Reading Sailing Club Members

Frost Bite 1 – 8^th December 2019

The first race of the Frostbite Series was very windy, as it had been the previous two years.

 With a WSW wind of about 18 mph and stronger gusts coming through, Peter R set the first beat to 4 then 9, 3, 8, 6, 7 and back through the start.

The race was a one lap affair with 10 starters and only five finishers with Simon B (Blaze), Rhys (4.7), Dean & Nick (Vago), Ralph (Laser) and Ron (Mirror) all retiring.     

The fleet became well spread out and Julian B (Devoti D-Zero) crossed the line in 1^st place about one minute ahead of Jon (Radial) in 2^nd place. Mike Tr (Laser)was in 3^rd place nearly six minutes further back and he was two minutes ahead of James (Laser), who in turn was two minutes ahead of Adrian (Laser).

The only change on corrected time was Jon leapfrogging Julian to take 1^st place.

Thanks to Peter R and the OOD Team of Ann & Dave L, Jewels, Marcin, Richard M and many other volunteers who pitched in to help out in he very windy conditions.

It was quite cold this morning with a N to NNE wind about 9 – 11 mph with stronger gusts coming through. Julian B used a Tektona start with a first beat down to A (near the buoy line between 5 and 6), then 5, 9, 3 and back through the start line.   

Pursuit Race

14 starters this morning and early starter Chris H (Comet) was first back through the line followed by Steve S (Solo) then Dave & Ann (Leader) just ahead of Ellen & Newton (RS200) with Mike A (Lightning) about a minute further back. Mike T and Karen (both Lasers) crossed the line abreast battling for 6^th place. Rhys (4.7) was next along with Pater Primrose (Laser) closing in on him, and they were about 20 seconds ahead of Rick (Laser). Sally & Mike in the second Leader were next along not far in front of Adrian (Vago s/h). Bringing up the rear was Ron, who missed his starting slot for the second week in a row! This is despite being the first boat out on the bank. Its obviously taking him too long to get his kit on, he’ll have to get a dresser or a valet! Julian W (Solo) came to grief early on and decided a wet wetsuit was not the thing to have on when a cold North wind was blowing, so headed to the bank for a hot cup of tea!

By the end of the second lap Newton & Ellen had come to the front with the 2^nd and 3^rd place boats keeping their positions, Karen moved up to 4^th and Chris slipped back to 6^th. James and Rick had caught and passed Rhys and Mike A to move up to 7^th and 8^th. Adrian had moved up two places by also passing Rhys and Sally & Mike C. 

At the gun the final order was – 1^st Ellen & Newton; 2^nd Mike T; 3^rd Steve S; 4^th Karen; 5^th Dave & Ann; 6^th James

Handicap Race

Having got warm and dry Julian decided to stay that way, but Mark and Ralph entered the fray to bring the starters up to 15. The course was changed to A, 5, 9, 4, 2, S.

Newton & Ellen were first back across the line followed by the Lasers of Karen, Mike T, Ralph, James and Mark. Dave & Ann came through in 7^th place nor far ahead of Rick and Mike C & Sally who crossed the line together. Steve S was only 10 seconds behind them, with Adrian only 10 seconds behind him and 30 seconds further back Chris H crossed the line just ahead of Rhys. Bringing up the rear again was Ron, who did not miss the start this time! Mike A retired after capsizing rounding A and finding that Julian was quite right about the temperature and the wind chill.

On the second lap there was no change at the front but Ralph moved up two places to 2^nd and James one place to 4^th. Steve S passed Mike C & Sally and Rick to move up to 8^th place. Mike C & Sally also got past Rick as did Adrian, so Rick slipped back to 11^th with Mike & Sally 9^th and Adrian 10^th. Behind them, there was no change in position with Chris, Rhys and Ron. 

At the end of the third lap, Newton & Ellen still led with Ralph 2^nd and Mike T 3^rd and James and Mark crossed the line together fighting for 4^th spot. Karen, who was lying 5^th retired, so Dave & Ann, Steve S, Mike & Sally and Adrian moved up to 6^th, 7^th, 8^th and 9th respectively. Chris H and Rhys also gained another place by passing Rick.   

