Freeman Iceberg - Race 8 Boxing Day 2010

Lovely, Bright, Sunny, Cool (only a light frost) and barely a whisper of Breeze. That was when we got up however on arrival at Piddinghoe the apparent Ice cover made it obvious that this the last race of the series was not to be. The coverage was at least 3/4" thick and the safety boat was frozen in good and solid.

By normal start time there were eight or ten sailors and Kay (the series race officer) present in the gradually warming hut - the heaters were on. Coffee was not immediately possible - the taps were frozen up in the kitchen area. A hasty check found running water in the gents changing room and the oven hob was working so the mulled wine was soon warming up. The mince pies were another matter as no one present could navigate through the menu system to turn the oven on. Rescue came via the Microwave and so all were soon provided with the 'true' spirit of Xmas.

The only item on the agenda therefore was the prizegiving which then took place.

In third place in his full rig Laser was Paul Ryan sailing this year again after a two year break.

In second place was Laurence Venus in his Streaker, in only his second series on the pond.

Top spot went to Alan Simmons also in a Streaker, a long term winter visitor to Piddinghoe, who took home the Freeman Iceberg Trophy presented to him by John Freeman - the co designer/builder of the trophy. John gave all present ashort history of the Iceberg's origins back in 1973.

Kay was roundly thanked for her continual efforts in running the series, no matter what the weather - iced up pond execepted - and presented with a small gift on behalf of those who took part in the series.


The proceeding concluded with notification of the next race at Pidinghoe, due at 2.00pm on New Years Day and with the start of the first Numbum race the following day at 11.00am. Both of these events subject, of course, to a thaw of the pond's ice.

Freeman Iceberg Race 7 - 19/12/2010

Alan awoke to a grim scene, dark grey skies, a flurry or two of snow and a complete lack of traffic on the road outside - no busses, no cars and not many pedestrians. It did not help that he was still suffering from a heavy head cold and thus not feeling the best, none the less something had to be done. The night before Alan had intended to phone Kay, the Race Officer and organiser of the series, before leaving to have a pond inspection. Once he saw the state of play he would phone her again to let her know whether to come along - she lives a lot closer than Alan.
As it happens she, Kay, forestalled him with a call at about 8.30am saying that she did not think it worthwhile as she expected the pond to be fully frozen over.  Alan had to concur with that presumption as the temperature had barely been above freezing all the preceeding week. He called round a few of the possible racers and Rupert Smith said that he would be going down to have a look and would phone him back. The outcome was that Rupert confirmed at least an inch (25mm) of ice covering the whole pond. The previous week's ice breaking would not have been sucessfull a second time.

Although these pictures - courtesy of Julian Dobson - show the situation at 10.00am they do not quite create the desolate scenes at Piddinghoe that morning. By the looks of it even the fisherman did not go along!
That leaves the Boxing day race, the final of the series and with the current weather conditions, on a knife edge in more than one way. Will it happen, and can it,  if it does will Laurence Venus snatch overall victory from Alan - they are but 0.3 points apart in the league table? It would be a pity not to be able to race but the Series prizgiving will take place (at Piddinghoe) provided every one can still access the pond.
The next scheduled race is due on New Year's Day - 2.00pm - with the Elford Numbum series starting the day after - 2nd January 2011 at 11.00am.
Freeman Iceberg Series Results Standing to date :-
1st. Alan Simmons - 4.7 pts, 2nd Laurence Venus -5.0 pts, 3rd. Paul Ryan - 12 pts, 4th. Rupert Smith - 20 pts, 5th. Steve Duncan - 20 pts, 6th. Julian Dobson - 24 pts, 7th. Michael Veale - 25 pts, 8th. Chas Humphries - 28 pts, 9th. Jonty Freeman - 28.5 pts, 10th. Davis Hitchens - 48 pts.

Alan.S 1700

Freeman Iceberg Race 6 - 12/12/2010

Sunshine, Blue sky and just a hint of a North Easterly breeze but fairly cool greeted our arrival at Piddinghoe this morning at 9.30am. What none of us were prepared for was that the pond was frozen over its entire surface – subsequently a small patch of open water was observed way over near the east bank but that was only visible from afloat.

