Activate Your Laser Fleet workshops two and three took place at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th February. Saturday welcomed representatives from Clubs in the East of England; a long haul for many, while Sunday greeted Southern region representatives.

The mornings were spent ashore developing ideas of reinvigorate activity in the number of under used Laser fleets in these two regions. Some of the more creative ideas included a Friday afternoon “skivers club” for those who managed to leave work early or have free time on Friday’s and want to get afloat and a “Pimp my Laser day!”

A fantastic outcome of the last weekends workshops was the pooling of resources and combining of ideas between local clubs. Many of the clubs have also considered the social elements of sailing and will be investigating fleet BBQ’s for the summer months. Improved communication amongst Laser sailors at a club and local level has also been recognised as an area for attention. 

Fortunately the weather was suitable for the workshop delegates to get afloat during the afternoon. The fleet enjoyed demonstrations of training exercises that they will now be able to take back to their clubs and deliver to their members. Mike Hart, Coaching and Development Officer at the RYA also provided some short course racing and needless to say, the fleet’s competitive spirit could not be contained for long and some close racing was enjoyed by all.

The International Laser UK Class Association’s Jon Hammond attended Sunday’s workshop at Weymouth. His enthusiasm for the success of the day was tremendous. “We had a really really good day! Everyone who attended had put in a huge amount of effort preparing prior to the day and there was a great atmosphere and so much positive feedback. I was really pleased to see the chatter on Facebook on Sunday night after the workshop!”

Twenty two further delegates from across the south and the east have received the Activate message and now return to their clubs to encourage their Laser sailors back to the water. Stay in touch with the progress of these clubs via the Facebook Page: Activate Your Laser Fleet.

Eight more Activate workshops will be run across the country during the Spring. Clubs have been identified and approached to take part.  If you would like to know if your club has been invited or if you would like your club to be invited to next year’s workshops  please email Tzaneen Mears at the RYA, tzaneen.mears@rya.org.uk