Dart 18
As with any cat sailor who lives in England I have sailed on Dart 18 many times so when I was asked to crew on an 18 for a race I thought why not.

And why not make it a mini test.

We arrived at the boat park and readied the boat ...it was so quick to rig. Whilst we changed and got ready the wind had risen from 18 knots to about 30.

But we know these boats well so what is a bit of wind?

So off we went, the race not being held because of the conditions, we blasted up and down in close company of another Dart 18 belonging to one of the better helms.

We are faster down wind but slightly slower up wind so we beat out to the pier-head and broad reach back to shore. The waves are three to four feet depending on the position of the boat in the Bay.
the Dart 18 being sailed on a good weather day .... that day that memory says only comes twice a year ... you know the day you are down to be race officer assistant....
The helm generally keeps us safely flying across the waves but a couple of times the hull drops back in and I take a soaking. I watch as the lea hull rams through the waves with no hint of a pitch pole. We have really got into a grove and staying ahead of the other Dart.

The time was getting on, the helm had to go to work, so we decided on one more thrash. I am again sliding about on the boat's side out on the wire when a wave takes me off I twist and spin into the side of the boat luckily my face breaks my fall and although my cheek hurts like hell I do not even blink let alone pass out. I come aboard and see all the blood - its everywhere. I ask the helm how bad it is. He says something noncommittal but we decide to sail in.

What a way to end such fun - I need better boots if I am going on a Dart again. They are fine for my F-18 with its high grip edge.

The Helm - not on the day
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