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Hot on the heels of the wet & wild opener at Datchet three weeks earlier there was a good turnout at Chew for another weekend’s training in very similar conditions to those experienced last October when in strong 6+ gusts there were some that chose ‘onshore’ training only!
This time all benefited from the brain’s ability to either learn ….(or forget as the case may be!)….and having been shown how to sail the Buzz in 30knts by Pete and Andy the 20-25knts were managed by all including newcomers from Marconi Club Essex Martin & Alison who now appreciate the attraction of the Buzz! Other distance travellers included Mission Impossible from Ipswich, Ken & Johnny from Berks supported by the
stalwart circuit campaigners from the south and west. We also had two keen local young men who only managed the first day due to pressure of exams – Good Luck lads – see you in Falmouth for the nationals (bring a burgee!)
The weekend started with an introduction which proved very useful to get names on the board with boat numbers and also to find out what people wanted to get out of the sessions – those looking for light wind technique had to be satisfied with theory and debate whilst those seeking strong wind survival had both the classroom and the lake as perfect tools. Andy Holmes from Wet & Windy Co lead the training and it was
interesting to hear some different views from those of Pete Lindley who did an excellent job as leader last October. The Buzz really is a boat where you have to work out what works best for you so having the full range of options is really useful – So don’t be surprised if you appear to get some conflicting advice – try it all and decide what works best for you! It was also a really good learning tool having the video to analyse what
we did well and what we needed to improve – having Andy H up your stern certainly focuses the mind!!.
Harder leeches upwind and keep gibing downwind until you smile……..was the rule and after good practice sessions some were smiling! Conditions prevented serious racing practice but Andy was able to chase us all around the lake with his video cam capturing our failings!
Feed back confirmed that all had a great week-end enjoying the blow and of course the company – a real hallmark of the Buzz Fleet’s social style – Sunday evening’s session at the Stoke Inn was a great success.
All crews received a DVD of the video footage to watch and practice from at home and we look forward to seeing everybody again at forthcoming events – it really is the best way to learn to enjoy the Buzz at its best…we’ve all been there!!
Report by: Roger and Penny Eyre Buzz 987
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