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Sailing
Introduction
This page was developed to show my training sessions to my friends and
family. It also shows what I have been doing most of my week-ends. This
page is dedicated to my dinghy sailing instead of my
yachting experience. In this section, you can find:
»my experience
»my qualifications
»Current Season
»Sailing Gallery
»Sailing instructor
»Season 2007
»Season 2006
»Season 2005
»Greece 2004
»Further information
Experience
I have been sailing since the age of 9. I have sailing all sorts of boats:
caravelle, optimist, 420, laser, Laser 2000, RS200, RS400, laser 4000 and Cat 15.
I mainly sail during the summer.
Qualifications
RYA level 1
RYA level 2
RYA Seaman skills
RYA Sailing with spinnakers
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Current Season
On Saturday 26th January and Sunday 27th January, I participated to a training at
Chew Valley Sailing Club organised by the
Laser Class association. The weather on Saturday was quite challenging with strong wind (between force 4 and 5), overcast but with
temperature above average. The morning was dedicated to tacking and gibing on the whistle, racing and river bank. With the wind picking up,
I struggled to stay up with several capsizes. I managed to do some tacking on the whistle but was unable to do the gybes on the whistle.
The first races that were only one lap, I could not finish the race capsizing on the run. The coach explained a few things
including playing with the kicker, rudder and main sail. Just before lunch, even though the wind was increasing, I finished the
race that was only one lap. In the afternoon, after the debriefing, I felt much better and in control of the boat even in the run. I
overdid it at the end as I did not open the sail enough and put too much kicker. However, I kept looking at the sail. Last season, I
kept forgetting that point. We carried on with more starts. On Sunday, the wind dropped slightly on the morning although at the
beginning the wind increased initially. We carried on with tacking and gibing on the whistle as well as 360. My tacks and gybes
were not perfect but were much better than the previous day. In the afternoon, we participated to the Frostbyte series. My start
was awful i.e. having the rudder up with 10 seconds to go. However, I managed to recover from there. The coach told me to hike more,
sheet more (i.e. block to block) and point to the wind. This made obviously a huge difference. I caught a few radial lasers that
started a minute before me. I was quite impressed. From the training, I need to improve my start, make sure that my upwind sailing
is correct, buy a radial rig for strong winds and practise what I have learned in the week-end.
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On Sunday 24th February, I raced at Chew Valley Sailing Club
for the frostbyte series. The weather was pretty good for the time of the year i.e. slightly above average temperature, moderate wind but
dropping in the afternoon and overcast with rain forecast. For the morning race, my start was awful. I misjudged it completely. I started
a good 30 seconds behind everyone. I managed to pass a few other sailors and eventually caught the back of the fleet. However, I was
unable to pass them or get in touch with them. For the afternoon, my start was much better. At the end of the first lap, I was in the
middle of the fleet and going forward with a good speed. However, at the beginning of the second lap, I did a mistake. Because I was
wind shadowed, I tacked to get some free air. Instead to re-tack, I continue sailing. This was a big mistake as I lost the wind. I
completely lost touch with the fleet. In overall, during the day, there were encouraging points in term of sail control. However, the
rolls tacking or gibing were poor as well as the mark rounding. However, I enjoyed my day.
On Sunday 30th March, I sailed at Shirehampton Sailing Club for the first
race of the year. I was due to sail the previous day but the weather forecast was not appealing. The weather conditions were pretty
good with almost blue sky, above average temperature and dissent wind i.e. about force 2. I had a descent start with taking the right
hand side of the river. I arrived at the first mark third behind two Lightning. I managed to pass one after the second mark but touched
the other one. I had to do a 720 even though I tried to bluff my way. I struggled to keep clear of the RS200 and the two Lightings who
passed me however, at the end of the first lap, I was second. I managed pass the last Lightning at the first mark of the second lap.
I was overtaken by the RS200 but managed to regain the lead at the end of the second lap. I was managed to accelerate and more importantly,
managed to read the wind. At the end of the race, I won but I was impressed by sailing. In all, it was a bit challenging race with winds
in various directions.
