RSYC Yachter Autumn 2013

yachter S o u tha m p ton Boat show ed ition

Creative Sailing Reflections Afloat and Ashore

R OYA L S O U T H A M P T O N YAC H T C LU B Autumn 2013

INSIDE: Club News • Racing Reports • Fun Raising • Gins Base • Blind Week New Members • Bulletin Board • Social Scene • Meet The Chefs • Cowes Week

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CONTENTS yachter Commodore: Susan Lamb

Contributors: Kay Abbott Christine Agnew Nick Barlow John and Ann Bass Allan Beswick Jane Green Rob Lamb Maggie Lund John Knight Lionel Miller Simon Pickess Maggie Puleston John Rice Gary Stocks

YAL SO U RO

B

Angela Rice

AMPTON TH

CHT CLU YA

Editor: Michael Ford Telephone (01794) 323 577 Email rsyc@mac.com Deputy editor:

ow 25 - 29 Southampton Boat Sh AAM Cowes Week 50

News and features Royal Occasion . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Red Zeppelin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 RNLI Afloat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Canal Cruising . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Blind Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Bob Trimble

Rice Bay Mission . . . . . . . . . . 44

Advertising: Sales manager: Dan Pook Pinnacle Group T: 01273 666228 E: dan.pook@pinnacle.uk.com W: www.pinnacle.uk.com

Meet the Chefs . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Regular columns

Layout and Design:

Sian Collins E: sian.collins@afinis.co.uk

Production and Printing: Production manager: Michael Brooks Pinnacle Group T: 01273 666238 E: michael.brooks@pinnacle.uk.com W: www.pinnacle.uk.com

Isabella Repeats Success 35

Commodore’s Letter . . . . . . . . . 4 Club News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 On The River . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Social Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Published by: The Royal Southampton Yacht Club Ltd 1 Channel Way, Ocean Village Southampton SO14 3QF Telephone (023) 8022 3352 Fax: (023) 8033 0613 Email: rsyc@rsyc.org.uk Website: www.rsyc.org.uk Gins Clubhouse St Leonards, Beaulieu Telephone (01590) 616213 Fax (01590) 616327

Canal Cruising 36

Summer Party 33

Cover: Created by Marc White

www.rsyc.org.uk

yachter Autumn 2013

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COMMODORE’S LETTER

A thank you from the Commodore

This edition of the Yachter magazine has been timed to coincide with the opening of Southampton Boat Show.

RSYC, for the first time in a few years, will have a presence there on a stand manned by Club staff and volunteers. I hope if you are visiting the show you will be able to pop in and see us. As well as information about the Club, there will be a display and demonstration of radio controlled yachts from our newly formed radio controlled section; it should be well worth a visit!

This is my last foreword as Commodore, and I would like to

take the opportunity of thanking Gary Stocks and his staff, and all our volunteer committee members for their hard work on the Club’s behalf during my tenure as Commodore.

The Club could not function as it does without its volunteers, and is always keen to welcome anyone who has a few hours a week to spare and feel they can help. Please let the Club know if you would like to volunteer, in any capacity, for a committee.

Best wishes,

AMPTON TH

Susan Lamb Commodore

CHT CLU YA

If you are moored in Ocean Village or simply visiting the Clubhouse there you will notice we have had the outside of the building decorated and the patio furniture refurbished, just in time for the sunny weather, and the wedding of the daughter of one of our members! Alongside our usual fare at Ocean Village, we have our bistro menu every Wednesday and a members’ hour from 6 to 7.30 when there are special offers on a range of drinks.

July saw the Cadet event at Gins for which there was a waiting list this year. Before the Cadets took the water they were able to see Isabella Shepard, one of their number, at the naming ceremony of one of our new Laser Pico dinghies. Isabella entered a painting competition organised

by Aberdeen Asset Management, sponsors of Cowes Week and won first prize. As well as some wonderful prizes for herself, she won £1,000 for the Club and this was used to buy the new Pico, named in her honour.

YAL SO U RO

he sun is shining, at last, and we should all be able to enjoy some wonderful sailing in beautiful weather. I am sure many of you will be sailing over to Gins and will be able to make the most of the improved Clubhouse and enjoy the food prepared by our new chef, Robert Owen. You will also be able to make use of our extended pontoon facilities, but I would remind all members to please be considerate of other pontoon users and be aware of the Club’s guidelines for use of the pontoon; these are posted on the notice board at Gins and on the Club website.

B

T

Summer Party at Gins

4

yachter Autumn 2013

www.rsyc.org.uk

CLUB NEWS

Race Management after the Olympics T

welve months on and the SolentXtra team, comprising ten members of RSYC, remains busy managing major sailing events at home and abroad.

Events have included the RS:X World Championships in Brazil, the RS:X Europeans in France, the Finn Europeans in Germany, the 470 Youth Europeans in Pwllheli and the Eric Twiname Championships in Rutland.

John Whyte

Locally the team has also managed the Quarter Ton Cup and the ViceAdmiral’s Cup out of Cowes. Robert

Lamb was the Principal Race Officer at the Delta Lloyd Regatta in Holland.

The disappointment of the year was the cancellation of the race area for the RS:X Class at Sail for Gold that Mike Garvey was due to run - an incredibly low entry was the responsible factor.

In July, John Whyte, having attended five major events with the team, was invited to join SolentXtra. John is the 11th RSYC member in the team.

Congratulations, John.

Cover Story Adventures of a Reluctant Boating Wife S hocked by the cover of this issue of the Yachter? Don’t worry - Letters to the Editor from Dissatisfied of Dibden Purlieu or Bewildered of Beaulieu may remain unwritten…

The clue is ‘Boat Show Edition’.

RSYC is returning to its home Show this year in style! Having refreshed the ‘branding’ of the Club, marketing and communications workgroup looked forward to relaxing.

However, our enthusiastic new Rear Commodore House, Allan Beswick, clearly saw this as the start, not the end, of what could be done to ensure our image matches the vibrancy and energy of today’s Club. Result – new, exciting marketing material. We then couldn’t resist aligning the special edition of the Yachter with this.

So don’t panic. Normal covers will be resumed as soon as possible. And please don’t complain to the Editor.

He’s lying down in a dark room….

(Angela Rice and Jan Trimble – Marketing and Membership Committee)

Rsyc photo and cruise competition

T

here is still time to enter the Royal Southampton’s 2013 Photographic Competition or submit a Cruise Diary.

This year has provided members with golden opportunities for capturing memorable occasions in sailing life and

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W

hen first invited by a new – and handsome – man to the local yacht club to see his boat, Angela Rice happily conjured up alluring pictures of her in an expensive bikini and a great suntan.

“It didn’t occur to me that “see my boat” might actually mean going out in the thing…,” she admitted Before she knew it, Angela Rice had agreed to a sailing trip on the notorious west coast of Scotland – and to marry her skipper. The voyage did nothing to allay her primal suspicion of anything afloat. But years later, one sunny Boat Show day, she discovered the lifestyle lure of powerboats – so much less daunting than their sailing counterparts.

She cajoled her man into crossing to the dark side, with wild promises of becoming competent. And slowly but surely, reluctance gave way to relish, scepticism to skippering, the Solent to the Seine…

in part in the Yachter, and illustrated with wonderful cartoons by David Semple, this is a funny and engaging account of one woman’s relationship with the sea, a boat and her husband.

In 1977 Angela Rice left the UK for a three-month work assignment to the Middle East, and returned to her home in Hampshire 20 years later having acquired a husband, two sons, two stepsons and a career in management.

Her husband John comes from a seafaring family and has sailed since childhood. Angela’s mother routinely took seasickness pills on the ferry to the Isle of Wight. But John somehow managed to turn Angela into nearly adequate dinghy crew, before deciding to upgrade to a (bigger and scarier) Trapper 300... John and Angela now own a Nimbus 3003 based in Southampton. John was attracted by its apparent seaworthiness, classic lines and 200hp Volvo. Angela by its deck cabin and microwave.

Originally published as a series in Motorboat & Yachting magazine, and

Adventures of a Reluctant Boating Wife,

By Angela Rice. Published by Adlard Coles Nautical. Paperback - £8.99

club activity, both on camera and in words.

weekend rally, on a day at sea, or extended travels afloat.

For the photo contest we invited members to interpret life ashore or afloat in pictures or capturing some of the personalities within the Club or on your sailing expeditions. For the Cruise Diary contest we are looking for short articles on memorable experience which may have occurred during a

Entries for either competition may be submitted to the Editor up till Sunday, October 20, and winners will be announced at the Cruisers’ Dinner on Saturday, November 2.

For full details and rules go to the rsyc website. yachter Autumn 2013

5

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CLUB NEWS

Commodore’s Royal invitation Deputy editor Angela Rice interviews the Commodore on her visit to Buckingham Palace

C

ommodore Sue Lamb wondered what she’d done wrong when she received an instruction to call the office of the Club’s Admiral, HRH Prince Michael of Kent. But it emerged he had not caught her out in any breach of royal or other etiquette — his PA, Katie, just wanted to ask if she would like her — and husband Rob’s — name to be put forward for the guest list of the Buckingham Palace Garden Party on June 6.

So in due course an impressive invitation card arrived – plus a list of Dos, Don’t and the Dress Code (Morning Suits for chaps – Ladies’ outfits to include a hat) The garden party was scheduled from 4 to 6pm, but gates opened at 3pm. Sue and Rob decided to stay in central London the night before, so were able to dress up and make a leisurely way to the Palace in the afternoon.

Knowing the guest list ran to 8,000 people they were forewarned, and seeing the size of the smartly dressed throng at the main gates of the Palace, they decided to head for one of the, less crowded, back gates. This provided the bonus, once inside the grounds, of a very pleasant stroll across the Palace’s magnificent gardens – particularly delightful as the weather, untypical for June this year, was very pleasant that day.

Royals, Olympians, Paralympians and celebrities were there in force. and HRH Prince Philip was there to co-host the event with Her Majesty the Queen. The guests were unaware that Prince Philip’s next appointment that day was to check into hospital for an operation, from which he has been convalescing. In addition Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and the Wessexes were giving Royal support. Sue and Rob also spotted Sir Chris Hoy, Claire Balding and Benedict Cumberbatch amongst a large variety of other faces qualifying for descriptions such as ‘Could that be...?’ and ‘I think that is...’ and ‘You know, the one who won... / is in.....’

