Reading Sailing Club Members

7th July Cup Race 2019

It was a lovely morning with a light 7-8 mph ENE wind, as Karen the SOOD for the day commented “Perfect conditions – always is – when I’m not racing!”  First mark was A (between 5 and 8, but closer to 8) then 5, 2, 4, 3 and back through the start.

There were 13 starters and four laps and Ellen & Newton (RS200) led from start to finish with Adrian (Rooster) chasing them in 2^nd place throughout the race.

As the start gun went Paul & Nev (RS200) were seen doing turns after a coming together with James (I think) and at the end of the lap James (Laser) came through in 3^rd place ahead of Jon in another Laser. Chris H (Comet) was 5^th not far ahead of Dean & Nick (Vago), who crossed the line overlapped by Mike & Sally N (Leader). Rick (Laser) crossed in 8^th place only just ahead of Paul & Nev, who were recovering from their start line mishap.  Chris A (out in the only Solo) was next along well ahead of Ron and Dave P in Mirrors and Cecilia in her Radial.

On the second lap, Jon moved up one place to 3^th and Paul &Nev were up five places to 4^th pushing James down to 5^th and the only other mover was Rick gaining two places to move to 8^th spot.

By the end of the third lap Paul & Nev had passed Jon to move up to 3^rd place and Dean & Nick were up two places to 5^th position. Further back Chris A had moved up to 9^th passing Mike & Sally. Dave P and Cecila received the gun at the end of this lap.

On the last lap there was no change in order for the first five, but James regained a place passing Rick to cross the line in 6^th place and this was the only change in position. The final order on the water was – 1^st Newton & Ellen; 2^nd Adrian; 3^rd Paul & Nev; 4^th Jon; 5^th Dean & Nick; 6^th James

On corrected time this becomes – 1^st Newton & Ellen; 2^nd Ron; 3^rd Chris H; 4^th Adrian; 5^th Jon; 6^th Paul & Nev

Congratulations to cup winners Newton & Ellen and thanks to Karen and the OOD Team of Ferdinando, Roland L and Stuart.

It was another lovely Wednesday evening with a light wind 7-10 mph from the SW. Rick decided to keep the course to himself in case he wants to use it again, but it must have been fairly short as they got four laps in!

At the end of the first lap Karen crossed the line just ahead of Ellen, both in Lasers. It was 90 seconds before Mark (Laser) crossed in 3^rd place nor far ahead of Newton and Steve in Solos. John H (Laser) and Curtis (Laser) crossed together just in front of Dave & Ann (Leader) with Nigel and Hugh in two more Lasers on their transom.  About 20 seconds later along came Jeremy (Laser), Chris H (Comet), Sally & Stuart (Leader) and Paul H (Laser) battling for 11^th spot and they were about 20 seconds ahead of Chris & Carol in their Sport 14. It was another minute before Dean & Nick (Vago) hove into view and they were about 30 seconds ahead of Alicia (Radial), Rhys (4.7) and Ron in his Mirror. Then there was quite a gap back to Jemima in her Oppie who was having a good battle with Katie in her Topper and bringing up the rear was Rich in his Wanderer.

On the second lap, no change in the first four, but Curtis had moved up two places to 5^th and Hugh was up four places to 6^th (family fireworks coming up!). Nigel had passed Dave & Ann to move up to 8^th and Dean & Nick had passed Chris & Carol to gain a place and Rich retired on this lap.

Again, no change in the first four on the third lap, but Hugh had passed Curtis to take 5^th place and John H moved up four places to 7^th. Further back Paul H gained a place by passing Sally & Stuart and Katie had passed Jemima. Rhys, Ron, Katie and Jemima all received the finish gun at the end of the lap.

Still no change in the positions of the first four on this last lap, but guess what Curtis had repassed Hugh!  Nigel and Dave & Ann crossed the line together for an equal 8^th spot and Dean & Nick made up one more place, passing Sally & Stuart. The final order on the water was –

1^st Karen; 2^nd Ellen; 3^rd Mark; 4^th Newton; 5^th Curtis; 6^th Hugh

On corrected time this will become –

1^st Jemima; 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Ellen; 4^th Newton; 5^th Mark; 6^th Chris H

Thanks to Rick and the OOD Team, but unfortunately none of their names was entered on the race sheet. (OODs make sure you get your names on the sheet or you might be allocated another duty – not that is any great hardship on a nice sunny evening!)

