Amateur Hour......

I was taught a long time ago that one of the things that separates the best sailors from the also rans is the ability to take responsibility for for what they do and not to make excuses. Well, on that basis, what follows should prove I am one of the sailing greats!

Another Sunday, Another 18 race in perfect conditions and another opportunity to make big steps forward in our campaign, all wasted. There is no getting away from it, we were useless. For 3 guys who can sail, we really managed to do a very good impression of a team auditioning for Amateur Hour.

It all started well enough. Arriving in the boat park early, we found a good slot close to the launching. But then the problems started. The forecasts were split between, on one hand, 20-30 knots NE and on the other, 11-14 knots NE. At least they agreed on direction! It was immediately clear that half the fleet had set aside their No 1 rigs, while the other had their No 2 ready to go. At 12.00 pm, the wind was probably no more than 8 knots and the debate went on, and on, and on....................... The one conclusion I came to is that if the fleet really was split, we would get it wrong! In the end, everybody went for No 1, so our life was made easy.

Decisions were made late and we rushed to get the boat rigged. And there lies the first problem. As newcomers who have rigged their boat less than everybody, instead of being in a position to launch early, as was the plan, but we ended up rushing and when you rush, mistakes happen.

So, finally, we launched, making the observation that the boat was getting easier to carry. Either we were getting stronger or we were learning to keep the bow into the wind so as to prevent extra load coming on. Progress.

As we sailed to the start, our confidence first grew as we sailed past another boat capsized and we felt there was no problem. then we tacked, only to find the control for setting the jib track was around the wrong side of the wing and the car couldn't go out even to the most inboard position we use..........and the knots in the rope were "challenging"! So our "settle down" time was spent undoing knots and rerouting string. No time to sail the course and check the boat out but so what, we were experienced skiff sailors!

We made the decision not to be aggressive at the start; find a good gap down from the pin and all the action and keep our nose clean. And for the first time, we managed to work our perfect hole, lined up where we wanted and at the time we wanted. All that was left to do was pull the trigger. A few seconds shouldn't make a big difference in a 1-2 hour race but at the start, it is the difference between glamour and eating dirt. And we managed to pull the trigger a few short seconds too late and all of a sudden, we were 3rd row of the grid, a grid of only 3 rows.

A tack to clear our wind and a tack back to sail to the favoured side went better than I would have hoped and we were up and running. Things were looking up. We were in the same bit of the harbour as the fleet and there were boats behind and we were quick. 2/3rds of the way up the first leg and we were probably back of the second row, rather than deep in the cheap seats and we rounded the first mark with some very respectable teams (who had sailed a bad leg), thanks to a lucky but perfect layline call that was worth a good 50 metres.

At last, we had a chance to show what should be our strong point, downhill speed. We are light and the conditions should have been perfect to show what we could do...............until the kite was hoisted. I am not sure which rigging method we were trying to copy, but it wasn't one that should be used on an 18. At least the kite wasn't upside down but with the sheet under something it should have been over and in front of something that it should have been behind, the end result was not pretty. Initially, there was no option other than drop the kite and reroute some string.

Unfortunately, we only partly sorted the problem but well enough to continue, if not with a perfect setting kite. However, we weren't last and we were travelling at speed. We called another near perfect layline and 2 gybes later we were close strapped, heading for the bottom mark. It was then that we realised that the routing of the sheet meant we couldn't play the sheet at the angle we were sailing. No option but to drop, sort it again and sail the leg with no kite. So, having sailed the 2 legs downwind with a kite for less than 40%, we rounded the bottom mark second from last, thanks to another team swimming and we were only 30 metres behind the next boat.

Rounding up, we then found our latest go fast modification, an automatic vang uncleating device, another bi-product of running strings the wrong side of each other when rigging. Worst still, the elastic take away was now the wrong side of the cleat. Not fast and not clever. Another chunk of ground lost but we were back up to speed and sailing well as a team, DFL ( dead f***ing last). We thought we gained a little upwind and rounded the top mark ready to push it down the run. It wasn't the perfect set but eventually we were up, running and gaining.

