Start of the 2026 Season
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
March 26 came around quickly after our online Christmas celebration, where we were already looking forward to the start of the new sailing season. Before we knew it, the first weekend was upon us.
We were fortunate with the forecast, which predicted light winds all weekend, making sailing seem unlikely.
However, the wind gods were on our side.
The weekend focused on each boat working with one of the five essential elements of sailing, exploring how it applied both individually and as a team, and how it related to the conditions. All boats also practiced our blind sailing communication techniques. As a backup plan in case of no wind, each boat prepared a 20-minute talk on a sailing related topic ranging from weather to sail trim, just encase we were held ashore.
On Saturday morning, after our breathing exercises, we decided to launch the boats so we would be ready if the wind picked up. Sure enough, the breeze arrived just in time for us to begin our on the water exercises. We worked on windward-leeward courses, focusing on the key element assigned to each crew. It was great to hear the discussions on board:
“What happens if I sit here?”
“Let’s go around that mark again and try using the mainsail only first.”
The morning flew by, and we returned to the dock just as the wind dropped. After lunch, we moved on to the planned talks, as the wind had disappeared but our fingers were crossed it would return Sharon and Toby, supported by Steve and Daryl, presented on sail trim. Using two dinghies laid on their sides, they demonstrated sail shape in a way that allowed everyone, especially B2 and B1 sailors, who have never seen sail shape to feel and understand the concepts. It was a fantastic team session, and everyone took away valuable insights.
Later, as the wind picked up again, we checked in on how things were going, discussing the effects of too much rudder, poor weight distribution, and how the five essentials come together. With the breeze returning, we finished the day with some friendly racing. Using 3-minute starts, crews focused on refining their individual skills within their own boats. It was a perfect way to end the day, right as the sun set a long but rewarding day both on and off the water.
Saturday evening was spent at Wetherspoons in Oakham. A huge thank you to the team there; they simply say, “No worries, see you at 7,” and then take great care of us. It makes everything so easy.
Sunday began with thick mist. Not a problem for our visually impaired sailors, but potentially challenging for the safety boats.
After a thorough recap of the five essentials, we reset the boats and introduced a new element to focus on alongside the previous day’s learning. As the mist cleared, a light breeze emerged.
The first part of the session focused on the new element and how it influenced performance. We then finished the weekend with friendly light wind racing. Light winds can feel daunting for visually impaired sailors, but the more we practice, the more we learn to feel the boat and read the breeze.
The sessions clearly showed how incorrect weight placement, overuse of the helm, or poor balance can bring the boat to a complete stop!!!!
What a fantastic way to start the 2026 season back on the water.
Next up is our taster day on April 17, followed by another full weekend focused on developing these skills further. Tell a friend and get them out on the water, a great way to feel free.
A big thank you to all our volunteers, and welcome to Jude and Obi our two new faces to blind sailing, and to Logan for capturing some great photos and videos.
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