I think the rota had Ann, Bob L, Cecilia and Caroline G – so thank you if you turned out.

Quite windy this morning with a WSW blowing 12-16 mph, which enabled Richard S to set a long beat down to 3 then2, 4, 8, 6, 7 and back through the start. We had a new fleet this morning (well a small fleet of two!), when Paul & Nev turned out in a RS200.

Pursuit Race

There were 15 starters, but we lost Dean & Nick (Vago) on the first lap, not sure of the reason for their early departure. Early starter Ron (Mirror) was first back across the line with Phoebe (Oppie) still hanging on to 2^nd place, but Paul & Nev were fast approaching with Mark (Laser) behind them. Dave & Ann (Leader) were managing to stay ahead of the chasing pack, but their rear view mirror was full of the second RS200 with Newton & Ellen on board. At the gun the order was –

1^st Paul & Nev; 2^nd Newton & Ellen; 3^rd Dave & Ann; 4^th Jon (Laser); 5^th Karen (Laser); 6^th Adrian (Rooster)

Handicap Race

The fleet was down to 12 for the second race as Dean & Nick did not reappear and Jamie H decide to sit this one out. It was still very windy and turned out to be a two-lap affair.

First back through the line were Paul & Nev closely followed by the other RS200 of Ellen & Newton with Dave & Ann going well in the windy conditions in 3^rd place. Not something you see very often with the three leading boats all being double handers. Adrian came through in 4^th place just ahead of Karen, who was only 10 seconds ahead of Rick in another Laser.  Mark was 7^th with Jon and Chris H (Comet) battling for 8^th place. Two minutes later Ron crossed in a lonely 10^th place as he in turn was about two minutes ahead of Emily (Topper) with Phoebe gamely battling on at the rear of the fleet and receiving the gun at the end of the lap.

Only 20 seconds between the two RS200s at the finish, but Paul & Nev had kept their nose in front to take the victory. There was a bit of shuffling about behind them for the next places with Adrian gaining one place to move to 3^rd and Mark gaining three places up to 4^th. Jon passed Rick to move up a place, but the order of the first six was –

1^st Paul & Nev; 2^nd Ellen & Newton; 3^rd Adrian; 4^th Mark; 5^th Karen; 6^th Dave & Ann.

On corrected time the first two keep their positions, but Mark moves up to 3^rd with Dave & Ann 4th and Adrian and Ron were equal 5^th.

Thanks to Richard S and the OOD Team of Andrew & Son, Chris, Issy, Roland L and Sam.

It was a lovely evening tonight; the sun was out and there was a light 8-10 mph from the N (well swinging NW to NE). Mike A used a Tektona start with a first beat to A (middle of the lake our from 8) then 5, 2, 4 and back through the start.

Mike Tr (Laser) got a flyer and led Hugh (Laser) by 30 seconds at the end of the first lap. Karen (Laser) was 3^rd, not far ahead of Mark (Laser) who was 20 seconds ahead of Chris H (Comet) and Dean & Nick (Vago). Rick (Laser) came through on his own in 7^th place (he seems to like that position) with Chris A (Solo) about 20 seconds further back with Dave & Ann (Leader), Richard H (Laser), Mike T (Laser), and Sally & Stuart (Leader) in a close group just behind him. A minute later Ron came steaming through in his Mirror taking tactical advice from Tahlia his granddaughter (Why did you do that? Does waggling that make any difference?) Adrian (Vago s/h) was close behind trying to pick up some tips!   Jemima the ace Oppie sailor was next across the line followed a minute later by Chris & Carol in their Sport 14, but without Alfie to give them some woof idea of what to do next.

At the rear of the fleet Rich F (Wanderer s/h) and Phoebe (Oppie) were enjoying their own battle.

By the end of the second lap Mike had increased his lead and Karen had passed Hugh to move up to 2^nd place. Dean & Nick moved up two places, just pipping Mark across the line having earlier got past Chris H. Rick was still 7^th, but he had lost his kicker (boom fitting sheared off). No change in 8^th, 9^th and 10^th places, but Sally & Stuart had got ahead of Mike T to move up a place. Adrian moved up a place by passing Ron & Tahlia and Chris & Carol moved up a place by passing Jemima.

