FX Transition Camp at the WPNSA
by 29er Class Association 27 Aug 2023 10:43 BST
FX Transition Camp at the WPNSA © 29er Class Association
As a new initiative, developed by the 29er Class Association, an FX skills camp had been planned to support sailors transitioning out of the 29er fleet. The aims of the camp were to give sailors ageing out of the youth class a fantastic opportunity to experience and learn about FX Sailing as part of the "what do I sail next" process!
Day one and the breeze was up, the group spent the morning rigging the three charter boats, learning about base settings and the rig, a valuable introduction to quite a complicated jigsaw puzzle of a 49er FX mast! Making the most of the day's strong winds and coach Dan Buddens experience the afternoons activities were about the newly transitioned sailors getting a feel of just how powerful and awesome the FX is in high winds. This invaluable opportunity of sailing with a highly skilled athlete already experienced in the demands of Olympic sailing accelerated the learning curve of the sailors.
With adrenaline levels running high and the group eager to sail themselves, Weybiza on day two delivered perfect conditions of 10-15 knots and sunshine. The 7 skilled sailors spent pretty much all day on the water, fine tuning their footwork, double trapeze manoeuvres and developing their communication and teamwork skills. A fantastic day on the water left the sailors happily exhausted and ready for their evening session which in typical skiff fashion saw them fixing mast tracks and splicing trapeze lines!
The weather gods smiled for the remaining two days of the camp, with Weybiza once again delivering glamour conditions allowing many hours to be spent on the water and gains to be made with the sailors progressing from fast straight lines to turning the corners and then to competitive short course racing in the harbour - congratulations to Katy and Noah who took the series win!
An amazing introduction to FX sailing for these seven sailors, all of whom massively moved their sailing forwards over the four days improving their skiff sailing skill set, and enabling future decisions to be shaped using their experiences from this camp.
As one sailor said "Fantastic to be given the opportunity to sail this week, great to share the ideas and learn so much - I can't wait to get out on the water in an FX"
Thank you to the RYA for supporting the week and and ensuring the sailors ageing out of the 29er have a clear pathway forwards.
There is a weekend of 49er and FX short course racing planned for the 7/8th October.