How to Read the River – Wind, Trees, and Surprises

 

How to Read the River – Wind, Trees, and Surprises

Because the Thames always has a trick up its sleeve

Learning to sail on a river is very different from sailing on open water. Out at sea or on a lake, the wind tends to be steady and predictable. On the Thames? Not so much. One moment you’re gliding along with full sail, the next you’re stuck in a wind shadow, staring at a goose who seems to be moving faster than you.

Reading the river is an art, and it takes time, patience, and a good sense of humour.

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Wind and the Tree Line

Trees are beautiful, but they’re also wind thieves. As you sail past a wooded stretch, expect the wind to:

• Drop suddenly into a dead patch

• Gust back at odd angles

• Funnel between gaps

The trick is to watch the water. Ripples mean wind; flat patches mean nothing but frustration. Position yourself for the puffs and avoid the lulls.

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Bends and Hills

The river doesn’t run straight. Every bend shifts the wind. A reach can become a beat in seconds. Add in a hillside and the breeze might shift 30–40 degrees before you even get your tack sorted.

Good sailors anticipate these changes. Beginners (like us) usually find out the hard way — halfway through a manoeuvre.

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Boats, Buoys, and Other Surprises

The Thames isn’t just for sailors. You’ll meet rowers, paddleboarders, cruisers, and the occasional inflatable flamingo. All of them affect your line and your wind.

• Rowers block the breeze

• Cruisers throw up wakes

• Paddleboarders look confused but insist on drifting across your bow

Add in racing buoys and you’ve got a river full of surprises.

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Why It Matters

Being able to read the river means:

• Smoother sailing

• Better racing lines

• Fewer stalls in wind shadows

• Less shouting at trees, rowers, or the crew

It turns chaos into something closer to strategy — and when you get it right, it feels brilliant.

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Final Thought

Sailing the Thames teaches you to expect the unexpected. Watch the ripples, anticipate the bends, and never underestimate the power of a tree to ruin your perfect tack.

It’s all part of the fun — and why we keep coming back for more.

📖 Read more sailing stories at pmrsailing.uk/blog

Eco Sailing – Silent, Solar, and Surprisingly Fast

 

Eco Sailing – Silent, Solar, and Surprisingly Fast

Because sometimes the quietest boat makes the biggest impression

When people think of sailing, they usually imagine flapping sails, creaking sheets, and the occasional shout of “Starboard!” But there’s another side to modern sailing: eco sailing, where silence is golden, and the wind isn’t the only power source.

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⚡ Silent Power – Our Electric Outboard

Our Whaly 455R with a 3kW electric outboard and solar-charged battery has completely changed how we think about support boats.

• No roar of a petrol engine

• No smell of fuel

• Just a quiet hum and a smooth push through the water

When we’re crewing a safety boat or filming races, that silence is priceless. We can glide alongside dinghies without startling sailors — or wildlife.

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🌞 Sailing on Sunshine

The best part? The boat is powered at home on solar panels and batteries. Every journey on the Thames is effectively powered by the sun.

It feels good to know we’re cutting out emissions, costs, and trips to the petrol station — and proving that clean energy works just as well on the river as it does in the driveway.

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🚤 Surprisingly Fast

Eco doesn’t mean slow. The Whaly can move at a decent clip when needed, even towing dinghies or charging upriver against the stream. True, it’s not breaking any speed records — but it’s steady, reliable, and gets the job done without fuss.

And when we switch back into sailing mode, we remember that dinghies themselves are the original eco craft: wind-powered, elegant, and infinitely renewable.

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🌍 Why Eco Sailing Matters

• Cleaner rivers – fewer spills and fumes

• Quieter water – better for birds, fish, and paddlers

• Lower running costs – sunlight doesn’t come with a price tag

• Future-proof – sustainable boating is here to stay

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Final Thought

Eco sailing isn’t about being worthy or joyless. It’s about embracing innovation and tradition together.

A sailboat powered by wind.
A safety boat powered by the sun.
A future powered by both.

And best of all? It’s surprisingly fun.

