pmr sailing

Monday, 6 October 2025

The Aftermath of Storm Amy – Gusts, Capsizes, and Muddy Rescues

Storm Amy may have passed, but her tail-end left a chaotic day of sailing in her wake. With winds measured at 9 mph and gusting up to 20 mph, we were left wondering — to reef or not to reef?
Local knowledge told us that while the wind howls outside the club, just a little upstream the tree cover often turns it into a ghost breeze. So, we gambled and went with full sails.

The Safety Boat That Wasn’t

As if the wind wasn't enough, the commodore informed us that the safety boat crew hadn't turned up. Without volunteers, there would be no racing. Paul and I stepped forward — but so did my wife Rosamund, who had come to take photos and film.
She took the Whaly safety boat, laid the marks, and prepared to double as both camera crew and rescue support.

Race One: Hold On Tight

Boats on the line: a Phantom, Firefly, National 12, Laser, Lightning, and our RS Toura.
As the horn sounded, the Phantom charged ahead, followed closely by the National 12 and Firefly. We kept our place in the middle of the fleet — until the wind gusted hard.

At the top mark, the Lightning capsized, flinging Keira into the river. Almost simultaneously, Ray in the Laser went over too, just metres away.
Paul wisely chose a 270° tack around the mark instead of a gybe, and we stayed upright. It was too windy to photograph, but we held our nerve and finished — just ahead of Ray and Keira.

Race Two: Mud, Trees, and Tactics

Five minutes later, we were back in the wind. Keira sat this one out in a hot shower.

We were off the line quickly, but on the wrong tack, and the leaders surged past. We battled on until a misjudged tack near the sunken tree caught our rudder on a submerged branch.
No safety boat in sight — they were helping Ray — so we were on our own.

Muddy Heroics

We dropped the mainsail and relied on the jib.
I slipped into the cold water and thick silt, sinking to my knees. Waist-deep, I pushed us free and climbed aboard, soaked and muddy.
Water sloshed in my salopettes, and as I undid the Velcro at the bottom, a muddy torrent poured out onto the club slipway.

Sailing Isn't Always Clean — But It's Always Worth It

We didn't capsize, but we did everything else: volunteer, rescue, tack, battle gusts, and get stuck in the mud. Storm Amy may be gone, but she left behind a story worth telling.

📖 Read more river adventures at https://pmrsailing.uk/Philips-Blog/Storm-Amy.html

Why You Should Join a Sailing Club Before Buying a Boat

It’s a classic mistake many new sailors make: buy the boat first, ask questions later. But here’s the thing — joining a sailing club first can save you money, time, and a lot of frustration.

At Upper Thames Sailing Club, and many others like it, new members have access to club dinghies, training, experienced sailors, and a wealth of on-the-water knowledge before they ever need to commit to buying a boat. The Club has several Wayfarers, OKs, Zests, Toppers and a National 12. Many of the members have other boats that they can show you or even take you out in.

1. Try Before You Buy

Joining a club lets you sail different boats before choosing one. You might fall in love with a Wayfarer, an RS Toura — or even dream of helming a Rater one day.

2. Learn From Experienced Sailors

You’ll find a friendly crew of instructors, racers, and old salts who know the river better than the geese. Their advice is invaluable.

3. Avoid Costly Mistakes

We’ve seen many boats bought in haste that never quite fit their owner’s needs. Clubs help you avoid sinking money into the wrong one.

4. Support With Storage, Safety Boats & Repairs

Many clubs offer boat storage, slipway access, and safety cover — not to mention a good bar after your first capsize.

5. You’re Not Alone

From safety boat crews to Wednesday-on-the-Water practice sessions, there’s always someone to help you untangle a knot, fix a rudder, or explain the difference between a gybe and a tack.

So before browsing classifieds for that “perfect starter dinghy,” join a club. You’ll make friends, learn faster, and when you do buy a boat — you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for.

Learn more about our sailing journey: https://pmrsailing.uk/

Sunday, 5 October 2025

What to Wear Sailing (And What We Regret Wearing)

Because fashion meets function when you’re knee-deep in the Thames

When you’re new to sailing, it’s tempting to think you can just turn up in jeans and a jumper. After all, how wet can you really get? The answer, of course, is very.

Over the past year, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what works on the water and what doesn’t. Here’s our guide to what to wear — and what to avoid — when sailing on the River Thames.