Invitation Card A superb afternoon tea was served in the marquees set on the lawns – dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, cakes — Sue’s particular favourites were the chocolate ones topped with a gold leaf crown. (Note to Club Catering - How would a rice paper RSYC Crest look on an iced bun? Maybe not) Once the Queen withdrew the party was over, and having come in the tradesmen’s entrance, Sue and Rob left through the Palace and the main gates – running the gauntlet of the crowd of intrigued tourists, and feeling very (if only temporarily) important.

“A lovely experience altogether and a tremendous privilege,”says Sue.

Buckingham Palace www.rsyc.org.uk

yachter Autumn 2013

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RACING

Year-Round Racing at RSYC

Clarkson Cup

Harder times but Captain of Racing, Bob Trimble says new plans point to a bright future…

I

t would be pointless for us to pretend that, in common with most other Solent Yacht Clubs and Associations, the RSYC has not seen a steady decline in the number of competitors on the water since the financial crisis of 2007/8. There are undoubtedly fewer boats in use generally, and pressures at work mean that active racers find it harder to make time for their sport as well as to find sufficient crew.

Despite this, it has been, and will remain the policy of the RSYC to maintain a year-round programme of racing on Southampton Water, the Solent and further afield. We’ll also be re-doubling our efforts to innovate and enliven our racing to attract racers both old and new.

STOP PRESS We are delighted to announce that prominent marine supplier HARKEN have agreed to sponsor the 2013 Autumn Series

Our Racing Profile F

or more than 30 years we have organised the UK’s most preeminent Series of Double-Handed racing.

We race on Southampton Water and the Solent; and our DoubleHanded offshore races go to the West Country, Channel Islands or France.

The RSYC is the only Solent Yacht Club to maintain a year-round programme of racing. It allows us to offer races to interest nearly every sort of boat and competitor.

We have probably one of the largest, best trained and experienced Race Management Teams: Their participation in our year-round racing and other national and international events keep their skills at the highest level.

Island Double As well as organising its own events, the Club is also able to manage racing and regattas for other organisations: Our Ocean Village clubhouse has great facilities and its unique location with marina, parking and transport links makes it ideal for such events.

Our Racing Year Fully Crewed Racing

Double-Handed Racing

Frostbite Series Spring Series Twilight Series Summer Series Autumn Series Winter Series

Sundays in Jan/Feb/Mar Sundays in Mar/Apr/May Thursday evenings in May/June Thursday evenings in June/July Sundays in September Sundays in Oct/Nov

Also: Clarkson Cup Regatta Poole and Back Race RNLI Race Charity Pursuit Race

The Solent in May June/July September December

Spring Solent Double Weymouth Double – out Weymouth Double – back Cherbourg Double Island Double Long-Distance Double Nab Tower Double Autumn Solent Double

(Inshore Sub-Series) (Offshore Sub-Series) (Offshore Sub-Series) (Offshore Sub-Series) (Inshore Sub-Series) (Offshore Sub-Series) (Inshore Sub-Series) (Inshore Sub-Series)

Also: Double Handed Regatta

(Stand-alone event)

The coming months and years will see the introduction of a range of changes to our racing, all led by the wishes of our competitors, to introduce different types of racing, different race areas and new classes, trophies and prizes. www.rsyc.org.uk

yachter Autumn 2013

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RACING Red Zeppelin in the Queen Victoria Cup race in the Solent during the Cumberland Regatta

Red Zeppelin Racing from Gins 2013 Nick Barlow and his crew opt to use Gins as their base for racing Red Zeppelin. Nick explains why

F

or many years now we have raced our various boats from the Beaulieu River making Gins our own special race HQ. The boats have been Draig O’R Mor, Oz Privateer, Draig’y 2 and now Red Zeppelin.

People often ask me why don’t I race out of Hamble or other well established haunts, yet for me the question answers itself every time we return from a long offshore to the tranquil beauty of the river.

However, as with any question there are a number of reasons why we race from Gins and the benefits have only revealed themselves over time.

The key to any great place is the people, Gins benefits from dedicated staff who have always gone the extra mile to help make any visit or activity extra ordinary, be that providing great food or helping us moor up in a strong wind.

To put all of this into some perspective I have added an example narrative from our JOG race to Cherbourg earlier this year: The forecast that I had seen earlier in the week indicated that the wind chill would be equivalent to minus 7deg C and the prudent amongst us may have thought twice about crossing the Channel. However, after a winter of preparing Red Zeppelin for the new season we were keen to get out on the water and try out all the new toys and the wind direction promised us a quick crossing.

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Friday morning dawned and the crew donned enough layers to make the thinnest person look like a Michelin man on steroids. Anyone watching from the shore would be forgiven for thinking that the arctic convoy to Murmansk was about to set off from Gurnard buoy.

Our start was probably the worst start I have ever made, having the boat head to wind after the one minute gun and with no through-the-water boat speed. Luckily for us the tide was ripping up the Solent and we at least headed off in the right direction.

Once we had settled into the race we did our best to keep up with the rest of Class 3, which had stormed away from us. By the time we reached No Man’s Land fort we had some of our fleet in our sights. However, the turn at Bembridge on to a fast reach was the last time we saw any of the Bigger J’s or Rare who roared by never to be seen until we were moored up at the end of the race.

Despite trying to keep the hot drinks coming and plenty of Bob’s, “Great British Bake off ” Hot Cross buns inside us, the relentless cold continued to eat at our bones and the cross sea started to make the crew feel less than happy about the state of their insides.

The crossing was as fast as we expected and at the finish we agreed that we were glad that we had not had to spend more time racing. The sting in the tail was the final motor

into the marina which was directly into the icy wind.

As soon as we were moored up we put the heater on and put the Thai chicken curry on to warm through.

It is amazing how soon the crew warmed up enough to make the short trip to the nice warm yacht club bar for a few pints and a chat to Peter and Sandy.

After a night with the heating on and a good night’s sleep the crew were ready for a trip to the café for a French breakfast followed by a trip to the chandlery for a replacement tylaska that dropped off whilst we had the kite up after Bembridge. (We took it down fairly early on as a result of this and one too many broaches).

Once we had purchased some nice bread, cheese and sausage for lunch we headed to the party in the yacht club and had an enjoyable time catching up with the rest of the defrosted crews.

Sunday morning; the wind had dropped and as a result it did not feel quite so cold. We got out to the start line, after a fortifying breakfast of bacon butties, only to find the main was fouling the backstay. Given the short start line we opted to keep clear of our fellow competitors and keep the main clear of the backstay.

This saw us start a little to leeward of where we would have preferred but we soon recovered ground and appeared to have good boat speed to continued on page 13 windward. yachter Autumn 2013

11

RACING As we cleared the outer harbour the wind had increased to about 15kts and the bowsprit boats were quick to set reaching kites. We opted to head up a bit as we thought we may be affected by a bit of westerly tide before Bembridge. As it happened we had more Westerly than we had anticipated and ended up plugging the tide for about five miles.

If the weather had been warmer the trip back would have been ideal, unfortunately the air temperature was sub zero and the sleet showers added to the whole effect of being in the Arctic.

Once in the Solent we should have put up the downwind Kite but with two crew frozen and sent below to defrost, the rest of us were chilled to the point of not trusting our ability to

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put the kite up let alone fly it, so we decided to white sail to the finish.

in Gins Clubhouse ensured that there was no lasting damage.

As we crossed the finishing line a whistle from the race officers on shore welcomed us home. A quick sprint from the finish line put us in the Beaulieu River and we soon got back to our mooring. John Bird, bosun at Gins, had waited for us and ensured that we had transport to the shore and Michael Elvis, the steward kindly heated up a meal for us so that we could enjoy the heat of a nice cosy bar rather than cooking in the galley.

All Cowes starts are easily accessible from Gins, 30 mins to the JOG start line, 35 mins to the Squadron line; we draw 2.4m which does limit access either side of low springs but this does sharpen up your tidal calculations on the few days that springs clash with start times.

One slight hiccup was that just as we were mooring up Oli caught his foot on the guard rail and ended up in the water. Fortunately he was dragged out before he got completely saturated and even more frozen; a hot shower

Putting this into perspective, we managed to race the whole of a Cowes week using Gins as our base and not suffer with access problems.

Red Zeppelin crew, left to right, Dougie Leacy, Don Jones, Marty Mart, Mike Barrie, Billy Wyatt, Chris Barker, Nick Barlow

yachter Autumn 2013

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SAILING

Fundraising can be Fun-Raising In 2012, Bob and Jan Trimble bid for and won a trip on the Yarmouth Lifeboat. Bob tells of the tasks faced by the RNLI crew

A

fixed and poplar fixture in the Club’s annual calendar is the RNLI Race/Rally and anyone who has taken part in the past will know that it’s possibly one of the most enjoyable events of the year.

In 2012, we bid for and won one of the auction lots — a trip for four on the Yarmouth Lifeboat.

Here’s the story of how the trip went and a look forward to this year’s RNLI Rally at GINS on September 28.

The RNLI race/rally is a great example of what the Royal Southampton is all

about: A great time on the water, fun and companionship back onshore and pulling together for a good cause. It’s also one of the Club’s most flexible events in so far as it’s possible to arrive by sailing in the race, cruising under sail or power or simply coming along to the evening dinner by your transport of choice!

In 2012 we travelled to Yarmouth in great weather and light winds.

Probably around 20 boats were moored in the harbour and 70 of us sat down to dinner at the Royal Solent Yacht Club where we were coaxed

Andy Horwood at helm

and cajoled by our MC into buying raffle tickets for some great prizes and bidding for various “experiences”: These are a fairly recent but very popular innovation. It means we can try to outbid each other to raise money for the RNLI but knowing that we’ll also be rewarded with a fantastic experience such as a glider trip, a private tour and lunch on a cruise ship, or, in our case last year, a trip out with the crew of the Yarmouth lifeboat on one of their regular training exercises.

Aftdeck

Sara Horwood at helm

Wanderer, Yarmouth’s Severn Class boat

W

e waited until the end of June this year to fix up our trip with Yarmouth lifeboat Coxswain Howard Lester. It was well worth the wait, not only because of the amazing experience but also because this was the start of this summer’s really good weather and we enjoyed a long sunny and calm evening on the water.

We were thrilled that Howard was quite happy to collect and deliver us from the Harbourmaster’s pontoon

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in Lymington to save us the ferry trip to Yarmouth.

