Sailors cruising around the UK this summer are asked to report any sightings of basking sharks

 Sailors are being encouraged to report any basking shark sightings to The Shark Trust this summer.

Between May and October, these endangered fish return to British waters to feed on plankton.

Monitoring, management, and further research into the basking shark population is vital to ensure their survival.

Currently, basking sharks are one of the most heavily protected species in UK and EU waters, and are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Basking sharks grow slowly and are late to mature so produce few young, making them vulnerable; it takes a long time for populations to recover.

The managing director of the Shark Trust, Paul Cox said that while targeted and well-funded scientific research was needed to fully understand the status and potential recovery of basking sharks, everyone can play their part by reporting sightings.

It’s also illegal to intentionally disturb or harass them in UK waters.

If you witness disturbance or harassment of a basking shark, please report it to the National Wildlife Crime Unit immediately.

Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

 There was an active weekend at the lake the weeeknd of 14/15 May with events on both days. On Saturday 14 May, the club hosted a round of the North West Junior Travellers races. 30 young sailors, in single handed dinghies raced in bright sunshine with a light and often fickle westerly wind. It was a colourful sight as many of the sails are not the usual white colour.

Competitors came from all parts of the region, with Ullswater in the north, bringing a team of 7 youngsters, Combs and Glossop in Derbyshire, and Southport to the west. Sailors were ranked by age group as well as producing an overall result on handicap. The overall winner, and under 16 years age, was George Jacobs from Combs in a Byte dinghy, followed by Oliver Hirst from Scammonden in a Laser, with local Jacob Din (also Laser) third. The Under 14 category was led by local Millie Hayfield in a Topper who finished fourth overall. The under 11 years age group was won by Freya Antonelli from Budworth, also Topper, who was sixth overall.

International 14s at the 2022 Weymouth Skiff Open

 Ten International Fourteens travelled to Portland for the 2022 Skiff Open. The two-day event joined together Musto Skiffs, B14's, Cherubs and I14's, providing a great opportunity for the 14 to show what it could do. This was also the first opportunity of the year to get the fleet on a big course so that true pace could be gauged ahead the Nationals in a couple of weeks time.

With day two looking iffy on breeze, the race officer (wisely) changed the plan for day one and signalled his intention for 4 races. With a gently building 8 knots it was set to be a glamour Portland Harbour day out.

With day two abandoned due to no wind, this was all the racing we got. Fortunately, it was epic! With tight battles throughout the fleet and the top three separated by 1 point each, it is going to be a titanic battle for this year's honours. 

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts

1 1565 Archie Massey Harvey Hillary Itchenor SC ‑4 2 1 1 4

2 1553 Glen Truswell Ed FitzGerald 2 1 ‑3 2 5

3 1569 Andy Shaw Rob Struckett Itchenor SC 1 ‑3 2 3 6

4 1561 Douglas Pattison Mark Tait Itchenor SC 3 ‑4 4 4 11

5 1572 Peter Bromley Hughbert Maclean Itchenor SC 5 5 5 ‑6 15

6 1558 Robin Pascal Martin Pascal Itchenor SC 6 ‑8 7 5 18

7 1530 Alex Knight James Clark Chew Valley Lake SC (DNC) 6 6 7 19

8 1551 Richard Bone Alex Smith ‑9 7 8 8 23

9 1573 Peter Crockford Harry Kennedy Itchenor SC 8 (DNF) 9 DNC 28

10 1557 Katie Nurton Cameron Tweedle RYS / WPNSA 7 (DNF) DNC DNF 29

A fortnight to go until IRC UK Championship

 One of the pinnacle events of the IRC rating system in the UK, will take place over June 10-12 from Cowes.

This year’s edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s IRC National Championship will be its 24th and as usual will feature a mixed line-up of yachts from across the size and age spectrum, allowing the IRC rating system to create a level playing field between them.

World class PRO, double Olympic Finn sailor and Etchells World Champion Stuart Childerley will send the IRC fleets off on courses around the Solent with up to four races scheduled each day.

The fleet is divided into tightly banded classes according to their IRC rating to provide the closest possible racing for competitors between yachts of similar performance. The unique format of the IRC National Championship enables any yacht from across the fleet – big or small, old or new – whose crew sails the best, to be crowned IRC National Champion. 

For further information and Notice of Race,

 please go to: http://www.rorc.org/racing/race-documents

61st Yachtmaster Insurance Three Rivers Race this weekend

 After a triumphant return to the Broads Calendar in 2021, Horning Sailing Club's Flagship Event - the 61st Yachtmaster Insurance Three Rivers Race is due to take place this weekend (28th/29th May). With over 100 entrants expected to participate, it should be a great event for both sailors and spectators alike.

