Blue skies and gentle breezes for the latest HISC Get Racing Club event
by Sarah Johnson 24 Sep 2014 09:21 BST
13 September 2014
Blue skies and gentle breezes finally welcomed the fleet of 12 dinghies and 20 participants who took part in the latest HISC Get Racing Club.
The most recent event participants enjoyed the enthusiasm and experience of the mentor team of Tom Morris, Emma Porteous, Fiona Sayce and Keith Walker, who gave a pre-event briefing on the course layout, start line procedures and some key reminders about basic rules including port/starboard, windward/leeward and room at the marks.
Once on the water, the sailors completed four races; three short triangles with a longer triangle/sausage combination for the final race. The starts were competitive and the racing was close and it was clear from the outset that group had really advanced their racing knowledge and experience.
Race mentors Fiona Sayce and Keith Walker, who have been involved with the Get Racing initiative previously, were impressed to see how far the GRC members had progressed and honed their sailing skills since the start of the initiative at the beginning of the season. The event culminated in true HISC tradition with a drink at the bar and an informal debrief on the day's learning experiences.
Commenting on the event, Get Racing Mentor Tom Morris said, "It was clear from the start this wasn't a group of boats getting to grips with sailing around a course, but a fleet of sailors engaged in racing. I was really impressed with what has been achieved through the Get Racing Club initiative with groups of volunteer members and a mix of boats and enthusiastic participants."
The final Get Racing Club event for 2014 will take place on Saturday 4th October 2014 and we are keen to attract as many participants as possible. Mark Pollington and Dave Smithwhite will be leading the event with a team of keen assistants so there will be plenty of opportunity for coaching and learning new skills. Members own boats are always welcome as well as the club RS Ventures for those non-boat owners and less experienced helm and crews wishing to take part. To book a place in an RS Venture or register your own boat for the last event of 2014 please contact Leah at .
There is the possibility of some winter shore based social/workshop sessions for the Get Racing Club, to look at some more advanced racing skills including sail settings, boat on boat tactics, course bias and line bias. Keep an eye on the website for more information www.hisc.co.uk.