Hi there all Dabchick sailors, as well as all youth sailors keen learn how to sail a fantastic boat.
The Youth National Championships is around the corner (8th to 15th December on the Swartvlei in the Eastern Cape) and the Dabchick class is aiming to get a record 40 boats to the event. This is traditionally a great event and we are looking forward to meeting the rest of the National Dabchick fleet, having some excellent sailing but most of all meeting up with old friends and making new friendships. The Western Cape fleet is strong with approximately 25 boats, there will be several from the Eastern Cape and KZN promise to bring a few, so the Northern region need to better last years tally of 10 boats and try to get 15 boats there. (We can do it!)
To achieve this we have arranged three training sessions for all potential Dabchick Sailors so you can sharpen up on your boat handling and tactical skills and have the most fun of your life at the Nationals. Unfortunately it is exam time so we need to limit the sailing time and maximise the study time. You need to exercise those brilliant young minds and prepare well for your future which means you need to study hard during the week and do well in your exams. To do this you need fresh air in your system and some exercise on the weekend.
The plan is this: The Dabchicks will have 3 training sessions, 2 one day intensive Saturday sessions and one weekend session before the Nationals. The dates are, 10th November, 17th November at Aeolians and the Youth training weekend of the 24-25th November 2012 at LDYC.
We have arranged three very knowledgeable coaches for these sessions:
10th November – Ricky Robinson (Ex Dabbie sailor and 2012 Lipton Cup winner)
17th November – Brennan Robinson (Ex Dabbie sailor and 2012 Lipton Cup Winner)
24-25th November – Steven Du Toit (Ex Dabbie sailor and multiple class National Champion)
As you may already have seen SAS is organising the youth training session at LDYC and are assisting in the funding to fly Steve up here to assist us for the training camp weekend. As we did last year the Dabchick Class has arranged the additional coaching sessions on two Saturdays from 08h00 until 17h00 so you can get in some intensive training on the Saturday while still being able to study on Sunday in preparation for your exams during the week. Each participant will be asked to contribute R100 per session to pay the coach and R50 for the day to cover Petrol for the coach boat. Bring your own lunch plus on the water snacks and coldrink.
The typical program will be as follows:
06h00 – Leave home
07h00 – Arrive at Aeolians and unpack
08h00 – Briefing: Boat rigged and, ready for shore inspection and rigging/tuning session
09h00 – Session 1: Basic boat handling manoeuvres, Launching, Tacking, Gybing, Keeping the boat flat, Sail tuning basics, How to go fast in light and in heavy wind.
10h30 – Short refreshment break on the water (Snacks and drinks from the coach boat)
10h45 – Session 2: Basic boat handling, Mark roundings, Starting technique, coming ashore, sail tuning tricks
12h30 – Lunch (View the videos of the 2 morning sessions and learn by seeing yourself on video.) During lunch we discuss basic strategy and tactics using the rules.
13h30 – Session 3: Basic boat handling, Beating technique, Downwind technique, Finishing, Sail tuning advanced.
15h00 – Refreshment break on the water
15h15 – Session 4: Race Strategy, Boat handling exercises, short races.
16h45 – Debriefing ashore with videos of the racing.
17h30 – De-rig and pack boats for storage at Aeolians for next weekend.
(Drive home safely)
The program for the Youth Training session will be published later but this promises to be a great weekend with camping and great fun promised by LDYC.
What we need from you is:
A list of questions you need to ask the coach, things you know are your weaknesses and need to be sorted out. (Like: How do I keep the boat flat when a gust hits?)
Commitment to study hard during the week so you can sail one or more of the training sessions! We really want everyone to attend both day sessions as well as the training weekend, which is after your exams have finished. YOU need the practice!
Warwick & Paul