We set off at 7.30 pm along with fellow Club members Andy and Sara Horwood. After a briefing we had a guided tour of the electronics and communications equipment: The navigation system includes software to instigate an automatic search pattern based on the tidal set and drift and other conditions. We then went up to the

flying bridge in time to watch the boat leave the Lymington River and, once clear of the yachts enjoying the evening breeze, she began to power across to Sconce and on to the Needles. yachter Autumn 2013

The Needles

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SAILING

Wanderer, Yarmouth’s Severn Class boat continued The crew could not have been more helpful and friendly. It’s usual practice for RNLI crews not to be on deck alone but to work in pairs for their own safety. We were given the freedom to roam the boat but always with the help of an RNLI crew member to guide and inform us.

some of the other perils that await us sailors there.

The view from the flying bridge of the Severn class is commanding and seems really high above the water whilst the clever design of the boat also allows the sheerline to sweep down close to the water for survivor recovery. The main cockpit had only just enough space for the electronics and the crew who man them. By contrast, down below, between the forepeak and the engine room, there

As we approached the Needles it was low water and it was great to get some tips and expert local knowledge from Howard about the Varvassi wreck, Goose Rock and

was a surprising amount of space for survivors in a large cabin where there was also a small galley.

After around an hour we started to make our way back to Lymington and Howard generously allowed Sara a turn at the helm. As we re-entered Lymington River the crew launched the “Y” boat - invaluable for getting close to boats that go aground on the Shingles. Andy was at the wheel in the River and as we came back alongside after a great experience.

About the Yarmouth Lifeboat and her crew

Y

The boat has a top speed of 25 knots, an endurance of 250 nautical miles and can carry up to an amazing 124 casualties.

armouth’s lifeboat is named after famous IOW-based blue water cruisers “Susan and Eric Hiscocks” and their boat Wanderer.

She’s a Severn Class boat, the largest class in the RNLI fleet and designed to be kept afloat rather than launched from a slipway.

Her full-time staff are Coxswain Howard Lester and mechanic Mark Smith.

The Yarmouth station’s area is flexible depending on conditions but is broadly bounded by the Bembridge station area (Tamar class) in the east and the Swanage station area (Mersey class) in the West, and extends south to half way across the Channel.

Wanderer will usually launch with a coxswain and mechanic plus between three and five crew, all first aid trained.

When there’s a “shout” the boat will leave just as soon as the coxswain is happy he has sufficient crew for the task (average time eight minutes).

There is a pool of crew in and around Yarmouth, some from generations of lifeboat families.

Seventeen awards for gallantry have been presented to Yarmouth Lifeboat crew members over the years.

Lymington Lifeboat Wanderer

Join Us Join us for this year’s RNLI race / rally at Gins on September 28 RNLI cheque handover 2012

Bob Trimble www.rsyc.org.uk

This year’s event looks like being be even bigger and better with several new features: •

he Race will start and finish in the Solent as usual but our dinner destination will be the RSYC T GINS Clubhouse.

•

ome to Gins by boat or by road. Just book your dinner place with the events team or via the C website.

•

he racing and the evening are open to all-comers, not just Club members so feel free to bring your T friends too.

•

his year, our Master of Ceremonies will be Peter Raw from the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and no T stranger to Gins.

•

We can’t yet reveal the raffle prizes and auction lots but they’ll be at least as good as previous years.

Contact us too if you’d like to offer an experience that you think would help us raise money for the RNLI Come along and help us enjoy this great event – but bring your wallets and purses! yachter Autumn 2013

17

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Enjoy the benefits of a Monthly Boat Wash, which not only preserves your vessels condition and value, but also saves unwanted hours of cleaning on each sailing trip. Monthly wash consists of a wash and wax formula to clear surface sea salt, stern soot and general weather grimes.

Initial Clean Before monthly wash program commences we recommend an initial deeper cleanse to remove any rust and silvering to teak deck (optional).

0A7".3-.%B""6".%C#"254"

On occasions, boats will require a deeper clean, where we concentrate on rust removal, de-yellowing of gelcoat, deep teak chemical cleanse, acid wash cut back and polish of topsides, superstructure and cockpit, and deep wash of bathing platform hatch surrounds and rain gulleys.

E573%F-G#35H%25I%@.-6JK6""I%E66#3:273-5 D57".3-.4

From the Bow to the Stern we lift every area, including the sanitation of bilges, cupboards, lockers and drawers, under bunks, heads, cabins, showers, galley, saloon windows and mirrors deep clean, which all benefit and save unwanted hours of cleaning on each sailing trip.

Dry Cleaning We offer a concise Dry Cleaning service on all interior linens, fabrics and upholstery. Plus wets clean and re-waterproof.

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Specialist Teak Cleaning with pads, steel wool and brushes along with chemical ‘teak brite’ will restore to the vessel’s natural look.

Winch Servicing ~ Fire Extinguisher Service Engineering Services ~ Signwriting Services Anti-Fouling Service ~ Cut Back and Polishing “Over the past four years, Sail in Port Services has provided a reliable and high quality service for my clients. Tony and his team continue to have a personable and keen nature towards providing a great service, which is always appreciated.

I look forward to our continued partnership in the years to come.”

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Exterior and Interior Valeting & Maintenance - Service with a collect and deliver option, visit:

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Sailing Celebrating with White Heather

F

ollowing an exciting week of very competitive racing at the Gazprom Swan European regatta in Cowes, White Heather entered the Swan class at the Taittinger Regatta based at the Royal Solent Yacht Club in Yarmouth.

The boat won all three races to win her class along with a magnum of Taittinger.

The crew consisted of family and friends who regularly race at the club, including members Linda and Richard Sign.

Blind Sailors Jubilant

G

BR Blind Sailing Team, led by Royal Southampton honorary member Lucy Hodges achieved outstanding success in the World Championships in Japan, returning as world champions.

The International Association for Disabled Sailingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IFDS Blind World and International championships were hosted by Seabornia Yacht Club, on the Sagami Bay to the south-west of Yokohama, sailing J24s with two sails, and the GB team performance

Our picture shows Janet and Lionel Miller, with their dog Humphrey, collecting their prizes.Â

Blind Sailing Champions, the GBR team

saw them return with two gold medals, a silver, and topping their sailing success by becoming overall winners, gaining the Squadron Cup. Lucy who won one of the gold medals has been a regular attendee at Blind Sailing Week, hosted in alternate years by the Royal Southampton and Royal Cornwall yacht clubs. The other gold went to Sharon Greennan who began her sailing with Blind Sailing Week several years ago and gained her first sailing experiences on the water with

Club members George Evans and Kay Abbott on Seven Stars.

In Japan, the GBR team sailed a total of 45 races and gained 22 first places, giving them a 29.2 point lead over the New Zealand team, with the Japanese team finishing third.

SAIL IONIAN - GREECE SAIL GRENADINES - THE CARIBBEAN YACHT CHARTER BAREBOAT CHARTER SKIPPERED CHARTER ASSISTED SAILING YACHT PARTNERSHIP RYA TRAINING COURSES

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S www.sailionian.com

www.rsyc.org.uk

yachter Autumn 2013

S ail

St. Vincent & The

Grenadines

www.sailgrenadines.com

19

MEMBERS’ NEWS

New Members T

he RSYC welcomes the following new members since the last issue. We look forward to seeing them at both Clubhouses and to meeting them at events both on and off the water

NAME

20

ADDRESS

BOAT NAME

MOORING

n/a

n/a

Edward & Breda Jones

Fareham

Colin Tapp & Patricia Beesley

Southampton

Holly Chichester

Beaulieu

n/a

n/a

Max K-Thompson

Southampton

n/a

n/a

Sheila Grierson

Southampton

Peter Martin & Sophia Blakeway

Andover

Alizé

Beaulieu

Christopher & Eivi Gornall

London

Destiny II

Beaulieu

Janet Cloarec

Southampton

Ian West

Sheffield

Les & Judith Allen

Gosport

n/a

n/a

Richard Palmer & Konrad Rozum

Southampton

n/a

n/a

Pete Mylett & Chris Youle

Southampton

Chris Ryan

Cornwall

n/a

n/a

Sarah Hogg

Poole

n/a

n/a

Brian & Mary Davies

Southampton

n/a

n/a

Sten Goransson & Maggie Grant

Hertfordshire

Mischief Too

Ocean Village

Jon Thompson & Danni Kennedy

Salisbury

Clueless

Ocean Village

Malcolm & Liz Patrick

Christchurch

Bcalm

Ocean Village

Richard Symss & Suzanne Hale

Southampton

n/a

Peter & Julie Joyce

Southampton

Joy-Sea

Ocean Village

Graham & Pamela Spencer

Sevenoaks

Valda

Swanwick

Geoffrey & Maria Mason

Northampton

Gigi

Swanwick

Jason Carrington

Lymington

C - Boat

Lymington

James & Susan Osmond

Southampton

n/a

n/a

Debbie Smith

Southampton

n/a

n/a

Chris Clayton

Beaulieu

n/a

n/a

Charles & Jo Bacon

Andover

Juniper

Ocean Village

Patrick Keohane & Cathy Wallace

London

Sakura

Ocean Village

Mark Stanley & Jane Bliss

Southampton

Blue Glen

Ocean Village

Lizarah

n/a

n/a Sea Thyme

Muktinath

Hythe

n/a

n/a Beaulieu

Lymington

n/a

Bob & Stephanie Bowler

Winchester

n/a

n/a

Debbie Hogg

Poole

n/a

n/a

Simon Bottoms

Southampton

n/a

n/a

John & Nina Cavanagh

Ottershaw

Ian & Carole Vine Paul Ledger

Solent Blue

Port Solent

Southampton

Blue C

Shamrock

Beaulieu

White Lady

Beaulieu

Chris & Julie Brown

Southampton

Touchwood

Ashlett Creek

Nathan & Natalie Hamilton

Egham

La Ina

Ocean Village

yachter Autumn 2013

www.rsyc.org.uk

MEMBERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; NEWS

Anniversary T

erry & Sheila Goddard celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary (60 years) with a lunch at the Ocean Village Clubhouse on June 25 shared with 65 close family and friends.

Birth G

race Elizabeth Shawyer was born on June 30 @1850 hrs Weighing 8lb 1oz.

Proud parents Julian Shawyer and his partner Michelle.

