Splice the Main Brace

Day one of my level two sailing course went well. I have going about down to an art now. My jibing still needs a little work to get the hang of actually pointing in the right direction after the madly swinging boom has been avoided. Owing to the fact that there was only the two of us in the dinghy with the instructor, we got a lot more opportunity to practice these maneuvers. We were also taught about the other factors that need to be monitored depending on direction relative to the wind. Centre board, trim, etc.

At the end of the day, we went through the capsize drill. The water wasn't that cold, but I took quite a panic when I suddenly remembered that I hadn't done any swimming in ten years. The funny thing is, I only remembered this once I was actually in the water. None the less, I managed to swim round the boat no problem and pull it horizontal again. The balance on a Wayfarer must be very well placed if the weight of one person is enough to right it, sodden sail and all.

The wind decided to be as unpredictable as possible. At some points, we got a good speed going, and the proceedings all felt very exciting. At others, there was no wind at all, and we had to get a tow back to the harbour, lest we miss the capsize drill.

We also saw a bunch of what looked like WW2 era fighters and bombers flying overhead. Wonder what that was about.

Yum x10

Lidl sell a breakfast cereal that consists of Special K-esque flakes, and slivers of dark chocolate. I'm sure they designed it with me in mind.