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Blog 3 - The Silicon Cup
4 01/10/2007
bluQube rides the waves during Silicon Cup
Out in the Solent
To coincide with the Silicon Cup that took place around Cowes on 27th-28th September, ‘The Spirit of Weymouth’ open 60 yacht sponsored by bluQube, took to the waves once more, giving four groups the chance to experience the thrills of 30 knot winds and learn from World-ranked professional sailor and skipper, Steve White.
Over 25 guests took part in the two days comprising four separate sessions, each lasting approximately four hours. Beginning with either breakfast or brunch depending on whether you took part in the morning or afternoon, the experience began at the Café Lulworth at Universal Harbour, near Warsash. Once stocked up with fuel, each group was transported to yacht via a large rib. This experience alone was enough to get the adrenalin pumping with speeds of up to 55mph. After a 15 minute ride that equalled any of the big attractions at Alton Towers, everyone was greeted by Steve White and his co-skipper, Philippe Falle for introductions, safety announcements and training.
Weather on the first day was fair with blue skies overhead. In fact some guests turned up in shorts, although all over wet gear was provided and once out in the Solent these were much appreciated if just to keep out the wind-chill factor. The wind picked up and by the afternoon the boat was tilting at an alarming angle with the majority of the crew holding onto anything solid towards the top of the boat. The exception of course, was the skipper Steve White who naturally skipped with alacrity across the lower deck as if stuck with Velcro. Everyone else watched in envy as Steve continued to trim sails and generally keep the boat upright whilst everyone else hung on.
The second day was less ‘kind’ with driving rain and gale force winds that would test even the hardiest sea-dog. Described by Symmetry’s managing director Simon Kearsley as ‘authentic’, the conditions certainly helped with team-building as everyone worked closely together to really test the boat to its limits. In spite of the rain, all returned exhilarated, welcomed by the sight of tea, hot chocolate and Enid Blyton-sized portions of ginger cake, flapjack and chocolate gateau…..a great end to a great day.
Catch up with Steve White again soon, as we report on his preparations for the Transat Jacques-Vabre Qualifier.
Some of the quotes from those that attended:-
“Fantastic day, best corporate day so far!”
“Sailing and steering at what felt like a 90 degree angle was exhilarating”
“Excellent, I would definitely recommend it.”
“Had a go at everything from winching through to raising the spinnaker. Not sure how you’d sail it single-handed though!”
On the skipper,
‘Superb!’, ‘Very personable, helpful and encouraging’, ‘Highly professional – you felt you were in safe hands!’
