Reading Sailing Club Members

Dear Member

It is with great reluctance that the committee has decided to suspend all formal club activities for the next six weeks until April 30th.

Whilst our sailing activities are almost entirely at an individual level, the threats of the Covid-19 virus, and the challenges of effectively isolating every club member from every other poses too great a risk for us to allow formal activities to take place. This will include the Racing programme, Pink Fleet, Oppies, Pirates, Training, and Work Parties. We shall delay the RYA “Discover Sailing” Open Day until a date later in the year, and cancel our promotional stall at Woodley shopping centre.

Our neighbouring organisations the Olympic rowing trials and Sonning Regatta have already cancelled all water-born activities; the RYA Oppies training weekend at the club has been called off. Most of the clubs in the area have also curtailed their activities.

We shall continue to monitor the situation daily, and will be in touch with you again as the circumstances develop.

As a member you are free to take part in your own informal activities at the club at your own risk, and to use the club’s resources and rescue boats, on condition that all sailing complies with the club’s rules on safety at all times. Members are free to carry out maintenance on their boats as they wish. In doing so we would ask all members to respect the Government advice on social-distancing: ie no physical contact, maintain space of at least 2m from other people, obsessive cleanliness; needless to say, if you are unfortunate enough to suffer symptoms of Covid-19 please stay in your bed, hunker down and get better soon.

I had hoped we could find a way of continuing with club activities, albeit on a restricted basis, and the committee has discussed a wide variety of options at length. But the barriers are too high, and the risks too great. Please renew your membership as normal, stay in touch through the website and our facebook page, so that when this pandemic is over we can re-invigorate the club, and enjoy a new programme of summer activities.

Meanwhile stay safe, stay healthy, and hopefully we can all be back on the water before long.

Will Stevens, Commodore

Spring Series 3            15^th March 2020

The first two scheduled races of the Spring Series did not take place because of flooding and at one point this third race looked doubtful. However, the water and wind dropped sufficiently to make it possible.

It was a blustery SW wind of about 18 mph, which kept veering considerably throughout the morning. Mike A set a long beat to 3 then 2, 8, 6, A (where No 7 usually sits) and back through the start.

Pursuit race

There were nine hardy starters and a number of them capsized before the start of the race. In fact Jeremy missed his slot and set out some way behind everyone else.  

At the end of the first lap Mike T (Laser) had caught the earlier starters and crossed the line in the lead. Rhys (4.7) was gong well and came through in 2^nd place, just ahead of his old man James in a full rig Laser. Newton & Sam (RS200) were not far behind James, but over a minute ahead of Chris H (Comet) who crossed in 5^th place. Adrian (Rooster) was next along just leading Rick (Laser flying a Radial rig) then Emily (4.7) some way ahead of a recovering Jeremy in his Laser.

At the gun Mike T just managed to stay ahead of Newton & Sam to take the victory.

The final positions on the water were – 1^st Mike T; 2^nd Newton & Sam; 3^rd James; 4^th Rhys; 5^th Adrian; 6^th Rick.

Handicap Race

Mike A made a slight course change for the second race by inserting No 5 between 2 and 8.Everyone stayed out for this race, but unfortunately Emily capsized just before the start.

Mike T took an early lead but capsized on the way to 5 letting Newton & Sam through and they crossed the line in 1^st place. Mike recovered quickly to come through in 2^nd place some 30 seconds ahead of Adrian in 3^rd spot. Then came father and son James and Rhys with James leading on the water but Rhys well ahead on handicap time. Jeremy crossed in 6^th place and was four minutes ahead of Chris and bringing up the rear was Rick recovering from a capsize earlier in the lap.

At the end of the second and final lap there was no change in the positions of the first four boats but Rhys had unluckily capsized to let Jeremy through into 5^th place. Rick went well on this lap and passed Chris just before the line to take 6^th place with Rhys finishing about two minutes after Chris.

