Ex Topper National Squaddies gain award for an 'amazing act of bravery and seamanship'
Sam Coombes, Craig Paul and James Hopson were awarded the Young Sailor of the Year award 2005 for rescuing Nell Hardie (also a recent ex-squaddie) when she became trapped underneath her 29er in a freak accident. They showed courage, resilience and physical and mental strength and we are proud of them.
Of the thirteen regional winners I was delighted to see that six of them are ex-Topper sailors who it has also been my privilege to coach. Really well done to:
Eastern - Giles Scott, Northern Irland - John Beatty, Scotland - the three lads above, South West - James Clark, West Midlands - Alison Young, Yorkshire and Humberside - Tom Gillard
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2xl - THE COACHES
DAVE COCKERILL:
Dave is the RYA Topper National Coach, holds an RYA Class Coach ticket. He was the 2005 RYA Squad Coach of the year. He currently coaches the RYA Topper National Junior Squad and the Topper Class Association’s All-Girls Group as well as coaching as far afield as Ireland and Dubai. He was a teacher for more years than he is prepared to admit and a successful sailor in lots of classes including Graduates and Buzzes. He currently sails a Blaze when time allows.
ADAM COCKERILL:
Adam holds an RYA Class Coach ticket and currently heads up the Topper Class Association’s Intermediate Squad, assists with the RYA Topper National Junior Squad as well as working in Dubai for a year and coaching an Irish National Squad. He is studying Sports Science at Chichester University and is a top Laser Radial sailor.
COACHING:
At 2xl the emphasis is on fun. Our experience is that the sailors are inspired to learn and to continue their learning, long after the session is finished, when they have fun. This is not to say that they do not work hard and will learn loads. It is amazing, but sailor can be turned into a racer in a couple of days!
We enjoy working with racers of all abilities but do not teach people to sail.
We are happy to coach all classes (Adam is currently coaching a Laser Radial Group locally) but are closely associated with the Topper Class mainly because Dave owns a company that supplies boats and parts for Toppers - www.sailing-solutions.co.uk
Groups of around 8 to 10 are perfect for achieving the right balance of inter-boat action and personal development. We can find extra coaches for you, at all levels, with notice.
RATES
Dave: £180 per day (no vat).
Adam: £150 per day (no vat)
Travel expenses are 29p per mile although for longer distances this is negotiable.
Coaching is something we really enjoy but there is only a limited amount of time available to do it. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Dave and Adam