admin July 22, 2024 Sailing Previous Blog Shelterbox boat visits UTSC Comments (0)
In less than a gentle breeze we follow the fleet up the river and come in last place a lap behind everyone else. We tried to match the angles of the other boats going up stream against the wind, but matching their angle we lost the wind.
We were all set at the start of the race, with everyone eagerly trying to heel their boats over to catch any hint of wind. There we sat, patiently waiting for a small breeze to get us going. But, true to form, just before the race began, the wind died. It was like a cruel joke, leaving us with barely a whisper of air to move us along.
As the race got underway, the conditions remained light and variable. It was a slow and painstaking journey, with each boat doing its best to make the most of the minimal wind. I found myself holding the jib open, desperately hoping for a gentle breeze to fill the sail. Every tiny gust was a moment of excitement, followed by the frustration of it fading away too quickly.
Despite the lack of wind, there was an odd sense of camaraderie among the sailors. We were all in the same boat, so to speak, struggling against the elements—or lack thereof. The race became less about speed and more about patience, skill, and the ability to make the most of what little we had.
As usual we start from the back of the pack and as the race progresses we steadily fall further behind until the first boats lap us. We managed a lap. All the other boats 2 or 3 laps.
Coming in last in the race has its own set of unique challenges and, surprisingly, some unexpected perks. By the time we crossed the finish line, the rest of the fleet had already moored up, taken a break, and possibly enjoyed a pint or two. As we approached, the next race was about to start, leaving us with a choice: attempt the shortened race course or try something different. This time, we decided to skip the stress of another race and opted for a more relaxed role. We hopped aboard the Whaly Camera boat, cameras in hand, and set out to capture the action from the side lines and out on the water. It was a refreshing change of pace, giving us a new perspective on the race and a chance to appreciate the skills of our fellow sailors. As the boats whizzed around the course, we had a blast snapping pictures and cheering from the water. It was a great way to stay involved and enjoy the event without the pressure of competition. Plus, it gave us some fantastic photos and memories to share, proving that even when things don't go as planned, there's always a way to make the most of it.
With the video camera positioned and the EOS camera set in motor drive mode with a medium lens, we were all set to capture the action. There was just one small hiccup—virtually no wind. The boats did their best, heeling over dramatically to catch the slightest puff of breeze as it rounded the hill. It was a challenging day for racing, but a perfect opportunity for some creative shots.
We positioned the Whaly Camera boat between the leaders and the stragglers, aiming to capture the full spectrum of the race. Despite the lack of wind, there was still plenty of action to document. The sailors were working hard, adjusting their sails and taking every opportunity to gain speed. The light conditions created beautiful reflections on the water, and the determined expressions on the sailors' faces added a touch of drama to the footage.
While the race might not have been fast-paced, it was a fascinating display of skill and patience. The footage we captured, from close-ups of the crew's manoeuvres to wide shots of the boats spread across the course, told a story of resilience and strategy. Even in less-than-ideal conditions, the sailors made the most of it, and we were thrilled to have documented their efforts.
With our shiny new eLite motor finally arrived, we were eager to test it out. The plan was simple: manoeuvre the boat onto the launching trolley for recovery. But, as with most things in sailing, nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems. We quickly learned an important lesson: the center board needs to be down when using the motor. The eLite engine, being offset to one side, made handling quite tricky with the centre board up. Without that extra stability, the boat had a mind of its own, veering in unexpected directions. It was a bit like trying to steer a shopping cart with a wonky wheel—only on water. After a few chaotic attempts and a lot of laughter, we finally got the hang of it. With the centreboard down, the boat was much more manageable, and we successfully navigated it onto the trolley. It was another day of learning and fun on the water, adding to our growing list of humorous misadventures in sailing.
