Laser Coaching at Ripon Sailing Club
by Jennie Clark 9 Nov 2015 21:43 GMT
7 November 2015
Laser Coaching at Ripon during the autumn © Ian Smith
Ripon Sailing Club hosted a day of open Laser Coaching on Saturday 7 November. Aimed primarily at the growing band of new Laser sailors migrating from the RS Tera, Topper and Optimist fleets there were nevertheless a group of adult helms keen to learn from the coaching team of David Graham and Ian Smith. The group included helms from other Northern clubs, keen to share in this initiative.
The weather conditions were testing, with gusty winds keeping everyone on their toes or in and out of the water but the day gave everyone a chance to practice their heavy weather techniques and to benefit from the many years experience the two coaches have of the Laser dinghy.
The coaching session is part of a wide range of sessions which the club runs through it's coaching programme. The club's Chief Coach, Ian Smith, has been busy throughout 2015 looking at options for skill improvement and the club has run a number of improver sessions for adult and junior members together with class specific training for Solo, Streaker and Laser helms.
Junior members have benefitted from a series of Friday evening 'starter' sessions run by Club Coach Katy Phillips, and a comprehensive Kid's Club programme which ran from April to October.
Plans are now being developed for 2016, and it's looking like there is a great year ahead!