Displaying items by tag: Hamish Willcox

3rd December 2020

Olympic Sailing Coach Launches Online ‘Road to Gold’ Course to Share Secrets of Success at the Highest Level

Hamish Willcox (centre) with decorated 49er duo Blair Tuke (left) and Peter Burling

The Olympic coach behind the success of leading sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke has launched a new 12-week programme to set students “on the path to world-class performance”.

Hamish Willcox will deliver the Road to Gold online course which promises to demystify the secrets of campaigning at sailing’s highest level — from boat handling and tactics to fitness and mental strength.

The course will use a combination of online video and live webinars, culminating in a test that will help students determine how to bridge any gaps in sailing and campaigning skills.

And given the achievements of America’s Cup winner Peter Burling and experienced ocean and 49er racer Tuke, Ireland’s Olympic sailing hopefuls may take some interest in Willcox’s wisdom — especially with two campaigns still seeking a precious berth at Tokyo 2020.

The full course fee is €246 but early bird bookings (until Wednesday 9 December) will save more than €80 on that price, tax included — and with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Click HERE for more details.

Published in How To Sail

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Irish Sailing

The Irish Sailing Association, also known as Irish Sailing, is the national governing body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing in Ireland.

Founded in 1945 as the Irish Dinghy Racing Association, it became the Irish Yachting Association in 1964 and the Irish Sailing Association in 1992.

Irish Sailing is a Member National Authority (MNA) of World Sailing and a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The Association is governed by a volunteer board, elected by the member clubs. Policy Groups provide the link with members and stakeholders while advising the Board on specialist areas. There is a professional administration and performance staff, based at the headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Core functions include the regulation of sailing education, administering racing and selection of Irish sailors for international competition. It is the body recognised by the Olympic Federation of Ireland for nominating Irish qualified sailors to be considered for selection to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. Irish sailors have medalled twice at the Olympics – David Wilkins and Jamie Wikinson at the 1980 games, and Annalise Murphy at the 2016 games.

The Association, through its network of clubs and centres, offers curriculum-based training in the various sailing, windsurfing and powerboating disciplines. Irish Sailing qualifications are recognised by Irish and European Authorities. Most prominent of these are the Yachtmaster and the International Certificate of Competency.

It runs the annual All-Ireland Championships (formerly the Helmsman’s Championship) for senior and junior sailors.

The Association has been led by leading lights in the sailing and business communities. These include Douglas Heard, Clayton Love Junior, John Burke and Robert Dix.

Close to 100 sailors have represented Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Membership of Irish Sailing is either by direct application or through membership of an affiliated organisation. The annual membership fee ranges from €75 for families, down to €20 for Seniors and Juniors.