Seasalter SC teach-in [A visitor's view]
Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 7:13 pm
A visitor's view wrote:
A party of five Sprint 15 sailors from Thorpe Bay enterred the Seasalter teach-in. These five were the two Sverdloff brothers Gerald and Gary, Peter Haynes, Chris Maloney and myself. We joined twelve others making 17 in all. Straightaway, we were met by Steve and Joan Willis who made us feel very welcome.
Cutting a long story short, we all lined up our boats on the beach to await inspection by Nick Dewhirst, our leader for the weekend. He duly arrived and after a short introduction, proceeded to the beach. Nick was in fine form as he usually is with Sprint 15 folk. Each boat in its turn was given his critical eye, for the education and entertainment of all. We were all enthralled by his performance which was witty as well. I wish I had brought a tape recorder.
The wind was light, but we had a stroke of luck. No sooner had we launched, the wind blew up to a good force five. There were about ten one-lap races in scintilating conditions. Then there was a debrief to analyse where we could improve.
The wind started light on sunday as well, so we did capsize drill in the boat park. This time, Steve Willis and Chris Stafford took over and showed us their own methods on how to climb aboard, after righting an upturned boat. It was a trick none of us had seen before.
Then it was to the water once again. Once more, the wind was light to begin with, which meant Nick was able to get close enough to each boat from the RIB, to give advice. Some excellent close quarter sailing ensued which paved the way for the final races. Once again, the wind rapidly increased to force four, and this gave a chance for the entrants to show off their new found skills.
The evening entertainment included Nick's box of wooden objects which were carefully laid upon the floor. It was his impression of Instow harbour, which ought to be considered for the Turner Prize.
Lastly, a word about Seasalter SC and its members. I have to say I have seldom found a club so friendly, welcoming, and helpful. In particular, I thank on behalf of all, the members who forwent their own sailing in order that we could enjoy ours. A special thanks to Linda for helping everyone with their boats up the beach. The kitchen helpers were excellent in providing us with wholesome yet modestly priced food. Thanks for a lovely weekend.
Andrew Hannah, TBYC.
A party of five Sprint 15 sailors from Thorpe Bay enterred the Seasalter teach-in. These five were the two Sverdloff brothers Gerald and Gary, Peter Haynes, Chris Maloney and myself. We joined twelve others making 17 in all. Straightaway, we were met by Steve and Joan Willis who made us feel very welcome.
Cutting a long story short, we all lined up our boats on the beach to await inspection by Nick Dewhirst, our leader for the weekend. He duly arrived and after a short introduction, proceeded to the beach. Nick was in fine form as he usually is with Sprint 15 folk. Each boat in its turn was given his critical eye, for the education and entertainment of all. We were all enthralled by his performance which was witty as well. I wish I had brought a tape recorder.
The wind was light, but we had a stroke of luck. No sooner had we launched, the wind blew up to a good force five. There were about ten one-lap races in scintilating conditions. Then there was a debrief to analyse where we could improve.
The wind started light on sunday as well, so we did capsize drill in the boat park. This time, Steve Willis and Chris Stafford took over and showed us their own methods on how to climb aboard, after righting an upturned boat. It was a trick none of us had seen before.
Then it was to the water once again. Once more, the wind was light to begin with, which meant Nick was able to get close enough to each boat from the RIB, to give advice. Some excellent close quarter sailing ensued which paved the way for the final races. Once again, the wind rapidly increased to force four, and this gave a chance for the entrants to show off their new found skills.
The evening entertainment included Nick's box of wooden objects which were carefully laid upon the floor. It was his impression of Instow harbour, which ought to be considered for the Turner Prize.
Lastly, a word about Seasalter SC and its members. I have to say I have seldom found a club so friendly, welcoming, and helpful. In particular, I thank on behalf of all, the members who forwent their own sailing in order that we could enjoy ours. A special thanks to Linda for helping everyone with their boats up the beach. The kitchen helpers were excellent in providing us with wholesome yet modestly priced food. Thanks for a lovely weekend.
Andrew Hannah, TBYC.