Chew Junior Team Racers at Oxford Finals 2019
Sailing Club News – 25-Jul-19
To kick off this news, I am going to start with the plan for this coming Sunday, when the wind forecast is fair, the sunshine is a gimme, and the lake water is like stepping into a warm bath!
Racers be warned – there will be no series points racing on Sunday 28th July!
Family Fun Day – Sunday 28-Jul-19
This will be the second time the sailing committee have put a ‘Fun Day’ into the calendar, specifically on a Sunday. The idea is to replicate the ‘fun factor’ of the Family Regatta, but with a more competitive edge…
The plan is –
10.30 briefing for 11.00 start of an ‘On the Water’ treasure hunt. Clues will be attached to the club’s racing marks which, when taken as a whole, should give you the winning word. Any and all boat types can compete – the more the crew the better chance of solving the clues….
13.30 onwards – 3 boat Topper Team racing. Either plan your 3 man (or woman) team in advance, or we will find teammates on the day. All will be explained at a briefing and then you can enjoy the fun of racing around a very short, square course, followed by dashing back to the pontoon to hand your boats to the next team.
Beat the Stig in a Tera – this will be happening all day. The idea is to set the fastest time on a set, short course. This is THE chance to finally establish who the club’s quickest sailor actually is….
There will be a prize-giving at the end of the day. Please try and join in which will make all the effort worthwhile and, who knows, start your summer holidays off on a winning streak!!
Club Racing News
Very depressingly we are now well over half way through the Wednesday evening series, but just at the halfway point in the Admirals Chase and Summer points series.
The fast handicap leaders on Wednesday evenings are Paul Smalley in the K1, Alex ‘Knightly’ Knight and Rob ‘Higgy Wig’ Higgins in an RS400, and Tim Johnson in his Devoti D1.
The ‘SoSlow’ Handicap is turning out to be a titanic battle for supremacy between Chris Goldhawk and Nick Martindale, both in Solos.
Things are equally tight in the Laser results between Julian Cooke, Phil Patullo and Pete Sherwin.
With only 3 more races left, it is too close to call!
An incredible 64 different boats have ‘dipped their toe’ into the Admirals Chase series, a huge ‘one start’ handicap race series on Sunday mornings. The names leading the way are familiar(!) – Paul Smalley, this time with son, Harry in a Mirror, Julian Cooke in a Laser and Nick Martindale in a Solo. Three more races to go to determine the destination of the rather beautiful Admirals Cup.
Looking Ahead
Apart from the three points series mentioned above we have:-
Sail & Ale this Saturday 27-Jul-19
Sailing followed by a friendly chat over a drink in the bar from 3pm. Hope to see you there.
Chris & Ann – Cruising Reps
cruising@chewvalleysailing.org or chris.platts12@gmail.com
Lake and Cake 4 – Saturday 03-Aug-19
Predictable warm water fun races with Rosie Bowers!
Contact rosie.bowers@btinternet.com
Class Race Day 3 – Sunday 04-Aug-19
Remember we are back to an early start – 10.30am
This will allow your Race Officer, Colin Evans, to run two races before, and another two after lunch.
The usual Sunday fleets will have their own starts and prizes will be awarded at the end. You will each be allowed one discarded result.
Fun Thursday 2 – Thursday 08-Aug-19
If you missed the first of these, then you really must try and make 8th August.
Our Police Group will man RIBs from 2pm for any members wishing to enjoy an afternoon’s sail. At 6pm they organise 3 short, simple races for their members and anyone else wanting to join in – no prizes just the glory!
Finally they fire up the BBQ – please let Jeff Stratford know if you may be hoping to eat a Burger to help them plan supplies – and, even better, that trusty, sprightly ex-Commodore, Brian Brooks, will be opening the bar prepared to tell you tales of his nefarious seafaring past!!
jeffstratford@btinternet.com
Advanced Rescue Helm Course – Thursday 29-Aug-19
Due to a cancellation Jeff has one space on the next safety course on the 29th of August – places on these courses have been booked months in advance; it is free! To grab this spot, let Jeff know – jeffstratford@btinternet.com
Finally can I appeal to all the photographers among you
Please send me any sailing pics you take over the Summer, at Chew or elsewhere, to brighten these reports up! My current stock is exhausted…
I hope to see lots of you at the Club enjoying the fun this Sunday but, failing that, have a great summer whatever your plans.
John Smalley – vice-commodore@chewvalleysailing.org.uk