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...Race Management |
Techniques in Race Management #3: How to Catch a RIB
The RIB is a mystical river creature found in great numbers along the English south coast. RIBs just love the water, and are often seen playing in the River Arun or out to sea, often surrounded by a flock of curious cadets.
Recently there appears to have been a downturn in the numbers of RIBs afloat in the River Arun. The RIB is most active on high tides, when it can leave its riverside nest. The downturn can ultimately be linked to weather patterns (the need to shelter from storms) and ultimately man's insatiable desire to master nature.
Race management teams (or RIB hunters, as we like to call them) should realise that before you can tame a RIB you first have to catch it. RIBs are river creatures but they are also shy and timid. The RIB hunter will rarely be able to bag a RIB straight off the water. More often he will need a cunning plan to coax a RIB from its riverside lair.
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Fortunately, AYC members were recently treated to a demonstration in the art of RIB hunting from experts. Two veteran RIB hunters, Paul 'Crocodile' Hughes and Martin 'Muddy' Keen demonstrated how to catch a RIB using nothing more than a standard-issue committee boat. Wildlife photographer, Frances Gosine, was on hand to capture the event:
Picture 1:
First, the bait is set. Paul uses the cover of cruisers and
Arun mud to approach the RIB, which is crouched close to shore in
the shadow of the Clubhouse. On board the committee boat, Paul's
assistant keeps an eye out for alligators. At the same time, Martin
has tracked around behind the RIB, keeping downwind of the RIB to
ensure his scent is not detected.
Picture 2:
The RIB has spotted Paul, and he freezes. Martin acts quickly to
distract the RIB by mimicking a sailor hailing for assistance. As
the RIB turns towards Martin, Paul expertly deploys the 'anchorline'
lure
Picture 3:
Disaster looms, as the RIB hunters realise that the lure is not
sufficiently tempting! With no other course of action available,
Martin plunges into the Arun mud and offers himself as live bait!
See how the RIB cannot resist the bait and advances towards the lure
and ultimately the open water!
Picture 4:
Our boys have the creature in hand. The committee boat takes the
strain and coaxes the RIB into the water. As the creature advances,
Martin takes care not to get bitten
Next Week:
Paul and Martin become historians as they investigate ancient dinghy
remains and test how stone-age man might have moved dinghies
up the dinghy pen beach