Two Opens - two finishes

It's been a while since the last blog. Those of you who know me well will realise that "no news" is typically an indication of "not good news". It has been an interesting time, although I fear that the results are not particularly impressive.

At Leigh on Sea on 7 May, Gerry & I had the first occasion when 13941 was being towed by our brand new Toyota Auris. Unfortunately, there were ongoing problems with the tow bar number plate / light unit. In the end, this was traced down to a poor connection in the extension socket - we needed an extension cable a while ago since the original light unit cable was too short. The net result was that we arrived at Leigh on Sea half an hour later than we had hoped.

Leigh on Sea, near Southend-on-Sea, an interesting place - the tide seems to be miles out of the shore before rushing in over the shallow sand at high tide.  

Gerry did a great job. At the start of the first race we had a problem with our spinnaker halyard, which left us without any spinnaker for the first race. Despite this, we kept in touch with the back of the fleet. 

At the end of the first race, we got some help from the safety boat to retrieve the spinnaker halyard and re-rig. We completed this before the 5 minute gun, so were able to join in race 2. 

During race 2, we discovered that the spinnaker guy was rigged behind the forestay - another fault on my part, and another distraction preventing us focusing on the race. 

The third race was our best (i.e., we had one other boat behind us), but it was strong conditions, and we did not quite get in the groove.

All in all, it was one of those days when the helm (me!)  was not paying enough attention. Speaking a few weeks later to my friend Lesley, she said she found it difficult to judge which side of the course was the favourable one. I agreed - I had been following her at the time !

All good experience. Gerry did well, but was let down by circumstances, plus my lack of focus.

The following weekend (14th and 15th May), we were again towing into Essex - this time to the Southern Championships at Stone.  This time, Kevin Laitak had agreed to crew for me. This was the first time that he had crewed in an event outside the Welsh Harp, and he acquitted himself very well.

Bearing in mind the importance of this event, I did my homework this time. The tide was expected to be strong, and my analysis of the wind & tide gave me some ideas before we even started out. I also had the privilege of chatting with Mark Wolf, who has sailed in GP14 Nationals and Worlds events. Mark advised me to set my boat up for speed, rather than just height. He had loads of other advice as well, all of which proved helpful, and gave me confidence. 

The first day involved a very long reach from Stone Sailing Club out to the Blackwater sailing area. 13941 was last to the racing area, because I had to run back and get the Cunningham rope from the car at the last minute - don't rush when trying to rig the boat!  The race officer did not have to delay the race for us, so thanks for his/her kindness in the circumstances. 

Race conditions were force 4, gusting 5, so we needed to keep on our toes. The anti-clockwise triangle-sausage course was the largest Kevin had ever raced on. For the first race, we went left to compensate for the ebbing tide. The second race was at low tide, and the third race needed us to go right as the tide came in. 

All-in-all, we seemed to lack boat speed  - maybe some sharper tacking next time would help - and were at the back of the fleet.  But we were satisfied that out tactics were broadly correct. 

The last race was a bit disappointing; we had a rapid spinnaker drop on the second leg, and got pushed over by a gust. We lost the burgee when the boat turned turtle. I was able to right the boat, but the spinnaker caught in the shrouds and could not be freed. It reminded me of the time in Brixham when we broached near the end of the race. Unfortunately, on this occasion, we had over a lap to go (not just a few yards), so we had no choice but to call in the safety boat and retire. Two race results in the bag. Put down to experience. 

The following day, the weather was very calm, and there was a risk that we would not sail at all. 

In the end, the race officers were able to put together a right-handed triangle-sausage near to the Stone club, so we were able to get in 2 races. In each case, we assessed the tide impact, and were able to keep up with the fleet. Kevin's spinnaker work improved immensely over the weekend. The last race saw us bail out from a bad start, then go up the right hand side of the course, to end up mid-fleet at the first mark. Then on the downwind sausage we had a bit of fun luffing up the GP14 president (well, you have to, don't you.......?? )

But there were mistakes on my part, which meant we were behind everyone at the finish. 

So I had two tiring weekends, ending up at the back of the fleet. It's all very well having good tactics, but without good overall boat speed, you are still at the back.

All in all, I hope I have learnt something. 

I need to get my confidence back. 

So back into the gym, and more time on the water...

Spring Season begins - more work to do

For us, this weekend was the start of the GP14 Open Series, which always starts with the running of the Venetian Trophy at the Welsh Harp.

