top of page
Search
All Posts


Different coaching styles: Finding what works for you and your sailors
Every sailor you coach is different — and the most effective coaches are those who adapt their approach based on who’s in front of them, the moment in training, and the long-term development goals. Research in sports psychology and leadership provides valuable insights into why flexibility in coaching styles work, and how to make it work for you. Core coaching styles Directive / autocratic (command) Defined by clear, coach-led decisions—vital for emergencies, beginners, or sa

Dylan Collingbourne
1 day ago2 min read


RS Tera Southern Squads 25/26 Weekend 2 - WPNSA
Our second weekend was held at WPNSA focused on one important aspect of performance sailing: speed . Not just “pull the sail in and pull some ropes and hope” speed, but as a squad we wanted to build deeper understanding of how the flow around the boat and sail creates the power that makes speed possible. Understanding flow & sail shape We began by looking at how air attaches to the sail. When flow stays smooth, the boat accelerates; when it breaks away, the boat stalls. The

Dylan Collingbourne
Nov 182 min read


RS Feva HISC Squad 25/26 Weekend 1
We kicked off our first Feva training squad weekend out at Hayling Island SC with a great opening session focused on boat handling, downwind modes, and refining teamwork between helm and crew. Conditions were too light on the Saturday meaning we covered theory and then managed to hit the water for the afternoon. Sunday brought more breeze focusing on boat handling in 15-20 knots. Boat handling foundations We started with the basics: balance, trim, and clean coordination in ma

Dylan Collingbourne
Nov 111 min read


RS Tera National Squads 25/26 Weekend 1 - Rutland SC
The first Rutland weekend of the winter brought some great racing and learnings, giving everyone the chance to focus on tactical decision-making and how to create opportunities when behind. When behind - how to get ahead Sometimes, there will be reasons why we may get behind such as poor starts, penalties, or bad decisions. The key is knowing how to gain back from it. We used the Upwind diamonds framework to map out the racecourse and identify small, structured gains — from

Dylan Collingbourne
Nov 82 min read


RS Tera Southern Squads 25/26 Weekend 1 - RLYC
Weekend 1 for the RS Tera Southern Regional Training Squad was held at Royal Lymington Yacht Club over the weekend with some challenging conditions with everything between 5 and 26 knots. the focus for the weekend was foundations, boat handling, and decision-making. It was great to see so many familiar faces back on the water, along with some new sailors joining the squad for the first time. Going back to basics The weekend’s focus was all about foundations. Before building s

Dylan Collingbourne
Oct 301 min read


Event preparation: Setting yourself up for success
Big events aren’t just won on the water, they are made through preparation. Whether it’s your first championship or the final regatta of the season, how you prepare in the weeks before racing can make all the difference. Plan backwards from Day 1 Start by working backwards from the event start date. What needs to be ready by then? Equipment – Is your boat fully measured, foils smooth, ropes fresh, and spares packed? Make a checklist early on, not the night before travel. Log

Dylan Collingbourne
Oct 162 min read


Building your winter training pyramid
As we enter winter, a lot of winter training begins and to make the most of it, try to think of your training like a pyramid: each level...

Dylan Collingbourne
Sep 163 min read


Open leech vs closed leech – which one’s faster?
When we talk about sail shape, most sailors think about draft depth or position. But one of the most influential features is the leech ....

Dylan Collingbourne
Sep 113 min read


Reading the race course: Wind bends and lanes
Knowing how to “read” the water is a skill that separates reactive sailors from proactive ones. While many sailors focus on wind shifts,...

Dylan Collingbourne
Aug 141 min read


Why you’re not fast on the reach (and what to do about it)
It is surprisingly common to see boats lose precious ground on the reach—sometimes without even realising it. Yet for a leg that often...

Dylan Collingbourne
Aug 42 min read


The Power of Pre-Race Routines - Why Good Sailors Don’t Just Wing It
Having a pre-race routine isn’t about superstition or going through the motions. It’s a system to help you: Make better decisions Spot...

Dylan Collingbourne
Jul 241 min read


What smart sailors do in the 5 minutes before the start
The 5 minutes before the start —they feel like a blur of jostling boats and some shouting going on between boats. But for smart sailors,...

Dylan Collingbourne
Jul 122 min read


The value of two-boat testing
Want to supercharge your training? Pair up with a buddy boat! Two-boat testing is one of the fastest ways to find real gains—especially...

Dylan Collingbourne
Jul 11 min read


UK Tera Inlands 2025 - Regatta Fleet
This past weekend at Burton Sailing Club, the Rooster RS Tera UK Inland Championships delivered everything you’d want from a national...

Dylan Collingbourne
Jul 12 min read


Getting Race-Ready: Rooster RS Tera UK Inlands at Burton SC This Weekend
This weekend, the RS Tera fleet heads to Burton Sailing Club for the Rooster RS Tera UK Inland Championships – and we’re kicking things...

Dylan Collingbourne
Jun 251 min read


Decoding Oscillating and Persistent Shifts
One of the biggest tactical gains in sailboat racing often happens before the start gun: figuring out what the wind is doing. Two common...

Dylan Collingbourne
Jun 62 min read


Why Group Training Makes You a Better Sailor
When it comes to improving your sailing, nothing beats time on the water—but how you train makes a big difference. One of the most...

Dylan Collingbourne
May 292 min read


Top 3 Mistakes at the Leeward Gate (and How to Fix Them)
The leeward gate is an area for massive gains, but can also lead to big mistakes! Here are three common errors and how to style them out:...

Dylan Collingbourne
May 201 min read


Eric Twiname Junior Championships 2025
We are back in Rutland for the 2025 RYA Eric Twiname Junior Championships to kickstart the season ready for the class association events...

Dylan Collingbourne
May 82 min read


What is the upwind diamond course and how to use it.
Sailing upwind efficiently is a crucial skill for any sailor! Sailing upwind efficiently is a crucial skill for any sailor! The Upwind...

Dylan Collingbourne
Apr 22 min read
bottom of page
