We cross the line first… …and 100 metres later we’re last
Sound familiar?
It’s not the start—it’s what happens next:
Clean air
Boat speed
A plan
Win the first 2 minutes, win the race
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/03/how-...
#Sailing #RaceTactics #DinghySailing #LearningToSail
Why is a burgee so important when sailing?
That little flag at the top of the mast shows the true wind direction, which is vital when sailing on rivers.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/03/why-...
#SailingLife #DinghySailing #LearnToSail #RiverThames #WindDirection
Do you always remember to look up at the burgee when sailing?
I don’t.
So I'm experimenting with mounting a wireless wind anemometer on the masthead float, with a digital display at the foot of the mast.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/03/moun...
#SailingLife #DinghySailing #LearnToSail
Choosing Sailing Gear. This April, I’ll be sailing on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. I asked friends for recommendations for the best jackets. Here is what they came up with
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/03/choo...
#Sailing #DinghySailing #CompetentCrew #SailingLife #RiverThames #AdriaticSailing
The first sail of spring is always tempting… sunshine, wind, and a boat that has been waiting all winter.
But before rushing down the slipway, take a few minutes to check your boat.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/03/last...
#SailingLife #DinghySailing #RiverSailing #SpringSailing #BoatPrep
Sailing Term of the Week: The Transom
The transom is the flat panel at the back of a boat, often where the rudder is attached.
It might look simple, but its shape affects everything
Learn more here: pmrsailing.uk/sailing-less...
#Sailing #DinghySailing #LearnToSail #pmrsailing
Knot of the Week The Bowline.
Often called the King of Knots, the bowline creates a secure loop that won’t slip but can still be untied easily after heavy load.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/03/knot...
#Sailing #NauticalKnots #KnotOfTheWeek #LearnSailing #DinghySailing #SailingLife #PMRSailing
Early spring sailing: rivers, sea, or lakes?
Lakes/reservoirs = safest reset button.
Rivers = sheltered and skill-building… unless the stream is up.
Sea = amazing.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/03/wher...
#Sailing #DinghySailing #UKSailing #SpringSailing #SailingLife
Ever pulled a rope as hard as you can… and the boat just looks back at you? That’s your cue: add a pulley (block).
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/03/usin...
#Sailing #DinghySailing #Physics #MechanicalAdvantage
It’s the line that tensions the luff (front edge) of the sail, changing the sail’s shape.
Tighten = flatter sail (better in stronger wind)
Ease = fuller sail (more power in light wind)
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#SailingTerms #LearnToSail #DinghySailing #SailTrim #RiverSailing
Knot of the Week: Sheet Bend The knot that joins two ropes (even if they’re different thicknesses) without starting an argument.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/02/knot...
#Sailing #Seamanship #Knots #DinghySailing #RYA #pmrsailing
At the Dinghy Show I played “spot the kicker”… and on loads of new boats it had disappeared. Not gone—just upgraded (and spelt backwards). Meet the GNAV: an inverted vang that pushes the boom down from above.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/02/why-...
#Sailing #DinghySailing #BoatDesign #Rigging #GNAV
Sailing term of the day: Heeling That’s when the boat leans over because the wind is giving your sails a bit too much enthusiasm. pmrsailing.uk/sailing-less...
#Sailing #Learning #DinghySailing #ContinuousImprovement #pmrsailing
What’s a halyard?
It’s the rope that hoists your sail…
But it also controls sail shape, power, performance — and sometimes your dignity
Get it wrong and you’ll feel it upwind immediately.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-...
#Sailing #Performance #ContinuousLearning #DinghySailing
Sailing class associations – worth joining or just another subscription?
For most dinghy sailors (especially on rivers), they’re one of the best upgrades you’ll never bolt onto your boat.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/02/sail...
#SailingLife #DinghySailing #RiverSailing
Sailing term of the day: Cunningham It’s not just another rope — it controls where the power sits in your mainsail.
On rivers, a quick tweak can mean the difference between smooth progress and wrestling the boat.
pmrsailing.uk/sailing-less...
#SailingEducation #LearningToSail #DinghySailing
The most essential bit of dinghy sailing kit isn’t sold in a chandlery.
It’s situational awareness — knowing what the wind, water and other boats are about to do next.
Especially on rivers.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-...
#SailingSkills #LearningToSail #RiskAwareness #DinghySailing
The Dinghy Show is nearly here – and with it the annual temptation to buy all the things.
Before you fall for the gloss and carbon fibre, ask: Will this really make me a better sailor – or just a poorer one?
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-...
#Sailing #DinghySailing #RYADinghyShow
“In a 2-handed dinghy, the crew isn’t a passenger – they’re half the control system.”From balance and jib work to spotting gusts on a river, good crew work makes all the difference.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-...
#SailingLife #CrewRole #LearningToSail #DinghySailing #RiverThames
Small movements. Big gains.
Getting the seating position right in a sailing dinghy can transform performance — speed, balance, and control all improve before you even touch the sails.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/01/gett...
#LearningToSail #SailingSkills #DinghySailing #PerformanceSailing
Single-hander or double-hander for learning to sail?For most beginners – especially adults – sharing the workload builds confidence faster than going it alone.Learn comfortably, then specialise later
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/01/what...
#Sailing #Learning #LifelongLearning #DinghySailing
Anyone over 30 who wants to race against @elleb.bsky.social and a host of other great sailors can do so in the Masters Midwinters West. cc: @noquartersailing.com @lasersailor.bsky.social #ILCA #Sailing #DinghySailing
Regatta Information here: theclubspot.com/regatta/os6x...
Keelboat or daggerboard dinghy — which is actually better for racing on the Thames?
Shallow water, short legs, constant tacks, shifty winds… the river changes everything.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/01/keel...
#Sailing #RiverThames #DinghySailing #Keelboats #ClubRacing #LearnToSail #pmrsailing
sail dinghies on a river – short tacks, shifty winds, constant decisions. Would I cope on a yacht at sea?
Surprisingly… yes.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/01/from...
#DinghySailing #Yachting #RiverToSea
Look up at the burgee… or look down at a screen? Modern sailing is full of wind data, but instinct still matters.
That’s why we’re building our own wind speed & direction indicator:
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2026/01/look...
#SailingEducation #STEMinSailing #DinghySailing
Sailing Term: Painter
Not a decorator but the rope attached to the bow of a dinghy.
Used for: • Tying up • Towing • Keeping control on shore
Simple term. Essential knowledge. pmrsailing.uk/sailing-less...
#LearnToSail #SailingEducation #DinghySailing #RiverThames #pmrsailing
2025 turned out to be a very good year for sailing on the River Thames
An early start to the season, plenty of sailable days, and red boards only in the final weeks.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2025/12/2025...
#Sailing #RiverThames #DinghySailing #Watersports #OutdoorLearning
No wind.
No speed.
Just... drifting.
We’ve all had those days. Here's how to make the most of light-air sailing — and maybe even move forward.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2025/11/why-...
#DinghySailing #LightWind #pmrsailing
Sailors call it the boom for a reason.
It’s not just a pole – it’s a swinging reminder to duck.
We explore why it’s called a boom, what it does, and how to avoid hearing it the hard way.
Read more: pmrsailing.uk/sailing-less...
#SailingTerms #pmrsailing #DinghySailing
Mooring on a river looks easy — until you're caught between wind, current, and a pontoon that just won’t behave.
Today’s blog: The hidden skill of mooring on the Thames.
pmrsailing.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-...
#SailingTips #RiverSailing #DinghySailing #pmrsailing