I think the results were a bit disappointing. Gerry did a great job, particularly with his spinnaker handling, and we had some flashes of excitement, but in the end we were near the bottom of the fleet.

The important thing to remember, for me, is to focus on the process of sailing, and learn from every outing, no matter how good or bad the result is.

We had a reasonable start on the first race, but gradually slid back at each lap. My personal consolation was that at least I beat my friend David Innes - a rare occurrence.

After lunch, feeling more encouraged, we had a very good start at the second race, and were able to keep near "mid fleet", with some good spinnaker work, but ended up 22nd out of 25 boats.

The third race was a very embarrassing start - we managed to ground the centre-board and were stuck (literally) and got off the line significantly later than anyone else. Unfortunately, we were not able to catch up very much. So we ended up near the back again.

Gerry was probably more alert than I was during the races - he called out changes in wind conditions.
I was the one that was not paying enough attention.

Lessons to bear in mind:

• ensure you get a good nights sleep the night before!
• go through the motivational log before sailing each time.
• mentally and physically "warm up", so that you can pay attention and focus during the duration of the race.
• Keep your head out of the boat, and look for wind conditions. 

Have I learnt anything? I think so - here's looking forward to the next race.

First "A" First in Club Racing

GP14 no 13941 returned from the repair yard in style last Saturday (19 March 2016) by winning the first race at the Welsh Harp Sailing Club. 

I hadn't helmed in a "A" race since the unfortunate accident in February, which meant a trip to Ben Dingwall to repair a significant hole in the bow.  As well as damaging the boat, the incident hit my confidence hard.  

When I did feel able to get back in the water, my good friend Lesley Kaye let me crew for her. But 19th was the day to re-rig my own boat and take the helm myself. 

I had been contacted by Sophie Blanchard, who is rapidly gaining a reputation as a winning crew, having taken the front seat in a number of boats who have crossed the finishing line first. So I was honoured when she asked if she could crew for me, although we had not sailed together beforehand. 

The conditions were ideal for me: 11 to 15 knots, so good hyking conditions without being too physical. The wind was Easterly, and I had previously been told by Roger Walton that the advantageous side of the course would be the Southern shore. So that formed the basis of our strategy. I also sailed the boat a lot "looser" than previously (less kicker, out haul or Cunningham). And I knew that the two of us could coordinate some good roll-tacks. 

We had a reasonable start (maybe fifth across the line) and chased after Steve Cooper and others. Mindful of the advice, we stayed on the right side of the course longer than most, and were among the first three at the windward mark. Continuing to apply the same tactics, we were in the lead by the end of the first lap, and were able to grow the gap during the next few legs.  

The challenge for me in these circumstances is a tendency to panic and lose concentration. Sophie was reminding me to "breathe" and help retain focus. 

The third lap saw Andy Wadsworth catch up and overtake us during a poor mark rounding. We fought back, and were just ahead until the final mark, when a decision to tack opened up a window for Andy to beat us to the finish line. 

It was a tense few moments as we inched the boat ahead and just crossed the line first. 

It was the first time I had won an "A" race. I admit responsibility for the high pitched yell that was probably heard throughout the Welsh Harp! 

Sophie took over the helm for her race. Her objective was to gain another "first", so that she could seal the "B" series, which only had a couple more races.  To be honest, I was not fully focused, so we ended up 4th or 5th. Not bad, but a bit disappointing for her as far as the series is concerned. 

Nevertheless, Sophie has reinforced her reputation as the "winning crew". 

And I took the family out to celebrate that evening. 

Very encouraged, and a very big thank you to Sophie as the crew. 

====

Boat specs:

Manufacture: SpeedSails GRP

Sails: P&B Mylar 

Tension: 400lbs

Mast rake: 21'9.5"

Psychology for getting back on the water

It has been a frustrating time during the last few weeks, as I was off sick. Then, when I did return,  I was involved in an accident that affected by confidence - not to mention getting significant repairs done to 13941.

It was discouraging, but I need to get back on the water, and start focusing on racing again.

The time off has given me a chance to catch up with conversations I had last year with a very impressive Sports Psychologist called Gary Leboff. Building upon his record with Premiership footballers and top-level golfers, Gary has adapted sports-related strategies to the demands of corporate team building and motivation.

Steeped in the ethos of champions, Gary has worked in football, tennis, rugby union and golf. I must say that his approach to coaching and the training environment is refreshing, accessible and user friendly.

