RS Tera Training Weekend at Port Dinorwic Sailing Club
by Alan Knock, PDSC 27 Feb 2018 16:44 GMT
24-25 February 2018
The North Wales RS Tera fleet enjoyed a cold, clear and generally light wind winter training weekend with coach Brett Cokayne. Hosted by Port Dinorwic Sailing Club / Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli on the weekend of 24th - 25th February 2018.
Both days started with chipping the ice off the covers and moving the boats into the sun to thaw but the ice did nothing to chill the spirits of the young sailors. As with previous weekends, the fleet of Teras and a few older siblings in other boats were split between two groups, the improvers (we can't call them novices anymore) being taken by home instructor Jo Powell and the more advanced sailors with Brett.
After a briefing by Brett the fleet launched onto the beautiful Menai Straits, some still bailing ice from the decks and trailing frozen main sheets. The cold was not to last long as the warming influence of the spring sunshine soon penetrated the coaches and sailors and woolly hats were quickly replaced with sunglasses.
Winds were light on both days but plenty sufficient for sessions including downwind transitions, sailing by the lee, light wind sail trim and body position. Highlights of the weekend included a square course points race and a visit from an inquisitive seal.
The improvers fleet concentrated on boat handling with voyages up, down and across the Menai Straits to Anglesey and a demonstration of what you can do in a stopped boat whilst still being in control. Some truly original balances were achieved with photographic proof available!
Thanks must go to Brett and Jo for coaching a great weekend and to PDSC for hosting. Pam in the galley served up some great meals and the endless supplies of hot drinks were most welcome.