Write-Up
RS Aero UK Winter Training - Hayling Island SC, Hants, UK, 24/25th Feb
Another excellent RS Aero training weekend, this time at this year's RS Aero Worlds venue!
Thanks to George Cousins for his summary;The focus for the training weekend was tidal strategy. Specifically, how the tide affects the lay lines, start line and mark roundings. Happily, at Hayling this isn’t hard to find. The coaches Ross Harvey and George Cousins devised plenty of exercises to keep the fleet on their toes and really test their boat handling and the sailors' tidal knowledge.
Saturday began with light winds, allowing the fleet to practice their short tacking and holding position on the line against a strong adverse tide. As the wind built and tide slacked at high water we ventured out of the harbour to find some steep wind over tide chop for practice.
Sunday's forecast was for more wind and a bigger tide! The first half of the session was spent on Hayling Bar enjoying the steep waves and epic surfing conditions that the southerly swell had kicked up. After 3 tuning runs, with a building wind and the tide beginning to ebb, we ran for cover back inside the harbour. Coach Ross laid a course and became the committee boat, running short rolling starts with a 2-1-Go sequence, while Coach George sat at the windward mark to keep an eye on the sailors lay line approach. We then went shore for a debrief, video analysis and a well deserved warm up.
Two more RS Aero UK Winter Training events remain at Oxford SC on 9/10th March and Wimbleball SC, Exmoor, on 13/14th April, building up to the 2024 RS Aero UK Youth Champs at Lee-on-Solent SC on 27/28th April. Adults are welcome to join and one day entry is possible. Full details are on the
RS Aero UK Events List.
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