No change with the first two on the third lap but Mark gained two places by passing Hugh and Dean & Nick, but they retained 4^th place as they also passed Hugh (can you follow that?). Chris H was steady in 6^th place and Rick was still 7^th, but his hat blew off! Fortunately, he had just lapped Phoebe who was coming in to finish her second lap and she very kindly retrieved it for him. Phoebe received the gun at the end of her lap in appreciation of her selfless act. Chris A, Dave & Ann and Richard H were maintaining 8^th, 9^th and 10^th positions and the only change behind them was Jemima retaking Chris & Carol.  Jemima, Chris & Carol and Rich F all received the finish gun at the end of this lap.

At the end of the fourth and last lap the first six remained in the same order. Rick was still 7^th, but his   

knicker string was now drooping badly (we thought the moon had come out ! – no sorry it was his kicker string). At last in the middle of the fleet there was some movement as Dave & Ann had passed Chris A to move up to 8^th and Richard H had disappeared after a slight contretemps with Sally & Stuart around A, then he went for an early beer and Mike T pipped the Leader over the line by a whisker. Adrian had suddenly got going and had caught Ron and crossed the line four minutes ahead of him (looks like he found the weed brake).   

The final order was – 1^st Mike Tr; 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Mark; 4^th Dean & Nick; 5^th Hugh; 6^th Chris H

On corrected time we have a tie for first place between Mike Tr and Jemima with Chris H moving up to 3^rd, Karen down to 4^th, Ron & Tahlia up to 5^th and Mark down to 6^th.

It’s all ups and downs at RSC!

Thanks to Mike A and the OOD Team of Monica, Carlo, Nigel L, Phil M and Steve D (who stepped in at the last minute).

The Thames Valley Challenge is a three boat junior team racing event sailed in RS Fevas. It is an exciting Junior competition between clubs from local sailing clubs and schools.

This year a team from Reading SC Youth and Juniors won the Thames Valley Challenge team racing event on Saturday 29^th June at Silverwings SC.

8 races were sailed with Reading SC winning 7 of them! A very hot day but with perfect wind after the first race which was a drifter.

Our young sailors were Ben, Rhys, Emily, Katie, Thomas, Lucy and Phoebe. 

Karen’s own words express it best –

OMG! We won!!!! So proud of you all, you were a credit to the club.  

Your behaviour on the water was exemplary and you sailed well. A few silly mistakes but you obviously learnt from them as the day went on because you got better and better and truly deserved the win.

You are all truly a credit to Reading SC. 

Hugh, Suzi, Sam, Andrew, Deb, John thank you so much for your support today I couldn’t have done it without you. 

Well done to you all and thanks to the parents and for supporting them.

Karen

James our Commodore adds –

My congratulations to the Reading Team, the coaches Karen and Hugh and the supporters for the fabulous Thames Valley Challenge 1st place win at Sliverwings yesterday.  Just reward for all those hours of practice. 

This is a proud moment for Reading Sailing Club, and we all join in congratulating Karen and her team and our young sailors.

Very well done to all of you.

Quite a breeze tonight coming from the NE about 14 mph. Mike Tr used a Tektona start with a first beat down to X (middle of lake just past 5) then 5, 9, 2, 3 and back through the start.

There were 19 starters with some close racing throughout the fleet. Ellen (Laser) was first back across the line followed by Mark and Karen also in Lasers. Newton (Solo) was 4^th just ahead of Ralph (Laser) and Steve S in another Solo. Then there was a really tight bunch with Richard H (Laser) leading Rick (Laser), Will (Radial), Dave & Ann (Leader), Mike C & Sam (Wanderer), Joe (Radial) and Jeremy (Laser). About 30 seconds later Dean & Nick (Vago) crossed the line not far ahead of Paul H (Supernova) and Jewels (Mirror) way way ahead of Ron in his Mirror who was behind Emily in her Topper! Last but not least and never to be counted out was Jemima in her Oppie.

