GB Transitional Training Camp by Aimee Saracco-Jones

On the 6th of October I received my letter offering me a place in the RYA Great Britain Transition Training camp (Laser) at Weymouth. This camp consisted of approximately 40 sailors, boys and girls looking to Transition from Junior boats to the Laser. Phase 1 of the camp was made up of 3 weekends, 2 training and one counter race selection weekend together with the results of the November Inlands at Rutland.

The first weekend in October went well under the guidance of some of the top coaches in the country. At the end of the weekend we had two races so that the coaches could see where we where at. I was first girl in my group in both races.

The Inlands were next. Unfortunately on the Saturday qualifying winds were light which favoured the smaller lighter girl sailors. I narrowly missed out on the Gold fleet selection. Day two my bad luck continued when my kicker broke at the beginning of race two. Despite this I managed a 12th position and was second girl in the silver fleet overall. My main ‘competition’ for the Transition places were at the back of the Gold fleet.

I was a little disheartened but determined to improve in the next training at Grafham and the final selection races in Weymouth. At the final weekend of selection races my luck changed, the conditions suited me perfectly, I was ready and my boat couldn’t have been prepared any better. We had four races and I came first girl in two and was third and fourth in the others. I hoped that I had done enough to win one of the three girl places for  the  GB Laser Radial Transition Squad.

Unfortunately it was not to be. A week later I got my ‘Dear John’ letter from Kirsty Bonnar RYA Single Handed Pathway Manager, thanking me for my effort and commitment.  Although disappointed I have made many new friends, including the three girls that were chosen. I wish them well and look forward to racing against them this summer. The experience I’ve gained will hopefully put me in good stead for the rest of my Youth sailing. I have learned so much from the other talented sailors and a amazing coaches.. well done to Tom Piggott and Ross Moreton who were selected flying the flag for Wales…….

Aimee.