Nothing much to say, sadly.
Trying very hard not to swear, but the recent weather has been more than a little disappointing.
Haven't been able to get on the water for weeks.
Not a happy bunny.
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Near perfect Sunday sailing - 9th September 2012
As there was no wind forecast on Saturday, I changed my whole routine for Sunday and went sailing instead. Who wants to spend three hours in the gym anyway!
Pretty much perfect sailing condition; well, maybe the wind was a little soft, but steady breeze 8 - 10 kts - when I launched anyway.
Had a new toy to play with. A waterproof video camera. I mounted this on the tiller, which is a little low. So, will need to find a better place.
Still, at least it works. Too much in the knee department possibly; certainly in the other segments.
Having launched at 10:30 I found myself cruising past the slipway around 14:30. When to be frank, the wind had all but disappeared. So, the decision was made to call it a day; only slightly early really.
Any, even though I was smeared in factor 50 sun screen, I still managed to obtain a healthy glow - or pink colour to my face. The good news was that my knees didn't burn this time.
Pretty much perfect sailing condition; well, maybe the wind was a little soft, but steady breeze 8 - 10 kts - when I launched anyway.
Had a new toy to play with. A waterproof video camera. I mounted this on the tiller, which is a little low. So, will need to find a better place.
Still, at least it works. Too much in the knee department possibly; certainly in the other segments.
Having launched at 10:30 I found myself cruising past the slipway around 14:30. When to be frank, the wind had all but disappeared. So, the decision was made to call it a day; only slightly early really.
Any, even though I was smeared in factor 50 sun screen, I still managed to obtain a healthy glow - or pink colour to my face. The good news was that my knees didn't burn this time.
Friday, 7 September 2012
Half a Day Skipper certified - 7th September 2012.
Handed in my second and last final assessment for the Day Skipper Theory Course on Thursday morning.
Today, this arrived in the post.
Well chuffed - as they say.
Celebrated with a ride down to Watchet Marina for lunch.
Today, this arrived in the post.
Celebrated with a ride down to Watchet Marina for lunch.
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Sailing - On a Wednesday! - 5th Sept 2012
I took the week off to study and take my final RYA Day Skipper assessments. But, as I had completed them a lot earlier than I had anticipated, I was able to take advantage of the final Wednesday evening sailing at the sailing club at Cheddar.
I got to the boat park at about 4:30 pm and was in the water for 5:30 pm. Winds were light but worthwhile when I got afloat. So., off I went tacking and gybing at a relatively modest rate.
About six o'clock Sue came down and I worked my way back to the pontoon so she could get in with the minimum of water following her. I suspect the gathered sailors outside the clubhouse were hoping for a complete horlicks of an approach. But apart from a couple of admitedly quick tacks to line up with the pontoon, I avoided anything remotely entertaining - phew!
As is generally the case. As the time progressed, so the wind dropped. Which made the final race of the season rather a sedate affair.
By 7 pm the wind was virtually nothing. So, having decided to go in - maybe ahead of the race fleet - we slowly, as in painfully slowly, made our way back to the slipway. The Praddel coming in very handy.
Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday afternoon / evening anyway.
I got to the boat park at about 4:30 pm and was in the water for 5:30 pm. Winds were light but worthwhile when I got afloat. So., off I went tacking and gybing at a relatively modest rate.
About six o'clock Sue came down and I worked my way back to the pontoon so she could get in with the minimum of water following her. I suspect the gathered sailors outside the clubhouse were hoping for a complete horlicks of an approach. But apart from a couple of admitedly quick tacks to line up with the pontoon, I avoided anything remotely entertaining - phew!
As is generally the case. As the time progressed, so the wind dropped. Which made the final race of the season rather a sedate affair.
By 7 pm the wind was virtually nothing. So, having decided to go in - maybe ahead of the race fleet - we slowly, as in painfully slowly, made our way back to the slipway. The Praddel coming in very handy.
Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday afternoon / evening anyway.
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| The Race Fleet - Cheddar Gorge in background. |
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| Sunset at Cheddar Reservoir - looking toward Crook Peak |
Monday, 3 September 2012
A bit 'blowy' for some- Saturday 1st September 2012.
