Match Race Training Report

Match Racing Training, Queen Mary Sailing Club - 13th/14th March

 

The first two day Match Racing training session, run by the Royal Thames at Queen Mary Reservoir last weekend, was a great success.  Organised by Dan Howe, this was an excellent opportunity for Thames members to gain experience in the RTYC J80s whilst learning from some of the clubs most experienced and successful sailors.    Four teams benefited from the expert guidance and knowledge provided by Thames member and professional match racer Simon Shaw, assisted by International Umpire David Lees and Race Officer David Arnold, Admiral’s Cup Veteran and world renowned PRO.

 

Saturday morning involved a classroom session to cover match format and rule basics.  This generated a necessary focus on the critical elements and established practical priorities for sailors new to match racing whilst providing a great recap and re-focus for those more experienced.  The afternoon session took place on the water where match racing drills and specifically starting and first beat practice were conducted over shortened time sequences giving each team around 5 mini races in the space of a few hours.

 

Following an impromptu social in London on Saturday night, Teams returned on Sunday for a day on the water consisting of two round robins to put Saturdays training into practice.  Sunshine and a moderate breeze provided perfect match racing conditions.  There were plenty of close matches and those where one clear leader emerged, umpires forced back together via penalties ensuring both teams were under pressure all the time.  Simon sailed with teams to address boat handling, boat speed and tactic/positioning issues whilst David and his umpires provided rule decision feedback following each match.

 

We are all very grateful for the effort put in by Simon Shaw, David Lees and David Arnold as well as the rest of the Thames Race Management Team.

 

Further race training days are being planned at Queen Mary and in the Solent during the summer months.  If you are interested in attending a coaching session in the J80s please email DHowe@AlternativeNetworks.com.  Please let  Dan know if you plan to put together your own crew or would like to join a team as well as giving him an indication of your sailing experience and goals for the training.

 

Ben Clothier