Emma Labourne, Robert Griffiths and Max Bushell attended the Techno 293 Open Training Event held at Chasewater Sailing Club which took place on the weekend of 26/27 October 2007 to take part in the open training but also to show off their sailing abilities hoping for Zone Squad selection. There were some 38 windsurfers taking part in the event most seeking selection and others taking part in the training gaining valuable instruction.
The lake is situated in a country park on the edge of an area of natural beauty called Cannock Chase. There was plenty of water to sail on, limited rigging space but there was a good beach gently sloping off into deeper water to fine tune those beach starts.
On Saturday morning it was an early start for Robert travelling from Barton to Chasewater, Emma and Max had a lay in as they were camping near by - although I am sure they would disagree. Rigged and ready to go they set out onto the water receiving coaching from several National Coaches. There was a strong on shore wind giving ideal sailing conditions. The morning session included a warm up run, practicing on the water tacking and gybing and a session on the shore in trimming their rigs to get the most out of the sail according to the conditions. Following lunch our team took part in a number of races which were videoed and critically analysed at the end of the day in the warmth of the club house with the coaches offering valuable advice and training tips. A warm down session completed the day.
Sunday morning a gale blew hard bringing with it heavy rain. The on shore support crews (mums and dads) where feeling the chill and got absolutely drenched whilst our three experts where in the comfort of their winter wet suits, marigold rubber gloves (yellow being a popular colour) and testing balaclavas (it was pretty chilly). After an on shore warm up it was time to decide what sail size to use, selections made and out they sped. A sight to behold with all three plaining their way across the water at high speed, hooked into their harnesses and stepping to the back of the boards… fantastic! Again they were filmed to analyse later. As the day went on the wind fluctuated from being very strong, to a moderate wind. But the last race was near impossible for us to observe due to the amount of rain falling but more difficult to sail in. Reports after the final race from our competitors were that the rain was coming down so hard and with their speed on the water the rain was stinging their faces. There was a white mist on the water with the rain slashing back off the lakes surface; Max described that, “It was like sailing on thin air.” The day ended with a briefing and analysis and a warm down.
Whether or not our club members get selected for the Zone Squad, it was agreed that they represented our club and showed that they sail to a very high standard. Well done Emma, Robert and Max!
John Bushell
The lake is situated in a country park on the edge of an area of natural beauty called Cannock Chase. There was plenty of water to sail on, limited rigging space but there was a good beach gently sloping off into deeper water to fine tune those beach starts.
On Saturday morning it was an early start for Robert travelling from Barton to Chasewater, Emma and Max had a lay in as they were camping near by - although I am sure they would disagree. Rigged and ready to go they set out onto the water receiving coaching from several National Coaches. There was a strong on shore wind giving ideal sailing conditions. The morning session included a warm up run, practicing on the water tacking and gybing and a session on the shore in trimming their rigs to get the most out of the sail according to the conditions. Following lunch our team took part in a number of races which were videoed and critically analysed at the end of the day in the warmth of the club house with the coaches offering valuable advice and training tips. A warm down session completed the day.
Sunday morning a gale blew hard bringing with it heavy rain. The on shore support crews (mums and dads) where feeling the chill and got absolutely drenched whilst our three experts where in the comfort of their winter wet suits, marigold rubber gloves (yellow being a popular colour) and testing balaclavas (it was pretty chilly). After an on shore warm up it was time to decide what sail size to use, selections made and out they sped. A sight to behold with all three plaining their way across the water at high speed, hooked into their harnesses and stepping to the back of the boards… fantastic! Again they were filmed to analyse later. As the day went on the wind fluctuated from being very strong, to a moderate wind. But the last race was near impossible for us to observe due to the amount of rain falling but more difficult to sail in. Reports after the final race from our competitors were that the rain was coming down so hard and with their speed on the water the rain was stinging their faces. There was a white mist on the water with the rain slashing back off the lakes surface; Max described that, “It was like sailing on thin air.” The day ended with a briefing and analysis and a warm down.
Whether or not our club members get selected for the Zone Squad, it was agreed that they represented our club and showed that they sail to a very high standard. Well done Emma, Robert and Max!
John Bushell
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