OBITUARIES Mrs Muriel Roddis

February 2013

Mr Lance Harwood

May 2013

Mr Derek Ayres

July 2013

Mr David Croll

July 2013

YAL SO U RO

AMPTON TH

B

Died

CHT CLU YA

www.rsyc.org.uk

Name

yachter Autumn 2013

21

RadCliffe & Co Independent Financial Advisers Est. 1959

Radcliffe & Co are delighted to support and be associated with the Royal Southampton Yacht Club.

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Pension Planning advice to companies including Auto Enrolment Personal and Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) Planning Investment Advice Life Assurance Inheritance Tax Planning

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Residential Mortgages including Equity Release.

Southampton: Thomas House, 28-30 Bernard Street SO14 3AY | t: 02380 222 444 Winchester: Suite 5, 45 Southgate Street SO23 9EH | t: 01962 710 562 e: enquiries@radcliffe-ifa.co.uk | w: www.radcliffe-ifa.co.uk

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‘We are independent financial advisers and can trace our roots back to 1959 when the business was founded in Southampton.’

We may not have the history of the RSYC but we do have an excellent track record and the staying power to continue to provide a first class service to corporate and individual clients.

Our services include:

We offer specialist wall and floor tiling services.

We do ceramics, porcelain, mosaics and natural stone. We also install under tiled heating.

If you are stuck for ideas, please get in contact and we will help you find the style of tile that will best suit your project and budget.

We are also wet room specialists and have been approved

by WEDI the wet and steam room company.

We are able to do many different styles of tiling in a range of environments. Whether you want a mosaic or an external area tiled, please get in contact and find out what we can do for you.

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m: 07747 602 514 e: info@mb-tiling.co.uk

NEWS

Secretaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bulletin Board S

o far this year we have seen the launch of the new website, the external decoration at Ocean Village as part of the planned maintenance of the Marina and new windows at Gins coupled with both internal and external decorations, which has hopefully brightened both Clubhouses for your enjoyment.

There have been major changes on the staffing front, with Robert Owen, joining the Gins team as head chef and supporting Michel Elvis as duty manager. At Ocean Village we have welcomed Sue Milton back from long term sick leave, but unfortunately Nick Hart has been in dry dock awaiting an operation, which we hope by the time of publication has gone well and he is on the road to recovery.

There are a few administration points that I would like to bring to your attention:

Membership Accounts Every member has a mess account, but unless a Direct Debit (separate from a subscription payment) facility is used for the collection of funds on a monthly basis the account will not have a credit facility. This means when using the club bars and restaurants you are required to pay cash or by credit card for your purchases and also at the time of booking for events, courses, moorings and so on. It is very simple to set up a credit facility, so please speak to Caron Mouland or Maggie Puleston who can assist you in obtaining this benefit.

Club Secretary and Manager, Gary Stocks highlights current developments

Events The Events team are continuing to strive to give members and guests the best service they can, but they do rely on the information members supply at the time of booking, so please ensure you give as much detail as possible, including all dietary requirements and invoicing information for any guests.

To ensure costs for functions are kept to a minimum the House committee has imposed a limit of 48 hours prior to the start date of functions for cancellations.

Any cancellation made after this time will not be refunded.

Guests

Bob Owen, head chef at Gins

Members are respectfully reminded of the rules concerning the use of either Clubhouse by guests. The Executive Committee are currently reviewing these rules but at present, Rule 24 which relates to guests, remains extant and as such should be adhered too. We have had concerns raised by members and have had incidents where this rule has not been followed. This rule also requires members to sign in their guests and the guest book is available at the bars for this purpose.

Customer Service It is very pleasing to see that positive comments in terms of customer service far outweigh those of a negative nature, but I also appreciate at times we do get things wrong. On these occasions, I would like to remind you of the complaints procedure contained at Rule 27; this is designed to prevent any personal confrontation and to allow us to ensure we deal with any complaint in the proper manner.

www.rsyc.org.uk

yachter Autumn 2013

23

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BOAT SHOW

Boat show is focal point for sailing enthusiasts T

he PSP Southampton Boat Show, has long been recognised as Britain’s favourite on the water leisure boat spectacular and the 45th Show at Mayflower Park looks set to be a fitting tribute to its founders.

It remains one of the premier events of the boating calendar, and this year runs from September 13, 2013.

For a start it is the ideal place to get to grips with everything to do with boating first hand, and is an international showcase for everything you need to enjoy life or start a new hobby on the water.

Once again, thousands of boats, brands, products and marine suppliers will help transform the city’s waterfront during ten days of September. That is why it has earned the reputation of being one of the best places to explore everything the boating world has to offer!

www.rsyc.org.uk

The Royal Southampton has had a long association with the Show, its founders were members of the Club, and after a four year break the Club is back at the Show.

One of the principal features is the marina at Mayflower Park with over 2km of pontoons and said to be the largest purpose-built marina in Europe. It provides the base for a complete floating display of leisure boats of all types. Organisers say the idea is to get the pulses of boating enthusiasts racing with numerous possibilities to get on the water, pick up new skills or refresh old ones. With it, manufacturers of the latest craft and equipment aim to provide the opportunity to marvel at spectacular feature boats, explore sailing and motor yachts of all shapes and sizes and stock up on the latest boating equipment and accessories.

The Boat Show’s signature attraction Try-a-Boat will get visitors out on the water for free. For those new

to sailing, this can be a perfect introduction to the world of boating and experience the thrill of getting out on the water. There’s the choice between the latest RIBs, powerboats and sailing yachts and no previous experience is required.

Aspiring younger sailors can get their sea legs with On The Water’s Get Afloat, brought to the Show by Rockley Watersports. Located in the marina, which lies at the very heart of the Show, 8 - 16 year olds can pick up their first boating skills or improve on already acquired techniques with free 90 minute sessions. No experience is necessary, all equipment is provided and experts from Rockley Watersports will be on hand. *NEW for 2013 - there will be the special addition of stand up paddleboarding.

In addition to these firm favourites, the PSP Southampton Boat Show offers a range of attractions to immerse yourself into the world on the water. yachter Autumn 2013

25

BOAT SHOW

Royal Southampton returns to the Southampton Boat Show The Club has a long association with the Southampton Boat Show and although it has had no direct involvement for a period, the RSYC is deeply conscious that the ten day waterfront spectacular remains an important focal point for sailing interests in the south.

Angela Rice reviews our return to Mayflower Park.

C

ome and find us in the Mayflower Hall at the PSP Southampton Boat Show this year.

It’s been some years since Royal Southampton had a presence at its home show, but this year we’re back!

the years since we withdrew from the Show, we have increased our offer at Ocean Village during the Show to the point where we are open all day every day, for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just for a coffee or drink and a chance for a rest and a chat.

Those with long memories talk fondly of the many years over which the Club and the RYA worked in partnership to provide a large hospitality marquee. But times changed – the minor entrance where we were located became a major entrance in the new layout, adversely affecting the logistics of bringing in the supplies for our catering effort, and no suitable alternative venue was available for such a large operation. But this proved an opportune decision point for the Club, as the staff presence and supply requirements detracted from our ability to give members and show guests the full service they wanted at the Ocean Village Clubhouse. In

But so much is changing and happening in the Club currently that we have decided we really need to tell more people about it, and where better than on our own doorstep, at one of the two largest boat shows in the country? Learning from the past, we are not returning to a catering provision, but will instead have an information stand in the main exhibition hall, where we will be surrounded by providers of yachting and boating provisions and services – and therefore, hopefully, lots of people looking for these!

The stand will be staffed by a volunteer rota of members of our various committees, together with staff representatives, and we look

forward to having the chance to explain the advantages the Club offers to local visitors and also to those who live further away, but come to the area to sail. The Ocean Village clubhouse is also becoming increasingly popular with local businesses, particularly those who are associated with the marine industry, as a function venue. The revenue this brings is of course beneficial to all members in terms of keeping fees down and standards up, so we are hoping to catch the attention of organisations as well as individuals.

New Introductory Membership Since its formation 18 months ago the Marketing and Membership Sub Committee has been working hard to ensure that the Club presents itself effectively to the outside world.

As members we all appreciate what the Club offers in terms of both

PSP Southampton Boat Show Photos (above): onEdition Flashback.

The joint RSYC and RYA lounge at the Southampton Boat Show in 2007 26

yachter Autumn 2013

www.rsyc.org.uk

BOAT SHOW

‘on the water’ activities and social opportunities with like-minded folk and feel privileged to be part of such an exclusive institution.

However there is a fine line between exclusivity and exclusion, and our ‘Royal’ status combined maybe with that rather imposing outside staircase can perhaps be offputting to those who don’t know how nice we all are really – and what fun Club membership can be!

The streamlined ‘branding’ of the Club introduced last year is now well embedded, as you may have noticed, and the Boat Show is the launch pad for the next phase — our new range of marketing material.

It will also be a great opportunity

to promote the recently approved ‘Introductory Membership’ scheme — this has nearly all the benefits of full membership, without the obstacles and stumbling blocks that have tended to make it difficult for all except the most determined to sign up in the past.

The key differences between this scheme and our joining process to date are that it is not essential to know two members already, there is no requirement for interview by the Committee before joining, there is no initial joining fee and also payment can be made monthly (without attracting a high surcharge).

Introductory members can automatically become full members

after one year, provided they wish to, and that there is no reason from the Club’s side not to offer this. At this point new members are entitled to apply for a warrant to fly the Blue Ensign. We have piloted this new membership scheme at recent marina open days, including the one at Ocean Village last month, and have had a gratifying level of take-up.

Club publications are also part of the Marketing and Membership team, and particular thanks go to our Editor, Mike Ford, for his impressive efforts at bringing out this edition of the Yachter early, to ensure it is available for the Boat Show.

What better way of showcasing what our great Club has to offer!

Opening Times and Ticket Information The Show is open daily from 10.00 am till 6.30pm and 6pm on the final day.

Admission charges on the opening preview day are £21 if bought online in advance or £25 at the gate. Every other day is £16 in advance and £20 at the gate.

Senior citizens over 60, are £16 in advance and £20 at the gate for preview day, and £12 and £16 each other day.

Senior citizens living in Southampton postcode areas SO14 to SO19 enjoy free admission on production of proof of age and residency.

www.rsyc.org.uk

Children accompanied by a paying adult have free admission. Students with an ID card are £12 at the gate.

Family tickets for two adults and four children on one day are £28.

