Returning to the LTYC - Michelle’s story

In February we chatted with Michelle Weston one Wednesday night following her volunteering for rib duty. Michelle was reflecting on her return to the LTYC after a few years hiatus and was keen to share her experience getting back into the sailing groove. Michelle is loving her sailing and wants to encourage more people, especially woman, to do it.  We asked Michelle to write about her experience and she has kindly provided an informative and inspirational read…

What a great experience this has been. I joined the club this year as Dad (Mike Keys) had asked me to crew with him for the Noelex 25 Nationals. Membership included Learn to Sail classes and I thought this could be a good chance to try the Centreboards again as I had never progressed past a P class when I was younger.

Best decision I have made in a long time….

I started my sailing journey as a 5-ish year old back in the 80’s here on Lake Taupo. How lucky are we to have this beautiful Roto. My training consisted of Dad pushing me off the shore in my Opti and shouting ‘keep your head down!’

<- Michelle sailing her Optimist

As a kid I found it hard with the adults ‘yelling’ instructions at us and just could not get to grips with learning a bowline (I would have nightmares about rabbits coming out of holes and around trees!). I didn’t master my first successful bowline until I was 40! Learning as an adult has been much easier.

I was a bit nervous getting back into it after 30 years, I am not as energetic as I was as a kid! But everyone has been so encouraging and supportive. Rob and Matty as our adult LTS coaches have been amazingly patient and always there to listen to concerns, questions and celebrate triumphs (big and small). I must have used so much of their time asking for tips, hints and tactics, which they are always ready to share. I have found all of the other members of the club the same, eager to talk about their own experiences and takes on how they read the course and the wind. There is some serious collective years of sailing amongst our members, which comes with some serious collective knowledge!

Wednesday night racing has been added to my resume now and I have found that there are some things you can only learn by doing and being amongst it. I particularly like that it is my choices alone that determine my outcome and being immersed in it is a surefire way to pick up knowledge, skills and info. It was a good test of my nerve to be out amongst these guys who seem so confident and experienced, but it has been nothing but positive. I have learnt so much and had a great time doing it! Its never too late to start (or get back into it!) See you all out on the water.

Michelle Weston

February 2024