Sailing -
Recent training & an impressive group of juniors (by Robert Dunkley)
It goes without saying
that the recent hurricane activity has played havoc with our sailing schedule, however
through the keenness of our diehard teenage sailors (Thomas, Kai, Alyson, Ben, Oliver and
Chris) and a bit of improvisation we have had a number of good training sessions on the
water. During the last two Sundays and last Thursday we had a variety of boats out (Snipe,
Laser, Byte and Sunfish) which everyone took turns sailing. We also had three new-comers
join us in the Snipes last Thursday thanks to the teens’, especially Thomas’ and
Kai’s recruiting efforts.
What is interesting is
the way in which the teens have taken to the Laser. We have had two at the Nassau Yacht
Club on loan over the last two months and they have been sailing them as much as they have
their Bytes and Sunfish. When I asked how they like it, they said the boat is fun. The
words from the group were “It is fast and very sensitive which makes it tough to sail
when the wind is up. Even in a moderate breeze it is impossible to keep it flat and
downwind it is hairy.” With this, I thought it might be helpful for them to learn how
all the various lines in the boat can help in making the boat easier to sail. So we started with rigging the boat and with it on
land, pulling on the lines. Suddenly questions started coming along with comments like
“Wow, so this is what you have to do to get the sail flat” and “so
that’s what these lines are for”. Once
on the water it was amazing to see these young sailors managing the boats so well even in
a breeze in which they were still slightly overpowered. As we went through the rigging and
tuning exercise with the Laser it was noticed by the group that the same lines exist on
the Byte and they essentially do the same thing. With that came the comment that the same
lines exist on almost all race boats, even 50 footers and are used in the same manner. So
what you learn on these small dinghies can be used in almost any modern sailboat,
especially racing boats.
Last Sunday’s
sailing session was a particularly interesting one as we used the Snipe for “up
close, hands on” instructing. We had the sailors take turns at the helm of the Snipe
with me in the boat to demonstrate and couch them in their tacking and jibing
maneuvers/mechanics. Then they moved to the Laser, Byte or Sunfish to practice it on their
own by sailing a very short upwind/downwind course in which 10 tacks and 10 jibes were
mandatory. These were actually very short races with all boats which also included a
proper start sequence. From some, the word was “Man, tacking and jibing with the
tiller and sheet in my hand at ALL times is tough. But I am going to get it.” And
they did. With more practice it will become second nature.
It appears that the
group has been enjoying their impromptu sessions and perhaps it would be beneficial for us
to do more training sessions like these than just running regular races on the bay. It may
also be more interesting and beneficial if our schedule included more training sessions
along with team racing events in the future. Let us
know what you think by sending us an e-mail.
Note:
I have certainly been
enjoying the time I spend coaching and helping our juniors. It really is a joy to me to
see our young sailors developing so well. Their keenness and dedication to the sport over
the last year has been impressive and I believe we are well on our way to helping these
juniors develop a great sailing future.
A special thanks to
Donny Martinborough and Krov Menuhin for lending their Lasers. It is greatly appreciated
and has helped to create an interest in reviving the Nassau Laser Fleet. Arrangements are
now being made to purchase a number of Lasers (see above). If you are interested please
e-mail us at contact@bahamassailing.org |
Name and telephone number