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On Sunday 13th April, I raced at Shirehampton for the Queen Mary Cup.
The weather was pretty good i.e. slightly overcast sky, about average temperature and moderate breeze. I had a good start although I
arrived slightly too early. Luckily, I managed to turn around and started on time and with speed. I managed to arrive first at the first
buoy. More importantly, my speed and boat handling were good or seemed to be good. There were plenty of power boats already. I still
maintained my lead at the end of the first lap. However, everything went loose from there. There were too many power boats, ferries,
etc coming towards me. I stayed on the left hand side of the river and could cross. Three boats went to the left and were well ahead
of me at the first buoy of the second lap. I managed to pass two of them but could not have enough clear air. In all, I did not sail
too bad except one lap.
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On Sunday 20th April, I went to Bristol Corinthians Yacht Club for the Laser Wessex Grand Prix series.
I felt tired before starting. The sailing conditions were good i.e. slightly overcast sky, about average temperature but medium winds. However, near
the starting line, the wind was about force 4 with gusts of force 5. At the start, I tried to stay with the fleet but I could not hike properly.
At every lull, I was unable to go back into the boat and capsized. On the run, I had little control with the tiller and capsized. I became disoriented
and failed to appreciate the race course doing two triangles instead of doing a triangle-sausage. I decided to go for an early lunch. In the afternoon
first race, I had a descent start. However, the problems of the morning were aggravated as the wind did not drop, I was more tired and the tiller
extension was more broken than the morning. I could not go on a dead run. In addition, I started to knock myself against the hull (nothing serious
thankfully. Therefore, I decided to pack and go home. In all, it was a pretty disappointed meeting. For the next event, I must have my
tiller and extension repaired and purchase a radial rig.
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On Sunday 4th May , I sailed at Shirehampton for a normal sail.. It was a very good idea even though I was very busy. I forgot my sail the
previous day and missed a fantastic sail. The wind on Sunday was not great but enough to move forward. The tide was relatively strong but the sky was slightly
overcast and the temperature was above average. Unfortunately, my outhaul was well too tight. I struggled to have any speed but managed to plane on my way to
the Nelson point. I practised my roll tacking and see how close to the bank I could go. I could have taken the easy option and choose the other bank where the
wind was stronger. However, I stayed on the left to practise my light wind sailing. In all, it was a very good afternoon. The following day, the wind was too
light to sail and ran out of time for the sail anyway.
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Further details of the current season will be shown here soon.
The objective this year are:
–To participate to 5 races of the Laser Wessex Grand Prix series
–To do well in Shirehampton
–To sail 10 times at Chew
–To go to a Sailing trip in September
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Season 2007
The seaon 2007 was a huge improvement from the previous season.
I bought a new Laser and participated to the Laser Wessex Grand Prix series. I did four open meetings for
that series plus one open meeting in Weston Sailing Club near Southampton. I won a few races at
Shirehampton Sailing Club too. I still do the same mistake. However, I managed to enjoy this year as much as
the previous year. However, I found it harder to manage with winds stronger than force 4.
For further details of the 2007 season can be found in
season 2007 link.
Between the 22nd and the 29th June 2007, I went to Ses Salines
in Menorca (Spain). I sailed Laser 1, RS200, RS400, Laser 2000 and RS800
(my favourite).
I had a wonderful time. I recommend this center.
Further details on my trip can be seen on the
Menorca page.
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Sailing Gallery
The Sailing Gallery is displayed below by clicking on the link.
Images will be added or removed without prior notice.
Sailing Gallery
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Sailing Instructor
On Friday 26th October, I became a dinghy and racing instructor.
At the beginning of 2007, I promised that I would try to become a sailing instructor.