Alan Simmons (Lancing) was on duty as rescue boat helm but ended up as Icebreaker Extrordinaire as he attempted to clear a passage around an estimated course. At first glance it appeared that there was only a light coating of ice – about 1/8” thick near the clubhouse – but further out and to the south east it was found to be nearer 1/2”thick and as the race – yes one was started – progressed it was re-freezing as soon as broken up.
By the time the competitors had made up their minds to attempt to sail a light force 2 breeze had filled in from the northeast and some 8 craft made it onto the water among them Callum Johnson (NSSC) sailing, for the first time, in a Laser Radial with a sail borrowed from Rupert Smith (Laser Radial - NSSC) who found yet another sail to use. Michael Veale (RS 200 – NSSC) could find no crew so opted to sail single handed and Mike Rosier (having crewed Michael.V previously) did find a crew for his Topper Mango.
The course, once Alan.S had cleared enough water, was the same as last week – up to the Northeast corner then around the Island, followed by a beat to the middle of the pond. From there it was a fetch to the south side and then north turn back to the start/finish mark just off the clubhouse.
First off the line was Michael.V followed by Laurence Venus (Steaker – NSSC) himself hot pursued by Rupert.S.
By the end of the first lap Laurence.V was nearly a minute ahead and each lap pulled up even further and was never challenged. Similarly Michael.V slotted into second place and stayed there. Rupert. S, heavy enough to break his way through the ice was however a wee bit too heavy for the gentle breeze and was soon overtaken by Darren Field (Laser Radial – NSSC).

After lap 1 Bill Wates (Laser Radial – NSSC) made a call ashore (for reasons unknown to the writer) and after re-starting was left in the tailender’s spot for the remainder of the race, having to follow Mike.R, in the Mango, around who himself was spotted jammed in the ice at one time.

Chas Humphries (Laser full rig) although 7th at the end of the first lap pulled up to 5th spot by the finish behind Rupert.S

The outright winner – using his original and not new sail - was Laurence.V, some four minutes ahead of the second boat of Michael.V and 6.1/2 minutes ahead of Darren.F.

Although there was little place changing during the race Callum.J must be congratulated on a brilliant performance and yes it is a little faster in a Laser but, in that breeze, not a lot. The rest of the fleet had to put up with some trying conditions too but hopefully the hot coffee afterwards helped. The R.O. sitting on her bench outside the club house, even if she was in the sun, deserves a medal – well done (as always but especially today) Kay!

After application of the handicaps the results were as follows (Unofficial, Provisional*) :-

1st. Laurence.V, 2nd. Darren.F, 3rd.Michael.V, 4th, Rupert.S, 5th. Chas.H, 6th. Callum.J,

7th. Mike.R, 8th. Bill.W.

Hopefully and in spite of the drop in temperature forcast it will be clear water and a trifle warmer next Sunday.

Alan.S 1700.

*For the official results see – http://nssc.org.uk/results/2010/freemanicberg2010.htm

Freeman Iceberg Race 5 - 5th December 2010

The external thermometer – in the car – was hovering between1 and 2 degrees C on the journey to Piddinghoe. The sky was grey and overcast with just a hint of the sun trying to break through. The pond was free of ice and a tiny breeze (4 to 5 knots) was blowing from the north eastern corner, along the top bank. By the end of the race and the packing up of the boats the sun did show itself briefly.

This has been the predominant wind direction for all the races to date so it was no surprise to have to sail a similar course. Leg one was a beat along the northern side to a bright (day-glow) pink mark. From thence it was a broad reach to a yellow mark northeast of the island and then a run to the other side of the island to a mark in the south east corner. After a short reach, to a mark north west of the island, it was a second beat to a turning mark near the middle of the pond, followed by a broad reach across to the southern side and finally a sharp north turn back to the start/finish line.

A little breeze had come up in time for the start – the low end of force 3 – and it was Laurence Venus (Steaker – NSSC), sporting his new P & B sail, who was first across the line at the start. Paul Ryan (Laser full rig – Hardway SC) was close behind Laurence and Steve Duncan (Laser full rig – NSSC) on their heels. Michael Veale (RS 200 – NSSC) was just to leeward of these three and Alan Simmons (Streaker – Lancing SC) found himself shoved even further down the line to avoid the leading bunch.

Paul.R and then Steve.D tacked off onto port to find the breeze in the middle of the pond whilst Laurence.V stayed near the north bank and by the time the windward mark was reached it was Paul.R a couple of boat lengths up on Steve.D with Laurence just behind him and Alan.S another length astern.
Tom Taylor (Megabyte – NSSC) sailing in his first race of this year’s Freeman Iceberg series had been a bit shy of the rest at the start but slowly but shurely began to pull up and was closing on Alan.S by the end of the lap. It was not however until the middle of lap 3 before he got ahead.

