ITCA (GBR) Midlands Topper open training at Bartley Sailing Club
by Claire Turner 14 Sep 05:13 PDT
3 September 2023
Topper training at Bartley - Working on boat set up for light winds © Claire Turner
The first "autumn" open training session for the Midlands region took place on Sunday 3rd September and was attended by nine sailors, some of whom are new to our Topper family.
Despite the forecast of heavier winds earlier in the week, the weather gods decided to change their minds and gave us a sweltering day with zephyr winds which by early afternoon had disappeared entirely. But that wasn't to put off our sailors and coaches, Ffion Morgan and Molly Hinsliff-Smith, who had come armed with a day full of activities for such an occasion.
After introductions and briefings, the sailors launched first thing to make the most of the available breeze and spent the morning practising roll tacks and light wind manoeuvres.
This gave the sailors opportunities to work on their boat's settings and really think about their techniques. The day was also one of our regional RTG indicator events so Head Coach Adam Millington came to watch the sailors and meet parents new to our class.
We did manage a short time on the water in the afternoon but with less than ideal conditions the coaches made the most of the land-based time to work on theory and reviewing videos of the earlier sailing.
After a debrief and prizes, the sailors went home hot but happy, having gained some valuable experience and superb coaching.
Thank you to Bartley Sailing Club who, as usual, provided us with great facilities, galley and a warm welcome. Thanks too to our awesome coaches Ffion and Molly who gave the sailors some challenging and engaging training on a difficult wind day.
Our open training is available to any sailor who is RYA Stage 2 or above and can competently sail a triangular course. If you would like to join us for our next training day, we will be at Hollowell Sailing Club on Saturday 14th October, please visit www.itca-gbr.co.uk/area-pages/midlands/training to book or if you'd like more information please contact Claire at