Fears grow for 1899 Tamar barge during lockdown

The National Trust is hoping to raise £120,000 to save a rare 1899 Tamar sailing barge after major rot was discovered during repairs. The project has stalled since the start of the pandemic and now observers fear for the future of the boat. During the UK’s first lockdown, the lead boatbuilder was put on furlough and volunteers were sent home. A blog updating supporters on the project reports: “Shamrock was left sat in her cradle on the slipway at Cotehele Quay. With the crew’s return in late August, Shamrock was checked out and found to be drying out with her Elm bottom hull planks seams opening up. Her cover had also taken a battering with the after section needing the most attention this has now been covered with a new tarpaulin.” The National Trust – a conservation charity that owns parts of the English countryside and numerous historic buildings – has owned Shamrock since 1974, when the boat was last restored. The trust has kept the boat at Cotehele Quay, on the River Tamar in Cornwall, where she has been open to the public and occasionally sailed. The Trust says: “Time has marched on for the grand old lady and the National Trust hauled Shamrock out of the water nearly two years ago, secured her on a cradle above the tide with every part of her hull accessible, and began a programme of major repairs to ensure her future. “During the work to replace her hull, further problems with rot were uncovered. It is now clear that Shamrock’s false keel and keelson are in urgent need of replacing and current funds for the restoration project are insufficient to cover this. We urgently need to raise £120,000.” The boat is one of only two Tamar barges still sailing and “has been intimately linked with Cornwall and the Tamar Valley for the last 120 years, making her a personality in these parts and an inspiration for many artists, including Rena Gardiner,” the Trust says. A statement of signficance, put together by National Historic Ships UK, says of the boat: “Shamrock was the last Tamar sailing barge ever built and was remarkable for a number of technological innovations, making her arguably the most advanced barge of her kind. Her flat bottom allowed her to trade where there was no quay, remaining upright when beached. “To reduce the natural leeway caused by her shallow hull, she was fitted with two steel plate drop keels, each 5 feet high. Although common in small North American merchant sailing vessels, very few British craft of the time were so equipped. “Shamrock was also rigged with steel-bottle-screws on her mast shrouds, instead of the usual dead eyes and lanyards, to enable her two-man crew to lower her masts more easily when passing under low bridges.” National Historic Ships UK has not been involved in the conservation but has offered advice and support to the National Trust during the project. National Historic Ships UK director Hannah Cunliffe said: “Clearly, it is important to ensure the vessel is stabilised during the extended fundraising phase pending the re-commencement of work and is as secure as possible from the elements during this time to protect the conservation that has already been achieved.” The National Trust said: “It isn’t possible at this current time to say when the Cotehele Shamrock project might resume. Like most charities we’ve been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. We’ve therefore had to defer, or in some cases stop, a large proportion of planned projects and campaigns in order to cover essential maintenance costs. We thank everyone for their patience and support during these difficult times.”

Sail Safe with the RYA's 7 Common Senses

Our guidance on safe boating remains unchanged; know your limits, look after yourself, keep in touch and above all, have a plan. If you are planning to head out on the water in the coming weeks, remember to use the RYA’s 7 common senses and sail safe… 1. Is all your equipment seaworthy and suitable? You, your boat, board or personal watercraft and any crew all need to be properly equipped for a safe and enjoyable time on the water. Make sure you are wearing suitable clothing to keep you warm and comfortable. Once you start to get cold your ability to think and function properly will deteriorate. Do you need a buoyancy aid or life jacket? You, and anyone else onboard, should have personal safety equipment that is well maintained and fitted correctly. A common cause of need for rescue is equipment failure. Equipment should be regularly serviced and regularly checked for any wear or damage. 2. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back Always let a responsible friend or family member know where you’re going, when you’re likely to be back and confirm that you have returned. Consider using the free RYA SafeTrx app to help with this. Depending on the type of boating you do, you might need a way to keep in touch. At the very least, you should carry a mobile phone. A VHF radio is better, but you’ll need an operator’s license to use it legally. If your VHF isn’t DSC capable, you can carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) so that your location can be pinpointed quickly in an emergency. 3. Obtain a forecast for the local sailing area To avoid being caught out by changing conditions, always check the forecast in advance. It is also advisable to look at a number of weather sources. If you are sailing at a new location, it is prudent to seek advice from someone with local knowledge. Always have a plan and consider: the local area and your route, the tide and currents, navigation dangers, daylight hours and any other constraints. 4. Are you capable of handling prevailing conditions? Always ensure you are adequately experienced to handle the conditions you are going out in. Identify your limits and those of anyone else you are with. You cannot plan for all eventualities, but being honest with yourself, going out in conditions suitable to your ability and equipment, as well as getting the necessary training will help you be safe and enjoy your boating more. If in doubt, don’t go out. 5. Sail with others Always avoid boating alone. Not only do you learn from your boating buddies, but there will always be someone close by should you need a hand. 6. Avoid strong tides, offshore winds and poor visibility Offshore winds and strong tidal steams shouldn’t be underestimated. Sailors and windsurfers can often be caught out and swept away from the safety of their chosen sailing area. It is essential that you understand the conditions you are going out in and what consequences could occur. Avoid poor visibility, it prevents you from seeing dangers and others from seeing you should you get into difficulty. 7. Consider other water users Many locations can often be busy with other water users. You should respect all others both on and off the water by following local restrictions and speed limits, giving others plenty of space and taking all action necessary to avoid collision or any other type of incident or accident. The 7 common senses are part of the syllabus for the RYA National Sailing and Windsurfing training schemes. For further information about RYA courses and publications to support your boating visit www.rya.org.uk/training or www.rya.org.uk/shop.

