Boating adventure: ladies’ night yacht racing on the Hauraki Gulf
My mission: to experience yacht racing first-hand (and fulfil my wannabe America’s Cup dream)
My goal: not to fall out
I had no idea what to expect before I set off for my first real sailing experience – all I knew was I was heading out on a boat called ‘Outrageous Fortune’ with a crew of 10 women called the Hoochie Mamas.
My apprehension increased a notch when, within seconds of stepping foot on Outrageous Fortune, I was told several times, “Don’t fall out”. Little did the Hoochie Mamas know I was “that” girl – you know, that kid at school who would find a way to be injured in even the safest activity. I was also no stranger to being hit on the head by a sailing boom, thanks to Milford Primary School’s Waterwise programme (I hadn’t been near a sail boat since).
The Hoochie Mamas are a mixed bunch, ranging in age from their late 20s to early 50s. All of them work and all of them have families – for many, this is their “time out”. I can see why – in the heat of a sailing race, thoughts of everything else just fall from your mind, especially if, you’re concentrating on not falling out.
Before the race kicked off, one of the Hoochie Mamas pulled me aside to give some advice. “When we’re racing we’re like chefs in a kitchen,” she said, “so don’t take any notice of us shouting and screaming at each other.”
And boy oh boy could they shout!
As soon as we got underway I understood why I’d been handed a pair of gloves before we left the pier. It was a choppy sea, and my hands would have been ripped to shreds as I tried to cling on had I not been wearing them
Let me tell you, sailing is tough! It was way more physical than I expected – these women go head-to-head with strong winds and bumpy seas. I’m not afraid to admit, a couple of times I was convinced we would capsize, but I disguised my fear with laughter – the crew probably thought I was a really happy person.
But it was also exhilarating – it almost felt as though I left the pier a girl and came back a woman (or a Hoochie Mama).
I’d blown away the cobwebs and finished what had been a draining day at work on an adrenalin high.
You can have the same experience, and you don’t have to be a die-hard boatie or have a sailing background to jump on board and get your feet wet. To find a yacht club with ladies’ racing, head to www.discoverboating.co.nz
Although I don’t own a boat – yet – I have still managed to spend a lot of time on the water. Fishing, cruising, sea biscuiting – I’ve had a stockpile of good times.
But my devil-may-care attitude and lack of preparation means I’ve learned a few things the hard way.
Learning things the hard way is not, actually, something I would recommend. So, in the interests of safe boating all summer long, here are my top tips for people who are just discovering boating.
You can’t be boat smart if you’re not sun smart
The cool sea breeze you feel out on a boat can lure you into a false sense of security, and trick you into ditching the golden slip, slop, slap and wrap routine. You’re not feeling hot and bothered, so how could you possibly get sunburned?
Very easily, actually – and a sunburned scalp is no fun, believe me. First, there’s the obvious discomfort, but then once it starts peeling, it looks like you’ve got more snow falling off your head than Mt Ruapehu mid-ski-season.
Equip yourself with a good hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sun block and some loose fitting clothes – and cover up.
Leave your designer threads on the shore
Forget your fantasies of cruising the Mediterranean in a billionaire’s boat – for most Kiwis, boating trips aren’t flash and dripping with more sophisticated bling than hip-hop music videos.
Casual gear rules the waves, and I suggest we keep it that way. Because, to be honest, boating can be a bit grubby at times. You’re exposed to things like water, wind and salt (not to mention smelly bait if you’re going fishing). Wear things you don’t mind roughing up or losing overboard.
You don’t want those $560 Prada sunnies ending up in the drink. Trust me.
Stay afloat
When you’re on a boat, the aim is to stay on it. But no one is too cool or too experienced to wear a lifejacket, because accidents can happen.
Every boat should have a suitable lifejacket for each person on board, and you should wear yours.
Learn to swim
You’re going to have the most fun on the water if you are comfortable and able to handle yourself in the environment – and handling yourself in water means knowing how to swim.
I mean, how else are you going to retrieve those $560 Prada sunnies that you just couldn’t resist wearing (despite my advice) and which are now floating away into the sunset?
If reading about my boating experiences over the past month has helped you find your sea legs, be sure to visit my blog on www.discoverboating.co.nz where I will continue to post stories about my offshore experiences.