Until the gybe. Maybe we were getting tired, maybe it was the good lump of pressure we were in or maybe we simply haven't got our routines sorted, but at a time we shouldn't have, we hit the tide. Another opportunity to sort out a big mess and fall even further behind. It was all over. By this time the breeze was up and we were about a lap down. The forecast was for a rapidly increasing breeze and the team decided that to be caught out in 25 knots with No 1 rig was not something we wanted. Another wrong judgement call, as no sooner than we were ashore and the wind was back down.

Coming ashore gave the final opportunity to completely screw up and we managed that. Carrying the boat up the beach, the boat suddenly got a bit of load on and I was forced to my knees, trapped under the boat with a big weight on my back. I still don't really know what I did but it hurt, hurt enough to make walking difficult. Thanks to everybody who came to our aid. Monday at the phsio, a few hard pushes and pulls later and I feel like new. Our boat has a unique feature that makes carrying it more difficult than other boats so one priority is to change things. After all, in the words of Scott Babbage, if you can’t lift it, you can’t sail it.

In the bar, somebody asked if we broke anything and I could only reply, with truth, that the only thing broken was pride and ego. Even now, 48 hours later, I cannot quite believe how amateur we were. We did some good stuff, but managed to snatch embarrassment from the jaws of respectability. We debriefed and agreed some serious training was in order. Because of work pressures, that cannot begin for a couple of weeks so we are in damage limitation mode.

I sit here typing this feeling rather deflated, trying to remember when I last felt this. It was after a day racing 49ers, with Adam May and although only 4 boats out of 20 launched, we swam so much and I felt so bad in the boat I was ready to quit. Adam kicked my butt, got us back in the game and about 4 weeks later, all thanks to him, we won a race at Hyeres, the first category 1 event for 49ers. That was one of the proud moments in my sailing career. However, there is no Adam here so I need to kick my own butt and make it happen. I know the problem. We shouldn't be racing. We should be practicing. 2 hours of practice would be worth 3 or 4 races. In the mean time, it seems to be a full time job to keep myself fit enough. It seems that I also need sponsorship from my Physio!

And a quick word about our sponsor........

The skiff sailors of Sydney do not know how lucky they are. Not only do they sail in one of the great places to race, complete with it's own very special atmosphere and sights (such as the Manley Ferry bearing down on you!), but in many cases the boats are paid for by generous sponsors. The 18's are particularly fortunate and have some great sponsors and we are fortunate enough to be be sponsored by Appliances Online.com. As I have mentioned before, they have a great business but what might not be so well known is their commitment to our sport. Have a look at

http://www.appliancesonline.com.au/sailing-team.html

Of course, this does put the pressure on! A great sponsor deserves great results and we will be doing all we can to live up to the high standards set by other team members.

Time to step up to the plate!!!

Another week, another 18 footer race, another set of bruises! This time, we were greeted by a nice 20 knot Nor'easter, although reports from the Squaddie committee boat say they recorded 30 knots. Unfortunately, Jamie (sheet hand) was ill but we found a good stand in so we hit the water. And the tide...........often! I got a bit bashed up and in the interests of not damaging crew and boat further, we took an early shower. Strange thing is, for some unknown reason, we were recorded as "did not start" and while it is the same points as "did not finish", it seems a little harsh. We certainly crossed the line, although I am not sure which way up we were or from what direction!

However, every week we learn a little more. This week's big lesson is that at speed, we are OK. No issues beating, tacking, getting the kite up etc. However, not for the first time, our slow speed sailing let us down. Things load up so quickly. At pace, this doesn't matter but without that pace, it is pretty messy.

From here on, things get a bit more serious as the next race is the first in the Club Championship and, more importantly, the first qualifier for the "JJ". The J.J. Giltinan Trophy is the World Championships of 18' skiff sailing and to many, the ultimate skiff event. It is to be held in mid February, on the harbour and will attract top skiff sailors from around the world. So, for us, we need to step up to the plate and start banging in the results.

Still in training mode.

Finally, on Sunday, the 18 footers had the first race of the season. Considering this is really "just" club racing, we felt significantly under prepared, although at least we knew the boat worked and how to get it back up after a capsize.

