420s and 470s in Africa

The world's most popular doublehanders take up the ISAF campaign for 'universality'

Following on from the ISAF Olympic Commission's edict to improve sailing's 'universality', so the International 420 and 470 classes are hold a joint Coaching Clinic in Luanda, Angola this month.

The clinic will focus on both training the trainers – so improving the level of the national coaches, and coaching the sailors. With six coaches and more than 40 sailors participating, the clinic is set to make a significant impact. Training the trainers is key to ensuring that they are equipped to encourage new sailors and support the existing ones.

This joint 470 and 420 Clinic has been planned for over a year, with both classes covering the costs of the coach, Pedro Rodrigues (POR), with the host club providing the onsite facilities and equipment.

It forms part of a strategy by the Clube Naval de Luanda and Clube Náutico da Ilha de Luanda to develop a pathway towards Olympic competition for Angola, which already has a well-developed Optimist Class.

Situated on Angola's coast with the Atlantic Ocean, Luanda is the nation's capital and its primary seaport. Sailing is well supported with several active clubs. The Clube Naval de Luanda is hosting the clinic, led by Mr Burno, the club director, but this is a joint collaboration with Clube Náutico da Ilha de Luanda, which is providing half the boats.

The two clubs have made a major investment, between them purchasing twenty 420s and ten 470s. The International 420 Class provided financial support towards the delivery costs.

The participants are from local sailing and nautical clubs and range in ability and age. For most, the clinic will be their first experience of sailing in the 470 and 420, although all are able sailors.

Delighted that the clinic has now come to reality after months of planning, Stanislav Kassarov, 470 Class President, commented: “This first clinic is focused on skills development in the 470 and 420 and I hope will open up many opportunities for sailing in Angola. The value of educating coaches can never be underestimated and in time hopefully it will impact very positively on the growth of sailing in Angola. This joint clinic is part of our new project “Sail 470 Africa” aimed at the development of the 470 Class and 470 sailors among the African nations.”

Nino Shumeli, 420 Class President added, “This clinic is a critical step in delivering a sailing pathway for Angola. Angola has Optimist dinghies, and the next step was to bring them international class two-person boats that also link in to the Olympic pathway. We are looking forward to seeing the Angolan sailors enjoy the 470 and 420 and welcoming them at international events in the coming years.”

The first day of the clinic, Saturday 2 October, started with a morning briefing by Pedro Rodrigues to set out the aims of the clinic and daily programme. It was then onto unpacking and assembling the twenty 420s and ten 470s - a long job but a great introduction to the classes.

The week long clinic will comprise a mixture of on-water practice, supported by shoreside and classroom theory, with daily briefings and video debriefings. Technical documentation and teaching materials are also being provided by the classes.

Sunday saw the participants take to the water for some boat familiarisation and simple on-water exercises. With a 15 knot breeze, boat familiarization was put to the test quickly for some with capsize recovery. Starting from Monday, the participants will be split into smaller groups to focus on either the 470 or 420. The forecast for the week is variable, but likely to see temperatures around 280c with a light breeze.

The 470 and 420 are also working with equipment manufacturers to ensure that the equipment is accessible and provided by manufacturers at the best possible prices.

Angola is forecast to be one of the world's fastest growing economies and it is an opportune time to increase the popularity and growth in sailing and ensure it becomes an accessible and sustainable sport.

After this first clinic, there will be further follow up and support to ensure the ongoing development of 470 and 420 sailing in Angola.