Coaches tips from Aldeburgh

Click on the link below to see some video taken on Saturday at Aldeburgh.

Comments as follows:

1. Opens with some nice hiking by Ben.
2. Second section is taken from above the windward mark - the tide is running towards the camera. Note the boats on the right of shot all overstanding the layline and having to bear away to get around the mark. You must think about tide and its effect on judging laylines to the windward mark.
3. Third section shows Tim in 745 and Will in 2440 running downwind. Will is showing nice heel to windward and is trimming the sail with the gusts. If you look carefully towards the end of the section you can see Will is on his knees with his feet on the side deck and effectively sitting on his heels. This gives him good purchase and can move his body freely whilst trimming the sail and steering the boat. Not for everyone but excellent balance in the boat - probably best to try this in flatter water with less wind to start with! Tim showing good technique to cover Will's air going downwind. Whilst relatively stable, sitting in the middle of the boat like this means you can't get back any further as the tiller is in your back so you will plough any big waves and risk nose diving. Good reverse flow on the tell tales on both boats though.
4. The final section shows some cross wind reaching in waves. Note Caitie in 2772 and how far back she is sitting - right up against the rope handles at the back of the boat. This is an excellent way to get through short chop and waves and will even work sailing deeper downwind angles.

Well done to all as the waves in this section of the river are very tough to deal with.

Apologies for the choice of music - it wasn't me!

Mike