Starting the final day, we are not 100% sure if we are going to be able to sail. It depends upon the new centre board.
I had agreed to meet up with Roger first thing in the morning, as he was hopeful that something could be done. The workshop lent us a belt sander, which Roger used to shave off some extra width from the centre board we had been lent. But the difference in width was too much.
We had to abandon the effort, and miss the last two races.
It has been a great time - 2 days of solid Sea training, and four days of sailing in the 2017 Nationals.
Thank you to everyone who helped us, and those who encouraged us to get back on the water.
We have had lots of fun, some drama, and learnt a lot about GP14 Dinghy Racing
Friday, 11 August 2017
GP14 Nationals day 5 - another breakage
After the rest day (day 4), we returned with added enthusiasm, replaced our shredded blue spinnaker with a yellow P&B spinnaker, and focused on getting good results for the remainder of the Regatta.
Unfortunately, Race 6 was fairly uneventful. We did a fairly bad start out of the "gate" - a bit too low from the wake of the gate boat. The conditions were reasonable, and I felt that we had acceptable boat speed, but by the time we reached the windward mark, we were amongst the "usual suspects" near the back of the fleet.
As we reached the top mark, our boom grazed the side of the buoy - penalty. We went high out of the way of the following boats and did a tack and gybe before launching the new yellow spinnaker, but we had lost yet more spaces.
We ended up in 57th place - our worse result so far.
Race 7 we tried to make some improvements. By this time, the wind had strengthened, and was coming down across Looe from the North. It was looking like choppy conditions - not as bad as during our training days, but challenging enough.
This time, we made a reasonable start out of the gate, although we could have still done better.
It was another tough race, with legs getting very tired as we tried to keep in touch with the boats that were ahead of us.
The race was a triangle-sausage-triangle, with a final beat upwind to a finishing line in the direction of Looe.
On the final beat, we decided to "go wide" in order to take advantage of what appeared to be stronger wind conditions on the left hand side of the course. There was at least on WHSC boat chasing us.
As we tacked onto Port to make our final run up to the finishing line, I had left the mainsheet cleated, and we pitched over - CAPSIZE !
We both scrambled onto the boat, which by this time had turned completely inverted. The centreboard was down, so we at least had some sort of leverage to bring up the boat. I had already decided that enough was enough, and our race was over, so I called over a safety boat for assistance, which meant we were retiring from the race.
As Simon and I tried to right the boat, we leant back on the centreboard together - CRACK ! The centreboard had broken totally along the waterline edge.
I persuaded Simon to get into the Rib, and let the safety boat crew sort out the boat. They were able to right it after a bit of effort, having to call over a second boat to help at one time. Then I scrambled onto 13941, dropped the sails, fixed the tow rope to the mast, and prepared to be towed in.
When we got back into Looe, some of the beach crew waded in up to their chest in order to catch the boat and help bring it ashore. The boat was full of water, and we spent some time letting it drain out before inspecting what remained of the centre-board (see photo !).
Unfortunately, Race 6 was fairly uneventful. We did a fairly bad start out of the "gate" - a bit too low from the wake of the gate boat. The conditions were reasonable, and I felt that we had acceptable boat speed, but by the time we reached the windward mark, we were amongst the "usual suspects" near the back of the fleet.
As we reached the top mark, our boom grazed the side of the buoy - penalty. We went high out of the way of the following boats and did a tack and gybe before launching the new yellow spinnaker, but we had lost yet more spaces.
We ended up in 57th place - our worse result so far.
Race 7 we tried to make some improvements. By this time, the wind had strengthened, and was coming down across Looe from the North. It was looking like choppy conditions - not as bad as during our training days, but challenging enough.
This time, we made a reasonable start out of the gate, although we could have still done better.
It was another tough race, with legs getting very tired as we tried to keep in touch with the boats that were ahead of us.
The race was a triangle-sausage-triangle, with a final beat upwind to a finishing line in the direction of Looe.
On the final beat, we decided to "go wide" in order to take advantage of what appeared to be stronger wind conditions on the left hand side of the course. There was at least on WHSC boat chasing us.
As we tacked onto Port to make our final run up to the finishing line, I had left the mainsheet cleated, and we pitched over - CAPSIZE !
