SESCA's 2024 Season Preview

 

The St Edmundsbury Sailing & Canoeing Association's 2024 season starts on Good Friday, 29 March at Lackford Lake, 5 miles NW of Bury St Edmunds.

A comprehensive programme of dinghy sailing and paddling is scheduled, with on the water activities running through to November. Dinghy racing is organised on Sundays with social sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding taking place at any time, so long as two adult members are on site.

The club runs RYA adult and junior dinghy sailing courses and paddle sports training sessions for members throughout the season. The club owns a large fleet of training dinghies (eg Wanderers; Gull; Lasers/ILCAs; Picos; Toppers and Optimists), kayaks and paddleboards (SUPs), which are also available for hire. It is a great feature of the club that you do not need your own equipment to be able to sail or paddle.

SESCA hosts a number of group members including the Bury St Edmunds Sea Cadets; Newmarket and Mildenhall Sea Cadets; Young People Afloat (a sailing youth club); Suffolk Scouts; Priory School and WASH Sailability. The latter group caters for individuals with a variety of special needs, as well as people with a wide range of physical disabilities.

The highlight of the season's programme is the club's '11th Antigua Sailing Day Regatta', which will be held on Sunday, 16 June. This is a fun event, which celebrates 'Antigua Sailing Week' in the Caribbean. The Regatta is again being generously supported by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.

The club prides itself on its low membership fees and being affordable to all (cadet £25 pa; adult £62 pa and family £90 pa).

Anyone interested in joining the club is invited to look at the club's website :-

 www.westsuffolksailing.org.uk 

or contact the club secretary at sesca.admin@gmail.com for further information.

SailGP returns to San Francisco for Season 4 Grand Final showdown

 

Tickets for the SailGP Season 4 Grand Final in San Francisco are now on sale, giving fans the opportunity to once again experience the high-adrenaline conclusion to the SailGP Season 4 Championship on San Francisco Bay on July 13-14.

Already eight events into the 13-event season, SailGP's 10 national teams raised the bar yet again on incredible competition, action and drama - both on and off the water - and it will all come down to the thrilling conclusion on San Francisco Bay this July.

Will Tom Slingsby's Australia claim its fourth title, or is this the year that a new winner is crowned - and takes home the increased prize purse of $2 million for the Grand Final race where the top three boats in Season 4 will compete in one winner-take-all race?

There is no denying San Francisco Bay is one of the most challenging - and rewarding - places to sail in the world," said Canfield, a seven-time world champion and in his first season as driver for the American team. "We are pushing hard as a new team with our goal to be one of the top three on the starting line for that Grand Final."

With the anticipated top-end conditions that San Francisco is famous for, the F50s will be racing on the edge, consistently pushing the 60 mph (100 km/h) threshold as the 10 teams representing the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, New Zealand, Spain, and Switzerland race on San Francisco Bay between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

To learn more and purchase your tickets for the SailGP Season 4 Grand Final in San Francisco, visit : -   SailGP.com/SanFrancisco.

National fundraising award for 'herculean' 262 island sailor

 

A retired air traffic controller who sailed around 262 islands in a 13ft (4m) dinghy has received a national award for his fundraising efforts.

It took Ken Fowler, from Mudeford in Dorset, over four years to lap every island off the English and Welsh coast.

Cancer Research UK have awarded the 58 year old Fundraising Volunteer of the Year after he raised more than £75,000 for the charity and Oakhaven Hospice.

"It's incredible, I'm blown away... I just wasn't expecting it, "he said.

He took on the challenge after he lost his father aged 50 and his mother-in-law to cancer.

"My dad was one of six siblings.... five of them died of cancer. The disease has decimated my family so that's why raising a massive amount of money to fund research is so important to me," he said.

"I carried a picture of my father and my mother-in-law in my boat so over the thousand miles I sailed they were the most magical inspiration to keep me going."

Mr Fowler started the sailing challenge in 2019 and completed the final island, the Isle of Wight, in June 2023.

"I completely underestimated how many [islands] there were - I thought there were maybe about 150 .... but it turned out there were 262!" he said.

He sailed all the voyages in his dinghy Yoda which he described as "literally the size of two bathtubs and generally just as wet".

"It's been a fantastic boat but most people would look at it and say 'you intend to do what in that'?"

Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson for Dorset, said Mr Fowler "made such a herculean effort to help people whose lives are affected by cancer".

She said: "These awards are our way of honouring incredible people like Ken who give their time freely to raise money for research and promote greater awareness of the disease.

"Time volunteered is not ordinary time. It's time infused with passion, drive and determination. It's time honouring lost family members and friends. Or extra time gained thanks to advances in research."

The challenge saw Mr Fowler launch his boat 88 times, sail for 264 hours and clock up 1,336 nautical miles to complete all 262 islands.

