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Many will be surprised by how low the percentages are. It is perhaps worth noting that if we ignore the suggestion that those taking part in short trips in light winds should have some experience of capsizing, then 88% of those who responded would have reached the 'Basic' standard.
Turning to the requirements for taking part in 'Intermediate' day trips on inland water, the main stumbling blocks were experience of completing a self-rescue after a capsize, and experience of rescuing others. The increased use of double outriggers in recent years could be said to have reduced, for some, the importance of being able to self-rescue after a capsize. The use of double outriggers is not universal, however, and as safety at meets relies predominantly on rescue being provided by other canoe sailors, the lack of experience of rescuing another canoe is lamentable. This was acknowledged at this year's Winter Meet, and the group decided to purchase two drysuits to encourage members to practice resolving capsize situations.
Those with no experience of canoe sailing
We must all start somewhere, and typical group meets make very little provision for those who are new to canoe sailing. Those with no experience are welcome to join us on the beach, and some members are happy to take newcomers out as a passenger in their boats. As for new members wishing to sail their own canoe; those with previous experience of sailing are often able to achieve the 'Basic' level of skills from the outset. Additionally, a training meet has been provided this year. This was conceived to further the skills of existing members, but newcomers would also be welcome, whatever their previous level of experience. For others, an RYA Level 2 course at a sailing school could provide a starting point; this would be particularly suitable for those who wish to sail the latest commercially available canoes, which behave very much like small sailing dinghies.
Summertime And The Sailing Is Easy... (SheenaT)
Just to remind us of better weather and summer sailing conditions and to combat any 'mid-winter blues', here are some photographs taken at the Ullswater Meet last July by SheenaT from Manchester, who has joined recently. Many thanks to her and to Walter, who provided an excellent shooting platform for her to take some great pictures.
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