📖 Learn more about our eco adventures: https://pmrsailing.uk/

From Last to Less Last – Racing in the RS Toura

 

From Last to Less Last – Racing in the RS Toura

Progress measured in places (and pride)

Racing a dinghy is humbling. Racing an RS Toura — a big, family-friendly training boat — against nimble Merlins and slick Lasers? That’s heroic in its own slow, determined way.

For months now, Paul and I have been entering races at Upper Thames Sailing Club, knowing full well that speed records were not in our future. What we wanted was experience, practice, and maybe the occasional overtake. We have even been first off the line and kept the lead for a hundred metres or so.

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🥉 Measuring Success Differently

At first, we were consistently last. Dead last. The “oh, they’re still out there?” kind of last.

But each race has taught us something new:

• Tighter tacks ⛵

• Smoother gybes 🌬️

• Better crew coordination (fewer shouts, more nods) 👍

• Reading wind shifts by watching the ripples instead of the boats disappearing ahead

Now? We’re still last … but less last. We are often finishing in the same lap as the other boats.. And that feels like winning.

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🌬️ Racing on the Thames

The Thames adds its own flavour to racing:

• Shifty winds around trees and bends

• River traffic (hello paddleboarders)

• Strong stream after rain

• And banks that always look closer in the middle of a tack

It’s not just about boat speed. It’s about tactics, positioning, and avoiding the goose that refuses to move.

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✅ Why We Keep Racing

Because every race sharpens our skills. Because the camaraderie on shore is worth every slow finish. And because one day — one glorious day — we might not just be less last.

We might even… overtake someone.

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Final Thought

Progress in sailing isn’t measured only in trophies. It’s measured in confidence, competence, and the joy of knowing you sailed better today than yesterday.

For us, the RS Toura is teaching that lesson race by race. And if last week is anything to go by — the gap is closing.

What Is an A-Rater — And Why You’d Want One

 

What Is an A-Rater — And Why You’d Want One

If you’ve ever watched a Thames A-Rater at full tilt, you know there’s something special about it. Sleek hull, towering rig, sails screaming in harmony with the wind — and every other boat behind it wishing it could catch up.

But why are these beasts so beloved? And just what makes an A-Rater an A-Rater?

Today’s post dives into the history, design, and pure attraction of A-Raters — and why many sailors dream of one.

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🏛️ A Brief History of the A-Rater

The A-Rater class on the non-tidal Thames is an old racing tradition. From the mid-1800s onward, ambitious boatbuilders and helmsmen sought ever-faster craft — and the A-Rater emerged as the pinnacle of that pursuit.

Over the decades, the class evolved — rigs grew taller, hull shapes became more refined, rules adapted — but one thing has remained: A-Raters represent cutting-edge Thames performance.

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🛠️ What Makes an A-Rater Unique

Some of their defining features:

• Length and narrow beam — long, slender hulls that slice through water

• Extremely tall rotating masts — to maximise sail area

• Huge sail plans — mains, jib, and powerful spinnaker

• Lightweight construction — every pound matters

• High skill requirement — these boats demand finesse, timing, and experience

In short: A-Raters are built for speed, precision, and the thrill of pushing a classic design to its limits.

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🧭 Why Sail One?

Here’s why many sailors lust after an A-Rater:

• Unrivalled acceleration — these boats leap forward when the wind hits

• Elegance on the water — when trimmed right, they’re beautiful to watch

• Pure sailing challenge — they show you every minor mistake

• Prestige and tradition — you join a lineage of Thames sailing excellence

• Community — the crew that sails them are often passionate historians, builders, and racers

But they’re not for the faint-hearted. The sail area can overpower in gusty conditions. Handling requires agility, constant adjustment, and a crew who knows the boat intimately.

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🔗 Learn More

Want the full technical history, dimensions, rules, and stories? Check out our detailed Rater boat info here:
What Is an A-Rater? | Rater Boat Info

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Final Thought

An A-Rater isn’t just a boat — it’s a statement. It’s about tradition, craftsmanship, speed, and the never-ending quest to read the wind better than the next sailor.

If you dream of a boat that demands everything from you — and rewards every little perfect moment — an A-Rater might just be your kind of madness.

