More information visit www.shustokesailingclub.co.uk
Commodore’s Ramblings It feels like a lot has happened since the last Newsletter in May. The Chase sailors have integrated well into the club and this has contributed to some record turnouts for the racing, both during the weekend and the summer Thursday evening series. Fortunately, the water level is now recovering after dropping to very low levels during the summer that together with the arrival of the inevitable weed caused some real concern and for few weeks some areas of the reservoir were unusable for racing. The committee discussed at length how we were going to keep sailing if it continued to drop with us looking at ways of temporarily extending slipways but the rains returned in time and we look forward to a full reservoir for the winter. The summer regatta at the end of June was well supported and the rains held off to allow the Saturday evening BBQ to take place. Pete Isherwood and his band provided the excellent evening music to make the night go with a swing. The Sunday serious sailing was held in good winds for the Bonniface and Mark Archer Trophies and the ladies also counting the morning racing for their championship.
Honorary members In July an E.G.M was held to slightly modify the constitution and allow the members present to vote Brian Owen and Richard Barnes, who have both serve the club well over many years, as Honorary members of the club. Richard has retired to live in Cornwall and Brian has poor health so both are now unable to continue to support us in their old roles. I’m sure that all of the club members will wish them well for the future and we hope to see them down at the club whenever they are able to visit us.
They had a great day’s sailing with us as the winds were quite fresh and fortunately there were no capsizes! I would like to thank those who helped to make the day such a success. One of the boys from Belarus presented us with a wooden bowl he has made and we are looking to turn it into one of the club’s trophies. We were told by the organisers that the orphanage from where the children originate that come to their group was planned to close before the end of the year and the children sent out to foster families, I hope that this is not the last year we see these very special children. The club members who help out get tremendous pleasure in seeing the smiles on their faces showing their enjoyment at being with us. (http://www.chernobylchildren.org.uk/local-groups/solihull)
committee boat In November the committee boat was taken out of the water for a much-needed overhaul. The engine expired on us earlier in the year and a new 20 hp fitted. The overhaul includes, repainting the hull and some work inside to replace the rotten wood, fit some additional buoyancy and provide a secure locker for the fuel can. The bad weather has caused the work to take longer than planned but the frozen up reservoir has fortunately meant that the boat hasn’t been required. We should be able to now get several more years out of the refurbished boat.
Christmas period
The reservoir has been iced up for a number of weeks through the Christmas period stopping sailing but hopefully we will be able to race now through the rest of the winter months. We have had a problem with the telephone line to the club that stopped us being able to log on to the cameras, this is now fixed so go http://213.120.103.222 and type children Chernobyl in User3 and 333333 to gain access to the rotating Thirteen children visiting the UK from Chernobyl joined and fixed slipway cameras an see what is going on us together with the organising families from the and the state of the water Solihull group of the charity in the middle of August. Happy Sailing Peter Stewart
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Shustoke Sailing Club’s January 2011 Newsletter Welcome to our Januaryr 2011 Shustoke newsletter. This is our third short newsletter to let you know what has happened and what will be happening. Plus, if there is anything you wish to share with other Club members in the next issue please e-mail your comments and pictures to steve. ward.creative@ blueyonder.co.uk
Contents Page 1 Commodores Cup news Page 2 Sharks news The Flag in the box Guide to Races Page 3 Social events A little bit of history Page 4 Laser News Page 5 look after your moles Race Rules Page 6 Mirror News
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New of Shustoke’s 2010 Premier Race
Bonfire night and Commodore’s Cup Hydons come out winners Light and variable northerly winds and bright sunshine were the order of the day for the 28 boats that took part in this year’s Commodore’s Cup held on Sunday 7th November. The annual firework and bonfire evening had taken place the night before with a large attendance seeing a great fireworks display run once again by Jim Woodward and his helpers. The large bonfire that had taken quite a few people to build up earlier in the day burnt furiously and took only a short time to reduce to a small pile of glowing embers! Mark Broad and his team of helpers in the galley worked furiously to feed the masses with hot dogs and pork batches and the bar was busy all night serving refreshments. My thanks to all of the people who worked so hard to make the night such a success.