We both scrambled onto the boat, which by this time had turned completely inverted. The centreboard was down, so we at least had some sort of leverage to bring up the boat. I had already decided that enough was enough, and our race was over, so I called over a safety boat for assistance, which meant we were retiring from the race.
As Simon and I tried to right the boat, we leant back on the centreboard together - CRACK ! The centreboard had broken totally along the waterline edge.
I persuaded Simon to get into the Rib, and let the safety boat crew sort out the boat. They were able to right it after a bit of effort, having to call over a second boat to help at one time. Then I scrambled onto 13941, dropped the sails, fixed the tow rope to the mast, and prepared to be towed in.
When we got back into Looe, some of the beach crew waded in up to their chest in order to catch the boat and help bring it ashore. The boat was full of water, and we spent some time letting it drain out before inspecting what remained of the centre-board (see photo !).
Then, as we tried to warm up and recover from the shock, people started rallying round, totally spontaneously.
Someone found tools, another person generously offered to lend us a spare centre-board for tomorrow. People lent saws, drills, screws, advice and muscle-power. A crowd of GP14 sailors literally man-handled the boat so that the old centre-board could be removed and the new one trial-fitted. It was too wide, so had to be removed.
The workshop nearby offered to lend us their belt sander tomorrow morning, so we could shave down the centre-board and re-fit it.
I was amazed and very grateful for all the many people who threw themselves into getting us set up so that we could sail again.
Tomorrow, first thing, we try to get the new centreboard shaved down to size. If we succeed, we will take part in the final two races tomorrow.
Watch this space...
Tuesday, 8 August 2017
GP14 Nationals day 3 - ripped spinnaker
Day three (races 4 and 5) started with a similar overcast feel to yesterday.
We are currently 53rd. But the focus must be on doing our best in each race, not on results. My sports psychologist said "control the controllables". So I am entering the day with a positive attitude, and focusing on starting, mark rounding, and tactics.
Both races today were "gate" starts, so we did not have the "black flag" issues from yesterday
Race 4 started in fairly calm wind. We made a cautious gate start. The first leg reminded me of "pond" sailing. Then, as we neared the first windward mark, the wind picked up significantly. We made a good line to the mark, but another boat came in on Port tack and tacked right in front of us - just! That meant they had "rights" - we had to give way. An emergency gybe was needed to prevent us hitting them, and other boats started overtaking us. Then we touched the mark itself with our boom as we sailed past; that was another penalty (an extra gybe and tack) and we lost more spaces.
The rest of the race was a question of "catch up".
One of the WHSC members was on our tail most of the race. As we neared the final reach to the committee boat finish, they flew their spinnaker better than we had, and crossed the line ahead of us.
We finished on 55th - our worst result so far.
For Race 5, Simon noticed that the right hand side of the course seemed favoured, do we determined on two priorities: clear wind (away from other boats) and a strong start on the right hand side of the gate.
The "guard" boat hove in sight, and lots of boats headed for an early start, but we held back. Timing was everything. We hit the start line just behind the guard boat, hiked out hard, and started climbing. We overtook one boat by sheer pace, then started calling "Starboard". Boat were ducking our transom. We were mid-course. A tack onto Port, and were chasing the "Pathfinder". Simon said, "we are in the middle of the big boys", as we reached the windward mark, ready to launch the spinnaker.
Twinning lines on. Centrboard. Cunningham. Kicker. Stand up and pull the kite halyard. We are flying in the middle of the fleet. "SPINNAKER'S RIPPED", shouted Simon. There was a horizontal piece of sky in front of us where there should have been a blue spinnaker. The horizontal seam had parted, across the entire width of the fabric. So we had to drop it, and rely on two sails only for the remainder of the day.
On the Beats, we were able to keep our own, but lost position time and again on the reaches.
We ended up 54th.
It's mid-through the Series. We are 57th overall. There have been some great experiences, but results have been disappointing. But we take the "positives" and build on them. Tomorrow is a rest day. Then four more races at the end of the week. Time to rest, smooth aching muscles, and plan for the rest of the Regatta.
We are currently 53rd. But the focus must be on doing our best in each race, not on results. My sports psychologist said "control the controllables". So I am entering the day with a positive attitude, and focusing on starting, mark rounding, and tactics.
