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Dinghy Showdown - Ayton vs Hiscocks vs Cockerill vs Diamond and more!

Sailing club in Steeple launches new academy for young keelboat sailors

A SAILING club has opened a new academy to help budding seafarers boost their skills. Marconi Sailing Club, based in Steeple, has launched the Keelboat Academy after receiving a cash boost from Sports England. They are now taking applications from those between the ages of 14 and 24 who have a keen interest in the team sport of keelboat sailing. Peter Ward, one of the “driving forces” behind the academy, said: “Currently there’s a clear development pathway for dinghy sailors across the UK, but hardly any for young keelboat sailors. “In recent years there has been a huge surge of interest in keelboat racing, driven primarily through the start of the Sailing Champions League. “Through the training the academy provides, we hope to open up new opportunities for our sailors on those boats.” Members will train together once a month and participate in events during the season. They will also receive coaching on board a fleet of SB20 keelboats from regional sailing coaches and racers. In September, members will participate in an end-of-season regatta, and a team of four will be selected to represent the academy at the youth event of the British Keelboat League in Cowes in the Isle of Wight during June. To apply, contact keelboats@marconi-sc.org.uk.

2020 Annual boat race off Inverkip is on course to be the biggest in over 30 years

A BOAT race off Inverkip is on course to be the biggest in over 30 years with an iconic British clothing brand on board and more than 60 crafts from across the UK and Ireland set to compete. The annual regatta at Kip Marina has attracted sponsorship from fashion firm Henri Lloyd and takes place on Saturday May 9 and Sunday 10. It has also been endorsed by the Year of Coasts and Waters campaign being run by tourism agency VisitScotland. Bosses say the racing event - run in partnership with the Royal Western Yacht Club - is shaping up to be one of the busiest on record. Kevin Blamire, Holt Leisure Group's marketing manager, said: "We have around 60 boats involved this year and they come from across the Clyde, Scotland, Ireland and some from England. "It's the first major regatta of the Scottish sailing season. "The biggest one is the Scottish series the week after us and you get a lot of boats arriving on the Clyde and using the Kip Regatta as a warm-up and to fine tune. "The Royal Western do a fantastic job managing the racing. "The fact that Henri Lloyd are happy to get involved speaks volumes for the standard of the Kip Regatta and Scottish sailing. "We're also delighted that it's part of the Year of Scottish Coasts and Waters 2020. "It's a real spectacle on the river." The event is one of the first to be sponsored by Henri Lloyd since the brand relaunched at the start of this year. The clothing brand, which was founded in 1963, but went into administration in 2018 before being taken over by Swedish investment company, Aligro Group. Gavin McDonagh, managing director of Holt Leisure Group, which runs Kip Marina, said: "We're delighted to see Henri Lloyd back in the marketplace. "We're especially delighted to welcome them as sponsors of the Kip Regatta - the first major event in Scottish sailing each year." Ross Partridge, performance sales manager for Henri Lloyd, says the Inverkip link-up is an ideal fit. He said: "With the brand relaunching in 2020, we have a focus on grassroots sailing and racing, as well as having key retail presence around the UK, and that combines perfectly with Kip Chandlery and Kip Regatta." The clothing company will be supplying prizes to accompany prestigious silverware which is up for grabs. Commodore Ross Lang, of the Royal Western Yacht Club, said: "The Kip Regatta is one of the big events of the year for yacht racing in Scotland - one of the big three - and signals the start of the season. "It's a big activity and it wouldn't happen without Kip Marina and the Royal Western working together."

