While the vast
majority of visitors to our nation’s capital were enjoying the colourful sights
and sounds of the Notting Hill Carnival not too long ago, there was another
international event that, while not as colourful, was equally as enthralling
and exciting to those present.
The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race
is the world’s longest ocean race at 40,000 nautical miles and features 700
participants over its eight stages. Fortunately for me I was one of the lucky
few to watch the parade along the Thames before the first leg launched from
Saint Katherine Docks. This unique and captivating race will see teams travel a
whopping 6,000 miles to Rio de Janeiro.
It is certainly a
challenge not to be inspired by those taking part; it is believed that
40% of them had never sailed before they signed up to take part in the
event. It certainly is a testament to these individuals’ strength and
determination to participate in such a long and arduous race.
Personally, having
taken up sailing relatively recently after thoroughly enjoying the satisfaction
of being on the water, I can assure you that it is one of the most challenging
yet rewarding sports that one can participate in. Having previously only tried
fishing and so not gaining much speed, sailing has been very exciting, despite
the physical exertion!
At the upcoming Southampton Boat Show there is a
particularly exciting feature that will undoubtedly book up very quickly. The
show’s Try-a-Boat feature will allow sailors of all levels of experience the
chance to sail a RIB on the open water free of charge. For a self-confessed sailing
novice such as myself, this provides an ideal setting for me to experience the
thrill of such a powerful vessel without putting myself or others in harm’s
way.
While it is something
of a pipe-dream, I have already been browsing classified ads in an attempt to
fulfil my dream of owning my very own boat. As well as this I have also been
scoping out the cost of marine chandlery
on the off-chance that my dream suddenly becomes reality. Sadly it appears that
my wife does not seem to share my dream of us sailing our way around the
sunnier parts of Europe. It also appears that I seem to have a fair old way to
go before convincing her that a boat will make a sound investment for our
future.
In the meantime I have
been trying to make the most of what remains of the British summer to pack in
as much sailing as possible. While sailing from Brighton may not have the same
appeal as sailing along the beautiful Adriatic Coast, it is enabling me to
learn the basics before further embarking into the world of sailing.
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