Thorpe Bay Yacht Club - Newsbuoy - Special Edition January 2021

The magazine of Thorpe Bay Yacht Club

www.tbyc.org • Special Edition 2021

Yourmagazine Yourphotos Yourstories YourTBYC

Adrian Bunting

Commodore Happy New Year to all at TBYC. I really do hope that this Newsbuoy finds you all well and if not, that you are well on the road to full recovery.

The club will be forever thankful to volunteers and I only ask that if you have the time however small please volunteer when you can, we will not rope you in too much!

Last year was a difficult one for many reasons but the resilience of our members did our Club proud. Steve Hopper, as our Commodore and our previous Flag Officers and Committee commenced to steer us through a difficult passage for which we will always be grateful.

Nick Elmore is keen to ensure that the bar and kitchen run smoothly. We ask that members support this in order to make it a success. If you have ideas please email Nick directly and they will be considered and replied to.

The new Flag Officers and Committee intend to continue to steer a good course through what is for all, strange times.

This year there is lots planned both on and off the water. As things ease, our intention is to put on additional events to ensure the clubhouse and our facilities are used as much as possible - if we can find any more room in our already well planned calendar that is!

We must also remember that despite everything last year, there were opportunities to get a lot of sailing in for most of us and we as a club had our biggest sailing turnout for years. My challenge to members this year is to see if we can increase on that turnout again.

The Cadet section is thriving and Lindsay Rainbow, Andras Gal and Nick Alston are determined to make sure Cadets are out sailing at every opportunity and having fun on the water. It’s a close run thing with them as to whether they or the cadets are having the most fun. Our Rear Commodore and Sailing Secretary; Howard Warrington and Mark Dell, love their racing and really want to encourage you to race whatever your level.

Lesley Dye has created a fantastic Ladies That Launch site within the Club website which gives you all the information you need to join them and take part.

As this is only the start of my second year on the committee. I am still realising more and more how many members give of their time freely to help ensure the smooth running of the club.

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As a large club, there is always maintenance and projects to complete. These are both exciting and of real benefit to all our members. Several of these projects have been discussed over the last few years and will hopefully come to fruition over the next few years but sometimes one project must take priority over another.

For this reason we intend to sort the Race and Bosun Hut out as they are in disrepair. They have given good service and nobody can complain that they now need to be replaced. This was to be a project for last year but for obvious reasons was delayed but Steve Hopper has kindly said he will continue to oversee it.

The Clubhouse car park is to get a height barrier installed which Alex Gibson is overseeing in order to prevent delivery lorries causing further damage to the car park surface and then we will look to replace the car park surface.

The summer season is not that long away and I am looking forward to getting back out on “Kitcat” with Jess or Steph. I’m hopeful of being at the front of the fleet but unfortunately the other 16 Hurricane crews may have something to say about that.

It will be interesting to see if the Hurricanes have the biggest turnouts this year or whether the other larger classes of Lasers, Sprints or Sandhoppers will be able to muster good turnouts. In the Cadets the RS Feva , RS Terra , Laser 4.7 or Radial are now getting good support and appear to be the stepping stones for some from the popular Pico.

I hope you enjoy Newsbuoy and it wets your appetite to go sailing again. As soon as we are able to, we will recommence organised sailing and open the club.

In the meantime, please take care so that we may all enjoy the 2021 sailing season at TBYC. Happy sailing.

Adrian Bunting

Your Committee Commodore Adrian Bunting Vice Commodore Nick Elmore Rear Commodore Racing Howard Warrington Treasurer David Tierney Cadet Rep • Lindsay Rainbow House Rep • Alex Gibson Sail Training Officer • Andras Gal - Nick Alston Social Rep • Lesley Dye Sailing Secretary • Mark Dell Honorary Secretary • Mark Robinson Secretary • Janet Willsmer Dinghy Park Rep • Jeremy Sandford Support Boats – Ribs • Tony Clark Committee Boat • John Casson Support Boats – Displacement • Toby Speller Windward-Leeward • Julian Reichert Cats • Keith Persin Monohulls • Mark Petty-Mayor Sandhoppers • Scott James Albacores • John Payne Ladies that Launch • Lesley Dye Race Results • Graham Dare

© Thorpe Bay Yacht Club2020 .

All rights reserved.

