RORC Griffin 25 - Final Preparations for the Racing Season

13-17 April 2022 - All three RORC Griffin 25 teams gathered at Hamble Yacht Services for their final training session before the start of the race season.

The four-day event was designed to sharpen essential racing skills, focusing on manoeuvres, teamwork, and race scenarios in preparation for their first competitions.

A Unique Team Training Experience

For the first time, all three Griffin teams trained together on the water, an invaluable opportunity made possible by the generosity of RORC members. Special thanks go to Pete Tyler, who provided Redeye, and Rob Craigie & RORC Commodore Deb Fish, who made Bellino available and joined the sessions. Gavin Howe & Ed Naylan also contributed by bringing Tigris to the training. Their support allowed the teams to test and push their skills in a real-race environment.

RORC Griffin 25 Training Weekend © Andrew Palfrey

World-Class Coaching and Technical Focus

The training was led by Hugh Brayshaw, alongside Ronan Grealish, Rob Bunce, and Andrew “Dog” Palfrey, who delivered real-time feedback to each team. A key focus of the weekend was rig setup and performance tuning, with “Dog” leading in-depth lessons on rig adjustments, sail trimming, and boat speed optimisation.

“We had two main goals during this four-day block: to refine race manoeuvres so that every sailor felt confident in their role and to maximise the performance of the 3600s. With first-class coaching from Rob, Ronan, and Dog, the teams made impressive progress, confidently navigating tight race courses by the end of the weekend.” – Lead Coach, Hugh Brayshaw

Day 1: Mastering Sail Handling and Race Starts

The first day focused on perfecting hoists and drops, beginning with windward/leeward course practice in the morning and advancing to round-the-cans racing in the afternoon. This was crucial in developing quick, controlled sail changes under race conditions.

RORC Griffin 25 Training Weekend © Andrew Palfrey

Days 2 & 3: Speed, Tactics, and Precision

The next two days shifted the focus to boat speed and tactical racing. The teams trained together, fine-tuning sail trim and handling while “Dog” closely observed their performance from the water. Using GoPro footage, mic communications, and sail trim photos, he provided detailed analysis, which was later reviewed in extensive debrief sessions.

RORC Griffin 25 Training Weekend © Andrew Palfrey

“The training was a fantastic process—building our skills as a crew on Day 1, then refining our teamwork, knowledge, and techniques on Days 2 and 3. ‘Dog’ provided incredible insights that will stay with us throughout this programme.” – Joe Griffiths (Trinite Team)

RORC Griffin 25 Training Weekend © Andrew Palfrey

Day 4: Putting Skills to the Test in Frostbite Series Racing

The final day saw the teams compete against one another in Southampton Yacht Club’s Frostbite Series, a short-course, round-the-cans style race. The shifty and gusty winds added an extra layer of challenge, demanding precise sail choices and tight manoeuvres.

The Griffin 25 teams dominated, securing a clean sweep of the top three positions—a testament to the hard work and dedication put in over the past few days.

Next Stop: The First Race of the Season!

With an intensive and successful training weekend complete, the North Sea team is now preparing for the Lonely Tower JOG race next weekend—the first official race for any of the Griffin 25 teams - Wish them luck! 

Written by Rachel Palmer, Griffin 25 Sailor

Cultivating RORC's Next Generation of Offshore Sailors

The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s (RORC) Griffin Offshore Pathway is designed to introduce sailors aged 18-30 to the realm of offshore sailing. This program offers a structured development framework, enabling participants to gain proficiency through hands-on experience. 

The Griffin Offshore Pathway exemplifies RORC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of offshore sailors. By providing a rounded training environment, encompassing technical skills, personal development, and inspirational mentorship. The program equips young sailors with the tools needed for success in the demanding world of offshore racing. 

As the season unfolds, the experiences and lessons garnered from these training sessions will undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation. The synergy between the sailors, coaches, and supporters paints a promising picture for the future of the Griffin Squads, as they prepare to embark on competitive challenges with confidence and unity.

For more information on the Griffin Project and opportunities to support, please visit the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s official page.  www.rorc.org/the-griffin-fund or by email: Griffin@rorc.org