The beginners had done their training. Now, how would they fare on their first racing weekend?
These Sunsail events are designed for those who haven't done much racing to try their skills out under proper race conditions. It was Friday night and our crew had gathered at the Watermark restaurant in Port Solent. Some of us had done the beginners course a few weeks ago and some were there just to brush up their racing skills. We were joined in the restaurant by our skipper and instructor Peter Hopps. With a reputation for being a formidable racer, we were delighted we were going to learn from his vast experience.
Soon both wine and conversation were flowing, but sadly so was the resident singer. Peter had a job to be heard over cheesy cover versions but he eventually managed to explain what we'd be doing over the weekend and which positions everyone would be taking. Later on we all staggered back to the yacht with hoarse throats with (Is This The Way To) Amarillo still reverberating round the quayside.
Still, we were up early on Saturday morning, with tea and bacon rolls chasing away the previous night's excesses. The weather was windy, rainy and choppy, but we wanted to get through the lock as soon as we could to get a bit of practice in. However, the conditions and the fact we were hemmed in on both sides by other boats meant our plans were scuppered. The race was due to start at 11am but the committee boat didn't leave the harbour until about then.
The conditions were worsening and unfortunately racing was called off for the day. However, we were determined to get something out of the day and decided to sale round a few cans for practice. We assumed our positions and sailed round a made-up course for a while but eventually we had to give up and go home, freezing and wet. However we'd learnt a bit about sailing in difficult conditions.
We had a bit of a debrief and then some long, hot showers to get the blood flowing again. We then listened to the boat race and headed out to Gosport. We finished off the day swapping tales and drinking in a local boozer where the natives had some interesting ideas regarding Saturday night apparel. We finally headed for the curry house to round off the night in time-honoured tradition.
On Sunday the weather relented and we were off to do battle with the rest of the yachts in our first real race. Peter told us all individually what to do in both before we headed off and while we were sailing for the start.
The start of the race was full of tension as yachts passed close to each other as they jostled for best position on the starting line. There were a few near misses going on around us but our helm kept his nerve and steered us expertly through yachts to get an excellent position on the starting line. We had a great start and getting a little cocky as we sailed away from our nearest competitor.
The sun was out we were all excited - the only thing that was missing was a strong wind. The key was to keep the sails trimmed, not rock the boat too much and keep the momentum going. We were feeling proud of ourselves and decided to put in a tack. All of a sudden it didn't happen and we appeared to be slowly spinning. Then there was a loud crunch... We'd gone aground in our first race and had to retire.
Not a very good start, but we continued with the race and just kept out of everybody's way. Another yacht also went aground though so we didn't feel quite so bad. A young team in matching striped gear eventually won the race ( I think they were the ones who had kept us up till 3am in the morning the night before - perhaps we should have joined them).
We had our lunch in the sunshine and then headed off for the second race. Again, the start was tense and we again jostled for position at the start. There were some lively shenanigans going on behind us but once again we crossed the line in a good position.
The winds were light again and it was again a case of making sure we maintained our momentum. We then had to gybe round the mark and get the spinnaker up rapidly. We were late in doing this as it got caught round the mast, but we were still in a good position near the finishing line. We were close to about three other boats and it was touch and go for the last leg of the race, but we held on to finish third in our very first completed race! Not bad for a crew of inexperienced racers.
We headed off back to port feeling happy with our days sailing. The weather had been glorious in patches. Shame about the lack of wind, but we'd had a good taste of racing and by the end of the weekend we were all keen to get back on the water again as soon as possible. A quick drink at the harbour and we all headed for the motorway.
However a word of warning - do observe the 30 mile an hour speed limit at Port Solent as policeman are known to lurk behind bushes with speed guns and fine you £60 quid if you don't observe it. How do I know? Yours truly had three points on her licence to prove it! Happy racing.
Lesley Godbolt
Copyright © London Corinthian Sailing Club, 8 Apr 2008