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Tuesday 30 April 2013

Adult Race Training Day

It wasn’t promising at the start with rain and hail blowing almost horizontal and reports on the radio of snow at the Airport overnight ! The merry band of Coaches and participants who came down weren’t so merry !!


Not a good morning !
The Coaching team kept the first session in the Club House session until the weather eased a bit but there was still a bitter northerly wind blowing.

The plan for the day was to look at technique, fitness, how best to use the time from launching until the race starts and some chances to put the Racing Rules into practice but it was soon obvious that those plans would have to be modified and we went back to basics !


After lunch the wind eased a bit and even the sun came out which made it a lot more pleasant for practicing starts and sailing the first leg though Pete and Howard caught most participants out by changing the bias of the line between starts – You need to check the line every time !







In the end everybody seemed to have a good day and enjoyed the chance to practice their racing. Thanks to John, Pete, Howard and Tim for assisting with the coaching




We finished off in sunshine !

Some more photos from the day:

Friday 26 April 2013

Matt and Ben Selected for Team GB

After 25 races over 9 days at 3 different events Matt and Ben Lulham-Robinson have just been selected to represent GB as part of the RYA 420 World Championship ( no age limit) team competing at Valencia in Southern Spain in July and the GB Team competing in the European U19 Championship at Pwllheli North Wales in August.


They are the youngest pair and the independant selector team hadn't met a GBR Youth Squad sailor as young as Ben before.

They went the final event last weekend with 7 races to go and them knowing that they hadn't yet earned a place and that their Youth Squad place had been suspended ......basically they, along with a dozen other boats, had to compete for the remaining Squad place.

They were still one boat behind at the end of Saturday after racing all day in light and shifty conditions. Then Ben "Got angry" and announced on a very wet and windy Sunday morning that they were going to get a place in the Worlds Team even if he had to break every bone in his body doing it!

So whilst quite a few boats struggled in the 10ft waves , heavy wind and rain Matt and Ben went out and raced really well and won their place.


The conditions last Sunday at Pwllhelli
 The next pressing job is to raise the £7,000 to fund the cost of boat transport , flights , accommodation, entry fees etc....a hazard of siblings sailing together as there is no 2nd familly to share the cost with.

Pete has volunteered to drive one of the 4 vans which will tow the boats and GB coach boats across land to Valencia , take on the role of Bosun whilst there and do the return trip....his travel costs and accommodation will be paid for.

I may be accepted as one of the 3 Houseparents needed to chaperone and be general "Servant" for the sailors as well as surragate Mum / Dad and problem solver.



Thank you to Heather for the giving us your latest news, and "All the best !" to the boys from everybody at Yeadon SC. We shall watch your progress with interest !
Should anybody have access to sponsorship money I'm sure the family will be very interested in hearing from you, please form an orderly queue !   


Saturday 20 April 2013

Adult Race Training Day - This Saturday coming

The ever popular Race Training day for more experienced racers will be run on the 27th April starting at 11.00 and finishing at 17.00 (no club racing that day) and we shall be looking to improve your technique, fitness, how best to use the time from launching until the race starts and, now you all know the new rules, some chances to put the Rules into practice.



Please be down with your boat ready for 11.00, and bring a packed lunch, it should be a really good day !




Tuesday 9 April 2013

Volunteers needed for Anti Blue Green Algae Measures

Volunteers to help with the prevention of Blue Green Algae are needed. YSC will support in people and the use of the clubs power boat if required. The boat will need to be driven by a member of YSC.

The dates available are here:
16thApril, 17th April, 18thApril, 22nd April, 23rdApril, 24th April and 25thApril

Working from 9am until potentially 4pm.

Can you indicate your availbility by filling in this form:

Background
Last year YSC had to stop sailing for a few months due to an outbreak of Blue Green Algae on the tarn. To prevent a repeat this year, YSC has been working with the council and other tarn users to look at prevention treatment for the tarn.The process involves placing barley straw in mesh bags at key points around the tarn. Through a natural process this discourages the growth of Blue Green Algae.

Your assistance will be required in bagging the straw, placing the stakes and attaching the bags of straw. Further details will be distributed to those who are able to assist.


Many thanks

YSC Committee

Sunday 7 April 2013

Lovely Weather for the First Weekend of the Adult Training Series

Its been a fantastic weekend for the Adult Training Series - the sun was shining and the wind was... mixed and light (non existent at times).

Catherine, Trish and Stuart have come on really well following the sessions. Following the RYA Level 2 syllabus  they have refreshed their tacking, gybing, knots and rigging (including reefing).





Next weekend they will continue to enhance the skills getting them ready for the new season.

Normal Tuesday Night training starts on April 23rd. More information can be found here...

Thanks to Bob, Andrew and Glenis for their help this weekend.

We also had a new member arrive, in style this weekend, welcome John Hartshorn !


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