Training School News

Summer Camp 2024

This year’s Summer Camp is in full swing with quite a few new faces as well as those who have been coming for many years. Monday morning saw two sailing groups, one led by Matt and Mandy and the other by Kiera and Skye. In light winds everyone was reminded about the basics of launching, sailing a triangle and returning to shore. After lunch two groups had a chance to try windsurfing or play games on the mega paddleboards. Meanwhile Reece was taking pairs of youngsters for trips on his Spitfire catamaran. Mid afternoon there was a welcome break onshore for squash and snacks.

Tuesday dawned cooler and showery, although the wind remained light. The morning saw more sailing exercises and the afternoon was again taken with paddleboard games and more trips on Reece’s Spitfire. The Magno, recently repaired and back in service, was also out on the water with two of the group sailing it.

On Wednesday, the group sailing with Matt and Mandy set off in breezier conditions for a sail to the Tower off the north shore of the lake. On the way back the wind had gone a lot lighter and it took quite a while, especially for the two Oppies, to get back.

On Wednesday afternoon it was time for something completely new. Our Wingsurfing instructor Angus was on hand to give the whole group an on-shore demonstration of how to handle a Wing. Everyone had a practice on land, and in the breeze which had picked up quite a lot over lunch, some of the smaller members of the group found it quite a struggle!

Then it was time to go afloat for the afternoon’s activities. While two people at a time took it in turns to have a go at wingsurfing, the rest of the group were sailing in the double-handers: the two 2000s, the Magno and the Hartley 12. The double handers were reefed as it was really quite breezy.

As the group were later than usual going afloat after hearing Angus’s excellent briefing, there was no time to come ashore for afternoon squash and snacks, Instead these were ferried out to be consumed on the water, kudos to Reece and Louis who delivered the drinks without spilling a drop.

And Kudos to all those who had a go at winging, there were some impressive performances and there was general agreement that it was good fun, photos coming soon ….

Instructor Profiles

Also coming soon, bios of our Training School instructors. As a preview here are some mug shots.

The post Training School News first appeared on Grafham Water Sailing Club.