Two-day tickets are also available, allowing two days at the Show, or one day at the Southampton Show and one at the London Boat Show in January.

All visitors are welcome on preview day.

yachter Autumn 2013

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BOAT SHOW

Jane with John Knight, Chairman of Gins

Displaying artistic seascapes The Club’s Artist in Residence, Jane Green, is holding an exhibition at Ocean Village during the PSP Southampton Boat Show with fellow artist Nicola Gale.

F

orty percent of the net proceeds will go to the Commodore’s chosen charity Toe in the Water which aims to “use competitive sailing to re-inspire injured service personnel to see beyond their injuries, and perform to their limits regardless of their physical condition.”

Jane has exhibited on three previous occasions for the club at Gins, each time raising money for the Commodore’s charities. Her pictures are of various scenes associated with the sea, sailing, fishing and boating in general, together with local scenes, landscapes and portraits. She has exhibited at RWA; Mall Galleries, London; Best of Hampshire Artist, Hillier Gardens and also locally.

www.rsyc.org.uk

Nicola is well known for her atmospheric seascapes which capture light and movement so well. Nicola has shown work at a number of exhibition venues including the St Barbe Gallery in Lymington, Southampton City Art Gallery and Spindrift Gallery in the New Forest.

In her work Nicola explores the abstract nature of familiar landscapes and settings choosing acrylic paint as her favourite medium

Admiral’s Room where the majority of paintings will be hung. This is on September 18 where Jane will be the speaker with a talk called “Artist and Architect”

Nicola’s ‘Gale at sea’, Acrylic

The launch will be at a private view on September 7. Nicola and Jane will be available to discuss their work between 11am and 1pm on Saturday, September 7 and members are welcome to join them for a glass of wine.

Further information on the artists and their work can be obtained from the web site: www.artandarch.co.uk and on the charity Toe in the Water website: www.toeinthewater.org

The exhibition will run from September 6 to October 5. The original works will range from £40 for limited edition unframed prints to £350 for framed paintings. Samples of Jane and Nicola’s works were hung recently for Gins Summer party.

Jane Green Out to catch the evening tide’

There will be a luncheon in the yachter Autumn 2013

29

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ON THE RIVER

A Tribute to Gins Gins chairman John Knight takes stock of current activity at the Gins Clubhouse on the Beaulieu river

N

ext year marks the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club’s greatest asset, the Clubhouse at Gins on the historic Beaulieu River. Often referred to as “the Jewel in the Crown” Gins is without doubt a wonderful place at which to spend time either “messing about in boats” or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the beautifully tranquil Beaulieu River from the Clubhouse bar and restaurant.

Those members who keep their boats on the River count themselves very fortunate to have the benefit of such a spectacular base from which to sail the waters of the Solent and beyond.

Early morning, the sunrise greets a plethora of birds feeding on the River and on the sedge lined banks.

Long summer days see the passage of boats up and down to Bucklers Hard, with its historic village where many of Nelson’s famous ships such as the Agamemnon, Swiftsure and Euryalus were built, to serve with distinction at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Evenings follow with even more beautiful sunsets to the west across St Leonards Grange (part of the historic Cistercian Abbey at Beaulieu dating back to 1204) of which Gins Creek formed the harbour.

Plans for a 50th Anniversary

N

ext year will see a programme of events organised by the Club to celebrate both the anniversary and all that is Gins. If you are a member and haven’t yet sampled the delights of Gins don’t miss the opportunity to visit during the year, you will not regret it!!

If you are not a member, then join immediately and share with us the unrivalled beauty of the River.

Listed below is a sample of the events planned in celebration of this important milestone in our history.

Saturday, September 7 – Last Night of the Proms

Photography Master Class / 50th Anniversary Reception / 50th Anniversary Birthday Party Radio Controlled Yacht Regatta / Bank Holiday BBQ / Beer Festival with Hog Roast 1960s Themed Summer Ball / Interclub Dinghy Regatta / 1960s Themed Cruiser Race Family Fun Weekend / Cowes Firework Evening / New Forest Bike Ride 1964 Boat and Classic Car Rally / 1960s Themed End of Year Event Final dates and information will be available on the web site in due course.

It is hoped that our Admiral, HRH Prince Michael of Kent will be available to attend at least one of these celebratory occasions.

Restaurant and Bar Refurbishment

M

any that use Gins on a regular basis will be aware that we have completed Phase One of our refurbishment plans for the bar and restaurant.

We hope to complete Phase Two of the work in time for next year’s

www.rsyc.org.uk

Upcoming Social highlights and diary dates

anniversary celebrations. This work will involve the replacement of the screen to the front of the bar with three sliding door screens, to match the restaurant windows already installed, together with the recladding of the balcony balustrade

Friday, September 20 – Autumn Quiz Supper Weekend, September 28/29 – RNLI Race / Rally to Gins Friday, October 11 – Old Salts’ Lunch Thursday, October 31 – Gins Ladies’ Lunch

Further details are available on the RSYC website. with maintenance free material.

This will enable us to open up the bar to the balcony when weather permits.

We hope that the work will be carried out towards the end of this year, subject to available funding.

yachter Autumn 2013

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ON THE RIVER

A Picture Perfect Party I

n July, Gins hosted a Charity Garden Party on behalf of the Commodore’s charity, Toe in the Water.

The party began at 1700 hrs with tea on the lawn by the river’s edge and music from the Cavalier Jazzmen who brought back memories of the 1920’s and 1930’s with some rousing traditional jazz. A mystery guest by the name of Gordon Ramsey (Ed de Mesquita) joined us at 1800 hrs and abused the crowd!

www.rsyc.org.uk

At 1900 hrs members and guests moved to the Clubhouse for drinks and an excellent cold buffet supper prepared by new chef, Robert Owen and served by his team. Steward Michael Elvis kept the bar operating to satisfy the demand triggered by the simply beautiful weather with temperatures topping at 30 degrees during the afternoon.

Evening entertainment was provided by rhythm and blues guitarist Rob Berry who got

members dancing as the evening went on. The raffle kindly drawn

by James Hanratty raised £620 for the Commodore’s charity, thanks to the generosity of a number of organisations that contributed prizes to the draw.

A big thank you goes to Michael Elvis and the Gins team for a wonderful evening.

John Knight Gins Chairman

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CADETS

Izzy’s Skill is Catalyst for Cadet Programme Growth T

he Club has a new dinghy for the use of cadets, all thanks to the imagination and artistic skills of cadet member Izzy Shepard.

representatives from Aberdeen Asset Management and Cowes Week Limited, with her interpretation of the ‘sealife and sailing’ theme.

The Club is very fortunate to have such a talented cadet member, and we shall soon, hopefully, have an Isabella II. Well done, Isabella!”

She won the inaugural junior art competition at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week last year and part of her prize in the shape of £1,000 for her sailing club, the Royal Southampton has been used to buy a Laser Pico which has been appropriately named, Isabella.

The artwork took Izzy over eight weeks of planning and painting, to deservedly win the competition for the second year running.

Only a few days before, the new Laser Pico was named at Gins.

It will be used by members of the Club for cadet training events, including river safaris and day trips up the river to Beaulieu. The Club is hoping to build up a fleet of Laser Pico’s, and since the arrival of Isabella, another member has donated another boat.

But to top that, the 12-year-old has repeated her success and won the same competition at Cowes Week this year and another £1,000 prize money for the Club. She received an Aberdeen sailing pack and a day’s hospitality at the regatta.

This year Izzy wowed the judging panel of double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson, fine art auctioneer Nick Bonham, and

What gave her the inspiration to paint the impressive acrylic? “It mostly comes from my family but because of the theme of sealife and sailing, I was keen to base it on the Isle of Wight, and my dad suggested the Needles,” she said. “We got a few photos together and merged the boat sailing, the Needles and the dolphins, which we had on a video we quite liked.”

Commodore Susan Lamb said: “I am very pleased to see that Isabella had won the prize again, but not completely surprised, as I had seen her very impressive entry beforehand.

Simon Pickess, head of cadets at the RSYC, said: “This boat has been a catalyst for growth around the sailing club. In previous years we have had to borrow boats to run events. Now, having only been able to run two events a year, we can run five, with demand for the courses growing as the summer progresses”.

The Commodore, Susan Lamb, left, names the new Pico dinghy

Photo: Michael Austen Izzy Shepard ready for a sail in Isabella www.rsyc.org.uk

Painting skill. Shirley Robertson, left, and Izzy show off this year’s winning painting. yachter Autumn 2013

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CRUISING

Vignettes from the Canals and Rivers of France When John and Ann Bass took Heidi of Bembridge into the Seine at Le Havre for the first time in 1999 their ambition was simply to reach Paris. Here are some random jottings from their diaries

The idea of mooring Heidi in the Arsenal Marina next to the Place de la Bastille and a fifteen-minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral seemed ambitious enough at the time, but has led to longer and longer annual cruises that have taken us deeper and deeper into France from the Channel to the Mediterranean and to the Biscay Coast.

Heidi, the glorious 42ft, twin-engined teak and mahogany Channel Cruiser has since been replaced with Tamarisk, the 32ft, single-engined purpose-built

From 2006 - at Capestang on the Canal du Midi

From 2011 - How to Cross the Channel

There are yet more advantages to travelling the Midi at this time of year.

The local soft fruits are in season, with Agde a main source of cherries; local apricots, peaches and melons are available in piles in every village market as are artichokes and asparagus. Ann is in paradise in these conditions and has already made a load of apricot jam! John has discovered that careful tasting at the “caves” to be found in most villages has resulted in Heidi’s hold now containing a wide selection of local wines. This also meant that she was nice and low in the water when we reached the village of Capestang,

It started routinely at five o’clock on March 23 with what has become our standard Channel crossing - a fully loaded car to Folkestone, 35 minutes in the Eurotunnel Shuttle and a 130kph cruise down the autoroutes to the boatyard in St Jean de Losne by five o’clock on the same evening. “

notable for the very low, narrow bridge, which would decide whether Heidi was going to make further progress west or would have to retreat and go back home the way she had come along the Rhone and Saone etc. Well, on Saturday. June 17, having removed the windscreen… She made it!

From 2013 - at Ray sur Saone This is a particularly beautiful village that we were fortunate to have visited in 2012 when we were made aware of a very shallow sandbank in the approach to the moorings, shown on the chart and marked with buoys

– Except that this year both port and starboard hand markers were missing!

