An interview with Andy Lang, the hero of last Sunday’s gales

Who is Andy Lang the hero of last Sunday’s gales on Colemere? Well, to find out more about him this is the first of a series of ‘Q&A’s introducing brief insights about our club members….starting with Andy

Hi Andy, thanks for agreeing to answer a few questions about yourself.

How old were you when you first learnt to sail and what kind of dinghy did you sail at the time? 

I was about 13 and I learned on an Express dinghy. I don’t think there are many of those left in circulation now. I’m showing my age there – but see below! It was quite a slow boat but very forgiving and therefore a good dinghy to learn on.

Who taught you to sail?

I was very lucky to belong to a small sailing club at school. There was one really keen teacher who ran the club and taught us to sail but most of the instruction I received was provided by older pupils who would helm while younger kids crewed. Gradually the crew took over the helming.

How old are you now (approximately, we won’t tell) and what is your job?

I’m in my late 50’s (but realise I look soooo much younger than that). I recently retired from the NHS after 29 years as a Physiotherapist, all of which were spent working in the various hospitals and community locations in Shropshire.

What kind of boat do you currently sail and why did you choose it?

I sail a Laser because 1. my children rapidly grew out of wanting to sail in the Pico I had with them in mind and 2. a Laser is surely the iconic single-hander dinghy.

Are there any other designs of dinghy that you’d like to try?

Fireball, Tornado, Hobie Cat and Merlin Rocket would do for a start. I think there is a speed theme there.

There are other sailing clubs around, why did you choose Colemere and how long have you been a member?

 I chose Colemere because people in the club were  immediately welcoming, and the location is gorgeous even if the wind can be fickle. Also compared to other nearby possibilities, there a pleasing absence of signs telling you what you should not do.

What kinds of sailing conditions do you most enjoy?

Blue skies and steady, strong winds straight down the lake. (And then I woke up.)

Is there a particular moment that is most memorable about your time at Colemere?

Yes, strangely a non-sailing one. I once followed a rogue but determined Labrador dog from the jetty to the very far end of the lake in the rescue boat. (Just to be clear, I was in the boat, the dog was swimming.) The owners were worried that the dog would get into trouble and drown and were shouting, gesticulating and calling him, but to no avail. The dog climbed out at the far end of the lake, shook himself and trotted off to reunite with his owners, apparently quite happy with his achievement.

If you could sail anywhere in the World (dinghies or bigger boats), where would you most like to go?

 I’m thinking the Caribbean, Catamaran, a post-card beach and a comfortable hut to sleep in.

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 believe Ben Ainslie knows quite a lot about Laser sailing.

Assuming you love sailing, why is that?

The combination of being outside, doing physical activity, learning and practicing a skill, the camaraderie, the feeling of plaining in a dinghy and the sheer pleasure of watching surface bubbles moving away from the stern when the boat is moving well.