Information

Head Coach: Ben Williams

Ben Williams Ben Williams was introduced to IOD racing in 1993 in St. Petersburg, FL. Under the tutelage of coach Kenneth Andreasen, Ben participated in the first years of the US National Team and went on to become Sailing Director and Head Coach at Lauderdale Yacht Club from 2003-2009. He has served as a US National Team coach since 2005 and has worked internationally with teams from Barbados and Canada. In addition to the Opti, Ben has raced Lasers, 420s, Snipes, FJs, V-15s, and a wide variety of keel boats.

Ben currently lives in Honolulu, HI, where he has spent the last few years training and racing as an Ironman triathlete. This brings a unique flavor to his coaching style, which emphasizes the need for physical conditioning and proper nutrition for competitive sailors. In addition, his background in engineering provides a keen understanding of the physical dynamics of sailing. Ben has a passion for teaching sailing, and is proud to still be able to jump in an Opti and demonstrate world-class technique!

2012 Ripple Opti Performance Clinic

July 24-26, 2012

This three-day training clinic in beautiful Cascade Locks, Oregon, is designed to challenge Opti sailors of all levels with wind, waves, and a world-class coaching staff. The emphasis is on boat speed, boat handling, tactics and strategy in a heavy air environment. Scheduled the week before the 2012 Opti Gorge Regatta, also hosted by CGRA, the Ripple Clinic presents an excellent opportunity for Opti sailors to acclimate to the venue and tune up for the big regatta. Sign up now for a fun and exciting "Opti Week" in the Gorge!

Program

The 2012 Ripple Clinic is three days of intense on- and off-the-water training with an expert coaching staff of international professionals. Sailors will be grouped according to skill level and experience into a Championship Fleet (intermediate/advanced) and a Green Fleet (novice). Coaching and drills will be tailored to sailors' needs, with a goal to provide a safe, fun learning experience for all participants.

Registration & Fees:

Clinic fee: Championship Fleet: $325, Green Fleet: $295 for paid registrations received by June 30. Includes three days of coaching, lunch each day, after-sailing snacks, and Tuesday night barbeque. Enrollment is limited to 25 sailors in the Championship Fleet and 10 sailors in the Green Fleet.
Late Fee: Add $25 for paid registrations received after June 30.

To register online: click here

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: Dave Cannard at davec@cgra.org