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tbyc:social

I am very pleased to assume the role of social rep and thank previous Social Secretary Ant Davies as he steps down. As I sit here and write this, I consider how our members would have enjoyed many events over the last year including the summer and winter ball. I am super hopeful as things begin to return to normal next year, we will be able to regroup and get together enjoying our wonderful facilities as well as each other!

That said, Paul and James worked well together when possible throughout the year to promote events including the rugby and sporting events as well as the memorable Australia Day celebration weekend and of course karaoke. Something I am sure we can run again!

During lockdown Paul hosted virtual online quizzes, which were well received by members. Members were also able to support our youngsters who took part in the Cadet regatta enjoying a lovely BBQ afterwards.

More recently Oktoberfest was celebrated at the club abiding by social distancing guidelines offering German inspired food and jugs of beer, what’s not to like?

Looking ahead into 2021 the dates for both balls are pencilled in (fingers crossed!), together with a summer ball alternative date early September in case our plans have to be delayed.

We will continue to support the various class social evenings as well as looking for opportunities to enjoy other social events once permitted to do so. That is part of the appeal of our club in that we can both enjoy both sailing and the clubhouse with all it has to offer! Here is to a successful and social 2021!

Lesley Dye Social Rep

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Despite all the horrendous issues that happened in 2020, the club did succeed in sailing and racing over the year.

Howard Warrington

In fact, turn outs were very good. The post lockdown “Return to Sailing” during the lovely summer weather we had, was very good. We saw a regular fleet of Sprints doing their own mini race series. Also a good fleet of Finn’s led by Allen Burrell, training hard in all conditions.

I even had a go on a Contender after 20 years thanks to Chris Boshier lending me his spare boat. It was like riding a bike! I fell off lots….

Sadly, the constraints on paired sailing meant that only same households could go out together which did restrict a lot from going out.

Although again I was the lucky one when my son George took me for a blast on Simon Steptoe’s Hurricane. It had been a while since I last sailed one and I had forgotten how fast these things go. Steve Hopper chased us round the pier to Leigh and back on his rib and got some nice photos.

However, the Estuary was a hive of activity. Lots of cadets out on the water as well as the adults. Always great to see!

In fact the cadets had a decent year with a great Regatta run by Scott Weller and his band of helpers. But more on that later.

With the restrictions lifting we did get back to racing in mid July. It was so good to be back competing again. The club came out in force and turn outs excellent. We held the inaugural run of the McKinlay Cup, a trophy in recognition to Ann McKinlay’s support and contribution to the club over many years. Steve sent her some photos of the event which she was very pleased to see. The event was won by Lawrence Crispin in the Finn, closely followed

by Allen Burrell also in a Finn and then Nick Elmore and Andy Wood in the Nacra 20.

We held as many Trophy races as we could. I think the season, short as it was, was a great success. Even the Winter Series was well supported despite only 4 races being sailed before restrictions called a halt.

So onto 2021! The Sailing Committee has been hard at work behind the scenes. As has Toby Speller, working on the calendar (as he always does) for the coming season. We have taken the 2 races per day as the normal rather than the exception. This means that wherever tide times allow we will run 2 races per day.

I would ask all race officers to be mindful when setting courses to consider allowing numerous shorter laps in the 45-50-minute expected race time, rather than one large lap. We have a huge selection of race marks available and an excellent committee boat with which to set up on. Try and minimise the waiting time between races. But if the wind changes and you need to move the committee boat and re set another course then please do.

It’s not easy being a race officer sometimes. The elements don’t always play ball. If you get the basics right the rest should be ok. Set a true start line. This is easily checked by watching boats cross it in the presequence period. Can boats cross it on both tacks? Is it really square to the wind? Set a true beat and if the other legs are a little “off” then it will be fine. A good start line and beat are all you can control initially. If the wind moves after that, there’s nothing much you can do. But get these right and sailors will thank you.

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I know there are some members who are keen to learn how to become a race officer. If anyone would like to join me on the committee boat to learn the ropes, please let me know. I find it very rewarding and its amazing what you can learn watching the races.

Ladies that launch!

Having taken on LTL from the lovely Sarah Johnson at the turn of 2020 I thought we were in for a great year! Little did we foresee what was to come about. Alas we haven’t been able to meet up as planned and sail together, but over the last 10 months we have strengthened our communications and kept each other buoyant by chatting regularly on the LTL WhatsApp chat group. I and a couple of ladies have managed to sail, however generally independently and socially distanced! If members would like to join the WhatsApp group, please let me know.

