The International Canoe

During the last Nationals I had a gripping conversation with Colin Brown about the difficulty of finding 8ft long bamboo canes thick and strong enough to use as tiller extensions on our International Canoes. Garden centres seem not to have them these days at least of usable quality.

Now some of us lead exciting lives and yesterday when recovering from the Moth Nationals and celebrating my 42 wedding anniversary with an OAP discount lunch at Dobbie's Garden Centre, after lunch Barbara and I sourced a supply of bamboo canes just what is required for the IC. As our choice of dinning venue illustrates, as last of the big spenders I went mad and spent £5-95 and bought ten. I now have more than a lifetime's supply so if anyone wants one or more order them here, I will bring them to the Nationals where you can give me 60 pence, cash on delivery!

As for the Moth Nationals, unlike last year when dogs were blowing off chains we had four days of perfect force 3 to 4 foiling weather in Torbay and I had great fun finishing all ten races in the series. With 43 entries, mostly young gym-addicted athletes with impressive CVs in other classes, I knew with only one other competitor over 50 and none others over 60 my main aim was to avoid last place and enjoy myself whilst being lapped by Simon Payne (and his ilk, such as Fireball ace, DJ Edwards who was 8th) who won the event. The sailing was awesome and challenging off wind in the waves and I was pleased with my 35th overall and to beat four guys who normally beat me, including the lady national champion. I was disappointed to find consistency this year did not pay. The 8 individual race results that I counted ranged from 32 to 26 but still I was 35th overall. I dropped a 37 and a 38 while others were discarding two 44s. Not that it mattered, the awesome sailing was reward enough. Five hours on the water and up to three races a day, four days running was quite a test of stamina for my ageing body but the adrenalin rush off wind was worth it, though I have to say the IC is the more sensible boat for the older man. Robin Wood gave the event a miss.

Cheers Colin

Well done Colin, sounds like you had fun! Having analysed your symptoms, i agree that Canoe sailing is probably a more sensible option for those over 50, with the best option being a new rules boat, which provides that extra adrelaline rush, but rather easier to sail than a Moth - but then i guess I'm biased!