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Thursday 28 March 2024

Burnham Squib Fleet 2024 season Schedule


 

The Squibs are back on the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club moorings, ready to take part on the opening weekend of the sailing season, the Cheeseboard race this Friday, followed by the Mike Flint Trophy, over the Easter Weekend.


The Cheeseboard, the traditional opening event of the season, graciously sponsored by Ryce and Cole Boatyard, will take place Friday and will consist of 3 to 4 short races, to be followed by lunch, cheese and copious amounts of port.


With the cobwebs hopefully shaken, the Squibs will compete, over the course of the Easter Weekend, for the Mike Flint Trophy, with no less than 13 boats entered, with 2 races scheduled every day.


Along with the season long Saturday Afternoon and Sunday Morning club races, the fleet is going to be host for a number of events.


The season will continue with the Squib MAYhem, two open events, hosted by Royal Corinthian Yacht Club over the month of May: the Gold Cup and the East Coast Championship.


The Gold Cup, a staple of the Squib Class Association calendar, is set to take place over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, 4th and 5th of May, with 7 races scheduled over the weekend.


The East Coast Championship will take place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, on 25th and 26th of May.


The Burnham Squib Fleet is happy to announce a package deal for visitors for the Gold Cup and East Coast Championship: free craning, mooring and storage for the month of May, with more details available on the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club website.


Dan Wastnage, Squib class captain at Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, said: "May will be big, we are looking at 40 boats for the Gold Cup and the East Coast Championship.


After a break for the National Championship in Edinburgh, the fleet will take part in the Crouch Yacht Club Squib Trophy over the weekend of 29th and 30th of June, Burnham Sailing Club's Jimmy Starling on 13th and 14th of July and Roger Tolhurst Memorial trophy on 10th and 11th of August.


Burnham Week, the largest regatta on the East Coast, will take place between 24th and 31st of August with the Squib Fleet expected to provide the largest number of entries, yet again.


In the autumn, the fleet is expected to provide some of their boats for the St Mathew Cup, the early inter club team race, disputed between the Burnham clubs, on 1st of September.


John Lewis Memorial will follow, on 19th of October, with the Marco Polo Pursuit Race on 26th of October and Crews Race, on 27th, with the season finale, the Cosens Cup and the Prizegiving Supper, on 2nd of November.




Co Fermanagh man’s epic sailing journey in memory of four friends who died by suicide


 

 A Co Fermanagh man is taking on an epic sailing journey which will see him travel the whole way around Scotland and Ireland in memory of four friends who died by suicide.


Retired outdoor education instructor Alan Currans is to take to the seas next month in memory of the friends who died between 2006 and 2015.


Wanting to give back to a local charity which has provided support to his friends’ families, experienced sailor Alan will be raising funds for the Aisling Centre in Enniskillen.


The 2,000 mile sail will see Alan traversing around the remote Orkney islands before completing a full lap of the island of Ireland.


" I’m planning to start at the end of April, start of May from Rossnowlagh, three of the families would still have holiday homes there and for my three friends it would kind of be a spiritual home for them.


“So I thought it would be nice to start from there, from then I’m going around the north of Ireland and Scotland, to Orkney, where I’ll come back through the Caledonian canal.


“I’m going to do a full lap of Ireland then and back to Rossnowlagh.


“I haven’t worked out the total distance yet, but it is around about 2,000 miles. It’s a challenge because of the distance and a challenge because of some of the passages that have to be made.”



Exeter University wins RYA National Team Racing Championship


 

A team from Exeter University has claimed overall victory and the Prince Philip Trophy at the RYA National Team Racing Championship 2024.


Twenty-four of the best teams from the UK circuit comprising 144 sailors in total battled it out in Firefly dinghies at Spinnaker Sailing Club (23-24 March).


With blustery conditions on the Saturday, a hectic 110 races were completed.


Squalls, accompanied by hail, resulted in a shift to cutdowns in the middle of the day, making for some difficult sailing as the winds eased towards the 5pm cut-off.


The Sunday then had colder but sunnier conditions and a return to full sails for the completion of Stage 1, with each team having completed 10 races.


