WA’s annual coaching clinic, Westsail, was held from September 26 to 29 at Hillarys Yacht Club.

Participant numbers in 2020 were lower than average, with 64 sailors across seven fleets participating in the four-day training program. A number of factors contributed to the low numbers, with the impacts of a unique and challenging 2020 having an effect.

The weather conditions presented a mix of opportunities, from squalls, to light winds and more moderate conditions. The sun was elusive during the event, but the sailors and coaches made the most of the conditions and ensured they prepared and dressed warmly.

We are very fortunate with the calibre of Coaches residing in WA and as such, Australian Sailing assembled a group of world-class Coaches. The Coaches were led and coordinated by WAIS Head Coach and Olympian Belinda Stowell and Westsail veteran, long-standing contributor Chris Kelly.

Sailors in the Laser Radial and 4.7 fleets were led by AST sailor Luke ‘Swifto’ Elliott, WAIS Coach Ben Walkemeyer and Campbell Stewart. A total of 22 sailors in two fleets spent the week focussing on a number of areas. The group made the most of the light weather to work on roll tacks and quick capsize recovery. Starting technique was also a big focus of the week.

The 29er group of seven boats, 14 sailors enjoyed a mix of on water and land-based sessions. The sailors worked on a range of skills during the week with expert Coaches, Tess Parkinson (Beijing 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist) and Matt Jerwood (WAIS Coach and WASS Coordinator). Some really practical skills taught included splicing, with a workshop presenting sailors with a great opportunity to learn something new.

Coach Grant Alderson led the Optimist Open group, with newly accredited Coach Niall Morrow taking charge of the Optimist Intermediate fleet. The 16 Opti sailors worked hard during the four days, with lots of sessions and skills developed. Starting was also a focus for this group. The Optis also enjoyed their favourite pastime, Team Racing. Boat handling was also another focus of Westsail for the group.

An Open Skiff fleet of nine sailors worked on their skills and knowledge throughout Westsail with expert Coach and former class Australian Champion Zac Littlewood. Boat handling, including backwards sailing, starting skills and a range of other areas were focussed on during the four days, with sailors benefitting greatly from the sessions.

For the first time in Westsail history, the Wind Foil fleet led by windsurfing and coaching legend Arthur Brett joined the clinic. Three sailors spent three days developing their skills and knowledge. The Wind Foil space is an exciting one, with the discipline to be included in the 2024 Olympic Games.

Following Westsail, the WA Youth Championships were held by Organising Authority Hillarys Yacht Club on 30 September and 1 October. Final entry numbers were 89 boats and 99 sailors across 9 fleets, all Westsail groups plus the addition of the Techno 293 and Plus windsurfers.

Day one brought moderate conditions and the Race Committee were able to complete the schedule of four races for the day in a timely manner. On the Board course, more races were sailed as these were shorter and quicker. With the drop still to be enacted, results after day one were mixed in a number of fleets.

The wind and conditions strengthened on day two, which saw a number of retirements from gear failure, seasickness, injury and sailor fatigue. The final complement of races were completed swiftly, leaving plenty of time to pack-up and enjoy a final debrief with the Coaches.

The presentation ceremony commenced on time, despite a last-minute venue change due to a bee swarm being detected in the outdoor function area at Hillarys Yacht Club. A successful week of sailing at Westsail and the WA Youth Championships was concluded. A huge thank you was conveyed to the host Club and regatta Organising Authority Hillarys Yacht Club, the hand-working volunteers who assisted over the six days and the Ron Tough Yachting Foundation, who financially assisted five regional sailors in attending Westsail and the WA Youth Championships.

Full results from the WA Youth Championships are available HERE.

View the daily photo albums HERE.

Congratulations to the podium finishers as follows:

BIC Techno 293: 1. Razor (S Williams RPYC); 2. Techno (B Robinson RPYC/SoPYC); 3. George (G Kneebone RPYC).

BIC Techno Plus: 1. TBA (J Hindmarsh RPYC); 2. Kaboom (W McAullay RPYC); 3. Blobfish (A Grove RPYC).

Wind Foil: 1. TBA (C Winchcombe FSC); 2. Danger Boy (H Joyner FSC); 3. Maverick (R Featherstone FSC/RFBYC).

Open Skiff: 1. Splish Splash (A Cameron RFBYC); 2. 2DesBicable (B Armstrong RFBYC); 3. Wind Wizard (H Griffiths EFYC).

Optimist Intermediate: 1. Ocean Breeze (V Van der Hoek RFBYC); 2. Lilys Pad (L Wild HYC); 3. Turbo Tub (J Brazier FSC).

Optimist Open: 1. Pressures On (A Teo SoPYC); 2. Tachyon (Z Salisbury RFBYC/FSC/SoPYC/SCYC/HYC); 3. Stay Ahead (J Stay RFBYC/FSC).

Laser 4.7: 1. Prime Time (S Gifford FSC); 2. Mr Potato Head (A Gardner HYC); 3. Crossbow lll (A Janekovic RPYC).

Laser Radial: 1. Ace of Hearts (S Elliott Shircore FSC); 2. Arrow (E Ainsworth FSC); 3. Argo (T Coote SoPYC/FSC).

Laser Standard: 1. Xtra Wind (C Shaw FSC/SoPYC/RPYC).

29er: 1. Steez (A Fleet & K Bucktin RFBYC/FSC/SoPYC). 2. Merlin (S Rose & J Everett RFBYC/PDSC); 3. Crash Test Hunnies (M Lovelady & E Green RFBYC/FSC).