Being able to adapt and change up the session depending on how the session is going is a valuable skill for a coach. If the exercise isn’t working how you wanted it to, due to the skill level of the group or the weather changing, the emphasis should still be on your participants getting the most out of the experience which means something needs to change! 

Changing the course to spread out participants and avoid damage as one way to adapt and here are 2 similar exercises that explore that: 

GUT BUSTER (3+Boats) INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED 

Gear: Coach Boat & 2 Marks

Description: After the start, boats must complete a minimum of 4 tacks before reaching the Rib at the midpoint. They must then perform a 360 around the rib to port (completing the tack) then perform another 4 tacks before the windward mark. After the top mark they will need to do a minimum of 3 gybes before dropping the kite and doing a 360 around the Rib again. After re-hoisting they will need to so 3 more gybes before rounding the leeward mark to starboard and completing one lap.

Aims:

• Fitness

• Boat handling and penalty practice.

• Compresses the fleet together, increases pressure and forces mistakes.

Set up: Lay a short course with a single leeward mark. Position the Rib as the starboard end of the Start line and run a 3minute sequence. After the Gun, motor up to the middle of the course and hold position as the middle mark.

Variations:

Option 1: Set boats off individually.

Option 2: Use a 30 second interval between starters with the aim being to overtake the boat in front. Sailing boats individually will mean the exercise is process driven working towards performing the manoeuvres well. In a race situation

Option 3: Use 3 marks instead of a powerboat as the middle mark.

Top Tips: For lower ability groups try setting boats off individually at 30 second intervals. Moving the rib further up the course for the first 360 will also give the fleet time to settle.

Coaching Points:

Intermediate: A common fault is to rush the exercise and put the teamwork under even more pressure. Throwing routines out the window when boats meet is a symptom of panic decisions.

Advanced: Refocus the sailors on the five essentials as they become more able to cope with the pressure of the exercise.

DIAMOND WINGER (2+Boats) INTERMIDIATE

Gear: 4 Marks and a Coach Boat

Description: Similar to the Gut Buster but less destructive. After the gate is open the boats should sail on Starboard (early starters may require a double tack) to gybe around Mark 1 to port. Mark 2 is effectively a port approach requiring a tack gybe before heading to Mark 3. This is a simple gybe to starboard before rounding the rib to port again.

Aims:

• To create unfamiliar mark rounding situations

• Includes as many different manoeuvres as possible.

Set up: Lay 3 Marks in an inverted V and the last gate mark to port of the coach boat to form a diamond course. Start the exercise with a Gate start, the pathfinder ducking the committee boat to open the gate. Use a hook finish at the committee boat to end the exercise.

Variations: For a simpler version of this course, set a smaller diamond and set individual boats off at 30second intervals from the rib.

Coaching Points:

Try to get sailors to focus on routines for each manoeuvre. Pay particular attention to a tight exit on mark1 and the difficult port approach gybe set on mark 2. When sailing in a fleet, think ahead and prepare for possible attacking and defending opportunities while rounding marks.

Not all drills will be a perfect fit for weather or skill levels. Take the time find or come up with multiple backup drills so you can adapt to the specific requirements of the situation, making changes as necessary to better meet the needs of your participants.

If you have any suggested sessions or drills for any level of sailor that you would like to share with other coaches from across the country, we would love to hear from you, please contact Kate Hyde, National Participation Coordinator at kate.hyde@sailing.org.au.