That evening we were about to sit down to Ann’s casserole and a glass of something appropriate when there was a knock on the side of the boat and 36

GRP canal cruiser and our cruises now reach places that dear old Heidi could never have reached.

yachter Autumn 2013

a smiling face at the window asked if he could have a quick word. The face belonged to the duty hand of the boat hire base at Gray. He pointed downstream and there, of course, right in the middle of the sandbank was a very large hireboat making strenuous engine noises and driving itself ever deeper onto the sandbank.

John did a quick risk assessment: the other boat was twice as big as Tamarisk and would have to be towed out across a strong current into a www.rsyc.org.uk

CRUISING narrow channel: clearly the most likely outcome was that Tamarisk would join the hireboat on the sandbank.

Naturally John and his able crew put down their knives and forks and rushed to help. Further facts gradually emerged; the duty hand was French with English as a marginal second language; the crew of the stranded boat were enjoying their first day

ever afloat after 15 minutes training and were Dutch; furthermore the duty hand was clearly from the base engineering staff and was a stranger to seamanship.

2013 - The Summer Cruise continued northwards into Lorraine.

des Vosges before dropping gently into the Moselle valley where we found a perfect mooring in the comfortable old riverside town of Epinal.

The River Saone was left behind in June as we climbed up through the forests of Lorraine along the Canal

The inevitable happened… Tamarisk got a line across… proved she couldn’t pull hard enough… let go just in time and withdrew in good order for supper on her mooring.

What happened to the hireboat?

The local villagers watching from the river bank stopped laughing, put a line aboard from a little fishing skiff and towed the hireboat off the sandbank with one of their tractors. It was their fourth rescue of the season.

This one place illustrated all the joys of the French waterways, with a secure quayside berth, electricity and water points on the quay, a five minute walk to a hypermarket, free parking behind the up-market restaurant on the quay and a mooring charge of 5 euros 50centimes a night including the electricity and water.

One hesitates to return to home waters.

Ann and John Bass

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Blind Week

On The Water with the Visually Impaired Each year aspiring sailors who are blind or visually impaired get the opportunity for a week on the water, thanks to the Royal Southampton and Royal Cornwall yacht clubs. Kay Abbott takes up the story

T

he RSYC hosted Blind Week this year at the start of the really good weather. Sunshine and fair winds were such a change from the rain and fog of last year!

Four fleets, with six boats in each, meant that there were 48 visually impaired sailors involved, with lots of familiar names amongst them (one from Edinburgh), and some new ones.

Our fleet, Goldcrest (Suzie James), Margaret Catpole 111 (Alan Stewart), Quicksilver (Graham Falder), Wishwell (George Powell), John Benn (Robert Hamer) and Seven Stars (George Evans) started with a stay at the Folly Inn on the River Medina where the inevitable pontoon party was interrupted by a very aggressive (or hungry?) swan. More than one person tried to dissuade it from pecking at the nearest legs, but none of us had the desired effect!! Perhaps the singing of George Formby songs on Seven Stars later in the evening should have been started earlier, so the swan could be frightened away!

The next day we had a long beat, against the tide, to Yarmouth. This gave the VIs lots of practice at tacking, both from the helm and in the cockpit, and frequent changes of helm meant that no-one got too tired!

An early start next day meant we could shoot out with the tide, through

www.rsyc.org.uk

Hurst Narrows, on our way to Poole.

Entertainment was provided by attempting to raft six boats in our fleet, nose to tail. It was easy for Seven Stars and Goldcrest who got to South Deep first, but not so easy for the later boats, so Graham Falder, skipper of Quicksilver, managed to get some interesting photos whilst he waited for his turn!

Eventually, we were all safely tied up and John Benn provided his usual ‘Pimm’s party’. It was a good thing that this boat is big and strong, as 30 people were all on it at the time!

Next day’s sailing out of Poole harbour to Old Harry Rocks and Portland Bill with lunch at anchor on the outskirts of Studland Bay, led to an interesting motor up Poole harbour to the marina at Poole Quay with a VI at the helm.

‘Left hand down a bit’ was heard more than once!

From here, we had a good sail back to the Solent with wind behind us and tide with us as we went through Hurst again. The wind increased gradually during the day from 1012 knots to 20-plus knots which increased to 27 knots on the nose as we turned into the Beaulieu River - the first time some of the VIs had experienced windy weather sailing.

Another excellent meal was had at Gins that evening before we all left

on Friday to return to Ocean Village for our final dinner. An uneventful journey for all, except Seven Stars, who suffered a burst engine cooling water hose resulting in very full bilges!

Thank heaven for member David Hadaway and his engineering skills who made a very effective temporary repair so we could continue safely up Southampton Water.

One of the other fleets of boats had their own style of entertainment.

They began the week with a ‘Blind Sail Speed Date’ party which certainly meant that all the people in that fleet knew one another from the first evening. I can see that being used again in the future!

This fleet also had one boat whose skipper decided that cruising around the Solent and to Poole. was not enough and so roused his crew, for a 0430 hours start, to go Round the Island! Completed in 8 hours and 35 minutes. Well done Jolly Jellyfish!

The final dinner at the RSYC, will be remembered by all present for the Elvis impersonator who had sailed during the week on Toucan Too skippered by Nick Pomfret. Needless to say, there was a considerable amount of joining in!

Each skipper was presented with their commemorative plaque and the Handford Plate was handed over by Vice Commodore Gordon Agnew to Tan Lumby, representing the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, who will be hosting Blind Week next year. Dates for next year are Saturday, June 28 to Saturday, July 5.

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Ocean Village Social E

OCEAN VILLAGE SOCIAL SCEN

by Maggie Lund

wing the forthcoming now. More decisions will be made follo for l, Wel k!… bac I’m like s look s, Well folk November AGM. rtainment events rn to the running of social and ente retu to ed ask been have I e, ntim In the mea Social Scene and old “magic” and reviving fun in the the of e som k bac ing putt ge, Villa at Ocean Programmes.

Night, which took yable and successful Robbie Burns The year started well, with a very enjo and bagpipes, gis hag t er, with the usual and excellen place as a sort of formal Burns Dinn their kilts and hing swis me some of the menfolk looked, speeches and toasts. How handso Maggie L und looking very “dapper!” r! nda cale ial soc the on ure fixt a ng omi bec like s look it h, muc Robbie Burns night was enjoyed so uary 2014.

Jan in at repe a be will e ed to take the Certainly ther inting , and following this, I then agre ppo disa be to ed prov ly sad ge, Villa an The June Summer Jazz Party at Oce in. aga e above all, quality social helm onc oming, something for everyone and welc fun, le, yab enjo mes ram prog events My aim would be to make the social ey. mon for successful for all. and good value activities thoroughly enjoyable and ial soc our e mak to nce nda atte port and But of course, we do need your sup t of tickets. cos the r lowe the es, summer The more attende per disco night, the last before the enjoyed a great French-themed sup ds frien and bers mem 35 to up .

On Friday, July 19, tables decorated French-style colourful in red, white and blue, with scrumptious! break. Guests came along looking French desserts. They were simply and s frite c ave les mou or ks stea per menu of !

Chef had prepared an excellent sup all, ending the evening on a high note mood and a great time was had by py hap a h suc in e wer ent pres ts All the staff and gues rse luncheon and art exhibition, sday, September 18 with a two-cou dne We on cial, spe w Sho t Boa a ce Jane Green, in the Admiral’s The next event is to be speaker is the Club’s artist-in-residen st Gue .

0pm 12.3 for oon 12n at open to all and starting Room, at £16-50pp. difference and certainly interesting. lovers, and enjoy a luncheon with a So do come along, particularly art date in your diary. per evening with disco, so do put this sup ed hem ek-t Gre a ning plan are For Friday, October 11. We curry night. changed to Friday, 22, an Indian The November social night has been reet Life” already booked. r, but with the fabulous live band “St yea this ball a ace repl will ty Par The Christmas Celebration kept at reasonable prices for for more deta ils. Ticket costs will be ch wat so ball, e orat elab e mor a The New Year’s Eve do will be both these special occasions. somewhat ings, started about a year ago, have The monthly Friday Intro Dining even dwindled, so will not be continued. to be ahead in the planning and promises Next year’s social programme is well ts, good value and lively. varied, with a good selection of even And of course May and June 2014, will see lots of celebratory events taking place at Gins, with its 50th anniversary.

The Ladies Luncheons will be resumed Maggie leading the social scene at past events in April and October with excellent guest speakers. sun I do hope you all enjoy the summer ore ash and ng and holidays, both saili ond. greeting you all in September and bey and I look forward to meeting and

L SO A Y O U R

CHT CL U B YA

P TON M A H T

lian Mogg

Blessings, Maggie Lund

y Photo: Gil

rt Chinese Pa

www.rsyc.org.uk

yachter Autumn 2013

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Social Scene

Commodore’s Charity Events The RSYC has embarked on a series of charity events providing support for the Commodore’s charity, Toe in the Water. Organising chairman Maggie Lund explains all.

T

his last 12 months has seen some very successful and enjoyable fund-raising events for Toe in the Water, the Commodore’s current chosen charity and due to the great generosity of all the people involved, large sums of money have been raised.

October 2012 An evening Charity Fashion Show was held at Ocean Village, greeting guests with wine and canapés. The fashions which were elegantly modeled, were by Devernois Fashion House, and presented by owner, Sharon Lisle.

The total sum of £630 was raised on the evening, shared between ticket and raffle sales.

This was followed in early December, with the annual Charity Pursuit race, when £500 was raised. Well, it wasn’t “hot pursuit” in any sense of the term – it was a frosty day and not much wind! This very popular charity event rounds off the Club’s racing year and signals the start of Christmas festivities, with many skippers dressed as Santas and a well decorated Committee boat.

Then it was back to the Clubhouse, for raffles, prizegiving and the sweepstake cash prizes.

A great fun day for everyone who took part!

This year began with a fantastic Chinese New Year Charity celebration, on February 23. This event was a sell-out with 120 guests and a waiting list of 40! It proved to be a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by all, with an authentic Chinese supper, Chinese display of amazing Kung Fu artists, followed by music for dancing by the ever popular Teddy Massiah — a great night which raised £385 in ticket donations.

Chinese Party

Photo: Gillian Mogg

The highlight of the summer, has to be the Charity Garden Party held at beautiful Gins and which was blessed with glorious hot sunshine, on Saturday, July 13, starting at 5pm, with sparkling wine, afternoon tea and Trad Jazz, through to late, including buffet supper and guitarist playing Rhythm & Blues.

