D Day had finally come, Sunday 29th August, the culmination of all my study, back aches, bruises, broken nails and terror filled moments – exam day was here. I can barely remember the feeling of waking up on an exam day, let alone remember how much study was involved – oh bugger I had run out of time and I was feeling less that confident.

Week 3 in the Precisions had quashed any confidence I had felt, I was once again out of my element and the bravado was all but gone. Upon arrival at the Academy, we were told that the exam was in the Precisions (damn!), and the wind was up at 15-20 knots. We had only reached maybe 15 knots in the past 3 weeks… the stress kicked in at about this point.

So out we went, the clouds were brewing, the wind was slowly building, and the cold was slowly seeping through my skin. I was not ready for this! We made it out to Waterloo Bay and Chris laid the course then jumped on board, this made it a slightly more bearable. Rick, Frankie and I each took a lap around the course and at this point I hated every moment, it was way too windy for what little talent I possess after three weeks of training, it was cold and I was feeling sulky. With great relief on my part – Chris called it too dangerous and pulled down the sails. It was only 9.45am.

While our team had each managed a circuit of the course, Jane, John and Liam had not been given that chance – their instructor had taken the helm. After a short discussion back in the class room it was decided that there was insufficient practise to mark us on our Practical exam. We would have to go back out in the afternoon in the Pacers. As I mentioned – I hated it, and was determined not to get back on the water. No such luck!! Chris made it his mission to ensure I skippered a boat once again.

Rather than head straight back onto the water, we took this time to sit our theory exam. Despite my lack of study (shhh don’t tell anyone) I was surprised at how many questions I was completely confident to answer. Quick and easy! Before I knew it, it was lunch time.

This time round, we were to sail out of the Marina. Rick and I teamed up for this endeavour and as soon as I was in the Pacer, I was once again feeling comfortable. It’s amazing how the much larger Precisions scared me, yet the much smaller Pacer made me feel right at home. Out we sailed with no troubles – except the pesky rudder pin that did not want to lock in.

Now is the moment I truly proved how ‘girlie’ I can be. Rick and I found ourselves surrounded by a pod of dolphins at the marina gates – and oh yes, I squealed! Flipper was not only back, but with his family in tow. I hadn’t seen dolphins since my day aboard the Vic Frizzel and I was instantly feeling the same buzz and excitement as I had in the first few weeks of the Sailing Academy.

I only saw the dolphins on our Starboard side, not 2 metres away from us one crested the waves. This was such a thrill and I took it as a fabulous omen for the exam. Once the boys in the rubber duckie caught up we then found out that the dolphins had us surrounded.

After the excitement from the dolphin encounter had subsided, we were back out on the bay in full exam mode – each taking turns to complete the triangle course. One particular buoy was driving us insane, even Rick was having a hard time navigating onto the correct tack as we rounded the bugger, so I didn’t feel quite so out of sorts. By the end, I think we had it down pat. As we had only taken two Pacers out for the afternoon, the rubber duckie came to pick us up and another team was let loose on the bay. My exam was over! At the time it seemed a bit surreal. After the morning’s hatred of sailing, through to the excitement and renewed love of the Pacers, I couldn’t believe it was all over.

Funnily enough, even though I was wetter than I had been over the four weeks; the wind, the spray and the waves were crazier than ever before, I had renewed my love affair with sailing. I’m quietly very proud of that achievement.

Given that I am not the most athletic of women, I had felt that I was just as likely to drown as I was to graduate Sailing 101, but guess what?

That’s right, I survived, and not only survived but I passed with flying colours!! The entire class was full of graduate sailors, and we were certainly the most brilliant class Chris has ever seen go through the academy (well that was our opinion anyway).

We even managed to offer our own direction and yell advice as the instructors jumped into the Pacers for a few laps of the course.

Phew it’s all over, I survived, I passed and I was hand delivered my papers this morning (just one of the perks of working here). Now I just need my certificate from Yachting Australia to come through the mail and I am completely certified to skipper a small craft!

But it’s not over yet! Keep an eye out for me on the water and keep your eyes peeled for more blogging fun to come.

