iodai.com TBSS Clinic report by Thomas Chaix and Alan Ruigrok

TBSS Clinic report by Thomas Chaix and Alan Ruigrok

TBSS Clinic report by Thomas Chaix and Alan Ruigrok. 09/01/2010

29 sailors ultimately braved the cold winter to make their way to Tralee, including Iben and Laerke all the way from Denmark with their coach Dennis Paaske ( for the second year in a row). A massive thanks to all parents who took the driving wheel on icy roads and snow to get down from as far as Belfast to what was surely a great success! The scenery with snow on the Mountains, gorgeous sunshine and relatively good breeze contributed to the feel good factor. The 4 days provided various sailing conditions from flat calm ( the rigging session) to a solid 18-20 kts with lovely waves and with about 10 hours afloat within the 3 and half day, all went home pretty happy.

topics covered :

- the subtilities of rigging to optimum

- Starts and more starts including boat handling related skills, placement and timing

- some fitness : circuit training ( focus on core and conditionning) and the spider challenge

- understanding tide, current and its effect on the course

- waves sailing and downwind techniques above 15kts ( laser style!)

- bail and sail and upwind techniques ( body movement, hiking techniques...) in the breeze.

- one optional talk on diary and goal settings

- team racing talk and practice for the RCYC and the IODAI teams ( going to Monaco later this month)

- racing situations

A good few races were sailed and analysed but only two were ultimately recorded, so this year no challenge were sailed. For info Seafra won the first counter and Daire the second one. for the record, overall, it was to be Daire's win ahead of Ruairi Finnegan and Sean Waddilove.

Big thanks to Lorna Browne and all involved! lunches, smiles and great humour from all parents were well appreciated after sailing!

Last but not least, the coaches would like to get feedback from the travelling sailors experience of the clinic in order to adjust and improve delivery in the futur. Any praise, ideas or criticism will be taken onboard in order to make 2010 coaching the better, starting with Schull! So please don't hesitate to bring your stone to the building of better coaching... please email at thomas@tcsailingcoach.com