Sailing and Social Report 05-May-17

Sailing Report – Helen Martin, Vice Commodore

RYA Level 1 and 2. Well done to the seven new members who successfully completed the RYA course over two weekends, 5 days. We look forward to seeing you on the water very soon. Flat calm and very strong wind meant they lost almost two whole days of sailing. It did, however, allow Rob to ensure they seriously tested the water temperature and their wet suits to completely nail capsize drill. Many thanks to Senior Instructors Rich Hole, Rob Mitchell and Colin Walsh and the team of instructors for giving up their own sailing to make these courses happen.

There was a great turnout for Lake and Cake on Saturday with welcome “extras” joining in for the sailing and the cake. Some coaching video is on YouTube  – thank you Peter Sherwin and Steve Smith.

It was forecast to be windy on Sunday and it was. Too much for the Chew Crew youngsters to go on the water, but registration and planning of activities took place at a leisurely pace. The first sailing session is on 7th May.

Sunday also saw the final three races in the Spring Points series. A small band of enthusiastic sailors competed in a lively (but nowhere near as exciting as the 17 knot / 29 knot gust forecast) NE / ENE / E wind. Major shifts helped to create a challenging beat up to Mark 5 in all three races with much frustration or joy depending on where you were when the shifts came through.

Final series honours go to Steve Jones (A Handicap), Andy Bones and Lynne Adams (Flying Fifteen), Andy Southall (Laser) and Steve Penfold (Solo). Congratulations to the winners and all who took part in this series. We managed to sail 8 of the 9 scheduled races. Series results.

Over 50 boats were on the water on Wednesday evening in a lovely brisk north-easterly right down the lake. RO Claire Jefferis set the longest leg of the lake as part of the A handicap course, A to 7. It made for a long race but no-one seemed to mind de-rigging in the failing light. The Lasers and B handicap did four laps of a shorter course and the close racing was enjoyed by all. It is really good to see some newcomers to the evening series – you are most welcome.

Class Race Day – this Sunday

Up to 8 shorter races are scheduled, depending on the conditions. Note early start 10.30. The Race Officer would appreciate help from an extra Assistant Race Officer – a great opportunity to practice and improve your race management skills.

Boat spaces – a reminder

Despite the dry weather, the growth rate is accelerating SO…..a reminder about your responsibility to keep your boat space tidy. Here is the actual wording of bye-law 12.6:

“It is a condition of the Lease that the Club grounds shall at all times be kept in an orderly state and free from litter. No loose gear is allowed in the dinghy park unless stowed in boats.
It is each Member’s responsibility to ensure that their allocated boat park space(s) are kept tidy and free from weeds and long grass.”