Members of the Fastsail classes visited Rutland Water Sailing Club on 29 January 2005 to learn about a range of topics aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of coaching, selecting an appropriate diet and exercise regime prior to and at regattas, managing airflow over sails and appreciating what is legal and not legal under rule 42.

There was also a presentation about the new RYA Racing Charter and a strong feeling amongst those present that Class Associations and Clubs should support this RYA initiative to improve the enjoyment of racing.

It was noted that the Symmetric Grand Prix was designed to provide an opportunity for all sailors to enjoy the event and great care was taken to be inclusive and to recognise the efforts of all participants and not just the winners. This formula will continue and there will be an awards dinner in November to recognise those who have made special efforts. The next SGP is at Rutland on 8/9 October.

An area of particular interest was the ISAF Rule 42 video which demonstrates what is and is not legal in relation to all aspects of kinetics covered by rule 42. The video was produced by ISAF to ensure that Judges adopt a consistent approach around the world and clearly showed that potential illegal sailing can be spotted a long way off – the sails give it away!

The RYA has produced a simplified version of right of way rules in the Racing Rules of Sailing 2005-2008. This was quickly presented on screen.

Visit the Fastsail stand at the Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace on 5/6 March. Fastsail classes will be welcomed at Rutland again on 14/15 May for an on water training session.

It was agreed that the day had been very useful and informative and that dry training events will become a permanent feature of the Fastsail calendar.

Thanks go to the main presenters – Stephen Parry (FD) Hugh Myers (Banks Sails) and Julian Bridges (FD) and to David Wilkins (FD/RWSC) for providing insights into sail trim and making the club available to Fastsail.