More coaching input, this time from Mark Rushall

When I started capturing video in the H&H series,  I sent the YouTube output to Mark Rushall.  Mark coached Mike and I in the ISO in 2010 prior to the Europeans at Garda, and also helped us construct an analysis of a nationals venue.  Mark was also RYA Coach of the Year in 2006, and has coached at Olympic level.

In the early 90's, I can remember Liz and Mark winning the Lark nationals when we were doing the open circuit - they won't remember our boat as it was never troubling them at the front! (But might remember our final Lark - 1929, composite, originally owned by Richard Garry).

Anyway, Mark has been away coaching for some weeks, but was kind enough to critique the videos I posted on Youtube.  This gives yet more input into the improvement plan, all I need now is some reasonable weather to get out continue practicing at TISC!

Here is the feedback from Mark, note the identification of the Rule 42 infringement, confirmation of a view long held by many members of our handicap fleet!

"First video:

1 Good use of sculling to bear away without accelerating on the start line: you are allowed to scull to turn away from the wind to close hauled, not to hold station: what you are doing here is good practice and gives you control of a nice spot on the start line.

2 Nice use of gust to accelerate: bouncing the boat flat then sheeting on to close the leech and accelerate the boat quickly to hull speed: the rest of the gust keeps the boat at hull speed for its whole duration instead of being wasted in acceleration. See if you can work on looking upwind to preempt rather than reacting to the gusts.

3 Cant see from this video but remember to steer (ideally without the rudder!) to maximise the time in the gust on this type of patchy off wind leg. Sail 15 deg below the rhumb line once the boats up to speed to maximise time in the gust, this gives the opportunity  as the gust tails off to sail above the rhumb line,  keeping the apparent wind forward: sailing at max speed toward the next gust.

4 See how the boat is upright or heeling to windward all the time upwind: that's great. Leeward heel reduces projected sail area, causes drag through increased weather helm, and drives the hull into the water wasting all that effort building a nice light hull! If you want to heel to leeward get a keelboat!

5 Nice leeward heel to increase weather helm and steer the the boat into the tack. You could ease more mainsheet during the tack so you bounce the boat upright more quickly and get some impulse. Once the boat is upright you can then get a second bite by sheeting back on rapidly.

6 When the gusts get bigger upwind, anticipate the gusts, ease early, and get the boat over upright just as the gust hits. Then gust will accelerate you (see 4.)

Second video:

7 Again, nice use of body weight to steer the boat rather than the rudder.

8 Could you get more out of the end of the tack: letting the boat come fully onto close hauled then crossing straight into a hike to pump the sail? Theres a good example of this on my Smart RS100 dvd: http://rushall.net/shop  though I admit the 100 is considerably more stable than the 300!

9 See that the boat is rolled to windward to initiate the bear away: there is no dragging load on the rudder. That works in all wind strengths.

10 In an umpired race you would get a rule 42 yellow flag for rocking on this reach as you are initiating it. You are fine on the run: its permitted to set the boat so that it is naturally unstable so long as you don't initiate the rolling yourself with body sheet or rudder."

Many thanks Mark, the feedback is much appreciated.