Volvo RYA Champion Club TV

The latest in video based technique tips from the RYA

Have a look at this site – www.ryachampionclubtv.co.uk/index.asp which is the latest in a series of resources being developed in conjunction with Sport England and Volvo Car UK, for the benefit of sailors and coaches within Volvo RYA Champion Clubs. The clips aim not only to provide the sailors with a great training aid and tips on correct technique, but also to provide the coaches and volunteers with basic knowledge of the ‘pathway’ classes in order to enable them to deliver quality and consistent race training within Volvo RYA Champion Clubs. Thereby, ensuring that the Volvo RYA Champion Clubs can provide the very best springboard for young sailors to progress to the RYA squads.

The video clips are narrated by double Olympic gold medallist, Shirley Robertson, OBE and feature a comprehensive range of techniques across the classes which have been specifically selected by expert RYA class coaches. They represent the key skills which other, more challenging techniques are based upon. Therefore, these key skills are an ideal focus for race training and sailor development at club level. Basically, mastering these skills at club level will give young sailors the skills to progress on into regional competition, and ultimately the very best chance of progressing to RYA squad based training.

We would encourage sailors and coaches to use the technical content of the clips to support their race training programmes and shape their sessions such that they are fun, safe and constructive for developing aspiring racers. For suggested training exercises and ideas on developing safe and effective training, which could be used specifically to favour the development of these skills, as well as other accompanying training resources please visit www.rya.org.uk/vcc

Anyone for sailing on a Wednesday afternoon?

Now the school holidays have started it might be a good idea to attempt sailing during the week – could I suggest a Wednesday afternoon – 2pm onwards, with possibly a barbeque in the evening for those who want to. Please email round if you intend to go. Di.

Ron (left) at the WRSA Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2007

Many congratulations to Ron who has been awarded a Lifetime Commitment Award from the RYA. This is for someone who has shown exceptional committment and dedication over a period of 15 years or more.

The RYA Community Awards, launched in 2002, recognise the exceptional voluntary contribution given by individuals. These awards, seen as the ‘MBEs’ of our sport, are given to people who make a real impact on our sport at local, grass roots level. In November 2008, fifty Awards, including four in the Youth Category were presented by HRH the Princess Royal.

Ron is the longest serving member of the Club. He has been an extremely active sailor in the past, winning many trophies. He ran our beginners’ training sessions on Sunday mornings for many years; giving lessons before taking to the water and supervising the trainees. During racing he would allow learners to helm his boat, with him crewing. All of this carried out with amazing patience!

Ron joined the club in 1972 when it was in its infancy. There was only a small clubhouse, chemical toilets, and no running water. In 1981, he helped to raise money to buy and, with a lot of effort by members, erect the present clubhouse. Since then the club has gained a septic tank, running water and flushing toilets. We have acquired a motor support boat and a ride-on mower. Ron has been instrumental in all of these changes.

Ron served on the committee for a long number of years and was Commodore from 1993 to 1995. Since 1999, Ron has taken the role of Bosun both officially and unofficially. Because he has seen the club from such an early age, he takes responsiblity to repair and upkeep all aspects of the club’s site. Ron’s contribution for the last few years has focussed on constant running repairs and upkeep of the site, clubhouse, changing rooms and grounds. Any problems at all, we always say “ask Ron”. He always understands the problem and knows what has to be done. We have come to rely on Ron as the ‘father’ of the club and many members do not realise just how much he does quietly behind the scene

I think you will all agree that this is well-deserved award. Every club needs a ‘Ron’ and we are extremely fortunate to have him in ours. Well done, Ron!!

The winners at Summer Trophy 2009

Another good turnout for the Summer trophy – 11 boats took to the water in variable conditions – a light wind, gusting periodically.

Well done to Andrew and Laura Iveson for taking the trophy, with a close 2nd from Bob Barber (those Ents again!), closely followed by Richard Valentine in his Gull. A capsize by Jim Halliwell made the rest of the helms wary of those sudden gusts.

Richard receiving the Overall Regatta trophy from the Commodore, Di Wetherell

We had a good weekend of sailing with fine weather and, despite the wind dropping completely on the second day, we managed 4 races out of the 5 planned.

The winner of the Mirror Trophy was Pete Tarren; the Enterprise Trophy was won by Richard Thomlinson; and the Gull Trophy went to Richard Valentine. The overall handicap winner was Richard Valentine, with Richard Thomlinson in 2nd place and Pete Tarren in 3rd. A special award was given to the Opie sailor Patrick Foster.

The theme this year was ‘Pirates’ with several decorated boats and crews sailing. The winners of the Best decorated boat were the Proudler family, and best crew (including dressed pirate dog!) were the Stamper family. Many members stayed on Saturday evening for the usual barbeque, fun, games and camping.