⛵ Blind Sailing – August NewsletterThe UK Just Keeps Delivering Sun and Wind!

This weekend was a blessing for Blind Sailing, with all sailors up for selection present. It was the perfect chance to give everyone more time to showcase their skills. Unlike our usual training sessions, this was a pure race weekend—but as always, we were learning and adapting to both the conditions and the scenarios ahead.

Saturday – Fast, Focused, and Full-On

We started with four RS21s on the water and a solid 14–18 knots of breeze, complete with gusts and shifts to keep everyone sharp.

The races were run just like this year’s events—a 3-minute start sequence and a two-lap course. To really put the crews through their paces, each race included four tacks and four gybes (which, as every sailor knows, really means five!).

The focus was on replicating regatta intensity:

• Fast pace and no stopping

• Communication maintained no matter how tired

• Smooth, precise footwork

• Continuous trim adjustments

  
  

It was fantastic to watch the growth of sailors who’ve been on the 2024 and 2025 programmes with coaches Steve Irish, Steve Tylcoat, and Becky—their teamwork, trim, and movement across the boat are really coming together.

The day ended with a relaxed meal at Rutland Sailing Club as the sun set—because onshore teamwork is just as important as time on the water.

Sunday – Light Winds, Big Gains

Sunday brought 8–10 knots with plenty of shifts—lighter, but just as demanding in different ways. This meant:

• Roll tacking

• Maximising every puff

• Maintaining constant communication and coordination

  
  

Fatigue made it challenging to keep communication sharp, but the crews dug deep and worked hard to the very end.

Once ashore, boats were packed away and we moved into 1-to-1 selection discussions.

Looking Ahead

It’s fair to say every sailor has given this programme 100%. The future squad is looking strong, and we couldn’t be prouder.

A huge thank you to our sailors, coaches, volunteers, Rutland Sailing Club, and our sponsors—you all make this possible.

Here’s to more sun, more wind, and more great sailing ahead!

Take a look at the Calendar to see more dates if you are interested.