Midlands ITCA Winter Training at Hykeham Sailing Club
by Liz Welbourn 12 Nov 2014 07:12 GMT
8 November 2014
Fifteen Topper sailors braved challenging weather conditions to take to the water at Hykeham Sailing Club last Saturday for the first day of the ITCA Midlands 2014/15 Winter Open Training Programme. Gusts of up to 30 knots entertained the more experienced sailors whilst giving those newer to the sport plenty of opportunity to practice their capsize drills.
Hykeham sailors were joined by others from as far afield as Hollowell and Manor Park to sail under the instruction of coaches Mark Jackson and Adam Millington, who chose this event to concentrate the sailors minds on the importance of getting a good start when racing, explaining line bias and use of transits, before the sailors took to the water to practice these, and boat control, using a variety of different exercises.
Most of the morning was spent teaching the sailors in ability groups before the fleet combined for a number of short, fun races, in the afternoon.
"It was a really enjoyable day with great winds and great coaches" said 12 year old Nick Welbourn, "I'm really looking forward to the next one".
The ITCA Midlands Winter Training is open to any Topper Sailor, from those who've enjoyed club training and want to step up to the next level, through to experienced sailors who are members of national squads and want to refine their skills whist enjoying extra time on the water with their friends. It aims to provide high quality coaching in a friendly supportive atmosphere at a variety of clubs throughout Midlands over the winter. If you'd like to be involved please contact Annie Bhogal, for further information and details of how to book a place at future events, or see the Midlands pages on the ITCA website www.gbrtopper.co.uk/page.php?24
The next training day will be at South Staffs Sailing Club on 29th November.