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.