Paul.R held the lead throughout the race by an average of no more than 15 seconds during the first 5 laps and that only increased to 30 seconds in the next four – each lap lasting on average 7 minutes.
Laurence.V was in a continual struggle with Steve.D, passing him in lap 3, losing out in lap 4, getting ahead once more in lap 5 and then losing out yet again in lap6 whilst staying behind then to the finish at the end of lap 9.
Michael.V (crewed by Mike Rosier – NSSC) although using their asymmetric spinnaker were unable to hold off a challenge from David Hitchens (Laser full rig - NSSC) and David got through them in lap 5. At the finish the order was 1st. Paul.R, 2nd. Steve.D, 3rd.Laurence.V and 4th Tom.T. The light, but shifty, breeze – which faded a bit towards the end - gave little chance for the faster boats to sail to their handicaps whilst the two Streakers revelled in the conditions and took overall first and second places.
Frozen fingers and feet were the order of the day but a nice steaming hot cup of coffe helped a little.
Results (Unofficial-Provisional) :-
1st. Laurence.V, 2nd. Alan.S, 3rd .Paul.R, 4th. Steve.D, 5th. Tom.T, 6th. David.H. 7th. Michael.V
Alan.S still leads the series, just, but next week has a rescue boat duty (hope today’s little problems with the engine are a thing of the past) – Laurence.V has one too the following week so there is still a battle to be joined.
Alan.S 1700.

Freeman Iceberg - Race 4- 28/11/2010

With a forcast of 9 to 10 knots from the north east, Grey overcast skies with a few tiny patches of blue but with a heavy frost on the ground – and ice in the boats – just 8 competetors prepared to take to the water. The actual breeze was nearer 3 knots before the boats went afloat just after a brief flurry of snow.
The first leg of the course was a beat along the northern side of the pond to the mark in the north east corner followed by a gybe onto a run to the next mark south of the Island. This was followed by another beat northwards and then a reach to a mark north east of the Island followed by a run to the south east corner of the pond. The final leg, leaving two other marks to starboard, was a close reach up the southern side of the pond to the finish point where the course had started.
First off the line was Paul Ryan (Laser full rig) with Jonty Freeman (Radial) close behind and then Julian Dobson (Laser full rig) and Michael Veale (RS 200) crewed by Mike Rosier. Alan Simmons (Streaker) was well off the line having failed to catch the start sequence sound signals and crossed behind the RS 200 and the full rig laser of Steve Duncan.
At the end of the first run Paul.R who was leading took the mark on the wrong side and as a result had three or four places to regain when he had rounded correctly. By the end of the first lap he was back in second spot just 6 seconds behind Jonty.F, the new leader, with Alan.S just another 3 seconds behind.
After two laps Paul.R was in front again with Steve.D some 30 seconds behind and Julian.D lying third whilst Alan.S was lying fourth. Jonty.F was just 5 seconds behind Alan and these two (Alan and Jonty) continued to tussle for the rest of the race.
Michael.V in the RS 200 could not make the boat go in the light breezes, which did build a little during the race, and he dropped back from an intial 5th place to 7th by the finish. The light stuff did not suit Callum Johnson (Pico) either and he was recorded in last place for each of the three laps he managed to complete, he is trying to convince his dad to get him a faster boat.
David Hitchens (Laser full rig) retired before completing three laps, almost certainly due to the freezing cold conditions, which left unprotected fingers extremely vulnerable. Chas Humphries (Laser full rig) soldiered on pulling up f4om 8th in lap one to 6th at the finish. One Laser, it is not clear which, did manage to lassoe the mark to the south east of the Island with his mainsheet – the mark held postion!

The main ‘excitement’ came in the last two laps when the battle between Alan.S and Jonty.F was joined once more. It was on the long close reach, in lap, 4 that Alan gained an inside overlap just before the final mark. It did not last long as Jonty found the breeze first but the same happened in the last lap at exactly the same point and Alan just pipped Jonty across the line. As an added bonus to this pair, Steve.D who had been lying in second place decided to head for the wrong mark mid lap and as a result of sailing a somewhat longer course ended up behind them in fourth spot.
Once the handicaps had been computed it was Alan.S who was declared the winner with Paul.R in second place and Jonty.F just adrift in third spot. Alan.S now heads the leader board for the series with Laurence Venus (Streaker) – who did not sail today in second position and Jonty.F in third.

Results (unofficial-provisional) :-
1st. Alan.S, 2nd. Paul.R, 3rd. Jonty.F, 4th. Steve.D, 5th. Julian.D, 6th. Chas.H, 7th. Michael.V, 8th. Callum.J, David.H - Retired.