So it was a pleasure to meet with him last year, and gain insight into his psychology for winning dinghy races.

I don't want to give away any secrets, but there was one piece of advice that he gave me which proved successful in the National Championships last year.

His advice was too focus on the PROCESS, not the OUTCOME. Personally, I am always looking ahead, and as a result I think so much about what I am trying to achieve that I forget to concentrate on actually achieving it.

It seemed to work for me: I remember one race in the 2015 Nationals when I deliberately concentrated hard on his advice, and cleared my mind of any thoughts, other than the precise tasks I had in front of me.  It may be coincidence, but that was my best position in the regatta.

Lots of food for thought.

To back that up, I notice that the RYA web site has a very interesting article on  Mental Toughness in Sailing by Skandia Team GBR's psychologist, Dr. Ben Chell

Finally, I was able to go to the Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace, where I took overheard part of a presentation by London 2012 silver medallists Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark, also talking about the psychology of winning. One of the take-aways I had from their presentation, was a Goal Setting grid and scorecard, showing what I want to achieve, and the tasks I will need to perform in order to get there. If it is good enough for Olympic medallists, who are preparing for Rio this year, then it might just be worth my while trying it.

I've started putting together my own view of the goals I want to achieve, complete with the Red / Amber / Green status indicator over time. There's a bit more refinement needed, but I think they are nearly there.

SO, with some clearer ideas of what I am aiming for, and more focused approach, it's time to collect 13941 from the repair shop. AND time to get back on the water....

Racing Accident = facing discouragement

Saturday 13 February was not a good day at the office for Gerry & myself riding our GP14, sail number 13941.

Conditions were strong, but not excessive: we had faced similar conditions in the Bloody Mary Regatta in January. But I have to say that I was not feeling 100% confident.

The wind was easterly, which meant a start around no 1 buoy, with some beats across the lake, followed by the prospect of a screaming spinnaker run back. It was not to be.

Gerry was timekeeper on the start, and I was really pleased with the timing to the line, and the positioning, close to the port biased end. My boat handling was not perfect, but we were around the middle of the fleet at the first leg, threading our way through the pack.

As we came in on Port Tack to head towards number 4 buoy, I failed to notice James Stafford in 14038, on Starboard Tack - i.e. he had right of way.  A manic pull on the tiller extension at the last minute meant that we hit James' boat around the port shrouds, rather than the bow, and sliced off a significant part of our bow in so doing. 14038 sustained damage, but he was able to continue the race, and ended up 8th.

We did our "turns" - paying the penalty for infringement of the rules. But bearing in mind the damage, the correct action was for us to retire immediately.

When we got the boat off the water, we realised that the damage was worse than we had feared. The boat is currently with a specialist for repairs. We will, off course, be covering the repair costs for 14038 as well as 13941.

Gerry, who was my crewman on lookout, was upset by the accident. But ultimately the responsibility was mine to ensure that we obeyed the rules and kept clear of other boats. This was the worst crash I had ever been involved in.

I felt bad for James, who was using the day as a final preparation race prior to taking part in the GP14 World Championships in Barbados in Easter. This was the event which I had dreamt about for the last couple of years, but we subsequently withdrew.

James Stafford was very gracious about the whole event. He was one of the first people I crewed for back in 2006/2007 when I first started racing. We wish James , and his crew Patrick Erwin, all the best for the World Championships in Barbados.

In the meantime, I am spending my time constructively reading about how to improve my dinghy racing, writing up the blog, and wondering when I will be back on the water.

The "Bloody Mary" Regatta

We did it ! Gerry & I have competed in the famous "Bloody Mary" regatta at Queen Mary reservoir. And we are alive to tell about it ( see photo!). 

The Bloody Mary Pursuit Race is the largest inland dinghy race held in the UK. Open to all dinghy classes with a PY number equal to or lower that the International Topper, it takes the form of a two and half hour Pursuit Race with the slowest boat starting at 12:00 noon and the faster boats starting progressively later depending on a handicap rating which is set by the Race Committee.

This iconic event, which is in the Yachts and Yachting hall of fame as one of the Top 5 events in the world, draws competitors from all over the UK and the Continent.

The day had not started well:- We had hired a car with a tow bar to take us from the Welsh Harp to Queen Mary Sailing Club, only to discover that it had a 13-pin electric socket, which did not work with the 7-pin electric plug on our lighting board. A quick trip to the Welsh Harp Boat Shop resolved this - thanks to Rob and Jeff at the shop for your advice - but we ended up an hour later than we had planned. It was then a case of rapidly rigging the boat (along with 200 others), whilst Gerry rushed off to find out what the course was.

