The day started out hot, with little wind thanks to the convergence of two systems over our venue. Although these conditions did not make anyone go anywhere fast, they allowed our sailors a great opportunity to figure out steering as the boats reacted in slow motion. In the afternoon the breeze filled from the southeast and allowed for the campers to put into practice what they learned in the morning.
Mercury Mentors took to the water and practiced steering. Each child was given the opportunity to steer with a coach next to them to talk them through the processes.
Beginner Opti set up a towline with two children in an opti. This method is used with the smaller boats, without their sails in, to teach steering. Once they get the general idea of steering, a tennis ball is thrown into the back boat and their goal is to throw that ball from boat to boat until they get it in the coach boat.
Green Fleet worked on a procedure of starting primarily used on Lake Garda. They kept at it both to get repetition of the procedure, as well as to work being right on the start line at go.
420’s started the day going over boat parts for those who were half days as well as how to rig the boat. The group also discussed the points of sail and the sausage course, which is designed to teach both tacking and gybing. In the afternoon they continued to do this course and many kids started getting the hang of it.
The Red/White/Blue Clinic started the day by watching video from previous America’s Cups to see how they handle their sail trim upwind. After a quick workout they headed to the ocean where they practiced quick mid-race capsize recovery recovery techniques and speed testing.
