The last few summer events have wrapped up in Japan and Europe, which means we're officially in Fall training mode. With a few Oakcliff prize money events in the next few weeks, some USST training, ODP training, and more, there's plenty going on to stay in a racing mindset, while really drilling down into boat handling details this fall. It's also time to start making plans for next spring and summer. Here's the current winter calendar and some thoughts beyond. This presents a great opportunity to get out there and train by yourself, focus on new skill development, and make sure that you come out swinging in March. Here's the current winter calendar and some thoughts beyond.
All Squad Camps
10/13-14 - Triple Crown #2 - US 49er/FX Nationals, Oakcliff
10/20-21 - Triple Crown #3, Oakcliff
11/9-16 USST Coaching Coaching in Miami (Willie) - RSVP Required
11/23-25 - ODP Miami Thanksgiving Training Reg Info
12/15-21 - Miami Winter Training
1/3-7/19 - January ODP Camp
1/14-17/19 - USST Camp (By invitation only)
1/19-21/19 - MLK Regatta
1/27-2/3 - Sailing World Cup Miami Event Site
February training in Miami
March focus: Palma Regatta
One of the big differences between Olympic Classes and junior classes, is that at the higher level, someone is training every day (even if it's not listed on this calendar)! If you're a new team, it's up to you to figure out how many days you can commit to being on the water, then reach out and find out who will be sailing.
2018 Fall Focus
We are now entering year 3 of the quad, and this year will be do-or-die from a skill development standpoint. While there is still time left to get some great racing in (Summer 2019, Winter Worlds 2019-2020, summer 2020, lead up to the games in Japan, etc.), this is one of our last chances to really make a jump in boat handling that will allow us to play the game with the top teams. This fall is all about spending some quality alone time to focus on the details, while leveraging opportunities with other boats to ratchet up the boat handling intensity. In contrast to last fall, we no longer have the luxury of spending a ton of time on clean, easy maneuvers, but in contract to next fall, we still need to be focused mainly on the details of the maneuvers themselves rather than the tactical scenarios surrounding them. Those who get the most out of this training season will find a good balance of intensity and precision - high tempo, forced maneuvers, around other boats without getting sloppy. Too high of intensity will reinforce bad habits, while too low of intensity won’t push us to ratchet up the caliber. The goal is not to put these into race scenarios yet, as that will dilute the focus on the details too much, too soon - rather, to steadily get closer and closer to that tactical implementation intensity.
2019 Outlook
The 2019 calendar is still under construction, but with the Worlds in New Zealand in November, and the Europeans mid May (9-13) in Weymouth, we have some big training opportunities in May, June and July. The plan is to base our training out of San Francisco, and the following training camps will be key pieces of the calendar:
June 10-21 ODP West Camp - San Francisco
July 6-12 Official US Sailing Camp, San Francisco
July 18-21 San Francisco Olympic Class Regatta
After the 49er Europeans in May for USST members, and after the College Nationals for part-time campaigners, getting to San Francisco as early as possible, and starting to log some hours in the big breeze will be a big benefit.
ODP sailors can plan on finishing off the summer in Kingston, CAN for the CORK regatta (US Sailing will be helping to organize boat transportation), while USST sailors will likely be competing in PanAms, or sailing in Japan.
We're currently working on more details to help support you in San Francisco and beyond, this summer, so stay tuned for many more details in the coming months.