“Show Me You Can Helm” – Paul’s Wayfarer Test

“Show Me You Can Helm” – Paul’s Wayfarer Test

If you want to helm a Rater, better start solo…

It was a fair and slightly gusty day on the Thames — in other words, a normal sailing day at Upper Thames Sailing Club.

Paul had arrived ready for Safety Boat duty, not to helm. But Sally had other ideas.

“If you want to helm a boat like an A-Rater,” she said, hands on hips, “then you better show me you can handle a Wayfarer solo.”

And just like that, Paul was handed a test.

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⛵ The Solo Challenge

No pressure, right?

With nothing but a Wayfarer and a breeze, Paul launched solo — no crew, no full kit, and no time to make excuses. Just experience, instinct, and the knowledge that falling in was not an option.

“What happens if you fall in?”
“Then I guess I’d better not fall in,” said Paul.
And he didn’t.

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🌀 Rounding Marks and Making Moves

The goal was clear: demonstrate solo control — tacking, gybing, and cleanly rounding two marks under full sail.

Paul zipped around both marks like a pro, overtaking a few boats who were also out practising. No drama, no flapping sails — just clean lines and confident helming.

And yes, we all thought the same thing:

“If only we could do that in a race…”

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✅ Test Passed

Sally, who has seen more river sailing than most of us have had hot dinners, gave the nod.

“You’re ready,” she said.
The Rater is next.

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Final Word

There’s no substitute for real-time experience.
Whether it’s on the Race Day scoreboard or just a quiet practice session with a Wayfarer and a challenge, every step builds confidence and skill.

And with Paul’s solo test complete, it’s on to bigger (and faster) things.

Look out for that elegant Thames Rater flying down the river — there’s a new helm in town.

UTSC Club Championships – Silver, Sunshine, and Serious Sailing

 

UTSC Club Championships – Silver, Sunshine, and Serious Sailing

Six races. Two days. One Silver Burgee.

This weekend, Upper Thames Sailing Club hosted the annual Club Championships, and what a weekend it was.

We had:

• Consistent back-to-back racing

• A bit of breeze (thankfully)

• Some glorious September sunshine for the most part

• And a brilliant turnout across fleets and classes — all racing for the coveted Silver Burgee Trophy and the Gold trophy - sadly not made of gold but named after its presnter a Mr Gold

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⛵ On the Water

Across the six races, the club was a hive of energy and strategy, with:

• Two Thames Raters going head-to-head in elegant, high-speed duels

• Merlin Rockets slicing through the gusts with tight tacks and punchy spinnaker runs

• A healthy OK fleet, trimming hard and taking every wind shift

• And the handicap boats (Wayfarers, Lightnings, Lasers, Toppers and more) battling not just each other, but the clock

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🌞 Perfect Weather – Mostly

The wind held steady for most of the event, keeping things lively without tipping too many boats over. Saturday saw the best sunshine, with Sunday offering slightly shiftier winds — just enough to keep the helms honest and the crews busy.

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🏆 The Spirit of the Burgee

The Silver Burgee Trophy isn't just about speed — it's about:

• Skill

• Consistency

• Tactics

• And sometimes just staying upright

The races were clean, competitive, and well-fought. Only two capsizes (that we saw), even though the wind was gusty at times, lots of cheers from the riverbank, and plenty of learning moments — for beginners and veterans alike.

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👏 Thank You

Huge thanks to the race committee, to my safety boat crews, all the other volunteers, and the house committee who kept everything running smoothly in the clubhouse (and everyone fed).

Whether you were racing for silver, supporting from the bank, or just watching in awe as the Raters flew past — this was the Club at its best.

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Final Word

Events like the UTSC Club Championships remind us what makes club sailing so special: camaraderie, competition, and that unbeatable moment when the wind fills your sail and everything clicks.

Until next year – tack well, gybe clean, and may your mainsheet never tangle.

Learning to Round the Mark – Practising the Skills for Racing

 

Learning to Round the Mark – Practising the Skills for Racing

It’s just a buoy… how hard can it be?

One of the most important skills in dinghy racing — and one of the most deceptively difficult — is rounding the mark.

To the untrained eye, it’s just a coloured float in the water. But to anyone in a race, it’s chaos, collisions, strategy, shouting, and moments of sheer triumph (or confusion).

