Issue date
An open BOP/Waikato Starling coaching clinic was run over Queens Birthday weekend at the Rotorua Yacht Club. Northern Region RSO Hamish Hey worked with ten sailors from the Development Fleet at this year’s Nationals on Sunday and then with coaches Andrew Brown and James Turner, a full 18 boat fleet from around the regions on Monday.
Conditions over the two days varied 0-15 knots with plenty of flexibility in the coaching program for the “0 Knot” factor allowing for some video watching, and a on shore tuning and rigging tips session for the young sailors and their boats. Even the top ranking boats were found wanting by the critiquing eye of Andrew Brown.
The coaching concluded with a 6 race sprint series which was closely fought by the top four of Sam Barnett (1st - 8pts), Zak Merton (2nd - 8pts), Ben Warren (3rd - 14pts) and Julia Ebbett (4th - 14 pts). It was also exciting to see the improvement in the ‘development fleet’ who with a good start were able to consistently finish in the top 10 and close behind the top performers.
Another regional clinic is being planned for September in this area.
A short video of Sunday can be viewed here:
