On Wednesday evening the 2nd May we held the first of two North Sails downwind Clinics for the mixed dinghy class. The evening was cold and blustery with the breeze from the north west out on the bank it made for testing conditions for the teams.
There was a mix of 29er’s and RS 200’s which made a great sight watching from the Camden side of the harbour. As the evening went on and the sun got lower the sight of the boats flying downwind under spinnaker was really something special.
The clinic was short and sweet with a twenty minute briefing in the dinghy center talking about some key aspects of downwind sailing. Then we set off out on the water for about and hour and twenty minutes of blasting around the race track with the camera pointing at the crews!
James Young was on the camera yet again and he got some great footage of the teams as they sailed around the tight windward leeward course. Please check out the video clips here from the night: https://youtu.be/bnR1ujAAkrg
Nigel Young from North Sails Ireland and 29er expert and Class Champion Harry Durcan were the coaches for the night. The sailors all came home smiling and as a small bonus they all received North Sails Hats as a gift to take home.
Like all these events they do not run themselves! Fiona Young Mixed dinghy class captain conceived the idea. Then we needed some back up and Harry Durcan was the first to volunteer so thanks a million to Harry. Clayton and Barbie Kohl were also on hand in the rib as a safety boat and mark layers and then Clive O’Shea and James Fagan also kindly acted as rescue cover for the fleet.
Five RIBS, two coaches, eight support crew and then the sailors! Thanks to all the teams that came out with us on the night, it was great to see you all.
We are looking forward to the next outing on the 30th May for part two of this initiative…….
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