Both races today were "gate" starts, so we did not have the "black flag" issues from yesterday
Race 4 started in fairly calm wind. We made a cautious gate start. The first leg reminded me of "pond" sailing. Then, as we neared the first windward mark, the wind picked up significantly. We made a good line to the mark, but another boat came in on Port tack and tacked right in front of us - just! That meant they had "rights" - we had to give way. An emergency gybe was needed to prevent us hitting them, and other boats started overtaking us. Then we touched the mark itself with our boom as we sailed past; that was another penalty (an extra gybe and tack) and we lost more spaces.
The rest of the race was a question of "catch up".
One of the WHSC members was on our tail most of the race. As we neared the final reach to the committee boat finish, they flew their spinnaker better than we had, and crossed the line ahead of us.
We finished on 55th - our worst result so far.
For Race 5, Simon noticed that the right hand side of the course seemed favoured, do we determined on two priorities: clear wind (away from other boats) and a strong start on the right hand side of the gate.
The "guard" boat hove in sight, and lots of boats headed for an early start, but we held back. Timing was everything. We hit the start line just behind the guard boat, hiked out hard, and started climbing. We overtook one boat by sheer pace, then started calling "Starboard". Boat were ducking our transom. We were mid-course. A tack onto Port, and were chasing the "Pathfinder". Simon said, "we are in the middle of the big boys", as we reached the windward mark, ready to launch the spinnaker.
Twinning lines on. Centrboard. Cunningham. Kicker. Stand up and pull the kite halyard. We are flying in the middle of the fleet. "SPINNAKER'S RIPPED", shouted Simon. There was a horizontal piece of sky in front of us where there should have been a blue spinnaker. The horizontal seam had parted, across the entire width of the fabric. So we had to drop it, and rely on two sails only for the remainder of the day.
On the Beats, we were able to keep our own, but lost position time and again on the reaches.
We ended up 54th.
It's mid-through the Series. We are 57th overall. There have been some great experiences, but results have been disappointing. But we take the "positives" and build on them. Tomorrow is a rest day. Then four more races at the end of the week. Time to rest, smooth aching muscles, and plan for the rest of the Regatta.
Monday, 7 August 2017
GP14 Nationals - day 2 - restart,restart
After the excitement of yesterday, day 2 (races 2 and 3) was going to be completely different.
The wind had dropped, was coming more from the North-West, and there was a threat of rain. The sea was calm - almost like being back at the home club !
Simon & I worked out the transit for the gate start, as before, then sailed back to the comittee boat, to discover that it was a conventional line start instead.
We managed to get a reasonable position at approx. 15 seconds before the start, when there was a hoot, and the "race delayed" pendant came up. Pity. It appeared that the wind had shifted, so the mark had to be moved.
At the restart, we again positioned ourselves and started out, only to hear a "general recall", since there were too many boats over the favoured pin end of the line.
The third attempt at a start was a "black flag" - immediate disqualification for boats over the line. We were under (well under..), but we counted eleven boats who were recorded by the committee as over the line. That black-flag start was also a "general recall". So we started again.
By this time, it was 12:30, so we had something to eat before the fourth attempt (also a black flag start). This time everyone got away cleanly.
The actual race itself was fairly uneventful - we were kept it track with friends from the 'Harp on the first beat, but gradually fell back. In the end, we were 2nd or 3rd from the back of the fleet. Not a very encouraging state of play. The only hope was that the score would not be too bad, because a number of good boats had been disqualified.
We spied some very dark clouds on the horizon as we prepared for the next race.
We waited and waited. The drizzle was cold.
The wind had dropped, was coming more from the North-West, and there was a threat of rain. The sea was calm - almost like being back at the home club !
Simon & I worked out the transit for the gate start, as before, then sailed back to the comittee boat, to discover that it was a conventional line start instead.
We managed to get a reasonable position at approx. 15 seconds before the start, when there was a hoot, and the "race delayed" pendant came up. Pity. It appeared that the wind had shifted, so the mark had to be moved.
At the restart, we again positioned ourselves and started out, only to hear a "general recall", since there were too many boats over the favoured pin end of the line.
