You Can Go Home Again

This past weekend I had the pleasure of coaching in a Clinic held by Berlin Yacht Club. Berlin is located on a small lake in Eastern Ohio about an hour south of Cleveland. They club consisted of a varying assortment of members that range anywhere in age and sailing aptitude. While they’ve had their share of national champions sail out of the club, Berlin’s strongest membership comes from beginning to intermediate sailors. This weekend was geared towards getting the most out of each individual sailor and begin to prepare them for the great summer season that is at hand.

Sailing boats that would make Sandy Douglass proud (Highlanders, Thistles and Flying Scots) the Clinic consisted of 9 boats and numerous crews and skippers. I had the opportunity of both video taping, instructing and sailing with some great individuals. On Saturday with winds in the 20 knot range, we focused on starts and their importance in sailboat racing. We preformed over 15 starts and came away some valuable lessons as each sailor improved their skill set vastly.

--Try to develop a plan early
--Don’t be afraid to be close to the line
--Speed off the line is paramount
--Getting a start that allows you to implement your game plan is critical

Sunday was quite calmer breeze wise and we worked out our downwind approach. We focused on sets, douses, gybes and crew work. Once again getting great video and instruction was key as we were able to dissect each individuals work on a specific boat and point out what they needed to work on; and more importantly what they were doing properly. As with Saturday each sailor came away with some important keys to downwind sailing.

--Develop a game plan (see a theme?)
--Communication amongst crew members is critical
--Speed (i.e. sailing in pressure) is king

This past weekend was a brainchild of Harold Bauer and Team. It couldn’t have been pulled off without the help to the Finefrock family (though we missed Jesse), the Diffley’s, Rick Banning, Ben Chauffeur, Ben Craig, and world famous Sarah Paisley. Also, as always the kitchen crew was fantastic and is a major reason for such a great turn out.

I cannot stress enough how important club functions and your support are. Sailing is a sport we can ill afford not to pledge our support to, especially at the local club level. Event like these are a positive sign for a strong future.

Karl D. Felger
Quantum Sail Design Group
Toledo, OH 43611