Sailing is at its most thrilling when there’s a steady breeze, the sails are full, and the boat heels gently as it glides along. But what about those days on the River Thames when the wind is more of a rumour than a reality?
Well, surprisingly, sailing can still be fun when the wind goes into hiding—if you know what to do (and don’t mind going slowly).
Why the River Is a Challenge
The Thames, for all its charm, is not exactly a windsurfer’s paradise. The banks, trees, buildings, and bends all conspire to turn a steady breeze into a game of hide-and-seek. One moment you’re moving, the next your sail flaps lifelessly as your boat drifts in an awkward silence.
Boats like the majestic A-Raters have an advantage here. Their enormous sails—some towering over 40 feet—can catch the faintest puff of wind. But those of us in more modest boats, like my beloved RS Toura, have to work a bit harder for our progress.
So, What Can You Do in Light Winds?
Here are a few tricks to keep you moving (and entertained) when the wind is being shy:
1. Trim the Sails Like a Pro (or at Least Try To)
In light airs, precision is everything. Ease your mainsail and jib just enough so they’re full—but not so much they lose shape. Watch the telltales closely and make small, smooth adjustments. Every little bit counts.
2. Shift Your Weight—Gently Now
Sitting in the wrong place can stop the boat entirely. Keep your weight central and low. Lean slightly forward to help the bow cut through the water. In very light winds, your body movement can steer the boat as much as the rudder.
3. Keep the Rudder Still
Oversteering is the enemy of progress. In light winds, the rudder acts more like a brake than a steering aid. Try steering with minimal movement, and let the sails do the real work.
4. Read the River Like a Map
Watch the water. Even the slightest ripple can mean wind. Look ahead for patches where the surface darkens—these often signal a gentle gust. Aim for them. The Raters always seem to find the breeze; we can try to follow their lead (from a respectful distance!).
5. Momentum Is Gold
Once you’re moving, don’t stop. Tacking and gybing eat up your speed, so plan your moves carefully. Sometimes it’s better to sail a slightly longer course than risk stalling mid-tack.
The Joy of Going Nowhere (Very Slowly)
There’s something wonderfully peaceful about sailing in light airs. The river becomes a mirror, the birdsong takes centre stage, and conversations aboard become less “Hold on tight!” and more “Shall we open the packet of chocolate biscuits?”
It’s also a brilliant way to learn. Without the pressure of reacting to every gust, you can focus on sail trim, steering, and understanding how tiny changes affect the boat.
Final Thought
Light wind sailing teaches patience, finesse, and observation. It’s not about speed—it's about feel. So next time the flags hang limp and the river looks like glass, don’t pack up. Rig your sails, slide into the river, and enjoy the slower rhythm of sailing on a whisper.
Because even when the wind isn’t playing along, the Thames still offers a lesson and a laugh. And who needs to go fast when you’re already on the water?
#LightWindSailing #RS_Toura #RiverThamesSailing #LearningToSail #SailingAt65 #UpperThamesSailingClub #WednesdayOnTheWater
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