Page 43 - Folk Boat Year Book 2022

The Best Things in Life are Free!

This article looks at some of the lessons on board Madelaine from this year’s Folkboat
week, following reflection during the laying up season, which might be of interest.

My first reflection after Folkboat week 2021 is what a privilege to race in such a high
calibre fleet and how good the top end of the X boat fleet is, to be able to finish top
end of the Folkboat week fleet in their first outing. With the high standards set
through the whole fleet last year, we know that we will have to keep improving on
board Madelaine if we are not to slip backwards.

My second and most important reflection is it’s all about the team. A good team
racing to a system – where each is clear about their role and contribution - makes the
difference between racing for the podium and racing for the other places. And when
it all comes together, it makes the hard work and dedication required to be good
enough to compete, both rewarding and fun.

I have been lucky enough to have raced with family and friends (who might say it was
not so much fun!). In the last year I have teamed up with Cy Grisley and Andy Baker
(of Baker Marine), who I have learnt the most from in recent years in a Nordic
Folkboat, along with insights and expert tips from a long-standing family friend, Simon
Osgood of Europa Composites and the international Nordic Folkboat circuit. I have
summarised this learning in points #1 to #5 below.

# 1 – Make sure your boat hull is fared and has a
smooth finish, and the mainsheet/ traveller/
backstay horse or console system is set up
properly - this is a standard requirement for any
boat in any fleet that aspires to do well. Picture
below of Madelaine fared and ready to go,
courtesy of Baker Marine, plus lightweight rudder
and JM mast.

# 2 – Get the weight in the right places; no extra
weight in the bow or stern (e.g. replace old man’s
seat with canvass seat, never stow the anchor in
the bow or cockpit), stow the anchor just forward
or aft of the mast and as close to the top of the
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