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| Viewing Page 1 of 1 (Total Posts: 17) |
| Author | Comment |
Neil
 IP: 92.233.237.49 Apr 24, 08 - 11:55 PM |
If you don't race read this
Dear All When I first joined Kielder water I had no intention of racing. For me, it was the attraction of miles of non-tidal water to cruise in, with no ferries (North Sea!) to contend with, that was the pull. But having tasted racing, and with the support of almost everyone at the club, I have found racing so much more fulfilling. Yes, I am invariably last, but then there is the remote possibility of second last, then perhaps third last,even eighth and suddenly you are hooked ! My biggest fear was always to be last, to terminally embarrass myself, and yet I have been there and it ain't so bad. In fact, no one cares and in fact taking part appears to be the greatest honour...we all seem to be winners! So if you haven't raced why don't you speak to Steve or Viola or anyone who seems to know what they are talking about (don't ask me!) and get more involved in racing. Its the start of the season...give it a go and don't miss the opportunity. Just think about it, next week you could be behind me...now that would be a step forward! See you on the water Neil |
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Judy
IP: 86.9.31.75 Apr 25th, 2008 - 7:14 AM |
Re: If you don't race read this
Last week I was behind you! Racing is a good reason to get out on the water even if you're not aiming to win ... and an excellent excuse for saying "oh, I've got to be at Kielder this weekend, it's the next set of novice races"! Judy (cruiser at heart) 
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Peter
IP: 86.129.13.235 Apr 25th, 2008 - 8:20 AM |
Re: If you don't race read this
Ruth and I were just the same: no interest in racing, just wanted to potter about in a boat full of sandwiches, cake and beer :) It took a whole season to get us hooked. Racing is superb fun, and Kielder's legendary friendliness is just as evident on the race course as it is on a cruise. And don't let being at the back put you off: I did my first ever single class open last year, and came in the high 30's of 39 boats in every race, but those last 4 places were just as hotly contested as the top 3! We are totally obsessed now 
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Graham
IP: 78.148.76.240 Apr 25th, 2008 - 8:34 AM |
Re: If you don't race read this
When racing our Osprey our main ambition is to be over the finish line before Viola has put the cover on her boat...... If she gets changed before putting the boat away then we are in with a chance! Even at the back of the fleet there is so much fun to be had working out how to sail around a fixed course that being last is not anything to worry about. Racing is possibly the best way to improve your general sailing skills and with the crowd on Kielder great fun too! |
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Steve
IP: 86.152.1.58 Apr 25th, 2008 - 9:24 AM |
Re: If you don't race read this
Fantastic stuff - well one Neil for startng this read. If tere is plenty of interest (at least 6) then I would happily put on another Start Racing Course (aka "Noddy and Big Ears Go Racing")as soon as possible. Steve |
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Viola
IP: 83.67.105.75 Apr 25th, 2008 - 11:53 AM |
Re: If you don't race read this
Neil, 13 years ago we started the same way! Pootling about in Michael's Bobbin, with the occasional foray in my old Firefly. I had raced before but Michael was not interested and our family was young so picnics were waht we wanted. However one weekend Michael tried racing and DID enjoy it and since then we have had such fun and satisfaction from it, starting at the back of the Ospreys in Mistral 748, learning the skills and requirements and gradually improving to where we are today. What I am so glad to read is that you feel that the taking part is great bit - for that is the best part for us as well, being part of a group of friends, enjoying our amazing water in lovely fresh air and learning to feel at one with the boat. Just the best..
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Neil
IP: 92.233.237.49 Apr 25th, 2008 - 1:50 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
I've got to say Peter that I still find a boat full of sandwiches, cakes and beer an attractive proposition! I'm sure there is room on the Wayfarer even when racing. Cake anyone... 
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Tony
IP: 81.137.253.207 Apr 25th, 2008 - 1:54 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
I would like to raise a point of order...I though we were the official back markers! :) Hope to see you out there on Sunday....just look behind you...we will be there somewhere....look very closely though..we may just be upside down! Tony |
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Graham
IP: 89.242.137.150 Apr 25th, 2008 - 2:25 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
An Osprey has plenty of room for beer, cake and sandwiches whilst racing... or perhaps thats where we are going wrong! My Father used to crew in fireball number 20 years ago - he never raced without mid race refreshments aboard. His helm would often be trailing a set of mackeral feathers behind the boat up the reaches hoping to catch his tea.... They still sometimes won something but winning was never the prime reason for racing - having fun together was far more important and what better way to spend an afternoon 
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Richard
IP: 80.254.146.4 Apr 25th, 2008 - 3:14 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
Well said Tony. I won't have anybody pinching our coveted wooden spoon just yet. We need everyone in front of us so we can be sure we are going the right way. However this theory can prove less than reliable on longer races as we haven't got a telescope mounted on the foredeck as yet!!! |
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Neil
IP: 92.233.237.49 Apr 25th, 2008 - 3:23 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
Tony and Richard I look forward to trying to get beat by you at the next race. I'll make sure I get a really bad start (shouldn't be difficult) and capsize on the gybe. Perhaps losing is the new winning... 
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Richard
IP: 80.254.146.4 Apr 25th, 2008 - 3:25 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
PS Your too modest Mr Thumtack. I belive you already have a trophy to polish in the shape of an easter egg! |
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Graham
IP: 89.242.137.150 Apr 25th, 2008 - 4:10 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
The easter egg only proves the point that remembering the course is a vital racing tactic - we just chose not to follow the leaders as they sailed the wrong way! Anyway that was in the Miracle which is an unbelievably fast boat - how it goes so fast I have no idea but I can assure you its nothing to do with the nut on the end of the tiller! |
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Mike
IP: 83.67.105.75 Apr 25th, 2008 - 5:53 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
Great to hear! Keep spreading the word. |
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Nancy
IP: 86.148.25.30 Apr 25th, 2008 - 9:04 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
The point about improving ones general sailing ability and confidence is so true. The difficulty with general cruising is that one can choose where to do things, for example gybe where there is some shelter from the wind. I once crewed for some one who would only ever tack... On a set course you are obliged to get on with it. And of course having the company does give you some idea of how well or babdly you are doing. On sunday phil and I were fairly close on Sarah Herberts heels. However a slight miscalculation meant we needed to stick an extra tack in and then we watched as she streaked ahead to the gybe mark. Instant feedback, great fun and another lap to try and get it right. My only regret is that the wind was quite high and I bottled helming and passed it over to phil (despite a lot of encouragement from him). Having said that it was an ace sail and I loved every minute of it. See you sunday... |
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Paul
IP: 81.151.162.36 Apr 26th, 2008 - 5:38 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
Our picnic basket contains Isotonic sport drinks & Fusilli bars. And before the anti 49er comments come flying, they did seem to make a big difference during the Windward Leeward open, so we are sticking with them. |
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Nicola
IP: 86.131.254.246 Apr 29th, 2008 - 3:42 PM |
Re: If you don't race read this
The Picnic Series is on 11 May and is the perfect opportunity to go racing with your picnic hamper. The usual format is a race in the morning, to the picnic destination, convivial picnicking, then a couple of races in the afternoon. It's a one-day series with 2 of the 3 races to count. People who don't want to race can cruise to the picnic location. If your boat does not have satisfactory hamper storage facilities, the patrol boat will transport your hamper for you. Previous Picnic Series days have been very jolly occasions and it's a good way into racing if you haven't done much (or any!) before. It's a good day for the Juniors as well. |
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