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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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On Monday 26th May, I sailed at Shirehampton for the Cockburn Cup. The sailing conditions were
awful i.e. rain sometimes heavy, wind directions variable, gusty winds and below average temperature. The only good thing of the race is that I won. The rest was
pretty average. I felt tired and could see the gusts before they hit me. In addition, I had no energy to hike properly. My tactics were not too bad. However, I was
very glad that it was over. Saying that, I managed to plan quite a few times with lovely gusts.
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On Saturday 31st May, I sailed at Shirehampton. The wind was light about force 2 with a medium tide. However, the weather was dry with above
average temperature. I practised roll tacking and try to get some speed. However, I noticed that my upper mast was bent the wrong way loosing a lot of speed.
In addition, I realised that my point of sail was wrong when going to the wind. I have the tendency to pitch too much. At the end, I managed to have some speed.
In all, I was quite happy with my sail.
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On Sunday 1st June, I raced at Shirehampton for the Single hander race. The weather was dry
but the wind was almost inexistent. I had a cracking start i.e. on time with a good acceleration. My plan was to stay on the right of the river. However, everyone
moved to the left of the river and I decided to cover them. I arrived at the first buoy first. My gybe was acceptable but it was not a roll gybe. On the way of
the second buoy, I got confused and went to the wrong one initially. I lost a lot of ground. I had to tack behind the Wanderer. I went to the other side of the
river as soon as I could and then try to get some speed. I lost to the Lightning who was third after the first buoy but passed the Wanderer. At the end of the
race, I managed to do only two laps and the race was abandoned. I realised at the end that my rudder was not fully on. This discovery was significant as it
explained why I lost some speed. In addition, I was accidentally pulling the out-haul flat through the race. In all, it was a race to forget.
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On Sunday 8th June, I raced at Shirehampton for the Commodore trophy race. The sailing
conditions could have been better i.e. light wind (force 2 maximum), medium tide and early start for a Sunday. However, it was sunny and the temperature was
well above average. I tuned my boat for light sailing but the tuning was tweaked slightly. I was slightly late on the line but I had some speed. I caught up
with the leader and managed to pass him. I spotted that the wind was on the other side of the river. Therefore I crossed to the left hand side of the river.
At that stage, I got some wind and started to go to the first buoy. After the course that I taught the previous day, I was careful to check my tell tales and the
wind direction. I was in some occasions too close to the wind. However, I still managed to arrive at the first buoy ahead of everybody. On the way to the second
buoy, I sailed by the lee. I gybe at the before the second (and final) buoy and made good progress toward the first buoy. Again, I was paying attention to the
tell tales and the wind direction. In addition, on both legs, I was going very close to the bank without being grounded. I only sailed less than half of the river
width to avoid the current. In all, I believe that I sailed well but I need to improve the upwind technique. I also won the race which has a nice trophy.
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On Thursday 18th June, I sailed at Shirehampton. The sailing conditions were almost optimum
i.e. high tide, strong (at the start) to medium (at the end) wind, slightly overcast sky and about average temperature. I arrived late. I used the full rig and
enjoyed a cracking sail. I struggled a lit bit with the sail as my biceps hurt a little bit. However, I stayed in control most of the time except on the slip
where I was caught by a gust. In all, it was the best sail of the year for me.
On Sunday 22nd June, I sailed at Chew Valley Sailing Club for the Wessex Grand Prix
Series for the Laser Class association. The sailing conditions were very challenging. Although the weather was slightly overcast and the temperature was about
average, the wind was strong i.e. around force 5 if not 6. I had my new Radial sail and was cautiously optimistic that I could sail on those conditions. My
optimism was based on previous experience in Menorca. In the morning for the first race, I had a reasonable start i.e. on time at the line but not so much speed.
On the first beat, I was reasonably happy as I was not too overpowered by the boat. However, I was pinching too much. I was not caught by any lull. However, on the
reach, I continued to struggle as in Corinthians. However, the struggle was less. During the second lap, I capsized for the fourth time. However, the mast became
undone as the outhaul and Cunningham were unclip. I had to retire. During the lunch break, I learnt how to attach the mast.
It was a useful tip. In the afternoon
for the second race, the wind picked up. I arrived at the starting line about on time but with less confidence than on the morning. I struggled with the increase
of the wind. However, I could not control the boat and almost got injured. At that stage, I decided to pack back home. I decided that the hobby was not worth the
risk. However, when packing, I noticed that the rudder blade was twisted significantly. This twist would explain the lack of control during the reach and the
excessive pinching. In all, although I am disappointed not to have finished the race, I learnt a few things that should be useful.
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On Sunday 29th June, I raced at Shirehampton for the Nelson point race. The sailing conditions
were challenging with strong wind including nasty gusts, medium tide, slightly overcast sky and about average temperature. I had a terrible start i.e. being 20m
away from the line at the start. Luckily, I managed to pass a couple of boats and with the power of the new radial sail, I arrived second at the first buoy.
Fortunately, half way through the run, the lead capsized. However, I almost blew it away when I took the wrong when going around the second buoy at the end of the
fist lap. I managed to catch the leader (different boat) and I was never caught. I struggled with the wind gust and my rudder. In all, I sailed ok but lack power.
At the beginning my outhaul was too tight but I managed to reset it. However, I could hike properly due to a lack of form. Although I won, I still need to improve
my fitness.
