Saturday dawned bright and sunny with a force 4-5 Southwesterly wind. James Hurst from Grafham was one of the first too arrive after Martin Searle and Chris Stafford. They helped James to get his boat off his trailer. During this Steve Willis and Kevin Dutch (Sprint 15 2007 Summer Series TT Champion) arrived who were going to run the training weekend. Kevin then helped James to put on new toe-straps onto his boat which meant everything had to be taken apart, during this it was noticed that James's mast had water dripping from the join. When it was pulled apart several litres of water poured out! James's boat was then put together again in double quick time. By this time the other attendees had arrived they included Joan Willis, Mark Kempson, John Suffee, Elizabeth Elk and David Johnson all from Seasalter and Mandy Bruce from Whitstable, who was borrowing Nick Dewhirsts boat. To make a small but enthusiastic bunch. Introductions were made with each person giving a quick summary of their sailing experience. After everyone had gotten their boats out of storage they were laid out in the boat park and each boat was given the once over by the instructors with various adjustments being made to their fittings etc as appropriate. There was then a capsize drill complete with a practical demonstration of where to stand on the boat when on its side and how to get it into the wind. We then moved over to another boat which had been turned upside down to simulate a turtle capsize and a demonstration ensued on how to get it back up onto its side. Then it was onto the water where everyone had a chance to sail with Kevin Dutch on board to learn new techniques. Instruction was also given from the patrol boats (driven by Martin and Chris) to help people who were having trouble. During this Mark Kempson decided it was time to put his new capsize drill knowledge too the test and capsized! He was successful in righting the boat unaided. Not to be out-done David Johnson also took a spill! The fleet enjoyed reaching up and down so much that all thoughts of doing some race training were abandoned! We did manage to get them to sail round the course for fun. But everyone had a good sail with all the attendees enjoying the flat calm water conditions with a force 5 wind plus Sun! After sailing was finished for the day, Steve Willis de-briefed each attendee seperately. At 16.00 or so everyone retired either to the bar (the locals!) or went to their lodgings, James. The night was also Seasalter Sailing Clubs Salsa Dancing night so the club room was prepared for the event, Mike Lennon brought all his music kit down to play the sultry latin tunes. Then was time for FOOD! Lesley Stafford had worked her usual magic and laid on a quite excellent buffet. With everyone re-stocked with energy the salsa started with Mike Lennon leading a short lesson with many of the 15 fleet joining in the fun and then a freestyle session afterwards where you could do what you liked. The leading exponents proved to be Martin Searle and John Suffee who both regularly attend Salsa classes strutting their stuff with various ladies!, the event was advertised to several of the local Salsa Clubs by Martin and as a result there were some very good ladies there and so we were able to put on a great show for the beginners! A great night was had with the music playing from 20.30 through until midnight. I left at 01.00 but John and Kevin both didn't retire until 4 or 5 in the morning! Sunday dawned with a 6-7 Southwesterly and increasing. It was decided that sailing was not possible since it was too windy for any learning to be carried out which was a great pity since we were unable to carry out the all important race practice. Thus we retired to the club room and Steve Willis discussed various points from Yesterday and also went through various scenes from a cat sailing DVD with regard to the Sprint 15.Kevin not rising until mid-day! but looking at the way his tent was lying flat from the wind blowing against it it might not have been through choice ;-). Shortly after 13.00 the weekend was drawn to a close with the wind now gusting to force 8+, Everyone seemed to have a good time during the weekend. Video: James Hurst and Kevin Dutch  Kevin and Mandy  James Hurst collects boat from beach  Over the top. Pictures by Martin Searle |
