Walk on the high side
20/01/2010 11:03:00 a.m.
We are sailing: Liz Paton, Darren Gillies, Nick Oborne, Kevin Cudby and Gareth Phillips.
I have always hated the wind.
So many days in Wellington are ruined by the blasting cold air – and it is incredibly frustrating cycling into a headwind. A year ago I told myself in order to survive a lifetime in this city I needed to take up a wind sport. Sailing seemed an obvious choice, but it wasn’t until this month I actually got around to it.
The Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club on Oriental Bay is a good place to start – a 1.5hour harbour sail only costs $40. There were five of us who signed up for the class – none of whom were born in New Zealand. The only true-blue Kiwi on board was our instructor Kevin Cudby.
Cudby is a freelance writer who volunteers at the yacht club, having sailed for 45 years. Like him, all who work there do it for the love, and rely on donations and the 500 (or so) club members and occasional one-timers like us to keep the organisation afloat.
Our session began with a lathering of sunblock and a briefing which covered the basic mechanics of the keel boat and safety tips.
“As far as not falling in goes – always walk around the high side,” says Cudby.
I had no idea how high the high side could go until we set sail in the 25 knot wind. When we picked up speed the one side of the boat was just about directly above the other – I felt like I was on a funfair ride, except less safe.
This caused pangs of anxiety as the waves rushed the deck and blinded the other female on the sail, Liz Paton, repeatedly. My nervousness increased whenever Cudby adjusted the sails, and his fitted blue boat shoes slipped along the surface of the boat. If he falls in I thought we’re all stuffed.
One of the Scots on board, Darren Gillies, was the obligatory green-around-the-gills member of the crew. He and his mate Nick Oborne had partied into the wee hours the night before – it’s best not to sail when hung-over.
Cudby made sure we each took turns to steer the boat, although I fear Liz Paton may have missed out because I hogged the steering half way from shore and then all the way back – gleefully and awkwardly reversing the boat into dock.
I particularly liked the view of Wellington’s waterfront from the harbour. It is really hard to make out where you are, especially with sea spray stinging your eyes on an overcast day.
Landmarks to keep us heading in the right direction were the Cake Tin, Te Papa, the wharf cranes and the tall black State building – I thought Wellington was beautiful from the air, but you really must see it from sea.
We ended the sailing session with a hot cuppa and a light chat, and Rod Stewart’s Sailing on a loop in my head.
I have developed a new appreciation of the wind since the sail.
Check out the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club site for information: rpnyc.org.nz.
