German sailor, Gilbert Brietzke, on sailing the Musto Skiff

 With the Musto Skiff Worlds now confirmed for Germany over 21st to 26th June next year, we took the opportunity to interview German class sailor, Gilbert Brietzke, to find out more about his journey into sailing and what he is aiming for in the Musto Skiff class for next season.

now aged 48, gilbert has been sailing since 2011, but prior to this, he had two memorable sailing experiences just by chance. at the age of 17 he was a crew on a 20m yacht from bremerhaven to norway and back with an 11 people crew aged between 17 to 24. then, at the age of 19, he did a 2-week travelling dinghy tour along the water inlets of the german coast on the baltic sea (close by island rügen).

in 2010, some 20 years later, these early experiences in his teenage years inspired him to find a way back to sailing, and now he is not only enjoying his musto skiff but standing for the german class chairman role for the 2022 season.

The Musto Skiff is a boat that is truly challenging to sail. In your first season you are likely to need to dedicate a lot of your spare time for practice. Once you master manoeuvres, in say >15 knots of breeze, it is always thrilling and fun at the same time. But until then, you need to have a certain youthful physical fitness and stubbornness to compensate/overcome your initial challenges - this is especially true if you do not have a skiff background.

My advice is to try to get connected with other active Musto Skiff sailors and the class association. They will give you hints and advice on how to improve your skills. Also, participation in the regatta events provides really high value for a freshman in the Musto Skiff. Sailing on different waters is always a very good way to train since conditions potentially differ from what you are used to. Also, it is safer than when you are on your own.

Certainly, we keep a healthy sportive competition in the events, but at the end of the day, even in competitive international events where the competition is at a really high level, we are more sailing together then 'against' each other. I think for most of us, it is more about sharing the experience, the fun, the sailing moments and also having food and drinks together ashore rather than a merciless competition.

Regarding waters: in my opinion the boat is not that suitable for smaller waters with extremely shifty winds or quarry ponds. Consider choosing larger waters as your training base, it is likely to be worth the potential extra effort and travel time.

Countdown to the GJW Direct Bloody Mary 2022

 The GJW Direct Bloody Mary will be back for another magical day at Queen Mary Sailing Club this time on Saturday 8th January 2022, as the sixth leg of the SailJuice Winter Series.

Having not held the Bloody Mary due to Covid restrictions in 2021 the team are keeping a close eye on the developing situation and will endeavour to keep everyone informed; please keep visiting the winter series website for the latest information: www.sailjuiceseries.com

The Bloody Mary is open to all dinghy classes with a PY number equal to or lower than the International Topper. It takes the form of a pursuit race with the slowest boat starting first and the faster boats starting progressively later depending on a handicap rating which is set by the Race Committee.

Online entry will close at midnight Wednesday 5th January and entries will be accepted on the day until the entry limit is reached. Enter at: www.sailjuiceseries.com

Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions at www.queenmary.org.uk/racing/bloody-mary

Wishing sailors a very Merry Christmas and looking forward to seeing you in the New Year at Queen Mary Sailing Club.

We Wish all our readers and fellow Sailors a very Merry Christmas and great sailing in 2022

 

Burghfield Breezer braced to blow away Boxing Day blues

 The Burghfield Breezer is set to help blow away the Christmas and Boxing Day blues with a handicap and pursuit race event aimed at dinghies ranging from a Mirror to a 49er. Taking place on the 27 December, this is the third event in the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series.

With a maximum entry of 100 boats, and the discounted period closing at the end of 23 December, now is the best time to sign up. Online entry closes on 26 December.

Enter at www.sailjuiceseries.com

You can also pre-order food at the venue, but it has to be done by 5 pm on Thursday 23rd December.

The food booking can be via www.burghfieldsailing.org/event/burghfield-breezer-sailjuice-event-1

Meanwhile the Yorkshire Dales Brass Monkey and Grafham Grand Prix have both been postponed due to concerns about Covid.

Grafham Water Sailing Club enjoy 'fantastic' 2021 season

 After 20 Open Meetings and 3 championships, the 2021 open meeting season at Grafham Water Sailing Club is finally over.

In total 1,500 boats have visited the club in this period with the start-gun triggered an estimated 200 times.

