Mark was very helpful to us in understanding the correct strategy for
the sometimes complex cross tide at the 2017 Laser 4.7 Worlds in
Nieuwpoort. His boundless enthusiasm and deep knowledge are unmatched in
making the complex simple.

Best of all: Mark never gives a flat answer. Instead, he guides sailors
to the correct conclusions by asking counter-questions; Much more memorable!

We didn’t do as much sailing before the Worlds as in previous years, mainly due to family and work commitments, but every day we sailed we made sure counted. We have also being sailing together for seven years now and that makes our communication in the boat strong.

However, the big turning point was definitely a coaching day with our ‘Coaching God’, Mark Rushall. He identified some issues in how we were setting up the rig and some shoddy techniques I had developed over the years. Those improvements not only made us faster, they also gave us a lot of belief in ourselves.

I only knew of Mark as the man who wrote THE book everyone reads when they take up racing.  Then I found we could retain him for personal coaching – Wow!  Mark has done two regattas with us and some single training days for the Class (Solent Sunbeams). He has made every element of training and practice valuable yet fun.  He always has the perfect anecdote for every occasion and can improvise a training opportunity out of nothing.

What have I taken from our time with Mark? The confidence that we can work out what to do using some basic Rushall principles. He made us focus on what is going to really make a difference in any specific race or part of a race.  And concentrate on what will create speed or advantage in that particular situation – i.e. to prioritise.  Often he helped us not to try to be too clever.  For example, when on a run in Chi harbour, if there’s no clear advantage left or right, just go straight!  Simple but often forgotten.  Mark, please come and sail with us again soon!”

I’m awaiting the written job offer, but if it is as discussed my mind is made up! It is time to stop swanning around the Med! Thank you very much for your time and mentoring. It was a great help and much appreciated. You are extremely good at it.

“The cool thing about working with Mark is that his broad based knowledge is second to none. Without a doubt one of the best coaches around. I know James and Frances (Peters) have always really benefited from working with him.

The Smart RS coaching DVD that Mark has produced recently for RS have really hit the spot. To my mind, Mark’s innate understanding of boats and rigs sets him apart, and with both huge experience in the racing dinghy business, and a cracking record of championships under his belt. He is never short of an opinion and always worth listening to!”

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