West Squad at Loch Lomond

Laurie Marsden's West Squad Training continued on March 16th with the fourth of five scheduled training weekends.  Thirty enthusiastic young sailors assembled with their Toppers Fevas and Lasers at Loch Lomond sailing club but with winds reaching 40 mph at times the coaching team opted for a day of shore based training.  First up was physical fitness with a programme of circuit training set up in the sailing clubs spacious boat shed and enthusiasm aided with a dose of German Techno beat.  (thats a sort of weird music - I think).  Next was a theory session on strategy and tactics followed by some more team building exercises.  A "wee Roy 'l visit" then took place but it was RYA Scotland High Performance Manager Roy McCubbin who arrived not the other Royal and parents and sailors were treated to a detailed explanation of the RYA Junior and Youth Programmes, the various Class Association Training Schemes and the various merits of the RYA Youth classes including Optimists, Toppers, Lasers, Fevas, 420's and 29ers. (And RS200's, Roy)

It was a delight to arrive to a lovely force 3 breeze on Sunday and after another fitness session led by Laurie and her coaching team it was straight on the water for some practical exercises to demonstrate the importance of planning and strategy.  After another excellent lunch provided by the smiling kitchen team and a detailed debrief on wind and clouds which was valued as much by the assembled adults as the youngsters it was back on the water for an afternoon of "wacky races" and a final counting race which was memorable for a very impressive start by Topper sailor Andrew Mitchell.  

A big thank you to all the coaching team and especially to the event organisers and the many Loch Lomond SC members who helped make the weekend a great success. 

There are a selection of event pictures available here