Meeting organiser Nigel Denchfield said: ‘It has been a pleasure to welcome so many different classes and competitors to Grafham Water this summer.

"The standard of competition has been fantastic and there has been a good social vibe.

The club plans another busy season for 2022 with 17 meetings planned including the 40th Grafham Grand Prix on January 2, the National School Sailing Association championship, Topper National Series and Optimist end of seasons.

Entries open for the Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy 2022

 Northampton Sailing Club is please to announce that entries are now open for the Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy.

The event is one of the most well known winter regattas and has been well supported in the past. The event is raced in aid of Asthma UK charity in memory of Steve, who was a popular sailor and member at Northampton Sailing Club and well respected in the sailing world.

The event which has been held on an annual basis in January since 2002 has a reputation of providing great racing for single and double handers, raced in two separate fleets with an overall winner of the title.

Following the cancellation of the event in 2021 the club are very excited about hosting the popular open event on the 30th January 2022 and welcoming visitors from afar to Northamptonshire.

Online entries can be made via the website, www.stevenicholsontrophy.co.uk

There is a likely to be a limit on entries so please book your place as soon as possible. The closing date for the event is the 23rd January.

British Keelboat Academy announces 2022 squad

 The British Keelboat Academy (BKA) supports young sailors aged between 18 and 24 with a programme which provides the training and technical knowledge for racing keelboats at the top end of the sport across a wide range of disciplines.

Richard Moxey, RYA Keelboat Development Manager, said: "We are excited to announce our 10th British Keelboat Academy squad. We have a world class coaching and performance racing programme lined up and we are looking forward to inspiring the next generation of keelboat racers."

New to the British Keelboat Academy for 2022 are: Kate Angier; Liberty Askew; Freya Baddeley; Joe Beech; Zac Blomeley; Jasmine Boote; Max Bradley; Emily Bush; Will Caiger; Charles Callon Hine; Lewis Clark; Owen Colbern; George Colcomb; Charles Cooper; Josh Davies; Sam De La Feuillade; Charlie Ellse; Amelia Fox; Jamal Ganiyu; Emma Gardner; Daniel Gibson; Jasmine Gosling; Dominic Hall; Maisie Harkess; Evie Herrington; Oliver Holmes; Jess Jarman; Jack Lawrence; Elliott Marshall; Curtis Mckay; Josie Meredith; Ffion Morgan; Suria Morris; Zoe Nieveen; Josh Oates; Harry Palmer; Ana Paterson; Mary Jane Piper; Matthew Riley; Freddie Scott; William Setra; Alice Snook; Alec Stenhouse; Andrew Sturt; Flossie Tanner; Cameron Thomson; Miles Vidler; Isobel Walker; Joe Walters; Jacob Wills; and Adela Wilson.

The latest intake also includes 16 sailors returning to the BKA for a second year to further develop their skills: Holly Annels; Matthew Bird; Ben Constable; Samuel Davis; Megan Ferguson; Anya Haji-Michael; Amy Hinsliff-Smith; Eleanor Hutchings; Emma James; Milly Jinks; Maddy Kirk; Kate MacAdorey; Leila Moore; Mike O'Donovan; Cameron Tookey Gardner; Charlie Warhurst.

The squad announcement follows a selection weekend at Port Solent in mid-November, which saw coaches on the lookout for those demonstrating a strong desire to learn alongside an ability to work well within a team.

Early Christmas present for Phantom Sailors

 Phantom sailors are in for a treat in 2022 with the new Midlands Travellers Series being recently finalised. After the success of this year's series, which saw 44 competitors taking part, the aim is to build on the already popular events in the midlands, adding some new venues for 2022.

The class is delighted to yet again partner with sponsors HD Sails and Ceilidh who are one of the leading Phantom sail and carbon rig combinations. Together HD Sails and Ceilidh have come up with a new mast section for the Phantom. "Just like the Merlin mast development, the Phantom mast has brought a narrower sectioned teardrop shape with an integrated track. The new section boom boast 50% more stiffness than the traditional oval boom, combining with the established HD sail completes the package."

