Jumbles Rejuvenated

A cracking start to the sailing season with 15 boats on average out every Sunday

Membership up from pre Covid days. Loads of members joined in a wellneeded working party to clear the car park of weeds, paint the gate by the slipway and carry on strimming the over grown boat park. Training on single handers is under way for our new members; an enthusiastic group who have been making good use of the club QBAs during normal club sailing days. Huge thanks to our instructors who give up their time to provide training and those who put on safety cover One of our new members is an experienced sailor who is enjoying racing after a period off the water. Ian joined us when he discovered that we had an access boat, having had to give up racing because of health issues. It is really satisfying to see a good sailor able to enjoy his sport again and as the pictures show he is testing the Hansa to the limits when it gets a bit blowy.

Some of our members are keeping a close eye on the Hansa’s provisional handicap!

Ladies who Launch on alternate

Wednesdays in the summer has already increased the number of women on the water, although blokes in boats also welcome. Our bosun Richard Morgan shares a bloke’s perspective overleaf. First Singlehanded training session

Chief instructor: Chris Lee, instructors Paul Burroughs, Kieron Freer and 2 new members

There could have been wailing and gnashing of teeth over ‘Ladies who Launch’ and moans of unfairness and discrimination but not so with Jumbles where the Wednesday afternoon to evening sessions are proving a success for all members. Being informal, it gives a great opportunity for everyone to share boats (while being Covid aware), sail with extra crew and have a relaxed sail without the constant bellowing of ‘starboard’ and ‘water at the mark’, together with a fleet of dinghies bearing down on you. A recent Wednesday was no exception

Sailability boat; sailed by Ian Binns

Bosun Richard, son Tom and granddaughter Margo

and although the wind was challenging at times we had five boats on the water including my Wayfarer which was commandeered by a number of ‘ ladies who launch’. I have to confess that it was annoying seeing a boat which is ofte thought of as a ‘big blokes Laser’ being sailed better that I can.

Not only do they launch, they also provided skilful safety boat cover which gave me the confidence to take my son and the youngest lady Margo, who is pushing three for an exciting sail round our pond.