Outdoor activities return to Whiteadder Watersports Centre

 WATERSPORTS are returning to a reservoir in the Lammermuirs on a permanent basis after four years.

Whiteadder Watersports Centre, near Garvald, plans to offer sailing, supported swimming sessions, stand-up paddleboards and sit-on kayaks, as well as fly-fishing, from April to September.

The centre briefly opened in August last year for the final few months of the season and received good feedback from the public.

Now, following a competitive bidding process, the centre, which was previously operated by Scottish Borders Council, has been sublet and reopened by Whiteadder Watersports Trust, a specially formed not-for-profit charitable trust.

John Hall, chairperson of the trust, is among those aiming to encourage people of all ages and abilities to participate in a wide range of watersports.

He said: “The centre was built with public money so it’s right that it runs as a charitable trust rather than on a commercial basis.

“I was involved in the centre being set up under Scottish Borders Council several years ago and it’s great to see it up and running again!

The centre is located on the north bank of Whiteadder Reservoir, which straddles East Lothian and the Scottish Borders, on the B6355.

The reservoir is used by Scottish Water to supply about 40,000 customers with 24 million litres of water every day.

Archie Macgregor, land and development manager at Scottish Water, encouraged people to try their hand at a sport on the water.

Gul Fireball Golden Dolphin Series at Hayling Island Sailing Club next weekend

 Just one week to go before the second Gul Golden Dolphin event of the year, and the forecast is looking gorgeous!

See the HISC website for the NOR, the key points being:

Registration from 09:00 on 23rd April

Four-race series

The warning signal for the first race on 23 April is scheduled to be at 13:00.

On the last day no warning signal will be made after 15:00.

Gul Watersports is providing virtual vouchers in the Gold, Silver & Bronze fleets.

We're sharing with the Osprey fleet who we had a successful event with at Poole YC last year (to be repeated next month!), and the Contenders who we're having a combined Nationals with. It's going to be a fun weekend and we hope to see you there!

Get your entry in for the Osprey National Championships 2022 at Porthpean Sailing Club

 Early entry for the Osprey 2022 National Championships closes on the 1st May, so now is the time to submit your entry using the entry form that can be found on the Osprey Class Association website ospreysailing.org.uk. This will ensure that you take advantage of the attractive discounted price of £150 for which you will get eight closely contested races spread over four days, three meals plus a snack on the final day and a full social programme. Camping for tents, campervans and motorhomes is available on site at a very attractive rate.

Porthpean is a small sailing club situated in a beautiful bay on the south coast of Cornwall near to St Austell. The club, although small, punches well above its weight in holding Championship regattas and the Osprey Class have held several Championships there over the years, the last time being 2014. There are many visitor attractions in the area for any non-sailing members of the party, but if the weather is good, it is also an ideal spot for a holiday on the beach and enjoying the Porthpean and Osprey Class hospitality.

The class are very excited to be returning to this very popular venue in September and hope to see a large number of old and new friends attending. The Osprey Class Association will make efforts to find boats and crews for sailors from other classes wishing to join in this event.

The Champions say 'see you there in September' along with other 15 boats already entered.

GP14s set for Staunton Harold next weekend

 The second event in the hotly contested GP14 Midland Bell series is set to be hosted by Staunton Harold Sailing Club on 23rd April.

The second event in the Midland Bell series, the Staunton Open follows hot on the heels of last month's Chase SC's event. The big question is will the race leaders be contesting their top spots! The leaderboard is currently showing, Ian Dobson and Andy Tunnicliffe (Burwain SC) top of the Gold Fleet, M Cleal and Romak (Wembley/Welsh Harp SC) heading up the Silver Fleet and Cath Grove and Rob Slack (Chase SC) winning the Bronze Fleet.

Registration from 9:00 am on Saturday

The warning signal for the first race will be on/ after 10:55 on Saturday and...

Up to 3 races will be sailed - weather conditions permitting. Some races may be sailed back to back. Races 2 & 3 will be shared with the Miracle fleet.

Entry fee £19.50 for visiting boats and £1.50 for home SHSC boats payable on the day.

Please note that visiting sailors can enjoy camping on-site - please let us know in advance if you will be camping. For your supporters, in addition to cheering you on from the comfort of our club house and grounds, there are lovely walks around the sailing club and the National Trust's Calke Abbey close by is a great place to visit. Plus of course Melbourne Village is just a five minute drive away, an attractive Georgian market town with a range of shops, pubs and restaurants.

