CST Open Training: Block 3 of 3

September 19–21, 2025
Program: Canadian Sailing Team (CST) Pathway – Open Training Series
Host Club: Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS)
Lead Coach: Ken Dool, CST Head Coach
Supporting Coaches & Guests: Atlantic Team coaches, RNSYS coaching staff, professional guest coaches
Special Guest: Paralympic Gold Medalist Paul Tingley

Summary

The final block of the 2025 CST Open Training Series concluded in Halifax, hosted by the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron. Over three days, sailors logged more than 10-12 hours of high-intensity, quality training under sunny skies, moderate 12-14 knots winds, and warm waters. Head Coach Ken Dool led the program, supported by a strong team of local and regional coaches. This collaborative approach created an energizing learning environment for athletes across multiple classes, from ILCA 4, 6, and 7 to 470.

Highlights

  • Guest Speaker: Paralympic Champion Paul Tingley opened the camp with an inspiring Friday evening talk on resilience, goal-setting, and his journey to gold.
  • Starting Strategy: Intensive work on positioning, acceleration, and time-and-distance, including SailGP-style reaching starts that challenged sailors to adapt quickly.
  • Cross-Class Training: ILCA and 470 sailors mixed on the same start lines and tactical grids. This variety introduced unpredictability and forced sharper tactical awareness.
  • Tactical Modules: Convergence zone training, lane management, and debriefs focused on adapting strategy in real-time.
  • Community Spirit: Alongside the CST program, 29ers, iQFoils, and local sailors on keelboats and wing foils created a vibrant on-water community, showcasing the depth of sailing culture in Nova Scotia.

Athlete Development

  • Race Skills: Strong gains in start-line positioning and acceleration.
  • Tactics & Awareness: Improved ability to respond to unpredictable fleets and convergence zones.
  • Collaboration: Peer-to-peer learning across classes fostered a culture of openness and shared experience.
  • Endurance: Sustained focus through the training blocks built physical and mental resilience.

Community & Thanks

  • Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron: For hosting and supporting this successful camp.
  • Local Coaches: Whose contributions enriched the quality and variety of learning.
  • Athletes & Families: For showing up with energy, commitment, and a willingness to push themselves.