The fleet split into four leagues for Stage 2, with Elmside Neighbours, West Kirby Hawks and George Jesters finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd to qualify for the semi-finals.


Fourth-placed Southampton Green meanwhile faced a sudden death repechage against Exeter Blue, winners of the Silver League.


This went to Exeter Blue with finishing positions of 1,2,5, producing a semi-finals line up of West Kirby v. George Jesters and Elmside Neighbours v. Exeter Blue.


Exeter Blue beat Elmside Neighbours 2:0 while West Kirby Hawks needed the third and deciding race against George Jesters to go through to the final on a 2:1 score.


The petit final might have gone to three races, but for a black flag incident on the final beat of the second race, which saw six penalty points added to the Jester's score, giving Elmside Neighbours third place on a 2:0 scoreline.


In the final, defending title holders West Kirby Hawks had an early win against the Exeter Blue team of Ollie Meadowcroft & Katy Jenkins, Jamie Tylecote & Cally Terkelsen and Freddie Fisher & Gabby Clifton.


An impressive comeback, however, saw the team from Exeter University then taking two wins - 1,2,6 and 1,2,3 - to claim the championship and the Prince Philip Trophy.


The event followed on from the previous weekend’s RYA/BUSA Women’s Team Racing National Championship, also hosted by Spinnaker SC and won by a young team, with Royal Hospital School claiming both the Under-19 prize and overall title.


Spinnaker SC’s Operations Manager James Oborne said: “The club is really happy to have hosted both these national team racing championships and we’ve had two great weekends of racing for more than 200 competitors across the two events.


“It’s also been fantastic to have new teams competing and taking away trophies, with the next generation and some very good young sailors coming into the sport. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back for more events in the future.”


Find out more about team racing at RYA Racing.

RORC EASTER CHALLENGE RETURNS FOR 2024


 

Held over the Easter Weekend The RORC Easter Challenge is designed to kick-start sailing teams for the racing season.


Held for over 20 years, the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s training regatta offers a fantastic opportunity for World class coaching which is complimentary for all entrants.


Mason King will once again lead the coaching team, with Ian Walker and North Sails experts providing on-the-water coaching, as well as video debriefs after racing on Friday and Saturday.


World Sailing Rules on outside assistance are relaxed, so for no additional cost to all the teams, hand-picked coaches provide pin-point assistance to get crews of any level up to speed.


3 days of racing are organised in The Solent from Easter Friday to Easter Sunday with courses designed to practice boat handling and performance over a range of sailing angles.


To date over 30 yachts have entered this regatta, mainly in the IRC 2 class, so there could be some exciting sailing to watch for anyone heading to Cowes over the Easter Weekend.


Island-based yachts and crews will have the chance to hone their skills for the coming season and there will be Easter Eggs up for grabs at the prize giving.

Sailing taster sessions will help fund youth expedition


 

Arran Junior Sailing Club (AJSC) is to host a Come Sailing Day fundraiser which will allow 10 young Arran students, aged between 12 and 17, to embark on a sailing expedition with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland.


The Come Sailing Day will take place at Lamlash pier on Saturday April 13 and will offer taster sessions, a charity car wash, hot drinks and home-baking.


AJSC has partially funded the 10 students’ seven-day sailing expedition with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, however, additional funds are still required.


Steve O’Flaherty of AJSC explained the benefits of the expedition which will take place in July: “This experience will develop the youngsters’ sailing and navigation skills and expand their transferable skills in teamwork, leadership, problem solving and communication. These are skills that will navigate them far beyond Scottish waters.”


The taster sessions on Come Sailing Day will comprise four one and a half hour sessions and will cost £50 per person.


Guests can use one of the club’s two Wayfarer dingies to go for a joyride with an instructor or the club’s six Pico sailing dingies which will also be available for solo sailors who have some experience.


Steve continued: “No matter your skill level, you’re invited to partake in our unique sailing experiences in the calm waters of Lamlash Bay. Every contribution will support Arran’s young sailors in their upcoming seven-day voyage with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland.