The order on the water was – 1^st Newton & Sam; 2^nd Mike T; 3^rd Adrian; 4^th James; 5^th Jeremy; 6^th Rick

The only change on corrected time is that Rick loses his 6^th place to Chris H.

Thanks to Mike A and the OOD team of Bill C, Nick J, Roland L, Ann & Dave L and Sally N. (If I might say so – a great team!)

Coronavirus

Covid 19, or coronavirus is a major concern internationally. We are being advised by British Sailing on this, have discussed our response in committee this week, and are daily monitoring developments. Our best advice is that currently everyone should practice basic precautions (washing hands and singing happy birthday to everyone you know), but otherwise come sailing as normal. Or as normal as the water levels allow.

Our cleaners in the clubhouse have been asked to be even more diligent than before. The only change you will see is that towels have been removed from the changing rooms and replaced with paper towels, which you should dispose of in the bags provided. NOT, please, down the loos. Or I will set our Bosun onto you. And you don’t want that.

We will keep you updated as the picture changes. Fortunately for us, sailing is mostly a low contact sport, which we should be able to keep enjoying with little need to adapt if the situation gets worse. Let’s hope for the best but be prepared for less than the best.

Obviously if you are feeling unwell with a fever or cough stay at home and follow the guidance issued by the NHS.

Best wishes

Will Stevens

RSC Commodore

Not surprisingly we are flooded again.

At the moment the level is still rising, so we will have to assess the situation nearer to the weekend.

Very blustery this morning with a WSW wind of 15-20 mph and the usual gusts coming through. Rick set the first beat to 4, then A (near 2), 5, 8, 6, 7 and back through the start.

In the tricky conditions there were a few capsizes with the Lasers, Leader and Vago, but the Solo and Mirror managed to stay upright for the whole of the four laps.

Newton (Solo) was first back across the line at the end of the first lap with a useful lead over James (Laser – but flying a Radial) with Adrian (Laser) in 3^rd place just two seconds ahead of Rhys (4.7) in 4^th place. Mike C & Roland (Leader) were only five seconds behind Rhys and 12 seconds ahead of Dean & Nick in the Vago. Chris H (Comet) crossed in 7^th place about 30 seconds ahead of Ron in his Mirror.

On the second lap there was no change at the front, but Mike C & Roland moved up to 3^rd place passing Adrian and Rhys. Dean & Nick and Chris H also got past Rhys to move to 5^th and 6^th respectively.

At the end of the third lap Newton still led with James 2^nd, Mike C & Roland 3^rd, Adrian 4^th and Dean & Nick 5^th.  Chris H retired on this lap and Ron passed Rhys to move up to 6^th spot.

Newton held his lead to finish first across the line, although James had closed to within 10 seconds of him.  Unfortunately, Mike C and Roland came to grief on this lap, in fact Ron reported seeing a submarine but it turned out to be the Leader! The loss of the Leader moved everyone behind them up one place, so the final order on the water was –

1^st Newton; 2^nd James; 3^rd Adrian; 4^th Dean & Nick; 5^th Ron; 6^th Rhys.

On corrected time Ron takes the victory by just 10 seconds from Newton and shuffles everyone down a place, apart from Rhys who remains 6^th.

Thanks to Rick and the OOD Team of Lottie, Sam, Dave L, Jon and Marcin.

Well we lost another race last week to flooding, but it had receded enough to allow racing today.

There was a good 14-15 mph wind from the South and 15 starters set out for what turned out to be a four lap race. Peter R set the course, but unfortunately it was not recorded for posterity on the race sheet!

Simon (Blaze) was first back across the line about 30 seconds ahead of Ralph (Laser), who was just 10 seconds ahead of Jon in another Laser. Mark (Laser) was through in 4^th place well clear of James (Laser), Adrian (Laser) and Dave & Ann (Leader) who all crossed the line together.  Then another tight group consisting of Ken (Radial), Alistair (Laser) and Dean & Nick in the Vago crossed together.

