05 OCT: MEET THE TOMS EVENT

Published 12:06 on 5 Oct 2025

In order to stimulate interest in TOM sailing, the CBYA held a "Meet the TOMs" event at Real Club Nautico Calpe. RCNC has 6 TOM 28 yachts available for hire and  23 club members signed up for the event. But with only 3 skippers available, we had to restrict the sailing to 3 TOMs, which meant each person got about an hour's sailing time on the water. However this was adequate to demonstrate the basics of TOM sailing; getting in and out of the marina without a motor, basic tacking and gybing etc. And each sailor got a turn at helming the boat and handing the sails.

The weather was near perfect, with about 6 knots of wind from the west, meaning although we had to tack out of the marina, coming back in was a simple procedure - dropping the main in the fishing harbour and running back into the marina under jib alone.

After the sailing, everybody went to Dracula's Bar to share paella, drink and reflect on the day. Everybody reported that they had a wonderful time.

This event was designed to give first hand experience to newcomers to TOM sailing and to reassure them that it is uncomplicated and safe. Many, only used to dinghies,  were surprised at how stable a TOM yacht is, and expressed interest in learning how to sail better through the TOMs Sailing and Race Training program. 

A big problem highlighted by the event was the lack of skippers. If we had more skippers, we could field more yachts. The club is trying very hard to encourage members to improve their skills on keelboats and hopefully one or two will consider training up to TOM skipper level. 

If you would like to learn to sail better and participate in the TOMs events, look out for TOM events in the CBYA Events Calendar. 

Last updated 12:16 on 5 October 2025