Time for a new hobby. I'd been introduced to sailing a Wayfarer by the in-laws in Suffolk and back in Somerset I was wondering what the options were short of moving out east to join them. I managed to coincide a family outing with a visit to the local sailing club barbecue/bits and bobs sale. The signs weren't good, the family refused to eat any of the sailing sausages and I was the only person showing any enthusiasm for 2nd hand buoyancy aids and spare trailer tyres. We did however come away...

Continue reading ...

I've got a new (second-hand) sail. It's what the ladies use for Olympic Laser sailing. My sail is white, pastel blue and pink. Very girlie. Here is a picture of it with Jenny's crochet cushions and my collection of penguins:
 Harvey, the rabbit has joined in too!
Continue reading ...

Thank you Rosie for taking me out in your National 12 today. Light winds, so I wanted to learn how to 'roll tack'. The crew (that's me) hop over to windward just before the tack and lean the boat over until you see, or feel, the lake lapping on the gunwales. This gets the boat to turn to windward without having to push the back round with the rudder - this avoids drag. The boss (Rosie) tacks and then climbs up the boat, flattening it just before it's time for a swim. This climbing provides th...
Continue reading ...