Spring is almost here and it’s a great time to consolidate sailing skills ready for the sailing season. Easter school holidays start early April and a perfect opportunity to get sailing and take the family out to enjoy some quality time together. Racing at the club is another great way to develop sailing skills and meet new club members. Why not join the all-new HISC Get Racing Club and make the most of sailing this spring. Alternatively try a tailor-made sailing lesson from MCS and enhance your helming knowledge to a higher level. MCS coaching calendar is open and updated daily so finding a convenient lesson time is simple. Here are five ideas to help Get Sailing this season.
Time On The Water
Practice is key to keeping essential skills thoroughly rehearsed and there’s no better way than time on the water. Try this top coaching tip using the KISS method – ‘Keep it short & simple’ and focus on one or two subjects with your time afloat and see what a difference it can make.
Maybe think about practicing your footwork tacking technique or perhaps perfecting the timing of pulling the boom across on the gybe. Remember to practice in force 2-3 winds to build up your technique confidence.
Weather Check
It’s good to track the weather forecast and plan your time out on the water safely. The Met Office forecast is a reliable source of weather information to help plan your day or weekend sailing. Cambermet & Chimet live weather stations in Chichester Harbour are great to view on the day sailing conditions and compare against your Met Office weather forecast. Mean wind, gusts and temperatures are all there waiting for you. Click on the Cambermet & Met Office logos and give them a whirl.
Specific Sailing Skills
Building confidence and learning new sailing skills can make all the difference to your sailing. Unlock the mystery of how to sail close to the wind accurately by using your best friends, the tell-tells. These magic pieces of wool attached to the sail provide a unique guide to help you sail upwind. It’s a great new skill to have in your tool box. Get in touch for a specific skill session or maybe a Rust Remover lesson to put the spring into your sailing this season.
HISC Get Racing Club
Competing in a race can be an ideal way to improve sailing skills and enjoy friendly social racing with friends & family.
Get Racing Club is brand new to Hayling Island Sailing Club for 2014 and with the opening race on Saturday 26th April what better time to give racing a go. Perhaps you’ve not raced before, feel race rusty, thinking of crewing for someone or just fancy some low key family racing, then Get Racing Club is for you. Check out further details and race dates in the HISC Spring Newsletter, HISC Handbook & Training Programme – out now! Don’t miss the Get Racing Club evening launch party with drinks & nibbles on Saturday 19th April at 19:00 hrs in the main bar at HISC. A perfect opportunity to find out more and join in something new.