Sailing extreme !!! Foiling+Volvo ocean race+Imoca

Launched in Bathside: Centaur sailing barge turns 125

AN historic sailing vessel will be celebrating a milestone anniversary this weekend. The Thames Sailing Barge Trust will be celebrating the 125th birthday of the iconic Centaur on Saturday. She is one of the two sailing barges owned by the trust which continues to maintain her in sailing condition to take people sailing for weekends or longer charters. Sailing barges were the main form of bulk cargo transport on the east coast for more than 200 years. This year, she will be the mainstay of its operations while Pudge, its second barge, which celebrates her 100th birthday in 2022, receives major repairs which are being part funded by the Heritage Lottery. A member of the Historic Fleet, Centaur was launched by John and Herbert Cann at their Bathside yard in Gashouse Creek, Harwich, for Charles Stone of Mistley in 1895. The area was in the grip of one of the coldest winters on record and the Harwich and Dovercourt Newsman reported that, owing to the severe weather, the usual trial trip was disposed with noting that conditions were of ‘Arctic severity’. Centaur was built of wood as a coasting barge – able to trade all around the British coast and to the near continent. This meant she was larger than the river barges and had a more seaworthy hull. Initially she traded to Calais from London, Portsmouth and Southampton. She also entered barge races – winning the 1898 Harwich race, in which five barges participated, and the 1899 Medway match. In 1898-99, her trade took Centaur to Dunkirk, Calais, Antwerp, Ostend, Alderney, Bruges and the Netherlands, from a variety of home ports including Dover, Rochester, London, Lowestoft, Goole, Shoreham, Southampton and Newport. In October 1933, Centaur joined the Colchester fleet of Francis and Gilders Ltd and entered the grain trade between the London Docks and Ipswich, Yarmouth and Felixstowe. In May 1940, she went to Dover to join the ships preparing for the Dunkirk evacuation, but was damaged by a tug whilst berthed at Dover and began taking in water. She was unable to sail for Dunkirk and had to return to Maldon for repairs. Centaur resumed trade around the Thames and East Anglia for the rest of the war, and afterwards continued in the grain trade. Francis and Gilders were left as the last ‘seeking’ fleet, finding cargoes wherever they could: these cargoes were secured either by the masters of the barges or by the company’s agents in the city. Once a year, the barges went on the blocks for maintenance, either at the company’s own yard in Colchester or at Cook’s Yard in Maldon. Amongst Centaur’s last cargoes in 1954 – 55 were timber to Colchester and Maldon, sugar beet from Ipswich to Silvertown, ballast from Fingringhoe to London, cement from Halling to London, and 40-gallon oil drums from Grain to London. The last four remaining Colchester barges still under sail – Centaur, George Smeed, Kitty and Mirosa – were sold to Brown and Son of Chelmsford, for use as unrigged timber lighters. In October 1955, Centaur’s registration was closed since as a lighter she was no longer required to be registered. She joined a fleet of former sailing barges bringing timber from ships moored off Osea Island to the Heybridge Basin, where it was transshipped to canal lighters for transport to Chelmsford. In 1965, Centaur was sold to Richard Duke who converted and re-rigged her for leisure charter work from Pin Mill and Maldon. In 1974 the barge was sold to the Thames Barge Sailing Club now the Thames sailing Barge Trust, which offered crewing experience, cruises and charters to both members and non-members. Initially, she was based at Faversham, and later at Maldon. That winter, the Club began a long and extensive phased restoration of the barge, which involved replacing most of the frames and planking and was not completed until 1995. Trust chairman Peter Taylor said: “The Thames Sailing Barge Trust is a charity run entirely by volunteers and supported by members, volunteers and funding partners. “The trust is particularly grateful to funding from Heritage Lottery Fund which has supported a number of significant restoration projects enabling this wonderful vessel to continue to grace Maldon and its surrounding rivers. “During the year, Centaur will offer a varied program of trips including a visit to the Harwich Sea Festival on August 7-8 where she will be alongside the Halfpenny Pier and open to visitors. “For those in Maldon, there will be Open days on May 9-10 where the trusts volunteers will be happy to show the public around and explain some of the unique features of a Thames Barge to those interested.” To book a trip, visit bargetrust.org or call David Gibson on 07840 862685.