The first race
The first of the two 80 minute pursuit races got underway shortly after 11.00am and it was Stuart Bush in his Solo who from the start line pulled away from the other Solos and rapidly overtook the slower boats to gain a commanding lead in the tricky conditions. At the finish he easily held off the faster Larks of Stuart Hydon and Adrian Padro who had passed the leading Mirror sailed by Graham Flynn and the second placed Solo of the leading Junior, David Lynch who finished in fifth place. The forecast was for the wind to swing between north-easterly and north-westerly during the day and the different angles set on the beats of the first race had ensured that some true beats were retained when the wind did indeed move during the first race. However, to take out some of the fetches, the course was re-set over lunch and with a dying wind the second of the two races got underway at 1.45am. This time it was Rob Marlow who, after breaking clear of the other Solos overtook the slower boats and held the lead until he was overtaken by Stuart Hydon with a few minutes of the race still to run. Graham Flynn was once again the leading Mirror and at the finish in very little wind he had held off the faster boats to finish third followed closely by the second Mirror, Brian Nicholson with Adrian Padro finishing fifth in his Lark.
The final race
With a first and second place and 3 points overall it was Stuart Hydon, crewed by his son Nic, who won the Commodore’s Cup
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Stuart Hydon and his son Nic crew winners of the Commodore’s Cup with Commodore Peter Stewart for 2010 with Stuart Bush finishing second from Graham Flynn, both on 7 points, the overall positions being decided by Stuart’s first place in the morning race. A third and fifth place meant that Adrian Padro finished fourth overall on 8 points and Rob Marlow’s second place in the afternoon race being sufficient to give him fifth place overall on 11 points. Vi’s home-made Lasagnes and cakes had disappeared over lunchtime and my thanks to her and Cath Williams for working so hard to feed the hungry sailors. Peter Stewart
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SHARKS Quick off the Mark! thanks to Chris Biglin Sharks had a fantastic day at the end of April with a training session given by Chris Biglin he covered basic racing rules, starting on the line and rounding the mark. The day finished with them all joining the last race of the afternoon. It wa s a great fun packed day and many thanks to Chris for this session. Peter and I have approached a few people to do some training sessions with some of the Sharks to encourage them to start racing. If anyone would like to give up a few hours
on a Saturday afternoon to help develop our young sailors or even a whole day then please e-mail Peter or myself or speak to us at the club, you can usually find us there on a Saturday Afternoon amongst the Sharks.
Picos join the shark’s fleet The Sharks have been very fortunate to have been loaned the use of 3 Picos by club members, we would like to thank them for their generous support in helping to encourage the juniors sailors. These boats are only to be used within the Shark group.
The Shustoke website and Club notice board has a list of the Sharks programme.
Get training! There has been a lot of interest in children wanting to join Sharks. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate any juniors who have not done at least the RYA Junior level 1 course for safety reasons. Watch the Club training website for future dates. If parents can sail they are welcome to come along with their children and join in double handed boats. Jane Scott-Davies
The tatty flag in the posh box
Great Night at the Laying up Supper and Prizegiving
I am glad that, following the Clubhouse refurbishment, Julian Davies’ burgee is back on the wall. Why is it there? Here is the story: Julian Davies was a Club member for many years, sailing Enterprises and Merlin Rockets. His great passion, however, was offshore sailing. He sailed on many Club Cruises and was one of the Shustoke crew on the 1993 Fastnet Race. Everyone who has sailed with Julian will agree he is one of the nicest people to share a boat with and his presence is greatly appreciated when it blows and going becomes tough!
