THE
MAINSHEET
Autumn 2010
Contents
Chapter 6 -
I enjoyed building SunseT the SigneT dinghy but maybe one in a lifetime is enough. It's been a romance which has blossomed into love.
Now, we are in the period of dinghy racing. I find it hard enough to sail a dinghy let alone race one. However, having thrown myself in at the deep end, that is straight into racing on day one, I intend to pursue this as it is a way of making the learning curve very steep.
We have already been out in winds from, so light that I could only go backwards on the river, to up to force six. My results so far have been dismal but then, I have only been dinghy sailing since 25th April 2010. We have managed three races where we were not in last place, so I am getting there. I looked at this dinghy season as the year of learning how to lose races and so far I have met my objective. Next season, hopefully, we will be a contenders and not tail end Charlie.
I have many people who I owe a tribute to, in getting me this far. Some have helped a lot and some have given just one piece of invaluable advice but all have given freely and I thank them all again.
I am looking forward to participating in offshore cruising during the winter and early spring, as I have put this on the back burner while focused on building and then racing SunseT. Hopefully, now I will be able to accommodate both.
By John S Panting