Braving the Solent in a Force 7
If you live, travel or otherwise find yourself near Southampton in the UK, something that you must spend a weekend doing is sailing the Solent. Although I an nowhere near an expert sailor, I have sailed on the Solent enough times to realises that it is as unpredictable as the outcome of the 2008 US Presidential Race and more taxing to the stomach than a few hours on the Teacup ride at a carnival. I have been covered with salt, vomit, food and booze during my various journeys, but loved (well, almost) every minute of it.
There are a variety of ways you can get yourself on a boat. Most larger companies in London and the region will have sailing clubs and if you work in a corporate environment, check and see if you can't get one of your suppliers to invite you along to the mack-daddy of all UK sailing events, Cowes Week. I have been on a number of events and weekends, but the best thus far (aside from being out on a boat with just my mates) has been Little Britain. This is the construction industry's annual sailing extravaganza and Waterman, an engineering consultancy, always throws a mean party for all of their clients and suppliers. Last year's was complete with a hog roast and live music late into the night.
I sadly only made it onto a sailboat twice this year. Once for a day at Cowes and then for another two with some friends for a weekend of sailing. It was enough to get the juices flowing, but not enough to really satisfy my thirst. The photo is from my last outing where we had Force 7 winds and some heavy rain. Combine that with the last day of racing for Cowes Week and you have some exciting sailing! I'll have to see if I can't get myself onto a boat for a couple of racing weekends over the winter... brrr, that'll be cold...
If you haven't already, no matter where you are in the world, go out for a few hours, a weekend or even a week of sailing. In this age of high petrol prices, it feels extra nice to get your thrills while being sustainable!