Newly qualified Competent Crew tries her hand at Boat Handling!

Hello, a quick introduction from myself, I am Justine Lloyd, new to sailing having completed my Competent Crew Course at First Class Sailing last Month, and also a new recruit at First Class Sailing HQ. I thought I’d write you all a little blog and let you know how last weekends’ Boat Handling Course at FCS went! Although the Boat Handling Course is better suited to Day Skippers a space suddenly became available and I jumped at the chance!

Saturday morning, all on board Yacht Bellini at Shamrock Quay, nicely fed and watered and ready to begin our boat handling weekend. The sun was actually still showing its presence at this point, although we all knew what was coming!

The day began with a good run down of the boat and safety brief by the Instructor James, then on to the fun of improving everyone’s boat handling skills. We started by talking through mooring strategies, and I took on my role as a useful crew member, and proudly became wandering fender queen! I know my strengths!

Once everyone had successfully moored the boat in and out of our berth we set off for some further training. Each practicing turning the boat in a very tight circle, hoping to avoid future mistakes…potentially expensive mistakes, and we each in turn got used to controlling the boat whilst moving astern, along with a few other manoeuvres. All practiced out we headed out into Southampton waters whilst having a leisurely lunch and of course…a cup of tea.

Next came man over board drills until they were nicely efficient then of we sailed to Cowes, accompanied by a beautiful sunset. The next morning started with a little adventure for one of the Skippers who we sent up the mast to take in the lovely views at Cowes. The weather was still on our side at this point, however the wind speed soon went up from a 2 to a 6/7 within a few hours…so sail trim and sail handling techniques became key! We sailed back to Southampton successfully tacking and gybing across the Solent in some pretty ‘edgy’ conditions.

All in all, a great weekend and lots of experience gained all round! If you’d be interesting in doing a Boat Handling Course click here

Posted by: firstclass