The second lap saw no change with the first two, but Newton and Ralph had both got past Karen to move up to 3^rd and 4^th.  Steve was still in 6^th position but Rick had moved up one to 7^th and Dave & Ann and Mike C & Sam gained two places to move up to 8^th and 9^th. Will and Joe in their Radials were having a great battle for 10^th spot, but they had been caught by Paul H who crossed the line abreast with Joe. Ron had caught Emily to move behind Jewels and they had both passed Jeremy. Dean & Nick retired on this lap.

By the end of the third lap Ellen had increased her lead at the front with Ralph moving up two places to 2^nd and Karen regaining a place by passing Mark. Steve was still 6^th and Rick was still 7^th. Further back Paul H moved up by passing Will and Joe, Jeremy regained a place and Ron crossed the line just ahead of Jewels.  Emily and Jemima received the gun at the end of the lap.

No stopping Ellen on the final lap as she finished two minutes ahead of Ralph in 2^nd and Mark repassed Newton and Karen to take 3^rd place.  Steve was still 6^th and Rick was still 7^{th !}  Richard H regained two places as did Jewels who repassed Ron and Jeremy.

Some good close racing tonight and the final order on the water was –

1^st Ellen; 2^nd Ralph; 3^rd Mark; 4^th Newton; 5^th Karen; 6^th Steve S

On corrected time guess who takes the win? Jemima gets 1^st place again with Ellen 2^nd and Newton 3^rd. Jewels takes 4^th place ahead of Ron in 5^th and Ralph slips down to 6^th.

Thanks to SOOD Mike Tr and the OOD Team of Bob H, Caroline G, Chris S and Patrick C.  

Well it was a bit pleasanter tonight than last week, at least there was a light wind 6-8mph from the West and no rain! Steve S set a first beat down to 3 then 9, 5, 6 and back through the start.

Dean & Nick (Vago) having won last week decided to give everyone a chance this week by contriving to capsize on the way to 9 on the first lap (something about the tiller extension going in and out and not doing much – sounds like a trombone to me!). Newton (Solo) was first back through the start followed by the Lasers of Karen, Mark and Hugh. Peter R (Enterprise s/h) was next through in 5^th place closely followed by Chris H (Comet), Curtis (Laser) and Dave & Ann (Leader) and they were about 30 seconds ahead of Chris A (Solo) and the recovering duo of Dean & Nick. Another 30 seconds and a motley bunch came across the line close together, led by Mike A (Lightning), gardener Richard H (likes gathering up weed on his Laser), Mike C & Sam (Wanderer) and Paul H (Laser). About a minute further back Nigel L (Laser) was trying to get clear of Ron (Mirror), easier said than done! Then came the girls Jemima (Oppie), Sally & Stuart (sorry Stuart should have said and the boy!) in the second Leader and last but not least Emily in her Topper.

On the second lap Karen passed Newton to take the lead with Mark still in 3^rd place (well he was moving slightly! Peter R moved up to 4^th at Hugh’s expense and Dean & Nick gained four places to move to 6^th (they had to keep moving to dry out). The only other movers were Sally & Stuart who had passed Jemima.

At the end of the third lap there was no change in order for the first four, but Dean & Nick were up one more place to 5^th. Chris H and Dave & Ann were also up one place to 6^th and 7^th and Mike A gained three to move to 8^th. Richard H moved up two places by passing Curtis and Chris A. Further back Nigel passed Paul H with Jemima and Emily both gaining a place due to the retirement of Sally & Stuart.

On the fourth lap Karen increased her lead slightly but the order of the first four remained the same. Chris H and Dean & Nick were locked in battle for 5^th place and crossed the line abreast. Dave & Ann were going steady in 7^th (and have been going steady for quite a few years now). Richard H was on a roll and gained two more places moving up to 8^th passing Mike A and Hugh in the process. Curtis retired from 12^th place and Mike C & Sam and Paul H, keen to claim the position, crossed the line together. Jemima also retired on this lap, so Emily gained two places and received the gun at the end of the lap. Ron also received the gun at the end of the lap, and he was lucky as the wind was dropping!