Freeman Iceberg Race 3 - 21st November 2010

Dark Grey and totally overcast with but the slightest hint of an easterly (once again) breeze were the conditions that greeted us on arrival at Piddinghoe for Race three of this year’s Freeman Iceberg Series. It was none to warm either, about 8 degrees C, requiring the extra layer or two to be worn.
The course was similar to last week’s, starting with a beat across the north side of the pond. It was then a gybe and run to a mark on the western side, close to the flag pole area, then another gybe off to a mark just north of the Island. The following leg was to be a broad reach to a mark south of the Island concluding with a close reach up the western side of the pond to the top, starting mark. This leg effectively meant boats passing the same mark but in different directions which was to lead to problems during the later stages of the race.

16 boats came to the line for the start, including a number of new entrants including two Toppers by which time the breeze had picked up to a good force 3. At the gun it was Jonty Freeman (Radial –NSSC) first away with Steve Duncan (Laser full rig - NSSC) just a tad behind but to windward, followed by Rupert Smith (Radial – NSSC) and then Julian Dobson (Laser full rig – NSSC).

These four soon tacked off onto port tack towards the middle of the pond whilst the Streakers of Laurence Venus (NSSC) and Alan Simmons (Lancing SC) , a bit to leeward headed for the northern bank along with the following pack. Once Laurence and Alan tacked they had to cross the followers and whilst Laaurence made it Alan was bulked by the RS 200 of Michael Veale crewed by Mike Rossier (NSSC) and had to duck his stern.
Paul Ryan (Laser full rig) had not had a glorious start but by the end of the first lap had pulled up to second place on the water just 9 seconds behind Jonty.F with Steve.D just behind these two. Behind these three it was Laurence.V just 7 second ahead of Rupert.S and then Michael.V. Alan.S was languishing in 7th place some 17 seconds behind.
By the end of lap 2 Paul.R was just ahead (4 seconds) of Jonty.F, Steve.D still held 3rd spot and Laurence.V still held fourth only 3 seconds ahead of Rupert.S and Michael.V. –thse two on exactly the same time.
The next changes , in lap 3 were when Steve.D managed to overtake Jonty.F, albeit briefly and Alan.S finally managed to get past Michael.V into 6th spot.
Jonty re-passed Steve in lap 4 and Julian.D pulled through to 8th position ahead of Michael.V , whilst Alice Smith (Topper – NSSC) climbed up to 11th place from 13th and Bill Waites (Radial - NSSC) managed to sail the wrong course and got himself disqualified.
In lap 5, there were no more changes but in an incident in lap 6 when there was a coming together of three boats, Steve.D, Bill Giles (Solo – NSSC) and David Hutchin (Laser full rig-NSSC) at the mark near the flag pole.
Steve.D was on the reaching leg whilst the other pair were gybing around that mark – about half a lap behind. There was a bit of vocalisation but all three boats suffered some delay and lost places, Steve.D dropping from 3rd to 6th, Bill.G from 10th to 13th whilst David.H gained a place by the end of the lap. Alan.S also gained a place to 5th from Steve’s loss. Also in lap 6 Tim Cox (Laser full rig- NSSC) retired although whether he was also involved in this or another incident is unknown to the writer.
In laps 7, 8 and 9 there were no more place changes although with an increase in the wind strength (to a good middle force 4) there was a bit of closing up with Alan.S especially making some ground on Laurence.V although insufficient to make a real challenge. At the finish gun the order was Paul.R, Jonty.F, Rupert.S, Laurence.V, Alan.S and then Steve.D.
Callum Johson (Pico – NSSC) sailed a steady if slow race and in lap 6 managed to get ahead of Sasha Stonard (Topper – NSSC) – in his first race of the series. Callum was afterwards heard to say he wished he could go a bit faster – and be ahead of both of the Toppers at least.
In the middle of the fleet Chas Humphries (Laser full rig – NSSC) had a mixed race but slowly pulled up from 12th in lap 1 to 9th by the time he finished his 8th lap. There were several capsizes for the less experienced helms but a spectacular show was put on by Michael.V and Mike.R when they laid their RS 200 flat with spinnaker up on the first running leg in the second or third lap. They did not both fall out and soon recovered but it was a sight to see. Through out the fleet there were mini battles taking place during the race, many very close encounters and a few loud words, some a bit excessive!
Results (Unofficial- provisional):-
1st. Laurence.V, 2nd. Alan.S, 3rd. Jonty.F, 4th.Paul.R, 5th. Rupert.S, 6th.Steve.D, 7th. Alice.S, 8th. Michael.V, 9th. Julian.D, 10th.Chas.H, 11th. Bill.G, 12th. Sasha.S, 13th. David.H, 14th. Callum.J. Tim.C – retired and Bill.W – disq -sailed wrong course.
Alan.S 1700.
PS. If I get it wrong, fail to mention your name or miss out any spicy or exciting bits please comment on the blogsite or better still tell me on the day. I have to work with what I see on the water (not easy to recall it all later) and then from positions gleaned from the lap charts.

