Laser 5000 Training Event at Grafham Water Sailing Club
by Neil Luckett 24 Apr 2012 23:52 PDT
14-15 April 2012
Laser 5000 training event at Grafham © Neil Luckett
The 5000s gathered at Grafham for the first event of what is going to be a busy season. The training weekend brought together 8 boats, experienced and new crews. Great to see new faces Andy, Maddie and Ben in 5039.
New faces also with 14 year old Chloe and 16 year old Beth who came as part of the 'Plymouth contingent', both showed that technique over weight definitely works! Ben and Tom in GBR 5000 also showed that are really getting the original 5000 up to speed.
Taff, coach for the weekend (and Class Chairman!) started off the weekend with rig and tuning talks/demos, aided by the more knowledgeable crews. Then time for the dreaded 'land drills’, always essential!
The weather gods had been kind to us as a nice F3 saw all the crews on the water, more experienced for two boat tuning whilst Taff took time to coach the newer/less experienced crews. A great chance to dust off the cobwebs (or wash off in some cases) but some great sailing.
Evening saw a debrief, excellent meal provided by the staff at Grafham and a few beers.
Having warmed up with medium breezes on the previous day, Sunday dawned with promise of something a little more spicy! General breeze in the mid teens, with extended gusts into the mid 20’s concentrated minds and offered an early season shake down and test of the manoeuvres and techniques practiced the day before for those who fancied their chances on the water.
On-shore breeze made for interesting launching, but once on the water the conditions made for exhilarating sailing.
Ade and Beth clocked up the most time on the water, enjoying a few rapid kite rides and demonstrating good heavy weather boat handling skills. Having spent the weekend in the rib, Taff was clearly keen to get some wire time in, so Ade kindly swapped and gave him the opportunity to pilot Beth for a blast!
Check out the thrills and spills
Thanks to all at Grafham, check out our website laser5000.org or facebook page events this year and come and join the fun.