RYA National Scorpion Coaching weekend at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy
by Nick Lightbody 18 Jun 08:41 PDT
Fifteen National Scorpion dinghies gathered at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy last weekend for race coaching in preparation for the national championships in Looe at the beginning of August.
Multi-class National champions Steve Hall & Steve Graham lead a field of experienced and less experienced sailors with Snipe National champion Matthew Wolstenholme joining the fleet crewing for Joe Warwicker. Looe Enterprise sailor, and another multi class champion, Darren Roach crewed by Graduate National champion Fresh Abendstern illustrated the broad attraction enjoyed by Scorpion racing across other classes.
The event was supported by the RYA Coach Development Manager, David Mellor. He emphasised the positive experience working with the well-organised National Scorpion Association. Scorpion Association Chair Chris Yates thanked the RYA for its support, helping the class sustain a well-supported annual programme.
On the first morning the boats lined up rigged and ready to go and the whole group of sailors and coaches inspected and discussed each boat in turn. The history of some boats was elucidated and particular system innovations identified.
On the water a series of tuning runs, lane holds and short races ran for about 3.5 hrs before the fleet returned for refreshments before meeting at The Cove public house on the seawall for drinks and dinner.
Lighter breeze on the second day was used for more tuning and short races both inside and outside the harbour when several boats showed improved speed compared with Day 1.
In particular Joe Warwicker sailing Andy Service's Ambush showed improved speed with his new HD sails - winning every race - after working on the setup of his rig - illustrating the effect of spreader adjustments on prebend and mainsail camber.
On the 3rd day three boats took advantage of a good breeze which gradually died. Flat water in the harbour and a steep and confused chop outside the harbour wall illustrated the importance of the rig mode change as sailing conditions change.
sailscorpion.co.uk