Our planned social events were sadly cancelled with only one taking place in February shortly before lockdown. I am hugely encouraged however that our ladies numbers continue to grow and we will get back out on the water as soon as we can do safely. Of course, and as important it will be lovely to also meet on a monthly basis for a social catchup when restrictions ease. We have an Easter meal planned in April and I really hope in some form or another we can make this happen.

I have also recently published the ‘Ladies that Launch’ web page within the TBYC website and urge our members to take a look: https://www.tbyc.org/ladies-that-launch/ and note the planned dates in your diaries. I am very keen to receive feedback from our members about this and other ideas you may have. My passion is to actively encourage our ladies both new to sailing and experienced sailors to share time together in a fun way on the water and reminisce our successes or sometimes ‘room to learn’ in the clubhouse over a drink. I am extremely keen to extend opportunities for our ladies to encounter many different sailing experiences from dinghies to Sandhoppers and contenders, to faster craft including darts and hurricanes, not forgetting the wonderful experience of cruisers; those ladies who were lucky enough to be treated to a trip out on “Mintinta” courtesy of Nick Cotgrove last year will surely agree! if you are happy to get involved and able to take out some members next year let me know and I can factor this in. After all variety is the spice of life!

I hope to compliment the sailing with some help and guidance to improve knowledge and confidence on the water, as well as gain further support from the RYA to enhance our section further. So, all in all 2021 will be an exciting time for LTL both on and off the water!

Lesley Dye ladies that launch

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Where are my friends? – A perspective from the Clubhouse.

I woke up this morning and looked out to sea – the wind was fair, the sun shining, the water glistening as it slowly made its way up the beach.

But there is something missing! – where are all my friends? Come to think about it, they were not here yesterday either. This is a day they would love.

Where are my friends? – we have had so many good times together, so much laughing, so much eating and drinking too. I watch them sail – so many of them, all shapes and sizes. In all sorts of craft over so many years. But today the craft are here, still a great many in number but empty. I do hope they are all ok?

Where are my friends? – is it me? I look round inside and I see bars with drink, not much but enough. I see kitchens with food, again not much but there always seems to be enough. The rest of the place is empty, primed ready for action – but none today?

Where are my friends? – of late I find myself surrounded with boats, all different kinds in varying states of repair – I hope the boat repair fairies come soon; my friends will be needing them – relying on them for their help – when the wind blows hard.

Where are my friends? – light comes and goes, the water comes and goes, the wind sometimes blows and sometimes sucks! This usually causes much merriment and a great deal of comment. I usually hear many stories – a great many. A good deal of my friends can certainly talk a good sail!

Where are my friends? – I hope they come back soon. It’s the shot in the arm I need. There are so many good times to be had once again, so much drinking and eating, so much dancing and sport to be done. I remain poised ready to welcome them all back and it can’t come soon enough. I so hope it will be like it was before, my doors were always open and there always seemed to be something going on.

Hurry back friends! – when you can – we will just carry on where we left off – just like true friends do!

Nick Elmore - Vice Commodore

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Hurricane 5.9 SX - Julian Reichert - Class Capt When I first joined TBYC in the late 80’s there was only one Hurricane in the dinghy park. I used to watch with envy as Ian Stobart crewed by Andy Wood would jet off from the start line (all mass starts in those days) leaving the rest of us in their wake, literally. Occasionally Dave King would be out in White Bird, the same Tornado that he still owns today, to give Ian and Andy a race – usually to pot-hunt a trophy or two!

Fast forward 30-something years and Thorpe Bay officially has the largest fleet of Hurricanes in the UK with 18 boats beating long time holders of this crown, Starcross YC in Devon who currently have 15. To my knowledge, only the Sandhoppers (obviously!) and maybe Hornets many years ago could boast having the largest fleet in the country.

The TBYC Hurricanes are also an active bunch with regularly 7 or 8 boats racing and many of us travelling on the circuit. Most classes will boast about camaraderie within their fleet but with Hurricanes it is at a different level. From the day we bought ours, there has always been an abundance of people willing to help put masts up, share sailing tips, banter with in the boat park or have a beer with at the bar – like most people, we all long for those days to return. The Open meeting circuit focuses on quality not quantity and is always well supported with extremely competitive racing, beers supplied by the Class Association and some of the friendliest sailors around who know how to have fun and make everyone welcome.

