GB Blind Sailing May Training Weekend at Rutland Water

 A busy training weekend at Rutland Water for the charity, supported by our fantastic volunteers that make it all run so smoothly. The forecast predicted strong winds and rain for the weekend however we were able to dodge the rain on the water and even enjoy the sun at times.

Saturday Activities

Morning Session:

Becky Ellis from the RYA built on last month’s coaching where we worked on start line positioning.

This weekends training focused was holding lanes off the start line then making your next move.  This was done by splitting the four RS21s into two pairs, with each pair having a windward and leeward boat at the start line. The aim being to start in each position and then hold lanes down the course. This demonstrated what rules and tactics can be used by each boat along with the benefits and disadvantages of each position, could the windward boat give the leeward boat dirty air, or could the leeward boat force the windward boat to tack for example.  Lots of starts and rotating of position through the morning.

Afternoon Session:

Heading out after lunch it initially looked okay to continue with full rigs, but once out into the lake following a near 90-degree shift since the morning session it became apparent the gusts had also picked up so it was time to reef. A great call by coach and local sailor David to use the headland for cover from the wind to allow us to safely reef on the water.

 Building on the morning session all four RS21s started simultaneously, employing windward and leeward tactics along with lane holding skills. Paired boats ideally covering each other for each tack to build on the boat on boat skills. The introduction of a windward mark and the racer instinct it quickly became competitive with all four boats in a race, maybe sometimes forgetting the aim of the session... A long day on the water of around 5 hours, it was time to head home to the moorings. A debrief in the classroom before retiring for a shower and for some, a quick nap!

The Rutland Sailing Club provided food and drinks for a relaxed social evening. Some make the most if the sun on the balcony before joining the group for food. An evening filled of catching up with friends, discussing the days sailing, and of course talks of wind.

Those who are reading this from Rutland go try the new catering team for dinner.

Sunday Activities

The rain was falling in the early sunrise and the gusts had picked up overnight. Rain easing after breakfast but unfortunately not the gusts, hitting 35 knots. Too gusty for a day on the water.

Becky led a session using tactile methods to represent Rutland Water's topography with objects like sponges, mugs, ropes, and tape. This helped the visually impaired sailors understand how environmental features suck as land, hills, trees, dams, and buildings affect wind direction, gusts and speed. Then using this understanding placing start lines and windward marks in different positions to explore different conditions and wind directions. Sometimes the topography can work in your favour so understanding where you’re sailing and the local topography and just as important as understanding the local wind.

Afternoon:

The RS21s were recovered from the water so we utilised the opportunity to do on shore drills on them.

Onshore practice focused on body movement and footwork during tacks and jibes. Exercises included slow-paced footwork, sheeting techniques, and timing movements, allowing coaches to observe and refine techniques, and having that ability to look at finer details without the usual risks of being on water.

The weekend concluded with a debrief, providing valuable lessons for us all to take away. Special thanks to the Blind Sailing volunteers, Becky Ellis and the team at Rutland Sailing Club, their invaluable support makes these weekends possible. 

A final special mention to Justin and Leanna for joining us this weekend, we really hope you enjoyed being part pf the team and warmly welcome you back.

We are back on the water in June welcoming our long time sponsor Adam Reed, ARB Tree and Garden Solutions it will be great to catch up.