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Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

It was fortunate that the forecast weather for the lake on Sunday 1 November arrived later than expected because the organised series of races were able to take place. The first race was the Autumn Pursuit where boats set out at timed intervals to sail for 45 minutes, with the slowest off first. This gave the younger sailors a chance to shine. 15-year-old Daisy Fisher, in a Topper, was soon into a clear lead, which she held for the full time. Unfortunately, she and her close pursuers rounded the last mark of the first lap incorrectly. Two of the following Solos noticed and rounded correctly leading to a win for Mike Smith with Martin Brennan runner-up. Two races followed for the Winter Series. At first, they were overkeen to start and a recall was sounded. The second start was okay and off ahead were the Solos, led by Nick Hornsby. On handicap, however, it was Daisy Fisher who won the race. The second race saw only Nick Hornsby and the young Topper sailors come to the start. As the rain came and wind rose, it was Nick Hornsby in the Solo who won the race, with Daisy Fisher runner-up this time.

New national restrictions in England from 5 November

The new restrictions https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#stay-at-home will remain in place until Wednesday 2 December and during this period you must: Clubs, classes and centres up and down the country have made a huge effort to keep members active and on the water despite the many challenges the Covid-19 pandemic has presented. The RYA and the sports sector throughout have presented strong arguments about the importance of activity during the pandemic, but for the next month most facilities will have to close. It is clear the Government does not want to grant multiple exemptions at this time and are focused on protecting the NHS. Our current understanding of the situation (subject to any local restrictions) is as follows: Recreational boating from a public outdoor space for single households and support bubbles or with one other person (with social distancing) is currently permitted Public waterways and beaches will remain open during the lockdown Outdoor sports centres and amenities (which includes sailing clubs and watersports centres) will have to close Members may be able to access boats for essential checks and maintenance, however, this will need to be agreed with their club/marina/harbour authority, with individuals taking personal responsibility for meeting Government guidance University sport will not be taking place School sport will be happening but only as part of organised school activity Some charities may be able to continue aspects of their work There are continuing exemptions for elite athletes for them to train or compete, so the British Sailing Team programme can continue No overnight stays are allowed on boats except for residential berth holders (where the boat is their Primary Residence) or for business purposes The boating community has proven that it can be trusted to operate in a Covid secure manner under RYA guidance and the RYA will continue to stress to Government both the low risks of a sport such as boating as well as the positive physical and mental benefits that our sport brings. We believe this is especially important for young people at this time. We will continue to ask our staff to work at home if possible during the lockdown period, while key functions of the RYA will continue to operate on a reduced basis. More detail is expected once Parliament has voted later today, and we will be working hard to help answer some of the more detailed questions we know our members have. We will make further announcements after that time and we wish to thank the whole community for their patience and their understanding of the need to act responsibly and in accordance with Government regulations. The measures in place to protect against Covid-19 are vital in keeping us all safe, and boating is part of that effort. You can help to protect your friends and family by downloading the NHS COVID-19 App to keep updated on the latest guidance from Thursday 5 November.

