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Schull - Book NOW!!
So, it's on!!! Schull Week. Schull Booking Form: Download here A week of sailing, fun and "no school". This winter's Training Camp in Schull will take place during the February half term break 16th - 20th February. Book your place NOW!!! Full details and entry forms available here. 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 7th January. Get it out and fill it in now or down load another copy here. If you've been to Schull before: You'll know the form. Yes, it can be dry and sunny or it can be cold and wet, but where else could you have such fun in the middle of February? This year it is planned to improve the event even further on last year to make it both useful and enjoyable. First and foremost is the sailing. Top Irish and International coaches will be in Schull and a high standard of coaching appropriate to your ability - from senior gold down to pre-regatta fleet - will be available The length of time spent on the water each day will vary depending on ability. Lunch and hot chocolate will be provided for the sailors and indoor seminars will replace sailing during poor weather.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 gladiator jousting; a trip to the planatarium; sumo wrestling, water-balloon wars and quizzes, 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 reports: http://www.iodai.com/live/467.html http://www.iodai.com/live/479.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. 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. 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 choice on the entry form. You can help out with hot chocolate, on the slip-way, organising social activities. If you want to volunteer for more than you have circled on the form it will be welcomed. 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. International coaches coming include Massimo (Italian) Vagelis (Greek), Denis and Kasper (Danish). The famous Prof will be in Schull so get out your jogging shoes and former national coach David Harte will host the event. Three other top Irish coaches are to be confirmed. The ISA squad will also be in Schull this week under the direction of their coach Thomas Chaix. 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. Afternoon fun will be organised for those that don’t spend too long on the water. This is NOT an event for complete beginners and sailors should have some prior experience, be comfortable in a boat and preferably capable of sailing a triangular course. It may however be possible to accommodate a few siblings who have not yet mastered the ability to sail a course if they have suitable clothing and weather conditions are favourable. Please identify them clearly as beginners so that appropriate coaches and safety ribs can be made available to them. Chandlery: A chandlery facility will be provided by Munster Marine on the first day of the clinic for sailors who have an equipment deficiency. Cork Sailboats may visit later in the week. Social: If you're new, a great opportunity to meet other Oppie parents. If you've been before you'll know that it's great to catch up with people from last year and renew old acquaintances. Walks, cycles, power-boat courses, coffee mornings, sumo wrestling, boat trips, golf, tennis, rigging clinics and leisurely lunches are among the possibilities. 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 involved 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. Those who submit their application on time will have priority in the sumo wrestling tournament! Further information will be sent out by e-mail to applicants PARENTS, please book NOW to assist organisers with the booking of adequate and suitable coaching and other facilities. |
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