Skills Articles
Sailing purists know that the key to smooth, economic, and safe navigation lies in mastering the art of trimming your boat. Basic good hull design will usually mean you won’t need to constantly trim from the helm to keep the ride comfortable. But having the ability to effectively adjust the trim both fore and aft, as well as side to side, is extraordinarily beneficial for altering your vessel’s attitude to the sea.
Imagine, in an ideal world, as you hit the gas on a perfectly balanced sailboat. As the speed increases, the hull’s shape naturally lifts the boat onto its planing speed, seemingly skimming over the water’s surface. However, reality checks in when the boat’s weight starts to fluctuate due to adding passengers, fuel, supplies or even kit, thus altering the initially perfect balance.
Day four of the Ripe Craftinsure GP14 National Championship 2025 at Tenby Sailing Club left a trail of adventure, drama, and an overwhelming sense of camaraderie in its wake. The 75th Anniversary National Championship powered into its penultimate day with a single race that welcomed a new wind direction - a steady 8-10 knots from the southwest to go against the tide.
The spirited team of Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton demonstrated an awe-inspiring start right out of the middle of the line. Even though the fleet shifted towards the right to evade the tide, Team Barnham/Sexton held their ground. Through disciplined teamwork, they overtook the McGuinness team on the first run, with Fergus Barnham and Ellie Devereux seizing the third place.