Continuing our light-hearted series of members answering some questions about themselves here is club trustee and committee member, Paul Bullock. A member for more years than he cares to admit, Paul can be seen on the water most Sundays when he’s not busy producing the club yearbook and maintaining/updating our club website.
Hi Paul, thanks for being a sport and answering a couple of questions about yourself.
Can you start by telling us how old were you when you first learnt to sail and what kind of boat did you sail?
I think I’m still learning, but I first attempted to learn to sail when I was aged 42. I thought it would be a nice activity to sail with my sons, then aged 12 and 14. So we bought a simple, maintenance free, Topper. Which I kept for a few years until someone said it was a children’s boat! Ha ha!
Who taught you to sail?
I was not a member at the time, but Colemere Sailing Club were offering taster sessions to teach the basics of sailing (for a fee). My two sons and I signed up and we did a two-day course. I wasn’t particularly competent after the weekend’s tuition. but it gave me the basics.
How old are you now (approximately, we won’t tell) and what is your job?
I’m in my early 70s (sounds quite old, but I only feel that old, occasionally) and a retired British Telecom engineer.
What kind of boat do you currently sail and why did you choose it?
I started my sailing journey on a Topper (aft mainsheet). I was looking for something more exciting with a bit more street cred, Matt was selling his Laser, he was changing to a Solo, so I bought his Laser (centre main). I still sail a Laser and have never looked back!
Are there any other designs of dinghy that you’d like to try?
I have thought about other boats, the RS Aero looks good and I must admit, a comet, like Pete sails, also seems quite appealing, but I’m quite happy with the Laser at the moment.
There are other sailing clubs around, why did you choose Colemere and how long have you been a member?
I was told about Colemere by an acquaintance, and it appeared friendly, relaxed and welcoming. Seems to attract friendly and relaxed people. Why change? I’ve been a member for 30 years.
What kinds of sailing conditions do you most enjoy?
A nice steady breeze straight down the lake. I think we all yearn for those conditions.
Is there a particular moment that is most memorable about your time at Colemere?
There was an occasion a few years ago, which was quite traumatic at the time, but also memorable. It was the day that I took a married couple out in my Vago on a Club open day. To “demonstrate the joys of sailing to the general public” and potentially recruit new members. To cut a long story short, a gust of wind came, followed by an unexpected gybe, the boat capsized and the couple, fully clothed, ended up in the water. They were ok and recovered by our safety
crew and then tended to by the team on shore. A slight twist to the story was that the couple were married, but not to each other! Not sure how that exploit was told to their respective spouses, we will probably never know. My only problem is that, instead of being introduced as “ That’s Paul, a hell of a nice bloke, a
competent sailor and really supportive member of the Club”. I’ve become, that bloke who capsized his boat with 2 members of the public on a Colemere Open Day. Ha ha, I can take a joke.
If you could sail anywhere in the World (dinghies or bigger boats), where would you most like to go and why?
I do enjoy dinghy sailing, bigger boats are ok, but a bit too much complicated stuff to deal with! I’ve had a few dinghy sailing holidays, mostly in Europe and couple in the Caribbean. It is really nice to sail on a warm blue sea with a steady breeze, so I’d probably choose Greece, in a picturesque, contained sailing area, with safety cover, just in case I got into difficulties.
Is there anyone you would really like to meet who could coach you to improve your sailing techniques? (Don’t say the Commodore just because he’s brilliant!)
I don’t think there is. Not that my sailing technique doesn’t need improving, it definitely does! I’m sure I could learn loads from many of our Club’s expert sailors. I’m not going to embarrass them by naming everyone. In no particular order – Tom, Nick, Martin, Pete, Ellen, Tim, Mike Brian, Graham and Matt. Apologies if I’ve missed anyone, but I did say I wouldn’t name them all!
Assuming you love sailing, what do you love about it?
There is something special about being propelled over the water by just the power of the wind. When the conditions are just right, it’s amazing how fast you can skim over the water.
Thanks Paul. That was really interesting. Happy sailing!
Paul launching his boat on the mere 30 years ago
Paul, 17 years ago when the club had higher dress standards
Paul looking good on the plane a mere 5 years ago
Paul this year, capsized. How the mighty are fallen!
