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.