Elizabeth, I just finished reading your piece on How Much is too Much. I could not agree more with you. We have been very successful allowing our son, Chance, to drive the bus. To follow up on your piece would be a discussion of the private clubs that separated from yacht clubs for various reasons, ie, why they came to be. We live in California, and to my knowledge there has only been one such private club, and I hesitate to call it a club. It is West Side Opti. A very small group put together by a couple of parents for the purpose of allowing their kids to access high level coaching and travel without the problems of difficult kids/parents/program directors etc . They had very specific goals, driven by the kids, and the parents were not afraid to spend the necessary money to make it happen. The West coast now has enough kids and interest in this level of sailing, but it is very interesting the push back that comes from yacht clubs and their directors, with respect to private groups. One thing that creating small private clubs can do, is to exclude problem kids/parents, who are quite often a reason that another child may not want to go to practice. When kids begin playing at a high level and parents begin paying real money for high end sailing, I believe there needs to be a way to avoid the problem people, private clubs allow for such. It seems harsh, but our son has participated in both, and it makes a HUGE difference. Regards, Will Weston
Blog
Sail1Designer of the Month – Toms River High School South Sailing Team
Sail1Designer
of the Month – Toms River High School South Sailing Team, Toms River NJ;
winners of the 2011 National Great Oaks Championship
of the Month – Toms River High School South Sailing Team, Toms River NJ;
winners of the 2011 National Great Oaks Championship
BY Sail1Design's MARTHA PITT
The Toms River team is a small but dedicated group of sailors, with just ten on the roster for this past fall season. Led by senior captains Charlie Nunn and Taylor Genander, the team sails out of the Toms River Yacht Club, located only a few miles from the high school. They use Ocean County College’s fleet of 420s and occasionally nearby Kean College’s FJs. Toms River is connected to the Barnegat Bay, which has a reputation for great sailing conditions of which the team can consistently take advantage. Matt Goetting, head coach of the Princeton University sailing team as well, splits his time between the two groups to coach the Toms River team along with Coach Randy Nunn. The team is also able to rely on some dedicated alumni to help them out whenever possible, including Olympic hopeful Clay Johnson, who helped to establish the team with his brother Reed back when they were in high school.
R. Whitlaw photo
Being in such a closely concentrated sailing area, the Toms River team shares water with a few other teams, and while they practice independently, they are often able to join up to do some team racing or larger fleet racing during practice. In addition to practicing, the team competes weekly in Wednesday afternoon regattas held by the New Jersey League, alternating between fleet and team racing, and in both varsity and JV events on
the weekends.
Though excelling at the Great Oaks Championship, according to the sailors, the whole season was successful from start to finish. Toms River is part of the MidAtlantic Scholastic Sailing Association, or MASSA. A-Division skipper Charlie Nunn was impressed with their success this season; “we had an excellent season; far better than I thought. I was really nervous going in because we graduated two seniors who were really important to the team”. But the remaining team seemed to have no problem filling picking up the slack, finishing 3rd at the Larry White Regatta, another high school intersectional regatta hosted by the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, 4th at the MASSA Fall District Championship, and 3rd at the ISSA ACC Championship in Maryland.
And of course, at the Great Oaks Championship this fall, the Toms River High School South from Toms River, NJ came out on top, winning the event by just two points over Minnesota’s White Bear High School. The regatta’s format has varied as the event had grown, and this year was host to forty-two teams. On day one, the teams were split randomly into two fleets to race, and those scores determined the seeding for the second day of racing in either gold or silver fleet. Staying true to high school sailing as a team sport, all four sailors on the Toms River team were able to contribute to the victory! Nunn sailed with junior crews Shelby Jacobs and Jimmy Kennedy depending on the breeze, and Shelby’s sister Kiaya jumped in with her to skipper on the first day, winning the last two races to qualify them for the gold fleet. The team found their groove, relied on boat speed, and minimized mistakes to aim for the top five in each race on the final day. As a whole, they were happy with their performance, and thrilled to take home the victory. “We have had several regattas over the years where we just couldn’t break past a third or second place finish,” said Nunn, “so one of the best parts of Great Oaks was finally coming out on top. It was pretty cool knowing there were forty-two schools there from all over the country.”