We look forward to seeing you on 14th May, if you have any queries please contact us via info@shsc.org.uk.

Six Firsts for Howth Yacht Club's Ewan McMahon at Laser Munsters in Baltimore

 Baltimore Sailing Club welcomed over 80 ILCA/Lasers for the Munster Championship this Easter bank holiday weekend.

The magnificent West Cork setting that is Baltimore delivered superb sailing conditions with South/South Westerly winds averaging between 15-18 knots over the course of the weekend. Expert Race Officer, Kieran McSweeney and his team, set a trapezoid course format for the six-race event series with three races on a Saturday and three on the Sunday.

True to form in the ultra-competitive ILCA 7 (Standard Fleet), Paris 2024 campaigner Ewan McMahon of HYC took first place overall with a flawless six first place results. 

Hot on his heels in second place overall was Micheal O’Suilleabhain of KYC. Darragh Kelleher of SSC took third overall and was first placed Master.

Second placed Master in fourth overall was Dan O’Connell, while Nick Walsh of RCYC was third-placed Master and fifth overall. The ILCA 7 fleet has seen huge growth this season thanks to the Irish ILCA Association promotional offer of free annual membership and event entry to the 18-30-year-old age group. This has proven to be a great initiative in attracting this cohort back to the association and taking part in regional events once again.

Chris Bateman of PWWC took third overall and just one nett point behind first and second, showing there was little or nothing between the top three. Sean Craig, Marco Sorgassi and Brendan Hughes (all RSGYC) took first, second and third-placed Masters in eighth, tenth and fifteenth place overall.

In the ILCA 4 (4.7 fleet) Daniel O’Connor of RSGYC took first place overall, very close behind was Sienna Wright of HYC while Daniel Palmer of BYC was third overall. A large cohort of this group used the event as practice for the upcoming Irish Youth Sailing Nationals in Ballyholme this coming weekend as did their friends in the ILCA 6 fleet.

Next up is the ILCA/Laser Connaught Championship in Waterford Harbour Sailing Club, Dunmore East from 07 – 08 May.

Fancy a dream sailing trip - here's your chance

 Young people living in the local area are being offered the opportunity of a free five-day residential voyage with the UK’s largest youth development sail training charity. 

Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) has a generous donation to spend, aimed at providing young people aged 12-25, with a transformational voyage onboard one of its iconic 72ft Challenger yachts and 55ft ketch. 

The programme is open from now and until the end of the year to schools, youth groups and individuals based within North Devon District Council, North and West Somerset District councils and Exmoor National Park areas.  

The voyages set sail from the charity’s base in Portsmouth and explore the Solent and beautiful South Coast with possible overnight stops in Cowes, Poole and Weymouth. 

Chas Cowell, Youth Development and Volunteer Manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to step out of their normal environment and comfort zone and experience an adventure at sea that we’ve seen excite and challenge them.  

Out on the open water, young people form a small community and working together, they develop the life skills, confidence and self-esteem needed to see beyond their horizon and realise their true potential.  

“The young people will take on a number of tasks, including hauling ropes, operating the winches and helming. Under supervision, they also learn to prepare and cook all the meals below deck in the galley kitchen.”  

If you’re a school or youth group operating in the above-named areas, please get in touch with Chas Cowell for more information: chas.cowell@tallships.org. 

 

Individuals aged 12-25, who live in these areas, can email: reservations@tallships.org. 

Open for this summer's hottest destinations

 

With summer on the horizon and travel more accessible than ever after two long years, it's time to start planning that much needed summer vacation!

We've rounded up some of the hottest destinations you need to add to your bucket list this summer!

Costa Rica

There's no doubt that this region has really stepped into the spotlight in the last few years. With moderate climate year round, an abundance of untouched nature and some of the best diving and snorkelling around, you really need to add Costa Rica to your bucket list. But go soon, this country will not stay unspoilt and hidden from the masses for long!

New England

Summer is when this yacht destination really comes to life! And thanks to the beautiful changing of the leaves in autumn, this yachting hub's season stretches well into the autumn months too.

