Sunday, 22 February 2026

Is it worth going to the free seminars and lectures at the Dinghy Show?

Absolutely — the free seminars/lectures are one of the best value bits of the Dinghy Show… as long as you treat them like a sailing session, not background noise while you’re “just popping past Rooster for a quick look” (famous last words).

Are the Dinghy Show talks actually “free”?

They’re included with your show entry (no separate ticket), spread across multiple stages/zones, so you can dip in and out all day. The 2026 show programme is laid out across three stages: Sunsail Main Stage, Knowledge Zone, and NextGen Zone.

When they’re 100% worth it

1) You want “steal-this-one-thing” coaching
A good 30–45 minute talk can save you an entire season of repeating the same mistake (hello, late tacks and panic gybes). The schedule spans performance, technique, wellbeing, rules, and more.

2) You’re the club’s “I’ll just Google it later” person
You won’t. You’ll forget. A live talk gives you:

the key principle
a memorable example
and often a Q&A where someone asks your exact question out loud (thank you, brave stranger)

3) You’re buying kit (or about to)
Listen first, buy after. Talks can stop you purchasing something shiny-but-wrong (“These boots are perfect!” …for Antarctica).

4) You’re newer / returning / “65+ and learning”
The Knowledge Zone style sessions are ideal for turning confusion into confidence — especially when everything on the show floor is screaming: “NEW FOIL TECHNOLOGY!!!”

When they’re not worth it

1) You already know the topic and you’re there for networking
If your real mission is “corner a class association legend and ask about rigs”, do that.

2) You’re running on empty
If you’re tired/hungry/overheated, you’ll sit through a brilliant session and remember only: “there was a PowerPoint and I think sailing involves wind.”

3) You’re using talks as procrastination
If you’ve spent three hours “learning about downwind strategy” but haven’t visited the chandlers list you came for… that’s not education, that’s avoidance with seating.

How to get maximum value (without turning it into school)

Pick 2–3 “must attend” sessions, then leave gaps for wandering.
Arrive 5–10 minutes early for popular speakers so you’re not standing at the back like a spare rudder.
Take one photo of a slide (only if allowed) and write three bullets in your phone: Idea / Drill / One change I’ll make.
Use Q&A ruthlessly: ask one practical question you can apply next weekend.
Plan your day from the schedule so you’re not sprinting between halls like it’s a pursuit race.

A very PMR Sailing take

Think of the talks as your “shore-based coaching session” before you spend money on kit or commit to a whole new way of sailing. If you come home with one habit changed, they’ve paid for themselves.

And yes, the show is on 21–22 February 2026 at Farnborough International — so if you’re reading this today, get your coffee, get your plan, and try not to buy anything you can’t lift with one hand.

Saturday, 21 February 2026

Heeling in a Sailboat

Heeling (Sailing Term)

URL: https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/sailing-terms-list/Heeling.html

What does “heeling” mean?

Heeling is when a sailing boat leans over to one side because the wind is pushing on the sails.

If the boat leans away from the wind, that side is called the leeward side.
The side facing the wind is the windward side.
A little heel is normal — and often faster.
Too much heel is slow, uncomfortable… and a handy way to rinse your crew.

Why do boats heel?

Wind creates force on the sails. That force acts above the waterline, so it produces a turning effect (a “heeling moment”) that tries to tip the boat over. The hull, centreboard/daggerboard, and your bodyweight act to resist it.

In simple terms:

More wind / more sail area = more heel
More crew weight outboard + flatter sails = less heel

Is heeling good or bad?

Both.

✅ A bit of heel can be good

It can reduce wetted surface slightly
The sails can “set” nicely
The boat feels alive rather than stuck to the water like a barge

❌ Too much heel is usually bad

The rudder can become less effective
The boat “squirms” sideways (leeway increases)
You end up steering with panic rather than precision
On a river, you also drift towards that exciting new collection of reeds/boats/banks.

How do you control heeling?