When asked about what made the difference this season in leading the team to victory, the answer was unanimous: hard work, practice, and determination. Every member of the team helped push each other all season to prepare them for the national event, and they are excited to carry that momentum into the spring season. But as so many athletes know, being on a team is so much more than just winning regattas. Being on a team is about the camaraderie that comes with spending so much time with a group of people, and working together for a common goal. Says Genander when asked what she likes most about the team, “our team has always been a close group of kids. The parents and my teammates are a like a second family and we connect really well with our coach too… Sailing with them is pretty rad. Our team is serious, but we know how to kick it back and relax too. It’s the perfect balance for the perfect team.”
Congratulations
to the 2011 Fall Toms River High School South Team:
Charlie
Nunn 2012, captain
Taylor Genander
2012, captain
Shelby
Jacobs 2013
Jimmy
Kennedy 2013
Kiaya
Jacobs 2013
Bernie O’
Brien 2014
Aurora
Fotussky 2014
Mitchell
Nunn 2014
Joe
Gonzalez 2014
Matt
Roleke 2015
The unofficial fall championship, the Great Oaks Regatta hosted annually by the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans, LA has become a coveted championship for high school teams to qualify for and win in the fall season. Open only to teams who have not competed in either spring high school championship in the past five years, the event is designed to give smaller though equally competitive teams a chance to compete at the national level. This year, the Toms River High School South team from Toms River, New Jersey came out as the victors of the event. Though a small team, these young sailors have figured out how to get the most from their time on the water and coaching, have excelled both locally and nationally, and have learned how to be a successful team both on and off the water.
INTERFERENCE: The Press, Spectators on Sailing Courses
By Sail1Design’s Margaret Boehm
This weekend, top ranked Finn sailor from Great Britain Ben Ainslie was top news,
but not for his sailing. The sailor who is a triple gold Olympic medalist,
found himself among the gossip columns of Great Britain and Australia due to
his conduct with the media after a race during the ISAF World Championships in
Perth, Australia.
but not for his sailing. The sailor who is a triple gold Olympic medalist,
found himself among the gossip columns of Great Britain and Australia due to
his conduct with the media after a race during the ISAF World Championships in
Perth, Australia.
After finishing a race on Saturday, Ainslie jumped out of his Finn and swam to a nearby press
boat, an inflatable dinghy motorboat. Ainslie boarded the vessel and
communicated to those on board that they were too close to him during the race
and had hampered his race. Photos posted online sparked inquiries as to whether
or not Ainslie had accosted one of the newsmen onboard the press boat. These
claims were later debunked.
boat, an inflatable dinghy motorboat. Ainslie boarded the vessel and
communicated to those on board that they were too close to him during the race
and had hampered his race. Photos posted online sparked inquiries as to whether
or not Ainslie had accosted one of the newsmen onboard the press boat. These
claims were later debunked.
After this incident Ainslie was disqualified from both races of the day, making him
ineligible for the medal race on Sunday.
Had Ainslie been found guilty for gross misconduct by the ISAF, Ainslie
could have faced a two-year ban from the sport.
ineligible for the medal race on Sunday.
Had Ainslie been found guilty for gross misconduct by the ISAF, Ainslie
could have faced a two-year ban from the sport.
Ainslie apologized for the row, but said
that he thought the disqualification was a “massive over-reaction.” The
incident this weekend is another example of the media interfering with sporting
events, most notably the media has been chastised for causing accidents during
Tour de France coverage.
that he thought the disqualification was a “massive over-reaction.” The
incident this weekend is another example of the media interfering with sporting
events, most notably the media has been chastised for causing accidents during
Tour de France coverage.