YOUNG GUN HEATHCOTE AND TEAM GB VETERAN GRUBE WIN PARIS 2024 SELECTION

 

Sailors Vita Heathcote and Chris Grube will compete for Team GB in the mixed dinghy class at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the British Olympic Association announced today.

Heathcote will be the youngest sailor in the Team GB line-up aged just 22, while Grube, 39, will make his third appearance for Team GB having competed at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 with Luke Patience.

The pair only joined forces eight months ago but last month scooped a silver medal at the 470 class World Championship in Palma, Mallorca, securing a quota place for Team GB and earning themselves athlete selection.

Heathcote, from Lymington, Hants, is a rising star of the British Sailing Team, joining in 2020 aged just 18. 

She was World Champion in the 420 class, the youth version of the 470, the previous year and has since scooped a European bronze medal as well as the recent World Championship silver.

The Olympic legacy also runs strong in Heathcote’s family – her uncle is three-time Olympic sailor Nick Rogers, who won silver medals in the 470 class at Athens and Beijing.

“It gives me goosebumps knowing that I’m going to be a part of the biggest sporting spectacle on earth,” said Heathcote.

“The Olympics has always been the goal and the thing I project my inspiration and motivation towards, so selection is a box ticked on the way there. 

“I feel like now I can really sink my teeth into that event and the progress up to it - it is a very freeing and unique sensation.”

She was World Champion in the 420 class, the youth version of the 470, the previous year and has since scooped a European bronze medal as well as the recent World Championship silver.

Heathcote will have big shoes to fill, picking up the mantle from Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Hannah Mills and Eilidh McIntyre.

Team GB has a rich history in the class, which until now was split into men’s and women’s fleets. 

Since the class was introduced to the Olympics in 1988 Team GB has won four silver medals in the men’s fleet, and two golds and a silver in the women’s.

The change to a mixed fleet, brought in for Paris 2024, opened the door for Grube to make a comeback to the class he’s competed in for two decades.

“In the run-up to the 2023 World Championships Vita needed a crew, and I was available,” said Chester’s Grube, who’s been sailing professionally since Tokyo 2020.

“Vita and I have worked tirelessly over the last six months. It’s a late campaign for us but coming second at the World Championships last month showed our capability.

“It means a huge amount to be going to the Games for a third time. I’ve had 20 years in this boat, and it’s always been my dream to win an Olympic medal. I’ve been to two Games and finished fifth at both, but I’m excited about what we can do this time round.”

Mark England, Team GB Chef de Mission, said: “Following their fantastic silver at the recent World Championships I am delighted to welcome Vita Heathcote and Chris Grube to Team GB for Paris 2024. 

“It is great to have Chris back in an Olympic boat for his third Games and I am sure his Olympic experience will make for a strong pairing alongside Vita who is making her Olympic debut this summer.”

Mark Robinson, RYA Performance Director and Team GB sailing team leader, added: “In Vita and Chris we have a proven winner at international youth level and an experienced Olympian, who after less than a year together have proven through their recent results that they are capable of continuing Team GB’s sailing legacy.  

“I know that they, together with our other senior pair Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris and coach Jonny McGovern, will be pushing hard from now until the Games to ensure our legacy in this class continues.”

Heathcote and Grube are the 12th and 13th sailors to be picked for Team GB at Paris 2024, leaving only one spot, in the men’s kite discipline, still to fill.

The sailors selected for Paris 2024 are:

John Gimson and Anna Burnet – Mixed Multihull (Nacra 17)

James Peters and Fynn Sterritt – Men’s Skiff (49er)

Freya Black and Saskia Tidey – Women’s Skiff (49erFX)

Emma Wilson – Women’s Windsurfing (iQFOiL)

Sam Sills – Men’s Windsurfing (iQFOiL)

Ellie Aldridge – Women’s Kite (Formula Kite)

Michael Beckett – Men’s Dinghy (ILCA 7)

Hannah Snellgrove – Women’s Dinghy (ILCA 6)

Vita Heathcote and Chris Grube – Mixed Dinghy (470)

Young flying into European Championships despite Olympic blow

 

Young was unable to earn Olympic selection in the Formula Kite class, with European champion Ellie Aldridge getting the nod for Paris 2024.

This is despite Young winning bronze at last year’s World Championships and finishing fourth at European level.

The south coast star will have to wait until at least LA 2028 to make her Olympic debut but is zeroing in on the next best thing: becoming world champion in Hyeres, France next month.

"It feels weird coming third in the world and not going to the Olympics,” admitted Young. “I know that I’m better than 80% of the sailors who are going to the Olympics.

“But that’s what you sign up for, in our sport only one can go and if you’re not the best of the best, there is the risk that you won’t.