In the first "race", we performed reasonably well. It is really important to get a good spot in the boat park as it reduces the distance you need to carry your ship to the water. Carrying a skiff with a rig as big as a cruiser can get a bit full on, with a slight wind shift loading up one side or another. However, an early enough arrival saw us gain a decent spot in the park, so all was well. Looking around the park, I couldn't help but note that 5 of the helms had competed in 49ers at the first worlds in Perth, back in January '98. Add to that more than a sprinkling of Brits amongst the sailors and the 18's already feel like home. It's a great fleet of friendly, like minded sailors and I am seriously excited about the season.

First race was about perfect in terms of conditions. A warm Nor'easter, 12-15 knots with a few puffs above that. Being light, we were at the top end of our No1 rig for some of the time and it was the first real test of our ability as a crew. We knew before the start that we were going to struggle in terms of the race due to a handicap system which saw the fleet split into 3 with each group sailing to a different windward mark. The top boats sailed a significantly longer course than the next and the "bottom" third of the fleet sailed a shorter one. Due to the performance of our boat last year, we were seeded as one of the top boats. I don't know the exact distances involved, but I suspect that we sailed at least a mile further than some.

To cut a long story short, we were a long way back, although not last and there were 5 non finishers. We had 2 swims, the first of which was messy and not our fault. A 49er passed across our stern, misjudged how far our tiller extension was and "collected" it as they passed. This ripped the extension out of my hand and made us bear away fast, 3 up with kite. There was only one way it would end and it was messy!

However, the real success of the day was making it round with no damage and gaining a lot of experience. On occasions, we saw how fast the boat is, lending even more credibility to us having "all the gear, no idea!" The day felt like a training outing rather than a race and hopefully, over the next few weeks, we will be able to shift gear and start to race properly.

However, whether it was racing, training or simply getting round the course, it was a great day on the water and the whole fleet had smiles on their faces. Bring it on!

How to make yourself popular in Australia!

ENGLAND, ENGLAND, ENGLAND!!!

For those of you who live in a complete vacuum, England have reached the finals of the Rugby Union World Cup, where they have the chance to defend their title. Put simply, the Australians didn't!

ENGLAND, ENGLAND, ENGLAND!!!

(just hope the smile isn't totally wiped off my face next week. Luckily, I don't know any South Africans!!)

Getting it right

This weekend was all about getting it right and somehow, I seem to have managed it on the 3 key elements of the weekend.

First off, a decision was made on Friday not to practice in the 18 on Saturday. The forecast looked like boat breaking weather, or should that be ego breaking weather. We had done enough of that the previous Sunday. So, for most of Saturday morning, I was cursing as the conditions looked perfect. However, the forecast was for a change and who knows when it might have come. Certainly, the Hystericals (Historical) 18's sailing out of the Squaddie didn't know when the change was coming and they set out for their usual Saturday gaunt around the harbour.

Having disposed of the kids for the day, Ginette and I wandered up to the Village for lunch. During lunch, it was clear conditions were changing so after we were done, we drove down to Taronga Wharf to admire the sight on the harbour and so that I could convince myself that we shouldn't be sailing. And sure enough, it looked "fresh to frightening"! We parked up so as to take a better look and as we got to the railings, from where we could get a view of the harbour, we saw 2 of the Historicals washed up on the beach. A quick dash later and I found myself waist deep in the harbour helping Woody and crew, including Scott Babbage, to get their fine vessel bailed out and ready to sail off. While getting sorted, we did notice the news helicopters overhead and thought little of it and about 20 minutes later, while others were being towed back, Woody and crew set off under full sail in order to get home.

An Historical 18' skiff on a better day

We jumped back into the car and drove round to the Squaddie to be greeted by the most extraordinary sight. 4 ambulances, 3 police cars and 2 news crews had descended on the club as if some major disaster had taken place. In the words of of a rather amused Woody, "somebody must have pressed the panic button!" The fleet had set out in lightish condition and been hit by a 35-40 knot squall, flattening all of them but all were home safely. One unlucky chap had cracked his head open and was stretchered off to hospital with his head bandaged in a way that my kids would have been proud of when playing at nurses but it really was a drama made out of nothing. It did, however, make the evening news and the papers the following day - a slow news day I would guess.

So, the first "getting it right" of the weekend was not to sail. A modern 18 in 35-40 knots would have been costly and with little rescue services, an "interesting" experience.

The next "right" was being a POM late on Saturday night/Sunday morning. 12 points to 10, all from the boot of St Jonny. There are days when being a POM in Australia is really great and we really enjoyed all the sledging we received. Go on England!

