Wednesday 30th April 2014

Wednesday 30th April 2014 


Light winds for the first time this season . I was sailing with Nicola who has also only started sailing recently but is picking it up quickly now. Tonight would be a good opportunity for spinnaker practice. To Nicola's surprise we were in the lead after the first mark . A couple of weeks ago I made a glib comment to  Adam saying it wasn't a disaster that we hadn't time to check the course as we could follow the other boats . Realizing this was poor advice I vowed to leave the club in plenty of time in future to allow us to set watches and take down the course . Luckily I had heeded my advice and we headed for the correct 2nd mark . Our lead didn't last long however , unfortunately not even to the next mark, but not to worry, the course had 3 spinnaker gybe's per lap so Nicola had plenty of chance to learn a new skill . With 2 marks to go the wind dropped off completely . After a short discussion we both agreed on the paddle and headed for home . A bit disappointing not to finish but we at least we had a good hour's sail .    

Sunday April 27th 2014

 Sunday April 27th 2014

 Had a good days sailing today . My crew was Jo-Anna who had only started sailing last season . There was a good breeze in the first race , we were both on deck and we concentrated on our upwind sailing . The boat seemed to be going well and we held our own against more experienced opposition . The GP has a large foresail and Jo-Anna has struggled uncleating the sail ready for a tack . It is more technique than strength so we practiced this and we managed some great tacks . In the 2nd race the wind got up considerably ,  we were subjected to a 10 minute squall with heavy rain . I was expecting Jo-Anna to want to retire , but no chance . WELL DONE Jo-Anna !! 

Wednesday April 23rd 2014

"Wednesday April 23rd 2014"

 I was back with Adam tonight and the capsize the previous Sunday had only served to increase his enthusiasm . There was a decent breeze but nothing like Sunday . On the agenda tonight  was flying the spinnaker. This was completely new for Adam so we went through the drill on shore first . The spinnaker is my favorite sail and once mastered by the crew is a very rewarding and enjoyable experience . It will take a few weeks to get the hang of but reaching in a strong wind with the spinnaker flying is exhilarating . There were only two GP's out but what a race ! Mind you John might not agree . We were a good 6 to 7 boat lengths behind when we reached the last mark G and the line was only 50 meters away . I don't know fully what happened but John's boat stalled and after a good tack we started to creep up on him. We were also heading to the favorable end of the line and won by a fraction . Happy days . They do say never give up especially in light fluky conditions

     

Sunday April 20th 2014 VERY WINDY!

"Sunday April 20th 2014"

Today was very windy , and it was blowing straight into the harbour . Everyone was standing about . No boats were being rigged and Adam my crew was wondering why . It was his 2nd time in a boat , he was raring to go and couldn't understand the lack of activity . I tried  to explain the possible damage to boats , too windy to race , but he wasn't convinced . When Martin started rigging I felt under pressure to go . So we went !

     The first job was getting out of the harbour . This is always tricky but it can be mastered . I like to watch what others do first . I followed Martins lead and launched the boat before putting up the sails . A push off and we were out  with one tack. It was windy but we had plenty of weight and it was manageable  . Only 4 boats ventured out 2 x GP'S 1x Merlin and 1x Solo . We all set off together ( mass start) and we battled up the first beat . A nice broad reach to follow and then another beat . The Merlin capsized . Rounding the buoy we had another broad reach , the full length of the lake . Our speed picked up , I moved further back but too late the bow started to dive . The steering went heavy , I couldn't hold the tiller extension  and we broached into wind . 9 times out of 10 I manage to climb on the centre board , but I was sat well back and slid off the capsized hull into the water . I shouted for Adam , he was ok on the other side of the boat . We met up at the rudder, hanging on as the boat turned turtle . Shit !The rudder was the  only thing  to hold onto . Adam momentarily let go and quickly got separated from the boat as the force of the wind on the hull took it away from him . Luckily he his a strong swimmer and made it back . Rescue was at hand and they managed to bring the bow round into the wind and slowly raise the mast . Once the mast was parallel with the water I swam inside the boat and climbed over the side onto the centerboard . Between us we managed to right the boat . I helped Adam aboard , we lowered the main and had a good laugh sailing back to harbour . The remaining 2 boats retired and the rest of the days sailing was abandoned . Glad we gave it a go!