild
Twenty intrepid SWYSA Sailors braved the forecast for the last SWYSA Winter Race Coaching of the season on Saturday 23rd March, this time at Paignton Sailing Club.
With a high ratio of safety boats to sailors, all sailors launched into sun and wind which was less than forecast. As the wind was westerly, the sailing area was sheltered with no big waves for sailors to contend with. Each of the three fleets (Teras, Toppers and Lasers/ILCAs) had their own coach, but this week, because of the forecast they all sailed on the same course.
All sailors coped really well with the wind, and it was amazing to see how their confidence (as well as their skills) have built through the winter.
The wind built with some strong squalls coming through, and all sailors returned to shore for a short while. Once the wind had moderated, about half of the sailors came out again, while others came in the safety boats to watch. For about half an hour there were fantastic blasting-reaches, which were obviously a lot of fun judging by the screeches of excitement!
Head Coach Stuart Jones controlled the safety extremely well, and as the wind built again, sailors came ashore for a filling pasta lunch cooked by Paignton Sailing Club volunteers.
After lunch coaches ran a shore based session on Nutrition, including how to fuel your body the day before an event as well as on the water, and how to recover afterwards.
This was the last of the winter season's race coaching, and the next SWYSA session is a early season spring training and regatta on Saturday May 4, also at Paignton Sailing Club.
A huge thank you to Paignton Sailing Club for hosting, and to all the coaches and parent volunteers who make the event such as success
Paignton Sailing Club: www.paigntonsailingclub.co.uk
SWYSA: www.facebook.com/swyouthsailing