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April 27, 2018 2 min read
We speak to Jamie Cook, 3 time Optimist national champion about his transition into the 420 and his first RYA Youth Nationals.
Can you tell us a little about yourself please?
I’m Jamie Cook, the current Optimist national champion. I’ve sailed since I was 6 from Cardiff Bay. Recently, I have transitioned into the 420 with former topper sailor Ioan Davies.
You’ve just come back from your first RYA Youth Nationals in Largs, how was the event?
At my first Rya youth nationals we had a tough time as we lacked a bit of racing practise in the medium to light range conditions due to a heavy wind winter. It’s certainly difficult racing against sailors up to 18 years old as they have a lot of experience. We didn’t sail on the first two days due to heavy winds and our beat results came on the last day with two tens. It felt good to leave on a positive note and we have a lot to move on with.
You’ve been in the 420 now for number of months after transitioning from an Optimist, how are you finding the boat?
I’m finding the 420 very exciting and it’s nice to say that I learn something new every time I sail the boat. Hopefully we can get up to full speed in the boat soon and compete amongst the best in the fleet. I certainly enjoyed to 420 in the winter compared to the oppie as your always on your toes and active.
What’s it like sailing with a crew?
Sailing with a crew is challenging coming from a single hander. Communication is so important and staying coordinated is hard but it’s all part of the fun and challenge that comes with the 420.
What tips would you give other sailors looking to go to the Youth Nationals?
My main tip would be to make sure you and your boat are fully prepared and completely ready to race, making sure you check everything over for wear and damage before you get to the venue. The last thing you want is something breaking on you!
What do you think the best bit of kit is that you have on your 420?
I think the best bit of kit on the 420 is the adjustable spreaders and chock system as it allows you to change the shape of the sail so easily and can be done on the water. It’s hard getting your head around all the controls in a 420 but that’s what I enjoy about the boat.
What events do you have planned for this year?
Our plan is to do the French and British nationals over the summer, with lots of training in between then come September we’ll be back into all the British events and training in preparation for next years RYA Youth Nationals.
How does the partnership with Sailing Chandlery help support your sailing?
Sailing Chandlery has been an awesome sponsor, they have helped me to rig and prepare the boat with all the best ropes and blocks. Having a boat that is well set up makes everything around the race course easier and more simple. Thanks!
Not used yet but known it will be perfect. Excellent customer service from sailing chandlery as usual.
Great service and a great price. Order delivered in a timely manner.
Would definitely recommend and use again, the next time something on the boat inevitably breaks :)
I had a difficult repair, with a part of the sail that har ripped off. I used the tape to cover a large darn, taped it on both sides, and oversewed it for additional security. Easy to use, decent adhesion, probably no need to oversew.
This is exactly what I wanted. It’s super easy to charge, it’s convenient to store and carry but most importantly, it’s incredibly loud!!
A very reliable cleat Will not accidentally re-cleat.
It’s great- love it for my open water swimming.
Fits everything in.
Super fast delivery and friendly
Sticky back peels off easily and glue seems strong. Quite possibly this is the same product as supplied in the pre-cut kits for the ILCA mast bottom sections?
Makes a lot of sense to use sacrificial strips to slow down wear on the mast and gel coat.
Better value to buy several meters of this one and with care and a sharp blade you can cut desired lengths by wrapping around the mast and cutting neatly.
Replacement laser block arrived very quickly. Part was exactly the same as the original and I was back on the water without missing a weekend. Great service.
Very good quality cover, should protect my granddaughter’s boat for many seasons to come, thanks.
This looks more like a proper hold all.
Great, speedy service and quality product. Thank you
Well thought out kit bag with a large internal compartment and small mesh pockets inside and out. The wet compartment is really useful. Appears to be well made and the strap is comfy over the shoulder. Easily packed in my winter gear plus a few spare tops etc but if you like to carry multiple winter wetsuits or have lots of spares you may want to go for a larger 90l bag.
Great for work at sea and lesuire
Very pleased to find that all the parts were available straight away through Sailing Chandlery. Alldispatched very quickly & efficiently. Thank you.
Good product and excellent guidance from knowledgeable staff
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