The Phantom Midlands Traveller Series, due to it's central location and dare I say its reputation for good racing attracts not just local sailors but also boats from neighboring regions. The programme of mainly one day events has something for everyone. If you've not yet taken part in any open meeting previously, why not try out some of the great venues up for offer in 2022. There is a mix of abilities and it's a great way to learn from some of the regulars who are a friendly bunch, keen to offer advice and support in boat set up and on the water tactics.

This year's series winner Charlie Chandler, from Bowmoor Sailing Club reflects:

After all the Covid rubbish and lockdown the 2021 Midlands Traveller Series was just what I wanted. Single day events, all relatively close to home, great racing and good turnouts. I only got a Phantom 12 months ago, so it was good to get to speak to different people about how they sail the boat, how they rig it and what their in-boat priorities are. I loved how welcoming and open the people were and after all the virtual working it was great being with groups of people face to face... all with a love of Phantom'ing."

With lots of midland clubs wanting to get involved in 2022 it has been difficult putting together the perfect selection box of events, but with good feedback from this years participants, hopefully we have a blend to suit all. Best five results from seven events.

HD/Ceilidh Phantom Midlands Traveller Series 2022:

9th April Bowmoor S.C. - Joint event with South West

24th April Bartley S.C.

4th/5th June Northampton S.C.

9th/ 10th July Draycote S.C. - Inland Chasmpionships

17th July Carsington S.C. - Joint event with Northern

9th October Chase S.C.

23rd October Burton S.C. - Series prize-giving

Why not make a New Year's resolution to travel more in 2022!

UYC Open Winter Series 2021

 There was a blue sky welcome for competitors at the last Sunday of Ullswater Yacht Club's Open Winter Series on Sunday, December 19.

But although the view over the lake was beautiful, the lack of wind meant no racing and the series rounded off with a prize-giving presentation. A total of 22 boats entered the series which started on Sunday, November 7. The adult racers, in a range of different boats were joined by an enthusiastic Youth & Junior fleet of 11 Teras, Toppers and a Laser Radial, all sailing three back-to-back races on Sundays.

Of the seven Sundays planned, racing was possible on four with the others cancelled because of adverse weather conditions. Overall winners were John Reekie and his team from Bassenthwaite SC in an SB20. In second place was Mark Somerville, also of Bassenthwaite SC, in an RS100 and Bernard Clark of Ripon/Overy Staithe SC was third sailing an OK.

In the Youth & Junior fleet, with three Sundays racing, Matthew Somerville of Bassenthwaite SC in a Tera Sport swept the board, with eight firsts and a second. Olivia Dembinski of UYC in a Tera Pro was second and Laia Priestley of UYC in a Tera Sport was third.

The club was pleased to welcome the visiting sailors who enjoyed good racing with UYC members in a range of conditions and hopes they will return next year, with their sailing friends, when the Open Winter Series starts on October 30. A full sailing programme is planned by the club for 2022. Open events start with the Daffodil Regatta on April 23 & 24 and include the 60th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy on July 2 & 3. Details on the UYC website, ullswateryachtclub.org

UYC and Peggy the Pegasus, who features on its burgee, wishes all sailors everywhere a very Merry Christmas.

Winter Activity at Blackwater Sailing Club

 With the ongoing travel restrictions that we have all faced over the last couple of years many people have turned to more local activities. We have the beautiful Blackwater estuary on our doorstep and sailing has become a lot more popular.

BSC has welcomed many new members during this time with a wide range of sailing knowledge. Some new cruiser owners have joined us. Maybe they were previously sailing far and wide but are now happy to cruise the wonderful East coast, discovering what joys it has to offer.

The hardy club racers continue throughout the season; despite the winter fog some people were on the river for a social sail in December, these included Father Christmas, The Grinch, some bah humbugs, elves and fairies. Afterwards there was an outdoor party on the patio with socially distanced Father Christmas handing out presents from his grotto, eagerly watched by a four legged Christmas pudding.

Its been a good year at BSC, despite all the restrictions we have encountered along the way we have enjoyed good sailing when allowed and kept our members safe. If you would like to visit the club with a view to joining then please contact our membership secretary, email membership-secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk.

For more details see blackwatersailingclub.org.uk

Falmouth Classics invites entries to the 2022 event

 The 2022 event will take place from 17-19 June with visiting craft arriving on the 16th.