Start in Martha's Vineyard and discover why this part of the coast is a longtime favourite for yachties. Or head to Maine in July and August and make sure you keep an eye out for the many types of whales that call this region home this time of year.

Komodo & the Lesser Sunda Islands

For as much as there is to discover underneath the waves, ancient worlds are begging you to explore them. Head over to the Lesser Sunda Islands and get up close and personal with the famed Komodo dragon that lives here. Recently branded one of UNESCO’s seven new world wonders, you’ll want to visit before everyone else gets the same idea!

In addition to the Komodo dragon, there is plenty more diving to be had here! Other unmissable sights include the exotic island of Sumba and the mystical island of Alor. Colourful reefs, untouched beaches and exotic wilderness awaits.

Croatia

There's a reason this stunning country ends up on our lists time after time. With over 1000 islands, ancient culture, low VAT rates and incredible weather, there really is no better way to do it than by the bow of your own yacht.

Island hop from one sun soaked beach to the next in Croatia or head into port and check out the many ancient historical sites at every stop. Either way, you'll want to make time for exploring both land and sea in this culturally rich area.

It's not too late to book your summer holiday ! Contact us today to get the ball rolling!

#luxurylifestyle #luxuryfamilyholidays #superyachtcharter 

#superyachtlifestyle #summerholidays2022 #asailorslotuk

Staunton Harold Sailing Club to host the Comet Association Championships

 Staunton Harold Sailing Club is delighted to host this year's Comet Association Championships. Set over two days - 14/15 May, we'll be welcoming Comet sailors and their supporters from across the country.

In addition to some great racing there'll be a chance for sailors and supporters to catch up over a three course evening meal on the Saturday - please see links below. In addition to local places to stay, camping will be available onsite.

Schedule/cost:

Registration: Please register in advance online here. We ask all sailors to register in advance, payment can be in advance via the online links or on the day - but signing up in advance, allows us to ensure the best racing for the event.

Onsite: All competitors should register their attendance on Saturday 14th in the Clubhouse from 9.00am.

Races: Up to 5 Races will be sailed - three on the Saturday and two on the Sunday - weather depending.

First Race: The first race on Saturday will not be before 10.55 am and on Sunday the first race will not be before 9.55am.

Entry fee: The entry fee is £20. Please note that the championship is open to Comet class boats (with Standard, Xtra, White Xtra or Mino rig) whose helms are members of the Comet Class Association at the time of the event. Membership (including a temporary membership of £10) is available via the Comet Class Association website.

Saturday evening, three course meal: It's not just about the racing, enjoy a relaxing and fun evening, over a three course meal - this needs to be booked in advance by 09/05/22 latest, please click here to book and scroll to the bottom of the page for tickets.

And of course the galley and bar will be open!

With lots of prizes up for grabs, it's not just the honour of winning that's at stake! Prizes will be given to the first 5 boats plus the 1st Lady, 1st Junior, 1st Ancient Mariner, 1st Veteran and 1st SHSC boat. Only one prize will be awarded to each individual prize winner.

Please note that visiting sailors can enjoy camping on-site - please let us know in advance if you will be camping. For your supporters, in addition to cheering you on from the comfort of our club house and grounds, there are lovely walks around the sailing club and the National Trust's Calke Abbey close by is a great place to visit. Plus of course Melbourne Village is just a five minute drive away, an attractive Georgian market town with a range of shops, pubs and restaurants.

We look forward to seeing you on 14th May, if you have any queries please contact us via info@shsc.org.uk.

Bandon Co-op Squib Nationals at Kinsale Yacht Club set to be great event

 The Bandon Co-op Squib National Championships incorporating The Irish Squib National Championships is being hosted By Kinsale Yacht Club from the 19th-24th June 2022.

The first time both Squib Nationals are running together, Kinsale Yacht Club's June event is shaping up to be a great week with a racing and social diary to keep both sailors and onshore crews busy.

From the Welcome Evening to the Final Night's Championship Dinner, there is a week of evening dining and entertainment planned around the Yacht club and balcony keeping the social side of the National Squib event, complimenting the sailing and racing side.

There are now over 50 Squibs entered. Included in the entries are the previous five Irish National winning boats (more on this next week) ensuring that the UK visitors will be pushed hard if they plan to return the National trophies back across the Irish Sea.

