The first Team 15 Start Race course held at Notts County in the first week of the holidays had 6 participants. Julie Hall used her recently gained coaching certificate to good effect with Russ Towns and many of the parents helping. Everyone learnt lots and all the youngsters improved thier skills.

Matt takes up the story:
Start Racing Course 21st 22nd and 23rd July
The Team 15 start-racing junior course was thoroughly enjoyable. Over the first 2 days we had excellent winds and lots of sunshine. Monday was an amazing day for speed! We learnt better stance, quicker ways of tacking and gybing, and most importantly the need to get a good start when racing.

Our picnic out in the sunshine was much appreciated, and it was Russ's birthday, so we had cake to celebrate. In the afternoon we practised manoeuvring about the start line (whilst David was camcording). At the end of the day we all jumped off the Flying Fifteen pontoon.

On Tuesday morning, we had a couple of races (I won one!). Many of my fellow windsurfers were able to move up a sail size. When we were racing, we encountered (and some of us remembered!) all of the things we had learnt the day before. In the afternoon we followed a powerboat down near the island, practicing control of speed, and even sailing backwards. There was a long beat back to the clubhouse, before more theory and a quick freestyle session.

Wednesday came all too quickly, and started with Mum spotting a kingfisher flying alongside the lake. Again it was sunny, but we were somewhat frustrated by the lack of wind. Having done some theory we were finally defeated in our search for breezes, so submitted our log books to Julie, fetched the inflatables and boards and went paddling. All of the Mums were (of course) gutted that they couldn't participate in the 'Mum's race' as planned. At lunch time and we gave Julie and Russ a cake (cooked by Lorraine and Sarah) to thank them. It was decorated with nice icing lettering, and was topped by a Polly Pocket windsurfer!

David showed a video of us sailing, so that we could learn from each other's technique. Soon after, the Chernobyl children arrived for their boat-trip around the lake, and we were able to talk to some of them. To conclude the day we had a delicious and well-deserved dinner, cooked by Pauline, followed by our prize-giving.

Because of our brilliant instructors, Julie and Russ, we all earned our start-racing certificates, which were presented to us by Steve Payne. This course was loads of fun. We have all greatly improved, and as a result will be more confident when racing at club and inter-club events.

Amy, Sarah, Rachel, Emily, Cameron, Rebecca and I, would therefore like to say a BIG thank-you to Julie and Russ. Our parents all thank you both, too!

Matt Glendening

You Tube video below

Link to photos