PR Systems and B&G Icicle Series at Royal Western Yacht Club, England

 On Sunday the 7th of November the PR Systems and B&G Icicle series got under way with fleet of twelve boats being greeted with sunshine and 2kts of variable wind which was surprising as a steady 13 kts was forecast.

Big thanks to series sponsors B&G and PR Systems Marine Electronics for their ongoing support with RWYC racing, and to Jerry and the race management team.

Results for IRC, NHC and VPRS at rwyc.org/racing-results

BSDRA Schools Keelboat Championship at Queen Mary Sailing Club

 Fifteen teams battled for honours over a competitive weekend of close racing at the British Schools Keelboat Championship at London's Queen Mary Sailing Club. Then event was run by the BSDRA (British Schools Dinghy Racing Association) who aim to promote the sport of sailing in British schools.

Using a British Keelboat League format of short course fleet racing, the teams completed a full schedule of 30 races sailing RS21s as the event made a welcome return over the weekend of 6-7 November 2021 for its third edition after missing a year due to the Covid pandemic.

For many of the competitors it was their first experience of racing keelboats and with 12-14 knot winds and gusts in the high 20s across both days, the breezy conditions provided boat handling challenges, adrenalin-fuelled downwinds and big smiles.

Two competitors accidentally went swimming and decisions about when and where to fly a spinnaker - or leave it in the boat - were a factor in teams going from zero to hero and vice versa, depending on their ability to manage the teamwork and sheet loads involved.

With seven teams on the start line at a time and races lasting around 11 minutes, each team completed 14 races and consistency across the series was to prove key in the overall results.

"We could definitely see the improvement in boat handling over the weekend. With spinnakers up on day one there was lots of broaching but then on day two we would see 6 out of 7 boats with kites up and all were under control. We could see their confidence growing and there were lots of smiles as they went over the finish line."

BSDRA also thanked Queen Mary SC for hosting the event, JDX Consulting for the prizes and Keith Sammons and KSail for supporting the administration.

Overall Results:

Pos Team Total Points Average Points

1 Royal Hospital School Pink (P) 81 5.79

2 Royal Hospital School Blue (H) 74 5.29

3 Reading Sailing Club (E) 73 5.21

4 Clifton College (F) 66 4.71

5 Ryde School (Y) 65 4.64

6 Derbyshire Youth Sailing (D) 65 4.64

7 Claires Court (C) 63 4.5

8 Sevenoaks Red (S) 62 4.43

9 Kimbolton School (K) 48 3.43

10 Radley Rascals (Z) 48 3.43

11 OSST Abingdon (A) 45 3.21

12 RGS Guildford (G) 41 2.93

13 OSST Cokethorpe (O) 37 2.64

14 Sevenoaks Blue (B) 34 2.43

15 Radley Raiders (R) 32 2.29

Guy Fawkes Pursuit Race at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club

 Leigh & Lowton SC restarted their annual Guy Fawkes Pursuit Race on Sunday 7th November, having had to cancel last year for Covid lockdown reasons. The forecast for the day was for a squally day with gusts of up to 30 knots - the reality did not disappoint. Many resisted the temptation to go afloat and of those that did, some were back ashore without troubling the start line, due to breakages or big swims!

The juniors were not deterred as they set off first, eight of them in Optimists, Teras and Toppers showing the adults the way to go. The start of the race was so gusty that the advantage the stronger winds should have brought was offset by having to manage their boats around the course.

The adults started with some Solos, then Streaker, Lasers, Albacore, Scorpion, GP14 and finally the Blaze and the asymmetric fleets.

In all the chaos that the wind brought for the first couple of laps, some struggled to find their way around the course and made some navigational errors. Then the wind abated and the race became a race at last, not survival.

The viewing spectators were debating who would win out - would it be Ben in his Optimist hanging on to his lead until he was overhauled on the last lap, or the battle between Steve and Paul in the Streaker/Radial combo who fought all the way round. It looked like it could have been Mark in the Blaze towards the end or Alastair and Helen in their RS200, but the clock ran out for them and they couldn't reign in Steve who held out to win by a minute or so.

Thanks to the usual OOD team of Howard Green & co for another great event.

