As forecast, sun and as much wind as you can handle, or maybe more than some can handle.
Various weather sites were forecasting 16 kts plus for today and for a change, they proved to be right.
Single handed, a stiff breeze gives some challenges when getting afloat. But, off we went at 11:30. Soon there were a number of other boats on the water, with reefed mainsails - unlike mine. Damn.
Can't say exactly how strong the wind was, but the white horses on the water suggest force 4 to 5.
It's not so much the wind, but the gusts and holes in the wind that provided a couple of hours of entertainment; punctuated with a pause on the slipway to reef the mainsail.
Back and forwards I went, with the safety boats buzzing around all over the place, as they raced to the latest dinghy to capsize. Typically, the water closer to the clubhouse were calmer, given the E to NE direction of the wind. Far more excitement to be had on the leeward side of the water.
Sue turned up to watch from a dry position around 1PM so I did my best to demonstrate my boat handling skills as she observed through binoculars - she copes well with disappointment.
Around 1:40 PM I headed in for a chat and tied the boat up near the slipway ramp and while I eat lunch, we observed the near carnage going on around the reservoir. Well, maybe a slight exageration, but plenty of boats were going over.
It's hard to say whether the wind surfers were falling in more than usual, as they spend a lot of time in the water anyway.
Credit to the juniors in the Optimists - but I suppose having no concept of fear helps. They weren't immune from capsizing, but they seemed to cope better with the wind than the larger boats. A few did need recovering to shore by safety boat, but still, fair play to them.
Lunch consumed, I pondered the prospect of going out again. As I had already confirmed the effectiveness of my drysuit, I was in two minds.
I would have only been going out for another hour anyway, so I chickened out and decided to recover the boat and go home to mow the lawn.
Tomorrow AM, I'll be out on the Bonneville; got to make the most of the weather. PM I'd plan to cycle out to the reservoir and maybe watch a couple of races while cycling around the perimeter.
...and that's without mentioning the motorsports. Busy, busy, busy. So many interests, so little time.
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
More light winds and slicing your finger - Saturday 19th May 2012
As it was a Saturday, best be on the water again.
Dead calm on arrival at the club, but by the time I was prepped and ready to launch, a reasonable breeze had arrived.
Still trying to concentrate on gybing; so around the buoys clockwise, round the buoys anti-clockwise and then in and out the centre and outer buoys in a star shape - sort of. In and out of the traffic, observing collision regs - although trying not to be too much of a nuisance to the learners.
Sharing the water were some juniors sailing Mirrors and the beginners class. Maybe two or three other casual sailors but most of the reservoir was quiet.
Off the water by around 3:45 PM, having enjoyed a freshening breeze in the afternoon, with four hours more boat time. Getting happier with the gybe business - hopefully not famous last words.
I managed to find a sharp edge on the after end of the centre board slot whilst pulling the centre board down for going upwind.
Unfortunately, I had decided not to bother with gloves today, given that it wasn't cold and everything.
If I'd had them on, I wouldn't have sliced my left pinky. It's a bit embarassing to have to admit to it really, but for the sake of completeness, there you have it. The blood dripping around the boat was a bit of a pain. I took the opportunity to hove to and eat lunch whilst trying to elevate the hand and wait for the blood flow to stop. It doesn't help to repeatedly knock it.
Hopefully, it will have healed by next week - weather permitting we'll be afloat again - with gloves!
Dead calm on arrival at the club, but by the time I was prepped and ready to launch, a reasonable breeze had arrived.
Still trying to concentrate on gybing; so around the buoys clockwise, round the buoys anti-clockwise and then in and out the centre and outer buoys in a star shape - sort of. In and out of the traffic, observing collision regs - although trying not to be too much of a nuisance to the learners.
Sharing the water were some juniors sailing Mirrors and the beginners class. Maybe two or three other casual sailors but most of the reservoir was quiet.
Off the water by around 3:45 PM, having enjoyed a freshening breeze in the afternoon, with four hours more boat time. Getting happier with the gybe business - hopefully not famous last words.
I managed to find a sharp edge on the after end of the centre board slot whilst pulling the centre board down for going upwind.
Unfortunately, I had decided not to bother with gloves today, given that it wasn't cold and everything.
If I'd had them on, I wouldn't have sliced my left pinky. It's a bit embarassing to have to admit to it really, but for the sake of completeness, there you have it. The blood dripping around the boat was a bit of a pain. I took the opportunity to hove to and eat lunch whilst trying to elevate the hand and wait for the blood flow to stop. It doesn't help to repeatedly knock it.
Hopefully, it will have healed by next week - weather permitting we'll be afloat again - with gloves!
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Sunburn and light winds - Saturday 12th May 2012
Finally, after what seemed an age, I get back in the dinghy.
Bad weather, club duty and looking after Sue after surgery, meant missing a few weeks.
But, with light winds forecast and nothing else to stop me, off I went.
Before getting in the water, I refitted the centre board strap that had come loose.
The plastic ends that Harteys had fitted had disintegrated. Not surprising really; the little plastic balls that the screw had at each end, had no washer. So, the screw was just squashing the plastic.
I've used two stainless penny washers either side to compress the strap, which seems to work OK.
