Radio coaching

Published 19:39 on 7 Aug 2025

Shotwick Lake Sailing is trialing a new venture aimed at helping the less experienced racers during live races. Jon Davies was one of the first to trial this, with Gwyn whispering in his ear throughout the race. What was it like? John takes up the story…

I was unsure what to expect as I was volunteered by Vicki Hall, but having only been out in Bumble 3 times this year, I know I'm rusty and I thought learning race strategy would be very beneficial.

I found Gwyn and introduced myself, as we'd never met before. We talked about what he would be doing and how he'd be offering hints and tips along the way.

Vicki and I got on the water, and after a rocky start we made our way to the start line, but we both must be deaf as a post, because neither of us heard the horn. We were about 2nd or 3rd from the back as we headed from the start line at Y towards marker number 3.
We held our position, rounding marker 3 with 4 boats in our sights. Headings across from 3 to 1 Gwyn made sure that we pushed the boom out as far as possible to catch the light breeze on our stern, we rounded 1 heading to the opposite end of the lake to 6 with a slight wind which started as a beam reach but as we moved down the lake the wind was changing more towards a run, Gwyn suggested to let more main out, which we were both puzzled about, but could hear the ripples over the bow speeding up as we followed Gwyn's instructions. He was right, he knows what he's talking about "must pay attention we thought". We overtook one boat and heading directly for the marker, we thought we were going to catch Shan in her Mirror dinghy. A rule point Gwyn stated, if you have an overlap within two or three boat lengths of the marker, we have right of way at turn marker 6 ( correct me if I'm wrong there Ian ) We did in fact have an overlap, so Vicki's and my eyes lit up, the only snag was that Shan could hear exactly Gwyn was saying and she put her foot down "so to speak" and laughed that we didn't have an overlap now as we approached the marker.
Unfortunately we made a bad turn at 6 and watched Shan move further ahead.
From 6 to 8 was painfully slow for everyone, but Shan had chosen a slightly better line, as she took the turn at 8 she was getting further ahead. We headed towards 5 but having to tack twice due to the winds, Gwyn again suggesting to sheet in or when best to tack.
We overtook 2 boats before the finish, which we were delighted with and grateful to the wise words of an experienced racer.

I was told early on, that if you start racing, you'll get better more quickly. Having had such an amount of time away from Bumble has made me rusty, but helpful hints from the shoreline can be extremely beneficial and gives someone who is new to sailing let alone racing a little more encouragement to ride with the pack. I know it'll be a long time before we start to compete up front, but it's encouraging to get towards mid pack and see some boats behind you.

Photo Ian C (Border Counties race)

Last updated 19:39 on 7 August 2025