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Eight juniors and three "big kids" ventured down to the Menai Straits for a “Try-a-Boat” day. Mid March but more like mid summer with high pressure and mild temperatures. Light winds in the morning and slack water provided great conditions for trying new kit under the supervision of three instructors.
After rigging several boats and a safety briefing the instructors produced a trapeze harness and asked if anyone wanted to try trapezing? Silly question! Once the noise had settled Instructor Ben gave a demonstration on how to trapeze. |
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| The group got on the water in a variety of craft: RS Feva, RS400, Dart 16 and a Laser Vago. Everybody was rotated around the different boats and the instructors gave top tips or played the harmonica to beckon more wind. The wind dying off was the cue for capsize practice. Following three successful recoveries of a RS400, by Sam N and Kevin, one of the instructors noted that the 400 was very low in the water. After being towed ashore a 150mm crack was found in the cockpit floor and the hull was full of water. |
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Plan B? No need there’s wind…
Everyone returned to shore for a packed lunch and waited for the wind to return. A plan “B” was discussed but wasn’t needed. Plas Menai has more than dinghies to play with. Plan B could have been power boating, radio controlled Lasers, Keelboats, kayaking or even the climbing wall.
We had to think of what to replace the RS400 with. Rodger took a Feva singlehanded and a Laser Radial was also launched. As most of the juniors were keen on trapezing and the cat was a safe platform another cat was rigged. This time not a small Dart 16 but a big cat with twin trapezes in the shape of a Hobie Pacific. |
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Initially the Hobie was helmed by an Instructor then Sam N and Josh were seen blasting along both out on the twin trapezes on there own! The wind had changed direction and increased in speed. The rib was seen trying to catch up with James and Aled as they were heading rapidly for Caernarfon with three sails fully powered up. Elsewhere Derwynn went MOB as his trapeze rope slipped and left Sarah alone in the Dart 16. Derwynn was picked up by Kevin single handing in the Vago before the rib arrived on scene. Sam C and Thomas appeared to be the only ones not needing to be rescued. Even the adults had an unexpected swim or three!
Again, PLEASE!
A great day was had by all and requests to do it again were heard. Anyone else interested in a repeat trip please let Kevin know.
Kevin Guinan, Youth Squad Co-ordinator |