We are a generous class too with Simon Steptoe providing the whole fleet with free access to his well-stocked toolbox, never moaning when we don’t put them back and our current Commodore who always slows down and lets other boats overtake him within a few yards of the finish line – thanks Adrian!

Even though 2020 was a virtual write off sailing wise, we welcomed 5 more Hurricanes to the dinghy park and got some good close racing in. The Class Association is still highly active and has scheduled a full open meeting program for this year starting (hopefully) with the Inlands at Rutland and finishing with the National Championships at TBYC in late summer where our own Paul and Rob Palmer will be defending their title on home waters.

We all hope that the sailing programme and open meetings can safely go ahead in 2021, but for now the Hurricanes will be entertaining themselves watching Pete Cole’s Go-Pro footage which invariably includes him and Jenny showing us all how to capsize.

I offer no apologies for this shameless plug of the Hurricane – in my opinion by far the best all-round fast cat out there and even after 10 years of racing one, Jeremy and I still look forward to every race as if it is our first!

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Hurricane Open Meetings 2021 Act 1: Inland Nationals – Rutland 10th/11th April Act 2: TT Stokes Bay 22nd/23rd May Act 3: TT Stone SC 24th/25th July Act 4: National Champs – Thorpe Bay YC 21st-23rd August

TBYC Endeavour Trophy

This year we will return to running the Endeavour Trophy, if the situation allows of course!

This is the brilliant event, the brainchild of Steve Hopper, whereby winners from the previous season competed against the current Sandhopper Champions.

Of course, we don’t really have much to go on in terms of 2020 winners let alone a 2020 Sandhopper Champion. So in true style, we’ll make it up as we go along! We will put some thought into how we can best run the event which is also wholly reliant upon the support of the Sandhopper owners to kindly lend their boats!

As per last time, it is planned for the weekend at the end of Cadet Week and a boat will be offered to the winners of the week so come and try their luck against the rest.

We sincerely hope that we can start the season soon (but it seems it might be a few weeks yet). Rest assured the Sailing Committee will keep very close tabs on the guidance and will get re-started just as soon as we possibly can whilst maintaining the safety standards we have set.

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Dutyman Yes, we really do! Up until 2020 the sailing activities at TBYC have increased each year with Beach Club, Sail Training, Cadet Racing, Ladies That Launch plus the full club racing programme all needing safety cover and support. Of course, things have not gone as planned this year but I’m sure we will all be eager to make full use of our club in 2021. This will mean we need as many volunteers as possible to get things running smoothly on the water.

As a club we have nearly 900 full time members and about 700 of those could get involved in sailing activities by helping with support duties if they wanted to.

Currently we only have about 190 members who actively take part by volunteering for duties. Of course, those who race and sail at the club and benefit from the support boats and race organisation are expected to do their bit, but many others who don’t currently sail also help and enjoy taking on duties.

So, why should you volunteer to help if not already doing so? There are many benefits including: • Getting out on the water – this is what the club is all about. Taking advantage of the great location we have and just enjoying being afloat. If you can’t sail or race, then being out on a support boat is the next best thing.

• Learning about handling the support boats so if you want you can progress to Helming or gaining your Power Boat Level 2 qualification – the club runs its own courses for this.

• Be up close to all the action in the races. It’s great to sit on the club balcony with a drink watching the racing through binoculars but being in the midst of it is much better!

Also, for those who do already race you can learn to improve your race craft. Watch how the best racers do it up close at the starts and rounding the marks. And learning how Race Officering works can gain you an advantage when out racing.

No experience needed!

Start out by crewing on one of our displacement support boats or on a RIB. If you then want to progress you can book onto the Powerboat Level 2 course and learn to helm the boats.

You could also start by helping the Race Officer (RO) and Assistant RO as a 3rd hand before progressing to Assistant RO or RO. There will be coaching sessions with an experienced RO on the Committee Boat over the year – please keep an eye on the website for these golden opportunities.

By March you should have been invited to choose your duties for the coming season using the online calendar or emailing me directly. If you have not done so and what to join in there it’s never too late as there are always vacancies so please do email me asap.

