The full National Junior Squad made the journey to Rutland Water this weekend for some intensive Mirror training. We couldn’t have ordered better weather with sun and wind in perfect proportions! With our own separate training area at the club we got to work with a compass challenge on the shore to learn the techniques that we would use on the water and in our racing through the year.
The day dawned bright, grey and cold on the 16 sailors rigging their boats, up in the North at Carsington Water. The usual enthusiasm was present, but possibly marred by the want of a lie in! Anyway, with boats rigged and kit in the changing room, the National Squad ambled over to the briefing hut. Ross and Alex were sitting waiting, dubious of another weekend with us rowdy crew.
We arrived at Draycote in pouring rain. It was cold and there was not much wind, but it was good to see everyone and get back into sailing again.
Rosie and Midge Watkins, Kim May Papailiou and Amie Sparks, Millie and Nick Pugh and Helena Pugh and Libby Courage all travelled from Poole Yacht Club. Tom Cosier and Niamh arrived from Restronget in Cornwall. Malie and Drystan Harnett from Whitstable and Reg and Emma Grayson from Beaver SC and ourselves Matt and Ben Lulham-Robinson from Yorkshire.
There was a tingle of excitement as the national squad met again after two months of not seeing each other when our weekend in January was cancelled because of the snow! A lot had happened in those two months; Christmas, New Year and not to mention my Birthday but whilst we were in minus eight degrees Matthew and Benjamin Lullham Robinson and Emma and Rachel Grayson had been in 25degrees C (which Matt said wasn’t too hot!) at the mirror world Championships so there was a lot to catch up on and congratulate them on! It was really interesting finding out about the Australia and the different conditions (27 knots most days!)
