ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL 420 CLASS COACHES AND SAILORS CLINIC WRAPS UP
The Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club in Adelaide, Australia has hosted the seventh 420 Class clinic so far in 2019 which wrapped up today, Thursday 3 October, after 5 days of knowledge sharing.
Over 30 sailors and coaches have benefited from the expertise of Michalis Mileos (GRE) who was head coach for this 420 Class High Performance Clinic held from 29 September-3 October.
The final morning featured a class room session on tactics and a Q&A session between Michalis and the coaches and sailors, with numerous topics covered and questions answered as Michalis shared his informative insights.
Achievements were celebrated at the Closing Ceremony, with certificates of participation to coaches and sailors. Significant thanks were expressed to the Club board and staff, Australian 420 Class Association President and Board, and to the numerous parents who helped with the organization of the clinic. Back out on the water for the afternoon, as the clinic came to an end after a final on-water training session and mini-races.
Jose Massapina (POR), 420 Class Vice-President responsible for development, was delighted with the clinic outcome, saying, “I am very happy as the clinic has run very well. The coaches and sailors are at the heart of our clinics and we have a proven track record of providing a platform to accelerate learning and knowledge sharing.
“Our head coach for Australia, and also in South Africa, Michalis Mileos has a unique depth of experience and has shared the secrets of success in a truly engaging way. The 420 Class is grateful to be able to provide coaches and sailors with this opportunity and our thanks to all those who have made this clinic possible. It has been a fantastic learning experience for all.”
Malcolm Higghins, President of the Australian 420 Class Association, commented. "I am thrilled to see the younger generation of Australian sailors embracing the 420 and enjoying their sailing. We are greatly appreciative to the international association for supporting this clinic and providing very high level coaching to our young sailors right at the beginning of their 420 career. .
Higgins is a former 420 sailor who competed at Worlds in his youth, and recognizes the key role the 420 class plays in the youth pathway, adding, "We think it [the 420] is the ideal boat for young sailors to learn their sailing, compete and then progress on to other classes and Olympics."
Feedback from coaches and sailors gave a big thumbs up to their experience:
“It has been really awesome. I am a 420 coach and the clinic has been awesome. It is awesome just be around these boats [420], which are an awesome step into a senior class, but also if you want to get into Youths (Worlds) and international regattas.”
“We have had a great time, it has been really educational and the wind has been perfect.”
“We have done a lot of sailing and a lot of theory and I think we have learnt quite a lot
“It has been really fun. We have learnt heaps.”
“Lots of really good sailing so far. The conditions have been really varied, so we have got a chance to experience a bit of everything with our fantastic coach.”
Summing up, Julie Pike, Secretary of the Southern Australia 420 Class Association, added, “We have had an amazing time. It has been incredible.”
Take a read of the daily reports via the links below.
Catch up with all the action from the clinic on our Facebook Photo Gallery and Video Gallery.
So far in 2019, the 420 Class has held Coaches and Sailors Clinics in:
- Brazil - 11-15 April 2019
- Ukraine - 1-5 May 2019
- Lithuania - 22-26 June 2019
- Portugal - 28 June-2 July 2019
- Chinese Taipei - 15-19 August 2019
- South Africa - 22-26 September 2019
Take a look at the 420 Exercise e-Book of Performance Exercises which is packed with a selection of carefully chosen performance training exercises, with accompanying video and commentary to provide sailors and coaches with a step by step path to improving their skills. From covering boat set-up to techniques at mark roundings, strategies and tactics on the startline to gybing in strong winds, the e-Book covers a diverse range of training exercises.
Taking place from 29 September to 3 October 2019, the 420 Class Clinic is a mix of on-water sessions, lectures, exercises and presentations as detailed in the Clinic Programme and General Conditions. As with all the 420 Class development initiatives, registration to the Coaches and Sailors Clinic in Australia is free of charge, with participants just needing to cover costs for their travel, accommodation and daily meals.
Thanks to Allen Brothers, who sponsor the 420 Class Development Programme, and provide a full set of boat fittings for every one of our 420 Class Coaches and Sailors Clinics.