Tasar Training Made Easy

Tasar start © Russell Bates

In 2024, the Victorian Tasar fleet expressed strong interest in ongoing training opportunities, ranging from on-the-water sessions to classroom and online formats. This season, we trailed a new hybrid approach, offering in-person Tasar tuning and sail setup demonstrations while simultaneously broadcasting the session via a live webinar.

Being enthusiastic sailors rather than tech experts, we kept the setup as simple as possible, using iPhones and minimal online moderation. A fully rigged Tasar was positioned on its side in the training room at Sandringham Yacht Club, allowing participants to gather closely around it. Our trainer and presenter, Paul Ridgeway, used the rig and a concise one-page summary document to explain how to tune and set up a Tasar across various wind ranges, including tips for handling sea state changes and gusty conditions.

Paul wore an iPhone in his shirt pocket to serve as a microphone, while a second iPhone captured video of the presentation, zooming in on key controls and sail adjustments. The video quality was so effective that online attendees reported having a better view than those in the room! A third team member moderated the session, collecting and relaying questions from both in-person and online participants, ensuring everyone had a chance to clarify and engage with Paul's advice.

The session ran for approximately 90 minutes and was especially valuable for newer sailors in the Tasar class. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and this blended format is now considered the standard for future theory training events.

TAV's next group training session will be held on Saturday, 14 June 2025. Led by ex-world champion Mark Bulka the training will involve both on land theory and on water sailing, if weather permits. The sessions will focus on helping sailors refine their strategies, improve teamwork, and enhance overall performance on the water.

As the excitement builds towards both the Worlds in Garda and Nationals in South Australia, training is ramping up with more sessions scheduled for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.

Training sessions will cater to all skill levels, ensuring every sailor has the opportunity to sharpen their abilities in preparation for the highly anticipated Okinawa World's in June 2026.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or starting your journey in the Tasar class, our training sessions will provide invaluable opportunities to build experience and knowledge. Stay tuned for announcements regarding dates and locations for future training sessions. With the right training and commitment, we can all navigate our way to success on the global stage!