Author: jollysailor

Light winds for the latest rounds of the Frostbite Series on Sunday.

15 sailors made it out for the the racing in force one and a bit winds.

A short course was the order of the day, which allowed racers to get several laps in, despite the calm weather.

Ron was off first in his Mirror, with the rest of the fleet close behind. The wind filled in slightly and most of the boats met at the windward mark, with Aileen (Comet), Roland (Solo) & Will S (ILCA6) getting ahead.

3-5 business days later, Mike & Alé set off in the 470, attempting to catch up with the rest of the fleet.

After the first lap, Ron was still layed, but was quickly passed by Roland who took the lead.

Will S, Hugh (ILCA7) & Darren (Solo) were close behind but unable to overtake him.

Further back in the midfleet, there was plenty of places being traded & a close fight between Newton (Solo)& Chris H (Comet).

At the finish gun, Roland was 1st, Will S 2nd & Hugh 3rd.

Most remained out for the Handicap, a short start line allowed plenty of tussling for space between boats.

Steve S (Blaze), Will S & James P all had great first beats and shot into the top three places, with the remainder of the fleet fighting for space around the windward mark. At the front, Steve managed to sail clear of Will, who both ended up racing by themselves for the remainder of the race.

Further Back, Hugh & Roland had caught up with James P and we’re battling for the final podium position.

Elsewhere, Newton and Darren were having a close battle In their Solos, whilst Nigel & Will P were changing places, both in ILCA6’s. Fresh on the water in his new Solo, Ian H had caught up with both of them, passing Nigel in the process.

Steve S crossed the line 1st, with Will S 2nd & Hugh 3rd.

On Handicap, Will S was first, Roland 2nd & Chris H 3rd.

A big thank you to Karen & her team for running the racing on Sunday.

After the race, there was Soup, sausage rolls, mince pies, brownies, banoffee pie & mulled wine. All organised by Ann & Sally.

We’re back on boxing day for the Boxing Day Cup.

The December Pink Fleet drew the year to a close with its famous Christmas Party. The event was well attended by regular Pink Fleet sailors. However, one vital element was missing, that of its host Monica, who sadly was unable to attend. The weather also decided not to play ball and the morning saw very heavy mist and very little wind, giving Brian no choice but to call off the fun race.

The mist did clear eventually. A few hardy souls braved the conditions despite the lack of wind. Others decided to enjoy the mulled wine while watching the proceedings and having a good chat. A lunch of jacket potatoes, beans and cheese followed by mince pies preceded a quiz hosted by Brian.

All of the answers were places in the UK! A prize was awarded to the winning team (Richard, Barbara & Christine) along with a prize for the ‘Best Decorated’ Boat (Chris & Carol)

Brian and Richard were thanked and given a gift for all of their hard work over the year supporting the Pink Fleet sailors.

A huge thanks goes to Monica who is the driving force behind Pink Fleet.

Pink Fleet will return on Saturday 14th March

Force 3 for the first rounds of the Frostbite series on Sunday.

14 boats made it out for the pursuit race, with Paul W (Morbic) setting off first, with Ron close behind in his Mirror.

The wind slowly built throughout the race with some large shifts, giving several sailors a helping hand. Karen & Chris H (Both Comets) were the lead boats after the first lap, with Newton & Ralph close behind, both in Solos. They passed both Karen & Chris on the second beat, with Newton taking the lead.

Further back, James P & Hugh were trading places, both in ILCA 7’s. Steve meanwhile was charging through the fleet in his Blaze.

At the finish gun, Newton was in the lead, Ralph was 2nd. The final podium place was hotly contested between Karen, Hugh & Steve. A dodgy gybe from Steve meant Hugh stayed ahead finishing 3rd.

All racers remained out for the handicap race as the wind built further. Steve S & Mark B (AERO7) gained an early lead. Hugh was close behind before capsizing at the gybe mark. Not wanting to be outdone, Ralph capsized twice on the subsequent leg and required assistance, forcing his retirement.

Newton meanwhile opted for a 270 manoeuvre rather than a gybe, but ended up lodged on the Buoy line, ending his race.

A capsize from both Aeros of Mark & Richard G rounded off the capsizes of the day. Richard was able to continue, but Mark retired.