Fishers Green Sailing Club at the 2020 RYA Dinghy Show

Visit the Fishers Green Sailing Club (Stand E14) at the RYA Dinghy Show over the weekend of 29 February – 01 March at Alexandra Palace, London and sign up to the Fishers Green Sailing Club (FGSC) Try Sailing Open day, taking place on 02 May. “If you have ever wanted to try dinghy sailing but were unsure what is involved then this is a great chance to see if sailing is for you at no financial cost” commented Kevin O’Brien, Commodore at FGSC. “Fishers Green Sailing club or ‘The Green’ as we lovingly refer to it is a great place to sail. The Green is situated in the picturesque Lee Valley Regional Park with competitive club racing, casual sailing and a well-respected Model Boat section. “There are social events throughout the year and plenty of opportunities to sail or to help out. Why not come along to our Open Day on Saturday 02 May and give it a try? Young or old, racing or pottering, long-time member or newcomer, everyone finds a warm welcome at Fishers Green Sailing Club!” Kevin added. The Try Sailing Sessions are usually priced at only £5 per adult (children U16 free) for a 30 minute sailing experience. Experienced sailors will be on hand to take you out on our lake in a sailing dinghy or powerboat and our friendly club members will be on shore to chat about the sport and how you can get involved. Teas, coffees refreshments and a light lunch will be available to purchase. Registration is essential to help the club plan numbers and ensure everyone gets the best experience possible, so drop by the stand at the show and sign up for what promises to be a fun time for all the family. After your Try Dinghy Sailing session, if sailing is for you, it need not be as expensive as you might think. You can hire our club boats on a daily rate for as little as £10 a day. You can also volunteer to be crew for other sailors which is a great way to get you started sailing. About Fishers Green Sailing club Fishers Green Sailing Club has been established for over 50 years and is situated in the Lee Valley Regional Park, approximately two miles north of Waltham Abbey and within easy reach of J25 and J26 of the M25. Sailing takes place on the 80-acre Holyfield Lake, which, with its countryside setting and clear open water, provides members with a beautiful place to sail. Whilst the sport of dinghy sailing is the predominant activity, sailboarding is also catered for and encouraged, and many members are also active in offshore cruising and racing, there is even an opportunity to join the club’s charter boat for the Round The Island Race, around the Isle of Wight. A volunteer RYA-trained and certificated Rescue Team provides rescue facilities during racing and training using displacement boats and RIBs. The clubhouse is open and manned on Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holidays and on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Open to all classes of monohull dinghies and sailboards, Fishers Green Sailing Club provides class and handicap racing throughout the year. The main classes currently active are Solo, Laser, Comet, Merlin- Rocket, Phantom, Wineglass and Wayfarer. Competitive racing is available at Club level and FGSC members have had notable successes in National and International competitions. “It is our aim to promote safe sailing for all the family and we not only offer dinghy sailing training days for members but also fully support all forms of recreational sailing. Our membership includes a number of RYA-qualified Sailing Instructors who are always willing to offer advice if requested, and who can also arrange individual tuition. “We take pride in being a family club. Indeed, we now have members from the third generation of the original families who joined in the 1960s. It’s all part of the fun of The Green!”, Kevin concluded. Ample car parking is available adjacent to the dinghy park. Good wide slipways and a large, sheltered dinghy park provide the ideal conditions for keeping boats close to the water, ready to sail with easy launching and recovery. The modern clubhouse, self-built by members, overlooks the water and provides changing rooms, showers, kitchen facilities and a licensed bar. It is a pleasant place to relax, and a sheltered viewpoint to watch the action on the lake. There are swings to entertain the younger members of the family under parental supervision. The galley provides sandwiches, snacks, light meals and tea, coffee and soft drinks. Make sure you visit the Fishers Green Sailing Club team at the show (stand E14) who will be on hand to answer any of your questions.

