Welcome parents, I’m Chase, the head coach at LYC this summer. Throughout the summer the coaches will take turns writing daily summaries of what we did on and off the water. We’re constantly taking pictures of the camper’s progress on the water, so these updates will come with a gallery of photos.
The first day of camp this year was spent on swim tests, capsize drills, and general knowledge of LYC and each class’ boat. Each sailor was checked in their ability to swim with and without life jackets, navigate a capsize with a partner, and understand the parts of the boat. The capsize was simulated by flipping optis in the diving well, always a class favorite event. Everyone took turns getting in the boat, getting flipped by coaches, learning to breathe in the boat’s underwater air pocket, and recovering the opti.
With capsizes under their belts, the sailors learned how to rig their boats. Each fleet learned the mechanics of rigging and how to launch their boats so they’re ready for their first sail tomorrow (weather permitting). Beginner Opti (my fleet) also learned how to tie 3 knots that are essential to any sailor’s skill set moving foreword. They quickly used their newfound skills to tie Coach Dae down to a chair and demand candy from her. The 420 fleet got on the water today to learn steering after a heated round of rigging races. Many of the campers in 420s are returning from previous years, so the group was able to sail right away and teach the new kids how to steer.
The ocean clinic for advanced green fleeters began today with a swim test, rigging, and technique lessons. After, the fleet took its first sail in front of LYC to practice and eventually decided to cool off after a hard day’s work (see below).
It’s going to be an exciting session; I can’t wait to be on the water tomorrow and get sailing!
-Coach Chase