The Essentials

Buoyancy aid: Non-negotiable. It must fit properly and be clipped/strapped securely.
Quick-dry clothing: Synthetic layers that don’t hold water keep you warmer and more comfortable.
Wetsuit or drysuit: In cooler months, these are lifesavers — literally.
Proper footwear: Dinghy boots or old trainers with grip; never flip-flops.
Spray top or cag: A waterproof outer layer keeps the wind and water off.

Nice to Have

Gloves: Save your hands from rope burn and blisters.
Hat: Woolly in winter, peaked in summer.
Sunglasses with strap: Protect your eyes and stop them disappearing into the river.

What We Regret Wearing

Jeans: Heavy, cold, and miserable when wet.
Hoodies: The hood fills with water and strangles you at the worst possible moment.
Anything cotton: Holds water, keeps you cold, and never dries.
New shoes: They’ll never look the same again.

The Thames Factor

River sailing means lots of surprises: gusts from nowhere, spray over the bow, or the inevitable swim. Dressing properly isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safety and enjoyment.

Final Thought

Good kit doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be practical. The right clothing means the difference between a fun day on the water and an early retreat to the clubhouse for hot tea.

So ditch the jeans, embrace the quick-dry, and always — always — wear your buoyancy aid.

📖 More beginner tips at pmrsailing.uk/blog

Saturday, 4 October 2025

The Difference Between A-Raters, B-Raters, and the Rest of Us

Because not all boats on the Thames are created equal

If you’ve spent any time walking along the River Thames near Kingston or further up the River in the idyllic setting of the Upper Thames Sailing Club at Bourne End, you’ll have seen the striking long-masted boats flying down the river. Those are Thames Raters – legendary racing dinghies that have been part of the river’s history since the late 19th century.

But not all Raters are the same. And if you’re like us, pottering about in a Toura, you’ll quickly discover there’s a world of difference between an A-Rater, a B-Rater, and… well, the rest of us.

A-Raters – The Thoroughbreds

The A-Rater is the Formula 1 car of the Thames.

Long, slender hulls
Huge rigs with 43ft masts, twice the high of other dinghies
Immense sail area
Often crewed by three skilled sailors
Speeds that make the rest of us look like we’ve stopped for lunch

They are beautiful, fast, and notoriously demanding. If you helm one, you’ve earned respect.

B-Raters – The Forgotten Cousins

Fewer were built, and even fewer survive.
Vanessa, built in 1902, may be the last known B-Rater in existence. The sad remains of Saucy Sally are still at Thames Sailing Club. Slightly smaller and less extreme than the A-Raters, the B-Rater was designed to make the class more accessible. Sadly, it never gained the same level of popularity.

They may lack the sheer glamour of an A-Rater, but their history makes them just as fascinating. To many, they can't see the difference in a few feet in length, but the sail is different.

The Rest of Us – Touras, Merlins, Lasers, and Friends

For the rest of us mere mortals, there’s a whole fleet of boats that make up the backbone of club sailing:

Merlin Rockets carving tight tacks with spinnakers flying
OKs and Lasers giving single-handers their thrills
Touras and Wayfarers for families and learners
And everything in between, proving that you don’t need an A-Rater to have fun or to race hard

Why the Difference Matters

Because when you’re learning to sail, it’s easy to look at the Raters and think, “I’ll never get there.” But every sailor starts somewhere.

Whether you’re in an A-Rater chasing glory, a B-Rater holding history together, or a Toura just trying not to be last — you’re part of the same river story.

Final Thought

The Thames is big enough for all of us: the record-breaking A-Rater, the rare B-Rater, and the rest of us chugging along in boats that suit our skills.

And that’s the beauty of it — every boat has a place, and every sailor has a path.

Friday, 3 October 2025

Why We Love the River Thames for Learning to Sail

Not just water, but a classroom with character

Most people imagine sailing as something you do at sea, or on wide, open lakes. But for us, the River Thames is the perfect classroom for learning to sail.

It’s not always easy. The winds shift, the trees interfere, and the river bends play tricks with your course. But that’s exactly why it’s such a good training ground.

Variety of Conditions

In one short stretch, you’ll experience:

Steady breezes across open water
Gusts and lulls near trees
Sudden wind shifts around bends
The stream pulling you one way while the wind pushes another

It forces you to learn how to read the water, adjust your sails quickly, and stay alert.

Community and Club Life

The Thames isn’t just about the sailing — it’s about the people. Clubs like Upper Thames Sailing Club bring together beginners, experienced helms, and families. On Wednesdays, weekends, or race days, there’s always someone willing to give advice or a tow home.

Safety and Support

Because the river is relatively narrow and busy, sailing here always involves safety boats, support crews, and watchful eyes. That makes it a great environment for learners who want the freedom of the water but the reassurance that help is nearby.

