Write-Up

German version;
Training und Racing am Langener Waldsee - DSCL, Frankfurt, Germany
Ein Bericht von Claus Gabriel
https://rsaero-kv.de/2024/09/training-und-racing-am-langenerwaldsee/

English Version
Training and racing at Langener Waldsee - DSCL, Frankfurt, Germany
Report thanks to Claus Gabriel

Word had probably gotten around that the RS Aero training by Juliane and Marcus at Dummer Lake at the end of June was not only extremely educational but also really fun. The training at Langener Waldsee at the Dreieich Sailing Club Langen (DSCL) on the last weekend in August was fully booked again with twelve RS Aero sailors. The sailing spectrum ranged from beginners in Aero to experienced regatta sailors. With wind speeds of two to four Beaufort, sunshine and temperatures around 30'C, the late summer conditions at Langener Waldsee were at their best.

The focus of the training was on regatta sailing. The three-hour units on the water on Saturday and Sunday were flanked by theory units on the topics of regatta announcement and sailing instructions, racing and right-of-way rules, buoy maneuvers and flag knowledge. Our trainers dealt with these topics in a very entertaining way, often peppered with examples from their regatta experience. Basic information on the correct boat trim was also included, as this is a prerequisite for successful regatta sailing.

The practical session on Saturday with the exercises "flower power", "rolling starts" or "follow the leader" aimed to put the theoretical knowledge gained into practice on the water. We intensively practiced right-of-way rules and buoy maneuvers, behavior at the start and finally boat handling and trim. As on land when rigging the boats, the sailors exchanged tips with each other on the water.

On Sunday, Juliane and Marcus switched from trainer mode to the role of race director. There was a race with three runs on a long up-and-down course, which we each had to go around twice. After the theory session on flag knowledge, we knew the importance of the flag P "Blue Peter" as a preparatory signal at the start. We sailors did not give the race management the opportunity to raise flag signals such as individual or collective recalls, as everyone started at a safe distance from the line. As with a ranking regatta, there was an awards ceremony afterwards, at which all participants were able to look forward to receiving a new DSCL Aero T-shirt.

The training weekend at Langener Waldsee was a complete success. Thank you, Juliane and Marcus! Participation in future training sessions is recommended to anyone who either simply wants to improve their boat handling or wants to show off their skills at future regattas.

Results