“At the moment the sport seems to be fumbling
its way into trying to make the sport more appealing for television,” said
Stephen Park, British team manager to the Sydney Morning Herald. The behavior
by Ainslie this weekend has been heralded by some and criticized by many online
and through various news outlets. For the believers that all press is good
press, the sport of sailing has gained more followers. “It’s on my
doorstep and I haven’t been following the sailing at all, but everyone’s heard
about (the Ainslie incident),” John Rawlins, an Australian to the SMH.
its way into trying to make the sport more appealing for television,” said
Stephen Park, British team manager to the Sydney Morning Herald. The behavior
by Ainslie this weekend has been heralded by some and criticized by many online
and through various news outlets. For the believers that all press is good
press, the sport of sailing has gained more followers. “It’s on my
doorstep and I haven’t been following the sailing at all, but everyone’s heard
about (the Ainslie incident),” John Rawlins, an Australian to the SMH.
Sail1Design wants to hear from you. What do you think of Ainslie’s behavior? His
disqualification? Was the press boat at fault?
disqualification? Was the press boat at fault?
12 Days of Sailing Christmas
By Margaret Boehm
With Christmas and Hanukah quickly approaching, Sail1Design is here
to help you find the most useful and creative gift for your special sailing
enthusiast. In honor of the twelve days of Christmas—Here are 12 gifts ideas
that are sure to send any gift receivers hearts sailing!
to help you find the most useful and creative gift for your special sailing
enthusiast. In honor of the twelve days of Christmas—Here are 12 gifts ideas
that are sure to send any gift receivers hearts sailing!
1.
Wind on DVD-The 1992 movie staring Matthew Modine and Jennifer Grey about a down on his
luck sailor hoping to redeem himself and win back the Americas Cup from the
Australians. Available on at Amazon.com—in a last minute bind? The movie is
also available on Amazon instant video for rent and purchase.
Wind on DVD-The 1992 movie staring Matthew Modine and Jennifer Grey about a down on his
luck sailor hoping to redeem himself and win back the Americas Cup from the
Australians. Available on at Amazon.com—in a last minute bind? The movie is
also available on Amazon instant video for rent and purchase.
2.
Unsinkable: A Young Woman’s Courageous Battle on the High Seas-The memoir of Abby
Sunderland, a teenage sailor who attempted twice in 2010 to circumnavigate the
globe solo on her yacht Wild Eyes. Sunderland was infamously rescued in
the Indian Ocean after her yacht’s dismasting.
Unsinkable: A Young Woman’s Courageous Battle on the High Seas-The memoir of Abby
Sunderland, a teenage sailor who attempted twice in 2010 to circumnavigate the
globe solo on her yacht Wild Eyes. Sunderland was infamously rescued in
the Indian Ocean after her yacht’s dismasting.
3.
US SAILING VINEYARD VINES TIE: US Sailing Members receive a special $40 off
discount from the famously preppy Vineyard Vines brand when purchased from the
US Sailing online store. The tie, which comes in raspberry and blue, features
the US Sailing logo.
US SAILING VINEYARD VINES TIE: US Sailing Members receive a special $40 off
discount from the famously preppy Vineyard Vines brand when purchased from the
US Sailing online store. The tie, which comes in raspberry and blue, features
the US Sailing logo.
4.
Pottery Barn Nautical Door Knocker-For the sailing mom or dad looking to redecorate and
add some nautical flare to any front door. The iron door knocker is shaped like
a ship’s porthole and comes with a satin nickel or antique bronze finish. The
item is currently on sale for $60.
Pottery Barn Nautical Door Knocker-For the sailing mom or dad looking to redecorate and
add some nautical flare to any front door. The iron door knocker is shaped like
a ship’s porthole and comes with a satin nickel or antique bronze finish. The
item is currently on sale for $60.
5.
Charlie St. Cloud on DVD-For the Zac Efron fan in your family.
Buy the DVD of the 2010 film. Or for the family bookworm, the novel of the same
name by Ben Sherwood.
Charlie St. Cloud on DVD-For the Zac Efron fan in your family.
