From August 29 to 31, the Garda Optimist Academy held a training clinic at Univela Sailing, led by Coach Simone Gesi and attended by 11 young sailors:
- Veronika Kimpfbeck
- Giada Viola
- Margherita Visintini
- Jacopo Grimoldi
- Lorenzo Tonelli
- Sebastiano Pavan
- Gianpietro Ciboldi
- Michele Basso
- Niccolò Cescato
- Agata Cescato
- Valentina Tavernini
Day 1: Training in Adverse Weather
The opening day was marked by heavy rain and unstable conditions. Despite the weather, the sailors completed 4 hours on the water followed by 2 hours of debriefing and theory. The focus was on maintaining concentration, handling the boat in limited visibility, and adjusting trim for a range of pressure. The challenging start immediately set a high standard for resilience and adaptability.
Day 2 and 3: Strong Northerly Breeze and Big Waves
On the second and third days, Lake Garda delivered its trademark Peler from the North, blowing steadily above 20 knots with gusts up to 25 knots and a steep wave pattern. The sailors logged over 4 hours on the water each day, working on:
- Heavy-air upwind technique: hiking posture, sheet tension, and vang adjustments.
- Downwind control in waves: balancing body movement with precise tiller and mainsheet work.
- Starts and short races in big breeze, simulating regatta pressure.
Each session was followed by detailed video debriefings, allowing the athletes to analyze body position, timing of maneuvers, and tactical choices.
Team Spirit and Support
Parents played an active role on shore, assisting the young sailors with preparation and recovery, while the group developed a strong sense of teamwork. Several participants opted for charter boats from Univela Sailing, training with brand new Nautivela Optimists, ensuring a level playing field and top-quality equipment.
Conclusion
This clinic once again highlighted the importance of combining technical drills, endurance sailing, and post-session analysis. Despite demanding weather, the sailors gained valuable experience in heavy-air boat handling and race management under pressure.
The Garda Optimist Academy confirms its mission: preparing young sailors to compete at the highest level through structured, high-intensity training sessions on Lake Garda’s unique racecourse.
