International Class Association

Aldeburgh Train & Race - Part 2 of the Pioneer Pump Eastern Traveller Series

Congratulations to all the sailors, Aldeburgh Yacht Club, National & Eastern Coaches and the numerous parents who took part in this weekend's event at Aldeburgh. The Eastern sailors found the wind that had been lacking last Sunday in Weymouth - Force 5 gusty winds straight off the North Sea presented extremely challenging conditions for all involved.  Dads Rob, Steve & Robin have cancelled their gym memberships after righting over 50 boats on Saturday.

 Despite the conditions, 32 keen Tera sailors took the water over the weekend and by early afternoon on Saturday a new fleet within the Eastern Tera class had come into existence - the 'Reefer' fleet comprising of many 8 to 10 years olds who simply didn't have the weight to keep the full sail up.  For many of the 'Reefer' fleet this was their first venture from their home club. National coaches Tom & Alice took the Pros and regular Sports, whilst Hobie took the Reefers into a slightly more sheltered part of the river.  Both groups learnt a lot about dealing with strong tides and strong winds.  Tom stressed the importance of self-coaching every time you go out, not just hiking out when a coach comes up behind you!

 The forecast for Sunday and the Open Event was for lighter winds (and even some sunshine).  In reality the the sun was replaced by even stronger winds.  The Reefer fleet stayed ashore in the morning whilst Part 2 of the Pioneer Pump Eastern Traveller Series began.  Archie Hainsworth dominated the day, winning every Sports race comfortably, however behind him there was incredibly close racing with Will Caiger, Matt Smith, James Oakley and Oscar Cubitt, swapping places up the beats, down wind and even on the finish line.  After 5 races, just 3 points separated 2nd and 5th place. 2nd place went to Will and 3rd to Matt.  The Pro fleet saw very close tactical racing, but in the end the locals pipped the visitors, Sam Doble-Thompson winning the Pro fleet from Matthew Caiger, and Bethan Matthews taking 3rd from Lucy Greenwood - both girls sailing the Pro sail for the 1st time.

Finally after lunch the wind had dropped slightly and the Reefer fleet hit the water (with at least 2 reefs in the sail) for two races.  Andreas Purse led the fleet followed by Jack Oakley with the whole fleet achieving a least one lap.  However, some of the Reefer fleet were doing so well, they were mistaken for the main Sports fleet, notably Max King.  Please do let me have your photos as for once the fleets were sailing as close to the shore as possible to get out of the tide.

Sailors of the Day were Bethan & Lucy in the Pro Fleet, Oscar and Will Caiger in the Sport Fleet and James Deaton and Jack Oakley in the Reefer fleet.  Our thanks to Pioneer Pump and the RS Tera Association for the sponsorship of our coaches at this event.