I know when you first look at it Dutyman may look a bit daunting, but it really is easy to use once you make a start. There are also User and How To guides on the TBYC website under the Club Duty Guidance section.

If you do need any help volunteering for duties, please do contact me if you can’t find what you need on the website.

Mark Robinson TBYC Dutyman Administrator

Email: dutyadmin@tbyc.org

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Scott James I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Sandhopper class captain. I would like to thank Howard for all he has done while in the seat and wish him well in his new role as Rear Commodore.

I’m sure that most of you won’t have a clue who I am. However, you may have seen some of my handywork on the club tenders over the summer and I have been helping with the restoration of Polly.

You probably will all know my boat as I took ownership of Spindrifter (S38) (see photo) and joined the club in June this last year. You may also have seen my cruiser in the dinghy park that is currently a bit of project but sits tall and proud on its trailer and is on track for its maiden voyage in March.

The Sandhoppers have had a quiet year for obvious reasons. With many members in the high-risk category and not being able to split-household sail, it meant many remained un-sailed.

Aside from this, Primo, the class boat was probably the most sailed! The “Youngsters” commandeered their parent’s boats and with Primo had a few 2 tide trips around the Estuary.

Despite the difficulties, a few managed to race whilst others were able to stay ashore beside the clubhouse to complete their works ready for launch in the new season for 2021, just as soon as we are allowed.

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We are able to welcome a few new owners to the fleet. Graham Slack bought Phoenix from Tony Padbury. Tony, after a great many years, has decided to hang up his wetsuit boots and enjoy watching the sailing from the balcony. We will miss you Tony.

David Hopper has taken command of Aeolus from Martyn Eyre. It will be nice to see her back out racing again.

Clara Mintern and Peter Thompson have bought Sea Phantom which has been seen cruising the Estuary on numerous occasions over the summer and I’m sure will be a well sailed boat again this year.

Peter also obtained Scruffy as well as sailing Pray to Waldringfield on the river Deben – single handed and in a time that he acknowledged probably couldn’t be done again . Finally, Andras Gal has added Obsession to his fleet of boats having bought it from Allen Burrell and Paul Beasley. Andras has been out several times last year and keen to improve his race craft on a keel boat.

Sadly, we were not able to hold our annual championships in 2020 as so many others were cancelled too. We will be looking forward to doing this again next year as well as a full calendar of racing.

If you are interested in sailing a Sandhopper and would like to take “Primo” – the class boat out for a sail, please let me know. She is free to use for any club member.

She has new rigging, sheets and sails and is currently undergoing some hull work to give her a nice finish once anti-fouled .

See you on the water!

Scott James SH 38

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Cadet's Corner Lindsay Rainbow - Cadet Rep Covid restrictions did not dampen the enthusiasm of TBYC Cadets throughout 2020 and as soon as they were allowed it was fantastic to see many boats back on the water. We did not get a chance to say thank you to Jeremy in person for his many years of dedication to the Cadet’s but please make sure you do when you get the chance! I am really looking forward to continuing and developing the great work already in place as Cadet Representative in 2021!

Andras and Nick were quick to move with the times and uploaded cadet briefings onto ‘TBYCPicoFleet’ YouTube and their sessions were eagerly attended by Picos, Lasers, Teras and Fevas. Cadets have been building on the key skills, as well as, participating in quick races. They have put together a very impressive programme for next year but I will let them tell you more about that!

The Feva fleet is a growing entity within the club and several training sessions in conjunction with the Burnham Squiddies have been arranged by Conrad during the last year (although the weather has not always been on our side!). I’m sure there will be more events in the future!

Although the interclub Matt Dear Trophy could not be held this year, some of the senior cadets did enjoy a social get together with TEYC with a quiz and splicing session followed by pizza in March. Look out for interclub dates if possible next year!

We also had Cadets travelling to Topper, Tera and Feva open and training events. It’s great to see TBYC being represented at different clubs.

The Cadet regatta in August was able to return this year and will be a permanent date in the sailing calendar due to its success (thanks Scott) with many different classes entering. Please save the date for August Bank Holiday 2021.

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Off the water there has been working parties in the background upgrading and maintaining the club Feva and Pico’s and the work on Polly is just incredible! There is always plenty to do and as a club we are always grateful to all our members for their support! I would like to thank all of those who have volunteered in 2020. At TBYC we are privileged to have a huge and active Cadet section which can only achieve everything with support, time and volunteering of many! Please don’t be shy, join in and help, learn some new skills if you aren’t familiar with sailing yourself and there is always something you can do! Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts or comments!