The classic control toolkit:

Move your weight
- Sit further out (hike) to keep the boat flatter
- Move smoothly — sudden shuffles make the boat wobble (and the instructor sigh).
Sheet out
- Ease the mainsheet a little to spill wind
- This is often the quickest fix in a gust.
Depower the sail
- Flatten the mainsail (kicker/vang, outhaul, Cunningham — depending on your rig)
- Traveller down (if you have one)
- Reefing on larger boats.
Steer smart
- Heading up slightly into the wind can reduce power
- Bearing away can increase power (and heel), so do it gently.

What does heeling feel like (for beginners)?

The boat leans, your brain shouts “THIS IS THE END”, and your experienced crew says “Lovely breeze.”
The trick is learning the difference between:
- controlled heeling (fast, balanced, normal), and
- unplanned heeling (slow, splashy, dramatic).

Common beginner mistakes

Freezing in place instead of moving weight
Pulling the sail in tighter when the boat heels (very common!)
Steering wildly — which usually increases the problem
Waiting too long to ease the sheet in a gust

Quick safety note

Heeling is normal. Panic is optional. If you’re unsure, ease the sail, keep hold of the boat, and reset calmly. Practise in steady conditions first — with safety cover and plenty of room.

Related terms: Windward, Leeward, Gust, Hiking, Depowering, Reefing, Capsize

Friday, 20 February 2026

Knot of the Week: The Halyard Hitch (aka “Halyard Knot”, “Halyard Shackle Knot”, sometimes “Sunfish Halyard Knot”)

There are knots that look heroic. There are knots that are heroic. And then there are knots that are basically a tiny, tidy, no-nonsense gremlin whose entire job is: hold this halyard onto that shackle and don’t make a fuss about it.

That’s the Halyard Hitch: a compact hitch used to attach a halyard to a shackle / headboard / sail attachment point at the top of a sail. It sits neatly, tightens under load, and doesn’t leave you with a big bowline “ear” that loves snagging on everything in the postcode.

What it’s for (and why sailors like it)

Best use: attaching a halyard to a small shackle (or similar metal fitting) where you want:

Compactness (hoist a bit higher; less metalwork clunking about)
Security under load (it cinches up nicely)
Less snagging than bulkier knots

Not the same thing as a “cleat hitch” (the one you use on a horn cleat to park the halyard). That’s a different knot entirely.

How to tie the Halyard Hitch (simple stages)

You’re basically making two wraps around the standing part, then tucking the tail through and snugging it all down hard against the shackle.

Through the shackle
Pass the working end through the shackle (or sail head fitting).
Wrap #1 around the standing part
Take the working end around the standing part (the halyard itself).
Wrap #2 around the standing part
Make a second wrap below the first, so you’ve got two neat coils.
Tuck back through the coils (near the shackle)
Feed the working end back up and down through the two loops you’ve created, close to the shackle.
Dress it and pull it tight
Pull the working end to start forming the hitch, then pull the standing part to seat it hard against the shackle.
This knot rewards proper tightening—give it a real heave.
Trim and finish (optional but sensible)
Trim the tail, and if it’s a synthetic line, melt the very end carefully to stop fraying (don’t melt the knot itself into a modern art sculpture).

Common mistakes (aka “why did it slip?”)

Not snugging it down properly. This hitch wants to be seated tight against the shackle. Half-hearted tightening = grumpy knot.
Messy wraps. Keep the two turns neat and adjacent. If they cross, it’s harder to dress and tighten cleanly.
Too little tail. Leave enough to work with, then trim once you’re happy.

Halyard Hitch vs Bowline vs Buntline (quick pub chat version)

Bowline: easy to untie later, but bulkier and snag-prone aloft.
Buntline Hitch: also compact and popular for halyards; can be very secure but may be harder to undo after heavy loading.
Halyard Hitch: compact and tidy specifically for halyard-to-shackle style attachment; very “purpose-built”.

If you like neatness, hate snags, and want your sail a smidge higher without extra hardware clattering about: this one earns its keep.

Thursday, 19 February 2026

Dinghy Show This Week… What Do I Actually Need — And What Can I Afford Not to Buy?

