Laser 5000 PreSeason training at Hayling Island Sailing Club
by Spencer Schlachter 27 Mar 2001 14:38 BST
This weekend saw the second Laser5000 pre-season training event take place at Hayling Island Sailing Club. The fast approaching season saw a number of crews rustled out of winter hibernation and there were 13 boats in attendance. The training was again taken by former Laser5000 legend Rob Wells with support from current national champion, Andy Richards.
The morning session on the water, saw the emphasis shift from boat handling – worked on extensively the previous weekend - to start-line technique, choosing and defending a position and the boat handling tips to do it. The wind was light, under 10 knots with the forecast NE force 4-5, yet to kick in. A far cry from the 20knots of the previous weekend, but then again, conditions probably better suited to early season starting practise.
Off the water, Rob and Andy gave their feedback on the morning session and answered questions. The importance of sailing the boat upright at all times, crewing to providing a stable platform for the helm, kicker tension in various conditions and points of sail were just a few of the issues discussed. All in all a great opportunity to learn from the top of the fleet.
Following lunch, the fleet set out into the harbour on a falling tide and a biting Force 4 NE breeze, straight out of the freezer. Testing conditions which had a steady trickle of boats back in the clubhouse and in the market for new masts, booms, racks and crews – but with broad smiles all around!!
Another constructive day was wrapped up with a closing briefing and proceedings were adjourned to the pub. The interest shown in these training sessions from both new and old crews (18 different teams altogether), bodes well for the Class and the season ahead. Once again many thanks to Hayling Island Sailing Club for hosting the event, Rob Wells and Andy Richards for the excellent coaching and Roger Lewis for organising the day.
The next event on the Laser5000 calendar is the Supercup at Queen Mary SC on the 7th April. This is an invitation event held with the Laser4000s involving the top 10 teams from each class taking part in a series of mad dashes around short courses – spectators welcome! The season then moves onto the first ‘5GrandSlam’ open event at Weston SC on the 13th-15th April.
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