World Class 470 Junior Coaching Clinic - Clinic Participants Announced

Image: Andreas Kosmatopoulos

Eighteen sailors from five nations are set to benefit from the world class expertise of multi Olympian and World Champion Andreas Kosmatopoulos (GRE) who has been appointed as the coach for this year’s 470 Junior Coaching Clinic.

Taking place from 1-8 July 2009, immediately before the 2009 470 Junior World Championships in Thessaloniki, Greece the clinic is specifically aimed at young sailors up to/under the age of 21, the age limit for competing in the 470 Junior Championships. The objective of the clinic is to support the sailors’ overall performance at the 470 Junior Worlds, as well as providing coaching support to improve specific on the water techniques, alongside the strategic and mental approach to competition.

Speaking on his approach to running the clinic, Andreas said, “I will support the sailors in finding methods of solving problems and finding solutions. I don’t want to give the sailors “out of the box” solutions - that would be easy to do. I want to encourage them to think for themselves. We are not looking for an instant success but an evolving, step by step development of skills, technique and mental approach to the sport.”

With an average age of just over 18 years, the athletes participating in the 470 Junior Coaching Clinic and 470 Junior World Championships represent the next generation of sailors who enjoy the dynamics and challenges of sailing a technical and tactical class like the 470.

The sailors selected for the 470 Junior Coaching Clinic are:

Women

• Yana Markova and Iva Nedeva (BUL)
• Tina Lutz and Susann Beucke (GER)
• Reka Karácsony and Nora Loidl (HUN)

Men

• Barry McCartin and Finbar Bradley (IRL)
• Alexander Lazarov and Tihomir Totev (BUL)
• Imre Varadi and Aron Serke (HUN)
• Tamas Szamódy and Mihály Bárdos (HUN)
• Botond Szigethi and Kristóf Joó (HUN)
• Mitja Mikulin and Sebastian Princic (SLO)

The clinic was open to all competitors attending the 470 Junior World Championships, but with a focus on the younger sailors from those nations were the 470 Class is developing. The format for the 470 Junior Coaching Clinic will be a mix of onshore theory in the morning, with boat preparation prior to on the water practice and coaching. Kosmatopoulos will cover a range of skill areas including boat preparation, tuning and trimming principles, movement, steering, teamwork/communication, strategy and tactics, and the racing rules of sailing.

The International 470 Class is covering the costs for the sailors’ participation, including coaching fees, lunch and technical material required.

“I am really inspired with the broad spread of nations coming into the 470 Class in this post-Olympic year and particularly from the eastern European countries, where there is a real talent for sailing. Coaching and financial support are vital to enable the sailors to realize their potential and the International 470 Class is proud to be partnering with these sailors and nations.” commented Stanislav Kassarov, President of the International 470 Class.

All sailors competing in the 470 Junior World Championship were eligible to apply for the 2009 470 Junior Coaching Clinic, with the exception of those sailors who were in the top 60 in the men’s and top 30 in the women’s ISAF Sailing World Rankings. The International 470 Class were selective in the sailors chosen for the clinic, aiming to support sailors committed to participation in the 470 Class and with a clear campaign path throughout 2009.

More Information:
470 Junior Worlds Event Website
Andreas Kosmatopoulos Announced as Coach