Monday, 10 November 2025

Safety Boat Radio Calls That Work

Clarity, Calm, and Communication on the Water

In the chaos of a capsized boat, a drifting mark, or a sudden squall, your best tool (after your lifejacket) is a clear radio call. But shouting “Help!” into a crackly handheld won’t cut it.

Effective radio comms on the river — especially at busy club events — can save time, prevent confusion, and make sure everyone stays safe.

Here’s how we do it at pmrsailing.uk and Upper Thames Sailing Club.

1. Keep It Short and Clear

Use simple, unambiguous phrases. Speak slowly. Repeat the key part.

❌ “Er… I think one of the boats is maybe sort of stuck on the bank.”
✅ “Whaly 2 to Race Officer: Capsize near upstream mark. Boat upright. All crew safe.”

2. Always Say Who You Are First

Lead with your boat or role:

“T8 to T4…”
“Whaly to Box…”
“Mark boat to Race Control…”

This avoids the dreaded “Who’s that speaking?” when time is short.

3. Use Standard Phrases

“Capsize at [location].”
“Crew safe and with boat.”
“Request support / assistance.”
“Mark has drifted.”
“Race abandoned.”
“Returning to base.”

4. Confirm When a Message is Received

Always close the loop:

“Copy that, T8. Proceed to the upstream mark.”

5. Know When Not to Speak

If the fleet is racing, keep the airwaves clear. Wait, unless it’s urgent. And don’t use the radio to narrate the race!

Example Good Call:

“Whaly to Box: Lightning capsize, 50m above top mark. One sailor in water. Boat upright. T4 assisting.”

A calm, informative call keeps everyone on the same page — and helps the Race Officer or shore team make smart decisions quickly.

Saturday, 8 November 2025

Sailing Term Spotlight: The Rudder – Your Boat’s Steering Wheel

Sailing Term Spotlight: The Rudder – Your Boat’s Steering Wheel

When you're learning to sail, one of the first pieces of equipment you’ll encounter is the rudder — but what exactly does it do, and how?

The rudder is the steering system of a boat. It’s usually a flat blade mounted vertically at the stern (back) of the boat and controlled by a tiller or steering wheel. But unlike a car, a boat doesn’t respond instantly, and turning the rudder the wrong way can take you completely off course.

Manoeuvring: The rudder is essential for executing manoeuvres such as tacking, gybing, and docking.

So, how does it work?

When the rudder is aligned straight behind the boat, it allows the water to flow smoothly past — and the boat keeps moving forward. But angle the rudder to one side, and it deflects the flow of water, pushing the stern in the opposite direction and turning the boat.

It’s simple in theory. But on a river like the Thames, with wind, current, overhanging trees, and other boats to consider, it becomes a bit more… tactical.

Key Rudder Facts:

It only works when water flows over it – so you need forward (or reverse) movement.
It’s not instant – sailboats turn slowly, so plan ahead.
It’s linked to the tiller – and in small boats, moving the tiller left turns the boat right (and vice versa).
It can stall – turning too sharply or with too little speed can reduce control.

What can go wrong?

Weedy rudder – The Thames loves to gift you a tangle of river salad.
Rudder not down properly – If the rudder isn’t fully lowered, it won’t bite into the water and your steering will suffer.
Letting go of the tiller – Just don’t. Unless you want a lesson in unintended direction.

The rudder may look humble, but it’s a powerful control surface. Learn how to use it well, and you’ll glide around marks, navigate gusts, and avoid that awkward moment where the safety boat suddenly has to intervene.

Philip's Sailing Terms The Rudder https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/sailing-terms-list/Rudder.html

Steering the Sailboat Without a Rudder

Can You Really Steer with Just the Sails? Absolutely.

What happens when your rudder falls off, jams, or you forget to put it down before launching (we’ve all done it)? Are you adrift? Not necessarily.

Believe it or not, you can steer a sailboat using only your sails and body weight — if you know how.

This isn’t just a survival skill for dramatic moments on the Thames — it’s also a great way to understand the delicate balance of forces that make sailing possible.

How to Steer Without a Rudder:

1. Use the Sails – Push or Pull the Bow

More mainsail = boat turns away from the wind (bear away)
More jib = boat turns into the wind (luff up)
Adjusting the balance between your main and jib changes the boat’s centre of effort and causes it to pivot.

2. Use Weight Distribution

Shift the crew’s weight:

Move aft (towards the stern) and the bow lifts slightly, increasing weather helm (boat turns into wind).
Move forward and the boat tends to bear away.

Moving side to side also helps — especially in light winds — to encourage the boat to pivot.

3. Use the Centreboard

Raising or lowering the centreboard can affect how easily the boat pivots, especially in light air. Less centreboard = easier to spin.

When Would You Do This?

Your rudder falls off (yes, it happens)
You want to practise balance and sail control
You’re feeling adventurous and want to level up your skills
You’re teaching beginners how sail trim really affects direction

The Catch?

