Schull Winter Training Camp

So, it's on!!!  Schull Week. 

By now you should have received IODAI President Martin Byrne's letter in the post.  Included in the envelope is your entry form for Schull Winter Training Camp.   Please note that your form should be with IODAI Honsec by 9th January.  Get it out and fill it in now, or better still print off a copy off here 

If you've been to Schull before:

You'll know the form.  Yes, it can be cold, it can be wet, but where else could you have such fun in the middle of February?  This year there will be a few things different to make the week both more useful and enjoyable.  First and foremost is the sailing.  No longer will there be a morning and afternoon session.  The plan this year is to launch mid to late morning and then stay on the water for a good session of 3 - 4 hours, come ashore and have a late lunch.  Derigging and debriefing can be done when your warmed up and you don't have to think of going back out again.

So what else?  While we are all there to improve our sailing, the week is about having fun.  After sailing or on bad weather days, a number of fun activities will be organised to make sure you don't get bored. I've heard mention of ice skating; a trip to the planatarium; or the cinema, but I don't want to tell you too much at this stage. 

For those who haven't been before:

Have a look at last year's report: http://www.iodai.com/live/274.html

Accommodation:  Definitely not a problem.  Most people stay in rented self catering cottages - quite reasonable at this time of year.  While there are many providers, you may like to start here http://www.westcorkproperty.com

This year there is now a hotel right in the centre of Schull village - and they are offering a special rate of €55 per person per night, including breakfast and leisure facilities.  Their website is http://www.harbourviewhotelschull.com.  Just mention that you are booking for the sailing to get the special rate.  The hotel is new for this year and may well prove a popular venue for parents' morning coffee.  Yes, there is a social side for the grown ups too.  You sailors don't have all the fun.  In fact, after the first morning, coaches urge parents to leave their sailors off and then leave.  Parents, as long as you keep your mobile on, you don't need to worry.

Winter Sailing:  Dry suits are very much the order of the day with lots of warm layers underneath.  Don't forget warm dry clothing for after sailing and social activities.  Training shoes and a tracksuit are a good idea for morning warm-up sessions.

Work Rota:  Sorry parents, you do have to do a little bit of work to ensure that the week runs smoothly.  Don't worry it's not that arduous and its a great opportunity to meet people; get to know other parents and find out everything you need to know about "the Oppie Circuit".  Just circle your availability on the entry form.

The Coaching: Top class coaches are being booked for the week on a ratio that will ensure that your sailor receives adequate training both ashore and on the water.  All sailors including regatta fleet are eligible to attend and special care will be taken to ensure that each sailor receives training suited to their ability.  Special considerations will be given this year to the needs of regatta fleet sailors.

Social:  If you're new, a great opportunity to meet other Oppie parents.  If you've been before you'll know that its great to catch up with people from last year and renew old acquaintances. 

School?  Schull Week is deliberately organised to coincide with the educational mid-term break.  While some schools may not have the full week off, most are understanding and will accept that their pupils are invoved in a healthy sporting activity and will regard any extra days off as "educational".

What now? Whatever happens, Schull Week is better than sitting around the house watching TV,  playing video games and getting bored.  Or maybe you would all like to be in school?  Get Mum or Dad to get that booking form out, get it filled in and get it posted. 

PARENTS, please book in time to assist organisers with the booking of adequate and suitable coaching and other facilities.