Article by Alexander, Greil
Sun, wind, nice people, pizza, pasta and gelati – La dolce vita at its finest.
A total of 25 sailors from France, Germany and Switzerland travelled to Dongo on Lake Como for the Skiff Training Camp over 27 April to 4 May 2023. As in the previous year, most of them stayed at Camping Magic Lake and parked the boats they had brought with them on the beach. The colourful troupe with 12 Musto Skiffs, 4 49s, 1 waszp, 1 Moth, 1 Light Skiff and 1 Laser presented a cheerful picture against the backdrop of the spring-like mountains and lakes. From then on, chatting just as happily, the group usually gathered at around 10:15 a.m. for a skipper meeting. Alexander Greil coordinated the training sessions. At such meetings, he also gave tips on boat handling or settings on the boat. Over the course of the week, the boats were upgraded, and the theoretical skills of the sailors were improved.
Around noon, the Breva (thermal wind) usually built up slowly. Sailing two sessions with a lunch break worked well for many. The first session, mostly with a little lighter wind, was used for manoeuvre training around two buoys and small regattas. Alexander Greil skilfully coached the sailors from the motorboat. “Hanging low” should be ringing in everyone’s ears by now… With success, as it was evident over the course of the week.
In the second session, in which Alex Greil also sailed, the speed comparison was carried out on larger courses. Some could also benefit from watching the others from the motorboat.
Thomas Kübler, who happened to be in Dongo as well and was able to enjoy a spontaneous jaunt, experienced that you can’t forget Musto Skiff sailing again, even after a year-long break and still has potential for addiction.
Mastering the pitfalls of the Musto Skiff is a science in itself. We all know the moments when you just suddenly lie “in the creek” and wonder what just happened. If it then wraps the Geni around the forestay, the chaos is perfect. As if capsizing weren’t already a feat of strength! Kurt found an elegant solution to untangle the Geni again.
What happens when you drive Geni at 12-13 kts speed in driftwood was also involuntarily tested by Alex Greil.
Hanging your head over it was never an option. I think that the ups and downs, the many hurdles and at the same time the absolutely great feeling of simply “boarding” at full speed are what make the solidarity between the sailors and the mutual support so great. So, it is not surprising that the atmosphere on land was always cheerful and sociable.
I was always amazed at how persevered everyone was. But the beautiful conditions allowed the participants to push themselves beyond their limits, so that one or the other was so tired in the evening that they could hardly stand. But the hours on the water paid off. Many hurdles could be overcome, and I am sure that everyone could see a lot of success for themselves. The visible difference at the end of the week was definitely big!
With a heavy heart we say goodbye after a week in Dongo. It is secretly clear that we will be going to Dongo again next year!
Link to training photos and videos: Training camp Dongo 2023
Original article (Swiss German) >> ‘Trainingslager Comersee vom 27.4-4.5.23’
Photo credit: By Swiss M.