“If you can’t attend the Come Sailing Day, any other support, such as a small sponsorship or raffle prize towards our fundraising efforts, would be really appreciated.”


All boats, wetsuits, safety equipment and life jackets will be provided. Booking or sponsorship can be secured by contacting via email Steve O’Flaherty at steve.oflaherty27@gmail.com

Wednesday 27 March 2024

Craftinsure Bass Week entry opens next week on 2nd April


 

The excitement among Craftinsure Bass Week regulars has reached fever pitch, with entry opening in seven days' time - Tuesday 2nd April at midday.


Those joining this year's nine-day regatta are strongly advised to not hang about, with entries for caravans and motorhomes usually selling out within 48 hours! Tent spaces and those wanting to sail and stay off site have a little more time, with early bird entry discounts closing in June.


This year's regatta will take place from the 3rd to 11th August. From club sailors to world champions, for decades Bass Week has attracted visitors from all over the country, renowned for competitive racing on the water, a fantastic social programme for all the family, stunning scenery of the fells and the best view of Skiddaw mountain. Our social secretary Emma has a lively and entertaining schedule for this years event, including children's parties, live music on Monday and Friday, bonkers bingo, DJ enterprise dance-offs, a quiz night and the all-important Commodores reception.


Entry opens via the Craftinsure Bass Week website  : -  www.bassweek.org.uk.

420 Inland Championship at Rutland Sailing Club


 

32 teams from across the country descended on Rutland SC for the 420 Inland Championship, the last opportunity to get some racing in before the Youth nationals in two weeks time.


With seven races planned across the weekend in the sixth race, finishing 6th for Noa and Gabs gave them the Inland Championship title with a race to spare. The pack behind was tight tough with everything to play for. Going into the last race Arwen and Matthew were just ahead of Tilda and Charlie with Joe and hennin just a couple of points back in 4th.


With the sun finally making an appearance Pat Bromilow sailing with Thomas Kelsall took the final race in style closely followed by Arthur Greaves and Angus McEwen. Arwen finished 3rd to secure 2nd overall, Joe and Hennie 4th to give them the final spot on the podium just ahead of Neil and Haydn.


Noa and Gabs impressive win is the first major title for an all Female team for a number of years - an outstanding achievement. Behind them the top 10 was packed with mixed teams. A great indicator of the strength of the UK fleet especially following the GBR 1,2,3 for the mixed teams at the recent San Remo Carnival event.


Next stop for the fleet is the RYA Youth Nationals at WPNSA - ISAF Youth Worlds Selection event and Europeans Selector 3.


Overall Results: Top Ten 


Pos Bow No Sail No Helm Crew Club Fleet R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 Pts

1st 57 57224 Noa Moskovitch Gabs Burlton Royal Lymington YC / Royal Southern YC Open / Female 8 1 1 1 1 6 (9) 18

2nd 41 56954 Arwen Fflur Matthew Rayner Pwllheli WKSC / Yorkshire Dales SC Open / Mixed 6 3 (7) 2 5 2 3 21

3rd 58 57501 Joe Jones Hennie Burlton Burghfield SC / RSYC U17 Mixed (11) 5 3 4 10 1 4 27

4th 69 54379 marsbar marsden Haydn Sewell West Kirby SC Open Male 5 6 (11) 10 2 4 5 32

5th 66 54852 Tilda Brayshay Charlie Howard Yorkshire Dales SC / Burghfield SC Open / Mixed 3 2 2 5 8 (15) 13 33

6th 45 57275 Harry George Ralph Cawthorne Lymington Town SC / Shustoke SC Open / Male 1 9 6 (20) 9 8 6 39

7th 44 56943 Imogen Wade Hugo Valentine Draycote Water SC / Shoreham SC Open / Mixed 7 (13) 5 7 3 9 11 42

8th 10 55634 Joe Warwicker Edie Carter Bough Beech SC / Shoreham Open / Mixed 13 4 15 3 (17) 5 8 48

9th 62 54849 George Creasy Olivia Creasy West Kirby SC Open / Mixed 18 11 9 8 4 3 (RET) 53

10th 32 57411 William Fletcher Ethan Sparks Royal Southern / Chichester YC Open Male 10 12 4 (13) 6 13 12 57

Yacht club’s St Aubin base to have £3.3m makeover


 

MEMBERS of the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club have voted for a multi-million-pound redevelopment of their “structurally tired” clubhouse in St Aubin.


