That sounds close to what I was thinking. I think we have enough
experience now in our own class that we don't have to borrow tallent from
another class to help us out. I also very much agree that the new Swifties
come first. Those of us that have had boats for a year or two and have
been racing are already committed.
The looking videos over at the end of the day can be more enlightening
than having someone yell at you on the water. I had a few times where
people were telling me that my battens were inverted when that was what I
wanted so I could rest or while I was sorting some other more important
issue first. I did have a couple times on the first day that I was so
involved with something else that I forgot to pop them but the lack of
speed and sluggish response is usually enough to wake you up.
Get a light weight to help with capsize drills too. Those of us that weigh
over 180# don't realize the difference of being under 160#.
On Sat, 27 Jan 2007 11:06:23 -0700, <BDally6107@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Ron, Robert and all
After thinking about last years clinic, a couple of ideas.
It's my opinion that the major objective of the clinics is to focus on
the
newer guys. We will again have several Swift sailors who will be
launching
their boats in the spring and attending the regatta at Huntington as
well as
guys from last season with not much time in the boat. I think the two
up
sailing (for those who ask) is a good idea and shore clinics are very
important
for newcomers. I also think an on-the-water capsize righting clinic
would be
helpful. Saw a lot of extra energy being expended last year on righting
Swifts! Huntington is great for this kind of thing because the dock
provides a
good viewing platform right at the action.
I personally don't think we need an on-the-water coach. Instead, a
debriefing in the evening with video might be the ticket. I think
everybody gets a
little tired of being yelled at from a coach boat. Often times, a
newcomer
will have just learned something new that he wants to consolidate while
the
coach is bringing in other ideas. With a debriefing, newcomers can
talk about
what they learned, ask questions from the experienced sailors and, if
they
ask, we can show video of them sailing.
It would be good if each of the experienced guys would agree to spend a
90
minutes in the rescue boat during one of the newcomer sessions to
answer any
on-the-water questions and assist in rescue. If each of us agreed, we
could
easily cover all of the sessions. This person could offer suggestions
to
those who are obviously making things difficult on themselves.
Circuit racing in the afternoons for the experienced guys with good video
coverage showing sail trim etc. would be good. We too could join the
debriefing and bullshit session in the evenings with the top few of
each days racing
talking about what they thought they saw on the water regarding sails
trim and
technique (after the newcomers have covered what they want to ask / talk
about).
The newer Swift sailors are the life blood of the class. Let's make a
special effort to ensure that the experience at Huntington helps them
improve
their skills while having a great time. I always come back to the fact
that the
good sailors in the 505 class taught me how to beat them. Few classes
have
this kind of spirit. Let's continue that tradition in the Swift
class. When
the racing does start, let's put having fun first and not get too
serious.
Our first two regattas were great examples to follow.
These are just ideas. What do you think?
Best regards,
Bram
--
Live large, love lots, and sail fast!
The mark of who you are is determined by what you do when you don't have
to do it.
USA 050 Fugu
77959 Wasabi
Robert Harper
This is the Swift Solo mailing list. For unsubscribe instructions,
visit here: http://catzooks.com/swift-solo/
|