Magenta Keel Boat Race Training Day at Ballyholme Yacht Club on Saturday, 14th September 2019

Six women from EDYC were part of the 30 women who attended the Magenta Keel Boat Race Training Day at Ballyholme Yacht Club on Saturday, 14th September.

The coaching was led by Abby Ehler, one of three professional lady sailors from UK.  Abby has sailed in 3 Volvo Ocean Races and was Boat Captain on Team Brunel in 2017-18.  There were four races in 22 knots of wind followed by a BBQ at the club in the evening.

Coaches from the Magenta project were in NI for 14th September, starting around 8am with a chat/briefing and theory at BYC.  Then they spent the rest of the day on the water (pack lunch essential) training and then some racing.  The coaches were on ribs swapping in and out of the boats and videoed the training.  Then on return to BYC for a debrief and video review.

The day ended with a BBQ at BYC with partners/friends invited. Magenta provided the coaches for free and BYC gave the ribs/support team free of charge too.

Owners very kindly allowed the use their boats, a mix of BLQTC, Sigma 33s and First 31.7s.

The day was aimed at those who already know how to sail either dinghy or Keel boats at all levels, but who do not necessarily have race experience.  However, even are an experienced racer had still much to learn from these incredible coaches.

 Have a look at https://themagentaproject.org/ for more info.