On the fourth lap Ralph retired letting Mike T up to 2^nd place and Mark got the better of James to claim 3^rd place.  Everyone behind them gained a place due to Ralph’s retirement, but Adrian also retired from 9^th spot. Rhys passed Chris to move up to 8^th and Ron gained two places due to the retirements.

Chris H, Rick and Ron had all been lapped before they reached the line, so received the finish gun as they crossed.

At the end of the fifth and last lap there was a dramatic finish when Mike T pipped Newton & Ellen on the line to take 1^st place with Mark 3^rd, James 4^th and Dave & Ann 5^th. Steve S who was in 6^th place retired letting Mike C & Sally up to 6^th place with Rhys the only other finisher in 7^th place.

The final order on the water was –

1^st Mike T; 2^nd Newton & Ellen; 3^rd Mark; 4^th James; 5^th Dave & Ann; 6^th Mike C & Sally; 7^th Rhys.

On corrected time this becomes – 1^st Mike T; 2^nd Newton & Ellen; 3^rd Mark; 4^th Dave & Ann; 5^th James; 6^th Ron

Thanks to Julian B and the OOD Team of John S, Ken P, Nick J and Will S.

It was slightly misty this morning and at the start of the first race the promised wind of a 5 mph SSW had not arrived! Mike A set a box course with the first mark as A (in line with 5, but further to the middle of the lake than 8), then 5, 6, 7 and back through the start.

Pursuit Race

In spite of the lack of wind there were 8 starters, but some of them did not make the line to start at their allotted time (particularly Ron!) It was slow going and only three boats actually made the end of the first lap, although the wind did improve slightly during the race. At the gun the positions were –

1^st Mike T (Laser); 2^nd Chris H (Comet), who was nearly caught by 3^rd place James (Laser); 4^th Adrian (Vago s/h); 5^th Ron; 6^th Dave & Ann (Leader) who just got their nose in front of 7^th place  Rhys (4.7); 8^th Rick (Laser).  

Handicap Race

Encouraged by the slight increase in wind everyone started the second race and James was first back across the line not far ahead of Mike. Dave & Ann came through in 3^rd place  about a minute ahead of Chris H in 4^th, who in turn was a minute ahead of Adrian in 5^th. Then another minute elapsed before Ron crossed the line in 6^th place with quite a gap back to Rhys and Rick.

On the second lap James managed to draw away slightly from Mike who was caught by Chris at the penultimate mark and Chris managed to keep the 2^nd place to the line. Adrian passed Dave & Ann to take 4^th across the line and Ron crossed a minute later in 6^th place. Rhys decided to retire, but Rick kept going and earned himself a 7^th place finish.

The order on the water was – 1^st James; 2^nd Chris; 3^rd Mike; 4^th Adrian; 5^th Dave & Ann; 6^th Ron; 7^th Rick.

On corrected time this becomes – 1^st Ron; 2^nd Chris; 3^rd James; 4^th Mike; 5^th Dave & Ann; 6^th Adrian; 7^th Rick.

Thanks to Mike A and the OOD Team of Bill J, Colin H, Gareth E, Jewels and Julian W.

 There were 12 starters and Julian B (Devoti D-Zero) was first back across the line a minute ahead of Adrian (Rooster) with Rick (Laser) a further minute behind in 3^rd place. He was closely followed by Dave & Ann (Leader) and Karen (Laser) with Emily & Sam (RS 200) only 15 seconds further back. Chris H (Comet) crossed in 8^th place followed by Lottie (Laser), Jeremy (Laser), Rhys (4.7) and Ron (s/h Mirror).

On the second lap Jon moved up two places to 3^rd and Karen and Emily & Sam gained a place to move to 5^th and 6^th respectively. Fur6ther back Jeremy gained a place by passing Lottie.

At the end of the third lap there was no change in the first three, but Karen had gained another place to move up to 4^th by passing Rick. Everyone else maintained station.

The fourth lap produced no change in order throughout the entire fleet!

On the 5^th lap there was just one change in position when Emily & Sam got past Rick to move up to 5^th place. Rhys and Ron both received the gun at the end of the lap.

The 6^th and last lap, again saw only one change and that was a close thing as Chris managed to cross the line just ahead of Dave & Ann to snatch 7^th place from them.

The final order on the water was – 1^st Julian B; 2^nd Adrian; 3^rd Jon; 4^th Karen; 5^th Emily & Sam; 6^th Rick.

