I have just returned from the Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace which really marks the start of the UK Sailing season and is a great place to see all the latest developments. I was on the Laser performance stand supporting the UKLA in my role as Training Officer. It was great to be able to show people the new Training Handbook which along with the training DVD every Laser Class Association Member will soon receive.

It was also really good to see that Laser Performance have recently updated their XD rigging systems and are now using Dyneema (SK 90) replacing the previous Vectran systems. I actual seemed to spent more time showing people the benefits of the latest rigging systems than I did talking about the class association!

Another interesting development was the self bailer spring Phil King developed for his own use. Time will tell how long it lasts but no doubt it will be more durable than the existing rubber rings. Further testing is obviously required but this looks a great idea to me.

The UKLA Chairman, John Ling, picked up an award from Gael Pawson, Yachts and Yachting Editor, for the best Class Championship for the record breaking worlds at Hayling Island in 2010 (not such a good event for me, as this is where I broke my right arm!) As always it was nice to meet people who had bought and enjoyed my first book: Be Your Own Sailing Coach and sign a few copies. It always amazes me the wide range of people who have bought the book and it is great to be able to help people whom I would never have the opportunity to coach in person.

Lastly, having spent lots of time examining rigging (I am particularly pleased with my new traveller for 2011, which is low stretch, sits well in the cleat (many low stretch ropes are shiny and slip in the cleat) plus is very durable.) I have also been considering looking after the sailor.

Crew fuel has a wide range of great tasting products which mix well and come in a convenient and mess free sachet. Sports drinks are by far the quickest and easiest way to refuel after sailing (or indeed any sport). I always think the taste is one of the most important things, as however good a product is, if you don’t like the taste… you won’t use it!

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Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here