Elite Stenhouse skiff training at Rutland - Weekend 3

The final weekend of Elite Stenhouse skiff training at Rutland was held in brilliant sunshine and a crisp 8-12knots of breeze on both days.

Class chairman Simon Reynolds and top skiff sailor Graeme Oliver were invited by Richard and Kit to run this session.

On Saturday morning using a series of buoys a box was created behind the start line, and a number of start sequences were then run. The aim of this was to create a zone in which the sailors had to maintain position within the 3 minute countdown.

The fleet were instructed on how to use their body weight and position in the boat in conjunction with sail trim and heel angle to control the boat at very low speed without stalling and either ending up head to wind, or being forced to bear away and accelerate.

Saturday afternoon used a series of parallel buoys approximately 200m apart to create a river. The object of this exercise was to keep the fleet of 18 boats in very close proximity. Boats were not allowed to sail outside the ‘river’ and this meant the sailors had to tack and gybe far more frequently than they may usually helping to enforce the importance of consistency in manoeuvring.

The second objective was to put pressure on the individuals to consider boat on boat tactics, with regard to maintaining clear air and a ‘lane’ but as well as heightening general awareness of developing situations.

Three short races were held on Sunday to allow the competitors to put into practise their newly found skills.