Author: jollysailor

Summer 4 – Racing Report

This racing report was missing in action, like some of the OOD crew by the sound of it. Sorry for the delay.
 
It was going to be a hot day. The hottest day of the year . A swelling 24 degrees C. The wind was picking up even when the sailors were getting their boats ready. I felt Rod was going to have an eventful time on his hands.
The course consist of a long beat followed by a dead run down the whole length of the lake. The first person to sample the lake water was Richard. He performed too many rolls and capsized backwards. It was a testing part of the race.
Karen was struggling with the strengthening wind and she wasn’t in her usual position towards the front of the fleet. Due to the reduced numbers in Rod s team, he was struggling to run the race. Oswin , bless him soon realised it has been a long time since he last sailed his laser. And he was having severe difficulties with his boat and his boat punished him by whacking his boom over his head. Next time Oswin keep your head down! He sailed back to shore for immediate first aid.
The final results on the water were :

1st . Chris 2nd. David 3rd. Mark

A final note has to be mentioned on this report due to the members in Rods team not turning up. Rods team were having problems rescuing people and still running the race. we could of had a dangerous situation occur . So please if you are on duty please, please turn up to do it.

JULY CUP

A lovely sunny day and under staffed SOOD, Peter Rose set the course for what looked like a drifter but typically, after the start sequence began, the Sun did it’s work and conditions picked up nicely. 

Newton was called back at the start for being over the line; meanwhile, Andy in his Merlin ploughed ahead and looked splendid with spinnaker flying, lasers in hot pursuit.

 In the lower orders Jon mack did battle with Monica, keeping in touch until nearly the end, whatever happened on that last lap?

 Extreme sailor Steve in  his 505 was impressive, often seen heeled over in dramatic fashion before missing out buoy four and finally coming to grief near buoy X with his mast stuck fast in the mud. Peter and his one helper had to rescue the boat after the race, just as well no one else got into trouble!! 

Andy retired on what must have been the last lap to leave the field open to the usual suspects; Richard, Chris and Karen in lasers, Ian in his Supernova and Paul flying the flag for the Enterprise class.  

It really doesn’t get much better than this, an excellent sail. 

Results: 1st Richard, 2nd Chris, 3rd Ian.

Racing Rules Top Tips

Remember the racing rules are in effect from the momemt the preparation signal is made, and that collision regulations apply prior to then.  If you are unsure please read the rules or ask another racer – don’t get a DSQ !!

Midsummer social

Thanks to all 65 people who attended the social event on Saturday evening. Music was provided by Colin Heaven and his Jazz Band who have played several times at the club. However, they had two extras on Saturday. Dean Jones was on bass guitar, Thank you Dean for a wonderful performance and Mike Newlove on Saxophone his debut performance Well done Mike.

Preparations started just after noon. The gazebo was a little tricky to erect as you can guess the wind came up (typically no wind when you are arranging a sailing event, but too much when you are doing a social).  There was music all afternoon along with the musicians warming up. The sun was shining and there was no rain. It was nearly perfect. We had our own Glastonbury. The temperature could have been a few more degrees as it was a little chilly during the evening but being mostly sailors, everyone had a fleece at the ready and the others had blankets.(very sensible). The hot coffee/Tea went down well!

 

Thanks to everyone involved in the preparation, many hands make light work, also thanks to all who helped clear up and taking home the rubbish. Any feedback welcome for future events, send an email to Sally Newlove. sallynewlove@hotmail.com
 

 

Check out the rest of the pictures here…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer 3 – Racing Report

Yet another day of strong winds – Steve posted a notice on the  board, see picture below – but 10 brave souls up for some exciting sailing, took to the water, with several half rigged boats remaining on shore – some of them thought better of risking a ducking and possible gear breakage. But brave young Ryan in his reefed Topper took to the water only to return after 3 dry capsizes before the start – while his Dad managed to fall out of his boat near the end of the race and spent the rest of the race time ‘having fun!!’
Steve and his team set an interesting course 4p,1p,8p,3p,5s,9p,6s,7s,S, giving sailors a chance to go behind the island, for a bit of respite.
The safety boats were kept busy with Steve and Lynne in their 505 being the first to capsize and get stuck in the mud in full view of the spectators on the deck, and once righted they immediately came ashore – it was suggested by Kris that maybe it would have been better for them to have stayed on shore and have a couple of buckets of water poured over them!!
There were many …”oohs and aahs….did you see that…” from the deck accompanied by chuckles from Eddie, Ken, Oswin and John, sipping their coffees.
Adrian was the only one to go out with a full sail and most had at least one ‘swim.’
 
Ian led most of the race only to capsize on the last lap letting Chris through, who also capsized at the penultimate gybe mark – in full view of those on the deck enjoying the entertainment. But he managed to finish first, with big Adrian 2nd and Dave P 3rd. they were the only finishes, out of the 10 that started!!! What a day!!
 
 
Tracey has files to share with you on SkyDrive. To view them, click the links below.

