The Alderney JOG Race was a brilliant blend of learning, teamwork and sailing adventure, exactly the kind of experience that reminds us why we love being on the water and why we encourage new sailors to get involved.
We kicked off on Friday with a training day in the Solent, running through essential manoeuvres such as tacking, reefing, spinnaker hoists and gybes, and man‑over‑board practice. It was a great opportunity for newer crew members to build confidence and for the whole team to sharpen coordination before the night race. Afterward, we enjoyed a relaxed dinner on a mooring off Cowes, complete with Heidi’s excellent pasta bolognese, and spent time reviewing routing plans and soaking up the pre‑race atmosphere.
The race began at 20:10 with around 10 knots of breeze. We made a clean, competitive start and worked hard through the Solent, quickly settling into a rhythm as we headed past the Needles and into open water. Sailing through the night is always a special experience: quiet, focused, and full of camaraderie, with plenty of hot brews, stories and tangfastics.
Offshore racing always brings surprises, and this time we knew the challenge would be a lack of wind. From the early hours until mid‑morning, the breeze disappeared entirely, leaving us drifting on the tide and even sliding backwards at times. Despite our best efforts, the forecast showed little improvement, and with 28 miles still to run and several crew needing to be home Sunday afternoon we made the collective decision to retire at midday. It was a team‑driven call and part of the reality of racing, sometimes mother nature has other plans!
The crew: Bill, Heidi, Afra, Richard, Simon (skipper) and James.
Retiring didn’t mean the fun stopped. With Weymouth closer than Alderney, we headed there for rest, showers, and a chance to enjoy the sunshine. We passed the recently seized Russian tanker Smyrtos, took a refreshing dip in the sea, and soaked up the lively atmosphere on the quay ahead of the England football match, with fish and chips included. After a good night’s sleep, we set off at 5am for a spirited sail home, complete with plenty of spinnaker practice in 15–20 knots of breeze.
Back at Mercury, Afra showed incredible determination by heading up the mast to retrieve a lost halyard (that we lost during a kite launch on the way back from Weymouth, oops!) and secure the forestay after we noticed some issues, another reminder of the teamwork and problem‑solving that make sailing so rewarding.
Although the race didn’t go to plan, the weekend was full of learning, laughter, and memorable moments. Offshore sailing isn’t just about results, it’s about adventure, resilience, teamwork, and the joy of being out on the water. Whether you’re new to sailing or looking to build experience, weekends like this are the perfect way to get involved, develop skills, and become part of a supportive, enthusiastic focused club that is CSORC.