The daily prize-givings promise more than just the coveted line honours trophies. Thanks to the organization team led by Ian Travers wherever the mantel that the Silverware goes, the 2022 Nationals promises be a week that all will enjoy both on and off the water. Entries are still available at www.kyc.ie/squibs-championships-2022-entry-form

55 Currently Entered for Bangor Town Regatta on Belfast Lough

 Royal Ulster Yacht Club and Bangor Marina on Belfast Lough are gearing up for an influx of boats for Bangor Town Regatta at the end of June, with 55 currently entered.

The regatta will run from 23rd till 26th June out of Bangor Marina with racing on various courses. Con Murphy of the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire is in charge as the principal race officer with a local team's support.

Entries vary from Fairies, day keelboats from Royal North of Ireland YC about five miles along the coast to the big hitters such as the Harrington/Mulholland/O’Tiarnaigh trio’s IMX 38 Excession entered under RUYC, Ballyholme and Sutton DC, Jay Colville’s First Forty, Forty Licks from East Down on Strangford Lough, Pat Kelly’s J109 from Howth YC and Rush SC and John Minnis’s Archambault 35 Final Call II, the latter two part of the six-boat RC35 division.

At the moment, fourteen Sigmas are entered, but there is talk of Starshine Challenger, which has been ashore for some time, having been bought locally, so could it be that she will make up the 15.

Get set for the Royal Southern's North Sails May Regatta

 The Royal Southern Yacht Club will host the North Sails May Regatta 7th to the 8th of May 2022. This will be the first regatta of the Royal Southern Summer Series, consisting of four events from May to September. The regattas are open to entry for non-members and members alike with social events at the Royal Southern's extensive clubhouse on the Hamble River. Over 80 teams are expected for each regatta with hundreds of sailors taking part. Classes already signed up include J/70, SB20, Cape 31, HP30, J/111, and IRC Classes.

"For the first day of the regatta, North Sails experts will be on the water with coaching and drone video at the club after racing," commented Zoe Dupuy, North Sails European Marketing Manager. "North Sails will also support the regatta with a great mix of goodies as prizes: jackets, books, and sail bags, plus North Sails Certified Service will be on site for the weekend

The North Sails May Regatta is the first of the Summer Series, and after two years of disruption due to the pandemic, there is a real buzz at the club. "The Royal Southern Sailing Committee deserve a lot of credit; we have got back to being much more of a sailing club." continued Chris Jones. "In one strange way the pandemic has had a positive impact, in that we have all been forced to race closer to home, and we all want to encourage a continuation of that."

Online Entry for the North Sails May Regatta and the Notice of Race has been posted at YachtScoring. Entries made by 23rd April will benefit from the 15% early-bird discount. For more information visit www.royal-southern.co.uk.

Etchells Spring Regatta at the Royal London Yacht Club

 The Etchells Spring Regatta, run by the Royal London Yacht Club with PRO Peter Taylor, the first event of the year, saw the 12 boat fleet treated to champagne sailing conditions of 6-12knts and sunshine.

Day 1 was dominated from the start by Lawrie Smith, with Richard Parslow, Goncalo Ribeiro and Ben Saxton scoring three bullets in a tricky fluctuating breeze. Closely followed by Graham Bailey, David Bedford, Will Bedford and Dilly Ala on Strait Dealer scoring a 6,4,1, with Malcom Offord in third after a 8,2,4.

Day 2 started light but a steady SE breeze built to provide another three great races in 8-15knts of breeze. Again Lawrie showed form with a 2,1,1, Youth and Corinthian team of Rhys Lewis, Alex Colquitt, Joe Bradley and Oliver Dowson-McGill, in their first Etchells regatta, on board Ziggy put in a solid day 2 with a 3,3,3.

The event finished with Lawrie Smith scoring an impressive 5 bullets from 6 races, being able to discard the 2nd place, second was well deserved by Strait Dealer finishing all but one race in the top 5, with the solid second day team Ziggy sailed away with 3rd place 1st Corinthian and 1st youth.

The next Etchells regatta is the Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy 30th April - 2nd May being run by the RYS which is a qualifier for the World Championship being held in Cowes in September.

