UKLA Chair blog #23
Some years ago, the North America Laser Class (as it was then) ran some adverts…*.
It is okay to be 59 when you feel like you’re 39 – become an ILCA Master
Hot competition, cold beer - become an ILCA Master
It’s not who you beat, it’s who you meet - become an ILCA Master
Live life to the fullest - become an ILCA Master
Remember when life was simple? It can be again - become an ILCA Master
Whoever dies with the most toys, never won a master regatta. Simple is good - become an ILCA Master
*(Courtesy of Rupert Bedell)
As you start to think of the season ahead, think beyond to 2025 when the European Masters Championships will be sailed at Hayling Island Sailing Club. This is not Olympic level competition but accessible racing for any competent club sailor. Whether you aspire to this or not, UKLA has a programme of activities in 2023 to get you going.
We start later this month with UKLA led virtual winter education / training programme for ILCA club / master sailors. Open to everyone (including non-members) but focussed on ILCA sailors who want to improve their own club sailing and/or could be tempted to attend a masters event. It kicks off with coaching guru Tim Hulse and features some of the top sailors in the world. More details later this week.
#1 - Wed 25th Jan Tim Hulse (UKLA Training officer) - Setting up your ILCA for performance
#2 Wed 8th Feb Daisy Collingridge and Matilda Nicholls (British Sailing Team) - ILCA technique for upwind / downwind in light air and heavy air
#3 Wed 22nd Feb Micky Beckett (British sailing Team) - Getting your racing tactics right
Moving on from this, Alison Stevens, our Master rep, has organised three great venues for 2023 – our Spring Open meeting on 22nd/23rd April at Parkstone Yacht Club, our Masters Nationals on 30th June/2nd July at Hayling Island and our Autumn Open meeting at Grafham Water on 28th/29th Oct. These events are run in the spirit of master sailing as described at the beginning and are open to all. We also hope to run another virtual session in late March hosted by Guy Noble to help you get ready for the first event.
All the best
Mark
Check our UKLA website and calendar of events