Dinghy Show This Week…

What Do I Actually Need — And What Can I Afford Not to Buy?

Every year I wander into the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show like a child in a chandlery sweet shop.

Carbon tiller extensions.
New rope in suspiciously attractive colours.
A drysuit that promises Olympic performance (but I sail on the Thames, not the America’s Cup).

And then reality kicks in…

As someone learning to sail at 65+, racing our RS Toura on the River Thames and quietly watching the restoration of Vanessa the B-Rater, I’ve learned something important:

Most gains come from skill, not shopping.

So here’s a practical, slightly humorous guide before your wallet gets capsized.

✅ What You Probably DO Need

1️⃣ Good Control Lines (You Touch These All the Time)

If your sheets feel like washing line from 1998, upgrade them.

Fresh main sheet
Tapered jib sheets
Cunningham / kicker line if worn
Clear colour coding

On a river like the Thames, fast adjustments matter more than carbon sparkle.

💡 Cheap upgrade. Big difference.

2️⃣ Safety & Comfort Kit

A well-fitting buoyancy aid
Proper sailing gloves
Warm hat that doesn’t blow into Buckinghamshire and fits over my ears.
Decent boots - I keep admiring othe peoples.

Comfort = longer sessions = faster learning.

As I discovered during early RS Toura outings, cold hands make poor tactical decisions.

3️⃣ Wind Awareness

Masthead wind indicator
More telltales - possibly red and green ones.
Maybe a burgee at the club - but I do have the masthead float.

You don’t need £500 electronics for river sailing.
You need to look up as I am constantly reminded.

🤔 What You Probably Don’t Need (Yet)

❌ Carbon Everything

Unless you’re fighting for podium places at national level, carbon upgrades on a training or club boat rarely transform results.

Skill > stiffness.

❌ Brand-New Sails (Unless Yours Are Truly Shot)

If your sail:

Has zero shape
Looks like a tea towel
Won’t point

Then yes.

Otherwise? Spend the money on coaching or entry fees.

❌ Fancy Electronics for River Racing

On the Thames:

Wind shifts are king
River bends matter
Other boats are your wind instruments

A simple watch beats a chartplotter in Bourne End.

🎯 My Personal Rule Before Buying Anything

I ask myself three questions:

Does this solve a real problem I’ve noticed?
Will it improve safety?
Will it improve skill development?

If the answer is “it looks cool”… walk away.

(Or at least go and have a coffee first.)

💷 The Smart Spending Order

If budget matters (and it usually does):

Safety gear
Control lines & maintenance
Coaching / training
Entry fees
Then — and only then — performance upgrades
or a new Dinghy!

And One More Thing…

The Dinghy Show is not just about buying.

It’s about:

Talking to class associations this year is the 80th Anniversary of the Merlin Rocket.
Meeting sailors
Seeing restoration ideas
Innovative boat design
Learning what not to do

You’ll gain more from conversations than carbon.

Wednesday, 18 February 2026

Preparing for the Competent Crew Qualification – Get the Book

If you’re thinking about taking the RYA Competent Crew course, there’s one simple piece of advice:

Get the book before you step on board.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) doesn’t just run courses – it provides structured, progressive training that builds confidence properly. And the official Competent Crew Skills book is your roadmap.

Why Buy the Book First?

When I started sailing on the Thames in a dinghy, I discovered something important:

The people who progress fastest aren’t necessarily the strongest or the bravest…

They’re the ones who understand what’s about to happen.

On a yacht course, everything comes at you quickly:

New terminology
Rope handling
Winches and clutches
Sails you didn’t know existed
Night watches
Seasickness (possibly!)

If you’ve already read about it, your brain isn’t overloaded. You recognise it.

Instead of thinking:

“What on earth is that rope?”

You think:

“Ah, that’s the halyard – I know what that does.”

What the Competent Crew Book Covers

The official book walks you through:

Basic seamanship
Parts of the boat
Sail handling
Ropework and knots
Safety procedures
Man overboard drills
Helming under supervision
Living aboard

It’s not heavy theory. It’s practical and reassuring.

