Getting kitted out - (part 1)

Here at Ardleigh Sailing Club our key objective is to see all of you down at the club and getting your boats and selves afloat.

We all hope 2008 will be a good year; certainly membership is continuing to grow. However, membership is one thing, getting you up more regularly to the club and onto the water is another.

So you have paid your fees, possibly got a boat and told the kids they are going to learn to sail. This is certainly the New Year resolution of many families unfortunately due to a variety of circumstances this doesn’t always go to plan.

So what are some of the things that stop your dream becoming reality?

The Boat

If you have not already got a boat this is often a tricky thing to decide. Often people buy the wrong boat for their needs or capabilities. An RS 600 looks a fabulous boat, it goes like stink but on the first sail the kids are petrified and your other-half is sorting out a good lawyer.

The answer to choosing your first boat is not an easy one. My advice is as for any big decisions you have to make. Take your time, come along to the club and see what others sail (see Classes). Talk to other members who have similar sailing ability and circumstances. You may also want to go to dinghy or boat shows - ideal places to see what is on offer.

The Kit

Buoyancy aid

You can spend as much or as little as you like here. The key item you must have is a 'buoyancy aid' as this is a prerequisite of going on the water. In basic terms you can get one of the zip-up-the-front styles. Many favour the dinghy style which is like a small cropped top. Go along to your local sailing shop and try them on, make sure it’s the correct size and is comfortable. The staff will be able to advise about style and manufacturer. ASC also recommends the One Stop Chandlery in Maldon if you are able to get there.

More information can be found on the RYA fact sheet – Buoyancy Aids and Life Jackets

Body protection

You may like to get a Wet-suit and/or Spray-suit. Dry-suits are a more expensive option and are usually worn by the keenest participants i.e. racing regularly on the coldest days in the year.

Choice of wet suits can be a bit of a minefield with different makes and styles available. In brief what they do is keep out the worst of the cold by trapping an insulating layer of warm water. So if you feel the cold you may feel the need for warmer gear. Certainly if you want to sail outside of the warmer seasons then protection against the cold is a must.

The difference in Wet-suits mainly come down to thickness (the thicker the rubber the warmer you will be) and then style. You can get all-in-one, trousers and top; or shorty (that’s an all-in-one with short sleeves and legs). As usual you 'get what you pay for', ranging from inexpensive (I don't want to get too wet!) to the more expensive (I want to avoid hyperthermia!).

Hands and feet

Boots or shoes are fairly essential. Stubbing your toe on the concrete slip just as you are launching can be a little painful and enlighten others with the more colourful aspects of your language. There is a very wide selection on the market these days. You can get started with some cheap slip-on wet shoes and progress to specialist boots as your experience on the water develops.

When I first took up sailing I looked at those wearing gloves as being a bit daft. However, you soon realise that your hands can take a bit of a pounding, pulling and holding the various ropes on board.

Skill Factor

If you can’t sail or haven’t sailed for some years then you may like to consider some brush up lessons. During the summer Ardleigh offer some basic sail training courses run by members for members. Courses get booked up quickly so get please your names down in advance. See Training or New to Sailing?

Alternatively we have close links with Alton Water near Maningtree www.altonwater.co.uk. They offer a wide selection of training courses and being RYA affiliated you get the very best in tuition. They have a large selection of boats that you can hire under supervision to see which suits your best.

Lastly, talk to other club members. There are plenty of very competent sailors who would be only too willing to take you out on the water, whether in their own boat or one of the club's.

Summary

This article is not aimed at being a definitive guide as to what you need - other than the obligatory buoyancy aid. The rest is all optional and something you can buy and improve as you go along. My point is that sailing does not need to be expensive. Buy what you need, take as much advice as you can. Ultimately you can have great fun in a £200 Mirror dinghy dressed in an old tee-shirt, shorts, your buoyancy-aid and pair of pumps.

Ardleigh is a friendly club where you can enjoy safe sailing in a real family atmosphere. If you want to get more from your membership there’s only one real way. That’s to get out there have a bit of fun. Messing about in boats makes you a more competent and confident sailor - an outdoor skill that can be passed down through the generations.