Sailing on Salt
Solaris 50
I’ve recently had the opportunity to sail aboard Salt, a 2021 Solaris 50, under the guidance of James Marshall, the boat manager, and Ian Fankhanel, the owner. Both are central to how the boat runs: James keeps the crew organised, ensures everyone is in position, and calls the boat’s rhythm, while Ian shares the helming responsibilities and helps steer the team through manoeuvres. My role on board is as bow person, handling sail changes, lines, and positioning during manoeuvres — a position that’s especially critical given the boat’s high-performance sail inventory.
Our main event this season was Festival of Sails 2026, where Salt competed in the Passage Spinnaker Series, Division 1. The crew includes experts in key roles — particularly the tactician and navigator — whose decisions were critical in securing the overall victory, finishing ahead of our nearest rival by 12 points. I also had the opportunity to work closely with Peter Dowdney, whose extensive knowledge and experience proved invaluable throughout the event. While those key positions guide the strategy, every role on board contributes to operating the top-down furling asymmetrical spinnaker, symmetrical 1.5 spinnaker, Code 0, and staysail efficiently.
I also got a chance to work with Aaron Cole from North Sails, who provided insight on the new sails and their handling. His involvement, offered a useful perspective on performance trimming and sail management.
Overall, sailing on Salt has been an insightful and enjoyable experience. It’s a chance to work as part of a highly organised crew, see a modern performance yacht in action, and contribute in a key on-deck role during competitive sailing.
Learn more about The Festival of Sails
Blogs
Adams 10.6
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Jarkan 925
Short-course racing at SYC on this 30-foot cruiser-racer. Handling the Jarkan 925 in a tight fleet provided plenty of practice with various spinnaker pole setups and quick sail changes. It was a solid, hands-on way to refine timing and coordination on a more traditional deck layout.
Ragnar – Beneteau First 36
Sailing with Richard and Alice Ekberg across both Blairgowrie and Sandringham offered a great look at this modern design. Moving from relaxed summer twilights to more competitive winter series at SYC highlighted the boat’s versatility. It was a practical way to experience how modern layouts handle different club environments and varied racing formats.
RYCV Lipton Cup
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Trilogy – Dehler 42c
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Junior Sailing at RYCV
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Where it All Began
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