Sailing returns to Lyme Bay

KEEN sailors from Lyme Regis can be seen out in the bay again after months on dry land during the coronavirus lockdown. A reduced racing programme has been scheduled to fit with the tides to minimise launching and recovery time for dinghies and facilitate participation by cruisers. Building up slowly from previously permitted leisure sailing, organised racing has taken place over the past three weeks. Single-handed sailors have had less restrictions and some family-crewed double-handlers are able to join in. On Sunday, August 9, close to what would have been the date of Lyme Regis Sailing Club’s annual regatta, 16 dinghies and four cruisers set out to compete in two races run back-to-back. Race officer Simon Clark, assisted by James Fuller with Bosun Dave Law in the patrol boat, described the conditions as “a great hot day on the water, off-shore wind NE F2-F3, sunshine and flat sparkling water”. Simon set a large course and, after the start, the two RS800s flew into the lead and completed three laps while the remaining boats, led by Allan and Chris Tyler in a Fireball, completed two laps in similar time. Placings were adjusted by handicaps between classes and on average lap timings to allow comparison. Tim O’Toole and Simon Law in the Albacore sailed well to beat Jerry Rook and Jake Stow in the first race but couldn’t keep up the good form in the second. Simon Heusen led the Phantoms in both races, holding his fifth place on handicap. The RS800, helmed by Mary Rook with partner Hugh Bradshaw, capsized then retired in the second race with rigging failure, having held third place in the first. Lead K1 sailor Guy Woodhouse took second place in the second race, splitting the leaders Cameron Moss and Allan Tyler. Graham Cook was 1st Laser in race one, but left Mike Pridham to head the class in race 2. In the cruisers, Medina helm Rob Wiscombe, crewed by Margaret, comfortably took first place in both races. Stuart Gurney took up the rear but had a great time with Dan Alsop wrestling with the huge yellow spinnaker. Youth Sailing A race group of competent youth sailors has been running for a few weeks with coaching by Jerry Rook on Saturdays. Several young members have taken the opportunity to learn from more experienced helms and, in addition, Jerry encourages participation in club sailing, a challenging step for single-handlers. They have been making good progress in gusty conditions, which Jerry notes would have been tough for many adults. Meanwhile, Commodore Jeremy Wallace has been keen to widen the offer to youth hopefuls, who like many other young sports people, have had very limited opportunity this season to practise and improve their skills. This week was the first of the short series Tuesday Youth Group 2020 for intermediates, by invitation. A lack of wind meant Jim Thomas and Simon Law had to tow their sailors out to the cardinal mark and change their plans to teach safe capsize and confidence-building drills. Weather was perfect for this and a small, committed, happy group appreciated the opportunity offered. Co-ordinator Sally Holman was delighted with the team managing to operate under current restrictions, and the parents and students all left with thanks and smiles. Sally and team regret that numbers restrictions and lack of being able to have physical contact mean that they cannot take any more students or any beginners this year. She commented: “Jim and I hope that those we have had to disappoint will remain keen for 2021. Everyone appreciates that we are doing the best we can at present, to give some training but keep everyone safe at this difficult time.”. The clubhouse remains closed until late August when it is hoped to open to limited numbers. No national championships can be held this season but Jeremy and his committee are planning for major club Ccntenary celebrations in 2021. Race Results (August 9) Race 1 Cameron and Darrol Moss, RS800 Allan and Chris Tyler, Fireball Mary Rook and Hugh Bradshaw, RS800 Graham Cook , Laser Race 2 Cameron and Darrol Moss, RS800 Guy Woodhouse, K1 Allan and Chris Tyler, Fireball Jerry Rook and Jake Stow, Albacore