The celebrity guest, “Gordon Ramsey” made his short appearance at 6pm, to much applause and laughter.

My grateful thanks go Edward de Mesquita, who was such a sport playing and dressing the part.

It was a very special and magical day for all 105 attendees and a grand total of £620 was raised. We had 17 great prizes very generously donated, from Mayflower Theatre tickets, spa days, champagne afternoon teas, sailing afternoon and much much more.

Gins Party Sheila Grierson of Gins, very kindly donated the table plants/floral decorations, which were sold for the charity.

So with these past four charity events to date, a grand total of £2,135 has been raised for Toe in the Water, supporting a very worthy charity .

A most pleasing result indeed!

My grateful thanks go to everyone who helped and gave so generously.

Sailing at Cowes with Toe in the Water. Photo: Rick Tomlinson www.rsyc.org.uk

yachter Autumn 2013

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THE RICE BAY EXPEDITION

River Boyne - ‘Fire and Water’ John Chancellor’s painting of the River Boyne with her cargo of coals on fire, off False Cape Horn

The Rice Bay Expedition RSYC member John Rice tells of his expedition to Cape Horn, in the wake of his notable seafaring great grandfather, to discover the real ‘Rice Bay’

Underwriters’ Citation to Capt. Rice

River Boyne from Stanley Dock, Liverpool to Valparaiso 1875 Edmund S. Rice, Master.

October 12, Tuesday, 88 days out.

4pm, strong increasing gale NW, heavy head sea, plunging bows under, washed away headsails, took in reefed upper topsails, main and foresail, constant rain, expect a shift to the SW, baro falling.

9am, strong smell of gas coming up the lazarrette scuttle, all hatches battened down, opened the fore and aft hatches smoke issued out of both but most out of the forehatch.

Noon, smoke getting denser out of the fore hatch, strong SW gale, under lower topsails and storm staysails, heavy seas, all hands passing water on the coals and digging down the main hatch.

Lat 56.24 S; Long 72 W, Cape Horn E by N 158.

Chart of the Hardy Peninsula showing the route taken

October 13, Wednesday 89 days out 1pm, smoke gaining, coming up the fore hatch in dense volumes, wind SW, hard gale increasing, deemed it advisable to batten down and run back to anchorage E of Woolastone Island, squared away ENE. 1am, made the Diego Ramirez Island, hauled up North for False Cape.

October 14, Thursday, 90 days out PM. 1.30 Sounded into bay, name unknown, under lower fore topsail, main and mizzen staysails. Anchored in the middle of the bay with 35 fathoms on port and 20 on starboard cable, in 6 fathoms of water.

T

he above are extracts from my great grandfather’s handwritten Log of the voyage of the River Boyne, a small 500 ton iron barque built by Dobie and Company of Glasgow in 1867, of which he was Master.

On October 12,1875, 88 days out from Liverpool, having made painful progress westerly in fierce seas to round Cape Horn, Capt. Rice discovered that his cargo of coals was on fire. After concerted attempts by the crew to bring the fire under control he made the hard decision to run back to False Cape Horn.

Although he was unable to access the charts in his cabin, due to the thick smoke below decks, he was sufficiently familiar with them to be able to navigate and sound into a bay on the eastern shore of the Hardy Peninsula, to the north of False Cape Horn.

On October 16, after continuing abortive attempts to extinguish the fire by pumping water into the hold,

44

yachter Autumn 2013

and with threatened mutiny from a wet, cold, hungry and exhausted crew, Capt Rice had to take drastic action.

As the bay had a sandy bottom he took her into shallower water and scuttled her. Refloating her proved as much of a challenge as putting out the fire had been, but after many days and nights of strenuous effort they succeeded.

On October 28 the River Boyne resumed her voyage, albeit with a depleted cargo, it having been necessary during her time in the bay to jettison a considerable quantity of coal, initially to extinguish the fire and then to lighten the load to refloat her.

On Saturday, November 27, 1875, 134 days out from Liverpool, she docked in Valparaiso, where the remaining cargo was duly sold, and Capt. Rice gave evidence at a hearing conducted by the British Consul. She subsequently made a relatively uneventful voyage home to West Hartlepool, docking on Sunday, July 9, 1876.

Capt. Rice was awarded £100 by the ship’s underwriters ‘in recognition of his skilful and courageous seamanship’, plus £100 for distribution amongst the crew.

Captain Edmund Stewart Rice was my great grandfather, and my grandfather and father both bore the same name. I, John Edmund Stewart Rice, inherited the logbook, the citation from the underwriters and a strong sense of family pride and interest in this notable achievement.

I have sailed all my life, and for a long time I nurtured an ambition to pay a pilgrimage to Rice Bay, named to commemorate my great grandfather’s achievement. (‘Bahia Rice’ on Chilean and Admiralty charts: 55, 36’ S; 68deg, 00’ N - on the East coast of the Hardy Peninsula) My embryonic plans were given new direction and impetus with the discovery that ‘Rice Bay’ was not in fact the one in which the River Boyne was scuttled! www.rsyc.org.uk

THE RICE BAY EXPEDITION Pelagic in Schapenham Bay This fresh information emerged after the marine artist John Chancellor borrowed the logbook from me in order to paint a historically accurate picture of the scuttled barque in Rice Bay. As part of his preparation he asked the Antarctic survey vessel Bransfield to call in to obtain a photograph of the site of the scuttling. Rice Bay proved to be surrounded by high cliffs, with none of the features described by Captain Rice... This revelation resulted in John Chancellor’s painting showing the River Boyne running past False Cape Horn, with smoke issuing from her masts – and also in the strengthening of my resolve, now there was a mystery to solve.

Whilst researching how to accomplish this, I established that Skip Novak’s Pelagic was available for expedition charter out of Ushuaia (on the Argentina side of the Beagle Channel) I contacted Skip and with considerable help from him obtained the necessary permission from the Chilean Navy to visit this restricted area. Thus in March a few years ago, having flown from the UK via Buenos Aires, we cast off from Ushuaia jetty.

On board Pelagic were myself, two of my four sons, an old friend and his son, a journalist interested in the story, the skipper and Skip Novak himself.

Our first stop was Puerto Williams, on the Chilean side of the channel, where formalities had to be completed. This was our last chance to sample the watering holes of South America before exchanging these for the equally intoxicating charms of the wilderness. If you ever get to visit, you will probably be on a sailing yacht, and you will probably moor abreast other yachts

alongside the Micalvi, an old hulk.

This houses some temperamental showering facilities and a bar where you will probably be forced to drink “Pisco Sours” until 4 am, before negotiating slippery and possibly icy decks in order to return (with luck) to a relatively comfortable and secure bunk. Puerto Williams, though otherwise a rather basic community, also boasts a facinating museum which focuses mainly on the now extinct Yamana Indians of Tierra del Fuego - some of whom Capn. Rice encountered.

Glacial lakes in the mountains of the Beagle Channel

Next day, with the formalities over, we eventually set off at 1630 for Puerto Toros, a small fishing community to the East. We were moored alongside by 2000 in time for an excellent dinner ably prepared

by Rob, the journalist, and self appointed chief cook. I should mention here that Skip proved to be a relaxed and excellent host.

Provisions were plentiful, with seemingly inexhaustible supplies of good Argentinean wine to help settle the stomach after a turbulent passage.

The following morning we cast off at 0900 bound for Bahia Orange, approximately 10nm north of Bahia Rice, having first negotiated with a local fisherman who supplied us with a large bucket full of huge Centolla crabs. By 1030 we were rounding the eastern point of Isla Navarino and setting a course of approximately 270deg into a Swly variable 25k wind.

The weather was wet with occasional robust hailstorms, the temperature 0 deg C. Several of us were discreetly sick. By 1900 we were 3 miles E of Packsaddle Island where we tacked south on a course of approximately

View of Schapenham Bay - The reward of a hard climb!

John Rice ashore at Callete Norte in Bahia Lort - the REAL Rice Bay

continued overleaf

Glaciers in the Beagle Channel

The Expedition team - (L to R) Graham Rice, John Rice, Richard Fernie (back), Rich Haworth (front), David Fernie (back), Gordon Rice (front), Skip Novak (Picture taken by eighth member, Journalist Rob Buchanan) www.rsyc.org.uk

yachter Autumn 2013

45

THE RICE BAY EXPEDITION Skip searches the seabed for coal

Pelagic exploring the Hardy Peninsula 190 deg. By 2100 we were anchored in Caleta Mission in superbly calm water and were preparing for our crab feast.

Next morning we convened in Pelagic’s cabin for a review of the information we had to help us locate and identify the bay in which the River Boyne had sought refuge over 125 years ago. We had the following data – The bay was to the north of Point Lort but south of Bahia Orange (our current location). It provided good anchorage with a firm sandy bottom in around six fathoms adjacent to two streams providing supplies of fresh water. There was a small island

in the mouth of the bay and beyond one could see the contours of the mountains on Woolaston Island.

Capn. Rice, in common with many others in these pre-photography days, was something of an artist, and had included in his Log a number of drawings, including one of the ship scuttled in the bay, which added to our evidence base.

Our best guess was Bahia Schapenham, so this was to be the first location we explored. We spent two days there, after which time we were inclined to believe that this was indeed the location we were looking for. However the negatives were that Woolastone was not visible from the

bay; also to equate Yellow Island (to the NE) with the small island to which Capt Rice had referred was a stretch of the imagination - and we had found no trace of the coal jettisoned all those years ago. On the other hand there was no other remotely viable location north of Point Lort and the soundings and shoreline were more or less in accordance with expectations.

With Rice Bay already eliminated, the only bay then left unexplored was Bahia Lort, previously discounted because our intelligence was specific in as much as the site of the scuttling was stated as being north of this bay. Before we went any further, it

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www.rsyc.org.uk

THE RICE BAY EXPEDITION

Rounding Cape Horn!

Skip Novak visiting RSYC (with John Rice and Peter Bateman) Painting of the barque the River Boyne scuttled in the bay to extinguish the fire (From Capn Rice’s Logbook)

John and Graham Rice with Captain Rice’s painting of the River Boyne scuttled in Rice Bay. The actual bay, with Pelagic marking the spot, are in the background. was decided that the opportunity of climbing to the top of the adjacent peaks of the Cadenza Caritas de Cantilenas was too good to miss, so those fit enough scrambled up about 500m to be rewarded by a magnificent view of the Southern Ocean. Skip meanwhile donned his diving gear and scoured the sea bed in the vicinity of the locations where the River Boyne could possibly have jettisoned coal, but drew a blank.