Exactly what you want before your first week on a yacht.

Why This Matters (Especially for Us “Later Starters”)

As someone who began serious sailing later in life, I’ve learned this:

Preparation reduces anxiety.

When you’ve read the book:

You sleep better before the course
You ask better questions
You make fewer avoidable mistakes
You enjoy it more

And enjoyment is the whole point.

How It Fits Into Your Sailing Journey

If, like me, you:

Sail dinghies on a river
Are thinking about stepping up to sea sailing
Want to charter a yacht in the future

Then Competent Crew is the gateway qualification.

It’s the foundation before Day Skipper.

And the book is the foundation before the course.

A Practical Plan

Buy the book 6–8 weeks before your course
Read it through once
Re-read sections on knots and safety
Practise basic knots at home
Arrive onboard calm and ready

You wouldn’t sit a GCSE without opening the revision guide.

Why treat a yacht differently?

Final Thought

Sailing rewards preparation.

Wind, tide and weather don’t slow down because we feel unprepared.

But knowledge turns nerves into excitement.

So if you’re planning your Competent Crew course…

Get the book.

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Prepping for a Holiday on a Sailing Yacht – Where on Earth Do You Start?

A couple of months to go before stepping aboard a yacht…
Excitement rising.
Mild panic setting in.
Visions of turquoise water – mixed with quiet worries about knots, seasickness and whether you’ve packed the wrong shoes.

Whether you’re chartering in the Mediterranean, crewing for friends, or finally trying life beyond the Thames and the RS Toura, here’s a calm, practical place to begin.

1️⃣ Start With the Sailing Itself

Before buying a single item of kit, ask:

Are you the skipper or crew?
Is this bareboat charter or flotilla?
Coastal pottering or offshore passages?
Warm Med sunshine or Atlantic breeze?

If you sail regularly at somewhere like Upper Thames Sailing Club, you already understand wind awareness, sail trim and boat balance. What changes at sea is scale, systems, and seamanship.

If you haven’t helmed a yacht before, consider:

A refresher weekend
A short Royal Yachting Association Competent Crew course
Revising basic yacht terminology (winches, halyards, reefing, heads, guardrails)

Confidence reduces stress enormously.

2️⃣ Get Your Paperwork Sorted Early

Not glamorous. But essential.

✔ Passport validity
✔ Travel insurance (declare sailing!)
✔ EHIC/GHIC card (if Europe)
✔ Any qualification certificates (Day Skipper etc.)
✔ Charter contract and damage deposit details

If hiring abroad, check licence requirements early. Some countries are stricter than others.

3️⃣ Think Clothing – But Think “Boat Practical”

You need far less than you think.

The golden rules:

Non-marking deck shoes
Light waterproof (even in summer)
Hat with retainer
Sunglasses with strap
Sailing gloves
Soft holdall (hard suitcases are boat-hostile!)

Even in the Med, evenings can feel chilly under way.
And yes, things will get damp.

4️⃣ Seasickness – Plan for It Even If You “Never Get Ill”

Confidence is admirable. Preparation is wiser.

Options:

Stugeron (if suitable for you)
Acupressure wristbands
Ginger products
Stay hydrated
Stay on deck, eyes on horizon

The first 24 hours are often the bumpiest — body adjusting, not necessarily weather worsening.

5️⃣ Learn the Boat Systems

Unlike a dinghy, a yacht has:

Engine controls
Battery systems
Water tanks
Gas systems
Marine toilet (with rules!)

Nothing creates tension faster than someone not knowing how the loo works.

Have a proper handover briefing. Take notes. Ask questions.

6️⃣ Food & Provisioning Strategy

Are you marina-hopping with supermarkets nearby?
Or anchoring in quiet bays?

Plan:

Breakfasts (easy and consistent)
Simple lunches
2–3 “proper” evening meals
Snack drawer (vital morale tool)
Plenty of water

Avoid complicated first-night cooking. The crew will be tired.

