RS Tera North Squad go for speed at Ripon Sailing Club
by Jennie Clark 13 Jan 2015 07:08 GMT
10-11 January 2015
RS Tera North Squad weekend at Ripon © Ian Smith
The RS Tera North Squad enjoyed spectacular conditions for their squad weekend at Ripon Sailing Club on 10 and 11 January. With all the weather stations giving grim forecasts for the weekend (and doing so for days ahead) they certainly didn't disappoint with the wind hitting over 50mph in the gusts when the sailors arrived for the weekend and the tops being taken off the white horses which were running the length of the lake. The Coaches consoled themselves with the fact that it would be much windier at Derwent Reservoir, where the previous sessions had been held.
The morning was spent on land, with the squad reviewing the homework set at the last session and further developing their understanding of key racing rules, controllables and heavy weather settings. Chris Blackburn, Regional HPM, led a session on 'next steps' to help the older members of the fleet think about what classes they may wish to move on to after their Tera sailing career, very topical with some of the Pro helms having shot upwards in recent months. With the wind clearly not dropping and sailors desperate to go afloat Head Coach Brett Cokayne came up with a novel way to get them afloat after lunch and at the same time really focus their minds on boat trim and balance.
The fleet were launched, with 2 to a boat, and a long chain of Tera dinghies were then towed to the furthest upwind point of the lake before being released to return home, under 'bin bag' power. The fleet's naturally competitive nature took over and before long tactics were being deployed and boat trim being adjusted between the helm and the 'mast and sail' (their co-sailor, holding the bin bag). So much learning, such fun and a great debriefing session afterwards. The day was rounded off with a presentation about the 2015 RS Tera Worlds, with a good team expected to attend from the North of England.
Sunday was slightly less windy but there was still a good strong breeze with some vicious gusts. The fleet were soon afloat and working hard, watching out for the gusts which at times threatened to flatten most of the fleet and almost always appeared when there was a gybe to be done. The skills of the sailors were very evident as they raced around the various courses set by the coaches. There was lots of chat about which gloves worked best, who had the coldest feet but the one thing that was consistent were the ear to ear grins of the squad who had had a fantastic weekend.
A great weekend, huge thanks to the coaching team, to the parents and most of all to Vicky and Duncan in the galley who kept everyone fed and watered throughout the weekend.