420 Winter Coaching gets underway
by Jennie Clark 16 Sep 2018 12:08 PDT
15-16 September 2018
420 Winter Coaching at Draycote Water © Bernard Clark
The 420 class got its programme of winter coaching off to a flying start with a weekend session at Draycote Water SC over the weekend of 15 and 16 September.
Led by Tim Rush, this session gave a chance for some new pairings from within the class, and 'new to class' pairings to join with established teams and look at the key skills needed to make this fantastic boat sail fast and for those new to the class a chance to learn some of the tips for good boat set up. A total of 15 teams took part and made the most of the ideal conditions, with upwind planing conditions showing just how fast the boat can go when it's sailed well. With debriefing sessions at the end of each day everyone went away with tips and tactics to adopt. The races held at the end of each day gave an opportunity to showcase skills and put the lessons into practice.
Tim was supported by a team of coaches including Jonny McGovern (RYA 420 Youth Squad Coach), Kirstie Urwin (420 Junior European Championship winning crew, currently sailing a Nacra 17 in the British Sailing Team) and Ross Thompson and Dan Burns (members of the 2017/18 RYA 420 Youth Squad).
Open coaching provides an opportunity for anyone in the class to access first class coaching support and is run throughout the winter months. The sessions are often planned to be held at a venue the week before a major 420 event is held there, providing coaching not only on general boat handling skills but also venue specific tips and tricks. The next session is being held at Grafham Water SC on 10 and 11 November, which is the weekend before the class attends the venue for their End of Season Championships.
For more details of 420 class, including events, visit the website www.gbr420.uk.