So this week I learnt the art of standing on water, this was not by choice and certainly not under professional supervision, this was thanks to the audacious daredevils to which I had to share a boat. No longer was I safely in a Pacer being cautious and studious with Jane, this week the instructors shook things up a bit and had the class sailing in the Precisions in teams of three.

They don’t look scary and with a weighted centre-board, the chance of tipping a Precision is slim to none – unless of course you are sailing with Rick and Frankie. Whilst we didn’t actually capsize, when the sails skimmed across the water I was convinced that this was going to be a cold and wet end to the afternoon.
As with last week, Chris and Mike (a new instructor for the group) laid out a basic triangle course. This seemed simple enough, after a few laps the wind died and Rick, Frankie and Myself spent a good half hour or so just floating and sunbathing. Despite the lack of wind, Frankie managed to direct us the whole way around the course – albeit very slowly. We found that quite impressive actually.

Then, when I was finally hot, tired and ready to head back in for lunch, the wind picked up. Now, somewhere along the line during the ‘Introduction to Sail’ course, Rick had picked up the art (or nerve) to tip the boat on its side and with absolutely no troubles he had Frankie joining in on the fun. With what little wind we had, the boys had us racing around the course, sails skimming the water and they were hanging over the other side keeping the boat balanced – I was cowering in the front holding on for dear life. Oh how I longed for the safe little sailing Jane and I had managed! However despite the terror, it was actually amazingly fun and got the adrenaline pumping. I think I was more concerned about getting my hair wet than any real worry about tipping the boat and face planting on Waterloo Bay.

Then when I had finally gotten the nerve up to stand alongside the boys and hang out of the boat, the instructors called for an end to our adventure. It was lunch time. Relief, disappointment and elation were all running through me. Being towed back into the harbour I was thinking that I was really quite glad I was with the boys and had that little adventure. Worst case scenario is that I end up wet, and thanks to the boys, I think that helped me overcome a little nervous energy I still had built up.

After lunch we had our theory period, this class was to explain about reading the weather, Marina signs, General boating signs and tides and currents. Not the most thrilling or exciting theory, but after my adventure walking on water, it was a nice, slow wind down to the day.

Sailing in the Precisions was a total change; I had finally built up my confidence with the Pacer’s and was fairly certain I was capable to pass the exam. Now with a much larger craft to control – I felt like I was back to square one, at least I had the boys with me – who despite their daredevil tricks – managed to be a fabulous crew and help me get the nerve back to skipper in a Precision and were sweet enough not to yell at me when I buggered it up the first few times.

The fun thing I have found with sailing is (dorky as it sounds) teamwork, I have found that the instructors can tell me everything in the class and yell it across the water, however in the end it is just you and your crew. It’s a test of your trust and ability to work with your team to get the boat moving on course and while I still feel like a novice, come next week and the exam – it’s my confidence and my team that will make sure I get my certificate at the end.

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Seventeen scary moments of terror about to capsize, two broken nails, one orchestrated capsize and one rope burn. Day Two of my adventure at the Sailing Academy left me a little battered, tired and seriously delusional. I am beginning to feel slightly insane, given that I was enthusiastic about jumping into cold water, in the middle of winter to intentionally capsize. Why would I want to do that? The truth is that it was a hell of a lot of fun and our instructors forgot to mention how cold it would be!

The day started off as brilliant as the last, once again we arrived at the academy to a beautiful sunny winters day. However on this occasion we were also lucky to have 12knot winds to ensure we had smooth sailing – no chance of being becalmed, or resting with a glass of champagne.

Within minutes of being towed into Waterloo Bay and being untied from the rubber ducky, Jane and I were joined by Kevin. He jumped into our boat to offer personal tuition for the first half hour or so, this was a welcome addition as we were still quite nervous about being in control of the vessel. He instructed us on the correct Tacking procedures, coached us through our first Gybe and also gave us insight into the instructor’s bets on the sailing teams. It seems that given the increased wind this week, the instructors had bets riding on who would be the first team to capsize – Chris was betting on John and Rick (the old boys – again pardon the description) going over and Kevin had dibs on Frankie and Liam (the young boys). Its’ good to see the instructors have as much fun as we do.