Solent Sailing Ep 26 - Portchester Castle

Disabled sailing sensation sets her sights on Atlantic crossing

A woman born with cerebral palsy is preparing to test her limits by sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. Natasha Lambert, whose condition affects her movement and ability to communicate, is able to skipper a yacht using a unique system which allows her to take control of the sails and rudder of the boat using only her breath and tongue. The 23-year-old has already sailed 440 miles around England’s south west coast to Wales, and crossed the English Channel, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Natasha will command a 46ft catamaran for her ambitious ‘Atlantic Challenge’, which is due to get underway in November. “Natasha is one of those individuals who is unwilling to accept the word ‘can’t'”. Despite her severe form of cerebral palsy and being a wheelchair user, she told the BBC she was “so excited” at the prospect of the trip ahead. Dad Gary said: “Every time Natasha goes out, it stuns me. It’s great to watch. We’ve sailed in so many places around the UK and it’s exciting to see her every time.” The youngster has not limited herself to sailing exploits. In 2014, she climbed the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons, Pen Y Fan, for charity. She said afterwards: “I just enjoy doing what I do. It’s great people get behind it, but really anyone could do it”. Her achievements have resulted in a string of awards including the British Empire Medal. Her website states: “Natasha is one of those individuals who is unwilling to accept the word ‘can’t'”.

Welcome to Wembley Sailing Club

49er Training | Chris Taylor & Rhos Hawes

Mayflower replica ship returns home after £8.6 million restoration

Falmouth Sailing Week begins today (but things are a bit different this year)

FALMOUTH Sailing Week begins today in what will be a welcome sight for the town after months of event cancellations due to coronavirus. The Port of Falmouth Sailing Association (PoFSA) confirmed the news last month that the sailing could go ahead under the current restrictions. It had already been announced earlier this year that the shoreside aspects of Falmouth Week had been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Interest in what is the first regatta to go ahead on the south coast has climbed as the event drew nearer and now more than 100 boats are due to compete. Proceedings will of course be somewhat different this year, but the chance for the town to celebrate one of its landmark events will no doubt be welcomed by many. Speaking last month when it was confirmed that Falmouth Sailing Week was going ahead, Neil Andrew, race management officer, said: “It was difficult at times as we felt we were looking through an out of focus pair of binoculars. "When the Falmouth Town Falmouth Week organising committee decided it was no longer possible to hold any shoreside or music events it looked as though PoFSA were going to have to put away our flags and starting guns as well." Competitors from last year were contacted to gauge interest in holding a regatta that could be organised within government legislation and it was the responses returned that meant it was a viable proposition, organisers said. In the meantime Cowes Week, Royal Dartmouth Regatta and Fowey Week were all cancelled. It wasn’t until July 11 that sufficient easing of restrictions gave the team the green light to go safely ahead. A slimmed-down Falmouth Sailing Week will now take place over four days, beginning today (Wednesday). There will be two racing fleets in the Carrick Roads and out in Falmouth Bay with the start lines close to Pendennis Point The organisers said the racing would be compliant with current Covid -19 legislation in that only same households – or household plus support bubble – may crew the boats and man the safety RIBS. It will be run in a "conservative and considerate" way to minimise any risk using the Royal Yachting Association’s guidelines. That does mean that there will not be any prizegiving teas or entertainment and receptions this year, but there will be a time after the regatta when winners will be invited to receive their prizes and keen fought for trophies in a socially distanced environment. Today, Wednesday, August 12, will be the standalone Ancasta Champagne Day and tomorrow to Saturday will comprise a three-day series of six races for all classes sailed as regatta courses. Jane Wright, the PoFSA sponsorship and publicity coordinator, said that all the partner sponsors were keen to continue their support and said that Ancasta Champagne Cup, the Hine Downing Bay Fleet and the Mylor Yacht Harbour Carrick Fleet were "providing excellent platforms for the racing community to challenge their skills". More information can be found at www.pofsa.co.uk/index.htm The Race Office is available via 01326 211555. Falmouth Week plans to return in full on and off the water from August 6 to 15, 2021.