Freeman Iceberg Race 2 - 14th November 2010

A rather grey sky, cool and no wind was the situation on arrival at Piddinghoe for the second of the Freeman Iceberg Races. Half of the pond surface (the northern half) was mill pond flat whilst the was the lightest of ruffles on the other half. This being Remembrance Sunday boats were rigged but largely left ashore until the two minutes silence was observed – in pouring rain - close to the club flag pole.
A course was set, once a tickle of easterly breeze arrived, with an initial beat along the north side, turning south on an offwind leg to the Island area. The next leg was a beat close by the Island shore to a turning mark in the pond centre. Once round this it was back towards the island before finally turning north towards the start line off the clubhouse.

At the starting gun most of the pack was heading towards the shore end of the line but Alan Simmons (Streaker) spotted that there was going to be a bit of a melee and held back at the tail end tacking off immediately at the pin end as the gun went. Second up was Paul Ryan (Laser full rig) and then Steve Duncan (Laser full rig). Julian Dobson(Laser full rig) was next but a little low down whilst Rupert Smith(Radial) had extricated himself at the head of the shore end group.
By the time the first boat arrived at the windward mark the wind was about force two. This suited Alan and his initial decision had proved right as he rounded in the lead and which he maintained –just – throughout the race.
Laurence Venus (Streaker) made a disasterous start close under the bank where he lost all of what little breeze there was but he began to pull (Streaking) through the leading boats and by the end of lap 1 he was in third spot on the water. Alan.S meanwhile, having fended off an inside water call from Paul.R – inside the two lengths limit – remained ahead leaving Paul and Laurence to contend second place on the water. With the variable wind strength Alan’s lead over the second boat varied between about 12 seconds to 30 seconds during the race.
By the end of lap 4 Laurence.V had managed to get ahead of Paul.R by about half a minute however it was not to last and Paul regained second spot in the following lap and stayed ahead to the finish after eight laps.
Julian.D maintained his fourth position whilst Darren Field (Radial), in his first race of the series, slipped ahead of Steve.D ( in lap 3)who was wanting of ‘more breeze’ - as did Rupert.S struggling to maintain any boat speed in the ‘light stuff’. The forcast had been for the breeze to up to a force 4 or so before midday but that never materialised although there was a marginal increase in the later laps.
Chas Humphries (Laser full rig) was also struggling for want of breeze and was stuck in 8th place throughout the race.
Mike Rosier (Mango) had been up with the leading group at the start but even using the jib this time he continued to lose ground – boat weight being the suspect in this case.
There was another ‘new kid’ on the block – Callum Johnson - sailing an un-numbered Pico. He did not have a brilliant start being way off the line at the gun but using both sails kept him quite occupied during the race given the ideal wind strength for a novice.
At the finish it was Alan.S first over the line, followed by Paul.R , then Laurence.V and about a minute later Julian.D.
Results (provisional):-
1st.Alan.S, 2nd. Laurence.V, 3rd. Paul.R, 4th. Julian.D, 5th. Darren.F, 6th. Steve.D, 7th. Rupert.S, 8th.Chas.H, 9th. Mike.R, 10th. Callum.J

Freeman Iceberg Winter Series - Race 1 - 7th Nov 2010

These ramblings are an unofficial blog/report and are  strongly personal and biased as a Streaker
owner/racer in a mixed handicap fleet and I make no appologies for that fact. I do hope that they will nonetheless be of interest to those participating and those reading out of sheer noseiness.

The new season of winter races at Piddinghoe (Inland water of Newhaven and Seaford SC) was held today – Sunday 7^th November.
This year, as in the past few years, it was a general handicap race, with an eleven boat fleet consisting predominantly of Full Rig Lasers, a couple of Radials, a couple of Streakers,  a Solo
and a Mango (sailed single handed with furled jib).

It was bright and sunny with a cool breeze of around the middleof force 4 from the eastern side of the pond. A course was set , starting off the club house with a beat along the north side, a broad reach to south of the Island, a slightly tighter but shorter one to the north and then another beat
to a mark in the middle of the water. Turning this there was a run to the west, a turn north once more to the top of the pond to then a final turn to starboard to begin the next lap.

Ten boats came to the line – the eleventh was a wee bit late and did not arrive until the leading boats were into their second lap – although there were only four boats near the line at the off.