Buy the DVD of the 2010 film. Or for the family bookworm, the novel of the same
name by Ben Sherwood.
6.
Ebb Tide Bags-Buy one of the Ebb Tide Bags for the fashionista of your sailing family.
Made in the USA from 100% sailcloth and line, the bags come in white and
metallic and are sure to be noticed by sailors and style mavens alike!
Available on etsy.com.
Ebb Tide Bags-Buy one of the Ebb Tide Bags for the fashionista of your sailing family.
Made in the USA from 100% sailcloth and line, the bags come in white and
metallic and are sure to be noticed by sailors and style mavens alike!
Available on etsy.com.
7.
Reiter8 items on Esty-Another great Etsy find! The Etsy shop has throw pillows, bags,
wallets and luggage tags made out of recycled sails.
Reiter8 items on Esty-Another great Etsy find! The Etsy shop has throw pillows, bags,
wallets and luggage tags made out of recycled sails.
8.
Gill Pro Race Buoyancy Aid-Finally a one-design life vest in PINK. For the ultimate
girly girl you know. Available in adult and youth sizes on the Gill United
Kingdom online store.
Gill Pro Race Buoyancy Aid-Finally a one-design life vest in PINK. For the ultimate
girly girl you know. Available in adult and youth sizes on the Gill United
Kingdom online store.
9.
Henri Lloyd Menswear and Women swear-The beloved brand of sailors in no longer just
for gear. Check out the online shop for stylish and impeccably crafted
knitwear, jackets, polos and pants. Take advantage of the free shipping and 15%
OFF sale.
Henri Lloyd Menswear and Women swear-The beloved brand of sailors in no longer just
for gear. Check out the online shop for stylish and impeccably crafted
knitwear, jackets, polos and pants. Take advantage of the free shipping and 15%
OFF sale.
10. Master and Commander: Far Side of the Word
soundtrack: The soundtrack, which features the three Australian musicians who
also collaboratively compose the score is sure to please the classical music
fan in your family.
soundtrack: The soundtrack, which features the three Australian musicians who
also collaboratively compose the score is sure to please the classical music
fan in your family.
11. USODA gear-Surprise your favorite Optimist
Dinghy sailor with gear and accessories from the United States Optimist Dinghy
Association.
Dinghy sailor with gear and accessories from the United States Optimist Dinghy
Association.
12. London: 2012 Sports Collection Sailing Coin:
Specially made by the Royal Mint, this 50 pence coin is sure to excite anyone
who is anxiously awaiting the 2012 games. Available online at the London 2012
shop.
Specially made by the Royal Mint, this 50 pence coin is sure to excite anyone
who is anxiously awaiting the 2012 games. Available online at the London 2012
shop.
Dispatches from an Opti Travel Team Coach: “How much is too much?”
By Sail1Design’s Elizabeth Dudley
I spent my past two weekends helping to coach one of the Optimist Travel Teams that have sprouted up around the country in recent years. A good number of Opti teams these days are club specific. This one in particular however draws kids from the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Families from New Jersey, Long Island, and Maryland take turns hosting practices to prepare their kids for the major Opti events of each year.
Prior to these weekends, my most recent coaching had been over a year ago in a summer program atmosphere. As in most summer programs, not all the kids want to be there which then requires a certain
coaching style. These past two weekends, it was refreshing to have the opportunity to work with kids who truly wanted to be out in their boats sailing and improving. I could actually talk to them about sailing and racing and feel as if they were ready to absorb at least half of what I had to say. But on the last day of practice, as we were loading the boats on the trailer so that they could all go down to Florida for the winter, I found myself asking, “How much is too much?”
coaching style. These past two weekends, it was refreshing to have the opportunity to work with kids who truly wanted to be out in their boats sailing and improving. I could actually talk to them about sailing and racing and feel as if they were ready to absorb at least half of what I had to say. But on the last day of practice, as we were loading the boats on the trailer so that they could all go down to Florida for the winter, I found myself asking, “How much is too much?”
