Notts County Fleet and RS400 Association: Go Faster Training Day with Sam Knight and Chris Bownes
The Notts County fleet was fortunate to benefit from a Go Faster training day this month, delivered bySam Knight and Chris Bownes.
The day began with a shore-based session focusing on the fundamentals of achieving a strong start for the 9 boats which included 2 visiting boats. Sam and Chris each explained the respective roles of helm and crew during the crucial first two minutes of the initial beat. Discussions centred on identifying the favoured end of the start line and balancing this against the need to secure clean air. Sam also shared some excellent techniques for practising boat handling and control in confined spaces.
The session was highly interactive, with tactics discussed throughout and plenty of questions raised covering topics from sail control through to tuning, each demystified before the fleet headed afloat. Sam took to the RIB to coach from the water, with thanks to Jake for driving and acting as photographer for the day, while Chris joined the fleet as crew for Mo, who had just announced that this would be his first proper race in a 400. Chris stepped in without hesitation, completely unfazed by the challenge. It is fair to say that Mo learned a lot that day 😊
Following a hearty pasta lunch provided by Keith and Carol’s Catering, the sailors returned to the training room for a detailed debrief. The fleet was treated to video analysis demonstrating the importance of making effective height-versus-speed decisions, using examples from the 470 fleet as well as footage from Sam’s ever-popular YouTube channel.
Armed with new knowledge and refuelled after lunch, the fleet reconvened on the water for a gate-start exercise before moving into the afternoon racing programme. The author of this report was fortunate enough to receive additional on-the-water coaching while crewing for Sam during the two afternoon races. Chris meanwhile crewed for a sailor who was in a borrowed boat, whose helm has since gone on to purchase a 400 of their own. Extra brownie points for Chris.
For any club fleet representative wondering whether it is worth organising a training day in partnership with the Class Association, the answer is a resounding yes. This was an outstanding day of coaching, with sailors of all experience levels agreeing that they had learnt valuable new skills and techniques.
The group included everyone from sailors who had only recently completed their RYA Level 2 qualification through to regular circuit competitors, yet Sam and Chris ensured that every participant took something useful away from the day.
Both coaches did an exceptional job, making the training informative, engaging and enjoyable for all involved. Notts County would like to extend their thanks to Sam and Chris, and the association for such an engaging high energy day.