The third attempt at a start was a "black flag" - immediate disqualification for boats over the line. We were under (well under..), but we counted eleven boats who were recorded by the committee as over the line. That black-flag start was also a "general recall". So we started again.
By this time, it was 12:30, so we had something to eat before the fourth attempt (also a black flag start). This time everyone got away cleanly.
The actual race itself was fairly uneventful - we were kept it track with friends from the 'Harp on the first beat, but gradually fell back. In the end, we were 2nd or 3rd from the back of the fleet. Not a very encouraging state of play. The only hope was that the score would not be too bad, because a number of good boats had been disqualified.
We spied some very dark clouds on the horizon as we prepared for the next race.
We waited and waited. The drizzle was cold.
Since the wind had shifted, the committee re-set the marks before starting the second race (the third race in the series).
The wind began to drop as we proceeded through the course.
Spinnaker gybes were easier, and we managed to fly the kite through the gybe a couple of times.
Coming off the final leeward mark, we decided to "go left" to the finishing line. It seemed that most of the fleet had gone the other way. This would be a bit of a gamble, although we were confident.
At the final line, we had Maciej from the Welsh Harp sneak in above us. Disappointing, but we had had a good overall race.
We had to paddle back to Looe. As we packed away the boats, the threatened rain arrived.
It had been a good day, but it was time to get into the warm.
The disappointment of the previous race had forced us to review what we were doing wrong. So we had a strategy in place for the next race. Again, it was a line start instead of a "gate". We had a reasonable position at the time of the start, only to hear yet another "general recall". This was followed by yet another "black flag" start. This time we had a very reasonable start and headed upwind.
This time we were more focused. We had a number of Welsh Harp boat numbers around us, as we tried to keep with the "pack".
This time we were more focused. We had a number of Welsh Harp boat numbers around us, as we tried to keep with the "pack".
The wind began to drop as we proceeded through the course.
Spinnaker gybes were easier, and we managed to fly the kite through the gybe a couple of times.
Coming off the final leeward mark, we decided to "go left" to the finishing line. It seemed that most of the fleet had gone the other way. This would be a bit of a gamble, although we were confident.
At the final line, we had Maciej from the Welsh Harp sneak in above us. Disappointing, but we had had a good overall race.
We had to paddle back to Looe. As we packed away the boats, the threatened rain arrived.
It had been a good day, but it was time to get into the warm.
Sunday, 6 August 2017
GP14 Nationals - day 1
Sunday 6 August - the first day of the 2017 GP14 National Championships at Looe, in Cornwall.
The wind is expected to be 11 to 15 knots, south westerly, so a bit of a swell from the tide effect. The sun is shining. What's not to like? Today is going to be fun!
The wind is expected to be 11 to 15 knots, south westerly, so a bit of a swell from the tide effect. The sun is shining. What's not to like? Today is going to be fun!
Thanks to all the people who sent best wishes via Facebook, WhatsApp and Text.
By now, all the Welsh Harp sailors were around, so there was time for some group photos before we headed out for a full Practice Race, to be followed by race one.
By now, all the Welsh Harp sailors were around, so there was time for some group photos before we headed out for a full Practice Race, to be followed by race one.
Today was also the first trial of my secret weapon - a couple of washers tied into the Genoa sheets to prevent them pulling through the cleats ( which is what happened yesterday ).
As we headed out, we did a test spinnaker hoist and gybe. Just as we gybed the kite, we noticed the pole downhaul snagging the Genoa sheet - black mark to the person who had done the rigging this morning (me!). We soon fixed that, and prepared for the gate start for the Practice Race.
Either by accident or design, the line of the gate start was a transit from the committee boat to the western edge of Looe itself. So we could get a reasonable start, although we could have benefitted from being another boat length nearer the gate boat. Then we were off. It looked like there were a few other "pond" sailors with us.
As this was the Practice Race, we kept to the right hand and centre of the course, and arrived at the windward mark with a gaggle of other boats. For some reason, the spinnaker was really difficult to hoist and we had a foot of halyard from the mast (it should be one inch). We chased a few other boats and gybed ok round the spreader mark. Then a quick drop at the leeward mark, and a quick tack out of trouble to get back up the Beat. At the top mark and "spreader", the spinnaker was again difficult to hoist, so we had to let off the rig tension to get the kite up. That cost us distance. Then a massive tug to put the rig tension back on, and we were back in the race again.