This question of course is not specific to the sport of sailing. Be it travel teams like this one, clinics, “fall ball”, or indoor leagues, there are opportunities almost year round for young athletes to be involved in their sport. But as kids, does a life filled with something you love to do turn in to a chore? Or worse, something you hate?
Obviously the answer to this question varies on a case by case basis. Speaking with a parent of two children on a travel team, the move to the team was made because of the reliable and consistent coaching that came along with it. Both kids enjoy sailing and enjoy being successful at their sailing. As this one parent said, “They are learning that if they put in the work and get time on the water, that their performance and ability improves – and for me, that is more of a life skill than a sailing specific one.” A travel team allows for the development of this skill.
Travel teams can certainly be an extremely rewarding and positive experience. With the year round participation and concentration on a sport, a child will learn more than they would by just partaking in the activity one season a year. The friendships and memories that can be made on a sports team are priceless and will last forever. Being a part of a group with that level of commitment to one thing is very special and the kids that are truly interested in their sport will thrive in that environment.
But how does a parent handle the day that their kid does not want to participate in a planned practice or regatta? One that a lot of planning had gone into and had already been paid for? Speaking with parents and having been in the position of the kids, it sounds as if support is the best thing a parent can give their child. As one parent said, “Parents really have to listen to their kids and decide what their kids are actually interested in”.
Some kids are genuinely interested in whatever their sport may be, but get nervous or have confidence issues before a practice or competition. As a parent, this is the kind of kid who just needs a little nudge in the right direction. The push will help them get over their fears and go out and enjoy the day like they want to.
On the other hand though, there will be kids who genuinely do not have the interest in a sport to want to commit to a travel team, no matter how talented they may be. In this situation, it is the parent’s job to listen to their child and not push them into anything they really do not want to do. A kid pushed into a sport will be a very unhappy one.
Before saying yes to joining a travel team, parents and children both have to agree that this is a commitment they are willing to make as it will mean making sacrifices in other areas of life. But just because you are on a travel team does not mean you have to forfeit every other aspect of a childhood. Especially on a sailing team, while it may hinder your growth as a sailor to miss a practice or a regatta, taking time off is possible. Perhaps more so than in a more team oriented sport. Time off will give you the opportunity to hang out with friends, participate in other activities and just take a step back from it all. The last thing anyone wants is for a kid to get burned out. Burning out is one of the fastest ways to get turned off from a sport that one could have enjoyed for the rest of their life.
As the parent of two Opti sailors said, “Overall, the biggest thing I can do for them is to let them “drive the bus” so to speak – this is a very labor intensive, time intensive, commitment intensive sport – as long as they are the ones wanting to do it, it is a good thing. If it switches to the parent wanting them to do it, or making them do it, then it becomes work, and not sport, and not fun.”
Layover Chatter with Bill Hardesty
By New Airwaves member Morgan Kinney
Congratulations to ISAF Match Racing Champions Ian Williams, Malcolm Parker, Gerard Mitchell, Matt Cassidy and Bill Hardesty. After defeating Johnie Berntsson 3-1 at the Monsoon Cup in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, Williams was awarded his third championship crown.
While reigning as one of the US’s top match racers, Hardesty has had a successful 2011 winning the Etchells Worlds as well as the Chicago Grade 2 Invitational this summer. I had the privilege of speaking with Hardesty for a quick moment while he continues to catch up with his life in San Diego, CA.
MK: Obviously you’re an accomplished racer. Does this championship
rank as your favorite title, though?
rank as your favorite title, though?
BH: We did the same accomplishment in 2007 winning both the WMRT and
Monsoon Cup so we knew what it was like. I think the biggest
accomplishment to date was either winning the Etchells Worlds earlier this year
with one race to spare. Or winning Key West Race Week in the Melges 24 as
helmsman when it came down to the last race to beat Spithill.
Monsoon Cup so we knew what it was like. I think the biggest
accomplishment to date was either winning the Etchells Worlds earlier this year
with one race to spare. Or winning Key West Race Week in the Melges 24 as
helmsman when it came down to the last race to beat Spithill.