And like all things in sailing, mark rounding needs practice. Lots of it.

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🌀 Why It’s Harder Than It Looks

A perfect mark rounding is part geometry, part teamwork, part bravery, and part guessing what the wind will do next.

The aim?

• Approach fast

• Turn tight

• Exit cleanly

• Don’t tangle with the competition

• And definitely don’t hit the mark (or anyone else)

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🧭 What We’ve Been Practising

This week, we took the RS Toura out just to practise mark roundings. Repeatedly.

We worked on:

• Wide in, tight out (the racing line)

• Positioning the crew to keep balance through the turn

• Reading the wind to avoid stalling or overshooting

• Timing the tack or gybe to perfection (or something close)

• Avoiding the dreaded “iron zone” — when the boat stops dead, facing the wind

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💡 Tips from the River

• Look ahead: Don’t stare at the mark, think about your exit

• Communicate: “Ready about?” means nothing if no one’s ready

• Ease the sheets before turning sharply

• Anticipate wind shifts, especially near trees or bends in the river

• Practise gybing under control, not in panic

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📉 Our Scorecard

Did we hit the mark? Yes.
Did we round it backwards? Once.
Did we improve? Definitely.

Each attempt got cleaner. Tighter. More confident. And with every pass, we got a better feel for how racing is as much about preparation and control as it is about speed.

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Final Thought

In sailing races, the mark is the moment — where decisions make or break your position. Practising those turns turns you from just a sailor into a racer.

So if you're new to racing, spend a day rounding a buoy over and over.
You’ll get better.
You’ll get faster.
And one day, you’ll make it around cleanly — and sail off into clear water.

Sailing Terms You’ll Hear Before You Get Wet

 

Sailing Terms You’ll Hear Before You Get Wet

Because if you don’t know your port from your starboard, you’re going to get very damp, very fast.

Learning to sail is like learning a new language — one that’s shouted into the wind, muffled by lifejackets, and often accompanied by the phrase “No, the other left!”

Before you get into a boat (or get thrown out of one), there are a few essential sailing terms you’ll need to know — or at least fake confidently while nodding.

At pmrsailing.uk, we’ve compiled a full glossary of 75 sailing terms every beginner should know — but here’s a fun taster of what you’re likely to hear before you even leave the slipway.

https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/Sailing-Terms.html

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🧭 1. Port and Starboard

Your new left and right.

• Port = left (when facing forward)

• Starboard = right
  💡 Just remember: "No port left in the bottle."

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🪢 2. Sheet

Not the thing on your bed. A sheet is the rope you pull to adjust a sail.
Confusingly, it's not a sail — and yes, you can sheet in or out, but never sleep on one.

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⚓ 3. Tacking and Gybing

• Tack: Turning the boat through the wind (usually more graceful).

• Gybe: Turning with the wind behind you (usually more dramatic).
  💡 If someone yells "Ready to gybe?" – duck first, ask questions later.

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🚤 4. Boom

A long horizontal spar that holds the bottom of the mainsail — and swings across the boat during tacks and gybes.
It’s called the boom for the sound it makes when it hits your head.

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⛵ 5. Helm

The person steering the boat.
The crew blames them when things go wrong. The helm blames the wind.

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🧵 6. Tell-tales

These are little strips of wool or ribbon tied to the sail to help trim it properly.
If they’re fluttering wildly, you’re doing something wrong.
If they’re sticking to the sail, you’re probably still doing something wrong.

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📚 Want More?

Our full glossary has 75 terms explained simply — from clew to cunningham, gunwale to goosewing.

We promise it’ll save you:

• Time

• Confusion

• A trip to the chiropractor from dodging the boom

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Final Thought

Sailing is full of odd terminology, but once you speak the lingo, everything starts to click.

So learn the language before you get in the boat — because once you’re out on the water, there’s no time to Google what a kicker does.

Wednesdays on the Water – Practice Makes Less Last

 

Wednesdays on the Water – Practice Makes Less Last

How we’re slowly climbing from last place… to less last

Every Wednesday morning at Upper Thames Sailing Club, something wonderful happens.

It’s not a regatta. It’s not a training course. It’s not even an official event.

It’s Wednesdays on the Water.