Saturday morning chores completed, off to the Sailing club.
I find myself wondering if everyone else's boat is a haven for insect life, as much as mine is.
I don't mind spiders that much - unlike the missus' - so clearing away spider or two isn't an issue. But the size of the blighters! I swear one had the body the size of my thumb nail.
Anyway, the wind was up to 18 kts as I got the Gull ready - as per my little Chinese anemometer anyway. However you measured it, damp finger or posh weather station - you know when it's on the edge of manageable; for my pitiful sailing skills anyway.
Back and forwards for a bit. It was when the water was consistently coming over the gunwales that I really wished I had reefed prior. It's also at times like these, you really wish the Calypso variant had some sort of self bailer.
So after a couple of hours in the water, I thought lunch ashore with reefs being applied was in order.
Lunch consumed, it became clear to me that the water wasn't as crowded as I remembered. Quite a few club members clearly deciding it was just a little too much of a challenge.
The wind had got up over a period and I couldn't quite summon up the courage or bloody mindedness to go out again.
I did give the boat a darn good rinsing down to get rid of various insect related stains and marks - so at least the dinghy looks presentable again - until next the time it's uncovered.
Packed away and slunk off home. Planning to cut the lawn, well grass, as a penance.
Shame, the grass was still wet.
So, books out and continue revising for the Day Skipper assessments coming up.
I find myself wondering if everyone else's boat is a haven for insect life, as much as mine is.
I don't mind spiders that much - unlike the missus' - so clearing away spider or two isn't an issue. But the size of the blighters! I swear one had the body the size of my thumb nail.
Anyway, the wind was up to 18 kts as I got the Gull ready - as per my little Chinese anemometer anyway. However you measured it, damp finger or posh weather station - you know when it's on the edge of manageable; for my pitiful sailing skills anyway.
Back and forwards for a bit. It was when the water was consistently coming over the gunwales that I really wished I had reefed prior. It's also at times like these, you really wish the Calypso variant had some sort of self bailer.
So after a couple of hours in the water, I thought lunch ashore with reefs being applied was in order.
Lunch consumed, it became clear to me that the water wasn't as crowded as I remembered. Quite a few club members clearly deciding it was just a little too much of a challenge.
The wind had got up over a period and I couldn't quite summon up the courage or bloody mindedness to go out again.
I did give the boat a darn good rinsing down to get rid of various insect related stains and marks - so at least the dinghy looks presentable again - until next the time it's uncovered.
Packed away and slunk off home. Planning to cut the lawn, well grass, as a penance.
Shame, the grass was still wet.
So, books out and continue revising for the Day Skipper assessments coming up.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
August catch-up.
I'd like to be saying how much I was/had been enjoying the Gull dinghy sailors outing to Rutland water this August Bank Holiday. However, due to being unable to get out of my galley duty at the sailing club, it was not to be.
If I didn't have quite such a positive attitude to doing club duties, I might mention that the sailing conditions were nigh on perfect on the reservoir; sunny, good winds and not too many racing boats to avoid - although, having done a couple of races on holiday, it looked fun, damn it! Hopefully, Rutland Water was similarly blessed but this year it was not to be. Next year, I will make sure August Bank Holiday and maybe other BH's are booked off.
I've been sailing a couple of times this month. On the 5th there was certainly plenty of wind.
I sailed about in a fairly stiff breeze from midday to 2, when Sue joined me. I wasn't too sure if she was coming over, as she had important shopping to get done - as females do. Not to mention the cavity wall insulation survey I had neglected to mention to her (oops!).
Anyway, it was a bit touch and go if we went out, as the wind had picked up from the already plentiful amount I had enjoyed the in morning.
We clearly need to get a bit more practice launching with two. As, with Sue on board (not keen to helm), I prepared to jump on board, when a gust pulled the dinghy out of my hand, and Sue left the shore on her lonesome. Unfortunately, Sue isn't too confident on her own at the moment - maybe she should be, having done up to RYA level 2 already, but she doesn't go out much. Anyway, after a moment or two of panic both afloat and ashore, she managed to take control and edge into shore, close enough for me to grab a hold and leap majestically, or at least scramble, aboard.