An enjoyable evening was had by the members and guests who attended the Laying Up Supper and Prize giving Hannah Showell, David Lynch and on 4th December at Maxstoke Golf Stuart Hydon celebrate Club, just a few minute’s drive away from the Sailing Club. and Commodore at the Commodore’s The evening started off with drinks on arrival followed by an excellent 3 course meal and coffee in the club’s spacious dining room. After a short speech by the Commodore the Prizes were awarded by the Rear Commodore Sailing for the Autumn 2009 through to Summer 2010 race series followed by an “alternative prize-giving” hosted by Chris Biglin. Prizes were awarded for various incidents and catastrophes including the loss of the committee boat anchor by the Rear Commodore House
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Cup event. The Rear Commodore House’s excuse was that the shackle had become undone at the end of the anchor chain and not that he had failed to notice the anchor warp was not tied on when he threw the anchor over the bow of the boat! The disco made the evening finish on a swing and all those who attended appeared to be having a great time. It’s a shame so many of the clubs members did not support as the room is large enough to hold far more people than the 46 who attended ..... perhaps next year?
He gave up his job and home in the Midlands to do the 1995 BT Global Challenge, sailing around the world as a watch leader on the British Legion sponsored yacht ‘Pause to Remember’. In 2002 he was speaker at the Club’s Annual Dinner Dance and kindly presented the Club with this burgee, that had travelled with him around the world. He now lives in Salcombe where he is a member of the Lifeboat crew and works as Assistant Harbourmaster. He is always keen to hear news about the Club and if you’re ever in Salcombe it is worth looking him up and giving him the latest gossip. He has even been known, on occasions, to accept a pint from a ‘grockle’!
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History behind today’s honour Robin Webb at prestigious prizegiving It has come to the ears of the Commodore that a member of Shustoke Sailing Club, Robin Webb, has been honoured with the task of presenting the prizes for the Prince of Wales Cup this year. Mrs. Bobby Curry (the wife of the legendary sailor Charles Curry) together with Robin Webb will present the International Fourteen helm and crew trophies at Hayling Island on July 17th. For those who do not know the Prince of Wales Cup was presented by the Prince of Wales in 1927 for racing in the International Fourteen dinghy class. They did in fact only become ‘Internanational’ a year later in 1928. The Fourteen then became ‘father and mother’ to all the classes we now sail today. The Prince of Wales Cup was the blue riband of dinghy sailing, open to all sailors from anywhere in the world. Past winners names became sailing legends. The list goes like a who’s who in dinghy sailing: Uffa Fox, Tom Thornycroft, Morgan Giles, Stewart Morris, John Winter, Peter Scott (naturalist and son of Scott of the Antartic),
Thunder and Lightning built in 1938 and today’s Fourteens. Thunder and Lightning sailed by Peter Scott and John Winter, used a device now commonly known as the trapeze. The device was then immediately banned by the Yacht Racing Committee on the grounds that it was unsporting and gave an unfair advantage to its users! Colin Ratsey, Bruce Banks, Smales and Roberts (NZ), Charles Currey, de Forest Trimingham (KB), Mike Peacock, Stuart Walker (US), Ian Bruce (KC), and Steve Toschi (US) ...to name but a few! I understand that after 23 years of trying Charles Currey won the Prince of Wales
Cup in 1959 with Robin Webb as crew. For Shustoke members’ information Robin has won nine national titles and represented Great Britian on numerous occasions, sailing in the USA, Canada, France, South Africa, Holland, Norway and Italy. He also narrowly missed selection the GB Olumpic squad sailing a Finn. If he is not working in the galley you will see him sailing Solo 4721. Give him a hail on the water or give him a hug on shore but be kind to him as he is nearly seventy seven!
Social events
Galley and Duty Rota Burn’s The lack of volunteers to run the galley and people not turning up for their duties has meant that the Committee have decided to try out some changes to the established system.
In addition, there will be one additional person in each team and the team will between them organise the running of the galley for the day. Menus and food will be provided by the club for preparation and serving on the day by the duty team.
In the near future a list will be put up in the clubhouse to give the members an opportunity to join a duty team and it is planned that members will be with the same people on every occasion they are called up for a duty. Members who have not picked a team for themselves will be allocated a team to get the correct balance of experience and powerboat qualifications.
It will still be the members responsibility to swap with a member of another team should they be unable to attend on the day they are called up for duty.
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It is felt that by making members part of a team they will work better together and with more flexibility. The intention is that this will be implemented early in the new year.
