Flying 11 Class Spring Training Camp at Lane Cove 12ft Skiff SC
by Andrew Glassock on 29 Sep 2012
Sprint Racing - Flying 11 Spring Training Camp Andrew Glassock
With the 2012-13 regatta season fast approaching and hot on the heels of Olympic sailing success (medallists Malcolm Page, Iain Jensen, Nathan Outteridge, Olivia Price, Nina Curtis and Lucinda Whitty all have F11 pedigree) the Flying 11 Class is looking to develop the next generation of junior sailors.
Last weekend, a week before the NSW Youth Championships Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club hosted a three day spring training camp for the class. 34 boats from around the Flying 11 clubs Avalon, Northbridge, Hornsby, Drummoyne, Hunters Hill, Abbotsford as well as host Lane Cove took part.
Driving force behind the training camp, David Lang says 'to ensure a quality program we secured the services of Jenni Bonnitcha as lead coach who was assisted by former class National Champion Nicky Souter and top performing match racer Jay Griffin'. Junior coaches who have come up through the Flying 11 ranks made up the rest of the coaching team.
The training camp was open to all levels of Flying 11 sailor, those stepping into the class from Sabots, Manly Juniors or other introductory classes to class veterans looking to refine their skills.
As well as three days of on-water coaching, off the water, Scott Lawson a highly credentialed off-shore and Farr 40 sailor gave a presentation to the sailors and their parents outlining some of the key boxes that need to be ticked when preparing a season regatta plan. With 43 Flying 11s entered for the Yachting NSW Youth Championship at Belmont over the coming long weekend the sailors will be able to put Scott’s regatta preparation plan into action.
Following the Youth Championship the travelling Flying 11 circus will descend on Northbridge Sailing Club on Saturday 13th of October for the NSW Sprint Championship, Decoy skippered by Gretta Quealy will be looking to defend her title that she won last season at Northbridge. Up to eight sprint races will be sailed - depending on conditions, fast and furious on the water - plus lots of fun off the water! This is a chance to sharpen your starting skills, plus plenty of mark rounding practice. This type of racing needs quick thinking and strategy implementation. Enter online now
