Vane 36R Free Sailing at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club: A Guide to Enjoying This Classic Sailing Experience
Vane 36R Free Sailing at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club
Looking ahead to the weekend, we had great weather in store for the last event of August. The forecast promised dry conditions, with the wind shifting to the East overnight from Friday to Saturday, perfect for our 36R Vane boats, which had five participants.
The boats were rigged with their largest sails for a 2-point run straight down the lake. We noted a slight bias favoring the clubhouse in the breeze, which was expected to increase slightly throughout the morning, reaching around 12 knots.
The Bye boat Skipper was assigned in rotation to assist Bob during the day, allowing them to tune ‘Remix’ to their preferences.
In the first race, John had an excellent start, with his 36R perfectly tuned, securing a lead on both legs. The sailing continued well for everyone throughout the day.
Bob was the first to downsize from his tall, skinny main as the wind picked up more quickly than anticipated, followed by Olly, and then John, who unfortunately got caught on a crab line, resulting in a broken boom. Tony and Peter managed to stick with the big rigs all day, but decided it wasn’t worth changing for the last race as the wind increased further.
John never dropped points and even gained a few from Bob’s boat. By the final race, he had ‘Remix’ dialed in perfectly, taking the center line for a strong run to the far end.
Overall, it was a fantastic day with the compact and easy-to-handle one-man boats. In the right conditions, these small vessels are truly enjoyable to sail. They are easy to carry, transport, and store, thanks to their short keels. The only requirement is that the hull fits within a wooden box roughly measuring 36″ x 11″ x 8″ and there are no restrictions on sail area.
We have just a couple more one-day 36R Saturdays left for the year, as well as a few Marblehead Vane dates on the calendar to anticipate. We always welcome interest from others looking to join!
Results:
1. John Sharman – 20 points
2. Olly Murray – 13 points
3. Peter Whiteside – 8 points
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.