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On Saturday 12th July, I participated to the annual Pill race between Portishead and
Shirehampton. The weather conditions indicated that this was going to be a good race. However,
the forecast was wrong. I took the safe option i.e. using the radial rig. I thought, at the time, that the decision was marginal. I had a good start
i.e. starting on time and with speed. I arrived first at the first buoy in comparison to those who started with me. However, on the run, I was passed
every single boat that started with me.
Arriving at the Cockburn, I decided to gamble slightly and try to cut the mud. However, it did pay as much dividend as
I wanted because I capsized twice having hit the mud twice. However, I had managed to cut the gap significantly. At the Pill buoy, I was only a couple of
minutes behind the lead of the group instead of the five minutes at the Cockburn. On the way back to the Cockburn, I managed to pass a few dinghies. I was
only few boats length behind the Shirehampton leader. By that time, the wind had picked up to a good force 5 with stronger gusts. My game was to finish the
race regardless of my position. I passed the Shirehampton leader and made good progress. I was only capable to plane for a few seconds before my muscle gave
way each time. I finished 11th overall over 21 finishes and 24 entries. I won the Shirehampton trophy. I must improve my muscle for the next big open meeting
if the wind is the same. In all, I did not do too badly but it could have been better.
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On Saturday 19th July, I sailed at Shirehampton for a normal sail. The sailing conditions were
optimal i.e. strong winds up to force 5, high tide about 12m, slightly overcast sky and about average temperature. My plan was to test my stamina upwind. I took to
the full rig and was not disappointed by the conditions. I struggled to keep the boat flat for very long. However, every time I managed to keep the boat flat, I
planned. On the run, I barely planed but I did not optimise the boat for it. However, I was quite stable. I believe that it was a good session and although tiring,
it was enjoyable.
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On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July, I participated to the Thornbury regatta as part of the Wessex Grand Prix of the Laser association. On
Saturday, the sailing conditions were almost optimal i.e. medium tide, medium wind (around force 3), slightly overcast and above average temperature. On the first
race, I had an awful start, I arrived on the line late and minimum speed. I could not catch the other dinghies. I struggled to keep the boat flat. I did not sail
too badly but lack speed against the other laser. At the end of the first race, I finished sixth. On the second race, my start was worse as I was completely
sandwiched with five boats plus. In addition, I failed to appreciate that the tide had turned and lost a few places. On Sunday i.e. the second day, the sailing
conditions were almost the same as the previous day except that the wind was slightly lighter. The start of the first race was an awful one with being too late.
The beat was ok as it was not that windy. However, I misjudged the tide and wind being too low. I should have beat immediately after the first buoy and I got stuck
on the second one for 10 minutes. I managed to finish the race but just. The start of the second race was slightly better but still not perfect. I had speed. I
stayed several boats length behind the leading pack with loosing a bit at every lap. It was better race. On the last race of the day, I had an average start but
nowhere near the leading boats. However, I judged the tide much better and stayed a few boats length behind the leading pack. I was quite happy with my race as I
was not too far behind. In all, it was not my best races but I did finish all the races. There are a few points to focus such as be on the start line on time with
speed, not to pinch too much, etc.
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On Saturday 9th August, I raced at a Shirehampton for the John Roberts memorial race.
The sailing conditions were very challenging: medium tide, strong
wind with interesting gusts, showers and about average temperature. I had a poor start even for my standard. However, I caught up the leading boat and managed to
pass him when I was covering other boats. I struggled with the wind as my rudder needs to be sorted. After the M5 bridge, the wind increased and I survived until
the Nelson point. I passed the point ahead but struggled for the rest of the race with two capsizes. Although I won, I was physically unfit to sail as I felt tired.
Nonetheless, I had a cracking sail with some amazing acceleration.
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On Friday 15th August 2008, I sailed at Shirehampton for another evening sail. I did not have
much energy and decided to sail on a Radial rig. I had some speed and did not struggle too much. At the end, I sailed rudderless to improve my skill. In all, it
was not a bad sail but not the best even though I went to the Nelson point.
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On Sunday 24th August, I sailed at Shirehampton for the Sturmey Cup race. The sailing conditions
were average i.e. medium wind although gusty, about average temperature, overcast sky and medium tide. I had an acceptable start i.e. arriving near the start line
on time with some speed. I prevented the RS200 to pass me but it was hard work. At the first buoy, I arrived first and was in control of the race. However, the
gap with the Solo was not that great and I thought that I lost the race. Saying that, I did not sail too bad but it was not a great sail. I was in control and I
had some speed as I planned quite often.
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.
On Saturday 7th June, I taught at Chew Valley Sailing Club. I was told that they
required instructors as they were short of instructors. I did not take notes of the starting time and I had to arrive at the earliest time that I could. I helped
initially the safety boat and CLADS. We took the group of 3 teenagers and three adults. We split them into two groups: adults on a Laser 2000 and the teenagers on
Toppers. I was with the Senior Instructor with the teenagers. We started to rig the boats and did some simulation on tacking and gybing. We launched the dinghies
and started coaching them. They went through a triangle course. In the afternoon, they were part of a racing training. Unfortunately, due to time constraint, we
were unable to brief them properly. On the water, we coached how to go around the course. With the sailing conditions i.e. light wind, they made good progress. We
carried on with a series of short tack-gybe by placing the rib near a buoy. This exercise was very tiring for them as it is a tough exercise. We finished by an
initiation to Man over board. They did stop the boat but they did not follow the technique as they have not learnt. In all, it was a nice introduction to teaching
dinghy sailing but it would have been better to do Sunday as well. However, due to some time constraint, I could only do Saturday.
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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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