First away was Jonty Freeman (Radial - NSSC) with Paul Ryan (Laser full rig – Hardway SC) close behind and then Alan Simmons (Streaker – Lancing SC) and Rupert Smith (Radial –NSSC) equally close behind him. The rest of the fleet were straggling some way behind.

By the end of the first lap (of the 11 laps the leading boats were to complete) the order was Jonty.F, Paul.R,  Rupert.S,  Alan.S and Lauernce Venus (Streaker) with just 23 seconds separating the first three and just 2 seconds between the Streakers.
Both of these situations were to stay much the same throughout the entire race with the leading Laser and Radials and the two streakers nip and tuck all the way. The leader of each of these two groups pulling out a few yards only to have his chaser catch right up on the subsequent lap.

Further back in the fleet the order in that first lap was Juilan Dobson (Laser full rig - NSSC) – 6^th place – then Bill Giles (Solo - NSSC), Chas Humphries (Laser full rig – NSSC) followed by David Hitchens  (Laser full Rig – NSSC)with Mike Rosier (Mango – NSSC) bringing up the rear – Steve Duncan (Laser full rig – NSSC) was still ashore after a late arrival and launching problems.

The only changes in lap 2 were when Mike.R briefly got ahead of David.H however the gusty breeze soon saw him take his first swim of therace and finally Steve.D took to the water. By the end of lap 4 Steve.D had also gained a place ahead of Mike.R whilst the first five boat places remained
unchanged.

Halfway through lap 7 Laurence.V managed to catch a good gust on the second reaching leg, achieve an inside and then pull out a nice little advantage up the following beat sneaking into fourth place. This advantage he held until the beginning of the last lap – the 11^th. On the beat along the north side of the pond he tacked towards the shore to make the mark more easily but when tacking back got himself stuck in irons thus allowing Alan.S to get ahead again by sufficient margin to make it in front across the line.

In the leading group Paul.R  finanally got ahead of Jonty.F in the last lap but he too had a problem and ended up letting Jonty.F get back ahead  and letting Rupert.S through as well. The RO did not have her lap top with her so the results were only calculated later. It was a close run thing with Alan.S as joint winner along with Jonty.F and Laurence.V in third spot.

Results (Provisional):-
         1^st (joint) Jonty.F, 1^st(joint)  Alan.S, 3^rd.Laurence.V, 4^th Rupert.S, 5^th Paul.R,  6^th Julian.D,          7^th Bill.G, 8^th David.H, 9^th Chas.H,10^th Steve.D, 11^th Mike.R.

Alan.S 1700

Broxbourne SC Streaker Open - 12th September 2010

A cloudless blue sky and a light breeze were present for our 7.00am start on our trip to Broxbourne Sailing Club near Nazeing in the Lea Valley. Two hours later, including our usual comfort stop, we were among the first to arrive for the joint Laser and Streaker Open event.

The breeze had risen to a reasonable force 4 for the first race for the 15 Lasers and 11 Streakers. The course, with a shore start, had been set to include two beats, two runs and a reach. Hot off the line and into an almost unassailable lead was Frank Catt (Downs SC) with Steve Garrett (Bough Beech SC) in hot pursuit and John Wolsoncroft (Broxbourne) also having a cracking start. Alan Simmons (Lancing SC) had been tipped over the line early and had to restart in next but last place. By the end of lap one Alan had pulled through to 3rd place and was joining Steve G in battle whilst the pair were both making ground on Frank.C. By the end of the second lap Martin Wayland (Broxbourne) appeared from lower down the fleet (having, he said later, not had a good start) to close up on this pair. At the finish it was Frank, then Alan followed by Martin and Steve in fourth place. Bill Steven (Broxbourne ) thought the wind too much for his liking so stayed ashore for this race. The breeze throughout had been  variable in strength and direction under the large black clouds that began to appear. Under the clouds there were quite a few hefty gusts. It was a condition that was to last for the rest of the day frequently dropping away to a force 3.

Race two, after lunch, saw Frank.C first off the line once more with John.W having yet another good start. Alan.S had a better placing over the line and Steve.G was nowhere to be seen. It transpired that in hoisting his sail he had damaged the gooseneck fitting and had had to stay ashore to fix it for the final race. Taking his place it was Martin.W who got engaged with Alan and later on Frank and came home in third place again. At one point Alan caught and passed Frank only to lose out again on the next beat in the prevailing shifty conditions but these three had some very close competition. Not far behind these three Gary Hogan (Haversham SC) came home in fourth place. John.W capsized during this race and got his mast head stuck in the mud. The rescue boat had to help him recover so that was the end of his race. Bill.S ventured out in this race, after a somewhat shaky launching, but gave it best half way through. At the finish it was Frank.C in first position, Alan.S second, Martin.W third and Gary.H fourth.

