| Vol 2 - Issue 8 | July/August 1998 |
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Sailing in Other Places Chapter 1: Hobie Sailing in the UK By Neil Thursby First of all, like everything else in the UK and Europe, boats are more expensive than in the US. I never understand why, but whatever we buy is the equivalent of the Dollar price. For example, a 100 dollar item in the US will cost up to 160 dollars over here - sometimes more. Perhaps that explains why sailing isn't more popular than it is! Anyway, Hobies have been sailed in the UK for many years. In the 80's there was a big 14 fleet, then the 16's took over, with 18 and 17 fleets growing too. Today, the 16 fleet dominates, with the Nationals constantly getting over 40 entrants. Numbers for the other fleets are mixed, and can be low. However, if you race a 16, the competition is VERY good, the lead sailors are fast by anyone's standards. Where can you find Hobie's sailed? Well they are mostly to be found along the South Coast from Brighton to Southampton, but there are clubs regularly sailing Hobies in many other areas, including the Channel Islands, Wales, East and North East coasts, plus some lake sailing.  |
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Carolyn Thursby |
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The photo is a little out of date - not many 14's around these days, but is shows the waters in which we sail. Northumberland is both an Industrial and Historic area, and one of the early centres of Christianity in England. In the background, behind the modern Coastguard station, can be seen the ruins of Tynemouth Priory which was built by Monks many hundreds of years ago.
Most racing is at club level, with Hobies taking part in mixed-fleet handicap racing. In recent times, a few sailors have felt an urge to go as fast as possible and be at the front of these mixed fleets, so in some areas, Hobie sailing has taken a slight nose-dive. Yet it's amazing to talk to these people and see the high regard they still have for Hobie's, particularly the fun factor and strength of the 16. I know if the wind is blowing, there's no better place to be than double-trapped out on a 16! The British Hobie Cat Class Association arranges such events as the Nationals, and also the "Champion of Champions", where all Hobies race on handicap. A couple of years ago they got Jeff Alter over to run a training weekend which was very well received. After a day of practising starts, you soon figure out what works and what doesn't. My own sailing club is on the North East coast of England, at South Shields. We have the benefits of sailing in a large man-made harbour, or out to sea when conditions allow. The 16 fleet used to be in double figures, but now 17's are the largest single class, with eight boats in the club. There have been many memorable sail's over the years, some that come to mind are; Cruises to a port twelve miles up the coast, or south to watch the local airshow from out at sea. Having an F16 use you as a turning-point at about mast-top height really is a novel experience. Another "good laugh" was when we got hit by 55mph gusts in a squall during the 95 Nationals. Not for the feint-hearted. Then there was the time the annual Tall-Ships race left the River Tyne and we sailed alongside these beautiful craft as they made their way out to sea and the start line. (Don't get to leeward of one of those things though - not much air in the shadow of all that canvas). Apart from that I guess things here are pretty much the same as elsewhere. Good, close, "friendly" racing, not too serious, good socialising afterwards. The adrenaline rush of a heavy air day, the depression of drifting backwards when there's no wind at all. The embarrassment of being the one who forgot to put their drain-bungs in! So, Hobie sailing is alive and kicking in the UK. Only question is; Where's Chapter Two coming from? - Over to you! Neil Thursby Neil Thursby Back to Features |