Here is a short report about the three clinics in South America:
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Match Race Clinics 2008 Uruguay, Argentina & Chile
As a result of increasing interest for match racing in South America, 3 clinics were conducted in December 2008, attracting interest from sailors and umpires from the region.
Bernd Knuppel and Rodrigo Guerra helped coordinate the first clinic, which was held in Montevideo and hosted by Yacht Club Uruguayo (YCU). Funded in 1906, the club has a solid yachting history and a high activity level. The club also serves as the Uruguayan National Authority.
The second clinic took place in Buenos Aires during the days leading up to the ISAF Nations Cup Regional Final. Hosted by Yacht Club Argentino (YCA) and based from the clubs historic building in Dársena Norte - Rio del Plata. This club has a history going back to 1861 and as YCU plays an important part in racing in South America.
Following the Nations Cup Regional Final, Pablo Lorca helped coordinate the third and last clinic, which was held in Algarrobo. Hosted by Cofradía Náutica del Pacifico, one of the two very active sailing clubs in beautiful Algarrobo, the sailing centre in Chile.
A total of 44 sailors and umpires took part in the clinics, each and every one demonstrating an interest that made each clinic an intense and fun experience, and for some, a steep learning curve. The host clubs provided sailboats, umpire boats, marks and equipment for exiting and interesting practices on the water, and good facilities for the class room sessions. The warm hospitality and friendliness demonstrated in each of the 3 venues provided for a quite unique atmosphere during all the clinics. With strong support from assistant instructor (and main coordinator for all the clinics,) Flavio Naveira (ARG), the newly appointed vice chairman of the ISAF International Umpires Sub-Committee and an active match race sailor, instructor Marianne Middelthon (NOR) had an easy task securing the success of these clinics.
It will be interesting to follow the growth of match racing in this region!