Training Day 2 – June 22nd

Who would have believed that day 2 was as windy as day 1….we thought we would only manage a half day covering the theory ashore and would have to return to complete the sailing skills required for Stage 1 and Level 1.
After an initial short briefing from Steve, apologising for the weather, we all went to get out Picos and Toppers and the ever faithful Wayfarer, planning to get on the water in every ‘lull’ in the wind.
Well it worked! Everyone achieved the necessary skills to achieve Stage I and Level I, despite some (OK, a lot) of capsizes and some amusing incidents – not least Monica walking backwards along the jetty pulling a Topper and issuing instructions to Sylvia at the same time, only to step straight into the water!!!
Adrian had his group successfully sailing a triangular course in the slight shelter of the island, while another group practised their skills in the Wayfarer and, flushed with success, Rod capsized the monster boat in full view of the clubhouse! Quite a mission for Richard and Brian to right it and get it ashore.
The youngsters enjoyed their paddling races and the towing with lots of laughs and smiles, despite Anuska’s Topper capsizing. Sylvia was brilliant in the Pico taking those not to sure they could sail alone, backwards and forwards.
Steve and James in their dry suits did sterling work turning boats around and sending them off again.
Hot chocolate was ready in the clubhouse thanks to our many gophers – thank you guys.
Everyone was delighted to see Tracey and Amy arrive armed with galley stores – chocolate was down to 4 Twix!!
All the books were handed out, thanks give to all the instructors, safety boat drivers, helpers and of course Steve who kept us all in order while helping wherever he could.
A great day despite the weather – well done everyone.
 
 

 

 
 
Tracey has files to share with you on SkyDrive. To view them, click the links below.

Summer 2 – racing report

What a difference a day makes – a pleasant  9/10 mph and 22 boats eagerly rigging their boats on the lawn, but where were the OOD team..?? Glen and Paul W arrived but who else was supposed to be there? Neville stepped into the breach, co opted a spectator and ran the race. Thanks Nev.
The course, 3s,5s,9p,8p,6s,7s,S was started from the shore with a very long line. Most started at the pin end except Jon Mc, who launched just as the race was about to start and made a perfect port tack start at the port end, crossing the whole fleet – Dave started a little way along the line while everyone else jostled for windward boat position at the other end. Richard got to to 3 first and Jon just seem to disappear?!
Steve managed a capsize at 3, with no Lynne on board, but managed to get up and going again fairly quickly.
Paul in his Europe, got in Chris’ way and had to do a 720, putting him well down the fleet. Everyone struggled with the fickle winds around 3 and 8, while Steve having put some blocks in his Solo mast, found himself ‘down the back’ as well. But once he took the blocks out, away he wait catching up all the time. Ian took the lead, then Dave, hotly persued by Karen.
Finishing positions 1st Dave, 2nd Karen, 3rd Ian.
A big thank you to the OOD’s, but where were the rest of the rostered team?
 
 

  
Tracey has files to share with you on SkyDrive. To view them, click the links below.

Training Report 15th June

RYA Training Course 15th June, Stage 1 and Level 1.
What a daunting prospect for the trainers and trainees alike – 15mph winds with gusts of 29!!!
After the initial briefings from Steve and Dave, our intrepid trainees were introduced to Picos, Toppers and Dave’s ever faithful Wayfarer. The youngsters took to the water in Picos with Alice and Sylvia helming and went for an exhilarating thrash back and forth, watched over closely by Brian and Richard in the safety boats. Everyone came in soaked, even those who had not capsized, but thrilled with the experience. After the lunch break and watching the video, it was the turn of the trainees to take the helm, with Alice, Sylvia and Grace taking the youngsters out and then letting them have a go at helming – inevitably there were some capsizes, but no tears!!
After another spell of rain and strong winds, the sun came out and everyone had a go at sailing, mostly in the reefed Picos. The adults doing really well and surprising themselves!!
A good, if exhausting, day was had by all and everyone left, happy to be returning for day 2 next Sat, clutching their Start Sailing books – compulsory bedtime reading for the next week.
Many thanks to all the instructors, especially Steve who sailed close to the shore, illustrating how to tack, how to come ashore and how NOT to come ashore…very helpful.
Also thanks to our ‘gophers’ who arrived and left at intervals through out the day, helping in the galley and on the shore.

1st Summer Series




Bob and his team set off for Tektona to set an interesting course, Xs,9s,5p,3s,4s, S, while 21 sailors were busy rigging their boats, under overcast Sky and gusty winds.


It was great to see Young Ryan rigging his Topper and Alice again taking to the water. Unfortunately Ryan, after 3 dry capsizes before the start, decided enough was enough and came in not even starting the race – also Hugh was on shore having found the wind too strong for him as well


But not Alice – she was observed with a wicked smile on her face as she pulled clear of Jon in his solo and a capsized Laser at buoy 9 – good for you Alice – you show the boys!! All’s fair in love, war and sailing. Though Jon was seen sulking in the dinghy park later on, muttering…where did respect for your elders go…..!!!


Dave I also found the slammy fickle gusts too much for him as well.


Those that stayed out enjoyed a good sail with Roland finishing 1st,Chris, 2nd and Jon 3rd,

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