The Scenery

It’s hard to beat the backdrop:

Historic bridges
Riverside houses and gardens
Rolling hills like Winter Hill and Cock Marsh
Wildlife sharing the river — swans, herons, and the occasional startled goose

Learning in such a setting doesn’t just teach you how to sail. It makes every tack and gybe part of a day you’ll remember.

Final Thought

The Thames isn’t the easiest place to sail, but that’s why we love it. It prepares you for anything, surrounds you with community, and rewards you with some of the most beautiful sailing scenery in the country.

If you can learn to sail here, you can sail anywhere.

📖 Read more at https://pmrsailing.uk/

Thursday, 2 October 2025

What Happens on Race Day?

A Guide for New Sailors to the Excitement, Rituals, and Realities

Race day on the Thames is a mix of nerves, preparation, and joy — especially when you’re new to it. There’s more to a sailing race than just “go fast”; there’s a whole structure, etiquette, and sequence to it. Here’s what to expect (and how not to panic) from the moment you arrive to the final finish.

🕰 Early Morning: Arrival & Setup

Launch early. Get your boat rigged, lines checked, and sails prepped before the slips get crowded.
Pre-race briefing. The race officer or committee boat gives the course, number of races, class flags, and any local warnings (e.g. hazards, obstructions).
Warm-up sail. Use the chance to feel the wind, tweak your rig, and test maneuvers — but don’t drift into the start area too early.

📍 Pre-Start: Positioning & Tactics

Identify your starting line, mark ends, and direction.
Stay clear of heavy traffic but keep close enough to pounce on a gap.
Watch for wind shadows, shifts, and gaps near the line.
Be aware of right-of-way rules — don’t be the one who forces someone off their path at the start.

🎯 The Start

As the starting signal approaches, time your approach so you cross just as the gun goes off.
Avoid being over-eager — starting early = penalty or embarrassment.
Focus on clear air, clean wind, and staying in front of traffic.

🌀 On Course: Tacks, Gybes, and Strategy

Sail smart. Use wind shifts, stay in pressure, avoid shadows from trees and bank.
Round the marks cleanly — inside, tight, and ready for what comes next.
Keep the boat flat, trim consistently, and talk to your crew.
Avoid mistakes: late tacks, tangled sheets, or collisions.

🏁 Finish & Post-Race

Don’t ease up early — sail right through the finish line with concentration.
Return to shore, de-rig, wash down sails, and help others if needed.
Attend the results and debrief — often they’ll review wind shifts, tactics, and highlights together.
Learn from every race: what went right? What surprised you? What will you try next?

🔗 Learn More

Want a more detailed guide on how to prepare for racing on the Thames? Check out our full page:
Learning Racing – What Happens on Race Day

Final Thought

Race day is thrilling, exhausting, and intensely educational. The first time you round a mark cleanly, cross a line in a tight fleet, or feel your boat respond perfectly — it’s worth every moment of nerves.

And next time? You’ll be a little more ready. A little less surprised. A little more competitive.

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Capsizing Without the Drama

Because every dinghy sailor will go over at some point

If you sail dinghies, you will capsize. It is not a matter of if, but when. The real difference is whether it turns into chaos or just another part of the day’s sailing.

With practice and preparation, a capsize can be nothing more than a quick splash, a laugh, and back to sailing again.

Why Capsizes Happen

Capsizes are usually caused by:

A sudden gust during a tack or gybe
Poor balance in the boat
Sails left too tight when they should be eased
The occasional overconfidence (we’ve been there)

On the Thames, add shifty winds and the occasional tree shadow, and it is easy to find yourself upside down.

The Calm Approach

Capsizing without drama is all about staying calm and having a plan.

Check crew first – make sure everyone is safe and clear of the boat.
Stay with the boat – it floats better than you do.
Get on the centreboard – climb up, lean back, and use your weight.
Let the boat come up slowly – rushing often flips it straight back over.
Re-board with care – easier said than done, but practice helps.

Practise Makes Perfect

The best way to lose the fear of capsizing is to practise it deliberately, in warm weather with safety boats nearby. Once you have done it a few times, it becomes routine.

We learned that the more you rehearse:

The faster you get back upright
The less gear you lose in the water
The more confident you feel when it happens for real

Final Thought

Capsizing is part of sailing. It does not have to be dramatic, dangerous, or embarrassing. With the right mindset, it is simply another skill to learn — and one that makes you a better sailor.

So next time the boat tips over, take a breath, climb back on, and sail away smiling.

📖 Read more practical sailing guides at https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/Capsizing.html