SAILING SINGLE HANDED. Tacking a boat with a large genoa!

Winners crowned at RYA Match Racing National Championships

The last Friday of October was chosen as the new start day for the RYA National Match Racing Championship Grand Final. An event typically dogged by light winds, that would not be an issue this year. Sixteen skippers were invited to attend having either won their place through a curtailed qualification series or through wildcard invites, which included two past champions to see one of the strongest fields in recent years fighting it out to claim the 2020 title. With consideration to the current pandemic, the teams were divided in to two groups to avoid mixing and so racing for the first group got underway at 0930 and with every race critical to getting through to the gold group the teams came out swinging. Joe Burns, who had earned his placed through the last qualifier won the first race against seasoned match racer Christian Hamilton, Ali Morrish beat past champion Mark Lees, Alaric Bates beat Harken Youth Champion Robbie King and multiple former champion Nick Cherry beat the highest ranked skipper, Matt Whitfield, fresh from returning from the Match Racing World Championships in Bermuda (he’d only stepped off the plane a few hours earlier). With the breeze gusting over 20 knots, the racing was tight as spinnakers were kept firmly in their bags but this kept things close as a short lead at the windward mark could be quickly eroded. Slowly the breeze started to drop and just before lunch PRO Tom Rusbridge signalled that the spinnakers could come out and the teams started to test their boat handling. With time needed to get the second group in, Group one was stopped one race short of the full round robin. Robbie King was a clear leader but results were too close behind him with multiple ties to decide who else would qualify through. In the second group it was Murray Hampshire who took the first win over Sophie Otter, Ellie Cumpsty beat rival Sophie Taylor, Miles Jones beat Matt Lloyd and defending champion, Ted Blowers, beat Andy Cornah. Blowers continued his winning ways throughout the round robin, finishing the day undefeated. Murray Hampshire was just behind him having lost only his match to Blowers, Andy Cornah bounced back from his initial defeat to Blowers to finish the group third with Miles Jones taking the fourth spot in the Gold group. With the forecast for Saturday making much racing likely through the middle of the day, the racing was brought forward to make the most of the forecast lull and so group one took to the water to complete their round robin and settle the ties in person. Nick Cherry beat Mark Lees in a thrilling match that went all the way to the finish line before going on to beat Alaric Bates to secure his spot in the next stage. Joe Burns also beat Lees in their last match to take his place. Christian Hamilton beat Ali Morrish and Robbie King beat Matt Whitfield to confirm his place at the top of Group 1. Moving straight into the Gold group racing Christian Hamilton beat Murray Hampshire, Andy Cornah beat Joe Burns, Nick Cherry handed Ted blowers his first loss of the event and Robbie King continued his strong form to beat Miles Jones. As the forecast breeze arrived at Queen Mary Sailing Club the sailors quickly packed up and headed ashore for the day with no more racing. Sunday was another early start, this time for the Silver Group competitors fighting it out for the final placings which would mean all important World Sailing Ranking Points. Mark Lees showed his metal as a former UK champion and previously ranked 19 in the world as he dominated the Silver group with straight wins. Sophie Otter, clearly disappointed with her first day performance was determined to make the silver group count and finished second, beating Alaric Bates on a tie break. The gold group took to the water again for the afternoon session and with no chance to move to a knockout stage the pressure was on to win each and every race in the round robin. Andy Cornah, Christian Hamilton and Robbie King continued their winning ways from Saturday while defending champion Ted Blowers suffered his second defeat. As racing continued Andy Cornah was the only team not to suffer a loss but the fight for second was incredibly close. With six of the seven flights completed, Andy Cornah from the Royal Thames Yacht Club had secured victory but the other teams would need to fight hard to secure second place. After the final flight there was a four-way tie for second place with Joe Burns topping the pile in second ahead of Robbie King in third with Nick Cherry fourth and Christian Hamilton fifth. The teams quickly packed up before heading ashore for a very quick, socially-distanced prize giving. On receiving the Eacott Trophy for the National Match Racing Championship, Andy Cornah thanked his crew as the real heroes of the weekend, helping him to secure the overall victory. 2020 has been an odd year for all, including match racing, but we would like to thank our sponsors Harken, Marlow Ropes, Hyde Sails and Moody Decking and Services for their continued support and look forward to working with them for the 2021 season which gets underway in January. For more information on match racing please visit www.ryamatchracing.co.uk.

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