Winter Coaching Lasers and Teras

Published 00:57 on 1 Mar 2023

It was always going to be a struggle to start at 8 am, but eventually 3 Laser radials left the shore and gathered together in the harbour before setting off into the bay. It soon became apparent that round the Fort and off to the Ledge might be a little too demanding. Those wondering what the correct ratio of coaches to sailors is, it seems it is 2 : 3 in 20 25 kn.

The group started with some downwind work and experimented with kicker settings and turning from a broad reach to running by the lee. Those that tried going dead downwind found that the water is very, very, cold this time of the year. With a small group, there was very little time wasted as we regrouped for some demanding upwind work and tacking. This went on for the rest of the morning until cold, exhaustion, and cold hands meant that we returned to base for a warming hot chocolate. Arthur led the debrief, using his tablet and extensive video clips to demonstrate in detail body positioning and techniques for both upwind and downwind.

This group was labelled as Island Games training. In reality it is for all those in Laser standard and radial rigs planning to go to any major regatta. The quality of coaching and feedback was 1st class. We are discussing dates for a follow-up over Easter and the following week so if you are interested in this then please check for updates.

Sunday coaching session stuttered at a far more leisurely 9.00am, 5 sailors in laser 4.7 and Teras gathered in the Haven Room for a briefing. With the sun shining and light winds, the group joined in the 1st race of the Icebreaker Series. This proved to be good for the group and I hope mutually beneficial to the club racers as it would have been a very quiet Fast Handicap start without us. After a brief discussion on the importance of going block to block, and keeping the boat stable, we went outside the harbour for some speed work both upwind and down. We spent some time working on the techniques of starting and returned to base in the failing wind and falling tide. After drying off, we retired to the Haven room for some more expert feedback from Arthur. Hunched round his tablet, he was able to talk in detail about mainsheet tension and body position.

We are looking at repeating this group with Arthur over the Easter weekend and the following week.For future dates then please drop us your preferred contact to training@bhyc.org.uk

Tony Burton

Last updated 15:28 on 11 May 2025