August 22, 2017 3 min read
I recently competed at the British Optimist nationals, the event was sponsored by Gill. I was hoping the the day races were going to live up to the windy forecast and it defiantly did. I arrived at the nationals on Saturday before going out for a short sail due to a lack of wind. Since my parents were not at the event I stayed with my friend Haydn and his awesome family, the Sewell’s. They must be my lucky family since I stayed with them last year!
The first day of racing on Sunday we had two races in roughly 20kts. Due to a bad tactical decision on the second beat I picked up a 3rd which would soon turn out to be my discard! In the second and final race of the day I had an intense race against a Spanish competitor however I managed to win the race which put me third overall. A solid day. Bringing on Monday the wind was slightly lighter and 4 races made for a real intense day. Altogether I scored 2,1,2,2 which put me into first overall and concluded the qualifying series. I had a one point lead due to extremely good sailing by my competitors. Tuesday was the first day of the gold fleet, this was where the races became intense. I wasn’t happy with my first race, scoring a 9 which should of been much higher. I had a bad start and then was out of phase with the wind. However I managed to round off the day with an 8 point lead. Due to extreme winds the next two days of racing were cancelled. This gave me a good chance to relax and go to the cinema with friends.
Friday was the last day of racing and with three races scheduled it was all to play for. My mum came down and stayed Thursday night since she wanted to see how the last day unfolded. In the first race I kept my nerve and managed to hold off Duncan from Hong Kong, to win the first race. In the next race despite having a bad start I played the shifts well and rounded the top mark in second. I then sailed a very good second beat and won the race. This meant that I had become the winner of the event with a race to spare. And for the last race, I must of been too eager since I picked up a black flag...
Throughout the week I wore the Gill Thermoskin suit and top, combined with the hydrophone leggings and top. This kept me extremely warm and the kit dried very quickly. I would recommend this kit for all the windy and wet conditions that Britain can throw at you all year round. Thanks to my sponsors Gill, Sailing Chandlery and HD Sails for supporting my sailing. Also thanks to my coaches Sarah and Nick for helping me throughout the years. Again, thanks to the RYA and IOCA for they opportunities they provide in sailing. It is a great feeling to win the nationals two years running, and to win the junior fleet a year before. I’ll look forward to updating my blog with all my challenges as I transition into a 420.
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My favourite rope for splicing
Solid folding lock knife, this is my third one (dropped the last and the first I had for over 6 years).
Looks like it will be good at cutting rope, I've only ever used it for cutting cheese...
we order some stainless beta pins, good price and very quick delivery.
Zhik described this range as medium waterproofness. Unsure what this means and whether I need a spare set of gear for stronger weather. Not convinced but it fits well and it’s a good make. Would be good to see a long term review
The Inglefield clip was invented by Lieutenant Edward Inglefield RN in the 1890s, it has been standard issue to British warships since 1895.
The idea was to make a reliable and fast way of assembling a hoist of signal flags, which they do very well.
I have had a long involvement with these clips, mostly for flags, but they have other uses, for example the West Lancashire Seabird One Design (a half rater) use the clips for their spinnaker halyard attachment to the sail, and I have seen a big version cut out of steel plate for a special job.
The standard clips are made from brass, these medium size nylon ones are clearly not as strong as brass, but they are good for small flags.
A further advantage is the avoidance of metallic stains on the bunting.
I don't think they would be strong enough for a big flag in windy conditions, but that isnt what i purchased them for.
Brilliant rope pack - thanks
Well made and arrived well within time frame really happy with the cover and service highly recommended
Many thanks to the team for advice on which products are in stock and which is most suitable.
This part fitted exactly.Excellent expert advice. Promptly delivered.
Regards Martin
Buoyancy aid arrived nice and quickly, and a nice little park of love heart sweets. Haven’t had chance to sail in it yet, but it’s a nice fit and great quality. Should be testing it out this Sunday.
Quick delivery, well made product and perfect for my purposes.
Goods as described. Arrived promptly. Everything as expected.
I bought the rope to replace rope for stage curtains at our village hall. It was speedily delivered in time for the panto and is smooth to use and does the job perfectly!
Great easy to use web shop, delivered on time exactly as described, will deffo use again
Finding it difficult to refuel & surprised how quick the fuel runs out
Came exactly as described --work well--delivered promptly