A Year In… and Still Afloat (Mostly) If you’ve ever stood on the slipway at Lympstone Harbour, watching the action from Lympstone Sailing Club, and thought, “That looks great… but maybe not for me”—this is for you.
First things first: Lympstone Sailing Club (LSC) is one of the friendliest, most approachable clubs you’ll find. No airs, no graces—just people who enjoy getting on the water and are more than happy to help others do the same. I joined last year as a complete novice. To set the scene, my early “success criteria” were simple: leave the slipway… and ideally come back to it. I’m pleased to report I achieved that—although not always without a bit of drama along the way. Let’s just say there were moments where things looked less “graceful sailor” and more “loosely controlled drift with intent.” And that’s exactly the point. Learning Something New
If you’re starting out, my biggest bit of advice is: get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Try new things. Venture into the unknown. Be prepared to look like a bit of a twit from time to time (everyone else already has, trust me). You’ll make mistakes—plenty of them—but that’s where the learning is embedded. A bit of reflection helps too. What worked? What didn’t? What on earth just happened there? And if in doubt, YouTube is a goldmine—there’s always someone who’s made the same mistake before, often more impressively. The real reward is the sense of progress. That moment where something that felt impossible suddenly clicks. The bigger the stretch, the bigger the payoff—both mentally and physically.
Making It Easy to Get On the Water
One of the great things about LSC is how easy it is to get sailing. Club boats can be booked online, and each one has simple rigging guides. Turn up, follow the steps, and you can be on the water in about 10 minutes — even if you’re still figuring out which rope does what.
Trying Something New… Racing
This year I decided to dip a toe into racing. The initial goal? Get round the course at least once—tick (eventually!). Next goal? Not come last—tick (I’ll take it!). There have been calmer races… and then there was that one—gusty, lively, and at times feeling like I’d spent an hour in a washing machine with Brian Jacks (look him up if you are too young to remember). It was chaotic, slightly ridiculous, and absolutely brilliant. And that’s another lesson: you don’t need to be “good” to enjoy it. Just getting involved is half the fun. Next goal…? Watch this space.
A Community Effort
None of this happens by accident. There are many people behind the scenes and on the water who make the club what it is—organising, supporting, rescuing (occasionally!), and encouraging. A special mention must go to Theo Whiter, an inspiring young person who gives a huge amount of his time, coaching, encouraging and helping others improve. His patience, encouragement, and eye for the small details make a real difference, especially to those of us still finding our way. I can’t overstate what a boost it is to hear a simple “nice (insert name)” from Theo when you have got something right. Those moments stick— not just on the water, but afterwards too. Whether you’ve had a challenging sail, a long week at work, or things just aren’t quite clicking, a bit of encouragement— afloat or ashore—has a way of lifting you. It’s a small thing, but it carries you a long way.
More Than Just Sailing
It’s not just about learning to sail. It’s about getting outside, challenging yourself, meeting people, and doing something that’s as good for your wellbeing as it is for your skillset. You might feel awkward at first. You might get it wrong. You will get it wrong. But you’ll also learn, improve, and have a lot of fun besides. And before long, you’ll realise you’re not just getting back to the slipway—you’re starting to look like you meant it…and feeling better for it too.
Sid Kyte
For more information about Lympstone Sailing Club, visit: www.lympstonesailingclub.co.uk/ or email: enquiries@lympstonesailingclub.co.uk
