Scouts - Boathouse

The winds of August came and Keith, our most keen sailor, took charge of a camp at the boathouse.No surprises that the main activity of the weekend was sailing. To start the weekend, the cubs joined us for some outside activities, while the scouts got some practice building a table for the camping competition next month.

On Saturday morning, there was a big paddling race at the Canoe Club, so we were a bit restricted in our activities. No matter, as we have a decent bay and the wind was good, so we divided into teams and rigged our 3 O-9r's.Then it was time for a relay race around a short course in our bay. See the videos here.

After lunch the dam was empty and the wind was holding, so the 3 big boats were rigged and soon everyone was out sailing. With me giving instructions from the gig, everyone impressed and we got in some really worthwhile time on the water. It was about 16:45 when everyone came off and started de-rigging.

Early to bed, early to rise and breakfast was ready before 7:30 on Sunday. The boats were rigged and everyone was on the water by 9:00. Including Jonathan, resuming his windsurfing. The wind was getting up and the boats were screaming across the dam. This included Jon, who screamed away, but couldn't tack back. We picked up a tired and cold Jon with the gig and took him back for a warm shower.

After rescuing Jon, Chris persuaded me to rig the sails on the gig and we headed out to she how she handled. Once in the main dam, the gig picked up speed like a scalded cat, as I struggled with a serious weather helm. We need to work on the trimming of the jib. Keith had come out in the Gypsy with some of the juniors, but they were no match for the gig and we flew past. Sailing the gig is hard work and we have a few niggles to overcome, but it is incredibly fast under sail.

By 11, everyone was back at the boathouse and everyone got involved in planning for the camping competition.