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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