We finished the practice race with half a dozen boats behind us. A reasonable result to start with.
A quick sandwich, and it was the gate start for the first race. Again, we were about a boat length too low, but made good progress up the Beat, keeping our eyes on the other 'Harp sailors around.
This time the spinnaker reaches were easier on the hoist, and we got in a couple of reasonable gybes. But we seemed to loose pace downwind, although maintained our position on the Beat. The wind seemed to be getting stronger, and the waves were about 3 feet at times.
This was a triangle-sausage-triangle course. On the last triangle, we dropped the kite before the gybe at the wing mark - I'd rather finish than capsize in the first race! The final downwind leg was great surfing - one wave seemed to carry us for ages, and I was convinced we were going to fall off the front of it
The final Beat to the finish line, we were part of a collection of four WHSC boats all vying for position. I was on Port, and aimed for the committee boat at the right hand side of the finish line. Just then, another boat came in on Starboard, so we had to tack off and he beat us to the line. Pity. Maybe I should have ducked him instead, but a tack had been the safest option. We had finished.
The biggest News Story of the day occurred as we were back on the beach: I had dropped the sails when I fell backwards in the boat, grabbed the mast to steady myself, and dragged it on top of me - the "gate" was open, and the forestay bungee snapped. It was the quickest dis-masting ever!
There was no lasting damage - except my dignity - and we soon replaced the bungee ready for the next race.
We had given a reasonable account of ourselves. But we know we are capable of doing better. We shall see in races 2 and 3 tomorrow.
Saturday, 5 August 2017
Nationals Practice in Looe (2)
The second days practice was meant to focus on gate starts.
It ended up being a lot more than that.
The coach was Niki Birrell. Niki is a para- Olympian, and he clearly knows about a huge amount about sailing.
Yesterday, we heard about sailing "in the groove" - that state where the boat sails fast and everything is being managed properly in a routine manner. I think it is fair to say that for the first 20 minutes today we were decidedly NOT "in the groove". Maybe I was thinking too much about my lunch, or maybe we just needed to get our "sea legs" back again. Some small mistakes were made. However, we did finally settle down.
Wind was again 11 to 15 knots, although more Northerly, and with shallower waves compared with yesterday.
We started out with a "follow my leader", having to hoist and gybe the spinnaker on demand.
The next exercise was a set of windward / leeward races, with a conventional starting line.
By now, we had a routine for the Beat in these conditions:
So we pushed hard upwind. Then Niki appears behind us in the coaching RIB. He shouts out "more kicker!". What ?? Can my new EXE sails handle that leech tension? Come to think of it, the effect of the kicker is to bend the mast, and mine is probably 10 years old. But we rammed on more kicker - Niki was right, of course.
Then we did some (slightly chaotic!) gate starts, with one of us acting as the "pathfinder".
At the end of the session, I felt we were getting ourselves "in the groove". The boat was feeling fast. We won't be able to win any prizes, but I am confident we can give a good account of ourselves in the coming week.
The end-of-day de-brief was a really helpful way to consolidate lessons learnt.
Tomorrow is a full Practice Race, followed by the first race of the 2017 National Championships.
GP14 no 13941 looks impressive in her race sponsorship stickers and tally number "7".
We are ready.
Yesterday, we heard about sailing "in the groove" - that state where the boat sails fast and everything is being managed properly in a routine manner. I think it is fair to say that for the first 20 minutes today we were decidedly NOT "in the groove". Maybe I was thinking too much about my lunch, or maybe we just needed to get our "sea legs" back again. Some small mistakes were made. However, we did finally settle down.
Wind was again 11 to 15 knots, although more Northerly, and with shallower waves compared with yesterday.
We started out with a "follow my leader", having to hoist and gybe the spinnaker on demand.
The next exercise was a set of windward / leeward races, with a conventional starting line.
By now, we had a routine for the Beat in these conditions:
- Kicker: on hard
- Cunningham: on hard
- Outhaul: tight out
- Boom in as tight as possible
- Hike out hard
- Work the waves
So we pushed hard upwind. Then Niki appears behind us in the coaching RIB. He shouts out "more kicker!". What ?? Can my new EXE sails handle that leech tension? Come to think of it, the effect of the kicker is to bend the mast, and mine is probably 10 years old. But we rammed on more kicker - Niki was right, of course.
