Today's Racing Report- Mick Keates

Another rubbish start to the day today, weatherwise. Dull, cloudy and virtually no wind. Good turnout though while we observed the 2-minute silence for Remembrance Day. Then several quickly decided to cut the grass around their boats and then retire for the day.

A light and patchy breeze arrived shortly after and teased a few to rig their boats, while it died away again by the time they arrived back up to the top of the ramp.

Nevertheless, 8 ventured out for a 1 lap drift around 1-4-10-A. There was just enough breeze to tempt 6 to stay on for a 2nd race, 2 laps round 1-11-10-A.

Thanks Rob, Stephen & Kuba for presiding over the proceedings. Check out the scores here

What it should have been like today.

Winterising your boat

Using your boat less over winter? Fair weather sailor only? Then this is the guide for you, when it comes to tucking up your boat.

• Make sure the bow is angled up, this will allow any water to drain out of the cockpit and run off the cover, preventing pooling.

• Consider the condition of your cover. It should be waterproof and breathable, allowing air to circulate.

• Take sails home and store them in a warm and dry location to prevent rusting on eyelets and mould. This should also prevent the rodents from turning them into bedding for their winterisation.

• Make sure that the boat is tied down. Ensure anchors or heavy blocks are on either side so that strong winds do not have the opportunity to throw your boat on to the neighbouring boats in the boat park.

• Make frequent visits to ensure that all is well. Check that the cover has not fallen off and that water hasn’t pooled in any locations. You should also visit after heavy winds to ensure your craft is still tied down and that others around haven’t flipped on to yours.

Today's racing report

I’ll be Tony for the day and give a quick brief. If Tony did sail, he probably would have said “that was the best sail I’ve had in a long time”.

A small number for laser first Sunday, Musto Mick, Me (Pete), Andy Ballast, Amir, New members Charis and her dad (welcome), Jon (welcome to racing), Solo Dave, Contender Rodger and then the Merlin fleet of Paul/Anna, Jon/Blake, Nick/Mattel and Rich/Clive.

Big thanks to Leo, Maria, Alex, Linda and Adrian for doing duties.

Race 1.

We went to 1, 5, 14 (not 7 or 12), 11, 0 (not 10), A.

An interesting start as Pete and Dave opted for the race box end of the start line to try and tack in straightaway and lay it in to 1. Hampered by all the Merlin’s coming at us on Starboard. Well thankfully, the Merlin’s all forgot the way and ended up going in all directions. As a result by the end of lap one Commodore Pete was all but in the lead. Eventually the Merlin’s overtook one by one, but the damage of not knowing their way around was done. It was Pete, Solo Dave and Musto Mick.

Race 2

1, 5, 9 (not 8), 2, A

All the new comers joined for the second race. Again, a lot of commotion trying to get to 1. A case of first round was better off on in this race, with the wind having dropped a little. Musto Mick was flying, having got to 1 first. Never saw him again. Some confusion again with numbers for the Merlin’s. With one boat trying to go to 8 instead of 9. The beat up to 2, especially as you got closer, was very shifty. It was hard to make gains on anyone and it was more about finding speed in the gusts. Micky won followed by Nick/Matteo and Jon/Blake in the Merlin’s.

Well done all. See you next weekend.

Commodore Pete

What to read when you're learning.

Learning a new watersport? Want to swat up before, during and after?

The best way is by using books that compliment the RYA course that you are on, whether that is Dinghy Sailing, Windsurfing, Powerboating, First Aid, Racing, Foiling, etc.

You’ll find that the RYA books, available in e-books, audiobooks and paperback, should fulfil your needs. They have all the images and explanations that you could ever want or need.

Dinghy Sailing

Windsurfing

Powerboating

Racing

Weather

First Aid

Children Specific Books

The London Watersports Company can also assist you in getting copies of these materials.

What to wear in the winter

So, what should we wear in the winter for watersport activities…

There is no real wrong answer, only better ones.

Firstly, consider your budget. There are many outlets that have some form of kit to suit every wallet size, as well as those starting out and those that are out seasoned professionals.

Different manufacturers have taken different approaches to the solution of staying warm. Some manufacturers now work solely on using layers and getting, whilst other maintain a philosophy of using thermals under a drysuit to keep warm.

Winter clothing has moved on significantly, which should mean you avoid looking too much like the Michelin Man.

Staying dry

Wearing a dry suit with base layers should ensure that you stay 100% dry. It is important to consider breathability, as sweating will make you could again. Consider the thermals you wear, both base and mid-layer, avoid cotton at all costs, this will sap away heat.

Most drysuits now use neoprene seals, rather than rubber. These should be more comfortable against your neck and wrists. Pick between boots and ankle seals at the foot level. Most drysuits will come with boots.

The cons with drysuits, when they fail… well you get wet. It is easy for a zip or seal to tear/split and fail. This often means a fix, either at the local repairer/manufacturer (not often that local) or back to the shops for a new one.

Staying wet

Wearing a thicker wetsuit, complemented with sensible layers means that you can choose how warm you want to be. Wetsuits for winter now range from 3-5mm in thickness, meaning that you still have good flexibility. Certain wetsuits, at higher price ranges, will have reinforcements to complement the activity that you are doing. For example, sailing wetsuits will have reinforced knees and seat panels. Windsurf wetsuits will allow for more flexibility in the shoulders.

You will find that some of the higher priced wetsuits now work on keeping the water out in the first place, meaning that you stay warmer for longer.

Pair your wetsuit with neoprene socks, gloves, boots, spray top, hat, balaclava and you will find that you have good versatility for most cold conditions.

Once you’ve chosen your philosophy, you’ll be ready to partake in your winter watersport.

Still confused? Most manufacturers/retailers will be able to give you good advice on what to purchase at your price point, ensuring that you are as warm as you can be.