On corrected time, congratulations to Julian as he keeps his first place and takes the November Cup. Chris moves up to 2^nd with Jon 3^rd, Karen 4^th, Adrian 5^th and Dave & Ann 6^th.  

On the race results Rhys was placed in last position but was probably much higher up as he sailed a 4.7 rig but was given a full rig handicap number!

Thanks to SOOD Mark and his small OOD Team of Aileen, Paul R and Sarah C.  Apologies to anyone else who did help, but these were the only names recorded on the race sheet.

With a light WNW wind of 8-10 mph, Dave L set the first mark as 4, then 2, 5, 9, 6, 7 and back through the start.

Pursuit Race

Nine starters today and the only positions recorded on the race sheet were those at the gun, which were -1^st Chris H (Comet); 2^nd Steve S (Solo); 3^rd Jon (Laser); 4^th Ellen & Newton (RS200); 5^th Sally & Mike C (Leader); 6^th Karen (Laser); 7^th Mike T (Laser); 8^th Adrian (Vago s/h); 9^th Nick M (Radial).   

Handicap Race

Everyone started the second race and first back through the line were Newton & Ellen about a minute ahead of Chris H with Mike T right on his transom. Karen, Jon and Steve S came through close together contesting 4^th place, then a minute passed before Mike C & Sally crossed in 7^th With Adrian and Nick M further back.

At the end of the second lap Newton & Ellen still led, but Mike T and Karen had passed Chris H to move up a place. Steve S had moved up two places by passing Jon and Chris. Mike C & Sally and Adrian maintained their places and Nick received the gun at the end of the lap.

The only change on the final lap was Chris H repassing Steve S, so the final order was –

1^st Newton & Ellen; 2^nd Mike T; 3^rd Karen; 4^th Chris H; 5^th Steve S; 6^th Jon; 7^th Mike C & Sally; 8^th Adrian; 9^th Nick M.

On corrected time this becomes 1^st Chris; 2^nd Mike T; 3^rd Newton & Ellen; 4^th Steve S; 5^th Karen; 6^th Mike C & Sally.

Thanks to Dave L and the OOD Team of Cecilia, Paul W, Phil M and Ron.

It was a sunny morning with a light WSW wind of around 5-7 mph. Adrian set the first mark as 4 then 9, 6, 7 and back through the start.

Pursuit Race

Thirteen starters and by the end of the first lap Mike T (Laser) had caught early starter Chris H (Comet), who was still in 2^nd place, but in danger of being passed by Jon (Laser).  Julian W (Solo) came through in 4^th place chased by Peter R (Enterprise) followed by James (Laser), Dean & Nick (Vago) and Sam & Newton (RS 200). Then came the battle of the Leaders with Mike C & Emily ahead of Dave & Ann, then Alistair S (Laser) with Rhys (4.7) and Nick M (Radial) bringing up the rear of the fleet. At the gun the final positions were – 1^st Mike T; 2^nd Jon; 3^rd Chris H; 4^th Peter R; 5^th Julian W; 6^th James

Handicap Race

Julian and Alistair decided to sit this one out and with a slight drop and a change in the wind direction Adrian introduced a box course using A, 9, 5, and B.  

Newton switched roles with Sam for the second race and they led across the line at the end of the first lap clear of Mike T in 2^nd place and Peter R in 3^rd. Chris H and Jon crossed the line together battling for 4^th position with James not far behind them. By this time the fleet had split into three groups and the second group was led by Dean & Nick who were just ahead of Dave & Ann followed by Mike C & Emily. About four minutes later along came Rhys and Nick M who were enjoying their own race.

At the end of the second lap there was no change with the two leaders, but James had gained three places to move up to 3^rd and Jon was up one to 4^th. Dave & Ann had passed Dean & Nick, but they were still very close to one another and there was no change in the order behind them.

The only change in position on the third lap was Dean & Nick repassing Dave & Ann. Rhys and Nick M received the gun at the end of the lap.

The fourth lap was the last and Newton & Sam crossed the line in 1^st place some five minutes ahead of Mike T in 2^nd.  James retained his 3^rd place, but Peter R, Dean & Nick and Dave & Ann all passed Jon and Chris to take 4^th, 5^th and 6^th places respectively.