We have lots of plans for 2021 so check out the programme, website and Facebook for dates and upcoming events including Cadet week, Cadet Regatta, Cadet Training, Halloween and the much-missed Christmas party!

Looking forward to seeing you all back on the beach, on (or in) the water and in the club!

Lindsay

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Andras Gal 2020 is an extraordinary year. I do not see the point of telling you all about things I have not done. I’d rather talk about why I volunteered and how is this linked to my other role of cadet race coach.

I enjoy sailing. It is rewarding to share my passion. I keep encouraging my children and it is a pleasure to see them enjoying sailing and progressing.

The best thing is being with friends. Trying to facilitate this I soon found myself involved. Help and motivation is given by so many. Some of you may have seen or heard about the work we do with the cadets.

Parents may have opposing views: - cadets should be let free to enjoy sailing, explore and experiment.

- or structured teaching and instruction should be used to facilitate learning.

I learnt so much from the first group, but I belong to the second. It is an amazing feeling for a young sailor to find that they are perfectly in control of their boat. It is so much fun – be it racing, team racing, games on the water or just reaching along with friends. To achieve such skilful boat handling is greatly facilitated by good coaching, well organised and structured sailing sessions on water and land, discussions before and after. Real success is when our sailors start talking about sailing to each other.

It is vitally important to lay good foundations and teach consistent and well rehearsed basic skills. I am fascinated by the RYA method. When Steve Hopper explained that he wished for our club to gain RYA Sailing Centre Accreditation, I immediately knew that I must support this.

My vision is to organise RYA accredited Sail Training Sessions for our members and their children to share our passion and build good foundation of basic skills. Progression will be easy afterwards.

Parents and adults need not worry. One to one instruction will help to overcome the initial anxiety and soon they will be confident to sail on their own. I have been through this myself. I learnt to sail as an adult which is easier; there is motivation and good focus and attention. Children would like to give it a go, have fun and help them to gain confidence. We shall encourage them to join regular cadet sailing and interact with the experienced young sailors.

With Nick and Peter, we have the ambition to progress to run two groups on the water. Resources must grow to make this possible.

I would also like to encourage our experienced youth sailors to step up and volunteer to mentor younger sailors. It will benefit them just as much as their students.

Running Sail Training alongside of our regular cadet sailing sessions will increase the resources and encourage parent sailors to volunteer as instructors.

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The 2020 sailing season started in lockdown so the Sprint 15 fleet has had to find other activities to keep us entertained. Many of us took to baking for the first time ever, as did most of the nation, and bags of flour were as sought after as bog roll.

Andrew Hannah’s attempt at a classic Victoria sponge was evidence of the ambition for the fleet. Let’s hope the sailing season starts sooner rather than later.

The Summer Sunday was the standout series with 12 races completed. Although 15 cats entered it was a fascinating dual between Rob Bailey and Alan Grant. After 11 races there was only 0.1 point separating them with Rob on 23.4 points and Alan on 23.5 points. How did that happen?

Incredibly Alan's half point was a result of a dead heat with Graham Dare, Whereas Rob's 0.4 is because of average points from a duty. So that begs the question with Rob’s score a complex algebraic formula what are the permutations for the final race? It was straightforward enough who ever finishes in front of the other wins the series. The Sprints are not known for their overly competitive nature, with the odd exception, and that was borne out by the fact neither of them competed in the final race, which reversed their positions and Alan taking the series. Well done Alan.

On the Chris Boshier scoring was top Sprint sailor with 2 second place, with Alan Grant tied in Second place with a third place each.

method Jim Bowie series wins and a and Stephan Smith Series win and a

TBYC at the Sprint 15 Nationals at Grafham Water.

Thanks to Jenny Ball, Chris Tillyer and others, the Sprint 15 Nationals were re-arranged and went ahead at Grafham Water in October.

Unfortunately, the weather was not what we like with barely enough wind to fill the sails. However, it was great to be out racing again with plenty of very close quarter action. In fact, too close on many occasions as there were always over optimistic sailors approaching the windward buoy on port, only to cause a mass raft each race.

A sense of humour certainly helped if you were caught up in the melee. Steering clear from this chaos was Chris Tillyer who managed to win the series to be Sprint Champion for the first time.

