'Better Than Nothing' Cadet Training at Waldringfield Sailing Club
by Chris Mayhew 20 Dec 2020 23:35 PST
19 December 2020
While Boris was contemplating the latest restrictions, the Waldringfield Cadets were making the best of a relatively warm and sunny December day on the river Deben for some training organised by the parents.
Touted "Better Than Nothing" -(BTN Training for short) keeps things simple, and gets the children on the water in a safe distanced manner. The weekly training is aimed at keeping the sailors afloat and maximising on the time on the water with many back-to-back races with coaching throughout the races.
The wind was around 12-16 knots providing some great challenging conditions on the flood tide that showed that windward lay-lines and rounding needed a little more practise with many teams cuddling the large windward inflatable - better to make the mistakes in training than real racing! The course was adjusted each race just to keep everyone alert with the shifting tide and wind. After such a disturbed year with little continuity it's really important just to get out there and make the most of the time on the water.
After around two and a half hours of racing everyone returned safely to shore with big smiles and a warm winter glow as the sun dropped and things cooled off. Hot chocolate was the favourite drink to replenish the teams before heading home. There is now just enough time to recharge ready to de-brief digitally on Monday night when the fleet reconvenes to replay the video action and see where they can improve for next week.
"Better Than Nothing" is the plan for the winter to keep everyone race fit, and mentally sane in the current restrictions! We look forward to seeing you all improving as we head into the new season. The Cadets will keep persevering and building to their strengths - whatever the restrictions, we will aim to make the best of what we have.
Merry Christmas Everyone.