Get Sailing Group Session - Tuesday 7th July 2026
Published 13:06 on 9 Jul 2026
After many frustrating cancellations and a run of challenging conditions, we were finally rewarded with a beautiful, warm, sunny evening and a south-westerly breeze of 1015 knotsjust about perfect for our Get Sailing Group (GSG).
Unsurprisingly, we enjoyed one of our biggest turnouts yet, with 24 boats taking to the water. It was especially exciting to be joined by some of our younger members sailing Zestsa wonderful sight and a great reminder of KYC's vision to be an inclusive club.
Following the safety briefing, we were treated to an excellent 15-minute talk on sail trim by Alistair Craig. It was informative, engaging and, if I'm honest, confirmed just how much I still have to learn about the art of sailing. In fact, the following day I found myself visiting the local chandlery to buy a copy of The Sail Trim Handbook! My sincere thanks to Alistair for giving up his time and sharing his knowledge. 
Our impressive fleet then departed in an orderly fashion, slightly hampered by the high tide, which made the beach very restrictedbut we managed it without incident. Well done all. In Keyhaven Harbour we assembled, joined by three support boats and expertly led by our ever-experienced GSG leader, Jo Edwards. We made our way through Hawkers and out into a glorious Solent, where the smooth sea, warm sunshine and gentle south-westerly breeze combined to produce one of those magical evenings that remind us why we sail. I would argue there is no finer place to be than the waters surrounding Keyhaven.
Turning back into the Keyhaven River, the fleet naturally became a little more spread out, creating a classic picture of colourful sails stretching across the evening sunshine. It was one of those views that makes you stop and appreciate just how fortunate we are.
Unfortunately, as we approached Mount Lake, the sea breeze began to fade and the tide turned, and for those of us towards the back of the fleetincluding yours trulyprogress became very limited. We were eventually forced to admit defeat and turn for home. All I could do was watch the rest of the fleet in the distance as they sailed gracefully down the North West Passage, thinking, "Perhaps with a little better sail trim, that could have been me!" There is always next time.
The fleet eventually regrouped and returned safely to Keyhaven Yacht Club, with our Vice Commodore, Janet Raby, ensuring that all 24 boats and crews were safely accounted for. A huge thank you also goes to Jo, Janet and our support boats, who kept a watchful eye over us all.
It was, in every sense, an excellent evening: great sailing, great company and a wonderful reminder of the unique waters we are privileged to enjoy.
The Get Sailing Group has come a long way since I first began my own sailing journey under Jo's stewardship five years ago. It gave me, and many others, the confidence to progress into our fantastic racing fleet and to take part in more adventurous potters. Just as importantly, it has been a wonderful way to meet fellow new members while learning from those with more experience.
Finally, my sincere thanks to Hugh for leading and developing the Get Sailing Group over the past few years. It continues to go from strength to strength and provides a solid foundation for our less experienced members to enjoy all that our wonderful club has to offer.
Stuart Rowney
Commodore
Related
- Get Sailing Group (GSG) - 3 Ribs - (Crew required from 17.00, sailing starts 18.00) (7 July, 18:00-19:30)