Sailing & Windsurfing


Masthead Floats


T15: a change of tack Since its inception in 2001, T15 has been a


phenomenal mainstay of junior windsurfing and has created many great windsurfers. The talents of its protégés range from racing to freestyle, wave and slalom, as well as instructing and coaching. But with numbers having taken a dip over the last few years and now being fairly static, we took the opportunity to look at what was great about T15 and reinvest for the coming season.


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asthead floats are designed to give sailors confidence by helping


to reduce the risk of an inversion and possible entrapment. They also help to make a capsize recovery easier and quicker for all, and less daunting for new or less mobile sailors who may not have the experience or ability to right a capsized dinghy. Crewsaver masthead floats


are constructed in a similar way to a lifejacket bladder and, just like lifejackets, are only effective when the correct amount of buoyancy is fitted. For example, a 9 litre float may be all you need for a small single-handed dinghy such as an Optimist or Pico. But if your centre uses larger, heavier


double-handed dinghies such as GP14s or RS400s, a 40 litre float would be needed. It’s worth noting that no masthead float can be 100% guaranteed to stop an inversion. Their performance can be hindered by the conditions including strong tide, wind, swell or incorrect righting procedure. Many RYA training centres


already include the use of masthead floats in their safety policy. All are advised to consider whether masthead floats should be used for their dinghy fleet to reduce or eliminate inversions. If you do choose to use them, students should be introduced to inversion capsizes during their course.


Volunteer Instructor Training Grants available with the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation


200 fully subsidised places available on RYA Dinghy Instructor and RYA Senior Instructor courses.


Courses delivered at the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre based at the National Sailing Academy, Weymouth.


To request an application form or for more information please contact grants@andrewsimpsonsailing.org


Terms and conditions apply. 8 |


which meet on a weekly basis to provide a social and fun atmosphere in which children can improve their windsurfing skills.’ A consultation between RYA


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Racing, clubs, windsurfers, parents and volunteers took place during 2015 and the feedback is now helping to find a new focus and build blocks for future success. The aim is to grow numbers of participants and clubs involved in competition, and to increase the skills of the young windsurfers. To work out how to achieve this, a group of RYA Trainers has been looking at new ideas for interclub competitions. Interclub competitions have


evolved over time to be a series of ability focused races with different fleets for different sail sizes. Events have varied from master blasters, to course racing and even slalom but it was felt that there may be more we can offer at these events to get the best from instructors and young windsurfers alike. The focus needed to change


to allow competition using traditional racing alongside other technical skills challenges. These skills challenges can link up with the current RYA Youth Windsurfing Scheme while also helping T15 instructors and volunteers to structure teaching sessions. This approach and the logging of development allows sailors to see exactly how they are doing and should encourage them to strive for progress. At the end of January a


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he original mission was: ‘To provide a nationwide network of youth windsurfing clubs


group of RYA Windsurfing Trainers met in Portland to discuss and progress potential formats and ideas. The result is a series of Super X races, some of which are as simple as out to a buoy and back with skill challenges on route. Others can be more complicated with courses requiring sailors to squeeze in a 360 round a buoy and pick something up on the way back. All formats will test skills to a different degree and allow individuals to try new things under a bit of pressure. Most importantly, they should have a bit of fun with the competition. The Trainers involved will be


working regionally over the coming months to offer support and to help encourage instructors, volunteers and clubs to promote the new format. They can also offer ideas for running sessions and building a stronger club. If you’d like to get some help


with your T15 club, or maybe even set up your own within your training centre, please don’t hesitate to get in contact: anisha.walkerley@rya.org.uk or sam.ross@rya.org.uk


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