It took everyone slightly longer to complete the last lap, especially those towards the rear of the fleet as they got the worst of the dying breeze. Karen increased her lead and Mark took 2^nd place from Newton with Peter R in 4^th. Chris H just managed to draw ahead of Dean & Nick to snatch 5^th spot. Mike A passed Richard H and Dave & Ann to move up two places to 7^th and Paul H and Nigel both got past Mike C & Sam who took the lanterne rouge and probably needed it as dusk was falling!  Chris A could not stand the excitement and retired before the end of the lap.

The final order on the water was –

1^st Karen; 2^nd Mark B; 3^rd Newton; 4^th Peter R; 5^th Chris H; 6^th Dean & Nick

On corrected time the order changes to –

1^st Karen; 2^nd Newton; 3^rd Chris H; 4^th Mark; 5^th Ron; 6^th Peter R

Thanks to Steve and the OOD Team of Ann D, Bob L, Caroline G, Jill G and Mike T. hite’>

With a light E to NE wind James opted for a Tektona start with the firs mark A (near 8 but further out into the lake) then 5, 9, B (going towards 2) 4 and back through the start.

Pursuit Race

There were 17 starters this morning and early starter Ron (Mirror) was still leading at the end of the first lap with Chris H (Comet) in 2^nd place, Sally & Mike C (Leader) 3^rd, Will (Radial) 4^th, Newton & Ellen (RS200) 6^th and Mike A (Radial) 6^th. At the gun the final order was –

1^st Chris H; 2^nd Newton & Ellen; 3^rd Ron; 4^th Sally & Mike C; 5^th Will; 6^th Jess (Laser)

Handicap Race

Jess (Laser), Peter R (Enterprise), Dave P (National 12) and Paul H (Supernova) all decided to give the second race a miss, so the fleet was down to thirteen. James tweaked the course to A, 5, 9, X (on the buoy line down from 5), B, 3 and back through the start.

First back though the line was Karen (Laser) closely followed by Ellen & Newton (RS200) then there was quite a gap back to Jon (Laser) in 3^rd place. He led a very close pack consisting of Mike C & Sally (Leader), Jamie H (Laser), Rick L (Laser), Chris A (Solo) and Jeremy (Laser). This group stayed pretty well together for the whole of the race exchanging pleasantries as they rounded the marks! Chris H (Comet) was next across the line in 8^th place followed about a minute later by Will and Mike A in Radials, then Ron (Mirror) and Cecilia (Radial).

At the end of the second lap there was no change in the first three, but Rick was up two places to 4^th (his holiday must have revitalised him) and Chris H was up four places to 5^th.  Chris A gained a place to move to 6^th and Will did the same to move to 9^th place. Everyone else maintained station or slipped back, probably more slipping back than staying put!  Cecilia received the gun at the end of this lap.

On the last lap Ellen &Newton managed to get past Karen to cross the line in 1^st place. Jon and Rick held their places, but Will gained four places and took 5^th spot with Chris A hanging on to 6^th. Jamie H regained a place to move to 7^th and Mike A passed Jeremy.

The final positions on the water were –

1st Ellen & Newton; 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Jon; 4^th Rick; 5^th Will; 6^th Chris A

On corrected time this should change to –

1^st Ellen & Newton; 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Ron; 4^th Chris H; 5^th Will; 6^th Chris A

Thanks to James and the OOD Team of Bea, Ferdinando, John H and Nev.

It was quite a wind this morning, blowing SW 10-16 mph, but very gusty. Richard S set the first mark as X, then 2,4,9,5,6,7 and back through the start.

Pursuit Race

There were just 11 starters, which perhaps was not surprising being Father’s Day (some of us were down the pub having a Sunday roast!)

At the end of the first lap early starter Jewels led the old man both in Mirrors,  Jon (Laser) was 3^rd and Newton & Ellen (RS200) were 4^th despite a capsize rounding 9. Dave & Ann (Leader) were 5^th and being rapidly caught by Julian B (D-Zero) and at the gun Julian had caught and passed everyone to take 1^st place. The final order was –

1^st Julian; 2^nd Newton & Ellen; 3^rd Ron; 4^th Dave & Ann; 5^th Jon; 6^th Adrian (Rooster)

Handicap Race

Ralph and Karen (who had both retired in the earlier race) decided to give this one a miss, so the fleet was down to nine. Richard shortened the course taking 3 and 2 out and using 4 as the first mark.

