Before too long I was being introduced to the other members and received an invitation to "jump aboard" with an experienced Helmsman and go for a brief sail. I was instructed which ropes were my responsibility, which to pull and when, when and how to move across the boat and full explanations as to what we were doing and why. There was a good breeze blowing and it quickly became apparent that there was much, much more to sailing than met the eye. It was exhilarating, to say the least, and I was hooked. Subsequently, I turned up a few times shortly afterwards and was always invited to crew for someone, to get out on the water rather than being left on the sidelines. There was always plenty of discussion / advice to be had regarding which type of boat would be most appropriate for me to buy as a first boat. I have since become a club member, participating in training, racing and other club activities. Learning to sail well and race competitively is a long, slow process. It is, however, very rewarding and has provided exactly the fitness and health benefits that I was looking for at the outset, and more!

- Ray