U.S. SAILGP: ‘FOILING FIRST’ BY CHARLOTTE HARRIS
I have been sailing optimist for the past 4 years, and have always wanted to try foiling. But in September, I got my chance. My name is Charlotte Harris, and I am a twelve-year-old CYC Opti sailor. Trust me, I love my Opti, but I eventually wanted to try something a little more exciting. And when I got the opportunity to try a foiling boat, I was over the moon! My dad, John Harris, has a competitive history in Moths, a fast-flying foiling dinghy. He would always tell me about the crazy things he had done with his boat, and the fun he had! Naturally, I had always wanted to follow in his footsteps and foil. But obviously, my parents definitely did not want to buy me one, due to the cost and how dangerous they can be. And well, I got the chance to foil and I took it! When I got to the location, I had the craziest butterflies in my stomach. I was quite literally shaking. We accidentally arrived half an hour early, so I had a chance to look around at the boats. I relaxed a bit when I saw my opti coaches Flor and Meghan. But the butterflies were up and partying again once I saw a camera crew! They were interviewing some person, and I was honestly hoping that they didn’t interview me, or I would make the biggest fool of myself. They didn’t before I sailed, and I was relieved. I climbed into the powerboat with
the Nikki, CJ (the person who would be coaching me), and the person I would be switching off with. He looked to be about three or four years older than me, so I felt certain he would go first. Then I would be able to see what to do. But when they said, “Okay Charlotte, you’ll be going first. Hop in!” I was the picture of shock. But I said yes anyway, trusting CJ to keep me afloat. I had to wear this helmet, which had a radio system in it so that I could talk to CJ. The helmet kept falling off because it was too big for me, along with the provided giant life jacket, but they would have to do. As soon as I was in the boat and CJ let go, I felt myself gathering speed, and I heard the gentle humming of the foils. I was flying! I was going faster than ever! But then I felt myself falling, falling, falling. “Trim in!” Said CJ over the radio. But it was too late, and I was plunged into the icy water. But I didn’t care. I had foiled! The rest of the two days went like that, and I had many bruises. But I barely felt them. I did end up getting interviewed, and it was pretty scary. But I hardly minded. I feel so lucky that I had this opportunity, and I would definitely do it again! I couldn’t have done it without CJ, Flor, and my dad. Now I know what it feels like to fly! ✶
Blinker ✶ Winter 2021
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