Then we did some (slightly chaotic!) gate starts, with one of us acting as the "pathfinder".
At the end of the session, I felt we were getting ourselves "in the groove". The boat was feeling fast. We won't be able to win any prizes, but I am confident we can give a good account of ourselves in the coming week.
The end-of-day de-brief was a really helpful way to consolidate lessons learnt.
Tomorrow is a full Practice Race, followed by the first race of the 2017 National Championships.
GP14 no 13941 looks impressive in her race sponsorship stickers and tally number "7".
We are ready.
Friday, 4 August 2017
Nationals Practice in Looe (1)
What a great day !
We arrived at Looe fairly early, having stayed with relatives nearby the night before.
So far, it looks like there are a dozen or so boats - no doubt others will arrive tomorrow, ready for the first race on Sunday.
The sea-front is looking crowded already.
We arrived at Looe fairly early, having stayed with relatives nearby the night before.
So far, it looks like there are a dozen or so boats - no doubt others will arrive tomorrow, ready for the first race on Sunday.
The sea-front is looking crowded already.
Some of us "pond sailors" signed up for some sea training. Today's training was led by Jules Ford, who is a former GP14 sailor and is now a professional coach.
The objective was to learn to sail in high winds and waves. The wind was 11 to 16 knots and the waves less than a meter, so ideal conditions to practice in.
The first challenge was to navigate down the concrete slipway at Looe and along the river to the open sea. After some "No, after You" discussions some brave souls ventured out and we were heading for the English Channel and a westerly breeze.
The first exercise was a simple windward / leeward course, learning to adjust the mainsail settings as we hit the top of the wave, and to surf down the waves with the spinnaker flying downwind.
As we were in the open water, there was plenty of opportunity to practice each technique. The beats just seemed to go on forever. Surfing was also fun - the boat gives you areal kick when the wave catches you and forces you forward.
Simon & I had a great time - trying to time the attack to each wave-top, and make sure we didn't lose out in the troughs. I still have a terrible tendency to "pinch", though. Give that there were a dozen boats, we had some interesting fleet racing at times.
The next exercise was practicing lay-line approaches. We went wide of the mark and tried to judge if we would get to it, or have to go higher. A bit of anxiety built up as we appprached each buoy.
Simon & I had a great time - trying to time the attack to each wave-top, and make sure we didn't lose out in the troughs. I still have a terrible tendency to "pinch", though. Give that there were a dozen boats, we had some interesting fleet racing at times.
The next exercise was practicing lay-line approaches. We went wide of the mark and tried to judge if we would get to it, or have to go higher. A bit of anxiety built up as we appprached each buoy.
The weather persisted, and we did an exercise of "hardening up" to order. Our boat speed seemed reasonable in the beats, as we were (just !) keeping up with our opposition boats from the Welsh Harp.
For the final session of "follow my leader", Szymon Matyjaszczuk took over as crew from Simon. We had to match speed with other boats, then head up into a Beat on a whistle.
We also had a game of "river banks" - two power boats who attempted to squeeze the fleet together in order to simulate close-quarter boat-on-boat situations.
All too soon it was over, and Szymon suggested we fly the spinnaker home. We screamed in on a plane with three sails, then had to wait whilst other boats vacated the slipway.
Back at the club, Jules went through the lessons learnt, fielded questions and played back some of the videos from the session.
For the final session of "follow my leader", Szymon Matyjaszczuk took over as crew from Simon. We had to match speed with other boats, then head up into a Beat on a whistle.
We also had a game of "river banks" - two power boats who attempted to squeeze the fleet together in order to simulate close-quarter boat-on-boat situations.
All too soon it was over, and Szymon suggested we fly the spinnaker home. We screamed in on a plane with three sails, then had to wait whilst other boats vacated the slipway.
Back at the club, Jules went through the lessons learnt, fielded questions and played back some of the videos from the session.
Tomorrow's training is on gate starts. Can't wait !
I think I will sleep well tonight.
I think I will sleep well tonight.
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