It’s harder. Much harder. And it only works well if:

You’re moving
The wind is stable
You’re not trying to impress your crew

But it’s absolutely possible — and a good sailor should be able to get back to shore rudderless but not clueless.

Friday, 7 November 2025

Electric Safety Boats – Quieter Rescues

The Surprising Benefits of Silence When It Matters Most

There’s a certain irony in traditional petrol-powered safety boats: they roar to your rescue. Helpful, yes — but far from subtle.

At pmrsailing.uk, we’ve been experimenting with our electric Whaly safety boat. And one thing we’ve noticed again and again: quiet matters.

Why Silence is a Safety Feature:

1. You don’t spook the sailors
A capsized sailor already has enough to worry about. The sound of a loud outboard engine screaming towards them can be disorienting or even frightening. An electric boat lets you approach calmly and gently — no panic-inducing noise.

2. Better communication
When you can speak to the sailor in the water — and they can hear you — rescues become faster and safer. Instructions like “Hold onto the boat” or “We’ve got you” carry clearly over the water.

3. You can hear better too
With no engine noise to compete with, the crew can listen for shouts, instructions, or distress. This is particularly useful in busy regattas or youth training.

4. It’s better for the environment and the wildlife
Ducks, fish, and the occasional passing swan prefer the quieter approach too — as do the reeds and banks. Less disturbance, less pollution, less fuel use.

5. Less engine vibration = more control
Our electric safety boat has excellent low-speed control. That makes it easier to hold position near a capsized dinghy, avoid prop wash, and stay safe around swimmers.

Of course, it’s not perfect.

Battery limits, top speed restrictions, and range are factors we’re always monitoring. But for coaching, capsizes, and club days, the electric safety boat is proving its worth — not just in performance, but in peace.

Thursday, 6 November 2025

A-Rater Crewing – What It Takes

The Roles on Board and Why Teamwork Makes These Rockets Fly

Crewing an A-Rater isn’t just about showing up and holding a rope.

These legendary Thames racing machines — with their towering masts, narrow hulls, and sails the size of small gardens — demand precision, timing, and trust from every crew member.

At first glance, they look impossibly elegant. But step aboard, and you’ll quickly learn that teamwork is everything.

The Three Key Roles Aboard an A-Rater:

👨‍✈️ Helm – The Driver

Steers the boat
Calls the tactics (when to tack, when to cover)
Feels the pressure and directs the team
Often the most experienced person on board
Must have nerves of steel and a good shouty voice

⚖️ Midhand – The Human Ballast

Moves quickly to balance the boat
Keeps the boat flat through tacks and gusts
Trims the main if needed
Reacts fast — this is athletic sailing
Easily the most exhausted after a long race

⛵ Jib Hand – The Frontline Worker

Controls the jib
Calls gusts and pressure from the front
Times the tack switches and manages sail trim
Must be both agile and fearless

Why It All Matters

When sailing a boat with more sail area than your living room and a hull that heels at the whisper of a breeze, one mistake — an early tack, a late duck, or poor weight shift — can mean a capsize, a torn sail, or a race lost.

But when it all comes together? It’s magic. The A-Rater surges forward, the team dances across the deck, and the River Thames becomes a racetrack of silk and speed.

No room for egos — only for teamwork.

Wednesday, 5 November 2025

Reflecting on the Risks of Twilight Sailing – And Why UTSC Sticks to Daylight

There’s something undeniably beautiful about being on the river at twilight. The golden light skimming the water, the stillness, the echo of sails flapping in a fading breeze.

But beauty doesn’t always mean safety.

At Upper Thames Sailing Club, we stick firmly to daylight sailing — and with good reason. As charming as evening sailing sounds, the risks outweigh the rewards when light levels drop.

Why Twilight Sailing Sounds Appealing:

Cooler, calmer water
Beautiful sunsets over the river
A peaceful end to the day

Why We Say No:

1. Reduced Visibility
Boats without lights are hard to spot — especially small dinghies. Even with reflective gear, obstacles, mooring lines, or riverbanks can be difficult to see.

2. Safety Boat Limitations
Our safety boat crews rely on clear visibility to keep sailors safe. Spotting a capsized dinghy or a struggling crew is far more difficult as light fades.

3. Increased River Hazards
At dusk, depth perception suffers. Reading the current, spotting overhanging branches, mooring buoys, and other river traffic becomes a challenge — even for experienced helms.

4. Legal and Insurance Implications
Some craft may not be legally permitted to operate without proper lighting after sunset. And insurers may take a dim view of twilight mishaps.

Why Daylight is the Right Choice

At UTSC, our commitment to safety means we run events, training, and casual sailing while there's enough light to manage risk. We value the joy of sailing too much to trade it for unnecessary danger.

Enjoy the sunset — from the shore, pint in hand — knowing the boats are safely tied up for the night.