The earlier forecasts had 15-20 knot winds, with 30+ gusts, but initially the conditions looked milder. So the decision was taken to use our best P&B sails - the occasion warranted it.

We launched a bit late, and ate a couple of sandwiches on the boat, as we waited for the 23 minute starting slot.

Fortunately, there weren't that many slower boats like the GP14, so we were able to get a reasonable start, although some way behind the other 4 or 5 "GP"s that were in the same starting slot. The Laser start was happening behind us, and after a few minutes we began to notice them on our tail. Gerry's job as lookout had just go more difficult !

The course was massive and complex, and Gerry had taped a map to the boat, and was continually having to review it.

Following the first beat, we hoisted the spinnaker, and were able to make good progress down-wind. The Asymmetric Spinnaker boats were off to the sides, as we took the shortest course. After gybing, it was time to drop our spinnaker. Unfortunately, I dropped the halyard too quickly, Gerry put the kite into the wrong part of the boat, and we ended up with knitting all over the floor, and a spinnaker sheet under the hull. Thus ended our spinnaker flying for the day. Mistakes happen. It was a pity, because much of the course turned out to be dead down-wind, so we had to "goose wing" the sails in those circumstances.

Half way round the course, the fun began, as faster boats like 420s (with fitter, more able helms) began to sneak past us. We were having to make allowances for these, as we gauged the overlap at each mark rounding.

We completed the first circuit of the reservoir, but then realised that all was not over - another hour-and-a-half to go, and another two entire circuits.

Things got exciting at one mark, as we were overtaken by a high performance 505, with a tough-looking crew-member hanging on the trapeze at full stretch. They promptly capsized right at the mark rounding. I think they were enjoying themselves. We had to take avoiding action.

The wind was getting stronger, and other boats were capsizing around the place, but Gerry did a great job helping to keep the boat flat.

Mark rounding began to get complicated, as boats came in from all angles. A couple of RS 400 suddenly arrived at full speed.

I did manage to luff up an unfortunate RS 200 about 10 boat lengths from one mark, so we made a perfect rounding: only a small victory, but it gave me a slight satisfaction !

Where did that Foiling Moth come from ? ??

As the day progressed, the wind got stronger, there were more capsizes, and the fleet spread out in front of us. It began to be tricky to find the next mark. We were reduced to debating with passing boats, until we eventually worked out where to go.

It was a long, tiring race, as we eventually ended up with a gaggle of RS Quests for company, and a lonely Topper. As we went round the final mark, the committee boat at the finishing line called out a "well done". We had made it. Gerry had done a brilliant crewing job.

Our final score was 196th out of 218 entrants.

The wind really picked up at the end, and we were planning back on a reach to the clubhouse. The wind began to scream through 200 sets of rigging, as everyone struggled to get their boats packed away. In the end, the promised 20 knot winds arrived - and more - with what seemed like hailstones at time. It took hours to get the boat packed away and make our way home in the darkness back to the Welsh Harp.

We had done the "Bloody Mary" - nothing had broken, no capsizes - and lived to tell the tale !

Back on the water again...

According to my log book, the last time I sailed was November 28th, and Gerry & I ended up capsized, and withdrew from both races. So a cautious approach was required today. 

In fairness, I had been sick during most of December, and at the end of that period I was prescribed an inhaler to address breathing difficulties. 

Add to that the fact that I was clearly not well during my last gym training session on 1st December, and I think I have a reasonable excuse for taking things easy. 

The conditions were forecast for 20 knots wind, with 50 knot gusts. But in the end it seemed more like 10 knots with 20 or 25 knot gusts. 

We did both races, and spent a lot of time doing practice starts, before getting a couple of reasonable starts in the actual races. Bearing in mind the conditions, we did not fly the spinnaker, and ended up about 2/3 down the fleet at the finish. 

A cautious day, with no upsets. So a good way to get back into Racing. 

I hope to be back in the gym this week, and aiming to get back into competitive condition. 

Next week, Gerry & I will be taking part in the famous "Bloody Mary" regatta at Queen Mary Sailing Club. The organisers are expecting 300 boats of all classes, for a 2-and-a-half hour pursuit race. Looking forward to it. 

Will aim to post a report next week. 

If you are - happy sailing !