Keeping to a beam reach, back and forth for a while. Discretion dictated we left it at that and we came in after about an hour. Not unenjoyable, but I wish it had been better weather, I need to encourage her as much a possible to get her up to speed in the boat. Otherwise, hopes of sailing offshore are going to be dashed.
Better weather on the 19th. In the water around midday and out about 4pm. Nice sail. Enough wind to be interesting and this time I tried to go as fast as I could in the prevailing wind. I measured 6+ knots on the GPS; fully hiked out and still not near anything level sailing. Good fun, but could probably do with more mass in the boat to keep level.
Currently, I am trying to complete my RYA Day Skipper Theory distance learning course.
I'm trying to return the mock assessment by the end of the week and get the final assessment done in September. It's becoming a bit time critical as I need to complete it all by early October.
Plenty of swotting to look forward to in the next couple of weeks.
If I didn't have quite such a positive attitude to doing club duties, I might mention that the sailing conditions were nigh on perfect on the reservoir; sunny, good winds and not too many racing boats to avoid - although, having done a couple of races on holiday, it looked fun, damn it! Hopefully, Rutland Water was similarly blessed but this year it was not to be. Next year, I will make sure August Bank Holiday and maybe other BH's are booked off.
I've been sailing a couple of times this month. On the 5th there was certainly plenty of wind.
I sailed about in a fairly stiff breeze from midday to 2, when Sue joined me. I wasn't too sure if she was coming over, as she had important shopping to get done - as females do. Not to mention the cavity wall insulation survey I had neglected to mention to her (oops!).
Anyway, it was a bit touch and go if we went out, as the wind had picked up from the already plentiful amount I had enjoyed the in morning.
We clearly need to get a bit more practice launching with two. As, with Sue on board (not keen to helm), I prepared to jump on board, when a gust pulled the dinghy out of my hand, and Sue left the shore on her lonesome. Unfortunately, Sue isn't too confident on her own at the moment - maybe she should be, having done up to RYA level 2 already, but she doesn't go out much. Anyway, after a moment or two of panic both afloat and ashore, she managed to take control and edge into shore, close enough for me to grab a hold and leap majestically, or at least scramble, aboard.
Keeping to a beam reach, back and forth for a while. Discretion dictated we left it at that and we came in after about an hour. Not unenjoyable, but I wish it had been better weather, I need to encourage her as much a possible to get her up to speed in the boat. Otherwise, hopes of sailing offshore are going to be dashed.
Better weather on the 19th. In the water around midday and out about 4pm. Nice sail. Enough wind to be interesting and this time I tried to go as fast as I could in the prevailing wind. I measured 6+ knots on the GPS; fully hiked out and still not near anything level sailing. Good fun, but could probably do with more mass in the boat to keep level.
Currently, I am trying to complete my RYA Day Skipper Theory distance learning course.
I'm trying to return the mock assessment by the end of the week and get the final assessment done in September. It's becoming a bit time critical as I need to complete it all by early October.
Plenty of swotting to look forward to in the next couple of weeks.
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
21st July 2012 - Sailing in Plymouth Sound
Again, not strictly referring to Gull dinghy sailing, but sailing nonetheless.
We had the chance to spend a day on the The Helen Mary R, a 57ft two master, which is the training yacht run by the Morvargh Sailing Project , sailing around Plymouth Sound.
Onboard by 09:30, safety briefing and familiarisation, let slip around 10:30,through the lock gates of Sutton Marina and into an unfortunately foggy Plymouth Sound. Sailing was a fairly sedate affair, ending up in time for lunch at anchor close to Cawsand, on the Cornish side of the sound.
The sun appeared as we finished up lunch and, anchors aweigh, the sailing could begin proper.
I didn't generally hold back when there was hallyards to be hauled or fenders to be manned and had a whale of a time. And, so as not to waste the opportunity, spent all too short a time taking the helm tacking back and forward along the breakwater from Cawsand toward the Mewstone.
There was a bit of queue getting back into Sutton Marina, due to the regatta finishing as we headed home.
A very enjoyable day on the water, even if I didn't get the sun screen on soon enough and came home the colour of a strawberry - not necessarily a good look.
We had the chance to spend a day on the The Helen Mary R, a 57ft two master, which is the training yacht run by the Morvargh Sailing Project , sailing around Plymouth Sound.
