Eight Fireballs took part in a day-long coaching session with Thomas Chaix at the DMYC in Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Sunday (May 19th).
With extremely light winds forecast the fleet were pleasantly surprised by a decent 8 knots of breeze in the morning. Everyone went afloat quickly to make the best of the conditions while they lasted. Unlike previous sessions with Thomas this session was all about individual attention to sail trim, steering and crew work for maximum speed in the conditions.
Coach Thomas Chaix pictured with Fireball sailors during the Dun Laoghaire Harbour coaching session Photo: Iso Inan
Those conditions on Sunday included a moderate chop, so much attention was focused on jib settings to get the most power and pointing without stalling the airflow to the main. A series of rabbit starts and upwind tacking and covering kept everyone on their toes. Downwind the focus was on spinnaker trim while maximising speed and figuring out the best vmg to get as deep as possible. As the day went on, the breeze steadily declined, necessitating changes in trim to get through the chop and a keen lookout to find the best pressure.
Downwind the focus at the Fireball training was on spinnaker trim while maximising speed and figuring out the best vmg to get as deep as possible Photo: Iso Inan
Ultimately the fleet headed back into Dun Laoghaire harbour for one tiny race in the dying breeze before heading back to the DMYC for a late lunch followed by video analysis and a detailed debrief and discussion. Informal discussions continued on the deck of the club with cuppas and drinks in glorious sunshine.
Despite the forecast, the Fireball coaching day presented a trapezing breeze for part of the session at least Photo: Iso Inan
Speaking at the conclusion of the event class chairman Neil Cramer thanked Thomas and the DMYC for their support while noting that the event was subsidized entirely by the class as Irish Sailing no longer gives grants to classes for coaching.
This summer season promises to be a bumper one for the class. With over 20 boats having attended the first event, the Munsters at Monkstown Bay in April, hot competition is expected to continue at the Open in GBSC, the Leinsters in Skerries SC, the Ulsters at Mullaghmore SC and Nationals at RCYC.
The DMYC hosts the first summer regatta in Dun Laoghaire on June 8th is looking forward to welcoming a good turnout of dinghies and keelboat