Excitement is building ahead of Saturday's race, with competitors due to start from Horning Sailing Club, situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Horning, to race through the winding rivers of the Broads. The route will encompass four turning points on the 50+ mile course, which can be sailed in any order, dependent on tides and wind conditions, the decision being a tactical one, which can make or break the race. The turning points include Ludham Bridge on the River Ant, South Walsham on the River Bure, under Acle Bridge to a rounding point usually between Stokesby and the Stracey Arms Windpump, and beyond Potter Heigham Bridge on the River Thurne to a buoy on Hickling Broad.

With some 100 boats taking part, from traditional Broads sailing cruisers to keelboats including Yares & Bures, Rebels and Yeomans, craft range from a 14 foot Norfolk Dinghy to an imposing Thames A Rater with its huge towering rig, standing at 45 foot tall, it is a true spectacle. Excitement is usually found at the bridges, where boats lower their masts to paddle under, some opting to "shoot" the bridges, meaning that they leave it until the last second to drop the mast. Seen as one of the 'must do' sailing events, and named by the Sport and Recreation Alliance as one of the top 10 mass participation events in 2013, sailors descend on Horning from all across the UK, with participants this year from the South Coast, Lancashire and the North East.

With sunshine and a fresh breeze forecast, conditions should be lively with plenty of excitement - some will be hoping to make it back to Horning before dark, but for most they will be out all night - experiencing the magic of the Broads at dusk and dawn. If you cannot make it to see the Race in person, you can view all the action via webcams on the Horning Sailing Club website, horning-sailing.club/webcams

2022 Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Class Nationals to be held the WPNSA, 9-12 June

 This year's event is shaping up as an important guide for next years Worlds, to be held at the same venue, with a number of local front runners looking to lay down a solid marker.

To date we have overseas entries from Nicoli Jacobsen (NOR/RHKYC), Max Godfrey (AUS/RFBYC) and expect our regular USA guest Brad Funk to also add his name to this list, with all sailing Biekers.

You could be mistaken for thinking that the very top end is where the action cuts off but that is not the case with the Moth class. Through the fleet will be a healthy mix of new and experienced campaigners looking to climb the ranks.

In recent years the International Moth Class has worked very hard at opening the class up to more female participation. We are excited to have the defending World Women's Champion Josie Gliddon looking to defend her national crown against a building line up of talent including Emily Nagel, Rachael Jenkins and Kay Myerscough and add another impressive overall result.

In all 4 days of fast flat water foiling to look forward to where our hosts at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy will provide the perfect setting. Post race snacks and drinks with an evening BBQ, campers on site and prizes for categories right through the fleet. One not to miss!

The class encourages Moth sailors to support our sponsors wherever possible, since they are so good at supporting us.

For all UK Moth class event updates and news on how to enter, follow us on our FB events page at www.facebook.com/MothClassUK or on our UK class website at www.internationalmoth.co.uk

Hamble Classics Regatta open for Early-Bird entries

 The 7th Hamble Classics Regatta on 10 and 11 September 2022 is now open for entries

Co-hosted by Hamble River Sailing Club organising the racing, and the Royal Air Force Yacht Club will be the onshore venue.

With racing for Classic Racers, Cruisers and Dayboats, the International Metre classes, Old Gaffers, Spirit of Tradition Yachts and Classic One-Designs.

A unique feature is the Concours d’Elegance Awards in five categories, for Best Yacht, Most Authentic, Best Spirit of Tradition, Best GRP, and new this year, ’Spirit of Racing’ to recognise classic yachts modified to remain competitive in the contemporary racing fleet.

The Notice of Race and Yacht Eligibility are available to download with online entry ready for Early-Bird entries at – https://hambleclassics.co.uk

Supported by Spinlock, Classic Marine, the Elephant Boatyard, Performance Rigging, OneSails, Blakes & Taylors, the Sandeman Yacht Company and Salcombe Distilling Co., also welcomed this year is Walcon Marine.

Ouse Amateur Sailing Club is hosting an open sailing day this weekend

 Ouse Amateur Sailing Club, who are holding a Discover Sailing Open Day on Sunday 29 May, from 1pm-4pm.

The Club said: “If you would like to try sailing, or have done it before and have had a long break, now is your chance to have a sail at the Ouse Amateur Sailing Club. We will be welcoming you to get on the water between 1pm and 4pm, with the help of friendly and experienced club members.

Please bring a towel, change of clothing, and suitable shoes that you don’t mind gettingwet. Buoyancy aids will be provided.

