대한요트협회

Ethan Kang

Introduction

Hello everyone, I am Ethan Kang, a student in Portsmouth Abbey School and a participant in the SMYC Winter Camp of 2023 - 2024. I would love to share the excellent experiences I’ve had in this year’s camp. In midst of winter's chill, Seoul Marina Yacht Club (SMYC) hosted an exceptional sailing experience that lasted from December 26, 2023, to January 7, 2024, located in a coastal city of Yeosu, Korea. Our Head Coach Gilchul Park (박길철 총괄감독님), along with SMYC Commodore & Lead Coach Jinyoung Hong, provided oustanding guidance throughout the Winter Sailing Camp, training a diverse array of participants. The SMYC camp accepted participants from all over the world including international students from the United States, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community of sailors.

(Head Coach Gilchul Park, Katherin Park, Liam Yoonha Lee, Jeffrey Chang, Yoonseo Lee, Kayla Kim, Ethan Kang, Ewan Kang, Dongyoon Yeo, Ethan Kim, Haewon Hong, Dayeon Yang and Jinyoung Hong)

Navigating the Winter Sea

Nestled in the breathtaking coastal beauty of Yeosu, renowned for its stunning vistas, the city emerged as the perfect setting for a series of regattas and, notably, our Sailing Camp, benefiting from Korea's most temperate winter climate. Yeosu's exceptional weather allowed these young sailors an unforgettable memory, creating the perfect marine condition. As the strong breezes swept over the surface, participants embraced the opportunity to navigate the high waves and strong gusts.

Leadership Excellence: The Coaching Brilliance of Gilchul Park

The Winter Sailing Camp was led by the proficient Head Coach Gilchul Park, an expert in Korean sailing. Coach Park, with his experience as a gold medalist and a former global top 10 Laser Class sailor, brought excellence to the camp, enhancing th student’s sailing skills. Beyond personal accolades, Park's presence served as a profound source of inspiration for aspiring sailors. Steering the sailing odyssey, Park played pivotal roles in shaping the camp environment, fostering a space where participants honed their skills and established a deep connection with the sea.

Park's coaching brilliance went beyond imparting technical sailing skills; it created an immersive and transformative learning experience. Each session, guided by his expertise, not only delved into the intricacies of sailing but also instilled values of sportsmanship, perseverance, and a profound appreciation for the sea. Under Park's guidance, the Winter Sailing Camp became a journey where participants not only mastered the art of sailing but also cultivated a holistic understanding of the maritime world.

Class Diversity

The Winter Sailing Camp didn’t give everyone an uniform experience but rather a tailored journey catering to sailors with diverse expertise levels. The program featured a range of classes designed to accommodate varying skill sets and boats. Participants could choose from the RS Aero, emphasizing agility and precision, to the youth-friendly RS Tera, crafted specifically to introduce the next generation to the joys of sailing. The versatile RS Zest, the collaborative RS Quest, and the competitive 420 complemented the fleet, offering a broad spectrum of oppurtunities.

Each class presented distinct challenges and rewards, creating an environment where participants could delve into different aspects of sailing based on their individual interests and proficiency levels. Whether seeking the thrill of precision sailing, introducing youth to the sport, or engaging in collaborative and competitive experiences, the Winter Sailing Camp provided a platform for diverse exploration within the maritime realm.

Inner Growth Amidst the Waves

Sailing through winter seas necessitated both teamwork and individual self-management. Participants were not only responsible for preparing the boats for the day's journey but also managing their personal gear, instilling a sense of ownership over their responsibilities. Especially the sailors who sailed on 420 were able to improve their skipper and crew skills notably, learning how to communicate between partners on sea. The discipline essential for efficient sailing extended into their daily lives, imparting valuable lessons in planning, organization, and accountability. To demonstrate, each morning, participants had to wake up early, participating in morning workout routines, led by the Head Coach. Facing the challenges posed by winter winds, participants unearthed an inner resilience that proved beneficial not only in refining their sailing skills but also in fostering effective self-management beyond the shores.