Aberdeenshire man to sail around Britain to honour late friend

Brian Munro will be taking on the mammoth challenge in the Lauren Sophia, named after his two daughters, to raise money but also to remember his close friend George Peggy Senior. The former fisherman, from Fife, had jested about Mr Munro’s previous attempt to navigate round Britain, saying he “missed out the top part” by avoiding Shetland and Orkney. In 2017, he had attempted to sail around Britain for charity and travelled 2,300 miles – but missed out the north islands. When Mr Peggy died, Mr Munro couldn’t make his funeral due to work commitments – so now hopes to commemorate his former friend and fulfil his goal of truly sailing around the UK. The former Aberdeen Harbour worker, who left his job in January to pursue a career in sailing, hopes to complete the task in less than six weeks. Mr Munro will follow in the wake of Will Hodshon, 42, and Rich Mitchel, 44, who last year completed the fastest ever UK mainland circumnavigation in an open sailing dinghy to raise funds for the RNLI and Surfers Against Sewage. He said: “I hope to have fewer problems this time. “Last time I went clockwise around Britain, but the engine completely broke and took a month to fix. “I’m hoping for plain sailing this time – and it will be brilliant to go up around Shetland. “Hopefully it would make George proud. He was a good friend and really helpful when I was learning the ropes of sailing. “He had more than 30 years at sea as a fisherman and joked I really hadn’t been around Britain as I had missed the islands. “I feel I know have the chance to fulfil my goal properly.” Mr Munro will kick-off the journey by launching from Aberdour and travelling to Eyemouth before working his way around Britain. The Kinlochbervie to Stromness and Stromness to Wick legs promising to be standouts. His final leg will be from Montrose to the Forth Bridges. He added: “I’ve learnt a lot from the mistakes of last time. “It will be difficult and I don’t take the sea lightly, but my motivation will be George. “I want to prove to myself I can do it and prove that to him.” For more about the adventure or support the fundraising effort, visit sailingaroundbritain.co.uk.

ISLAND SAILING CLUB LAUNCHES THE WINDELER CUP

The Island Sailing Club has announced the Windeler Cup, a new race for small keelboats that will run on the same day as the world-famous Round the Island Race – Saturday 30th May 2020. The race will allow boats which are too small to safely participate in the annual circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight to join in the excitement of the Round the Island Race weekend. Entries open on 1st March 2020. Instead of sailing the full 50-mile course of the main race, boats from the Daring, Dragon, Etchells, Flying Fifteen, Mermaid, Redwing, Swallow, Sonar, Squib, RS Elite and XOD classes will compete in a ‘Round the Solent’ race for the new Windeler Cup. The race will start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line off Cowes, immediately after the main Round the Island fleet is underway, and will follow a course around the Western Solent, taking advantage of favourable tides to finish back on the RYS line in Cowes. The race has been named the ‘Windeler Cup’ after Major Cyril Windeler, who created the Round the Island Race in 1931 as an opportunity for owners of smaller yachts to enjoy a ‘bigger than usual’ competition. It is in this spirit that the Island Sailing Club has introduced the new race and addressed the desires of smaller keelboats who would like to take part in the main race. Rob Peace, the Island Sailing Club’s Rear Commodore of Sailing said: “We are often asked whether some smaller keelboat classes could once again participate in the Round the Island Race, as they did in the past. Unfortunately, with today’s stringent safety restrictions, we’re not able to accommodate these classes. However, we have come up with the idea of a new race, starting at 0830 hours after the last Round the Island start, that will allow the smaller keelboat classes to sail for their own prestigious trophy on a shorter course around the Western Solent. “We’ve spoken to many owners in the respective classes about the concept and had a huge level of interest. We’re therefore very excited at the prospect of running the WIndeler Cup in 2020 and welcoming the whole fleet back to the Island Sailing Club Race Village in Cowes after they finish, to join in the race-day celebrations!” Visit roundtheisland.org.uk to register for the 2020 race from 1st March 2020.

Take on the Cadet Class Spinnaker Challenge at the RYA Dinghy Show

Following the success of the Spinnaker Challenge at last year’s show the UK Cadet Class Association will once again be inviting Cadet Class sailors and visitors to the show to take on the challenge and see if they can top the leader board in a bid to be crowned champion and win some great prizes. Taking place on the Cadet stand (H31) at the RYA Dinghy Show 2020 (29 February – 01 March, Alexandra Palace, London) the challenge involves a timed spinnaker hoist, set, gybe, set and drop. Cadet Class members wanting to take on the challenge are invited to visit the stand from quarter to each hour for 15 minutes throughout the show to set their times, with the rest of the hour open to all visitors to have a go. There will be cadet class sailors on hand to offer training and top tips to visitors before they have a go at the challenge. There will be prizes for both the fastest Cadet Class sailor and show visitor and participants who are not already class members will receive a free year’s membership of the UKNCCA. The winners will be announced on Sunday at the end of the show. “The Challenge was a great success last year, so it seemed only fitting to see its return this year. It’s a really great way to teach new skills and help young sailors improve their techniques in a safe and fun way”, commented David Little, Chair of the UK Cadet Class. From beginner to aspiring Olympian, the Cadet Class is a junior two-person training dinghy specifically designed for children and young people. Drop by the stand at the show to find out more about this popular dinghy class and test your skills in the Spinnaker Challenge. For more information about the UK Cadet Class Association visit www.cadetclass.org.uk