Within ten seconds of being released onto the bay, Frankie and Liam were down. Surprisingly, even before our capsize training; the boys had the boat up and sailing again! I have to admit, this was absolutely hilarious, Liam was still in the boat and Frankie had scampered around and was hanging on the hull of the Pacer trying to stay dry. Jane and I laughed until we realised that the same would more than likely happen to us.

After a few hours manoeuvring around the course, I caught a good breeze and started my return sail to the harbour. Feeling full of confidence and loving the thrill of the wind and speed of the Pacer, I was thrown into panic when Kevin yelled across the water ‘Ash, careful not to run aground’ – oops, I had neglected to pay attention to how close to the shore I was. Narrowly avoiding disaster I tacked around onto a deeper path and continued through the Marina gates.

Upon return to the ramp, Chris was there waiting for us and had a look of evil menace – he was now going to make us capsize!!  At this point I was so hot and tired it was actually quite a welcome exploit. Jane and I were first off the rank. Jumping straight into the cold water, I was the skipper to begin, after several attempts to right the boat myself, I had my crew (Jane) swim around to help me out – it took seconds to get it upright once we had the weight of us both on the centreboard. The boys all managed to get it up individually, so I think there is some benefit to having a bigger waist line – Jane and I were just too small.

Once we had all completed a run at being the skipper and crew in a capsize drill, it was time for a shower and lunch. Rick and I went for steak sandwiches at the Boardwalk Cafe, oh so yummy and deliciously filling after such a tiring stint on the water. Sitting out in the warm sun on the boardwalk, overlooking the scene of the capsize demonstration; it was such a relaxing lunch break. Then I realised that everyone having lunch half an hour before hand, would have seen us looking like drowned rats!

Back to class after toasting myself in the sun for lunch, and Chris had a small tutorial on knot tying. Again I was surprised at how easy these small things were to figure out, I managed to secure all knots bar one – the Bowline seems to be the one thing that will topple my sailing career. By week four I am aiming to have that one covered.

So now, I am trying to grow back the broken nails, and the rope burn is all but gone, I am enjoying the insanity and looking forward to week three!

As I sit here on this horrid rainy day, it’s hard to image just how beautiful Sunday turned out to be for me. In true RQYS Style, they really pulled out all the stops to ensure it was a fabulous experience – clear blue skies, gentle breezes and a warm sun beating down on us. Whilst I’d love to credit the Squadron with the weather, I do have to admit that I must have just been incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful winter day for Day one of Sailing Academy.

Six ‘wannabe’ sailors rocked up bright and early at 9am on a Sunday morning, filled with a combination of nerves and excitement to begin the journey. After a brief introduction to the instructors we were advised that we were being thrown straight in the deep end and out onto Moreton Bay! I was not at all surprised to find out that I wasn’t the only one to feel a slight chill of terror at being thrown straight on the water.

Being only 1 of 2 ladies at the Academy, I was teamed up with the lovely Jane, her husband had recently bought a yacht and she wanted the confidence to know what she was doing on board, so she had enrolled in the Sailing Academy. We looked at each other in disbelief and I thought – ‘these boys better know what they are talking about’.

Shortly after, we were rigging up Pacers under the supervision of Kevin, he was our lovely instructor who taught us, with incredible patience, the names of all the ropes, the sails and how to rig them altogether to create a Pacer that sails – the Westpac Pacer number 4 was now the ladies boat. I have to admit that I was highly impressed with myself at being able to do so without much difficulty. Either I am a naturally gifted student, or these boys know what they are talking about! (I’m betting on the latter).

Within minutes we were being towed out to the bay and it was at this point I started to contemplate how cold the water may be? We had the young boy’s boat in front of us and the old boys (pardon the description) behind us, being gently towed along. It was actually really relaxing, watching the boats come and go from the Marina and hoping to catch a glimpse of flipper again.

Chris, Junior and Kevin (all three instructors) dropped us out on the bay and set up a course for us, just a simple figure 8 to help us learn how to steer with the tiller, pull in the sails and adjust our weight on the boat all without getting wet.