After another short break race 3 started on a new (figure of eight) course and with a fleet reduced to nine boats. Yet again it was Frank.C who had the best and lead start, hotly pursued by Steve.G - now back on the water again. Alan.S was nearly there but a little further down the line, however he set off to catch the other two. With the new course came new pitfalls, a short reach at the northen end of the water was in the wind shadow caused by the ‘forest’ at that point and the leading group eventually got caught up by Geoff Town (Broxbourne SC) and Gary.H. By the final lap these two passed both Alan and Steve but Frank managed to escape the carnage. It was only on the penultimate leg that first Alan and then Steve managed to salvage an inside berth on the gaggle of boats (including the leading Laser) at the final turning mark. Alan just pulled out ahead on the last stretch to the line but suffered a heading gust whilst Steve had a freeing one and just pipped him over the line by a second. This meant that Frank.C fished first, Steve.G second and Alan.S third with Geoff.T in fourth.

Overall results:-

1st. Frank Catt, 2nd. Alan Simmons, 3rd. Steve Garrett, 4th.Martin Wayland, 5th.Geoff Town, 6th. Gary Hogan, 7th. Ian Nash (Broxbourne), 8th. Nick Hayes (Broxbourne) 9th. John Wolsoncroft, 10th. Reg Mulley (Broxbourne), 11th Bill Steven.

My most successful results (excluding Weston) this year and as an added bonus to the second place I also was awarded the Masters Trophy for the meeting plus two lovely bottles of wine. Congratulations are due to Frank Catt on a clean sweep with the unusailable three first places and to Steve Garrett for a fine recovery from his fittings problem. I will unfortunately miss the last Open of the season at Alton Water due to other engagements.

Our journey home was however a nightmare, having left Broxbourne at about 5.15pm, when we came back across the Thames at Dartford on the M25 and the turned off onto the M23. Apparently there had been a serious accident, at 4.00pm,  between junction 11 and Junction 9. The Motorway was closed and as we approached junction 11 we ran into the first of the major traffic jams the closure had ensured. We had little choice but to crawl along at never more than 8mph until finally all the traffic was diverted off at Crawley (junction 10). We got through the town OK but once back on the A23 out the town there was yet another hold up stretching all the way up the hill to Pease Pottage and that was moving at about 1mph! We finally got home at about 9.15pm.

Alan.S 1700

Deben YC - August 29th 2010

It was not a very 'august' start to the day, arrising at 5am for a 6am get away I checked with theDeben site to discover that the first race was not scheduled until 12.30pm. The site link to the weather Guru showed at least a middle force five was due by that start time and increasing later.
It was a bright enough day although heavy black clouds hovered overhead and we had a good swift journey up – just over three hours to Deben YC , just south of Woodbridge and north east of Ipswich, including a leisurely coffee break. We were first at the club, which was not yet open when we arrived.
One has to park some distance away from the club area then go across a manually controlled (Bett) railway level crossing before traversing a foot path to the rigging area adjacent to the club house. What we did not know was that the local council had introduced parking fees but we paid up in the end – hitherto parking had been free on Sundays so we were nearly caught out.
We rigged the boat in excessively boisterous conditions above the launching ramps and I was in two minds whether or not to bother to sail. In the end I decided to give it a go and come back from the sailing area, some half a mile from the club, if I was unhappy.

The meeting was held jointly with some Enterprises, eight of them and six Streakers. Once at the starting area things began to go wrong. I along with a couple of Ents got stuck in the riverside mud. Fortunately for me I was able to turn the boat and sail out of the pudding. The Ents were not so lucky with at least one breaking his rudder in the process. It was certainly windy with extremely vicious gusts seemingly from all directions.
Eventually race one got underway, heading back up river in the direction of the club, and whilst I was close to the line I was about fourth to the windward mark with one boat behind me and, so I subsequently discovered, at least two of the three behind me inverted. Mike Hanes (Deben) was first to round the mark followed by Pierre Naude (Deben) and David Shuster (Deben). Gary Hogan (Haversham) even passed me up that first leg and the lot stretched away on the reach across the river.
Near the far bank it was a case of either a gybe or up the cut to wear round onto the third leg which was almost a run, certainly it was tippy enough. I think it was down this leg that David S took his first (of many) dips. I made it in one piece and then had to fight up the next beat slowly closing in on Gary. H. Half way up the next running leg my boat came out from beneath me and came over the top of me as I tried to right it and I reluctantly called for the rescue boat to use my rigging to get it vertical again whilst scooping me up inside in the process. I then high tailed it back up the cut to the club having decided to call it a day. When I got back to the recovery ramp there were at least two Ents there already so I did not feel quite so bad about my decision to quit.
As a consequence of my retirement from the fray I have to rely on third person reports (none of which have surfaced so far) of the rest of the racing, all of which was curtailed in some way. I believe the second race lasted only one lap and the final race saw all but one competitor taking a dip in reported forty mph gusts. Even the committee boat had to leave station to assist the boat recovery. I believe it was about this time that Dave Shuster suffered a halyard breakage, one way or another he ended up being towed home to the club. As the fleet returned none were sure whether they had finished or not or if the last race had been abandoned – it had not.
A disappointingly small entry, probably due to the forecast but the conditions at Deben, over the past few years, have been generally blustery to say the least – not something that the club can do much about except perhaps to choose a different month for the meeting and then hope!

