This is where I come into the story of the A-Raters.
My A-Rater Champagne.
And this is where my own story with the A-Raters begins.
There is something quite special—almost impossible to put into words—about watching an A-Rater glide effortlessly along the River Thames. They carry a quiet elegance, a sense of history, and a presence that turns heads without needing to shout. It’s not just a boat passing by; it’s a living piece of sailing heritage.
For some time, I’ve stood on the bank (or sat in a far more modest dinghy!) watching them, with a growing feeling that I ought to be part of that story rather than simply an observer.
Now, that moment has arrived.
I have recently purchased my own A-Rater, Champagne, and I’m about to begin what I suspect will be a fascinating, humbling, and hopefully rewarding journey. The plan is simple—learn to sail her properly, bring her back onto the water where she belongs, and become part of this remarkable tradition on the Thames.
What could possibly go wrong…?