Overall Results:

Pos Class Sail No Helm Crew R1

1 Streaker 1942 Steve Blackburn 1

2 Blaze 760 Mark Fearnley 2

3 RS 200 1509 Alistair Norris Helen Norris 3

4 Laser Radial 193713 Paul Heath 4

5 Wayfarer 10747 Louise Mckeand Nigel Hall 5

6 Optimist 5500 Ben Welfare 6

7 Laser Radial 73 Glyn Purnell 7

8 Solo 5909 Andy Fox 8

9 Topper 33701 Lewis Bacon 9

10 Albacore 8233 Mike Banner Mark Atherton 10

11 Solo 5272 Dave Kelsall 11

12 Topper 47026 Paul Roberts 12

13 Solo 5845 Stuart Van Den Hoek 13

14 Lark 2492 Paul Graham Ollie Thornton 14

15 Wayfarer 10700 Christopher Chadwick Michael Chadwick 15

A Full House of Sponsors Committed to The International Paint Poole Regatta 2022

 On the 7th October the International Paint Poole Regatta Committee hosted a sponsors lunch at the prestigious Royal Motor Yacht Club in Sandbanks. 

Attendees from International Paint, Haven Knox-Johnston, Poole Harbour Commissioners, Coleman Marine, Salcombe Gin, Savills and The Knot Agency were briefed on the exciting plans for 2022 including the large number of racing classes signed up and the evening socials being organised. The spectacular location overlooking the panoramic view of Poole Harbour added to the atmosphere and built anticipation for the event.

The International Paint Poole Regatta runs across the weekend of the 30th April - 2nd May 2022. For further information on how you can get involved visit www.pooleregatta.co.uk

30 classes and building for the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash

 One of the biggest attractions of the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series is that if you've got a dinghy, chances are it will be welcome to compete. Already more than 30 different classes have entered the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash...

Entries for the Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash close this Sunday, so if you've got a half a mind to take part in the opening event of the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series, then it's time to get your skates on and get entered ASAP. The event takes place over the weekend of 20 & 21 November 2021.

Online entry is at www.sailjuiceseries.com

Almost 60 boats have entered up to now, representing 30 different classes. 

Harken RS800 End of Seasons Regatta at Rutland Sailing Club

 The forecast of 22-30 knots each day probably put a few people off going to Rutland for the Harken RS End of Seasons event, including class chairman Dan Goodman (who therefore missed his own surprise 50th birthday party - oops). But for those who made it, the wind gods delivered on the forecasters' promise which made for an exciting weekend of sailing and swimming.

Somehow, despite being Britain's largest man-made lake (allegedly), Rutland is surprisingly narrow. Particularly on Sunday when racing in a Westerly wind up the Southern leg of the lake felt like being on an America's Cup course, with boundaries forcing several tacks and gybes on every leg.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Pts

1st 1144 Tom Morris Guy Fillmore HISC ‑1 1 1 1 1 4

2nd 1231 Hugh Shone Fiona Hampshire Swanage SC 2 2 2 2 (DNC) 8

3rd 1220 Luke McEwen Emma McEwen Royal Lymington YC 3 (DNC) 3 3 2 11

4th 1232 Cameron Moss Darrol Moss Lyme Regis SC 4 3 (DNC) DNC DNC 25

5th 1224 Fred Lord Louise Gale Carsington SC 5 (DNC) DNC DNC DNC 32

6th 1188 Debbie Clark Daniel Goodman QMSC (DNC) DNC DNC DNC DNC 36

6th 1014 Bryn Abendstern Sam McKay Rutland SC (DNC) DNC DNC DNC DNC 36

6th 1122 Robert Loverage Dominick Burke Grafham Water SC (DNC) DNC DNC DNC DNC 36

Wayfarer Inland Championships at Datchet Water Sailing Club

 Eventually! After two previous attempts to schedule the Wayfarer Inland Championships 2021, Datchet Water SC finally hosted the event over the weekend of 30/31 October. Five visiting boats joined six from the home fleet. Unfortunately, the rescheduling of the event meant that a couple of the usual travellers and some of the home fleet were unable to attend.

So the weather disrupted the racing schedule for the Wayfarers yet again (this has become a common state of affairs in 2021 with several racing days lost during the season). However, four good races around a triangle/sausage course were held on Saturday and I doubt the competitors felt shortchanged. The shifts and gusts around the course were enough to keep competitors on their mettle. Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend left Datchet Water SC as the Inland Champions 2021. Andrew and Sue were runners up and David and Mike completed the podium.