Winter Training Camp - Making the days count!

Sailability National Conference

Some 184 delegates from 60 Sailability sites across the country attended the annual RYA Sailability National Conference and dinner this weekend (15th February 2020) where the winners of the RYA Sailability Awards were announced (Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire). The RYA Sailability Awards were presented by RYA Board Member John Scott and recognise the priceless contribution made by sailors, volunteers and partners. They were awarded across six categories: Volunteer of the Year, #MoreThanSailing, Team of the Year, Young Person of the Year, Sailor of the Year and Exceptional Contribution, First to be presented was the Volunteer of the Year which was awarded to Annie Molyneux for her contribution to Rutland Sailability and the Challenger Class. Annie’s efforts include making sure newcomers feel welcomed at the site, supporting the racers on Thursday and weekends and travelling around the country assisting the Challenger and Hansa events. Annie said: “I was really surprised, delighted and honoured to receive my award. There are so many volunteers who are ‘unsung heroes’ that I would like to think that I could receive it on behalf of all the volunteers”. The next award to be presented was Team of the Year which was awarded to members of Bolton Sailing Club for the life-changing opportunities they have created for people with disabilities to be able to get out on the water at their venue. Described as an ‘all-round lovely human being’ Flossy Campion (18) from Whitefriars Sailability took the award for Young Person of the Year. Since 2018 she has donated her time, learning to use the hoist, working with a member of the Blind Sailing Team and assisting with schools and groups. The #MoreThanSailing award is all about collaboration either locally or nationally recognising a new and innovative project, activity or piece of work that has enabled inactive disabled people to become more active. This year it was awarded to Andy Beadsley and The Wheelyboat Trust, who work with people of all ages with a wide range of sensory, learning and mobility impairments. Ben Foulsham, 15, collected the award for Sailor of the Year. Ben is autistic and discovered his love for sailing after a week with the Island Sailing Trust before continuing to sail at Oxford Sailability. Since then not only has his confidence grown but he now can sail solo, has even taken part in his first regatta and won a trophy. Finally, Exceptional Contribution Awards were presented to Andrew Cushen (Dart Sailability) and Dave and Shirley Musgrove (Disabled Sailing Association). Jim Aldis (Whitefriars Sailability) and John Deason (Oxford Sailability) were also named as winners but unfortunately were unable to attend. Earlier in the day delegates were treated to an action- packed agenda with inspirational guest speakers as well as a total of 26 interactive workshops! The subjects included Funding Future Activities, Improving Race Strategy, providing the best experience for people with Downs Syndrome, Volunteering and Boating and Mental Health Support and more. “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended this year’s conference and dinner” commented RYA Sailability Manager Joff McGill. “Once again you couldn’t miss the brilliant atmosphere throughout the day with connections being made and projects being planned. The event brings people together who make fantastic things happen and we look forward to another very exciting year ahead.” To find out more about sailing opportunities for disabled people, or those that need specific support to get on-the-water visit www.rya.org.uk/sailability.

Welcome to the 2020 Fife Regatta

After the resounding success of the 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2013 regattas, we are delighted to announce the dates of the fifth Fife Regatta. 4th – 11th June 2020 A fleet of famous Fife Yachts will return to their birthplace on the Clyde to participate in a unique regatta. As with the previous Fife Regattas, participants will enjoy the spectacular scenery and hospitality but with a new itinerary that combines past favourites with new destinations. We look forward to welcoming the Fife Yachts back to their home waters in 2020. More information coming soon. For all the latest news and updates, please follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.