Posted by Robert Thompson on 09/26/00 from 212.229.58.245 via proxy anchor-02.www-cache.demon.co.uk:
In Reply to: TARS activities: Three types of TAR? posted by John Birch on September 25, 2000 at 13:11:50:
I am sure that there must be a fourth group of TARS who not only have never sailed but who have no intention whatsoever of ever testing their aquatic equilibrium. I thought I was among this select band until Rudyard 1999 when I was inveigled into taking the tiller of none other than Coch-y-bonddhu. Despite my vow to take up sailing as a gentle leisurely pastime I now even find myself in a club Otter or Mirror racing other mad Sunday-afternooners on the River Ure. (I didn’t come last in my first race either!)
I must leap to the defence of the RYA, however; I don’t get the impression that their courses are geared towards competitive sailing. I “did” my Level One at Yeadon Tarn in Leeds and enjoyed the “taster” feel of it. At the end of the course we were encouraged to try single-handed Toppers, but only if we felt confident. My Level Two Basic Skills course was at the Glenridding Sailing School on Ullswater; chief instructor Joe is happy to gear instruction to whatever you need, whether it be a combined Level 1/Level 2 course or a refresher not based on any particular syllabus. (He’s also excellent at coaching youngsters).
Level 3 is for Improving Techniques while Level 4 is the only option which concentrates solely on Racing Techniques. Level 5 is for Advanced Skills. I am sure you will be able to find somewhere like Glenridding which is flexible enough for you to enjoy sailing without having to race - unless like me you have your mind changed for you!
Have fun! (and don’t even think about worrying about egg-sucking time - views from new members are always welcome, so don’t be put off by the unpleasantries; myself, I long for a good old cheerful banter about the relative merits of seed-cake recipes!)