The final order on the water was – 1^st Newton & Sam; 2^nd Mike t; 3^rd James; 4^th Peter R; 5^th Dean & Nick; 6^th Dave & Ann.

On corrected time the order changes to – 1^st Newton & Sam; 2^nd Chris H; 3^rd Mike T; 4^th Dave & Ann; 5^th James; 6^th Peter R

Thanks to Adrian and the OOD Team of Linda and John S, Gareth D and Ron.

Mark was on duty again this morning and had a difficult task to set a course as there was only a very light wind (2-5 mph) coming from the North veering NE. He prudently set a short box course (using A, B and C), but this backfired somewhat as once the race started the wind increased, which resulted in a five lap pursuit race with the faster boats lapping the slower boats! 

Pursuit Race

There were 12 starters and first boat away was Chris H (Comet) and he led at the end of the first lap with Chris A (Solo) in 2^nd place and the first of the Lasers, Richards S in 3^rd place, Mike T (Laser) was 4^th with Mike A (Lightning 5^th and Emily (Radial) 6^th.

Chris H still led at the end of the second lap, but Mike T had passed Richard and come through to take 2^nd place from Chris A.  Sam & Newton (RS 200) had moved up to 5^th place and Dave & Ann (Leader) were up to 6^th with Ralph (Laser) up to 7^th.

By the end of the third lap Mike and Richard had caught and passed Chris H pushing Chris A down to 4^th with Dave & Ann and Ralph moving up to 5^th and 6^th.  By this time some of the faster boats had started to lap slower boats and it must have been tricky for the OOD Team to keep track of positions!

The race continued for another two laps before the gun went and the final positions were –

1^st Mike T; 2^nd Chris H; 3^rd Richards S; 4^th Ralph; 5^th Dave & Ann; 6^th Sally & Mike C.

Handicap Race

In between races the wind improved to about 10 mph and Mark extended the course by including 2 and 3 which gave a two lap race with an average lap time of about 18 minutes.

Newton & Sam (RS 200) got a cracking start and missed the melee at the first mark which led to a lead of well over a minute at the end of the first lap. Mike Tr (Laser) was 2^nd just 20 seconds ahead of Ralph (Laser) in 3^rd spot and Richard S (Laser) in 4^th. Mike C & Sally (Leader) were going well in 5^th place with Rick (Laser) chasing them and he was about one minute ahead of Chris H (Comet). The second Leader of Dave & Ann came through in 8^th place, not far ahead of Mike A (Lightning) with Emily (Radial) and Chris A (Solo) only 10 seconds further back and crossing the line together contesting 10^th place with Lottie (Laser) behind them.

On the second lap there was no change with the leading two boats, but Richard S got past Ralph to take 3^rd place. Rick moved up a place to 5^th pushing Mike C & Sally down to 6^th and Emily gained three places to finish 7^th. Despite a contretemps with Mike A at No 2, Dave & Ann gained a place by getting past Chris H just before the line. Chris A and Lottie retied on this lap.

The final order on the water was – 1^st Newton & Sam; 2^nd Mike T; 3^rd Richard S; 4^th Ralph; 5^th Rick; 6^th Mike C & Sally.

On corrected time the first four should keep their positions, but Chris H moves up to 5^th with Mike & Sally retaining 6^th.

Thanks to Mark and the OOD Team of Bill C, Jess B and Robbie H.

It was another windy morning with a South wind about 12 -18 mph with stronger gusts coming through. Mark set the first mark as 9, then A, 4, 8, 6, 7 and back through the start.

Pursuit Race

There were 9 starters this morning and at the end of the first lap Ellen & Newton (RS 200) were just ahead of Mike T (Laser) and Jon (Laser) with early starter Chris H (Comet) crossing the line 30 seconds later in 4^th place. Ralph (Laser) was not far behind Chris, but a minute ahead of the trio of Simon (Blaze), Rick (Laser) and Franz (Laser). Ken (Laser) retired on this first lap.

At the gun the final positions were – 1^st Simon; 2^nd Newton & Ellen; 3^rd Mike T; 4^th Ralph; 5^th Jon; 6^th Franz

Handicap Race

Apart from Ken, everyone started, and Simon was first back through the line almost a minute ahead of Newton & Ellen. Then there was a procession of Lasers all fairly close together led by Mike T followed by Ralph, Rick, Jon and Franz with Chris bringing up the rear in his Comet.