In the race to be the Craftinsure UKWA National Circuit and Travellers Series Champions the competition is hotting up. With just the Finale at Bough Beech in mid-November to come, the National Circuit Trophy winner seems fairly buttoned up but any one of several competitors could win the Travellers Trophy this year.

Many thanks to the race team at Datchet for their good management and course setting and to the Datchet Wayfarer fleet for their hospitality. The Wayfarers will be returning to Datchet Water SC next April for the inland Championships 2022.

 Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1st 10648 Michael McNamara Simon Townsend Rollesby Broad SC 1 1 1 1 4

2nd 11093 Andrew Wilson Sue Rusbridger Datchet Water SC 2 2 2 2 8

3rd 10673 David Roberts Mike Bryant Bough Beech SC 3 3 5 4 15

4th 11012 Tim Townsend Jacqueline Townsend Medway YC 5 4 3 5 17

5th 11282 Nigel O'Donnell Sam Pygall Swarkestone SC 8 6 4 3 21

6th 11129 Paul Hughes Mark Arun YC 4 5 10 7 26

7th 10878 Scott Hamilton ? Datchet Water SC 9 9 7 6 31

8th 11223 Nick Harris ? Datchet Water SC 10 7 8 8 33

9th 11311 Tom Morris ? Datchet Water SC 7 8 9 9 33

10th 10828 Derek Lambert ? Datchet Water SC 6 DNF 6 10 34

11th 9416 Conrad Payne ? Datchet Water SC 11 10 11 11 43

Flushing sailing club finalist of Yachting Club awards

Flushing Sailing Club has been announced as one of 10 finalists in the 2022 RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award supported by Gallagher.

The annual award recognises the outstanding achievement of sailing clubs across the UK and promotes the hard work and dedication that goes into running a successful club.

Voting is now open to the public, so organisers have said this is the public's chance to cast its vote and celebrate their local sailing club’s activity in the community.

 

The Transat Jacques Vabre is underway

 The sun shone, the wind blew and 79 boats got off the start line at Le Havre bound for Martinique. The four classes headed, first of all, to a turning mark before heading through the English channel.

There was an emotional send off for the crews as they left the Le Havre docks, with family and fans shouting them on. The weather conditions were ideal. The boats were able to hit a north-westerly wind between 15 and 20 knots on a choppy sea lit by beautiful sunshine.

The 5 Ultimes, 7 Ocean Fifty, 22 Imoca and 45 Class40s pointed their bows towards Etretat to round the first course mark before setting course towards the Atlantic. A long journey lies ahead; 7,500 miles for the largest and fastest class, the Ultimes. The IMOCA and Ocean Fiftys will sail around 6,000 miles with the smallest and slowest Class 40s completing around 4,500 miles.

Find all the news of the race in real time on www.transatjacquesvabre.org

Sprint 15 TT and Inland Championship at Grafham Water Sailing Club

 Thirty-eight Sprint 15s entered the final Sprint 15 Summer TT and Inland Championships which formed part of the wider Grafham Cat Open. The Sprints were by far the largest fleet there but other fleets were also well represented, creating a great overall turnout.

The forecast was for strong winds, cold temperatures and rain. A reassuring return to form for the Grafham Cat Open following the light wind drifter last year.

On the basis of the three races on Saturday - Steve Sawford had earned a comfortable Inland Championship win, with Mark Aldridge in second place, Ed Tuite Dalton in third and Liam Thom in fourth. The youth trophy was won by Abbie Clarke from Stone who completed all three races, despite the breezy conditions.

Big thanks to Nigel and Fiona Denchfield and all at Grafham Water SC for another great event.

  Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Club R1 R2 R3 Pts

1st 1989 Steven Sawford Rutland Sailing Club 5 2 1 8

2nd 2027 Mark Aldridge Grafham Water Sailing Club 3 3 6 12

3rd 2023 Ed Tuite Dalton Draycote Water Sailing Club 7 4 3 14

4th 1957 Liam Thom Shanklin Sailing Club 4 9 2 15

5th 2020 Chris Tillyer Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 1 6 10 17

6th 2022 Stuart Snell Grafham Water Sailing Club 9 1 7 17

7th 1898 Simon Farthing Grafham Water Sailing Club 10 5 4 19

8th 1521 Jason Clarke Marconi Sailing Club 2 16 9 27

9th 2021 Jim Bowie Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 13 7 8 28

10th 2025 Jenny Ball Marconi Sailing Club 11 8 11 30

11th 1988 Jon Pearse Marconi Sailing Club 6 11 14 31

12th 2017 Geoff Tindale Stone Sailing Club 15 18 5 38

13th 1981 Keith Persin Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 8 19 12 39

14th 2019 George Love Carsington Sailing Club 14 13 13 40

15th 1821 Skip Atkins Stone Sailing Club 20 10 15 45

Firefly Twisted Tube Random Pairs Team Racing at Spinnaker Sailing Club

 Nineteen eager Firefly crews gathered at Spinnaker Sailing Club on Saturday 6 November for the Twisted Tube Random Pairs Team Racing.

There was a brisk Westerly breeze varying in strength between Force 2-4 but with occasional stronger gusts and this allowed a full schedule of races to be run. In Random Pairs you sail every race with a different randomly chosen team mate against two randomly selected opponents. In two boat team racing, the team with a boat in last place loses. The Twisted Tube is a famously friendly event with everyone accepting and embracing the wide range of skills in the fleet.

The Race Team ran 48 races in the course of the day with every crew sailing at least 10 races. In a random pairs event the winner is the crew who loses the least races over the day and the clear winners with only one loss all day were Chris Kameen and Sally Wilson. Rob and Mel Sherrington were second with two losses and Ben Ainsworth and Toby Sherrington third with three losses. All the crews enjoyed the day and all at the event won at least two of their races.

Overall Results:

Pos Crew Losses

1 Chris Kameen and Sally Wilson 1

2 Rob and Mel Sherrington 2

3 Ben Ainsworth and Toby Sherrington 3

4 George Potter 4

4 Alex Colquitt 4

4 Neil Marshall 4

4 Sam Maxfield 4

4 Stuart and Robbie Hudson 4

9 Ted and Ella Ashworth 5

9 Keith McQuillan 5

9 Ewan Mclean 5

12 Jamie Harris 6

12 Max Morgan 6

12 Ed Beveridge 6

15 Duncan and Lorna Glen 7

15 Finley Stone 7

17 Ben Pym 8

17 Sam Petty & Fi Edwards 8

17 James Oborne 8

Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club: challenging conditions for Halloween racing

 Sunday started off pleasant enough for racing at Hollingworth Lake but eventually the blustery, westerly-made conditions more challenging.

Once again, the Solo class dominated the results. Overall, it was a day for Nick Hornsby who won the second and third races. However, Mike Smith won the first one, ahead of Martin Brennan. He had a five-second advantage on handicap over Richard and Heather Marsh in the speedier RS400.

As the wind increased, the attentions of the safety boat crew were needed as capsizes happened and a couple of boats needed to be towed back.

Credit must go to the junior sailors who raced. Jacob Din, in a Laser, was third overall on the day with a second place in the last race, coping well in the conditions. Hector Droungas, in a Topper, was fourth overall with steady results beating his rival, Jasper Bramwell, by 10 seconds in the first race. Eleven-year-old Xavier Bramwell, also in a Topper, battled to finish that race in 8th place.

The Laser Class were holding their Inland Championship at Rutland over the weekend where Daisy Fisher finished 11th overall, out of 57 boats, and 2nd female sailor.

Bough Beech Sailing Club Icicle Series 2022

 Bough Beech Sailing Club is much looking forward to holding its annual Icicle open handicap event again in the new year. This series usually attracts close to 100 entries with boats coming from clubs throughout the south-east.

The event consists of an eighteen race series for monohull non-foiling dinghies to be sailed under PY handicap over nine Sundays between 2nd January and 27th February 2022 (wind permitting.) Racing will be on the "average lap" format and will be organised into two classes with separate courses, one for asymmetric rig boats and one for the rest. Races to count will be half the total number sailed plus one, so there is no pressure to come every weekend.

As always visitors will be particularly welcome. This year they will need to enter in advance via the club's website.

The Notice of Race can be found here (PDF format).