RS500 Class Coaching Day at Northampton Sailing Club
by Sally Campbell 12 Apr 2016 08:42 BST
9 April 2016
RS500 training at Northampton © Tim Wilkins & Debbie Darling
Tim Wilkins (previous RS500 World, European and National Champion) led the coaching with support from Debbie Darling (1988 & 1992 Olympian in 470s) to boost the skills of experienced and novice crews on and off the water in; boat handling, boat speed and tactics, in this increasingly popular single trapeze racing dinghy.
Crews from Draycote Water SC, Great Yarmouth & Gorleston SC and Notts County SC took part, all benefitting from the coaching and a changing weather pattern which included everything from light winds to a heavy squall. The day was concluded with three races for sailors to trial what they'd learnt.
Nigel Davis, sailing with son Aaron from DWSC commented that "with Tim and Debbie's training and the spirit of the other crews, our decision to purchase our RS500 has really been cemented".
2016 has been billed as 'the year of training' for UK RS500s; sailors interested in coaching or trying the boat should contact the RS Association fleet secretary,
Charter boats are available for the Volvo Noble Marine RS500 National Championships at Lymington Town SC in June - those interested can reserve one with their entry.