Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sailors get good wind [Samoa Observer - Front Page]
Written by Filo Taituuga [Samoa Observer]
Monday, 18 May 2009 15:33
Hobie Cat Sailors certainly got good wind to blaze round the open waters at Mulinuu yesterday. Three Hobie cat crews launched from Apia Yacht club in the afternoon, taking full advantage of ideal wind conditions. Each crew lured gusts of wind to travel at blistering knots, manouvering across the water in fine form.
For the curious spectator watching with interest from the club house, it was certainly a spectacular sight to witness. Judging from the faces of sailors, the freedom, enjoyment and adrenalin rush of scathing the sea at high speed, tacking up and down a blanket of blue sea was the ultimate buzz. No wonder the sport of sailing locally has aroused much interest, it has all the drama, suspense, skill, nous, excitement and thrill all couped up in one sport.
It is certainly is a sport worth giving a crack outside ones comfort zone for sure, and would no doubt knock the wind out at you, even watching from the side.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Basic Prep Tips from the Fleet Captain
Shirts with collars save your neck from sunburn, synthetic absorbs less water than cotton, close-fitting doesn't attract bits of boat equipment up the sleeves etc.(speaking from experience)
Shorts save your modesty and from "Laser bum" (as above)
I personally find some footwear more comfortable than bare feet, others think differently. Shoes that you slip on will slip off in the water. Best are reef shoes, lightweight trainers. Rubber sandals are OK, except the fittings seem to attract ropes.
If you want to wear a baseball cap (good idea), bring a piece of string to tie it onto your buoyancy aid.
If you need to wear glasses to see, and cannot get on with contact lenses, make sure your glasses are securely fixed onto your head with cord, they don't float, believe me. Ditto sunglasses, but usually better off without extra things to worry about.
You may also like to have:
sun tan cream,
change of clothes,
drinking water & a towel.
Best not to wear earings, jewelry, etc.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Laser Course - 6 Week Beginner
Dear Club members,
We are planning to commence a beginners sailing course this weekend - Saturday 9th May in order to attract new sailors to the club. It will run for 6 Saturdays to 13 June. Please let me know if there are any club members who wish to join this course or forward this email to non-members who may be interested.
On this course you will learn to sail a Laser (single handed boat) and will
also get an introduction to the Hobie Cats (double hull for 2 people). The cost of the course will be $200 Tala. Participants will be required to become a member of the AYC for the current year. Please note that this course is fairly intensive and will need to full-time attend all the sessions to get the full benefit of the course.
Nick Roberts