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Well, 2015 is here and hopefully a good year for sailing with plenty of time spent on the water. A big thank you to everyone who turned up for the work party, where we managed to accomplish many tasks. I have been given the mammoth task of redecorating both the Main and Commodore bars. I must say thank you to Theresa Ryall, Anthony Blower, Paul Morgan, Claire Morgan and Sarah Bailey who make up the subcommittee taking on this task along with yours truly!

What makes the Sprint popular at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club?

We will be replacing the ceiling tiles, carpets, curtains, painting walls etc to give the place a fresh modern feel. Over the next few months there might some in the bar areas, we makes apologise forclass one of the most popular fleets in the Therebeare 31 disruption Sprint 15s at TBYC which the any inconvenience caused to anyone but it will all be worth it in the club, so you'll always have someone to race. end. At the moment I am looking into replacing the hot water boilersThe for aSprint different butbuilt it’s very early stages yet. Good first introduced in 1979 as a Spark, then 15system, is a well fiberglass catamaran news, since the heating boilers were replaced last year in design meaning there have been branded Dart 15 and finally Sprint 15. It isour a gas onebill class January is down £500 from last January, with savings like that we minimal changes to the boat so you can race an old one against a new one. There is a will soon have recouped our money.

healthy second hand market and you can buy one for just £500 although spending between

See you on the and water£3,000 - and happy £1,500 may sailing! prove better value.

Rob Bailey

Another advantage is you don't need friends as most of us sail single handed, but if you have a friend you can sail two up. It is a boat you can start sailing as a virtual beginner and improve over time, or step down from a more challenging boat to enjoy a bigger fleet. To be honest the Sprints are not great in light winds, but the racing makes it fun and you can happily chat rounding the buoys to try and make some new friends. In heavy winds they come into their own.

Silverware History

The Sprint 15 class likes to be known as the friendly class and the Sprint 15 association is

Whether youactive are a competitive silverware pot hunter, to compete very organising national racinglove and regionaland traveler events. Check out their website the excitement of a mass start to a Trophy race or just admire the trophies for Events, Boats Sales, Guides and Forums at: www.sprint15.com in the trophy cabinet you may, like me, have been looking in to the corners of the shelves and wondered were youfrom, wantwhat to try they allIfcame wereout theya Sprint just ask anyone of us and we’ll arrange a practice sail as soon awarded for and what is their as we can. history.

Keith Persin - Sprint Class Capt.

This year with the help of the members, I would like to organise the silverware on display and put together some of the history. If you know who donated one of the old trophies, and for what it was awarded, then please jot it down and pass it to a member of the committee and let’s make sure our history is not lost, or forgotten.

For those of you who are keen to be part of the big events and get your own name engraved into the TBYC history books I have compiled a list of the main events here. Put the dates in your diary and be part of it!

Jeremy Sandford Rear Commodore Racing

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Monohull

Mark Petty-Mayor

Hi folks, I have been asked to introduce myself to those of you who don't know me. I have taken over from Wes Absolom as Monohull captain for this year.

I have sailed all my life and my first memory was being lifted into a GP in the 1960's and wheeled down to the Halfway Yacht club, from my home in Woodgrange Drive. I crewed for my Dad in an Albacore for the next few years and later in a Mirror as a teenage Cadet at HYC, very happy times. We used to have a close connection with cadets at TBYC and there was always a friendly competitive rivalry between both groups.

I had a break from sailing for a few years, joined the military then ended up in the joinery trade. I have spent the last 20 years in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and am currently an operational Watch Manager (Station Officer) with Red Watch at Southend Fire Station.

I also served 20 years as a volunteer crew Member at Southend RNLI, which included 14 years as a Helmsman on the Atlantic 21 and later the Atlantic 75, Hovercraft and D Class lifeboats. I have also been a First Aid/Trauma trainer for the last 15 years working in the UK and abroad, including France, Germany, Chec Republic, Ukraine and Jamaica to date. I deliver Remote location, International Trauma courses, Hostile Environment and Awareness Training, along with paediatric and workplace first aid, working with enforcement/security Agencies, Media and journalists, schools etc.

