Your technical questions...

Paul Brotherton answers

From Sabrina

I am new to sailing and have found my new passion in life. I have been trying to find information with regards to how the sails work, such as the angles to 'catch' the wind and how far up the sails should be for various weather conditions. Can you recommend a web site or book that can give me the information I'm looking for?

Welcome to sailing. Be warned - a passion for sailing can mean a life long commitment. Since I started when I was seven, I have never had more than two consecutive weekends away from sailing in nearly 30 years. You have been warned.

There are some fabulous sailing books available aimed at the beginner. Some are a little basic, but the one that springs to mind is a book written by John Terry, titled 'The True Techniques of Sailing'.

My overriding advice would be to join a local inland or sheltered coastal sailing club and sail as often as you can. You will meet a lot of 'experts' along the way - my advice there is don't assume they know any more than you.

Try what people tell you, but your own experience and finding what works for you is far more important. Try and learn from your mistakes - Good luck.



From Jo Assael
I'm 17 and have been racing dinghies all my life (now racing Lasers and 420s). I want to move on now to do some big boat racing .The problem is that I am young and no one wants to have an inexperienced crew member on board their boat. How should I go about getting involved in the yachting scene with no yacht racing experience.

Many thanks for your question. I am really pleased you have highlighted the issues you are currently having.

Sailing in the UK is very popular and relatively accessible. Furthermore, dinghy sailing is conducted at a huge number of sailing clubs and centres around the country. This is not the case with yacht sailing. Sadly Jo, it doesn't matter where in the country you are. If you consider that within the Solent from Chichester Harbour to Highcliffe there are probably in the region of 50 dinghy clubs or centres - within that same area significant keel boat racing is only held/ run at three clubs: Lymington, Cowes, and Hamble.

I am certain that both dinghy sailors and yacht sailors could learn form each other. However, back to your question.

The quickest and best way to start to learn and gain experience is to get sailing. No question sailing and racing a caravan would be better than holding out for a spot on a grand prix yacht. Find where your nearest racing centre is and then the associated marina where the yachts are serviced / berthed.

This time of year the winter series is in full swing. However, many of the boats often have trouble turning out a complete crew every week as the holiday seasons draw closer. Try getting down to the marina mid-week and do your best Sherlock Holmes impression. You're looking for the guys who run or service the boats for the owners. Ask in the chandlery, the riggers, the harbour office - anybody who is hanging around working on the boats - tell them you're looking to do some racing. Get your name and number into as many peoples wallets as possible.

I would bet that this alone would be enough to get you your first ride. Failing that you have two other options, either turn up at one of the Hamble marinas at 0730 on a Sunday morning and look out for anyone rushing around or desperately using their mobile phone. Otherwise, try catching the boats that are coming in and look for the upset looking crews - listen out for the "If only we had been fully crewed this week" is always a good start. You could also see if you can spot any of the guys you have already met. It's all about them knowing you are available and really keen. As soon as you achieve that - bingo - you are racing from there on in.

Every time you race, look, listen and learn. Think ahead about your next job, ask questions if you are unsure and constantly review how you might have done something differently. Once you are 'on the scene' you will be surprised how thick and quick the offers will come. Good luck - let us know how you get on.