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’s that Mark has produced recently for us 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!
"Working with Mark has made the biggest difference to our campaign, even bigger than all our technical projects put together! Behind the scenes, there is no one that goes above and beyond like he does; he inspires me to think outside the box, pushing me tactically whilst being supportive all at the same time! Without him, I don't know where I would be, and someday I hope I can finally be "mini Mark"!!
Mark is a valued contributor, his technical knowledge teamed with his abilities as a communicator have meant he is popular with our readers and I have always found him a delight to work with.
When we decided to make a keelboat coaching video, the first name that came to mind was Mark Rushall. The result was fantastic. He has a unique ability of dissecting a complicated sport into bite size pieces, ensuring the sailor engages in purposeful practice and the result is a smarter, faster racer.
Friday was a great help, I think I really improved and some things are a lot clearer. Thank you [for your notes] this is great, does really make sense and I think i just need to get the hang of going out and 'hooning' - very different from what I am used to, which was always about 'soaking'….!
When the wind dies down, I will have another look at my rig set up in relation to your comments as well. Thanks again.
I have worked with Mark on a number of campaigns, with him coaching and/or sailing. Mark is a great guy to have as part of a team both afloat and ashore, bringing vast amounts of dinghy and keelboat experience. His natural sailing ability and good communication skills make him a valuable coach or sailor to any team. I wouldn’t hesitate in using Mark again in a future campaign.
Thanks for last week. Really useful and a good kick start! Thanks again
I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you very much for a fantastic weekend. We had so many Eureka moments and have no doubt we will see an improvement in our results.
Thanks a million once again.
One of my strongest memories from the centenial Newport Bermuda Race on the Volvo 60 "Pindar" was the start. It was a crazy day at the southern end of Narragansett Bay. Between the 250-plus entries, and the spectator boats, getting across the line cleanly was an adventure. But I remember how deftly our tactician navigated a challenging shy reach start with some of the East Coast's finest grand-prix yachts. Mark Rushall was able to paint a picture not only of what was going on at the time, but also what would happen a minute later. His stream of information was steady, yet not overwhelming, and was a key component to our solid start. Read the rest of the article
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 Coaching God, Mark Rushall, where 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.
Just a quick note to say thanks for the DVD – some great footage, and I believe we learnt a huge amount just from the one day, with more to come from the DVD.
Thanks very much for your work with the SB3s on the weekend - it was an excellent course, and certainly the 'chat' on Sunday morning was that everyone enjoyed it very much. Please can you send me a copy of the original SB3 DVD you did with Chris Draper and Simon Hiscocks.
"Great day yesterday - learnt lots! Many thanks for your tips and patience. Your book looks brilliant. Once again big THANK YOU for a splendid day."
On behalf of Sam and Tom can I thank you for your time, experience and quiet words with the boys in attaining their success... Mark many thanks again for your efforts of the Medemblik week, I know Tom and Sam certainly enjoyed working with you."
"I decided to send you this e mail to thank you for your efforts with the boys, but having got this far, I am at a loss for words. It was with some trepidation that I sent Gill and the boys off on this adventure, knowing well that the water may be a little deep. And I had put all my bets on your input leaving the boys in a position where they could compete in Madeira at the ISAF Youth World championships without being humiliated.
But I never expected the quality of training and the depth of input that the boys have received from you. I am amazed at the impact which you have had on them, not only as regards sailing techniques, but also boat preparation, preparation for the venue and getting their heads around what they will be doing.
Raising children is often about finding good role models for them, and I am really pleased that the boys have been exposed to you as a role model in sailing. And so, this is to say thank you in the most sincere way possible, for your kindness and friendliness to Gill and the boys, and for the positive impact that you have had on our sons.
"Thanks for a great day on the water on Saturday. If only all learning could be that enjoyable."
"Having been at Kiel Regatta with Fynn and Matt, I would just like to say how impressed I was with the coaching support that Mark Rushall gave to the 420 sailors. His encouragement and dedication to the group of sailors was always apparent. He really brought them together as a team. He truly was in every way a ‘support coach’."
Well, what a blast There isn't much more that can be said about Garda ! Great coaching (thanks Mark), Great organisation (thanks Paul & FVM), Great beer & pasta (thanks Italy), Great weather (thanks God) and great company (thanks to all of the competitors and groupies!).