Ellen & Newton were first back through the line not far ahead of Jon in 2^nd place and Julian in 3^rd. Adrian came though in 4^th about 30 seconds ahead of Dean & Nick (Vago) and they were a minute ahead of Ron who was a minute ahead of Jewels. Chris H (Comet) was battling away at the back of the fleet.  The conditions were probably even trickier for this second race and Mike C & Sally (Leader) gracefully retired.

The only change on the second lap was Adrian passing Julian to move to 3^rd and the only changes on the third lap were the retirements of Julian and Chris (who missed a mark).  The two Mirrors of Ron and Jewels were finished at the end of this lap.

There were no surprises on the last lap and the final order on the water was –

1^st Ellen & Newton; 2^nd Jon; 3^rd Adrian; 4^th Dean & Nick and one lap down 5^th Ron and 6^th Jewels.

On corrected time this becomes –

1^st Ellen & Newton; 2^nd Ron; 3^rd Jon; 4^th Dean & Nick; 5^th Jewels; 6^th Adrian.

Thanks to Richard S and the OOD Team of Alistair J, Alistair S and Richard H, that could have led to some confusion but they coped admirably.

Well it was a pretty miserable night with persistent rain and very little wind. There was quite a discussion on the sun deck (really) as to whether it was worth going out. Eventually there was a sort of domino effect and we finished up with a fleet of eight, just when Ellen thought she might escape SOOD duty! There were various motivations for going out, Jemima, Newton and Ron were in with a chance of Series points towards the top of the leader board. Sally & Stuart went out because Dave & Ann went out and they needed to keep tabs on them in the Leaders’ own competition. Rhys and Hugh went out in a Feva to give Rhys some double handed sailing and Dean & Nick and Mike A went out because they were daft enough to do so!

The wind was supposed to be about 5 mph from the ESE, but it was less than that and what there was coming from all over the place.Ellen wisely set a short course with a first mark as X (roughly halfway between 6 and 7) then A (going up towards the buoy line), B (about halfway between the buoy line and 8) then 8 itself and back through the start. This was basically a box course in the hope that somewhere you would get a beat or a reach or a run at sometime!

It turned out to be a two lap race and Mike A (Lightning) led at the end of the first lap followed by Dean & Nick (Vago), perhaps not as daft as they look! They had ousted Newton from his early 2^nd place.  Five minutes later Dave & Ann (Leader) came through in 4^th, about two minutes ahead of Jemima (Oppie) in 5^th. Then Ron (Mirror) and Rhys & Hugh (Feva) crossed the line one minute apart in 6^th and 7^th.   At this point Sally & Stuart had not long crossed the start line and were hoping for a stiff tail wind.

On the second lap Dean & Nick and Newton were inexorably closing Mike down and they both (well all) passed him on the way down to 8 with Dean & Nick drawing away at the front. They crossed the line about four minutes ahead of Newton. Meanwhile Mike had got stuck at 8 and eventually crossed the line seven minutes behind Newton and only three minutes ahead of Dave & Ann in 4^th place (which was a close finish on a night like this). Further back the boys (and the girl) were in bother as the wind had now disappeared! It took Ron about 10 minutes just to round 8 and he finally crossed the line in 5^th place about thirteen minutes after Dave & Ann. At the back Jemima and Rhys & Hugh demonstrated remarkable perseverance crossing the line ten minutes after Ron, but giving us a thrilling finish with only five seconds between them. Sally & Stuart pragmatically decide to retire, which was just as well as otherwise we would be taking breakfast out to them!

Order on the water was- 1^st Dean & Nick (which may be a first ever?) 2^nd Newton; 3^rd Mike A; 4^th Dave & Ann; 5^th Ron; 6^th Jemima; 7^th Rhys & Hugh

On corrected time the only change is Jemima changing positions with Ron.

Congratulations to the Jones boys, pity it was not a cup race, as last year they finished third in three series and got nowt!

Thanks to the very wet Ellen and OOD Team of Graham K, Kate T, Nick J, Nigel L and Simon B.

Well for some of them not quite as wet as Ellen moved to the flagpole adjacent to the clubhouse and was able to officiate under cover. This caused some consternation on the water when the finishers could see no sign of life around the start flagpole and thought everyone had packed up for the night!