On Saturday, I went for a sail on Steve White’s Open 60 race yacht ‘Toe in the Water‘. Yes i’m not joking. I’ve had to pinch myself a few times since but it really did happen, thanks to a kind invite from Steve and his wife Kim.
We met at the marina at about midday. Steve and I walked to the boat to get her set up whilst my wife, Fiona and daughter Megan went with Kim
to get a bite to eat. There is a fair bit to do to get ‘Toe In the Water‘ ready for sailing, but it gave me a chance to have a good look around. It was the first time I’ve seen an Open60 in the flesh and she didn’t disappoint. She’s a beautiful boat and looks fast even when she’s stood still.
Soon enough we were ready to cast off. We slipped the lines and were on our way. As soon as we were in clear water we hoisted the Mainsaill and the Gennaker and we were away. I’ve never seen anything like it, the boat just took off. I looked over the stern and it was like the parting of the red sea.
Now at this point I was told we had broached. You would imagine that I would realise we had broached, so I may sound a bit dumb when I say that i hadn’t realised this at all. Sure enough the boat was heeled right over and it did look like an awful long way down to the low side but I guess ignorance is bliss. But I’ve not sailed an Open 60 before and so I just thought it was normal, besides, Steve looked calm enough so I was happy. 
Steve filled the ballast tanks and ‘Toe In the Water‘ was skimming across the water like a dream.
I then took the helm for a while. I must admit I didn’t do too well at first I just couldn’t get the balance right. I went from sailing too high to too low, over powering the sails then almost stalling then back to over powering again. Steve did say the tolerances worked within very small margins which is why I might be struggling. However on the way back I did get the hang of it..
It was the most amazing afternoon’s sailing for me. It was such a wonderful privilege and I am so grateful to Steve and Kim for the fantastic
opportunity. I can’t finish without mentioning the man himself. Steve White is modest with not even a whiff of ego. But then he has nothing to prove, his achievements speak for themselves. Steve and his wife, Kim have successfully managed a sterling offshore racing career culminating, so far, in an 8th place out of 30 competitors in the recent Vendée Globe. I have no doubt that Steve will do even better in the next Vendée Globe in 2012. So Steve, Kim a big thank you from us for a fantastic experience.
If you want to know more about Steve White and follow his race campaign please visit the whiteoceanracing.com website.
