This article was written for the Hunter 707 Class association and
as such will be read by more that just Port Edgar people.
Hunter 707 Coaching Weekend
17th/18th May – Port Edgar Yacht Club – Nr Edinburgh
The Hunter 707 fleet at Port Edgar has grown steadily over the last few years. At the end of last season some
crews suggested that a coaching weekend should be organised. After many e-mails it was arranged for Tom Davison
to come up to Scotland for the weekend to provide that training.
A total of 7 boats took part in the weekend. There was a big range of abilities from beginners in the class to
those with considerable racing experience. Some crews used the event as a tune up for the Bell Lawrie Scottish
Series (which started the following weekend).
The format of each day was roughly the same, two on-the-water sessions with shore based briefings in before and
after. Here are just some of the topics that we covered.
Roll tacking – Getting the crew’s movements synchronised to help the boat through the tack quicker in light airs.
Spinnaker handling, windward drops, gybe sets. Thinking ahead to ensure that the spinnaker is dropped on the side
that it will next be needed. Flying the spinnaker without the pole. These spinnaker exercises have given us more
options in handling the spinnaker, and is now saving us the bother of disconnecting and re-connecting the spinnaker
if the last leeward drop was on the wrong side.
Starting - realising just how long it takes the boat to accelerate. Exercises were set to improve our starting,
including practicing accelerating and slowing down.
Realising the crew is a team, getting them to calling the gusts, and reporting our performance against other yachts.
Getting the weight distribution correct.
Between the on-the-water sessions there was plenty of time to discuss other aspects and Tom was always willing to
answer the questions. We discussed rig tension, crew positions, mainsail shape, when to reef (apparently those on
the south coast don’t know how to!).
All the crews agreed the weekend had been worthwhile. Everybody learnt something, and Tom’s style had us all thinking
how we could sail better. This will mean the benefits of the weekend will help us for some time to come. Even
those who had been on other coaching weekends found it entertaining and informative, well done and thanks to Tom.
If any others boats think they would like to do the same, the response from the Scottish fleet would be to get
6-10 boats together and go for it! You will find it worthwhile.
Phil Walter
Whippersnapper,
Port Edgar Yacht Club.