Onboard by 09:30, safety briefing and familiarisation, let slip around 10:30,through the lock gates of Sutton Marina and into an unfortunately foggy Plymouth Sound. Sailing was a fairly sedate affair, ending up in time for lunch at anchor close to Cawsand, on the Cornish side of the sound.
The sun appeared as we finished up lunch and, anchors aweigh, the sailing could begin proper.
I didn't generally hold back when there was hallyards to be hauled or fenders to be manned and had a whale of a time. And, so as not to waste the opportunity, spent all too short a time taking the helm tacking back and forward along the breakwater from Cawsand toward the Mewstone.
There was a bit of queue getting back into Sutton Marina, due to the regatta finishing as we headed home.
A very enjoyable day on the water, even if I didn't get the sun screen on soon enough and came home the colour of a strawberry - not necessarily a good look.
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Sailing at Club Teos, Turkey : July 2012
Just got back from a weeks holiday in Turkey, with Neilson, at Club Teos in the Izmir region.
Not sailing with the Gull but sailing all the same.
As RYA training was included in the holiday, I signed up for the level 3 sailing course.
During the week, I got to sail; Laser 1, Laser Pico, Dart 16 cat, Laser Bahia, Laser SB3.
Plus kayaking, waterskiing and stand up paddling.
The wind conditions were quite variable; mostly F4 - F5, occasionally F6 - F7 down to almost calm, as the sea breeze balanced out the prevailing northerly.
I guess some of the sailing conditions might be considered challenging. I entered a Pico into the end of week regatta, so any chance I got I went out.
I probably wouldn't have normally gone out in 20 kt winds and four foot swell, but in order to get familiar with the boat, as much practice as possible was required.
So, smashing through the waves beating upwind, while not particularly comfortable, was a confidence builder if nothing else.
All in all, a good holiday, with lots of sailing. While I'd certainly recommend the resort and probably Neilson, to anyone, it would have to be said that getting to and from the beach to the bay was a slow affair, as the hill blocked the wind substantially.
I certainly feel happier sailing in rough weather now, but if I want to risk my own dinghy in big waves remains to be seen.
Not sailing with the Gull but sailing all the same.
As RYA training was included in the holiday, I signed up for the level 3 sailing course.
During the week, I got to sail; Laser 1, Laser Pico, Dart 16 cat, Laser Bahia, Laser SB3.
Plus kayaking, waterskiing and stand up paddling.
The wind conditions were quite variable; mostly F4 - F5, occasionally F6 - F7 down to almost calm, as the sea breeze balanced out the prevailing northerly.
I guess some of the sailing conditions might be considered challenging. I entered a Pico into the end of week regatta, so any chance I got I went out.
I probably wouldn't have normally gone out in 20 kt winds and four foot swell, but in order to get familiar with the boat, as much practice as possible was required.
So, smashing through the waves beating upwind, while not particularly comfortable, was a confidence builder if nothing else.
All in all, a good holiday, with lots of sailing. While I'd certainly recommend the resort and probably Neilson, to anyone, it would have to be said that getting to and from the beach to the bay was a slow affair, as the hill blocked the wind substantially.
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| Club Teos Beach - more boats required? |
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| Going out in a Pico |
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| View from the restaurant |
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| Waterskiing - Starting a run |
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| Waterskiing - Finishing a run in the usual way! |
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Finally, some decent weather - Saturday 23rd June 2012
Having not been able to sail for a few weeks, due to work and extreme weather, there was at last some reasonable weather to get afloat with.
As I get to the club, it starts to rain - great - but it doesn't last long. Quite a stiff breeze as I launch but manageable.
Around the buoys, clockwise, for a couple of hours. Hove to for lunch. Anti-clockwise for another two.
At about 3:25 I reversed for the final time and headed in. Only the wind had virtually disappeared. So, a slow arrival at the hard, derigged and home by 5:30.
Where it had been raining all afternoon - result.
Nice to get back on the water.
.... a photo of a Laser sailing with Cheddar Gorge in the background.
....boats and boards around the clubhouse at Cheddar
Next week - Sailing in Turkey.