Rhys in his 4.7 came along 30 seconds later and he was nearly a minute ahead of Chris H (Comet) and Mike C & Sally (Leader). Emily in another 4.7 was next through followed by Ron in his Mirror.

On the second lap there was no change in the leading three, but James had moved up to 4^th and Dean & Nick to 5^th, although they only crossed the line one second ahead of Adrian in 6^th place.

Dave & Ann were steady in 7^th and Alistair was up one to 8^th and Mike C & Sally were up three places to 10^th.

At the end of the third lap Simon still led, but Jon had moved up to 2^nd ahead of Ralph. James was holding 4^th and Mark had regained four places to move to 5^th place. Dean & Nick were having a close battle with Dave & Ann crossing the line just 5 seconds ahead of them in 6^th place. Mike C & Sally had moved up another place to 9^th and Ken had regained a place to move to 10^th. Ron had managed to catch Emily and crossed the line just 8 seconds ahead of her, both of these received the gun. 

Simon crossed the finish line about three minutes ahead of Ralph who had regained 2^nd place from Jon. There was a very close finish for 4^th place with James crossing just two seconds ahead of Mark.

Adrian gained two places to move up to 6^th by passing Dean & Nick and Dave & Ann, who were still locked together battling for 7^th.  Ken gained another place by passing Mike C & Sally to finish 9^th and Rhys pipped Chris on the line by one second!

The order on the water was 1^st Simon; 2^nd Ralph; 3^rd Jon; 4^th James; 5^th Mark; 6^th Adrian

On corrected time the first three keep their positions, but Ron takes 4^th with Dave & Ann up to 5^th and Ken up to 6^th. 

Thanks to Peter R and the OOD Team of Mike N, Nev, Paul H, Sam and Will S.

There was a frisky SWS 16 mph wind this morning with stronger gusts coming through to increase the fun! (well for those on the bank). Unusually there were no double handers out today? Dave I set a long first beat down to 3 then A, 5, 8,6, 7 and back through the start line.

There were 11 starters and Julian B (D-Zero) was first back across the line followed by the Lasers of Jon and James. Newton (Solo) came through in 4^th place just ahead of Ralph (Laser) and 30 seconds later Adrian (Laser) and Simon (Fire) crossed in close company. Two minutes later along came Ron in his Mirror about a minute ahead of Chris H in his Comet, then a further two minutes back were Jeremy and Gareth both in Lasers.

At the end of the second lap Julian still led with Jon in 2^nd place, but Simon had moved up four places to 3^rd pushing James down to 4^th place.  Ralph had passed Newton to move to 5^th, but there were no other changes. Chris H and Jeremy received the gun at the end of the lap and Gareth had retired.

On the last lap there were no changes in position and Julian B claimed the victory on the water.

However, on corrected time the order becomes – 1^st Jon; 2^nd Julian; 3^rd Simon; 4^th James; 5^th Ron; 6^th Ralph

Thanks to Dave I and the OOD team of Bill J, Frantz, Jill G, Ken, Mike C and Sally.

Unfortunately the river level has risen again so we will not be able to run the race on Sunday.

Let’s hope for a long dry spell – that’s in reference to the river not the liquid refreshments!

Frostbite Series 3 and 4 were cancelled due to the flooding, but normal service was resumed today, and it was quite a pleasant morning. The wind was SW 13 mph with gusts up to 18 mph. Mike A set the first beat to 4 then A (which was around the normal position of 2), 5, 8, 6,7 and back through the start. Mike originally put 2 up on the board until Adrian enquired if 2 was actually in position. A quick search revealed Buoy 2 lying by the boat shed, which would have made an interesting course!

There were 18 starters, the highest number since 4^th August 2019! Before the actual start Nev came to grief when trying to shout something to Mike A and Dave I, who were manning the race start. Unfortunately, neither of them hears too well, so as Nev tried to get his message across, rather than concentrating on the wind, he was bowled over, but he did manage to make the start.

