Two Harbour Squad Training
Published 15:57 on 31 Mar 2020
TWO HARBOUR SQUAD TRAINING
Over five weekends this winter ESC welcomed thirty-six young sailors from across the South to take part in our Two Harbour Squad training. The purpose of the squad is to hone racing skills of young sailors so they are ready to compete at club, regional or national levels. In a change to last year, newly qualified ESC dinghy instructors Henry Chandler, Patrick Bonner, and Emily Jones worked alongside coaches to gain valuable skills as a race coach. This year we were thrilled to have RS Tera Pros as well as RS Tera Sports, enabling our older or taller sailors to continue to enjoy the delights of racing with a fully battened and larger sail.
Joining ESC Juniors were sailors from Slipper, Itchenor, Felpham as well as clubs further afield including Lancing, Christchurch, Erith in Kent and Great Moor near Oxford. Word has spread that ESC is the place to go for RS Tera coaching and places filled up fast.
The team of six coaches was led by Emsworth's own champion racer Vikki Payne and Simon Horsfield from the Army Sailing Association. Sailors were divided into six smaller groups (based on sailing ability) each identified by a different coloured tabard. You would be surprised how challenging it is to identify individual sailors when they are all in drysuits! Each Saturday covered a different theme such as boat preparation, start line tactics, straight line speed, and race strategy. Sundays were 'race days' - the opportunity for sailors to put newly acquired skills into practise.
The final session took place on 14th-15th March and little did we realise this would be the last time many of us would the able to take to water due to the Coronavirus outbreak. We were greeted by strong winds of 15-18 knots on the Saturday, which gave the sailors a chance to stretch their legs. Whilst on the Sunday, the sailors were tested with constant wind shifts which made for some tricky racing. Both days were bitterly cold and it never ceases to amaze all those involved the determination of sailors (and crews), to get out on the water and sail. After four races, sailors, rib helms, crews and coaches returned cold and exhausted to the clubhouse for a hot regatta tea and the end of series prize giving.
Each coaching team had a first and second place winner, with overall champions for the RS Tera Sport and RS Tera Pro classes. In addition the squad recognises British Youth Sailing 'values and behaviours' with awards in Sportsmanship, Endeavour and Most Improved Sailor.
The final results saw some notable performances from ESC sailors, including Toby Field (First RS Pro) and Ben Charlesworth (Second RS Sport) in the overall championship. The following also achieved success in their individual groups: Henry Jones (second), Jonny Marshall (second), Max Devenport (First), Olivia Le Quesne (second), Conor Preston (second). Clearly the future for racing at our club looks very bright given these outstanding performances.
In true RS Tera fashion the overall champions Harry Mitchell (RS Sport fleet- Erith SC) and Toby Field (RS Pro fleet- ESC) gave speeches thanking all those involved, as well as the real stars of the squad, their fellow competitors.
With prize giving over, sailors rushed outside for some last-minute team photos and to throw their squad 'graduation' caps into the air! Both sailors and parents have been very complimentary of our club and the coaching. For the Sears family, from Christchurch Sailing Club, mum Cherie said, "Two Harbour Squads has been a fantastic experience. We have been made to feel so welcome and the team has gone out of their way to support the needs of my child without making him feel different. Inclusivity at its best. Hope to be back next year!"
In just two years, Two Harbour Squad has gained a reputation for quality and individualised training, helping our club achieve its BYS recognised club status. Working in collaboration with Emsworth Slipper and Felpham Sailing Club, the squad shares resources such as safety boats, to achieve the larger fleet numbers found on a start line. Such experience enables our sailors to grow in confidence and meet the challenges of inter club racing and open events. British Youth Sailing and the RYA have recently changed the way they deliver training, focussing on building regional training hubs. The model we have developed at ESC is now seen as the way forward.
Next year, ESC is excited to be able to offer a further pathway for local sailors. There will be training available for not just for RS Teras, but on separate weekends, RS Aero, Lasers and RS Fevas. The plan is to follow the same successful programme as previous years, whilst offering local sailors more time on the water with exceptional coaching.
We are really grateful to everyone who works behind the scenes to make the squad happen. From Ollie and his team who feed everyone, to the office who organised temporary membership for all our visiting sailors. Finally our members who helped to create the buzz around the club and graciously put up with the din when thirty six hungry sailors came in for lunch!
Pegs Field & Vikki Payne