Hugh meanwhile had caught up with James & were having a close race, with Richard close behind.

Steve crossed the line 1st, with Hugh 2nd & James 3rd.

On handicap, Hugh finished 1st, James 2nd & Steve 3rd.

A big thank you to Peter S & his team for running the racing on Sunday & for providing excellent safety boat cover.

After the race, there was Soup, made by Sally.

We’re back on Sunday for the next rounds of the Frostbite Series.

Committee posts still vacant!

Our club is still short of the following positions:

Commodore

Secretary

Social Secretary

Bosun

Assistant Bosun

If you feel there is some way that you can help keep our club running, not just with the above roles, then please get in touch with the committee.

Without these volunteers, we won’t be able to continue offering the great range of activities and events currently on offer

A nice 10kt breeze for the South West for the penultimate rounds of the Cobley Series.

17 boats made it out for the start, with Paul W (Morbic) setting off first, holding onto his lead for the first lap. Chris H (Comet) then took the lead, with Newton & Darren (Both Solo) hot on his heels.

Further back, James P & Hugh (Both ILCA7) were having a close battle with eachother, whilst in the midfleet, there were 8 boats all crossing the line within a minute of each other, led by Richard G in his 2000, who had replaced his usual crew with Sally.

At the finish gun, Newton finished first, with Chris H 2nd & Darren 3rd.

Newton’s win means he’s secured the Cobley Pursuit Trophy.

All boats remained out for the Handicap race. There was a significant pin end bias, which meant every boat was there vying for position.

Hugh arrived too early and had to bail out, whilst Richard G was over the line and had to go back. Newton, Darren & Rick (ILCA7) meanwhile got great starts.

Steve S (Blaze) led the way, with Mike & Alé in 470 close behind. Rick was hot on their heels, leading a pack of Newton, Mark (Aero7), James P & Hugh.

Elsewhere, Chris H was fighting with the faster Lasers, whilst Darren had to retire due to a broken tiller.

Rick unfortunately tumbled back down the order, Hugh caught up with Mike & Alé but was unable to get past.

Steve S crossed the line 1st, with Mike & Alé 2nd & Hugh 3rd.

On Handicap, Newton took the win, with Chris H 2nd & Hugh 3rd.

Will S still leads the Handicap series but is level on points with Newton.

A big thank you to Ralph and his team for running the racing on Sunday.

After the race, there was Lentil & Bacon Soup, made by Ann.

We’re back on Sunday for the final round of the Cobley Series.

Strong winds for the latest rounds of the Cobley Series on Sunday.

13 boats made it out for the pursuit race, with Paul W (Morbic) setting off first, followed by the rest of the fleet.

Chris H (Comet) was ahead after the first lap, closely followed by Darren (Solo) & James P (ILCA7).

Elsewhere, Newton & Ralph (Both Solo), along with Aileen (Comet) & Richard G (Aero) 5 were having a close battle in the midfleet. Richard managed to get past both Ralph & Aileen, but Newton surged ahead, passing several boats to take the lead.

At the finish gun. Newton finished 1st, with Darren 2nd & James P 3rd.

The wind remained strong for the Handicap race, and the 3 Solos of Newton, Darren & Ralph shot out in front. Newton was first round after the 1st lap, with Ralph & Darren both having dropped back. They were passed by James P, who was now fighting Newton for the lead.

James & Ralph both suffered setbacks, and were relegated to fighting in the midfleet with Steve & Rick (RS200) & Karen (Comet).

Newton crossed the line 1st, with Darren 2nd & Richard G 3rd, with several boats finishing within second of eachother.

On Handicap, Newton was 1st, with Darren 2nd & Karen 3rd.

A big thank you to Peter S & his team for running the racing on Sunday.

We’re back on Sunday for the next rounds of the Cobley Series.

4 Morbics from across the country descended on Reading for their annual “Capsize Party”. It’s a great chance for the fleet to meet and exchange ideas and techniques, although from experience, the hardest part isn’t the capsize, it’s getting back in again! It’s important to practice as the Morbic is a popular boat for solo adventures, commonly called Raiding. There’s often no safety cover so being self sufficient is a must.

A big thank you to Paul W for organising a great event. You can find out more about the Morbic, and the class by visiting: https://mymorbic.uk/