Learning & Development '26 » Race Mark Roundings & Coaching

Race Mark Roundings & Coaching

Mark roundings can feel busy and stressful - especially in close racing. This practical session helps crews break the rounding down into simple, repeatable steps, building confidence and consistency so everyone knows what to do when it matters. The practice combines a short shore-based briefing with plenty of practical sailing, focusing on decision-making, crew coordination, and smooth boat handling.

What you'll practice

The three phases of every mark rounding: Approach, Turn, and Exit - and how to plan each one early. Clear crew roles and communication, including who calls overlaps and who manages traffic awareness. How to keep flow and speed through the turn, accelerate away cleanly, and create space on exit. The emphasis throughout is on practical learning, repetition, and building confidence when rounding marks in close quarters.

Who should join

This session is suitable for all skill levels. It's ideal for crews new to racing who want to understand the fundamentals, as well as experienced crews looking to refine boat handling, communication, and consistency at the marks. This session is open to members only, including all crew on board.

Coaching & Format

Maximum 4 boats, ensuring plenty of space.

Boats may request an experienced in-house coach to join them on board, subject to availability. This format is ideal for full-crew learning, with immediate feedback and practical adjustments on the water.

Coaching during these sessions is informal, peer-to-peer and provided by experienced club members on a voluntary basis. It is advisory and supportive only and does not constitute commercial instruction. The skipper of each boat remains fully responsible for their boat, crew, and all decisions at all times; the presence of an experienced member or coach does not transfer command or responsibility.

Timings

08:30 Arrival & coffee
09:00 Shore-based briefing
10:30 On-the-water practice
12:30 Back on the dock & de-brief

Bookings

Bookings are accepted per boat only (not individual crew members).