Strips on the water is never a good sign

As Jane and I arrived in the morning the pond look like someone was getting it ready for a swimming gala, with stripes all across the water making it look like lanes in a swimming pool.

Being the brave souls we are, we set out in our boat to check the conditions. The high winds were not to bad running at Force 4.5, but when the gust came through (at what felt like Force 6) spinning as they came, we eventually found ourselves in the water. Other brave souls that went out in the morning was Dylon and Rory, both went for a swim, with Rory managing to do a 360 with a difference, bow over stern, which is not easy in an Oppy.

After speaking with the officer of the day, who felt just for a change he would give Sharks the other end of the pond, the end were the worst of the winds was, Jane and I decided that land drills were long over due.

So a Topper was set up in the shelter of the Topper Park and we looked at tacking the bow of boat through the wind. Our group Guy, Hannah, Will, Dylon and Rory all took it in turns to practise best practice when Tacking.

Key points - Look behind you to see all is clear. Push away the tiller. WAIT for the boom to come over (Dylon). Move across the boat with the foot towards the rear of the boat first. Rotate the tiller extension so as to straiten the rudder. Sit down on the other side and face forward, steering behind your back until you are ready to change hands.

The star of the land drill was Guy, very closely followed by Hannah. So just add water is all that is needed.

We finished off by going through a few notes. All had a good time especially when we looked out onto the water to see the bottom of quite a few boats.

Light Winds with a twist 23rd April

There was an excellent turn out on Saturday with Ben, Chloe, Eve, Gemma, Sean, Will, Dillon and Frayer and new to Sharks Katie.

There was a lot of flowting about as the wind was so light, we had a few races, seeing who could fishtail their boat arround a triangler course. I'm not sure who won the race as it took so long, the overal winner was the weather. After some fun and games with Ben getting a dunking, I believe assisted by his helm, we slowly made our way back in.

After a quick refreshment break we went back out to drift round 7 and back in to put the boats away. Just as we were comming back the wind got up. Eve was sailing her Dad's Laser and went for a swim, she needs to eat more pies, not enough weight on the centre board. Ben got cought and lost the Sprit from the Oppy and lost all power ending up along the shore. Jane and I were both in a Pico and had to hang out to keep it upright. So there was even more fun and games getting the boats in than early in the afternoon.

We were delighted to see so many and all had a fun afternoon. The winner of the word quiz from the collected balls off the water was Katie who managed to not only make a word but a few lines of a song.

We were a bit late stating this week as Jane and I were on a course in the morining. Can we ask that we try to be all there ready to get on the water by 1:00.

Going for Gold April League Table

The winner of the April Going for Gold was Dylan who wins the first of the Jenny Williams cups.

Shustoke Sharks Going for Gold at the 2012 Olymipics

All Sharks have been entered into the RYA Gold Challenge.

So what's the Gold Challenge?

We will be awarding points for attending sailing events up to the 2012 Olympics.

10 points for attending a 3 to 5 hours coached session, that includes our normal Saturday afternoon Sharks session. Or compete in a club race.

20 points for attending an over 6 hour session, such as the RYA Stage three course. Also competing in a Open meeting race.

What can I win?

The possibilities are incredible - we will be awarding individual prizes each month as well entering into the national prizes. More details on this to come.

Check the league table for April.
This months winner gets a new Roster Boyance Aid

Sharks Open Day 9th April 2011

Eight Sharks took to the water on the 9th in some cases into the water. Sean was first with an excellent capsize, then James with a most spectacular head first drive of the top of an upturning Topper and Cloe could just not saty out of the water. The weather was fine the wind good and all that came along had a good sail.