Immersion

What a fine afternoon sailing. 'Practicing' racing around a round a course.

The afternoon went swimmingly, until - well, until I went swimming.

No it was not a violent gybe, or a miscalculated tack. Rather it was.... how can I put it?

A disembarkation malfunction!

Now one of the 'joys' of sailing on a tidal river estuary, is that the tide goes out. Now on a low, neap tide if one is a bit late in returning to the slipway, it is very possible that the inexperienced sailor may misjudge the jump out of the boat and exit the boat before one is above the slip way.

I entered the water with painter in hand, keen to halt the progress of the boat before it hits the concrete slipway.

As the water reached waist height I was surprised at it's depth. At chest height I was alarmed. I just remembered to close my mouth before total immersion. My feet entered the mud 2metres below the surface of the water.

I spluttered and completely failed to maintain any dignity as a the class of junior sailors applauded my mishap.