Night 29th January
Don’t miss out on this great night! Book early to avoid disappointment Page 4
Look After Your Moles Hi, do you realize that as you read this you are a very special person indeed. You are a member of a very special group. Unfortunately it’s not a group that many people seek to be a member of. It’s a high risk group you see. Sailing has always been classified as a dangerous sport by Insurance Companies, it comes somewhere near Hang Gliding, Skiing or Parachuting in the league table, which is why as a sport we put so much effort into training people to be risk aware.
To that end here is another piece of risk awareness training...
As a sailor you are automatically in the ‘High Risk’ category a contracting Skin Cancer, simply because each time you go onto the water on a lovely summer day you get not one dose of the Sun’s Radiation but two. One direct from the Sun and the other reflected from the surface of the water. Any one who has spent any time on a boat in these conditions will testify to just how sun burnt you can get and de-hydrated into the bargain. This summer a number of you may have already experienced the effects. So the rules of the day should be slap up and cover up, i.e. slap on the sun tan lotion and limit how much skin you show. I always wear a shirt for example. Why am I telling you all this? Well recently I went to the Doctors to have an irritating little mole removed that I kept catching on my
clothes. The Doctor referred me to the local Dermatology unit to have the thing taken off. However when I got there I was asked ‘Did I have any other moles’ (wouldn’t you like to know I thought. I’ve been asked question’s like that before ) on answering ‘yes’ each mole was checked in turn under a super magnifying glass. The junior Doctor called the consultant, the consultant duly called all the student Doctors and said have a look at this chaps, and giving me a cursory glance said that’s got to come off indicating the large mole on my back and not the little one I came in to have removed, that fell off of it’s own accord by the way. After all of the student Doctors had finished their individual examination’s, of said mole, the consultant re-iterated it will have to come off, so I said ok you can do it in six weeks time, that’s when my work schedule will allow. To which the counter offer was ‘no that needs to come off by the end of the week’ at the latest !
To say I was a little bemused was an under statement, but never the less underwent surgery that afternoon and five stitches later felt a little sore. I was then told the offending mole would be checked for signs of skin cancer and my results would follow in a few weeks. Fortunately for me I was given the all clear but it served as a wake up call not to take chances and start wearing a U.V. blocking sun cream. Have to say I hate the feel of the stuff but the alternative is a lot worse. So why did I tell you all this? This is your wake up call go to your local health practice and get your moles checked! If I can have a mole that causes concern then you can have one too. If you catch the problem ones early it’s no big deal, don’t put it of ! Go check yer moles Les Collier
The racing rules course The Club Rules Adviser Scheme provides a means of resolving racing disputes without all the aggravation of a protest hearing. It is part of the RYA Racing Charter’s drive to improve rules observance.
minor infringements. A Rules Advisor gets the facts, explains the relevant rules and says whether they have been broken. It introduces exoneration penalties, which are less severe than disqualification and are available after coming ashore.
Rules observance is key to good racing, however ….
Additionally, the Scheme can be used just to get advice and guidance on the rules.
Rules observance is becoming neglected, because ….
The Scheme supplements the existing Protest Procedures and does not replace them.
Rules observance is not backed up by rules enforcement, because ....
The Course
Too few protests are lodged, because …. Protest hearings are too slow, too late and too adversarial. The Scheme aims to simplify enforcement, make it less confrontational and more educational. It consists of Advisory or Mediation Hearings for
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Do you have relevant knowledge and experience to act as a Rules Advisor or want to learn more about the Scheme? The Club is planning to introduce the scheme next year and has arranged for the West Midlands Regional Rules Adviser to run a one day RYA Course on Saturday 29 Jan 2011.
This is a very interactive course with lots of practical examples.