And finally, we got it right with the 18. Admittedly, it would have been hard to get it that wrong on Sunday afternoon with about 8 knots in the harbour but at least we proved to ourselves that we could sail the boat, tack and gybe plus begin to consider how we can sail it faster. It felt good to be out with the guys and we seem to be coming together as a team. It will take time, but at least we are now in the game. First race is next Sunday, so if weather permits, we should get one more practice on Saturday.

However, the most worrying thing is that it has been noted that we are losing the most important race. Now, the Rag and Famish team have been sailing 18's rather a long time but when it came to derigging, we were a long way off the pace. In their words, the race isn't over until the boat is packed away!

You should have been here last week........

Monday - finally, after 18 months of planning and high expectation, it was time to sail the 18. So where was that perfect 10-12 knot NorEaster? well, after many weeks of perfect conditions for the others who were training, the weather decided to welcome us to Double Bay in style - 28 degree heatwave and a thumping westerly. For those who don't know, you really don't want a westerly!

I arrived to be greeted by the ever helpful Dan, bowman on ActiveAir and all round good guy. His attitude seems to sum up what I have found so far. Everybody is extremely helpful to the newbie in the class. I wonder if it is a sense of self preservation - getting them up to speed fast helps reduce the chances of them being wildly out of control on the start line and wiping out the fleet!

I was shortly joined by Scott, our Aussie bowman and Jamie, another Pom, who is on sheet. Introductions made and all gung ho, we begin to rig. The most "helpful" comment from Dan came from using his experience to pronounce "Big Rig Day"! Now, I don't know a lot about this game yet but it seemed a punchy call to me. However, not wanting to appear the wimp on day one, we grabbed the No1 mast and begin laying it out. Fortunately, we hadn't got very far before others in the park showed us just how breezy it was, white caps on the harbour to be followed by reports of 25 knots. A quick re thing saw the No2 lying on the grass and the No1 mast back where it belonged, on the trailer.

We were first rigged but were still a bit unsure of the conditions. The wind was swirling around Double Bay, shifting 180 degrees with little warning and with the forecast calling for the wind to soften, the decision was made to wait an hour or so. Mat and the Active Air boys were first on the water and seemed to get away without too much of an issue. The sail out of the bay looked a bit flukey, but it was sailable so it was time to go. The launch went well, no sudden shift as we carried the boat into the water but it began to swing through 180 degrees once we were trying to get the rudder on. Finally, it was time to go and I think we actually got away more elegantly that ActiveAir. Confidence was high!

The sail out to the line of breeze was "educational" - regular 90 degree shifts and anywhere from 2 to 20 knots! At least it gave us practice in running from side to side and the chance to test the non slip. It's good!

Once past the first headland, we were into the breeze proper. It all felt pretty full on yet in other ways, very manageable. But, as quick as you could say "we're settled" and it was time to tack. Getting the timing wasn't what I would call easy and our first couple of tacks were messy but we were still upright. Then the inevitable happened. At the time, it was a case of WTF happened but on reflection, we tacked, the wind lulled and then came back freeing a lot. From having a wing in the water we suddenly had full pressure on and there was only one way to go.........

To my surprise, 18's are easier to handle capsized than I expected . Yes, there was a problem of the mast being upwind and therefor a flip was the only solution but we got her up second time. However, the tiller extension had managed to get through the shrouds and wrapped around the jib sheet and as the load came on, there was a crack. Half an extension is not a lot of good and that was our day done.

The sail in was uneventful but fast only to find, on arrival, that the board wouldn't come out. Boat on its side, three people and 5 minutes later, we were able to get the whole thing ashore. I have to admit to being rather deflated. It was as if somebody had taken my Christmas presents. Months of build up and expectation ripped up in a moment! The mood changed when the others got back. The reports were of the most difficult sail they had experienced in recent months. ActiveAir had swum 5 times and although I don't believe that Noakes Youth swam, there was general agreement that it wasn't a day for a new team.

At least we tried! It would have been too easy to stay ashore and we did learn something, not least we are behind the curve and need to play catch up. Conditions permitting, it will be training on Saturday and Sunday next weekend ahead of the season beginning the following weekend.