“I got over it pretty quickly, because I can still win a World Championship. Worlds are almost harder than the Olympics because absolutely everyone is there, there is no limit per nation.

I’ve been able to reset to helping Ellie towards her goals for the Games and we’ve got a really nice balance. I’m super motivated to keep progressing because I know I can still improve the colour of my medal.”

Young is part of the strongest Formula Kite women squad in the world, one of four British sailors who finished in the top 10 at last year’s Worlds in the new Olympic boat class.

“We can basically recreate the standard of racing of Olympic finals in our training group,” she said. “We also have the youth lads who come and sail with us as well.

“We decided this winter just to sail as a British squad and keep all of our information to ourselves without having to share with other nations.”

Young and team will get their first indication as to how winter training, spent mainly in Mexico and Fuerteventura, has progressed at the Europeans in Mar Menor, Spain

Spring Maintenance for your Boat

 

Maintaining your boat in the spring is crucial for a smooth sailing season. Here are some essential tasks : - 

**Inspect the Hull**: Check for any signs of damage, cracks, or blistering on the hull. Repair as necessary.

**Clean the Exterior**: Remove any dirt, grime, or salt buildup from the exterior of the boat using appropriate cleaning products.

 **Check the Propeller and Shaft**: Inspect the propeller for any damage or dings, and ensure it is securely attached to the shaft.

**Inspect the Engine**: Check oil levels, fuel lines, belts, and hoses. Replace any worn-out parts and ensure proper lubrication.

**Test the Electrical Systems**: Check all lights, gauges, and electronics to ensure they are functioning correctly.

**Inspect Safety Equipment**: Check life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and other safety equipment for expiration dates and functionality.

**Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts**: Grease fittings, hinges, and other moving parts to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.

**Check the Bilge Pump**: Ensure it is working correctly and clear any debris from the bilge area.

**Inspect the Trailer**: Check tires, bearings, lights, and brakes on the trailer to ensure safe towing.

**Verify Registration and Documentation**: Make sure your boat registration and any required permits are up to date.

**Test the Battery**: Charge the battery and test it to ensure it holds a charge and functions properly.

 **Stock Up on Supplies**: Check inventory and restock supplies such as fuel, oil, and cleaning products.

By following these maintenance steps, you can ensure your boat is in top condition and ready for a successful season on the water.

Torbay Dinghy Regatta 2024

 

The Torbay Dinghy Regatta will take place over the weekend of July 27 and 28 in Torquay, with guaranteed fun and competitive racing for PY Dinghies – Asymmetric, Non-Asymmetric and Junior Classes. Incorporating the Albacore Southern Area Championships.

The Bay will be welcoming sailors from around the country to come and join Torbay RYA at this summer weekend and enjoy racing on some of the finest sailing waters in the world.

Over many years, the Royal Torbay Yacht Club has established an enviable reputation in hosting top class regattas and championships. Sailors and their families can be assured of a friendly welcome and an enjoyable weekend on the English Riviera.

Entries are now open at Torbay Dinghy Regatta 2024 | Royal Torbay Yacht Club (rtyc.org). For further information please contact Bob Penfold events@rtyc.org

The 2024 Torbay Royal Regatta will take place from August 24 – 26 with racing over three days for IRC, Cruisers, J/24’s and Sports boats.

Three days of racing will see the IRC fleet competing for the prestigious Addison Gold Cup and with other classes in the Torbay Admirals Cup team racing. Entries now open.

RYA Scotland : - On Course for the future

 

Over 70 people attended the RYA Connected Scotland event on 2 March at the Dewars Centre in Perth. It was a fantastic day of information sharing and networking, including our first ever Young Sailors Chatroom.

Save the date for our next event on 2 November 2024.

One of the Connected Scotland sessions was the launch of On Course for the Future, RYA Scotland’s new development framework for RYA-affiliated clubs and centres. The framework is comprised of several guides to help you continue to develop and effectively steer the direction of your organisation. Explore the document yourself or with your fellow organisation leaders, then reach out to your Regional Development Officer to discuss how and where to get started with it.

RYA Scotland may support your event

 

RYA Scotland is aiming to provide support to several clubs/centres in running first-time opportunity events such as open days, tasters, or transition days. The support offered will be bespoke, based on the request, RYA Scotland’s available resources, and follow-up conversations. Register your interest before 26 March 2024.

 

Big Crowds Turnout for Tenth Kinsale St. Patrick's Maritime Festival

 

The picturesque town of Kinsale Harbour in West Cork was packed with spectators over the weekend as it played host to the tenth annual St. Patrick's Maritime Festival. Despite a gloomy and wet day, the town was buzzing with excitement as the festival kicked off on Saturday night, March 16th. The highlight of the evening was the dazzling fireworks display, and yachts, boats and commercial craft lit up overall, which drew huge crowds from all over the region.