MK: Do you have a higher goal in mind or do you plan to keep winning
the WMRT?
the WMRT?
BH: I would really like to start sailing on the bigger catamarans.
It’s a tight market and that sort of commitment needs to be carefully
considered. It needs to be with the right team and in the right position.
It’s a tight market and that sort of commitment needs to be carefully
considered. It needs to be with the right team and in the right position.
MK: How do US match racing events compare to those held in Malaysia?
BH: Match Racing in the US is strong with events now taking a more
commercial outlook. Its about a lot about having a great venue with
public exposure. The US is close to the level now that Chicago Match Race
Center is running their big events off Navy Pier.
commercial outlook. Its about a lot about having a great venue with
public exposure. The US is close to the level now that Chicago Match Race
Center is running their big events off Navy Pier.
The biggest difference is where the money comes
from. In Malaysia it appears the money comes from the government in an
effort to raise tourism. The business models in the US have little to no
government backing and rely on either private money or money from commercial
sponsors.
from. In Malaysia it appears the money comes from the government in an
effort to raise tourism. The business models in the US have little to no
government backing and rely on either private money or money from commercial
sponsors.
MK: What’s your fav US event?
BH: In the US my favorite event has historically been Key West Race
Week. It has a good destination feeling and the competition is fierce.
Lately, that has changed drastically reduced participation.
Week. It has a good destination feeling and the competition is fierce.
Lately, that has changed drastically reduced participation.
Now the Chicago Match Race Center events off
Navy Pier are leading the list of favorites. CMRC is bringing sailing to
the public without sacrificing the quality of the sport. There is great
energy surrounding the CMRC regattas and I see a bright future ahead for the
organization.
Navy Pier are leading the list of favorites. CMRC is bringing sailing to
the public without sacrificing the quality of the sport. There is great
energy surrounding the CMRC regattas and I see a bright future ahead for the
organization.
MK: What’s your next event?
BH: From Malaysia, I flew straight to Fort Lauderdale where we are
starting our 2012 Melges 32 Worlds campaign. Its tough to say how we will
do but it will be a good journey.
starting our 2012 Melges 32 Worlds campaign. Its tough to say how we will
do but it will be a good journey.
MK: What is your boat of choice in fleet racing events?
BH: In fleet racing its more than just the boat but also your position
on the boat and the strength of the fleet. The Etchells is one of the
best fleets in the world with great tactical sailing and is a relatively
comfortable boat to be crew. The Melges boats are great to drive but the
hiking we developed over the years has made crewing a real chore.
on the boat and the strength of the fleet. The Etchells is one of the
best fleets in the world with great tactical sailing and is a relatively
comfortable boat to be crew. The Melges boats are great to drive but the
hiking we developed over the years has made crewing a real chore.
The best boats have strong fleets with good
racing. Second factor is a toss up between speed/excitement and comfort
while sailing. The Melges 20 has found a nice Niche with legs-in sailing,
good excitement, and a strong and now growing fleet.
racing. Second factor is a toss up between speed/excitement and comfort
while sailing. The Melges 20 has found a nice Niche with legs-in sailing,
good excitement, and a strong and now growing fleet.
MK: Who is your largest personal supporter?
BH: It’s a close one between my girlfriend Mandi and my Father.
MK: Do you get to settle down and spend some time on Firefly now?
what’s your plan for the down-time?
what’s your plan for the down-time?
BH: In the winter I spend my downtime I living aboard my cruising
sailboat Firefly. She is a 1980 Wauquiez Hood 38. I left Boston in
September of 2009 and we are now through the Panama Canal and headed to Costa Rica.
As a professional sailor it is common to have weeks of downtime so I like
spend them exploring remote tropical islands.
sailboat Firefly. She is a 1980 Wauquiez Hood 38. I left Boston in
September of 2009 and we are now through the Panama Canal and headed to Costa Rica.
As a professional sailor it is common to have weeks of downtime so I like
spend them exploring remote tropical islands.