The partial rebuild, which would see the creation of a new ground- and first-floor extension with improved facilities and dining areas, was one of three redevelopment options presented at the club’s recent annual general meeting.


A summary report presented to members ahead of the meeting explained that, beyond routine maintenance, the existing building was “structurally very tired” with both construction and electrical work needed. It added that, due to “the success of sailing”, improved training, changing and storage facilities were also required.


“The time is right for members to consider options to carry a fully inclusive yacht club forward into the future,” it stated.


“The additional space offered by option three provides for two potential training areas, improved and extended showering facilities and increased storage space.”


Building a new “purpose-built” club was also among the options presented to members, but the partial rebuild – estimated to cost £3.3m – proved the most popular, receiving 62 of the 129 votes cast.


In an email to members, commodore Jeremy Swetenham said the vote did not “commit the club to further expenditure”, but that it “will define the option that will go forward for more detailed feasibility and fundraising. The work starts in earnest now. It will be a long and complex journey and is highly likely that it will be at least two years before any works can begin.”


He explained that the next phase of the project – ahead of the club’s 2025 AGM – would see a feasibility study assessing building works, fundraising and profitability.


Mr Swetenham added: “The option plan told us that, to start and complete this phase, we collectively need to raise £170,000.”

Tuesday 26 March 2024

Liverpool Yacht Club completes another successful Brass Monkey Series


 

In the first quarter of 2024, five races were sailed in the LYC Brass Monkey Series with the last raced on 24 March. 15 yachts competed in the IRC and Venture fleets (NHC) crewed by 125 sailors over the series.


It was a mixture of winds and temperatures, at least one race required the crews to clear the ice off the decks before starting.


All races were sailed in the Mersey with at times strong spring tides. Starting with a five tidal stream pushing the fleet across the line is a skill that must be mastered as well as knowledge of the Mersey's changing tides.


The eight boat IRC fleet was dominated by EAZI TIGER with bullets in the first three races. Second place was taken by MAXINE III in the final race with NO MERCY coming third.


In the Venture Class which had a diverse fleet of seven boats including a J109, a motorsailer and a ketch. It was YNOT which led from the start of the series followed by LILLEBOLERO and BOJANGLES.


Looking forward, our next race this weekend which is the Easter Bunny, Race and Bake, where a yacht's race time is adjusted by the standard of their baking during the race. The Race Officer not only has to run the race but also judge the baking. So far, there have been no requests for redress on the Race Officer's judging. I am not sure the RYA rules casebook covers this. Next, we move into the LYC Spring Series.


Overall Results:


Pos Boat Name Boat Type Helm Pts

IRC Results

1 EAZI TIGER Corby 29 A Kyffin/J Oliver 4.5

2 MAXINE III Sigma 33 N Thomas 7.5

3 NO MERCY Prism 25 T Jenkins 10

4 SHAULA Sunfast 37 S Windle/J Anderton 17

5 SKUKUSA Impala S Lofthouse 19

6 DAYDREAM BELIEVER First 34.7 J Cartwright 20

7 JON DO Sigma 33 J Meyerscough 22

8 ARCTURUS Sunfast 42 R Mann 28

Venture Results

1 YNOT Oceanis 37 P Brereton/M Carmichael 7

2 LILLEBOLERO Westerly Konsort Duo A Roaf 11

3 BOJANGLES J109 P Hampson 13

4 LADY DOROTHY Horizon 30 J Nelson 17.3

5 AQUAHOLIC Bavaria 30 C Bailey 21

6 WILDWOOD GibSea 760 M Blackwell 23

7 OCEAN DAYS Westerly 33 D McElvogue 28

Hemsley Superprix at Frensham Pond Sailing Club


 

As the winter series is coming to a close Frensham always holds the Hemsley Superprix in memory of Tim who designed the day's sprint racing to get everyone ready for the summer season.


