Centreboard Sailing Newsletters
Thames Sailing Club
Centerboard Sailing Report – October 25–26, 2025
Participation is always hard to predict on a long weekend like this one. Often, there’s a collision of multiple interests for the day, and sometimes sailing is not the top priority. This time, the Sail Training suffered more than the racing — but overall, it turned out to be a good weekend for the club.
For both days, the weather forecast was quite similar: 20 knots in the morning. A south-westerly on Saturday was to be replaced by a more westerly on Sunday. However, the conditions turned out to be very different.
Saturday, October 25
There was hardly any wind for some distance out from the club. A light breeze seemed to have established itself in the middle of the firth. For some time, it appeared to come closer, only to disappear again.
These conditions suited the numerous fishermen launching from the club, but our sailors would have wished for more breeze. Not too many came along to be disappointed. The father-and-daughter team from the previous sailing weekend saw this as an opportunity to sail on a larger boat. I believe only their trailing toy duck got wet feet that day.
Other club members had much to discuss around the kitchen table. Based on these conversations, we might see some changes happening later in the season.
Sunday, October 26
Most of the core of our Laser fleet turned up for the day. There was our Open Bic hero and two Optimists. One sailing family didn’t bring enough gear to rig their two Lasers, so one of them had to stay ashore. As a result, some sailing tuition took place in the Optimists, while the others set out for racing.
When discussing the weather conditions prior to racing, the Treasurer estimated a 12-knot westerly breeze, while I assumed more than that. Now I wonder about his financial estimations! In short: we had plenty of wind, and the conditions were challenging.
The short and steep chop was reflected by the sea wall south of the club, resulting in waves from all directions at once. The start line had to be right in the centre of this washing machine. The officers made us sail a triangle, windward–leeward course. This course was slightly corrected to accommodate a wind shift and changed from port to starboard after two races.
We saw a small number of capsizes, but overall we had four good, hard races, bringing the best sailor to the top of the podium. Only two sailors retired between races, and one did not finish the last race. There was a debriefing with recognition for both good achievements and notable mishaps. Almost every sailor earned a hot dog after racing! The officers did a really good job, and the sailors tried their best to match it.
A system for delivering the results of racing is under development and will be launched soon.
Next Up
For a few more weekends, we will continue with this format. As the weather hopefully improves, we might even find someone to man the barbecue. Please consider helping us run these events — this applies not only to active sailors and club members, but also to their families and supporters. If you are interested in helping out please go to our website and fill out the form and we will be in contact.
Don’t forget to stay up to date:
https://www.thamessailingclub.co.nz/
Thames Sailing Club
Centreboard Sailing Report – October 11–12, 2025
I can only hope that you have all had a good rest, because the time has come to make the new sailing season a success for the club. Much has been prepared, and the facilities are in good order. Make sure you are as ready as we are.
Centreboard sailing is an Olympic sport for sailors of all ages, so there is hardly a reason for you to feel too old or too young to become a winner. Come along and take us on!
In Detail:
Saturday, October 11:
An early briefing and cold weather with strong winds did not confine everyone to a more comfortable place.
In our learn-to-sail group was a whole family: a father, a daughter, and two young siblings. While the siblings received a brief induction from an ex-commodore, everyone else listened in. The patrol boat was launched, and it was time to hit the water.
Soon, the boats sailed a figure of eight around two buoys. The more experienced sailors eventually went a little further. As always, there were a few Chinese gybes.
Please, everyone, keep in mind to point the bow of the boat (the front) into the wind, and do not hold onto the boom when handling the boat on shore or when getting ready to sail off. Otherwise, the resulting battle can cause damage.
The strong conditions made sailors abandon sailing early. Once you get exhausted, there is nothing left to gain.
Therefore, the first day of sail training was cut short.
Sunday, October 12:
When conditions are not the best on the previous day, they sometimes become worse. The wind had veered further north, now blowing somewhere around 20 knots with more than enough gusts.
We had enough members turn up to cover all important positions, and three Laser sailors decided to give it a go anyway (regardless of the conditions). We had a briefing, we set up a course, and we held a debriefing. The rest cannot be considered good advertising for the sport.
Not one boat came even close to the bottom mark of the course, nor did we even get to have a start.
Sail maintenance was done by rinsing with salt water first, then with fresh water when back ashore. Later in the season, we might have handled it differently, but it was not doable on this first race day. However, sailors will still score under our Commitment Competition. Results will be presented on our website soon.
Next Up:
The first sailing weekend of our Centreboard season was more than just a test—it was the start of what we hope will be an exciting season spanning over seven months. The next events will follow the same format.
You are all invited to be part of this great sport.
Don’t forget to stay up to date: https://www.thamessailingclub.co.nz/