• Introduction to RYA Advisory Hearings • An update on the rules • Practical exercises with the rules • Practice being a Rules Adviser • Discussion on putting the system in place. • Notices will be posted in December at the club
Please sign up for the course as we need sufficient trained Advisors for this to work. If you would like to understand more about the Advisory scheme then further information is available on the RYA website: http://www.rya.org.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/ Racing/RacingInformation/RaceOfficials/ Resource%20Centre/Best%20Practice%20 Guidelines%20Policies/Rules%20Disputes.pdf
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Mirror News
SHUSTOKE MIRROR OPEN
There was some anxiety as to how many would enter this year’s event. The low turn-out in 2009, a mere nine boats, was not encouraging and nowhere near that of the previous year when the club had hosted a leg of the National Championship Series. In an attempt to swell numbers those whose boats lie unused received a reminder, the meeting featured on the class website and Fred Gilbert sent posters to other clubs. The decision to combine general club sailing with the event this year, proved wise, for the turn-out was just 14 boats, only one of which was a 2-hander - Graham Flynn and his daughter Scarlett who retired a little before the end of the first race after which dad joined the single-handers. We warmly welcomed one visitor, Bob Towler (Beaver S.C.) who had driven from Scunthorpe. Aware that these opening paragraphs are rather downbeat I will lighten up describing the day. Overcast skies and strong winds earlier in the week made way for sunshine and a fluky NW
breeze on the Sunday. Recent rain had raised the water level and the dreaded weed had disappeared. After OOD Kevin Rose had given his briefing the fleet hauled up those smart red sails, which set up a deafening noise with their eager flapping, as we launched from the slip. The 3-race programme followed the usual Sunday format of 80-minute pursuit, handicap and 60minute pursuits with all boats included. We were obliged to the non-Mirror sailors for courteously keeping clear, whether or not we had rights. Race 1 soon saw Pat Hufton and the Flynns in front. Tony Mason decided on a swim but quickly righted, watched by rescue Gyn and Ian Oliver. A little later Fred Gilbert, lying third, missed a mark and slipped back a couple of places.
After an excellent lunch prepared by Erica and Don Miller, Races 2 and 3 ensued. The wind strengthened in Race 2 and we were glad this one would be of shorter duration. Race 3 brought lighter airs and some awkward moments rounding mark 2, in the lee of trees on the north shore. The final results were: First Race 1
Second
Third
Pat Hufton
Stuart Ellis
Brian Nicholson
Graham Flynn
Fred Gilbert
Race 2
Pat Hufton Race 3
Graham Flynn Brian Nicholson Fred Gilbert
So the Shustoke Open Single-handed Cup passes from Len Kniveton to Pat Hufton. Second place was Graham Flynn, making the traditional gaffrig go well. Third place was Brian Nicholson. All agreed that it had been a great day’s sailing and, after all, the entry was 55% up on last year! Brian Nicholson, Mirror Fleet Captain
MIRROR 2010 Brightlingsea Nationals Four Club members represented Shustoke at Brightlingsea over the bank holiday weekend in June They were, Pat Hufton, Lindsay Haig, Fred Gilbert and Len Kniveton. Lindsay and Fred set of first on Friday 28 May at 10.00 am with a slight diversion to Cambridge to deliver a carpet to Lindsay’s daughter and for a cup of tea. Pat and Len left at about 12.00, after picking up Lens boat from the repairers first. By 5.00 pm they had all arrived at Brightlingsea, boats unpacked masts erected, a quick trip to the pub where they were staying and now they were ready for food.
back to back. The start line was still half way to Holland.
Pat Hufton, Len Kniveton, Fred Gilbert and Lindsay Haig. The next race the Shustoke sailors all chickened out leaving Mark racing, but he broke his forstay and had to join the others on the beach.
