The trouble with sailing is the sails. They’re always causing a problem – you can’t do without them but there’s always an issue. It would be much simpler to fold them away and just switch on the engine, but that wouldn’t be sailing!
The other day several hours were spent at anchor without wind attempting to “prepare” a new sail on the deck. We’d dutiful watched YouTube videos to see how it should all be done – but the hardest part (actually packing it, like a parachute into a huge wizard’s hat called a ‘snubber’) no one showed… a long, long time later, after much hoisting, pulling and twisting the paper thin sail and ropes, it seemed to be in.
And as my patience is in need of work, I even disappeared in the midst of all this to go paddle boarding for half an hour… when I came back, after exploring an old submarine tunnel in the next bay, they still hadn’t quite finished!
Stowing the paddle board, I rejoined the ‘A’ team as they attempted to hoist the 18 metre long wizard’s hat up the mast. But more rope twists were found inside, so it had to be partly pulled out yet again. Eventually, it was ready. We all breathed a sigh of relief… But we would now have to wait for the right wind strength and direction to test it out… would it unfurl like the YouTube videos… or would it be a disaster? Only time would tell… patience, patience!
While I was waiting I made a list of essentials to bring on a sailing trip:
1. Nail varnish – it’s bound to get chipped when you trip over hatches, ropes and steps, so have some ready to touch up!
2. Instant coffee – surprise item on a ‘real coffee’ addict’s list. But when the sun is out, every day is a “Frappe Day” on board ! You could also do with the mini electric whizzer for these!
3. Strawberry jam – for the scones you’ll be baking, of course. We are having to do without Devon clotted cream, but we’ve had two ‘afternoon cream teas’ so far with delicious home baked scones! Thank you Simon!
4. Strong stomach – not because of sea sickness, but essential when you make a sandwich with two week old cold chicken by mistake! We survived to tell the tale.
5. Sunglasses with a strap – you know you’re going to forget you’ve got them on when you bend over to check the anchor!
Back to our beautiful parasail. The wind was light and coming from behind so at last we could try it.. There was a little glitch on the first attempt, but considering it was a new system, it was flying proudly quite quickly.
We all raced to take photos before it collapsed and then sat back to enjoy the display… but as usual in sailing it wasn’t long before a wind change forced us to lower the ‘hat’ and choose another sail to suit the wind… never a dull moment. Our ‘Harry Potter’ sail would have to wait for another day again!
rachelfarmer 