Not desperately exciting but had to be done.
It was the busiest I've seen on the reservoir. There was a basic sailing course going on and a Saturday Opie Squad on the water along with several other casual sailors.
I did try to get in amongst the crowd and practice evasion as per collision reg, but was gently asked to bugger off, as, whereas I may know the rules of the road, they might not. Which is how it did work out later on. There I was on a good course to avoid one of the course boats, when they inexplicably turn course directly for me. All good practice though.
Tacking and gybing, with the emphasis on gybing as this is a weak area I feel.
All went well though, and stayed dry throughout.
Tried out videoing with a camera mounted on the tiller - too low sadly. Back to the drawing board.
Had a play with one of the 'Praddel's' that I've bought. I really want it to be Praddle, but it's not.
...and a bargain at 99p on Ebay.
So, four hours later, I head for shore. Lunch, as previously, hove to. Nothing that can get soggy the order of the day.
I didn't get much to drink. I clearly didn't put the top on firmly enough, which meant the elasticated loop I put it in, just squeezed most of the contents into the bilges. Doh. Must sort out a bottle holder.
The boat now has more elasticated loops all over. I've a twisted length across the front of the boat to try to control lengths of halyards etc. Just in case it does go over. I find the unsecured rope manages to twist itself into the most surprising knots, or bunch of bastards, as they say in nautical circles.
http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/guides/Nautical_Terms_A-D
I can secure the Praddel along the thwart under three loops - just slides in without much guidance. My lunch box goes under the thwart under a loop.
Useful stuff, bungy chord.
I have been using a fair bit of velcro strapping to tie ropes down, but feel that in a panic, they may not loose immediately. Bloody useful stuff all the same, but prone to stick to inself, when you least want it.
Off the water by four. Much to the relief of the duty staff. Have to admit to being a bit uncomfortable towards the end. Darn hard those side benches, even with cycling shorts. Oh for some Pilko Pants - a la Carl Pilkington. http://www.pilkopumppants.co.uk/
Even managed to get a little hiking burn on the thighs; as well as actual sunburn. I had thought I was just a little dehydrated but it's genuine sunburn.
Not that it mattesr much, but my healthy or more accurately, just tanned face has been noticed. Shame it's just the face at the moment. Pure white everywhere else, apart from the arms maybe from what cycing I've managed to do this year so far.
Again, an enjoyable day on the water.
Bad weather, club duty and looking after Sue after surgery, meant missing a few weeks.
But, with light winds forecast and nothing else to stop me, off I went.
Before getting in the water, I refitted the centre board strap that had come loose.
The plastic ends that Harteys had fitted had disintegrated. Not surprising really; the little plastic balls that the screw had at each end, had no washer. So, the screw was just squashing the plastic.
I've used two stainless penny washers either side to compress the strap, which seems to work OK.
Not desperately exciting but had to be done.
It was the busiest I've seen on the reservoir. There was a basic sailing course going on and a Saturday Opie Squad on the water along with several other casual sailors.
I did try to get in amongst the crowd and practice evasion as per collision reg, but was gently asked to bugger off, as, whereas I may know the rules of the road, they might not. Which is how it did work out later on. There I was on a good course to avoid one of the course boats, when they inexplicably turn course directly for me. All good practice though.
Tacking and gybing, with the emphasis on gybing as this is a weak area I feel.
All went well though, and stayed dry throughout.
Tried out videoing with a camera mounted on the tiller - too low sadly. Back to the drawing board.
Had a play with one of the 'Praddel's' that I've bought. I really want it to be Praddle, but it's not.
...and a bargain at 99p on Ebay.
So, four hours later, I head for shore. Lunch, as previously, hove to. Nothing that can get soggy the order of the day.
I didn't get much to drink. I clearly didn't put the top on firmly enough, which meant the elasticated loop I put it in, just squeezed most of the contents into the bilges. Doh. Must sort out a bottle holder.
The boat now has more elasticated loops all over. I've a twisted length across the front of the boat to try to control lengths of halyards etc. Just in case it does go over. I find the unsecured rope manages to twist itself into the most surprising knots, or bunch of bastards, as they say in nautical circles.
http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/guides/Nautical_Terms_A-D
I can secure the Praddel along the thwart under three loops - just slides in without much guidance. My lunch box goes under the thwart under a loop.
Useful stuff, bungy chord.
I have been using a fair bit of velcro strapping to tie ropes down, but feel that in a panic, they may not loose immediately. Bloody useful stuff all the same, but prone to stick to inself, when you least want it.
Off the water by four. Much to the relief of the duty staff. Have to admit to being a bit uncomfortable towards the end. Darn hard those side benches, even with cycling shorts. Oh for some Pilko Pants - a la Carl Pilkington. http://www.pilkopumppants.co.uk/
Even managed to get a little hiking burn on the thighs; as well as actual sunburn. I had thought I was just a little dehydrated but it's genuine sunburn.
Not that it mattesr much, but my healthy or more accurately, just tanned face has been noticed. Shame it's just the face at the moment. Pure white everywhere else, apart from the arms maybe from what cycing I've managed to do this year so far.
Again, an enjoyable day on the water.
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