Members of all levels — from wide-eyed beginners to suspiciously smooth helms — take to the Thames in everything from Toppers to Merlins, to simply practise. Tacking. Gybing. Spinnakers. Capsizing. Recovery. Confidence. And most importantly, trying not to come last.

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🛟 Safety First (That's Us)

While the sailors sail, Paul and I crew the safety boat. It’s our version of midweek relaxation — watching, learning, occasionally laughing (with affection), and always ready to assist.

We:

• Launch the boats

• Remove the goose netting (again)

• Keep an eye on beginners testing their limits

• Offer a tow back when the wind dies (or gets exciting)

• Putting the boats back

• Putting on all the covers and making sure everything is ready for launching next time.

And while we’re on duty, we’re also learning.

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⛵ Practising Without Pressure

Wednesdays are magic because they're not about racing. They're about progress.

We’ve seen:

• New helms nail their first clean tack

• Crews learn to swap sides without sitting on each other

• Spinnakers fly, then wrap, then fly again

• And everyone slowly improve — week after week

Some members are preparing for racing. Others just want to master the art of pointing in the right direction. All members are welcome.

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🥉 Less Last Every Week

Our own sailing? Let’s be honest — we’re not leading the pack.

But each week, as we practise in our RS Toura, something improves:

• A smoother gybe

• Better boat balance

• Less shouting - (ok so that one is lie)

• Fewer emergency turns

We used to be dead last. Sometimes the course has been packed away and the safety boat crew ask are you still in the race. Now we’re less last. And proud of it. We have been sometimes finishing in the same lap.

Because progress isn’t about podiums. It’s about confidence, competence, and that first moment you realise you're sailing on purpose, not by accident.

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Final Thought

Wednesdays on the Water is what sailing clubs should be about:
Supportive, sociable, and just the right mix of chaos and calm.

So if you’re new to sailing — or returning after a break - come and join the club at Bourne End on the River Thames — grab a buoyancy aid and come down on a Wednesday. You’ll be amazed what an hour of practice can do.

And if you see Paul and me in the safety boat, give us a wave. We’re cheering you on — just before we try to park the RS Toura without bouncing off the bank.

Vanessa in the Boat Shed – Restoring the Last Thames B‑Rater

 

An update from the shed, with Don McDermott from “Building a Trading Wherry”

We took another look at Vanessa, the last-known Thames B‑Rater, now quietly resting in the boat shed — and showing her age in both elegant and wobbly ways.

This week’s inspection was joined once again by Don McDermott, master craftsman and wherry builder, whose eye for traditional boats is unmatched. Together, we took a closer look at her hull, ribs, and recent repair work — and asked the question every boat owner dreads:

“What’s next?”

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🔧 Calking Out, Calking In

At the moment, Vanessa is undergoing a crucial phase of her restoration:
The old calking is being removed and replaced. This traditional sealing process — using fibres like cotton or oakum hammered between planks and then sealed with pitch — is essential to keeping wooden boats watertight. But the hull is very thin (she is a thorough-bred racing dinghy so every bit of extra weight is kept to the minimum) and probably only 6mm thick so calking is going to be an interesting job and not done in the traditional way. Don wondered how it had been done a hundred or so years ago - maybe a book search will help.

And in Vanessa’s case the re-calking is long overdue.

Last time Don took her out, she was taking on a worrying amount of water — enough to warrant pulling her out for inspection. That led to the current assessment and, we hope, a return to the river in time.

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🪵 Hull & Ribs – The Good, The Wobbly, and the Repairable

Despite being built in 1902, the hull appears sound, with no major cracks or rot. That alone is impressive — a testament to her original craftsmanship.

However, some issues have crept in over her 120+ years:

• Several ribs are damaged — not snapped, but with small sections missing

• A few rib ends may need to be replaced entirely

• Floorboard supports are loose or wobbly, which isn’t surprising after years in and out of the water

• The wood has dried significantly, making now an ideal time to repair or replace internal framing

💡 Fun fact: boats that have been out of the water for years often shrink and open up — but that also means they’re easier to repair before swelling back into shape.

