Our ILCA squad headed to Carlingford for the second NIST weekend of the season, and this time it was our first residential camp. That meant four full days of training on the water, plenty of time to work on boat handling and racing skills, and evenings spent together as a team off the water too.
Perfect conditions on Carlingford Lough
The squads made the most of 15 knot southerly breezes all camp. The steady wind meant long downwind legs, giving sailors the chance to focus on new techniques.
With two sessions on the water each day, mornings were spent on short course racing and afternoons on boat handling and technique development.
Team building off the water
The squads also took part in team building activities with the Carlingford Activity Centre team. “The team building activities were great craic and pushed our learning and development skills,” said RYA NI Racing Officer Roger Craig.
A sunrise finish
The camp ended with a rude awakening on Sunday: a dawn sail, with the team out on the water and hiking before 7am.
“Pushing boundaries physically and mentally over the camp will stand the team well heading into next month’s squad session,” said Roger.
Take a look at some of the action
What’s next
The squads are back together for their November training camp at Ballyholme Yacht Club soon.
Thank you to the Carlingford Activity Centre team, and to the coaches and parents who made the camp possible.
