Laser 4000 Training at Grafham Water Sailing Club
by Carolyn Morgan 24 Mar 2010 06:27 GMT
20-21 March 2010
Ten Laser 4000 crews benefited from a weekend of coaching by Pete Barton, sailing legend and multiple National champion, organised by the Class Association to kick off the season. Boats ranged from front of fleet veterans like Chris Gould, through to back of fleet stalwarts such as myself, plus several crews who had just bought their 4k, including one from Holland.
Saturday was grey and breezy, with winds ranging from F3 to F5, and occasional rain showers. After a shore briefing on boat handling tips, plus demos of tacks and gybes, the crews were put through a series of exercises on the water, tacking, gybing, hoisting and dropping on the whistle, with the added pressure of Pete following in a rib commenting on trim, trapezing technique and settings. After lunch the focus was on racing techniques, with a series of short races with quotas for tacks and gybes providing a strenuous workout for crews. A video debrief provided individual and group feedback, and Grafham SC hosted a meal.
Sunday was sunny, but the breeze took a while to fill in, so Pete briefed the group on upwind and downwind strategy, plus some insider tips on sailing at Garda (where the 4k Europeans take place 14-17 July). We joined in with club racing, then had our own short race series, with more on-the-water coaching, before a debrief and prize giving. A great weekend to blow away the cobwebs and get the 2010 season to a good start.
The 4000 Class Association also announced a Newcomers Trophy for the 2010 Open Circuit: with prizes of Magic Marine harnesses, rash vests, tool bags and cash for first and second places across any 3 of the Open Meetings – for boats that have competed in no more than 3 previous Opens. More details on the class website.
The fleet is currently growing, with a new committee, a new supplier and low second-hand prices attracting more young sailors to the class. At the Rutland Tiger Trophy the 4000s were the largest asymmetric fleet, with 18 boats taking part.