The RYA Scotland Winter Class Academies always mark the end of the autumn qualifier season.
They’re usually held across six weekends between November and March to help us hone some of our basic skills and are a chance to work on things we’ve been struggling with since last winter.
We like to switch up the venues of these events so as we are able to sail in a variety of different conditions as everywhere has different skills required.
This year for the first time we went to St Andrews and it was quite an experience.
The river near the boat park was deceptively calm and I started the day off optimistically, looking forward to a few strong hours on the sea.
However, despite there being not much wind the waves were almost above head height at the launch area.
With a number of inexperienced sailors at the event, the more able of us were asked to help get them off the beach.
The average launch time for the 15 or so boats present would be around 10 minutes at the slowest. Instead it took us over an hour to get everyone out with most boats taking a minimum of three sailors to launch. By the time we finally made it out, I was soaked from head to toe and freezing in the tropical -2° air.
From there ensued perhaps the single coldest hour on the water I have ever had the misfortune to experience. On the up side however, our coaches decided it was safer to take us back in past the harbour so we got to show off to some of the local fishermen as we manoeuvred our boats back under the bridge and safely to shore.
After that weekend I don’t think I have ever been so grateful to make it back to Caledonian Court, its central heating is just so much more effective than a wetsuit.
It took me about a week to get warm again and I spent most of that time considering taking up an indoor sport. Perhaps table tennis?
Team GBRn't 