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Ben McGrane’s Insights on the Sailing Scene
One of Britain’s premier dinghy sailors, Hyde Sails’ Ben McGrane, is well-versed in the UK’s major sailing classes.
From high-performance dinghies to Mirrors and XODs, Ben’s extensive experience makes him a valuable source for insights into the racing scene.
Mark Jardine: Ben, you just returned from the Mirror National Championships at Itchenor, where you were sailing with your youngest daughter this year. It looks like a well-attended event, considering its ’50+ club’ for attendance. How was it?
Ben McGrane: The Mirror has really established itself as a popular class for parents sailing with their children. Itchenor remains one of the strongest Mirror clubs, which helped increase the turnout from 40 to 50 boats. The event was fantastic, filled with familiar faces, and it’s encouraging to see the class continuing to attract new sailors.
Mark: We discussed this last year, focusing on the parent-child sailing aspect, which is evolved into various pairings, such as youths sailing together. How important is this development?
Ben: It provides an excellent foundation. My older daughter, who is now 10, sailed for three years with me in the Mirror and has since become a skilled crew with a solid grasp on boat handling and sail trimming. With my younger daughter Keira, it’s evident that she’s absorbing a lot of racing knowledge. As they grow older, the transferability of skills becomes clearer.
It’s a pathway that might not be fully acknowledged yet. Keira could easily transition to single-handed sailing or team up in a Feva or with another child in the Mirror. It offers a fun approach to sailing.
Mark: From Hyde Sails’ perspective, there’s been success in the Mirror class both in the UK and Australia, correct?
Ben: Absolutely, my focus has been to expand our One Design sails internationally, especially over the past year with our dealer network. While we mainly deal with yacht sails, many of these dealers are connected to local dinghy fleets. We’ve raised awareness on the classes we support and identified opportunities for new collaborations. This approach has generated positive results with our Mirror, 505, Optimist, and Fireball products.
We’re striving to make Hyde products more accessible globally, with Australia emerging as a key market. This year, our sails won the Nationals in Australia, which is exciting, and we have various projects lined up for 2025 in Australia, North America, Canada, and Europe.
Mark: It’s great to see the class thriving on both sides of the planet! Regarding events like Chichester Harbour Week and others such as Poole Week, there seems to be an impressive turnout. Is this what you’ve observed?
Ben: Yes, I’ve been closely following these events. There’s been a notable resurgence post-Covid, highlighting the appeal and convenience of local events. When there are strong local fleets, such events bring everyone together, creating a pinnacle occasion in the sailing calendar.
For instance, Poole Week has a strong XOD fleet and is attracting traveling boats, which reflects the continuous growth in our sport. It’s exciting to watch.
Mark: Let’s discuss Cowes Week. Although the numbers were somewhat lower, the quality of racing and management seem to have improved significantly. Did you find this to be the case for the XODs this year?
Ben: Cowes Week was fantastic! It felt like one of the best we’ve had in years. Great weather and strong sea breezes contributed, but I also noticed the race management was proactive, ensuring the best possible racing conditions by communicating effectively with sailors.
They made strategic adjustments based on racing conditions to maximize race quality. This flexibility enhanced everyone’s experience on the water, which I greatly appreciated.
Mark: Competitors have noted an unprecedented level of responsive race management, resulting in exceptional racing quality. This could signify a revival for Cowes Week.
Ben: I agree! There are still areas for improvement, particularly concerning accommodation costs, but overall, I felt positive about the event. The diverse dining options and a vibrant social scene also add to its appeal.
Mark: You have consistently focused on the XOD and Cowes Week. What keeps you returning to this event?
Ben: The racing offers a different challenge compared to dinghy racing. The large courses in slower boats require strategic thinking, especially given the Solent’s various racing conditions. While turnouts have declined, the competition is toughening, making for a unique and rewarding experience.
Mark: Impressive results have come swiftly; how did you achieve this?
Ben: Hyde Sails has had a long-time involvement with the class, allowing us to quickly integrate new sail design technologies with the existing knowledge of our team. This collaboration led to successful designs within the first year which contributed to victories at Cowes Classics and Cowes Week in 2022. Refinements since then have continued to yield top results.
We’ve seen an increase in boats switching to Hyde sails, and we aim to build on this success next year, particularly with the introduction of a new jib design.
Mark: I understand the class is considering a new shape spinnaker aimed at enhancing the sailing experience. Are there misconceptions about these changes only benefiting competitive sailors?
Ben: The XOD Class Association has effectively demonstrated the benefits of the new spinnaker design, encouraging hands-on testing across the fleet. This isn’t about merely improving performance; it’s about creating a sail that is easier to handle for all levels.
The goal is to improve usability, making it more user-friendly and ultimately enhancing the overall sailing experience. It’s encouraging to see the class taking a proactive approach to involve everyone in this transition.
Mark: Now looking at the Flying Fifteen class, there’s a lot of excitement leading up to the World Championship next year in the UK. The class is thriving with strong attendance in recent major events. How is Hyde Sails performing?
Ben: The Flying Fifteen class is indeed experiencing impressive growth. The momentum surrounding the Worlds in Weymouth is palpable, and we are starting to see new competitors entering the fray as they aim for qualification.
Our participation in various events has yielded encouraging results, including a win at the Southerns and a solid finish at the Nationals. The fleet has been robust, often exceeding 50 boats at competitions, which speaks volumes about the class’s popularity.
Our newly developed sails, which focus on improved downwind speed and performance in lighter winds, have hit their objectives, making our setup more competitive.
Mark: As September approaches, what are your plans for the remainder of the year?
Ben: The Osprey Nationals are coming up; I’m looking forward to racing at Poole Yacht Club, which I’ve heard great things about. The Osprey class had around 50 boats last year, and I anticipate similar participation again this year.
Following that, I’ll be partaking in the Squib Inlands and possibly competing in a Mirror Inland event. There’s still plenty of racing left in the season!
Mark: Last year you finished second in the Osprey Nationals. Are you aiming for a victory this time?
Ben: We’ll certainly do our best! Last year exceeded our expectations, and with improvements made to our sails, I feel prepared for the competition. There are some strong teams, and I look forward to seeing how things unfold.
Mark: Thank you for sharing your insights on Hyde Sails and the sailing scene at large. It’s been a pleasure!
Discover more about Hyde Sails at www.hydesails.com
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Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.
