admin Date , July 2, 2025 Sailing Previous Blog No Wind No Racing Comments (0)
After what felt like days of roasting gently in the 32°C sun and perfecting the art of slow-motion river drifting, Mother Nature finally got bored and turned the thermostat down overnight. A cold front swept in with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, bringing with it wind — actual wind, the sort that makes the flags flap and the Zests twitch nervously on their moorings.
By early Wednesday morning, the Thames resembled less of a millpond and more of an enthusiastic Labrador — energetic, unpredictable, and occasionally trying to knock you off your feet. It was the perfect time for a bit of midweek mayhem. At one end of the mooring was a father and son duo, locked in fierce competition. Dad had clearly decided that years of parenting gave him a tactical edge; Son had decided to settle things with pure speed and a dangerous disregard for the wind shadow.
The Wayfarer Squadron Meanwhile, the grown-ups (or at least those in bigger boats) brought out the Wayfarers. Stuart and Alex set off like a tutorial in progress, Stuart calmly demonstrating jib control while Alex learned the sacred art of “don't pull the rope that makes the boat stop”. There was pointing, adjusting, re-adjusting, and a small celebratory cheer when they completed a tack without either of them swapping ends involuntarily. Another father-and-son team launched their Wayfarer and went for the “grin and go” method — leaning out over the side with such gusto they looked like they were auditioning for a toothpaste commercial. They were quick, confident, and clearly having a blast. One can only assume the son had very good snacks onboard to keep Dad hiking with such enthusiasm.
Despite the chilly breeze and occasional gust that tried to steal your hat, the atmosphere on the water was electric. There was learning, laughter, and the occasional “I’m going to gybe… I think… no, wait… I’M GYBING!” The river may be narrow, the boats small, and the course winding, but it’s hard to beat the midweek buzz of Wednesdays on the Water. Whether you’re fine-tuning your racing line or discovering which way your boat likes to turn (and which way it absolutely does not), it’s all part of the fun.
