Bridge over troubled waters

Ranging from how to improve boat speed, plywood boat rule changes, sail designs, centreboard rake, righting lines, mast sections and installing self- bailing systems, questions have been asked and willingly answered by all.

The sharing Sabre spirit continued as Alan Riley, current go-ast guru holding two Sabre National and State Championship titles back to back, invited fellow Sabre sailors to participate in several all-you-can-digest, one-hour Q&A sessions.

Riley says, “I like to think people have been learning from me, so will improve and enjoy their sailing more.” He is keen to see the initiatives continue post lockdown too.

Enjoying the information on offer, Randall Garnham from Black Rock Yacht Club, admittedly suffering serious sailing withdrawal symptoms, has become a further force to reckon with after participating in the sessions.

“I learned heaps. Alan and Murray O’Brien’s tips were great. Their knowledge on how to sail fast in various conditions and how to address our problem areas was great. I’m itching to put it into practice, so watch out!”

When asked what the most difficult thing about not being able to sail during this period has been, Sabre sailor Pam Webster remarked, “It’s the total physical isolation. I can’t go to the sailing club to check on the Sabre or do maintenance – or evict the water rats that might have taken up residence in my Sabre.”

After regularly participating in Sabre Zoom events, Webster commented: “I don’t feel so isolated; the positive attitude of the people in the class has been really helpful.”

Lisa Barrand, familiar with Sabrette succour and sleepovers, and regular host of the Sabrette Soirees, is confident the regular Zoom has been very supportive for people beyond sailing.

Luis Mata says, “I miss being physically tired after going for a sail; it’s the sense of peace and relaxation that comes after sailing that I miss.”

While Harold Medd, Mata’s fortnightly forum co-host and Sabre veteran shares, “I have always needed the completely absorbing activity of sailing to get me away from all other issues.”

Both agree that the sharing of stories and getting to know each other beyond the club and a regatta has deepened their connection to the class and are keen to see the events continue.

In an environment where most Melbourne sailors don’t have a compass bearing for the next windward mark, it’s been the collective display of will, determination and commitment to community – symbolic of a sailing class made up of people prepared to batten down the hatches and weather a storm together – that has seen Sabre sailors reinvent the rules to continue living out the class values.

Values readily described by its members as, “Encouraging, supportive, welcoming, inclusive and friendly.”

Or, in the words of Adrian West, “Awesome! Seriously, it’s one of the best groups I’ve seen.”

downundersail.com