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Boat Name Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Pts

1 GBR 1434 Alfie Lawrie Smith / Richard Parslow / Goncalo Ribeiro / Ben Saxton 1 1 1 2 1 1 5

2 GBR 1431 Strait Dealer Graham Bailey / David Bedford / Will Bedford / Dilly Ala 6 4 2 1 4 4 15

3 GBR 1271 Ziggy (Corinthian) Rhys Lewis / Alex Colquitt / Joe Bradley / Oliver Dowson‑McGill 7 9 5 3 3 3 21

4 GBR 1352 Jolly Roger Tom Abrey / Matt Reid / Bruno van Dyke 4 6 UFD 6 2 5 23

5 GBR 1460 MBF Paul Brotherton / James Fawcett / Hannah Peters / Alain Sign 3 3 UFD 4 UFD 2 25

6 GBR 1266 Puffing Billy Malcolm Offord / Laurence Mead / Sam Haines 8 2 4 7 10 8 29

7 GBR 1020 Sumo (Corinthian) Dylan Collingbourne / Ellie Clark / Tom Callan / Sophie Bentley 5 10 8 5 7 6 31

8 GBR 927 Shamal (Corinthian) Anthony Parke / Ross Mackley / Carys Randeria / Jonathan Mears 2 7 7 8 9 UFD 33

9 GBR 1014 Palaver (Corinthian) Azat Ulutas / Seun Williams / Alex Bouchereau / Huseyin Taraman 10 8 3 10 6 9 36

10 GBR 1194 Mano (Corinthian) Kate MacAdorey / James Cunnison / Charlie Elise 12 5 6 11 11 10 43

Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller Series Round 5 at Salcombe Yacht Club

 The weekend of the 9th and 10th April welcomed 41 keen Merlin Rocket teams to a very sunny Salcombe Estuary for round 5 of the Craftinsure Silver Tiller 2022.

Salcombe Yacht Club put on a great evening on the Saturday, with drinks on the terrace. The Yacht Club has arguably the best beer and the best view in Salcombe, so it’s important that we support these guys. This was followed by a great food and plenty more beer and Salcombe Gin for those who wanted it. It was great to see lots of people get together, after what has been a tricky few years.

Overall, Gould & Allen took the Chicken Dinner, Simon Potts & Holly McArthur came in second and Andy Davis and Pippa Kilsby took third. The winners of the Silver Fleet were David & Sarah Conlon, and the winners of the Bronze Fleet were Dan Heaton and Tom Gurney.

A great weekend was had by all, and it was so nice to have some great conditions to sail  in. Salcombe Yacht Club were great hosts as always, Salcombe Gin were generous sponsors of the event yet again, along with Craftinsure who are sponsoring our Silver Tiller series again, for which we are very appreciative.

Next up we are off to Mumbles on 23rd/24th April, which was an awesome venue last time. I hope to see you all there!

Overall Results:

Pos Fleet Sail No Boat Name Helm Name Crew Name R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1st Gold 3812 Maumahara Chris Gould Rob Allen 3 ‑19 1 3 7

2nd Gold 3802 Khaleesi Simon Potts Holly McArthur (BFD) 2 3 7 12

3rd Gold 3735 TCW Andy Davis Pippa Kilsby 4 3 ‑8 6 13

4th Gold 3788 Christian Birrell Sam Brearey (BFD) 1 4 9 14

5th Gold 3652 Time & Tide Arthur Henderson Olivia Bell 1 ‑16 13 1 15

6th Gold 3775 Night Fury Chris Jennings Pete Nicholson 6 5 5 ‑11 16

7th Gold 3814 Sonic James Goss Chris Kilsby 8 4 ‑10 5 17

8th Gold 3726 Arwen Will Henderson Rob Henderson 7 ‑13 9 2 18

9th Gold 3803 Black Swan Caroline Croft Sam Blocksidge (BFD) 8 2 10 20

10th Gold 3764 Fancy Liquor Tim Fells Fran Gifford (BFD) 7 15 4 26

11th Gold 3746 Point N Squirt James Wells Anna Aylward 2 ‑15 14 12 28

12th Gold 3801 Pokey Matt Biggs Beka Jones 5 9 (WAY) 15 29

13th Gold 3799 Simply Scrumptious Paul Rayson Christian Hill 12 11 6 ‑21 29

14th Gold 3807 Baloo Tim Saxton Mary Henderson 11 12 7 ‑13 30

15th Silver 3753 Appetite for Destruction David Conlon Sarah Conlon 10 ‑18 12