As the gloomy day turned into a foggy evening, the organisers faced a difficult decision—whether to proceed with the parade and fireworks. However, they decided to take the plunge, and the event was a resounding success.

Kinsale Yacht Club played an important role in the event, with members' boats involved in the on-the-water parade. The RNLI Kinsale lifeboat featured along with inshore and offshore fishing vessels, as well as yachts led by Kinsale Yacht Club Commodore Tony Scannell on board his yacht, "Hansemer." This resulted in a wonderful display as the boats emerged from the mist and passed by James' Fort. The coinciding fireworks provided great entertainment for all.

Commodore Scannell welcomed Festival organisers back to the clubhouse after the parade, where awards were presented to the best-dressed boats. 

Irish solo sailor Tom Dolan takes 11th in Solo Guy Cotten Offshore

 

Tom Dolan overcame a torn spinnaker to finish in 11th place on the 370 miles offshore race of the Solo Guy Cotten-Concarneau, the Irish solo skipper's first offshore race of the 2024 season.

The spinnaker tear happened within the first couple of hours of the race. With a small initial cut threatening to open up the sail completely Dolan hung on adeptly until the big gennaker finally tore its full length.

Required then to use a smaller sail on the longest downwind leg of the course he lost a few places, but ultimately this morning he was moderately happy with the way he had sailed and, especially the strategic choices he had made.

Skipper of Smurfit Kappa-Kingspan was objective "Mea culpa, that's operator error in a mechanical sport like this and you can't get away with it in this fleet. I was lucky it held on as long as it did. I had hoped to repair it on the long leg to Rochebonne but it was too far gone. But, otherwise I sailed well and made some good calls."

Around the midpoint of the course Dolan was between fifth and sixth having called a windshift correctly on the long leg south which allowed him to make his expected gains. But, lacking sailpower, he had no way of holding off his rivals who could still fly their big sails.

" I tore the kite when I was launching it at Penmarch. Initially there was a little hole. I thought I would repair it on the long reaching leg between Occidentale de Sein and Rochebonne but shortly after Pierre Vertes, it broke. It's a shame because I really liked that sail."

He explained "After that I had anticipated the big right shift. It is something I had worked on a few days ago. It worked well. I had fun and made sure to sail as fast as possible because I knew that then I was going to lose out when they were back under big spinnaker and me the wee one. After Yeu I limited the damage but without the right sail, the loss was two knots of boat speed and 5 degrees of VMG."

"Overall I felt very good in terms of speed. It's a real shame about that big spinnaker."

Looking ahead Dolan says, "Next thing is the Laura Vergne Trophy. I have Class40 training this week before that."

Musto Skiffs return to WPNSA in the UK for 2024 Worlds

 

Musto Skiff sailors from across the globe are invited to participate in the ACO 13th Musto Skiff World Championship 2024, which will be hosted in the UK by Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) over 14th - 20th July.

Entry is now open for the annual regatta, which typically attracts between 70 and 100 skiffs representing several nations within Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA. With the largest fleet coming from the UK, the class organisers are anticipating a record entry for this year!

The planned event schedule for the Musto Skiff 2024 Worlds includes a Pre-Worlds on the 14th of July followed immediately by World Championship racing over 15th to 20th of July, which includes 5 days of racing and 1 lay day.

As detailed in the NOR, entry is available online at webcollect.org.uk/msca. A tiered price structure is in place to encourage early entry. This starts from £435 if entered before 15th May. A 50% discount for youths (aged 25 or under on 1st of January 2024) is available until the entry closes.

The 2024 regatta will be supported by long-term World Championship sponsor, ACO, a global market leader in drainage technology, who will once again be the Event Title sponsor. Class Title sponsor, Musto, will also support the 2024 Worlds with a range of merchandise for prizes.

More event details can be found on the Musto Skiff class website, which includes a dedicated event guide available at  : -    www.mustoskiff.com/2024-worlds

Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club to Host 2026 GP14 Worlds as Championships Returns to Ireland For Second Time in Four Years

 

Ireland will stage the GP14 World Championships for the second time in four years following a decision by the International Committee to relocate the 2026 World Championship from Sri Lanka.

Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Belfast, has agreed to host the championships following a review by the GP14 International Committee in early February.

Skerries Sailing Club last hosted the GP14 championship in Ireland 2022 after a number of cancellations caused by COVID.

The GP14 International Committee is delighted to announce today that the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Belfast, has agreed to host the 2026 GP14 World Championships. The Club was already earmarked to host the 2026 UK Nationals, so it was ideally placed to step into the breach. More details and revised dates will follow.