On the Sunday they were due to have three races back to back. The double handers started to launch, but because of the tide On Saturday, the wind had picked up conditions only one boat could launch at a blowing from off the North Sea straight into time. Half the fleet got away and sailed out the estuary. There were also things called of the creek into the estuary, were capsizes waves on the water and a debate took were the order of the day. The racing was place while the double handers launched as promptly cancelled with relief all round for to whether the Shustoke sailors would go those who had not yet launched. or not. When they did, it took 60 minutes or more just to get to the start, which they Our intrepid Shustoke team quickly said must have been half way to Holland. arranged a trip to Colchester that had a castle in some nice grounds. A brass band Our intrepid sailors battled round the course was playing in the bandstand. Quite a with Fred doing a spectacular turn, pivoting novelty these days. on his nose before a final capsize right in front of Len, who with great skill managed Monday morning, the wind was now blowing to avoid Fred, who was now unhappily the opposite direction, out of the estuary, swimming in the North Sea. Mark Hide from with waves still coming in off the North Ripon finally won with Pat in second. Sea. Four races were planed for the day, all
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The first race of the day was won by Pat with Fred second; the next was won by Mark with Fred in second. The third by Fred with Pat in second.The Championship was tight, With Pat, Fred or Mark able to win. Pat now had his bad luck; his rudder came off and would not go back on, he was out. Len and Mark led the way closely followed by Fred; then on the last reach Fred passed them both to go round the final mark in the lead. The fight to the line was very close with Fred crossing first, Mark one second latter and Len one second latter still. It could have been any ones race. The final results gave the Championship to Fred, Mark in Second with the same number of points, Fred winning becase he beat Mark in the last race. Fred said ‘It was very pleasing to win the Mirror National Single Handed championship; at 73 you usually expect the younger sailors to win this event. Its also a very nice prize for our Golden Wedding anniversary that we are celebrating in July and a credit to the doctors for the heart by pass which has kept me going and I hope will keep me going for a few more years’
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The essentials dates for 2011
Sailing and Social Diary 2011 January
RYA Rules Advisors course
29th
29th
uns from 10.00am - 4.00pm R in the clubhouse
Burns Night
August 25th
Last Thursday evening race
27-29th Bala
Regatta
February
29th
13th
September
Shustoke Gauntlet
March 5th
Follies evening
Annual General Meeting
18th
Lark/GP14 Open Meeting
20th
Turbo Event Series of short races, details TBA
23-25th Easter
May
Bank Holiday sailing
5th
1st Thursday evening race
No racing, Social sailing only
Laser and Phantom Open Meeting
No club sailing
15th
Junior Open Reduced area of water for club racing/sailing
Solo Open Meeting
No club sailing
6-10th
Race Week
acing starts every evening R at 7.00pm
BBQ
5th
Bonfire Night
6th
Commodore’s Cup
Fireworks and Festivities
December
26th Boxing Day Pursuit
5th
10th
25th
November
Regatta
2nd
June
Mirror Open Meeting Reduced area of water for club racing/sailing
October
April 2nd
Bank Holiday Sailing
4th
No club sailing
S SC’s annual Bank Holiday weekend away at Bala
After the Friday race
ulled wine and mince M pies plus a walk around the reservoir for non-sailors
Race Series and Times Winter
1st race 2nd race 3rd race 4th race
Saturday and Sunday
11.00
25th
1st Day of club regatta Fun Sailing from late morning
Spring, Autumn and Summer
Evening meal and entertainment at the club.
Except Summer Saturday
26th
2nd Day of club regatta
July 3rd
ark Archer Trophy and M Ladies Rosebowl in the morning Bonniface Trophy in the afternoon
Sea Cadets district regatta Reduced area of water for club racing/sailing
13.00
14.30
Saturday and Sunday
11.00 13.30 15.30
Summer Saturdays only
11.00
12.00
14.00
15.00
Race Series will start and finish on the first and last days of the listed months Winter Dec – Feb Spring Mar – May Summer June – Aug Autumn Sept – Nov
• •
• •
The races that count towards the club championship are: Gauntlet Bonniface
• Boxing Day Pursuit • Easter Sunday Pursuit • Commodore’s Cup
• •
SHUSTOKE SAILING CLUB
RYA Club Rules Adviser Course Saturday 29 Jan 2011 10 am to 4pm
Every club should have a Rules Advisers!
For resolving racing disputes without all the aggravation of a protest hearing. This is part of the RYA Dispute resolution process for clubracing, and part of the RYA Racing Charter’s drive to improverules observance. A very interactive day course, with lots of practical examples. Presented by Nadina Lincoln & William Jeffcoate RYA Midland Regional Rules Advisers
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Do you have the relevant knowledge and experience to become a Rules Adviser or just want to learn more about Racing Rules and their application – then this is the course for you. Please bring rule books & model boat shapes, if you have them. Galley available at lunchtime Page 7