SIMON PETTIFER
“Well I chose the Fanatic 138 with a 46 F-hot fin and my Simmer Scr 8.4 as the wind was up and down and I didn’t fancy being under powered. As it happened the wind was so up and down I’m not sure there was a correct size sail to take. Ross went with a 7.9 being lighter than me he seemed just right on that, along with his better pumping techniques. The sticking together was fine for the first part of the trip, but when the wind went super gusty after the last squall it was a case of get a gust and go with it and the other guys did, unfortunately I didn’t and seemed to get stuck at Durdle Door, the tide and the fact I couldn’t get on the plane meant that every time I gybed I seemed to be in the same place whilst the others were up and away, some mates they are! The cramp in my forearms and calves wasn’t helping much either! Aside from that, the trip was incredible and I’d love to do it again with more wind. The water was a spectacular colour next to the cliff’s at Durdle Door, although the swell was super frustrating when the wind vanished. Low points were Ross scoffing my chocolate cookie and just as I reached the rib to get a much needed drink, everyone flew off downwind.It is super important to have a confident and experienced RIB driver! Firstly you don’t want your gear to get trashed by him if he pulls up next to you and he needs to know how to get you and your gear into the boat safely, if required. I was proper knackered by the end, no beating around the bush. I think all the light wind drifting in the swell just killed my legs and forearms with the constant balancing. No way did I think I was going to get that tired, I’m pretty sure if there had been a decent wind things would have been fine, but yeah I was spent. Throw in a hail storm with all the other weather and it was a pretty amazing experience. Next on my bucket list is Portland all the way to the Isle of Wight, past Swanage and the Needles, I think that could be an epic trip!”