RS500 Youth Winter Training

I'm not quite sure why we are training up all these juniors so that they can sail faster than their elders and betters - however the 2nd training event looks like it was a real blast and I'm only jealous I couldn't qualify (because I'm far too old) to attend. Any more Juniors wanting to improve their 500 skills and put one over on the oldies - just get on the course.
Pete Malland

The RS500 Youths gathered last weekend at a very cold and windy Grafham Water for the second of their five winter training sessions to be held between now and March.

On Saturday conditions were close to Arctic, with biting cold winds of 12-20+ knots. After an introductory briefing, the eight 500's set off from the beach. Experience in the boats plus helm-crew co-ordination were vital in determining who stayed upright. A few brave combos tried their asymmetrics and literally flew across the water,
before inevitably capsizing at some stage. After a lunchtime theory session aimed at heavy weather gybing and protection of the asymmetric whilst turning corners, the crews set out for more thrills (and spills). It was certainly contrast to the first training session in no wind and wide grins were apparent across the faces of the weary sailors as they returned to the shore.

Sunday was much warmer (5C) with average winds of 8-15 knots, enabling the coaching team to concentrate on improving sailor technique. The day started with fitness exercises and then fully warmed up the sailors took to the lake to practice tacking and gybing to the whistle, rabbit runs and other exercises designed to improve
boat handling and coordination of helm and crew. In the lower winds all teams were able to fair much better, though a few practiced their swimming too.

In the afternoon two and a half races were held on a short windward-leeward course. Matt Johnson and Tom Weatherhead, in 542, won each race, Nathan Ackroyd / James Patience (546) came in second with Holly and Freja Watson (660) third. The three all girl crews had the weight disadvantage this weekend, but demonstrated that they are fast
developing the skills to challenge the boys, especially once the going gets less macho! Bex Dawkes / Emma Mackley (560) also had moments of great speed as did Matt and Bertie in 554.

By the end of the weekend all the crews had learned a great deal about sailing the 500 in strong winds. They are becoming a close-knit group who are looking forward to joining the RS500 open circuit next season. The next training is scheduled for January 12/13th, also at GWSC. Youth training is open to anyone under 20 with an RS500. Anyone
interested in taking part should contact Ian Patience, Head Coach RS500 youth coaching on ugo4success@aol.com