I am married to Samantha and have three children, Olivia, Henry and Fred, who have all been cadets at TBYC. I met Sam on a lifeboat call in 1995, while she was racing her Laser at the Halfway YC. I consequently started sailing again at the Halfway YC and bought Allen Burrell's Vanguard Finn in 1997 until around 2002 when sadly, the Halfway Yacht Club folded.

Most members travelled a few hundred yards to the east and were welcomed to TBYC. I have always sailed a Finn at Thorpe Bay and have travelled with Allen Burrell to various events and Nationals around the country. Currently the Finn fleet has 6 boats at the Club with a strong pedigree, which include Lawrence Crispin (ex Laser World Champion and British Finn Squad), Allen Burrell (3 podiums at the Finn World Masters and UK National Champion, along with lots more), Kristian Sjoberg (Finland ex Olympic Finn squad Helm), Sander Kooig, a 6ft 7" mad Dutch Psychiatrist and Alex Farrell (ex 29er, 49er, laser, and just about everything else!!!).

I am looking forward to a brighter 2021 and lets all hope we can get as many Monohulls on the water this year. If you have anything you would like to bring up at the monthly Sailing Committee meetings, please drop me an email.

When racing does resume, I will endeavour to send out a weekly email to everyone, keeping you up to date with what's going on. If you do travel to events in your various classes, please drop me a line letting me know how you got on and I will let everyone in the fleet know.

Until then, stay safe and I hope to see you around the club in the very near future.

Kind regards, Mark

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Seasafe 6 - aka "Polly" Our oldest club safety support boat by a very long way, “Polly” is getting a full makeover and it’s thanks to a great team of cadet parents & Co that she is now getting the makeover she so needs.

Officially she is our rescue boat but in practice she is much more. Most importantly she provides a safe haven out on the water for tired cadets or cadets in need of assistance.

John Casson does a fantastic job of keeping Polly maintained mechanically but it has been some time since the hull and internals have been given any attention. Started by our previous committee and now fully supported by our new commodore and committee, this winter we have undertaken a full refurbishment of Polly's hull and internal fittings.

She has been stripped and sand blasted. New, reconfigured seats, built from high quality 25mm marine plywood have been glassed in. Frames and stringers have been fibre glassed. Next, the hull inside and out will be painted with flow coat or deck pain as appropriate A huge thank you must be given to Scott James and Toby Speller for their expertise and hard work as the project would not have been possible without them.

We are not sure exactly how old Polly is but by looking after her, hopefully she will provide many more years of service.

Peter Quentin

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Mark Dell - Sailing Secretary Firstly, Happy New Year to all our members and friends, whilst the start to this year seems far from ‘Happy’ I hope that there is light beginning to appear at the end of the tunnel and sailing can begin to resume.

An introduction for those who don’t know me – I am Mark Dell your 2021 Sailing Secretary, I have been fortunate to be a member of TBYC for over 30 years now and had so far escaped the peril of serving on the committee but thanks to some peer pressure here I am!

My sailing began at TBYC in a Mirror dinghy with my brother, progressing from learning the basics from Dad to following the more experienced sailors around club races on our own and then onto Cadet weeks, Open meetings and Championships.

I have sailed many different classes and types of boat and been very fortunate to travel to and sail in some amazing places some highlights being the 140 boat 49er world championships in Lake Garda, 49er Europeans in Norway, International Moth worlds in Hayling Island as well as Yacht racing in the Solent and steering a J111 downwind in 25kts and 10ft seas at the European championships in Le Havre. Cowes weeks, Cork weeks, Dartmouth weeks and too many in between to mention.

TBYC has offered some fantastic opportunities, experiences and most importantly friends for life.

Nowadays you will find me plodding my way round the club courses in a Laser or trying desperately to pass on some of this experience to my Twin boys in their Tera !

Still grinning with that same excitement that sailing has provided me for the last 30 years.

Behind the scenes the 2021 committee have already been working hard to ensure that once it is safe to resume sailing and open the Club house there are many things to look forward to over the coming year and many opportunities for old and new sailors to get out and enjoy our wonderful foreshore and the legendary TBYC social scene.

Mark

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Final Word.....

A Blast from the Past!

This photograph was supplied by Barbara Herve, who says it was taken soon after the end of the war, after the beach had been cleared of mines, so a little before the club was founded.

Some of our older club members may recognise some original members. If you do, please let me know – secretary@tbyc.org or phone 01702 587563, or, when allowed to, call in.

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