NWISA Pre-Regatta Laser Clinic

August 30-31, 2012

This clinic is specifically designed to prepare high school Laser sailors for the NWISA Singlehanded Championship regatta in Cascade Locks Sept. 1-2. The focus will be on boat handling and technique, with special emphasis on downwind technique in heavy winds.

The clinic is open to all Laser sailors who have good boat handling skills and are comfortable in winds up to 25 knots. Full rigs and Radials are both welcome.

Head Coach: Derick Vranizan

As an Olympic campaigner and former member of the US Sailing Development Team, Derick has been competing at the highest level of Laser sailing around the world, rising as high as 46th in the world rankings. During this time Derick has also spent a good deal of time in the Columbia River Gorge, where he won the 2009 Pacific Coast Championship, the 2011 US Sailing Singlehanded Championship, and placed second in the 2012 North American Championship. Derick is also a two-time winner of the Laser Blowout from Cascade Locks to Hood River. He is an accomplished and insightful coach, having most recently partnered with Olympic coach Javier "Rulo" Borojovich to conduct a couple of highly successful training clinics for youth and adult Laser sailors in the Gorge earlier this summer.

Program

The NWISA Pre-Regatta Laser Clinic will focus on training and performance improvement strategies for high school sailors. Special emphasis will be placed on upwind and downwind set-up and technique in big wind and waves, a typical condition for world championship venues, and one for which the Gorge is particularly suited! The program will combine onshore chalk talks with on-the-water drills and short races. Friday's program (depending on participant interest) could be a scenic and spectacular 18-mile run from Cascade Locks to Hood River.

Registration & Fees:

Clinic fee is $50, which includes coaching and barbeque dinner Thursday evening. To register online, click here. Enrollment is limited to 15 sailors, so sign up now!

Visitor Information:

Cascade Locks is located in the heart of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, 45 minutes east of Portland International Airport on Interstate 84. Cascade Locks and surrounding communities have a wide range of accommodations from camping to four-star resort hotels (see visitor information).

For more information:

Contact Bill Symes at bill@cgra.org.