Kedging...

Kedging is a maneuver used when a sailboat runs aground or needs to maneuver out of tight harbors or tidal river entrances. You attach a small anchor, known as a kedge anchor, to a long line or rode and take it in the direction you want to move the sailboat and throw it overboard. You then haul in the rode to pull yourself to the kedge anchor and repeat until you are free.

From Sailing Magazine article by Andy Schell: “If an inflatable with an outboard is all you have, make it easier on yourself by loading the anchor in the center of the dinghy and then take in the rode over the bow. Be sure to flake the line down instead of coiling it, so that it will run smoothly as you haul the anchor away from the mother ship. When everything is ready, drive the outboard in reverse and let the line pay out from the bow. You may get wet, but this will keep the line away from the prop and also makes it easier to control the dinghy in a crosswind.”

In July 1812 Captain Isaac Hull in command of the USS Constitution found himself nearly in the grasp of a British sailing squadron off Egg Harbor, New York. All ships were becalmed but Hull was able to escape by kedging and several other creative moves. Here is the full story https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/major-events/escaping-a-british-squadron/

Why kedging? It is an interesting term and simple but complex act. For the WRYC we are kedging are way forward. We opened the sailing season with Flag Raising on Saturday May 7, 2022. Thank you to Scout Master Jason Wells and Scout Troop 10; Layne and Bill Brown for hosting the event and Harry Taylor for his tasty and potent Mint Juleps.

Kedging is self help and that is what the WRYC is, self help. We are not supported by government grants or handouts. The club was built by our founders, who did all the work. Now we need to heed their example but the form of work now is raising funds for the tennis court, pier and bulk head.

Real kedging is being taught at the adult sailing program and we are a few weeks away from Sunday racing series. Come out and enjoy the club and its many amenities. Autumn Taylor is brewing up a very special 4th of July event with games, food truck, live music and fireworks.

Fair winds and following seas.

John A. Singleton

Commodore