Tim's ethos was always to get everyone out enjoying racing whatever their level. Although he probably is having a giggle as trying to fit ten races into one afternoon isn't easy. First thanks goes to Dan Shaw for race officering. Richard Garner and Alan Dance who were there all day as race assistants. Rob Anstey for completing the results and the many other safety boat and race assistants. Also to Kate Whyatt for doing the prize-giving.


The fleet gets split into fast, medium and not so slow. The first few races were quite breezy. It was the usual beat to 2 that is set to be trying. That's the polite version. Then a run down to 5, quick beat to 9 (slightly less trying) and a run to 6 to finish. The day ended with a few light races.


The fast fleet consisted of Larks, RS200s, an ILCA 7, a Merlin and a RS100. John and Vicky Brickwood and Nigel Hufton and Matt Wood were showing why they are practised Lark sailors making it look easy. That is once John and Vicky found a rudder, unfortunately it self destructed half way through the day. Clive Eplett and Megan Pascoe in the Merlin definitely weren't making it look easy but improved sometimes looking competent. Ian Gregory in his RS100 joined in for the afternoon and once learning which way to go round mark 5 was pretty unstoppable all afternoon. I think he was finding the shifts he was missing from the previous day.


The medium fleet of Solos, GP14s, ILCA 6 and ILCA 4s were having good racing although most were having a swim. The two John's of Brooker and Barton took first and second in their Solos. John Brooker said he had managed more swims today than in the whole winter series. The GP14s of Paul Trubridge/Matt Hall and Tony Perkins/John McGuiness took and array of bullets but could only partake in half the races. Fiona Nee led the ILCA contingent finishing third overall.


The not so slow fleet of Cadets, 2.4mR and Teras were very competitive. The 2.4s of Bruce Hill, Paul Schroeder and Ian Campbell filled the podium. Sam Nee/Isabelle Davies and Immy Sherwood/Evie Boddy took a first each. Well done to George Garner in his Tera and Gregory Boddy/Sam English in their Cadet for finishing all the races.


It was a great day out with every wind strength going. Lots of practice starting and short course racing. We have a big Easter weekend to finish off our winter series and looking forward to a great summer out.


Overall Results:


Fast Fleet

1st Merlin Rocket, Clive Eplett/Megan Pascoe 11pts

2nd Lark, Nigel Hufton/Matt Wood 18pts

3rd RS100, Ian Gregory 30pts


Medium Fleet

1st Solo, John Brooker 12pts

2nd Solo, John Barton 25pts

3rd ILCA 6, Fiona Nee 40pts


Not so slow fleet

1st 2.4mR, Bruce Hill 8pts

2nd 2.4mR, Paul Schroeder 18pts

3rd 2.4mR, Ian Campbell 26pts

2024 Squib Broadland Regatta at Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club


 

The first Squib Open Meeting of 2024 was held over the weekend at Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club. The turnout for the event, like last year's, was affected by the forecast - not many people want to make the effort to travel with 35mph forecasts.


Visitors, were craned in on the Saturday morning, before three races were held on the Broad in a strong to gale force westerly wind. Like all breezy days, the mean wind was very sailable - but it was the gusts that made life interesting!


Off the start in the first race, Tom Jeffcoate and Mark Hogan in Ric O'Shea tacked soon after the start and just squeezed across on port - and immediately got into the swinging wind on the beat to build a good lead. The locals could only sit and watch, especially as our local stars were squeezed out at the start and had to work their way up to 2nd place during the race.


The second race followed a similar pattern, with Bryan and Jenny Riley in Brimstone once again dropping behind at the start, before making their way up to 2nd, ahead of Malcolm Hutchings and Andy Carley in Lady Penelope in both races. This was the race where the crews had to find shelter to avoid the 10 minutes of a very heavy hail storm - hail can hurt!