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🛠️ Planning a Restoration the Right Way

Before you take on a restoration like this, it’s essential to:

• Assess the damage fully

• Get an idea of what’s repairable, what’s replaceable, and what’s going to be fiddly

• Estimate how long the work will take — and how many cups of tea that equates to

• Factor in the skills required, especially for traditional wooden boat work

• Decide whether you're aiming for a river-worthy classic or a shed-kept museum piece

With Don’s expertise, we were able to get a clear sense of both the possibility and the challenge ahead.

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🧭 A Boat Worth Saving

Vanessa is more than just an old hull — she’s a piece of Thames history. She represents a class of boat that tried to offer accessibility and grace, just slightly in the shadow of the famous A‑Rater. And now, with some care, she will sail again.

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Final Thought

Boats age like people. They creak. They sag. Bits fall off. But with time, care, and the right hands, they can come back to life.

Vanessa has spent over a century afloat. She deserves another chapter. And thanks to people like Don who can guide me as I start the restoration — and everyone who appreciates the beauty of traditional sailing craft — that chapter might be just around the bend in the river and Sally can once again helm this most beautiful boat..

Reefing – Shortening Sails for a Breezy Day

 

Reefing – Shortening Sails for a Breezy Day

Because full sail + full wind = full drama

With a gusty weekend on the forecast, now’s a good time to talk about reefing — that all-important skill that separates the boat that stays upright… from the one doing capsizes in stereo.

If you’re new to sailing, reefing just means reducing your sail area to match the conditions. You make the sail smaller, the boat calmer, and yourself a lot less likely to end up in the river.

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🌬️ Why Reef?

Simple answer: control.

When the wind picks up, a full sail can be too powerful for your boat (and your nerves). The boat heels too much, becomes hard to steer, and starts dragging its boom through the riverbank.

By reefing:

• You reduce the force on the boat

• Make steering easier

• Avoid broaches, involuntary swims, and boom-induced head trauma

💡 Reef before you need to. It’s much easier to shake out a reef than to recover from a surprise capsize.

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⛵ How to Reef (in Brief)

Every boat is different, but the basics go like this:

1. Know Your Points

• First reef – for when it’s getting a bit lively

• Second reef – for when it’s starting to howl

• Third reef – for when you question your life choices

2. Reefing the Mainsail

• Drop the sail slightly

• Re-attach to the lower reefing cringle (look at you, learning the lingo)

• Tighten down the clew and tack

• Re-tension the halyard

• Adjust outhaul and kicker as needed

3. Jib Options

• Swap to a smaller jib

• Or roll/furl it if you’re lucky enough to have a furler

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⚓ When to Reef?

• If you’re thinking about it, do it

• If the wind’s above 10–12 knots and building

• If the boom starts dipping ominously close to the water

• If other boats are reefing, or upside-down

• If your crew is giving you that “I’d rather be on shore” look

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🎯 This Weekend Looks Breezy…

The forecast is looking lively — perfect conditions for:

• Reefing before launching

• Practising depowering the sails

• Impressing the riverbank spectators with your smoothly conservative rigging choices

And remember — it’s not a race if you’re swimming. (Unless it’s a very odd kind of race.)

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Final Thought

Reefing isn’t about cowardice — it’s about good seamanship. It’s about being prepared, staying in control, and making sure your boat finishes the session drier than you do.

So if it looks windy this weekend?
Reef early, reef right, and sail happy.

📖 More tips and gear guides at:
👉 https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/Reefing-the-Sails.html

Keeping Safe – Clothing, Buoyancy Aids, and River Rules

 

Keeping Safe – Clothing, Buoyancy Aids, and River Rules

Because it’s hard to learn when you’re cold, wet, or floating face-down

Whether you're racing a Merlin, crewing a Wayfarer, or out on a gentle potter up the Thames, safety should never be an afterthought. And while sailing looks calm and graceful from the shore, on the water it can turn wild surprisingly fast — especially when the boom swings, the boat heels, or a gust catches you mid-gybe.

So how do you stay safe on the river?
Three things: What you wear, what you float in, and what you know.

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🧥 1. Wear the Right Clothing (For the Water, Not the Weather)

We’ve all seen new sailors turn up in jeans and a hoodie. It lasts about 5 minutes — or one gusty tack.

