Midland ITCA Topper Training at Hollowell Sailing Club
by Liz Welbourn 15 Jan 2015 09:01 GMT
10-11 January 2015
Midland ITCA Topper training at Hollowell © Graham Smith
Last weekend, while fierce storms battered Scotland, Midland ITCA Topper Sailors went sailing!
Hollowell Sailing Club was the venue for the 3rd & 4th days of Midland ITCA's winter training this year and, although spared the worst of Britain's weather, gusts of up to 50mph were recorded nearby and up to 38 knots entertained the sailors on the reservoir itself.
18 sailors took to the water on Saturday, under the guidance of coaches Adam Millington, Ben Julian & Joe Ready, practising tacking and windward leeward drills.
"The coaches did a great job of setting exercises for all abilities, everyone got to sail in big winds and enjoyed the experience" said parent and Hollowell club member Andrew Sturt.
With sailors as young as 10 years old taking part, during the most challenging periods, crews of the 5 RIBs provided by Hollowell supported just 6 sailors on the water at a time but this close supervision enabled even the smallest sailors to gain valuable heavy weather experience.
"It was very hard work if you are small like me - but good for practising your capsize recovery skills!" said 4.2 sailor Daisy Desorgher.
"It was awesome, great sailing in big winds" said Andrew Sturt.
Midlands ITCA winter training is open to all Topper sailors regardless of age and experience, and aims to develop the sailor's skills in a fun and supported environment. This weekend saw those attending their first winter training session sailing alongside members of the Topper National and Intermediate Squads. It was the first full weekend of training run by ITCA in this area this year but proved popular, with 24 sailors enjoying more manageable conditions on Sunday, focusing on mark rounding & sailing by the lee in the morning, with a mini regatta – with prizes, in the afternoon.
"I was exhausted after the two days but it was a couple of the best days sailing I've had. A brilliant way to start our 2015 Topper training and I'm a big fan of the two day sessions giving us more time on the water" said Morgan Smith.
The next training day will be at Notts County Sailing Club on Sunday 25th January. Bookings will close soon but there are still some places available. The cost is £25 for the day and if you would like to take part please email Annie Bhoghal anniebhogal@madasafish.com as soon as possible.