The Falmouth Classic Association is looking forward to welcoming classic and heritage boats built or designed on or before 1972, Boats built traditionally, to an earlier design or with gaff or lug rigs post 1972 are also very welcome. Classic power craft, including boats powered by steam, will be able to grace the harbour and participate in the Sunday morning parade.

The three days will provide the opportunity to participate in competitive racing in the Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay and will be topped by the spectacular parade of sail on Sunday morning. Making a welcome return in 2022 will be the popular Classic Maritime Village on Custom House Quay, the rowing and sculling competition on Saturday off the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and the small boat parade on Sunday afternoon. Participants will also be invited to two receptions and two prize-givings. Sailing vessels participating in the three races will be eligible for points in the West Country Class Series, established in 2021 if they also enter Fowey and Dartmouth Classics.

The 2022 Classics coincides with the return of the extremely popular Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival. which will set the shoreside scene alight from Friday to Sunday with a spectacular array of traditional songs and music throughout the town.

Find out more at www.falmouthclassics.org.uk

Illusion class Christmas Cracker at Bembridge Sailing Club

 There was not quite as good a turn out for this year's Christmas Cracker as last year, but with Omicron on the rampage and at least one regular stuck abroad (David P in Val d'Isere), one injured (Jo D with a sore shoulder), and a few others committed elsewhere, it certainly could have been worse!

The easterly F4 breeze on Saturday and an empty harbour allowed the Race Officers to set a good long course for the 14 boats racing. After a clean start the majority stayed on starboard and headed over to the St Helens shore.

With five wins and a discard of a third in the last race, the Christmas Cracker was well and truly 'pulled' by Mark with 5 points; Bruce was the runner up with 13 points and Colin was third with 14 points.

In theory the next regatta is for the oldest Illusion trophy, the Icebreaker, which is programmed for 1st/2nd January but no one is holding their breath! Fingers crossed though.

 Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Pts

1 164 Mark Downer 1 1 1 1 1 3 5

2 101 Bruce Huber 2 2 2 3 5 4 13

3 138 Colin Simonds 4 4 3 2 4 1 14

4 85 Justin Biddle 8 9 9 S 2 2 30

5 135 Alastair Speare‑Cole 3 8 6 10 8 5 30

6 142 MikeToogood 6 6 8 4 7 10 31

7 152 Mike Issaias 7 7 14 8 6 6 34

8 124 Hugh Doherty 10 10 7 7 9 9 42

9 153 Philip Russell 5 3 4 S S S 46

10 37 John Birchenough 12 11 12 12 11 7 53

11 12 Robin Ebsworth 11 12 12 5 13 13 53

12 105 Owen Pay S S S 9 3 8 54

13 169 Oliver Morgan 9 5 10 S S S 58

14 106 Matt Sollan S S S 6 10 11 61

15 80 Anna Row 13 13 13 11 12 12 61

16 147 Monty Irwin S S 5 S S S 73

You don't need to be a millionaire to enjoy life on the water

 Royal Torbay Yacht Club have developed a scheme that helps to make the fantastic sport of sailing an inclusive option, no matter what background you are from. 

After watching the children move up through the ranks using club boats, he thought it was expecting too much of parents to suggest they purchase an expensive dinghy to allow the 15 to 17-year-olds to progress into club racing with a view, potentially, to sailing in national events.  

Instead, he came up with a small £500 budget that could in many cases be achievable without putting too much strain on family resources, so allowing those without adequate finances to use the club boats and without putting too much pressure on the children to perform.  

Steve said: “It didn’t take long to think of a boat at that price that would tick all the boxes; loads of spares, easy to store, easy to rig, a massive following, extremely competitive, not to mention raced in the Olympics! A Laser!  

“Get a £500 Laser and the youngsters are off racing. Interestingly, what we have noticed is that they are racing competitively against extremely good club racers and, despite their cheaper options, they are beating them - who would have thought?!  

“There is no need to spend £5,000 plus and buy a shiny new boat to get on the water. We are inclusive - old or young, experienced or a newcomer, we can all have some cheap fun on the water.” 

If you want to know more about the Royal Torbay Yacht Club or would like to get the whole family involved in sailing and boating on some of the finest waters in the South-West, visit the club website https://rtyc.org/ or call 01803 292006 (Office open 09:00-12:00 weekdays).