All welcome, but children under 5 will not be sailing. We can be found at Saddlebow,

King’s Lynn. PE34 3AW is the nearest postcode for your satnav”

For more information please contact Sue at hon.sailingsec@oasc.co.uk,

or telephone 01366 500461

Could you be Head of Operations for the Andrew Simpson Foundation?

 Andrew Simpson Foundation are incredibly excited to be recruiting for a Head of Operations to join our team!

This is a brand new opportunity to work for our growing organisation and to play a crucial role in making a real impact and to transform lives through sailing. The role will help to drive the Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) at both a strategic and operational level by overseeing the development and expansion of the Andrew Simpson Centres (ASC).

Since the charity was founded in 2014, over 30,000 participants are now coming through our not-for-profit Centres and the last year or so has seen two new not-for-profit ventures in the ASC Performance Academy and Andrew Simpson Yachting (ASY).The new role will be pivotal in realising the ASF's growth strategy and achieving our vision, enabling thousands more people to have the opportunity to get out on the water in our mission to transform lives through sailing.

For more information about this role, visit Andrew Simpson Foundation Head of Operations

The Andrew Simpson Foundation is the Official Charity of Marine Resources.

Entries open for Poole Week 2022

 The British sailing season wouldn't be complete without Poole Week, which takes place this year from 28th August to 2nd September.

One of the country's most popular events for dinghies and small keelboats, Poole Week is delighted to welcome back Bournemouth Digital as title sponsor. Badger Beers are sponsoring a day's racing and providing further support in the form of free beer daily for competitors, together with subsidised beer at the bar during the week. Prizes will be provided by Rooster, whose event-branded clothing will also be available for purchase.

 Poole Week is known for competitive yet friendly racing combined with great social life ashore at Parkstone Yacht Club, offering:

Afternoon racing in Poole Harbour, with its spectacular backdrops of the Purbecks, Corfe Castle, Sandbanks, the Arne peninsula and Brownsea Island

Class starts for Dart 18s, Flying Fifteens, Merlin Rockets, RS200s, RS400s, ILCA 6s and 7s, Wayfarers, XODs, Cornish Shrimpers and Poole Dolphins. Handicap fleets too

Additional class starts for any class with 12 or more entries

Daily on-the-water coaching and post-race analysis by top coach Niall Myant-Best

Daily prize-givings (and you don't have to win a race to win a prize!)

Two free meals during the week for competitors

Enter by 29th May to qualify for the early-bird discount

Accommodation is available locally and there's much to do in and around Poole for non-sailing family and friends.

For more information and entry details visit www.pooleweek.org

Cowes Spring Classics 2022

 The fifth edition of Cowes Spring Classics held over the weekend of 20-22 May, was back to its traditional date after two years of calendar hopping and was judged a great success by the competitors taking part.

The Regatta, based at Shepards Marina in Cowes, started with the Mermaid Gin Welcome Drinks and Crew BBQ on Friday evening followed by two days of racing. Racing conditions were perfect, despite a forecast of low winds and the classic yacht crews in Bermudan and Gaff Rigged classes, enjoyed four races over the two days in glorious Solent sunshine, sailing on a variety of courses expertly set by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club Race Team.

The Saturday night dinner in the Sugar Store was enjoyed by nearly 100 owners and crew, many of whom dressed to suit the age of their yacht.

The overall winner of the regatta was Whooper, Giovanni Belgrano’s 1939 Laurent Giles sloop, a popular result with four class wins. Whooper was also the winner of the first Cowes Spring Classics in 2018.

Prize Winners:

Overall Regatta Winner - Whooper (Giovanni Belgrano)

Class 1 (Larger Bermudan yachts)

1st Whooper (Giovanni Belgrano)

2nd Cetewayo (David Murrin)

Class 2 (Smaller Bermudan yachts)

1st Mikado (Michael Briggs)

2nd Suvretta (Chris & Victoria Preston)

Class 3 (Gaff Rigged yachts)

1st Step Back In Time (Tony Kiddle)

2nd Ivy Green (Richard Jacobs)

Best effort by a family crewed boat - Sea Filly (Joanna Tall)

Spirit of the Regatta Trophy - Sheba (Leon Clifton)

Hurricane 5.9 SX TT at Starcross Yacht Club

 Starcross Yacht Club on the banks of the River Exe hosted the first Hurricane event of the year on the 21st and 22nd of May. The Devon club welcomed 12 travelling crews from Essex, Yorkshire and Hampshire joining 8 from the home club.

After a full day of solid twin wiring weather and frantic action, the fleet enjoyed a leisurely afternoon followed by a BBQ over looking the estuary in the sun! The leader board was tight with 4 boats on 11 points.

Sunday dawned and despite a short hold on shore the fleet were keen to get on the water as the sea breeze filled in again, knowing they were in for another day of racing in idyllic sailing conditions.

