I’ve sailed before but not for a very, very long time. After moving to Cornwall just over a year and half ago I was keen to try it again.
Completing an RYA Competent Crew Course last year was a good start. But walking into a sailing club when you don’t know a soul can be daunting. And getting involved in sailing when you don’t have a boat, and are never likely to own one, and you don’t know anyone who has got one, makes getting back into sailing even more of a challenge.
Where do you start?
The opportunity came along when the St Mawes Sailing Club laid on their ‘Taster Day’ last month. The day was aimed at anyone who fancied having a go in a boat but don’t know how to get involved locally. This was just what I was looking for and as for the weather – after early morning dark clouds cleared it turned into a perfect day for sailing.
No previous knowledge was required so the day was open to all, no matter what age or ability. Whether you were completely new to sailing, looking to get back on the water, or wanting to sail or race on a regular basis the club was opening its doors to everyone.
There was a warm welcome in the club house which immediately put me at my ease. I was introduced to committee members and offered a much-needed cup of coffee to steady the nerves. After being kitted out with the obligatory life jacket I was guided to a waiting rib at the quay and whisked off by Mike and Diana Garside who were running the water taxi/safety boat service – to my first ‘appointment’.
Visitors were given a the choice of three types of sailing boats – a Rustler/Piper, a Shrimper and an International Folk boat.
All the boats were helmed by experienced owners and crew, so I was going to be in good hands. To make sure I made the most of the day I signed up for a sail in all three!
The Rustler 24
My first sail was in a Rustler 24. For those unfamiliar with the different types of sailing boats, the Rustler 24 and the Piper are two different classes of boat. They are similar in design so they sail on the same handicap and at St Mawes they sail in the same class.
The Rustler is a lightweight keeled racing yacht. You are close to the elements in this open boat which gives you a real sailing experience. Less complicated they can be sailed with just two crew or single handed.
These 24-foot-long boats don’t have an engine, so the first challenge is for the skipper to navigate their way through the maze of boats sitting on swinging moorings outside the harbour.
Hands-on experience
The whole idea of the ‘Taster Day’ was to give would be sailors the opportunity to gain hands on experience so once out on the open water I was handed the tiller.
The weather was perfect – sunshine and a steady breeze. Because you are so close to the water in these open boats it’s exhilarating once they pick up speed. After a few tacks and a lesson in gybing the hour-long session was all too quickly at an end.
The Shrimper
It was just a short rib ride from the Rustler/Piper to a waiting Shrimper – a pretty, little gaff rigged sailing boat with traditional looking lines and known for a much more of a leisurely kind of sailing.
These popular boats can be found all along the Cornish coast. Easy to race or just take out for a days sailing or fishing the Shrimper appeals to people wanting to explore the local waters. With a shallow draft and lifting keel they make a great day boat and a very enjoyable sail.
Taking the tiller on this boat was a much gentler affair. I can see why the Shrimper appeals to a beginner or the older sailor.
The International Folk Boat (IF-Boat)
As this was a ‘Taster Day’ in all aspects of sailing there was plenty going on in the club house, including a BBQ lunch and some very enjoyable socialising and sailing talk.
But it wasn’t long before I was back in my lifejacket and heading off across the harbour to a waiting International Folk Boat also known as IF-Boats.
The UK IF-Boat Association was set up by members of the St Mawes Sailing Club to promote IF-Boat racing in the area and to encourage IF-Boat sailing in the UK. Originally wooden Nordic Folkboats, they were redesigned for fibreglass construction in the late 1960s.
Known for their ability to cope with heavy weather a light airs they are a popular racing boat with around dozen based at St Mawes. The UK fleet is concentrated at St Mawes and the club is endeavouring to enlarge the fleet as and when boats become available. They can be sailed and raced comfortably by two or three crew and appeal to sailors looking for a mix of day sailing and offshore passages.
Once again, I was handed the tiller and spent an enjoyable the final hour of my ‘Taster Day’ out on the water in the Carrick Roads.
St Mawes Sailing Club
The St Mawes Sailing Club is home to 11 classes of boat. In the summer – May to the end of October – there are regular race meetings on Thursday evenings and Sundays. The club caters for sailors of all ages and for someone looking to give sailing the club is already making plans for another ‘Taster Day’ next year.
What a great way to spend a day!