For the first few laps Jane and I were like pro’s, whipping around the course and tacking like we’d been sailing all our lives. Then the wind dropped, and we sat there, gently circling whichever way the current moved, we watched the boy’s boats catch the breeze, and then they too, stopped. After a few minutes and wishfully thinking that champagne would go nicely with the gentle lull of the current, the Instructor boys came to tow us back in.

Day one and we had already sailed, I was elated! I had been expecting theory and classroom discussions to start with, but no, this was to come after. Chris explained to us that he could have spoken all day and we would never have remembered a thing once we were on the water. Instead, throw us on the water as soon as possible and then we can talk about it after. I like that thinking!

He walked us through the general sailing rules and explained what we had been doing – a beam reach course across the direction of the wind. It is amazing how easy it is to pick up a lesson once you have already done the hard stuff. Pop quiz time and only one question incorrect!! I’m feeling full of joy and loving this sailing caper that I have embarked upon.

Now, I have to face the realisation that capsize class is next week, I’ll be no doubt looking like a drowned rat in no time. However after watching a few of the young kids out on the bay, whilst we were becalmed, they were scampering around the boats, capsizing and righting them in seconds. In my current elation and full of confidence, I have no doubt that my instructors are going to have me scampering round like an expert in no time – let’s just hope I am as agile as my confident brain is telling me I am.

Well, Saturday was an eye opening experience for me, Suellen and the volunteer coordinators had arranged for me to experience the thrill of the club races. In true style, they threw me in the deep end and completely out of my element, on board the Vic Frizzel.

Now I am sure most of you are well aware of the starting procedures or at least sailing terminology, however to an ultimate novice sailor I can only liken this to witnessing a foreign film minus the subtitles. Luckily for me I had the generous knowledge of John, Sylvia and Sharon who patiently explained the art and complications of being a race official.

As we cruised out of the Marina, John pointed out a magnificent dolphin popping up his head out to say Hello, for an infrequent sailor, this small joy made such an impact. I was thinking ‘this is something I can get used to, relaxing on the open water just hanging with Flipper.’ This was the blissful ignorance of the recreational guest on board; I was soon to discover the fast paced thrill of adventure being witness to the art of racing.

I would never have know just what is involved in racing until that moment when the winds were checked, buoys placed, all was aligned, the sailors were all sailing past checking the board for course instructions and then the countdown started. The precision that was needed, the tense moment of decision for a general recall, the flag language that all sailors understood, it really was a remarkable event to witness. How everyone understood the coloured flags, the giant P and the O1’s and I2’a, I can’t even begin to imagine and some of these racers were so little!

It was gorgeous to hear these young sailors gossiping and playing friendly jibes across the water to each other as to who would win: ‘oh yeah, you can win because I don’t want to’, followed by, ‘pfft, I’ll win because I’m faster.’ It was here that John’s earlier words to me struck a chord, he had been enlightening me with his own joys of sailing prior to the races and his most memorable words were that he had likened sailing to rugby union – in that from both, he has found lifelong friends. I had this image of these children 40 years from now jibbing one another over a beer as to who has the biggest boat.

For my first week in the Marine/Sailing Industry, I have to admit it is overwhelming. It is honestly such wonderful environment and one that will no doubt continue to amaze me. It’s like one giant family with such a lovely culture of friendship, and I am looking forward to the experience.

I will leave you with one final note: The Tale of the Sunbather aboard the mighty Vic Frizzel is one of myth and legend; and I’ll leave that story to be told by better story tellers than I.

The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s newest addition is set to embark upon the adventure of a lifetime!

Hi, let me start by introducing myself, I am Ashley and I am the Community and Business Development manager here at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

I’ve been told that sailing is not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle, it’s a passion and it’s a social network – I’ve caught the fever and I want to learn to sail.

Now, I have never had any sailing experience, despite the occasional champagne on deck, so I am the ultimate beginner.

That should give you a good idea of what is to come on this page – I’ll leave heaps of fun in my wake, plenty of photos, blisters and capsized boats to come.

Watch this Space!!!