Tuesday, 4 November 2025

Sailing Term Spotlight: The Boom Why It’s Called a Boom – and How to Avoid Hearing It

Sailing Term Spotlight: The Boom
Why It’s Called a Boom – and How to Avoid Hearing It

You don’t have to be long on the water before someone yells, “Mind the boom!” And for good reason.

The boom is the horizontal spar (pole) at the bottom of the mainsail that helps shape and control the sail. It swings from side to side as the boat changes tack — and if you’re not paying attention, it can quite literally boom you on the head.

But why is it called a “boom”?

Like many sailing terms, it has Dutch origins. The word “boom” in Dutch simply means “pole” — but English-speaking sailors quickly appreciated the other meaning too. One unexpected jibe and you’ll understand the onomatopoeia perfectly.

What the Boom Does:

Holds the bottom of the mainsail tight (like a tensioned sheet)
Swings with the wind when tacking or gybing
Allows for better sail shape when on different points of sail

Why It Matters:

It controls a lot of the sail’s power — and therefore the boat’s speed
It can be dangerous during an unplanned gybe
Poor boom handling often leads to capsizes or injury in small dinghies

Avoiding the Boom:

Keep low when changing sides
Communicate with your crew when tacking or gybing
Learn to anticipate wind shifts and boat movement
Use a boom preventer in bigger boats when running downwind

Whether you’re crewing on an RS Toura or dreaming of an A-Rater, respecting the boom is a rite of passage in sailing. And no, a bump on the head doesn’t count as a proper introduction.

The Boom is just one of our 80 or so Sailing Terms you need to know, found at https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/sailing-terms-list/Boom.html

Monday, 3 November 2025

How Handicap Racing Levels the Field – A Beginner’s Guide to the Portsmouth Yardstick

At first glance, you’d think sailing races are won by whoever crosses the finish line first. Not always.

Thanks to the Portsmouth Yardstick handicap system, it’s possible for a slower boat to beat a faster one — not by speed alone, but by performance relative to the boat’s potential.

Which is good news for us. Because although we regularly come in last, we recently scored third overall in the series. Here's how.

What Is the Portsmouth Yardstick (PY) System?

The PY system gives every class of boat a number — the lower the number, the faster the boat is expected to be.

For example:

A Laser might have a PY of 1100
A Wayfarer might be 1107
Our RS Toura is around 1230 (yes, that slow)

When everyone races together, their actual time is adjusted by the PY number, producing a corrected time. That’s what decides who wins.

So even if we cross the line behind a Phantom or an OK, we might beat them on corrected time — if we sailed our boat to its potential.

Why It Works

✅ Encourages mixed fleet racing
✅ Rewards good sailing, not just fast boats
✅ Lets newer sailors or heavier boats compete fairly
✅ Keeps the racing fun — even if you’re "less last"

🧭 Club Performance Number vs Personal Handicap – What’s the Difference?

(For use in a sailing club like UTSC)

Feature	CPN (Club Performance Number)	Personal Handicap
What it is	A club-calculated adjustment to a boat class’s Portsmouth Yardstick (PY)	A custom performance-based rating assigned to an individual sailor
Applied to	A boat class (e.g. all Lasers at UTSC) based on how they perform locally	An individual sailor, regardless of boat class
Purpose	Adjust for local conditions and club fleet averages	Level the playing field based on a sailor’s personal skill and experience
Basis for adjustment	Based on the historical results of all boats of the same class at the club	Based on individual race results over time
Who calculates it	The Sailing Committee or handicap officer using club race data	May be manually assigned by club or calculated by algorithm
Changes over time?	Yes – as club data improves, CPNs are updated	Yes – typically recalculated after a few races or events
Used when?	In standard handicap racing where boat class differences matter	In personal handicap series or fun events to encourage fair racing
Example use	Adjusting the RS Toura PY for Thames conditions	Giving a beginner a head start so they can compete against regulars
Fairness level	Adjusts for boat performance at your location	Adjusts for sailor performance, making things more personal/flexible

🧩 How They Work Together at a Club

The Portsmouth Yardstick (PY) is the national number
The CPN is your club's version of the PY. This gives the RS Toura a better handicap based on the conditions
A Personal Handicap goes a step further, adjusting for your own past results. So our own Personal Handicap increases our chances still further.

At UTSC, CPNs help tune the PYs for the River Thames and our unique sailing challenges (trees, bends, gusts).
A Personal Handicap might come in during a fun regatta or in a Wednesday evening pursuit race, helping newcomers compete with veterans.

Our Example

In a recent autumn series, Paul and I raced our RS Toura (not exactly a speed demon). We crossed the line behind everyone — every time — but because we improved our performance relative to our PY, we secured third overall.

It’s not about where you finish… it’s how well you race the boat you’re in.

📖 Learn more about handicap racing and the PY system at: https://pmrsailing.uk/Technical/Handicap.html