• Wetsuits or drysuits are essential when the water is cold

• In warmer months, layered quick-dry gear is key

• Avoid cotton – it stays wet and steals heat

• Always bring spare clothes, even if you swear you won’t capsize

• And don’t forget non-slip footwear – river mud is treacherous

💡 Pro Tip: Dress for immersion, not for the air temperature.

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🛟 2. Buoyancy Aids Are Not Optional

A buoyancy aid isn't just a fashion statement (although the bright orange ones do make you look heroic in photos). It’s a lifesaving tool, and it must fit properly.

• It should be snug but not restrictive

• Always zipped and clipped

• No broken buckles or saggy foam

• Choose the right type for dinghy sailing — not a lifejacket designed for offshore cruising

We’ve seen experienced sailors go overboard and resurface laughing — because they were wearing the right kit.

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🧭 3. Know the River Rules

The River Thames has its quirks — and so do the boats on it. From rowers to paddleboarders to river cruisers, you’re sharing the water, and rules matter.

Some key ones:

• Keep to the right (starboard) side of the river when not racing

• Give way to larger craft and anything with limited manoeuvrability

• Know your right of way when under sail

• Always look behind you before tacking or gybing

• Never assume the other boat knows the rules — or sees you

💡 Learn the signals, the buoys, and the local hazards — from fallen trees to fast current under bridges.

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✅ Safety is a Habit, Not a Hassle

The best sailors aren't the flashiest. They're the ones who:

• Have a sharp knife tied to their buoyancy aid

• Clip their drybag shut properly

• Know where the rescue boat is at all times

• Help others get ready and stay safe too

Because safety isn’t just for you — it’s for everyone around you.

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Final Thought

If you're dressed right, floating safely, and aware of your surroundings, you're free to enjoy the sailing, focus on your skills, and make progress without unnecessary panic.

Stay safe, sail smart, and always check your zip.

Sally in Charge – A Masterclass from the Dory

 

Sally in Charge – A Masterclass from the Dory

Some sailing lessons don’t happen in a classroom or even on the boat. Sometimes, they come floating in a Dory, delivered with calm precision, decades of experience — and a voice that carries just the right amount of authority across the water.

Yesterday 10 Sept, Paul and I were in the safety boat, patrolling quietly on a training day, while Sally — retired senior instructor, seasoned sailor, and unofficial keeper of calm — took charge of the chase boat duties.

In the water, Kat and Alex were sailing a Wayfarer, practising tacks and gybes, and doing their best to keep the sails full and the boat moving in something like a straight line. Like many early-stage sailors, they had the enthusiasm — they just needed someone to help them feel the wind, read the river, and fine-tune the dance.

Enter Sally.

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🎓 A Masterclass in the Moment

Though technically “retired,” Sally is very much active. She’s sailed everything from Toppers to Thames Raters, and even the now near-mythical Thames B-Rater — the last known one, no less. (We’re still not convinced she didn’t build it herself.)

But what makes Sally special isn’t just her experience — it’s the way she shares it. No fuss. No shouting. Just clear, practical guidance, usually delivered while casually leaning on the Dory’s side rail with the confidence of someone who could gybe blindfolded.

Over the next hour, we watched from a distance as Kat and Alex transformed:

• Their tacks became smoother

• Their positioning in the boat improved

• They started feeling the wind rather than reacting to it

• And most importantly — they started to go where they wanted to go

The sails stayed fuller, the Wayfarer moved faster, and their confidence grew visibly with every tack.

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🛟 Mentorship on the Water

There’s something powerful about the right guidance at the right moment. Sally didn’t take over. She didn’t hop into the boat. She gave Kat and Alex the tools — and the trust — to work it out themselves.

By the time they headed back to shore, the smiles said it all. This wasn’t just practice. It was progress.

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Final Thought

Everyone remembers the first time they felt like they were actually sailing, not just surviving. For Kat and Alex, that moment might well be “the day Sally was in charge.”

And for the rest of us — whether on the water or watching from the safety boat — it was a reminder that great sailing isn’t just about trim and technique. Sometimes, it’s about wisdom, encouragement, and a Dory with a legend at the helm.