First back through the line was Julian B (D-Zero) who was 7 seconds ahead of Ralph in 2^nd place. Newton (Solo) came through one minute later in 3^rd spot with Steve S (Laser) in 4^th, 18 seconds further back. James and Mark (both Lasers) crossed the line virtually together contesting 5^th place. Next along were the two Leaders of Mike C & Sally and Dave & Ann and they enjoyed a race long battle. Close together behind them were the two Lasers of Rick and Adrian followed 10 seconds later by Ken in a Radial. Then there was a 20 seconds gap before Sam & Emily, going well in the RS200, crossed the line in 12^th place. Nev in his Comet was not far behind, closely followed by Chris H in another Comet. After a minute had elapsed Ron arrived in the Mirror, closely followed by Rhys (4.7), Jeremy (Laser) and Lottie (Radial). It was a wonder thar Jeremy had actually caught the fleet as he was still making last minute rigging adjustments as the start hooter sounded (still he’s used to that!)

At the end of the second lap Julian still led, but Ralph was keeping him honest by maintaining the same gap.  Newton had lost a little ground (or water) on the first two but was still a minute clear of Mark who had moved up to 4^th. James held 5^th place with Dave & Ann moving up to 6^th by passing Mike & Sally and Steve S. Adrian and Chris both gained a place by moving past Rick and Nev respectively. Further back Rhys passed Ron and Jeremy passed both of them to move up two places.

On the third lap Julian had slightly increased his lead on Ralph, who was trying hard to keep in touch.

Newton was now just one second ahead of Mark as they crossed the line. The next group of boats were all close together enjoying a good battle for 5^th place and at the line Mike & Sally held that position with Adrian, Dave & Ann and James chasing them. Sam & Emily gained three places to move up to 9th with Steve S in 10^th only one second behind them. Rick dropped to 11^th just ahead of Ken, who was 40 seconds ahead of Chris H, Jeremy and Nev. Behind them Rhys and Ron were still having a good battle and Lottie was gaining on them.    

At the gun Julian was first across the line with an increased lead over Ralph, but probably not enough to take the victory on handicap. Newton and Mark held their positions, but Adrian won the battle for the 5^th place. Steve S had a good last lap making up four places to cross in 6^th and James repassed the Leaders to take 7^th place. Mike & Sally just managed to stay ahead of Dave & Ann in their class battle. Ken, Jeremy and Lottie all gained a place by passing Rick, Chris H and Ron respectively to finish 11^th, 13^th and 17^th.  Ron took the lanterne rouge again (he’s thinking of starting a business in Soho), but he had the last laugh on corrected time!

Final positions on the water were – 1^st Julian B; 2^nd Ralph; 3^rd Mark; 4^th Newton; 5^th Adrian; 6^th Steve S

On corrected time this changes to – 1^st Ralph; 2^nd Newton; 3^rd Ron; 4^th Mike C & Sally; 5^th Dave & Ann; 6^th Mark

Thanks to Mike A and the OOD Team of Dave I, Jon and Paul H

At last the waters had receded enough for the New Year Cup race to take place, unfortunately the wind had also receded!

With a light to non-exsistent NW wind James wisely set a short course of X, 4, A, B.

There were only five competitors and they were outnumbered by the OOD Team!

The race turned out to be a five lapper, just short of one-hour duration.

Newton & Sam in the RS200 led for the whole race and Chris H in his Comet was 2^nd for the whole of the race!

The most exciting battle was for 3^rd place between Monica in her Europe and Emily in a Radial. Monica led at the end of the first lap with Emily ahead for laps two, three and four, but Monica pipped her across the line at the end of the fifth lap.

Ron in his Mirror carried the lanterne rouge throughout the race and was finished one lap early at the end of his fourth lap.

The corrected times make quite a difference to the race result with the order changing to –

1^st Chris H; 2^nd Monica; 3^rd Emily; 4^th Ron; 5^th Newton & Sam.

Thanks to James and the OOD Team of Ann & Dave, Frantz, John S, Ian S and Paul W.