In the end it was Alex & Miles who took the win showing great consistency on both days. Ben & Kez managed to drag themselves up to second and Jeremy & Julian in third. All in all, a great weekend of racing in fantastic weather and great conditions. The Hurricane is proving itself to be a versatile boat with crew ranges from 13 to 70 plus and a special mentions to Miles who is 15 years old (and won!), our youngest sailor Oliver Fellows at 13 sailing his first open meeting with his father having bought their SX in October joining Eloise, Freddie, Caleb and Jack who are all under 16 and had a great weekend.

The Hurricanes next TT is July 2nd and 3rd at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club.

Overall Results:

,Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Pts

1 436 Alex Farrall Miles Mawditt Thorpe Bay YC 3 ‑5 3 2 2 4 14

2 429 Ben Cutler‑Sharp Kez Cutler‑Sharp Starcross YC 8 4 ‑9 1 1 1 15

3 455 Julian Reichert Jeremy Sandford Thorpe Bay YC 7 2 2 4 ‑9 3 18

4 454 John Donovan Harry Durant Starcross YC 4 1 6 6 3 ‑11 20

5 487 George Warrington Howard Warrington Thorpe Bay YC 5 ‑8 4 3 4 7 23

6 359 Alex Warrington Sam Osborne Thorpe Bay YC ‑6 3 5 5 6 5 24

7 423 John Ready Will Powell DSC West Mersea 2 6 7 8 ‑15 2 25

8 112 Harry Boygle Sophie Boygle Thorpe Bay YC 1 9 1 ( RET 12 16 39

9 428 Adam Charlesworth Rich Robinson Stokes Bay ‑16 7 10 13 7 10 47

10 485 Graham Buxton‑Smith Jack Solly Starcross YC 10 10 ‑17 16 8 9 53

11 456 Geoff Tindale Hebe Hemming Stone SC 9 11 12 9 ‑16 15 56

12 102 Adrian Bunting Stephanie Bunting Thorpe Bay YC 12 16 8 ‑17 13 8 57

RS Sailing's top 10 tips for getting your training fleet ready for the start of the summer season!

 The season is kicking off, and as ever, it's essential to spend some time rigging up your boat and sailing it before your customers and students arrive at your Sailing Club or Training Centre.

Take the time to blow out all the cobwebs from last season and pick up on any niggles that could stop your team or volunteers from maximising their session time on the water this summer.

Here are our top 10 things to check before getting out on the water this season!

Trolley

Most damage on a sailing boat results from poor maintenance of its trolley. Check that all the cushioning and rubber is in place, so your boat isn't grinding on the trolley.

Trolley wheels

Give these a good look over. Pushing a boat with flat tyres is far from ideal. Make sure they're in good condition ahead of getting out on the water so you can order spare parts in time.

Kicker

This is often the main control in small sailing dinghies. These ropes and blocks will take a lot of wear and tear. Give them a good check to make sure there is no fraying, make sure the blocks are in working order so that the kicker has a full range of motion and replace the rope if you need to.

Rivets

The unsung hero of spars - so often we forget these little pieces of metal doing all the work to keep our spars in working order. But it's time you gave them a little bit of love to make sure that everything is well maintained. Over time, water can corrode your mast/boom, leaving it weak and vulnerable to breakages. It's best to find these before it you end up with a boom in two sections!

Key cleats

Check your main and jib halyard and sheet cleats for fraying. Similar to the kicker, they undergo lots of wear and tear, so it's important to keep an eye on them!

Reefing systems

Nothing says 'get out of jail free card' like a reefing system. An essential training system on any boat, it's definitely worth making sure that this is running smooth and free of any snags. On a windy day, when the chips are down, you'll thank yourself.

Jib furling line

Being able to furl your jib is essential to teaching people to sail in a controlled environment. More importantly, communicating in a quiet environment without the jib flapping helps your sailors concentrate and achieve.

Tiller universal joint

This might look like it's only wearing slightly, but it can snap off suddenly. It's best to check and repair a tiller extension joint as soon as it starts to show signs of wear and tear so that you don't end up with it breaking whilst you are sailing.

Bungs

Avoid embarrassing moments, always check your bung!

Clean your boats

With the obvious benefits of your boats looking good, avoid any foreign species from invading any water sources you are sailing in by keeping your boats squeaky clean. Most of all, the dirt and the grime can hide areas of your boat that could be damaged. Keeping your boats clean will allow you to see if something is breaking and ensure that your customers or students have the best experience.

The Customers Care Team at RS Sailing are always on hand to help with any advice or replacement parts, so please don't hesitate to get in touch. We hope you have a fantastic summer on the water at your sailing club or training centre!