'There will be no ice on Alton Water on Saturday' Club Commodore, Mark Hainsworth, confidentially announced at the start of the week. Three more nights of freezing fog caused concern and we had visions of Mark out ice smashing in the club's craft! However, no issue, and Mark was spot on - it warmed up sufficiently towards the end of the week to see off what ice there was. 

 

14 RS Aeros descend on the just defrosted Alton Water in sunshine and a nice 10knt breeze. The coaches on hand for the weekend were Hannah Snellgrove and Paul Robson. The focus was on better boat handling, mark rounding and making decisions at gates. Sunday saw a lighter breeze which allowed for time to focus on better tacks and gybes and thinking about race plans.

 

This was Hannah's first session with the RS Aero Winter Training and the Hannah & Paul double act made for a great combination for the mixed audience of youths/adults, males/females, new comers and older hands. The 3 time Laser Radial UK Champion had plenty to bring to the party with so many transferable techniques between the similar classes.

  

The conditions were kind, ultimately mild with medium winds. The Class policy of committing early to two top coaches for each weekend is producing dividends with some great feedback from sailors and parents;

 

- "She had a eureka moment on the water - the first time this winter she has been racing and not just surviving, roll on the Oxford Blue!"

- "Thanks. He really enjoyed the Alton weekend, he thought Hannah & Paul were great."

- "Great weekend! Many thanks to Paul and Hannah for fab coaching and to Alton water for making us so welcome." 

 

Next up for the monthly RS Aero UK Winter Training is Sunday 19th February at Oxford.

This follows The Oxford Blue which includes the RS Aero Winter Champs on Saturday 18th, also at Oxford.