“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.
⛵ 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.
🌀 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…”
✅ 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.
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.
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