Yachting Australia hosts ISAF Measurer's Seminar

1:18 AM Sun 14 Dec 2008 GMT

'David Sprague (CAN) on the far right, checks over the shoulders of a group performing an assignment with an International A Division Catamaran’s sail' Glen Stanaway

Yachting Australia hosted an ISAF International Measurer seminar at the Woollahra Sailing Club on 4 and 5 December 2008 and the 22 attendees were applauded by seminar instructor David Sprague (CAN) for their quality and skills. David commented that 'this is the best group of measurers we've had, everyone has brought so much experience and knowledge to share here and it's been fantastic'.

The seminar itself focused of two areas of international level measurement, technical skills and the role of the measurer at these high level events. The seminar, delivered by International Measurers David Sprague, Alex Finsterbusch (ARG) and Barry Johnson (AUS), highlighted the absolute need for integrity and fairness. The events where International Measurers perform their role are typically continental or world championships, ISAF graded events or the Olympics. These events are not short of pressure, and are often mired in controversy as athletes quite reasonably push boundaries to the limit. The trio of instructors used their wealth of experience and ISAF philosophies to assert the need for both honesty and accuracy.

The attendees were able to take these sessions that looked at all aspects of measurement and the administrative structure that supports it, and reflect on how this affects club sailing in Australia. Many recognised the need to reflect what they learned at Australian Championship events and in local class administration.

Many measurers attending from classes such as the International B14, A Division Catamaran, Contender and Flying Fifteen Class Associations found the seminars hugely beneficial as each will be hosting World Championship events in Australia in the near future. The insights and information from the ISAF seminar will be of immediate assistance to the planning and success of these events.

John Goldsmith, International Measurer for the International A Division Catamaran and primary organiser of their 2009 World Championship being held at Belmont NSW, refreshed his own knowledge and had two key volunteers trained at the same time. The International A Division Catamaran is a development class and has few measurements to take, but when asked what to expect from the competitors John said that that boundaries will be challenged.

The value of having measurers trained is clear. Equipment is measured accurately, consistently and competitors can receive the guidance needed for fair racing.

Introductory or national level measurer seminars can be organised in Australia at any time. Interested Class Associations wishing to pursue this should contact their state's MYA or Yachting Australia for further information.

by Glen Stanaway, Yachting Australia

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