Black Rock’s Sabre fleet ran a coaching day last Saturday in some interesting wind conditions. Jarka Kluth and Bruce Abbott, ably assisted by Steve Douglas, Geoff Dresser and Harold Medd, drew upon their sailing knowledge and techniques to focus on sail set up, boat speed and handling. It started with a short classroom session followed by two on water sessions, all supported by two RIB’s with Jarka coaching from one with Steve and Bruce in the other.
14 Sabres, including two Vic Association boats took part and were joined by 125’s. Participants covered a broad range of experience, ranging from quite recent through to seasoned sailors. In the morning’s light northerly, we sailed between four in line buoys, focussing on roll tacking, gybing and 180’s. It was a short, busy race course, full of boats; good experience in preparation for the Vic State Championships next February where we expect some 60 participants.
After a lunchtime debrief accompanied by Geoff’s delicious sausages, the team was again about to take to the water when a 30knot front came through from the north. This would have been an interesting time to test our heavy wind sailing techniques however, caution prevailed and the session was postponed for 30 minutes.
The front subsided again to a light breeze which progressively swung into the west. We organised three short windward return races. Unfortunately for Glen Abbott, there were no prizes for first. Particularly in the case of the newer sailors, considerable improvement was seen.
Overall, the day was well received and attended and continues to build on our sailing capability. Our inclusive, welcoming and sharing culture aims to get the back of the fleet to improve its skills and challenge the fleet leaders. Thanks to the volunteers who made it happen.
Further sailing tips can be seen on the Sabre website: https://www.sabre.org.au/about-us/sailing-tips-youtube-clips