On the second lap the only changes were Jon passing Rick and Ralph to move up to 4^th place and Chris retiring.

On the third lap the first three maintained station, but Rick repassed Jon and Ralph to take 4^th and these three were enjoying a close battle.

At the end of the fourth lap Simon crossed the line well ahead of Newton & Ellen to take victory. Mike T was steady in 3^rd spot, but behind him the battle continued with Ralph reclaiming 4^th place not far ahead of Jon in 5^th with Rick losing three minutes (presumably experiencing that sinking feeling), but still claiming 6^th place. Franz retired on this lap.

The final order on the water was – 1^st Simon; 2^nd Newton & Ellen; 3^rd Mike T; 4^th Ralph; 5^th Jon; 6^th Rick

The only change on corrected time was Mike leapfrogging Newton & Ellen to take 2^nd place.

Thanks to Mark and the OOD Team of Ian S, Jeremy (who stepped in to help), Jewels and John W.   

Youth and Junior:                  National School Sailing Association

Two teams of Youth and Juniors spent the weekend of 5/6th October competing in the National School Sailing Association Single-handed Team Racing event at Fairlop Waters in Essex. Twenty one teams from all over the country racing one team against another in a continuous round of races all day Saturday and Sunday. Varying weather with light winds on Saturday and then windy enough for reefed sails on Sunday, resulted in some challenging race conditions. 

Team A – Rhys, Emily and Joe did well, winning 6 of their 11 races to finish 8th overall. 

Team B – Thomas, Max and Lucy won 4 of their races to finish 18th overall. They had some great individual results but never quite all at the same time in the same race!! Especially well done to Max and Lucy who were both helming in an event for the first time. 

Thanks to Hugh for Team Managing on Sunday and assisting Karen on Saturday, and thanks to the parents for transporting and supporting the teams. 

RYA Eric Twiname Team Racing 

Four Youth and Juniors took it up a notch on the 12/13th October and competed in the RYA Eric Twiname Junior Team Racing at Oxford SC on Farmoor Reservoir – a national event with 30 teams two boat team racing in Fevas. They were up against teams from national squads, counties, schools as well as other sailing clubs and they sailed brilliantly to be competitive in most of their 14 races. An incredible learning experience and a fun weekend. Well done Rhys, Emily, Thomas and Lucy!!

Many thanks to Karen for her unstinting efforts with the youths and juniors.

It was another windy Sunday morning with a 16 mph West wind and gust of 30 + mph, which resulted in a number of capsizes. Richard S set the first beat to 5 then 2, 3, 8, 6, 7 and back through the start.

Pursuit Race

Only six starters this morning with four Lasers, a Comet and a Leader. At the end of the first lap Jon had come through to take the lead with early starter Chris hanging on to 2^nd place. Dave & Ann in their Leader were lying 3^rd with Frans 4^th. At the gun the final positions were –

1^st Jon; 2^nd Dave & Ann; 3^rd Franz; 4^th Chris; 5^th Alistair S and 6^th Rick.

Handicap Race

No dropouts for the second race and again Jon (Laser) was first back through the line about one minute ahead of Dave & Ann (Leader), who were two minutes ahead of Rick (Laser) in 3^rd place. Chris (Comet), Alistair (Laser) and Franz (Laser) crossed the line fairly close together.

On the second lap there was no change in order at the front of the race, but Franz had moved up three places to 3^rd position. Rick was now 4^th with Alistair 5^th and Chris not far behind him in 6^th place.

On the last lap Jon went for a dip, but quickly recovered and kept his position and Dave & Ann were just rounding 6 when they caught a strong gust but managed to survive. Roland popped in the clubhouse to check the wind strength which was showing 35 mph! There were no actual changes in position, so the finishing order was –

1^st Jon; 2^nd Dave & Ann; 3^rd Franz; 4^th Rick; 5^th Alistair; 6^th Chris.

On corrected time the only change is Chris leapfrogging Rick and Alistair to move up to 4^th place.

Thanks to Richard S and the OOD Team of Aileen, Eva, John R, Julian W, Nick J, Nick M and Roland L.