News
Tues 13 March
The Frensham Experience by Ian Senior
Frensham Pond Racing, 3-4th March
It was all Richard’s idea, you’ll learn lots he said but you will find the wind a bit shifty. Saturday was a training day, hosted by Roger. Broken cloud - wind about Force 4 south westerly, perfect. This was to be Anna’s and my first experience of inland sailing. Launching at Frensham is a wonderfully gentlemanly experience, just push the boat off the trolley, walk it down the jetty step in and go.
Frensham Pond is er.. “small” after the harbour, no moored boats though, but three classes on the water at the same and getting used to the very short legs kept us busy. Starting techniques and gibing were on the day’s programme. We had an interesting time practicing sitting just short of the line and trying to hold it there, into wind, for minutes and not fall off or go backwards. We had never done that before, so it was a steep learning curve, punctuated with a lot of pointing in the wrong direction, going backwards, or being left stationary at the start and on your own. The strong wind gybing tips were hugely useful especially being able to practice them with Roger’s critique. What was it Richard said about shifting conditions at Frensham?
Sunday, the Open day. It’s raining and the wind is up around 4/5, but southerly. The locals were to be found muttering in corners, never a good sign. The ISC contingent is up against some very experienced inland sailors and many with lots of Frensham time. After Saturday, surely it couldn’t be that difficult. Reaching along the start line soon dispelled sense of confidence, a huge wind shift out of nowhere, just time to duck the boom and we’re swimming. The races were even more difficult, not only the weather and getting used to the layout, but being attacked by more huge shifts some from two directions at the same time. Some more swimming and even when we made a good start, the lack of local knowledge told by the windward mark. For the first serious sail of the year, a more gentle build up would have been a better idea, and we were all seriously exhausted at the end and somewhat stiff the following day.
It certainly was a huge learning curve, but a really enjoyable weekend and we learnt a lot. A kindly word from a local afterwards, who was surprised that we chose Frensham as our first inland venue, apparently it is one of the most difficult inland locations to sail on. Roll on next time. Great hospitality from a very friendly and helpful club, thanks to Richard and Sara for the opportunity and their great company.
Ian & Anna