On April 1 we weighed anchor at 0800 and en route to Cape Horn made a detour, at Skip’s insistence, to Bahia Lort, where we anchored at 10.30 in Calleta Norte, on its north side. Suddenly we found ourselves seriously considering this to be the true location of the scuttling! Why? Well - the location was almost exactly as described (and drawn) by Capt Rice, except that it was not to the north of Pte Lort. This was why we had previously precluded it from serious consideration. The small island (Ite Orques) was there, the fresh water streams were there, the soundings were right, the bottom was sandy and Woolaston Island was visible from the anchorage. We then went ashore - and found coal on the beach! Subsequent analysis of some of the 35 pieces we brought back confirmed that its composition was consistent with coal from the North Wales coalfield.

When you take into account that Capt Rice had a major fire on board www.rsyc.org.uk

his ship, a strong gale was blowing, he had been unable to get to his cabin and charts for two days because of thick smoke, and that GPS was not going to be invented for another 100 years or so, he might easily have mistaken one headland for another.

Eureka! By unanimous vote we declared that we were now anchored in the true Rice Bay - Calleta Norte in Bahia Lort (55deg 39’ N: 68 01 W approx) just to the north of Pte Cannelier, which in the heat (literally!) of the moment Capt Rice presumably mistook for Pte Lort.

Mission accomplished!

However Skip is not a man to loiter when a passage has been planned and the weather is favourable, so by1230 we were motoring out of Bahia Lort.

Soon we were on a broad reach with 25 to 30 knots of wind to take us along the South coast of Isla Hermite with a big smooth swell behind us.

Fantastic sailing, in sunshine! At 1730 we were due South of Cape Horn.

As we rounded up for the passage north between Isla Herchel to the West and Isla Deceit to the East the wind backed to help us on our way. At around 2000 we were safely anchored in Caleta Martial near the north east corner of Herschel. What an incredible day!

Next morning we weighed anchor at 0800 to return to Puerto Williams.

We took the passage between Islas Woolaston and Freycinet and at 1000 we set staysail and genoa and

Coal recovered from the beach at Lort Bay Mystery solved! By Capn. Rice’s Great and Great Great Grandsons.

The coal is the final proof....

were steering approx 330deg with Isla Lennox ahead. By 1930 we were moored alongside at Puerto Williams. Here Skip came across an old friend who had just arrived after a single handed 36 day trip from New Zealand. He joined us for dinner that night and inevitably had some good tales to humble us with, prior to our statutory visit to the Micelvi.

We had achieved our main objective, but still had amazing experiences ahead of us – cruising the Beagle Channel for a week, getting close up to huge glaciers reaching down to the water. While the vegetation was characterised by stunted, wind-blown beeches, sealife was infinitely more varied, with sightings of sea lions, dolphins, penguins and even a lone condor.

It’s a different world down there, and I and my sons are grateful to our resourceful forebear for introducing us to it.

(Ed: Angela Rice 2013) For information on Pelagic Expeditions and Charters, see www.pelagic.co.uk. yachter Autumn 2013

47

DINING

Every Day is Different The Royal Southampton has two restaurants, both with stunning views over the water and each providing excellent service, Rear Commodore House Allan Beswick spends time with the chefs

E

very Day is Different - that’s what appeals to Bob Owen, our new Head Chef at Gins on the Beaulieu River who joined the team in late April this year.

He is just becoming familiar with the difference between working for a club and his last position at The Vestry Restaurant just opposite the Mayflower Theatre where he was head chef for six years. At the Vestry he catered for a 200 seat restaurant which was very busy for pre-theatre dinners and particularly in December catered for over 4,500 diners!

Robert Owen (Bob) lives in Holbury on the edge of the New Forest which is local to the Beaulieu River and he says he enjoys and appreciates the more personalised atmosphere of the Gins Clubhouse.

I asked him what challenges he considered that he faced now.

Bob’s main challenge is that although he takes pleasure in the difference each day brings, the contrast can be tricky to manage sometimes.

“For example, just recently on a Thursday we had no reservations booked at all but we ended up catering for 35 lunches and 45 dinners.

That’s straightforward in a commercial restaurant with large food stocks and staffing alike but we don’t have the same resources. It would be great if we had more notice by members pre-booking and we can be more prepared in the kitchen and have additional staff in the restaurant. As it was it all worked out well and the members were happy!”

“What is the kitchen like to work in”?

Bob realises that the lack of room in the kitchen at Gins does put a chef ’s skills to the test.

“One of the first things you have do is to work out is how you will produce food at a consistent quality of standard from a kitchen where space is very tight. This is especially challenging when providing for large functions and sailing rallies”.

“What would you like to achieve at Gins on the Beaulieu River”?

“I met a member the other day who had never been to Gins previously.

I couldn’t understand why that was as this is one of the most magical spots in the country. We will always have visiting rallies but I would really like to see us serving consistently between 40 and 50 members and guests per sitting to enjoy the food and ambiance in a restaurant environment. I want to create a destination restaurant that members will want to drive to for the experience”.

“In the autumn we will change the menu again to reflect some of my dishes, probably more fish and local suppliers but always value for money”.

Bob Owen, our new Head Chef at Gins 48

yachter Autumn 2013

www.rsyc.org.uk

DINING I asked him what he gets a kick out of after so many years at the club.

In contrast Glenn Shears, our Executive Chef at Ocean Village Clubhouse, has been with the Club for 22 years.

Sitting with Glenn in the Restaurant at Ocean Village I was immediately aware of the energy, enthusiasm and depth of experience he brings to the role. He has a genuine passion for the club and the desire to produce quality food.

Glenn’s career started in the Navy and in 1990 he felt it was time to come ashore. Glenn commented that the navy service was changing at that time and The Royal Southampton Yacht Club still connected him to the sea.

“To be told that the dinner, function, or wedding went really well. Members often pop into the kitchen to say they enjoyed the meal and I appreciate that, it makes it all worthwhile. Some weeks ago we produced canapés for a large reception, they may not look much when they are on a tray circulating with the drinks but the amount of work involved is huge. It was great for the team to be thanked by the organiser personally”.

Glenn Shears, our Executive Chef at Ocean Village Clubhouse

“I also get satisfaction from training and developing members of my small team. We do it properly, nothing is preprepared - everything is manufactured from scratch by us in-house in the traditional way. If a young person wants to learn I am very pleased to pass on my skills to them”.

At the Royal Southampton Yacht Club we are fortunate to have two restaurants and bars both in stunning locations each with a team of professionals providing service to our members.

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yachter Autumn 2013

49

COWES WEEK

On the Platform T

he sun set on a week of champagne sailing conditions at the 2013 Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week which saw some of the closest racing action on the water for years.

For the Royal Southampton, the Club again played a key role in organisation and smooth running for competitive sailing.

The Club is part of a triumvirate with the Royal London and Royal Thames yacht clubs who are responsible for organisation of sailing for the first three days and control racing from the platform of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Five Degrees West competing in Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes week in the Solent

Following tradition, the RSYC ran racing for the first day to set the pattern for the 8,500 competitors, and had a team of 21 race officials on the Squadron platform.

Bob Trimble who took over as RSYC’s chief race officer last year will next year become deputy principal race officer.

Eminent highlight during Cowes was the award of the Ladies Day Trophy to the Club’s paralympic gold medal winner, Helena Lucas, MBE, recognizing her determination which has encouraged many women to become involved in sailing. Helena

was born without thumbs and has limited arm movement.

At Cowes she was sailing an SB20 with her coach Ian Barker – Olympic Determination. Helena Lucas, left, receives the Ladies Day trophy from Shirley Robertson silver medallist in Sydney 2000 in the 49er class, and Vicky Rawlinson – former 420 youth world champion and Olympic 470 trialist.

Sir Keith Mills wins the Queen’s Cup

By Michael Ford

T

he Royal Southampton’s coveted Queen’s Cup has been won by Sir Keith Mills, the sports entrepreneur, and his crew with his yacht Five Degrees West.

Photos: Rick Tomlinson

The priceless trophy, originally given to the Club by Queen Victoria, is the top trophy in the first day of racing at Cowes Week.

Sailing enthusiast, Sir Keith was deputy chairman of the London organising committee for last year’s Olympics and earlier had been instrumental in London winning the rights to stage the Olympics and Paralympics. He was

Solent Spectacular.

Photo: ©ROLEX/Kurt Arrigo

also the inspiration behind the ill-fated Team Origin bid to become the British contender in this year’s America’s Cup. The founder of both the loyalty cards Air Miles and Nectar took the role of skipper of his boat Five Degrees West at Cowes, and followed his victory on Saturday to win the Queen’s Cup, took his second Cowes trophy, the Glazebrook Cup on Sunday, and

he Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rolex Fastnet Race, which followed Cowes Week, brought a challenge of the titans, with some of the world’s biggest and fastest racing yachts dominating the fleet of 335 starters.

Yet still evident were the ideals of the first Fastnet Race, of 1925 attracting yachtsmen looking for a challenge which racing or cruising in local waters alone does not satisfy. Today, many long distance races tempt, but none are quite like the Rolex Fastnet.

The challenge - a 611 mile course from Cowes, out through the Solent and down the English Channel to cross the

yachter Autumn 2013

followed with a third win in the IRC1 class on Monday. He heads his own sports consultancy of the same name, Five Degrees West.

The Club’s Vanduara Bowl was also among the first trophies to be awarded, won by Dutchman Piet Vroon and his crew on Tonnerre de Breskens 3.

Challenge of the Titans T

50

Tonnerre in action in the Solent

Celtic Sea to the Fastnet Rock, off the south western coast of Ireland, and back to Plymouth.

This year, it was the giant trimarans which set the pace, although at the finish, the subtleties of the wind reflected the impact the weather has on sailing. The French boat Spindrift 2, the world’s largest racing catamaran jockeyed for the lead from the Solent, and was ahead on the way to the finish, when the wind switched off two miles from Plymouth. Not even a 47m tall wingsmast could help when it counted. The smaller trimaran Banque de Populaire came tantalisingly close, but in the end Spindrift found sufficient breeze to take her to the line. www.rsyc.org.uk

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