The NZ Laser Association organised a free coaching session for Laser women sailors on 29th October with none other than Sara Winther, the current New Zealand Laser Radial Woman Champion. Her experience as an Olympic Laser Radial sailor at the 2012 London Olympics and at many international regattas and world championships makes her a fantastic coach.

 

There were 6 women taking part in this amazing opportunity: Michelle Bain from Torbay, Kirsty MacDonald from Point Chevalier and Annie Mills, Chantal Grass, Shaaron McKee and Taylor Farrell from Panmure.

 

 

From left to right: Michelle Bain (TYC), Sara Winther, Shaaron McKee, Chantal Grass, Kirsty MacDonald (PCSC), Annie Mills and Taylor Farrell.

 

Sara started with some rigging basics and control tips, we all soaked up her learnings and attempted to apply them on the water. This is the 4th coaching session organised by the Laser Association and this time true to form the wind blew again, just slightly stronger: 22 to 28 knots. It was fantastic to see the resolution of the women to conquer the Laser in these strong winds regardless of some spectacular capsizes. The debrief afterwards from Sara helped immensely and we are all looking forward to the next windy day to apply these.

 

It was a very successful day, a great thanks needs to go to Luuk Van Basten Batenburg for organising the coaching, Bob Blakey, Commodore from Tamaki and Mike Knowsley for hosting this successful event and a big thanks especially to Sara Winther for being a coach extraordinaire, all the women are now eager to put into practice all your tips.

 

Thankyou all

Chantal