Set up by Becky Scott (currently campaigning Basecamp), the training programme will help British Mini sailors (who usually have limited time and funds to get out to France) get up to speed in the class. Over four weekends the training aims to cover rig tuning, boat handling, speed testing, navigation, meteorology, nutrition, personal preparation and tactics.
This will be really useful for those entering the official UK Mini qualifying races; the Lymington-Plymouth race (300 miles, double-handed starting 6th May) and the UK Mini Transat (561 miles starting 13th
May).
Heading over on Friday afternoon, I helped Becky with the final bits of boat work on Basecamp, seeing the little 21 foot boat on the water for the first time. With light winds forecast, I looked forward to a gentle introduction into sailing the Mini, and meeting the other sailors and their boats.With glorious weather on the Saturday, we spent the morning discussing rig tuning before spending the afternoon on the water. With everything in easy reach and the loads not being too great (in light winds anyway!) sailing the Mini was really good fun, particularly the solo gybes.
Unfortunately there was very little wind the next day, but there was still lots to be learnt by working on the dock with coach Adam Bowers, hoisting the sails and comparing settings.
I'm looking forward to the next few training sessions!