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April 27, 2018 2 min read
We speak to Jamie Cook, 3 time Optimist national champion about his transition into the 420 and his first RYA Youth Nationals.
Can you tell us a little about yourself please?
I’m Jamie Cook, the current Optimist national champion. I’ve sailed since I was 6 from Cardiff Bay. Recently, I have transitioned into the 420 with former topper sailor Ioan Davies.
You’ve just come back from your first RYA Youth Nationals in Largs, how was the event?
At my first Rya youth nationals we had a tough time as we lacked a bit of racing practise in the medium to light range conditions due to a heavy wind winter. It’s certainly difficult racing against sailors up to 18 years old as they have a lot of experience. We didn’t sail on the first two days due to heavy winds and our beat results came on the last day with two tens. It felt good to leave on a positive note and we have a lot to move on with.
You’ve been in the 420 now for number of months after transitioning from an Optimist, how are you finding the boat?
I’m finding the 420 very exciting and it’s nice to say that I learn something new every time I sail the boat. Hopefully we can get up to full speed in the boat soon and compete amongst the best in the fleet. I certainly enjoyed to 420 in the winter compared to the oppie as your always on your toes and active.
What’s it like sailing with a crew?
Sailing with a crew is challenging coming from a single hander. Communication is so important and staying coordinated is hard but it’s all part of the fun and challenge that comes with the 420.
What tips would you give other sailors looking to go to the Youth Nationals?
My main tip would be to make sure you and your boat are fully prepared and completely ready to race, making sure you check everything over for wear and damage before you get to the venue. The last thing you want is something breaking on you!
What do you think the best bit of kit is that you have on your 420?
I think the best bit of kit on the 420 is the adjustable spreaders and chock system as it allows you to change the shape of the sail so easily and can be done on the water. It’s hard getting your head around all the controls in a 420 but that’s what I enjoy about the boat.
What events do you have planned for this year?
Our plan is to do the French and British nationals over the summer, with lots of training in between then come September we’ll be back into all the British events and training in preparation for next years RYA Youth Nationals.
How does the partnership with Sailing Chandlery help support your sailing?
Sailing Chandlery has been an awesome sponsor, they have helped me to rig and prepare the boat with all the best ropes and blocks. Having a boat that is well set up makes everything around the race course easier and more simple. Thanks!
Much better than those we previously got from a large DIY super store. Stronger and easier to fit.
Just used my new launching trolley for the first time.
Super easy to assemble (about 3 minutes). Fits my laser perfectly and very easy launch and recovery.
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Perfect size, shape and works well
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The top cover was delivered on time as expected. The cover fits perfectly and hopefully it will last forever … Thank you
Bought this for my son so can’t personally comment as I’ve not used it. However he was very pleased with the purchase and said it’s great quality.
Always happy with my orders from Sailing Chandlery. They are quick to post and very helpful when I have had a question.
Jason delivered the boat on time at Hayling Island Sailing Club. The boat was new and all the spars were in perfect condition. Jason came to pick up the boat and return the deposit which I gave at the time of the delivery. Every interaction with Andrew and Jason were handled very professionally. I will recommend to any sailor Sailing Chandlery in the future. I really appreciated how easy it was to charter this boat. Thank you very much. Jacques Kerrest
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I bought the 2.5mm dyneema for a special winch/pulley project which needs to pull two sides of a cradle exactly simultaneously for about a meter. Originally I was going to create loops on both the LHS and the RHS, then loop them together onto a 3mm dyneema rope. This gave me two issues : firstly the "knot" would be large and may rub on the cradle (not much room available), secondly there was no redundancy if the 3mm dyneema was to fail. So I then looked at splitting the drum on the winch into 2 halves so I could wind on both the RHS and LHS 2.5mm ropes on together. This would give redundancy if one leg was to fail but it would not guarantee simultaneous pulling.
Then I had a brainwave. I spliced the 2 x 2.5mm together and then fed a 1.5meter tail through the middle creating a combined rope of approx 3.5mm diameter. I then wound this onto the drum of the winch as a single rope. This would ensure simultaneous pulling, and also provide redundancy if say the outer sheath was abraded and failed - also there was no significant "knot" so it fitted in neatly in the space available.
It was a bit of a fiddle pulling the tail through but not really difficult with the D-splicing tool.
All in all, I am very impressed with the dyneema and I am glad I did not choose a wire rope for this application.
Quick and easy to fit on to the end of the sail and work perfectly.
Thank you 'Sailing Chandlery' for your quick service and easy website which helped me pick the correct part I needed. I am back sailing when the weather allows.
Prompt delivery, with helpful updates and time slot spot on. Perfect new sail at a great price and the number fixing service is well worth it. It even won its first race! Thank you.
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