As I get to the club, it starts to rain - great - but it doesn't last long. Quite a stiff breeze as I launch but manageable.
Around the buoys, clockwise, for a couple of hours. Hove to for lunch. Anti-clockwise for another two.
At about 3:25 I reversed for the final time and headed in. Only the wind had virtually disappeared. So, a slow arrival at the hard, derigged and home by 5:30.
Where it had been raining all afternoon - result.
Nice to get back on the water.
.... a photo of a Laser sailing with Cheddar Gorge in the background.
Next week - Sailing in Turkey.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Ah well, maybe not today! - Saturday 9th June 2012
As I was unable to even think about sailing last weekend, due to work commitments - all over the Jubilee weekend - I had high hopes of getting out on the water this weekend.
Early in the week, the weather forecast suggested that Saturday might be a reasonable opportunity, sunny with maybe a stiff-ish breeze.
Saturday morning, it seemed a bit more than forecast, but I packed the sails and foil along with my other kit and headed off to the res'.
On arrival, it was blowing like a bugger - to use a technical term.
Not giving up just yet, I sat in the car for a while, then checked the dinghy was still OK, given the recent winds, and finally headed for the clubhouse to watch developments. Wind gauge showing around 18 kts gusting above 20.
At the start of the official sailing time, one laser launched and this was followed a few minutes later by the sailing course.
Watching sailors launch in a reasonable wind could be considered amusing by some, but entertainment wasn't on my mind. I was still, metaphorically, beating myself up for not continuing sailing last time, and I was looking for any encouragement to brave it again.
Five boats, varying from RS200's to Enterprises, launched after some considerable efforts by the crews of two or three. All were using a small sail, with Mirror icons on them mostly; giving roughly half the sail area of a full size sail for the dinghy. Flogging wildly in the wind as they were rigged.
Within ten minutes, three had gone over. After about 30 minutes, I noticed the Laser had recovered to the hard and was being packed away.
I caught half a conversation involving a windsurf instructor, to the effect that they wouldn't be taking their students out in this sort of wind.
About this time, I decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and reluctantly, decided to give it a miss. I couldn't see me getting onto the water until 2pm anyway and the winds hadn't shown any inclincation to abate by that time.
Single handed, it was going to be a struggle to get launched and recovered - maybe OK once launched and away, but as this is supposed to be fun and I didn't want to damage the dinghy.
So, off home I went. Bonneville out of the garage and 60 miles around Somerset later back into the garage.
Not a wasted day after all.
Early in the week, the weather forecast suggested that Saturday might be a reasonable opportunity, sunny with maybe a stiff-ish breeze.
Saturday morning, it seemed a bit more than forecast, but I packed the sails and foil along with my other kit and headed off to the res'.
On arrival, it was blowing like a bugger - to use a technical term.
Not giving up just yet, I sat in the car for a while, then checked the dinghy was still OK, given the recent winds, and finally headed for the clubhouse to watch developments. Wind gauge showing around 18 kts gusting above 20.
At the start of the official sailing time, one laser launched and this was followed a few minutes later by the sailing course.
Watching sailors launch in a reasonable wind could be considered amusing by some, but entertainment wasn't on my mind. I was still, metaphorically, beating myself up for not continuing sailing last time, and I was looking for any encouragement to brave it again.
Five boats, varying from RS200's to Enterprises, launched after some considerable efforts by the crews of two or three. All were using a small sail, with Mirror icons on them mostly; giving roughly half the sail area of a full size sail for the dinghy. Flogging wildly in the wind as they were rigged.
Within ten minutes, three had gone over. After about 30 minutes, I noticed the Laser had recovered to the hard and was being packed away.
I caught half a conversation involving a windsurf instructor, to the effect that they wouldn't be taking their students out in this sort of wind.
About this time, I decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and reluctantly, decided to give it a miss. I couldn't see me getting onto the water until 2pm anyway and the winds hadn't shown any inclincation to abate by that time.
Single handed, it was going to be a struggle to get launched and recovered - maybe OK once launched and away, but as this is supposed to be fun and I didn't want to damage the dinghy.
So, off home I went. Bonneville out of the garage and 60 miles around Somerset later back into the garage.
Not a wasted day after all.
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