Dinghy cruising a Welsford 'navigator': sloppy seas and poor seamanship

Dinghy Sailing

Lymington sailors create a buzz with Channel crossing on Waszps

TWO Lymington sailors are preparing to join forces with French counterparts for the challenge of crossing the English Channel in a convoy of tiny dinghies to raise money for the NHS. Hattie Rogers and William Heathcote, both members of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, are set to depart in Waszp-class craft from Lymington and sail the 103 miles to Le Havre in France when the weather permits at some point between 12th and 18th August. They will be joined by British teammate Edward Higson from Draycote Water Sailing Club, and three sailors from France: Pierre Leboucher, Mael Garnier and Corentin Horeau. They aim to raise money for the NHS and the French Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, while also promoting international friendships. Event organiser Hattie (20) is a youth and ladies sailing champion who represented Team GBR for the 2017 Youth World Championships sailing a 29er. In 2019 she also completed the Fastnet Race in a Contessa 32 and was Contessa 26 national champion. She explained: “The summer of 2020 is providing plenty of days with superb sailing conditions but a distinct lack of events in which to share the camaraderie and experience of being on the water. “The Waszp class has been renowned for its community spirit since its inception in 2016, and a group of enterprising British and French sailors, filled with a spirit of adventure, put together this Foil for Life challenge. “It is going to be tough, but I am so excited! We really want to show how amazing foiling is and the capabilities of the Waszp, as well as making a difference to lives with the money that has been raised.” A huge amount of work has gone into planning the challenge, and the dinghy sailors will be accompanied by three RIB support boats for the entire crossing. Hattie explained that choosing suitable weather conditions with a 10 to 15-knot south-westerly wind will be key to their success. The challenge can be pushed back if necessary. Hattie said: “This challenge was able to be planned due to not having any international events this summer because of Covid-19. “One of the best things about the Waszp class is the community feel. It is such a great opportunity to bring the British and French Waszp communities together and do something for charity. “Covid-19 has highlighted the amazing work both the NHS and Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris does and how lucky we are to have them. “The reason we have chosen these charities is to deepen the meaning behind this challenge in showing the French and British sailing community relationship, despite Brexit and any political arrangements.” The support crews are volunteering their time and RIBs for the challenge to keep costs to an absolute minimum. The event is sponsored by Lemer Pax, the Delphie Lakeman Trust on the Isle of Wight, Andrew McIrvine, Waszp, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Le Havre Yacht Club, and the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. Visit www.foilforlife.com

Vendée Globe 2020: 3 months to go

BEMBRIDGE TEENAGERS SAIL AROUND THE ISLAND RAISING THOUSANDS FOR ASPIRE RYDE

2 teenagers from the Isle of Wight have raised thousands of pounds for Aspire Ryde by sailing around the Island. 18-year-old Jamie Winterbottom and 17-year-old Xander Huber were determined to help the local charity with their amazing work for young people in the area. They set themselves the huge task of sailing around the Island in one go and completed their 100km journey in just 9.5 hours on Tuesday 28th July. Sailing single-handed Laser dinghies, Jamie and Xander needed to contend with the weather, strong tides and some particularly rough seas around the southern tip of the Island in order to return to Bembridge and complete their journey. Donations have totalled £15,500 with additional contributions still being made. Trevor Nicholas, Aspire Ryde Chief Executive said: “This is a phenomenal achievement by two determined and inspiring young men. Jamie and Xander wanted to raise funds for the work that we do with young people and the amount they have secured will enable us to significantly expand the services we are able to offer. “The challenge they set themselves required a huge degree of skill, endurance and bravery and we are so grateful to them and to their families who have supported them through this. “We often hear negative stories about our youth, but these are not generally our experiences and it is wonderful to see such spirit and generosity in the actions of these young men”. Jamie said: “It was a great challenge with a few hairy moments but worth it given how generous friends, family and the Bembridge community have been towards Aspire. Thank you to everybody for all your support”. Xander commented: “I was really struck by the amazing work that Aspire do and it was a case of thinking of what I could do to help – this mad sailing marathon came to mind. I am excited to hear what Aspire can achieve with the funds.” All of the funding raised will go direct to Aspire Ryde’s work with young people in helping them to remain in education and in teaching the skills required for successful and independent living. Further contributions can be made at https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/xander-and-jamie-100km-sail?.

HOW TO FOIL - FOILING SUSTAINED FLIGHTS WALKTHROUGH - How to Sail with t...