You could call that New Year resolution. Before attending a instructor class, there are
three pre-requisite: RYA first aid certification, RYA Power Boat level 2 and a sailing
pre-assessment. On Sunday 4th, I attended a RYA first course. Although about 8 years ago
I did one for work, I learnt a lot of this course. The main reason was that the course
was related to dinghy and sailing injuries. I strongly recommend anyone to do a first aid
course. It is a very good idea. Further details will be available later on when I go
through the process of becoming a sailing instructor
On Sunday 18th March, I did a RYA Power Boat level 2 training. It was to my point of
view long overdue. I felt sometimes unsure last year when I was on safety duty. After
that training, I am little more confident for the incoming safety duty. I learnt that
day: man overboard, fast speed, emergency stop, towing alongside and stopping alongside a
pontoon. In all, it was very tiring and I learnt a lot. I strongly recommend to do it if
you wish to do a safety duty with confidence.
On Wednesday 4th April, I attended a dinghy instructor pre-assessment. I was quite
nervous as I did not sail enough during the winter. I passed most things: sail with kite
(although it jammed a few times), triangle course, coming along and coming to pontoon.
However, although I got the technique right at the end, I need to practice Man Over
Board, rudderless sailing and tight circle. I should be able to do most of them on my
laser but I might have to practice in a double hander somewhere.
During the trip to Menorca, I practised Seamanship skills that are required for the pre-assessment: Man Over Board, rudderless sailing,
dagger board less sailing, being towed, etc.
The pre-assessment at South Cerney was initially planned for the
13th October but was postponed for the 20th before being cancelled. The course went ahead on the 22nd October.
Although the weather was quite mild and sunny, the wind was almost inexistent most of the week. With a group of 4 others,
we went through the various topics including a presentation on weather for me, teaching method, child protection, sailability,
Seamanship skills, racing training, etc. We also did the pre-assessment on the water. I was quite impressed with my coming along side,
pick up a mooring and MOB. I learnt a lot during the week. However, it only paid off when I taught to a couple of army cadets.
It was a hard week but very rewarding. Now, it is to practice those skills of dinghy and racing instructor.
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Season 2006
The seaon 2006 was a huge improvement from the previous season.
I have won more races from the previous season. More importantly, even on light wind,
I was competitive. I need to improve though. I have made a huge number of mistakes
especially on the run when I struggled with the kicker.
I also need to improve my hicking position as I struggled this year when the wind was too
strong. I also sold my boat as she was too heavy. I enjoyed sailing very much with her but
she had become too heavy in comparison with modern boats. I do not think that I am going
to make huge gains but it will easier to set up.
For further details of the 2006 season can be found in
season 2006 link.
Between the 16th and the 23 September 2006, I went to Porto Heili in Greece
for the third year in a row. I sailed Laser 1, RS200, Dart (I did not like it) and RS400
(my favourite).
I had a wonderful time but also very different from the previous year. Each year has
been enjoyable but different too. I strongly recommend this center.
For further details on my trip, click on
Porto Heili 2006
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Season 2005
It has been an interesting first year back to sailing. Although I have not
done too badly. I won two races but only trophy: Brunel cup. I have rarely been happy with
my boat handling and boat tuning. In overall though, I really enjoyed this
sailing year. It went flying but I strongly recommend anyone to sail as it
is most of the time fun. My strongest point has been the strong wind. However,
in medium and light winds, I need to improve dramatically.
For further details of the 2005 season can be found in
season 2005 link.
In September 2005, I spent two weeks practice various boats with Nielson at Porto Heili
for further details and pictures see Greece 2005.
Greece 2004
During September 2004, I spent a week practice various boats with Nielson at Porto Heili
for further details and picture see Greece 2004.
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Further information
If you are interesting finding sailing club, click on the RYA link. This
site will allow you to see the various sailing clubs in Great Britain.
It will also show you various tips and useful information.
- RYA
If you are interesting, I added three links. Whatever the site you select,
it is highly recommended to see the boat prior to make an offer. Although in
Ebay for example you can see picture of the boat, the pictures do not show
everything.
- Ebay
- Boat and outboards
- Dinghy shops
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