7️⃣ Safety Mindset

Even on a relaxed holiday:

Know where lifejackets are
Understand jackstays and harness points
Know the man-overboard procedure
Keep one hand for the boat

If you already volunteer on safety duty at your club, you understand how quickly situations escalate. Offshore, response times are longer.

Calm competence beats bravado every time.

8️⃣ Tech & Navigation

Are you:

Using paper charts?
Relying on plotters?
Backing up with Navionics?

If you’ve enjoyed plotting routes on the Thames or following river marks, this is simply the bigger version.

Bring charging cables. Label them. There are never enough sockets.

9️⃣ Mental Preparation

This isn’t a hotel.

Cabins are small
Showers are brief
Space is shared
Wind changes plans

But…

Morning coffee at anchor.
Sailing into a new harbour under canvas.
Sunsets at sea.

Worth every minor inconvenience.

A Simple 8-Week Countdown Plan

8 weeks: Confirm bookings, check passports
6 weeks: Order kit you don’t own
4 weeks: Refresh sailing knowledge
3 weeks: Medical kit & insurance
2 weeks: Provision planning
1 week: Soft bags packed, weather checked
Departure day: Relax — adventure begins

If you sail regularly on a river, a yacht holiday is not a leap into the unknown — it’s a widening of the playground.

And who knows… once you’ve done it, the Thames may feel very small indeed.

Monday, 16 February 2026

Faster Boats – When Things Go Wrong, They Go Wrong Faster

Watching SailGP is a bit like watching Formula 1 on water. The boats – F50 foiling catamarans – lift clear of the surface and hurtle along at motorway speeds. It’s thrilling, dramatic… and unforgiving.

Recently, the New Zealand SailGP Team collided with the France SailGP Team during racing. No one sets out to crash. These are elite sailors with razor-sharp reactions. But when you are travelling at over 40 knots (about 80km/h) on hydrofoils, small misjudgements become very large, very quickly.

And that’s the lesson for all of us – especially those of us pottering around on the River Thames in much more sedate craft.

Why Faster Means Less Forgiving

On a traditional river dinghy, if you misjudge a tack you might lose a boat length.
On an F50, a misjudgement can mean:

Closing speeds of 70+ knots between two boats
Foils acting like underwater wings and knives
Massive loads in carbon fibre structures
Split-second decisions under pressure

Physics doesn’t care how experienced you are.
Kinetic energy increases with the square of velocity.

Double the speed?
Four times the energy.

That’s GCSE Physics alive and well on the racecourse.

The Human Factor

Even at the top level:

Wind shifts happen.
Boundaries approach quickly.
Other boats make aggressive moves.
Communication must be instant and precise.

In high-performance sailing, there is almost no “pause and think” time. It’s instinct, teamwork and trust.

As someone learning and racing at the Upper Thames Sailing Club – and now restoring Vanessa, our B-Rater – I’m acutely aware that speed changes everything. Even stepping up from a training dinghy to something more powerful sharpens the consequences of poor timing.

What Club Sailors Can Learn

We may not be foiling at 50 knots, but the principles scale down perfectly:

1. Leave Space

Room at the mark matters. On a river, that might mean avoiding a crunch into the bank or another club boat.

2. Plan Ahead

AME – Approach, Manoeuvre, Escape.
Have an exit before you need one.

3. Communicate Clearly

A calm “Starboard!” early is better than a panicked shout late.

4. Respect Speed

Even a modest gust can double your apparent pace in a dinghy.
Things go wrong faster than you expect.

The Bigger Picture

One of the fascinating tensions in modern sailing is this:

We want boats that are:

Faster
Lighter
More exciting
More spectacular

But increased performance narrows margins.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t innovate. Quite the opposite. It means training, safety systems, and decision-making need to evolve just as quickly.

Final Thought

Watching SailGP reminds me why I love sailing at any level. Whether it’s a foiling F50 or a river handicap race at Bourne End, the same physics apply.

Speed magnifies everything:

Skill
Mistakes
Thrill
Consequences

And perhaps that’s the real beauty of the sport.

When things go right, they go right spectacularly.
When things go wrong… they go wrong faster.