The third race proved the interesting one! With the port end of the line firmly fixed as the place to be - that is where the fleet all tried to be. This time Brimstone timed it perfectly and they led neatly up the first beat, with Ric O'Shea back in the pack. The wind had eased slightly to the 20-24mph area, thus allowing the fleet to stay bunched together.


A great meal in the evening at RN&SYC was followed by some of the fleet (Mark and Tom!) attending the local night club until the early hours of Sunday. The many contenders for the club's Potty Trophy, presented for the best misdemeanours over the previous year by Richard Sullivan the Fleet Captain, were all very pleased when it was presented to Bryan and Jenny for their swim in the Squib!


The second day, and we were expecting 4 or 5 mph less - but it was still gusting to 28-30mph, with the wind now from the north west meaning we had a tricky broad / beam / close reach with gusts appearing suddenly around the trees. The second day saw much closer racing in the fleet, with Ric O'shea losing the lead halfway up the 2nd beat (although they did grab it back again) in the first race, and Flame (Richard Smith and Graham Reeve) finding their speed again at the end of the meeting to win the final race.


All visitors were craned out, and the free lunch eaten, before the prize-giving. With Ric O'Shea winning the event, and Paramour (Chris Schonhut and Victoria Marfleet) the Silver fleet. The Race officer (Richard Fryer) and the other club workers were thanked at the prize-giving.


Overall Results:


Pos Boat Name Sail No Helm Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Pts

1st Ric‑O‑Shea 136 Tom Jeffcoate Mark Hogan 1 1 1 1 2 6

2nd Flame 802 Richard Smith Graham Reeve 4 4 2 2 1 13

3rd Lady Penelope 819 Malcolm Hutchings Andy Carley 3 3 3 3 3 15

4th Clever Dick 810 Richard Sullivan Sue Harper 5 7 4 6 4 26

5th Paramour 90 Chris Schonhut Victoria Marfleet 7 5 5 4 5 26

6th Echo 853 Gary Fuller Paul Welham 6 6 DNF 5 7 35

7th Brimstone 73 Bryan Riley Jenny Riley 2 2 DNF DNC DNC 37

8th Croc 855 Chris Jordan Gill Jordan 8 ET DNF 7 6 40

9th State of the Hart 744 Bob Mann Fergal O'Driscoll 10 10 6 8 8 42

10th Firebird 50 Simon Marfleet Stef Oosthuysen 9 9 DNC DNC DNC 51

RS200s at the Waldringfield Easter Egg - second leg of the EaSEA Tour


 

The second stage of the RS200 EaSEA tour at Waldringfield Sailing Club is this weekend.


 This year sailing starts on Good Friday and onto Saturday.


Waldringfield hosts a great competitive fleet and we welcome visitors to the River Deben as part of the Easter Egg. Six races with the first race at 11:00 on Friday. Camping is available if needed, please contact Chris Mayhew (rs200wsc@ashfordcottage.co.uk) if you are thinking of camping.


Entry £20 by Thursday and NOR at : -  https://waldringfieldsc.com/news/

Monday 25 March 2024

RYA YTC 2024 applications open - free rating lets cruisers take part in regattas and club racing


 

RYA YTC 2024 applications are live for yacht owners wanting to obtain a free rating to take part in regattas and club racing.


The RYA YTC (Yacht Time Correction) is powered by the RORC Rating Office and aims to promote participation by cruising yachts and cruiser-racers.


Supported by the RYA and using the experience of the RORC Rating Office to administer the system, RYA YTC is designed to make entry level cruiser racing easier for clubs to run and more accessible for boat owners.


Richard Moxey, RYA Keelboat Development Manager, said: "We are delighted to announce that the RYA YTC portal is now live for applications with a fresh logo and website for the 2024 season."


Following its national launch in February 2023, RYA YTC has been providing closely competitive racing for a wide variety of yachts at clubs across the UK.


RYA YTC uses the physical measurements of a boat to calculate a rating based on hull length, waterline length, boat weight, draft and sail areas.


It provides a simple rating assessment so that skippers of any skill level may feel encouraged to race their boats in club events and port regattas.


More than 1,200 boats from 95 clubs across the UK used RYA YTC in its first year.