With near perfect Queensland Sailing conditions, the Yeppoon Queensland Sailing Development camp got underway today as athletes travelled from around the state to participate in the training camp that leads into the Queensland Youth Championship for 2011.
The day began with a talk from High Performance head coach Adrian Finglas, who motivated this young group of aspiring athletes. After the introduction of the camps coaches, the teams rigged their boats, and hit the water for a morning two hour training session. The fleet was split up in their classes which consisted of 30 optis, 30 sabots,10 lasers, two 420s, two 29ers and one hobie. The double handers today were given some extremely important tips from 420 Youth Worlds Bronze medalist and 420 European champion Alex Gough who took over the role of coaching the younger teams. “We focused on boat handling, and a lot of the other classes did that…” Gough Said.
After the morning session and a quick lunch the guys and girls hit the water again for an afternoon session in a perfect 10 – 15knot building seabreeze.
“I pushed the guys with some kite up kite down drills, building on the skills that are extremely important, then we went into some tacking on the whistle, drills that keep you working hard” Gough commented.
“It was great to see Charlie Wyhatt and Ollie Wharrington really showing some great improvement through the day and putting in a lot of effort which is great to see” Gough added.
Ollie who is the son of Queensland and Australian Sailing legend Grant Wharrington, skipper of super maxi Skandia Wild Thing , has teamed up with young ex optimist sailor Charlie Whyatt son of 2009 Etchell World Champion Paul Wyhatt. A young team who is showing some great promise, and have big hopes for the future in the 29er class.
Tomorrow is another day, however similar predicted conditions will make for another perfect time training in spectacular Keppel bay.