GBR 420 British Youth Squad Camp 2 at Poole Yacht Club

Two weeks on from out first intense youth squad camp at Weymouth, the 420 squad was back again for camp 2, this time in Poole. Covid regulations are still in play and unfortunately neither Ella and Matty or Callum and Syz could make it due to having to self isolate but hopefully we will be able to see everyone in Itchenor for the 420 Christmas Regatta.

After our quick outside briefing from star coaches Jonny and Neil, we launched to around 15 kts of westerly breeze and chilly temperatures so we were glad to get going with the exercises to warm up. Saturday's focus was on starting, meaning we did many scoops after double tacks and then some more scoops and double tacks before going into a drill testing our awareness of speed and distance to the line. Four hours later, and feeling a bit cold and tired, we finished off with a couple of short races before heading in to warm up. Due to COVID we finished off the day with an online debrief which I was very happy about as I could watch whilst being nice and warm back at the hotel.

After a good night's sleep and a big breakfast we were ready for day two, this time for a slightly earlier start as the wind was howling and forecasted to only get stronger. Setting off with a few more layers on from yesterday we were met by huge winds just outside of their harbour, with gusts of around 30 kts! We quickly started off on a windward-leeward course, however Julia and I went for a long swim after a precarious gybe and after eventually getting the boat up and kite off the top of the mast we were greeted by the sight of many other upside-down boats too. This didn't stop Jonny and Neil from rolling us into several more mini races and we had so much fun blasting around even if our arms were a little tired from righting the boat.

Unfortunately Olli and Oscar took the worst beating out of all of us and were forced to sail in after their mainsail burst and ripped along the top baton seam. It wasn't long until everyone joined them back on shore at around 12:00, it must have been quite a funny site seeing all the muddy sails and wonky burgees heading in but we were just glad that both us and the boats were all in one piece!

Feeling a little bit bruised and tired I was very grateful to eventually be packed up and changed, eating my pot noodles in the car.

I look forward to Itchenor next weekend for a three day long Christmas regatta and thank you to Jonny and Neil and everyone else for making this weekend so enjoyable and worthwhile.