Results:-

1st Mike Hanes, 2 points. 2nd Pierre Naude, 4 points. 3rd Peter Cogill (Rotherham SC), 6 points. 4th David Shuster, 7 points. 5th Gary Hogan, 8 points. 6th Alan Simmons (Lancing SC), 14 points.



Alan.S 1700

PS. If I do get some more detail I will edit this blog later on.

PPS. If you have any comments/criticisms/corrections to my blogs please add them. I added a counter some months back so I know people are reading my ramblings but some feedback would be welcomed.

NSSC Sailing Week 2010

Every year, at the beginning of August, NSSC holds its annual sailing week. This currently comprises a morning series of races for Cadet Members, ‘Fun’ races for adults and an afternoon series of back to back serious races for slow and fast handicap dinghies, cats, keelboats and small yachts. The week is open to visitors and on site camping is available. Each evening there is a social function held in the clubhouse.
For many years I have attended in my Streaker(s) and this year a local member has also been sailing a Streaker , with some success in class racing, so this year I had a direct competitor. Weather for the week, Monday to Friday, is variable year on year. Last year it was largely a light wind event which provided me with some good wins enabling me to take the top trophy. This year by comparison it was mostly quite windy resulting in a heavy surf on the Seaford beach and making launching and recovery difficult to say the least and in some cases downright unattractive.
I will concentrate on the serious racing first of all where, due to the conditions, six out of the proposed ten races were held. Race 1 was held in a pleasant force three westerly breeze where Rupert Smith and CarolynTurner in their Fireball led the fleet. In second spot on the water Matt Springhall in his Laser led Laurence Venus in his Streaker with yours truly following behind. Laurence seemed to have higher pointing ability than I and I was unable to make any impression on him. However we finished in first and second spots respectively.
Race 2, held back to back and over the same Olympic style course in a tiny bit more breeze, saw the same leader, Rupert.S but with Matt.S closer up in the 14 strong fleet. Again Laurence.V was ahead of me but this time not so far and it was the change of tide that helped me get close on the second full lap on the windward leg. At the finish I was just a few yards adrift but Matt took the top spot so Laurence and I had to make do with 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
Tuesday’s Race 3 was held in a good stiff force 4 to 5 and neither Laurence nor I ventured afloat, the fleet was reduced to ten boats. Yet again it was Rupert and Carolyn showing the way in the momohulls with the cats having a lovely time but not in the running. Matt was going quite well for a while until he started capsizing the last of which broke his mast and ripped his sail and put him out of contention. However it was Jessica Cox in her Laser Radial that was really showing the boys the way to do it with Charlie Gribble, Laser full rig, unable to hold her off from second place. Chris Turner, Sarah Gribble and Penny Springhall, in a Squib, relishing in the stiff breeze came a creditable 4th.
Race 4 was abandoned when one of the rescue boat engines developed an electrical fault – which was fixed the next morning by the Commodore Chris Turner – by by-passing the faulty switch. When beaching it was Steve Duncan in his Laser full rig who crashed ashore breaking his mast and tearing his sail when caught out by a hefty wave breaking under him.
Race 5, due on Wednesday, was cancelled due to heavy surf and strong winds and a lack of enthusiasm to go afloat by any of the shore based entrants. As a consequence race 6 went by the board too as did the Club Wednesday evening racing.
Thurday Race 7, with little less surf and still a good blow, did start and it was the Dart 18 sailed by Jamie Lynch who led the fleet now down to seven boats. Second home were Rupert and Carolyn in the Fireball with Charles Watson and Elena Watson in their Dart 15.
Race 8 was also abandoned when the other rescue boat failed to start – it transpired due to a rope around its prop but this was not discovered until it had been towed back to harbour.
So to Friday – the final day. Race 9 over a trapezoidal course, with a loop, was started from the shore – first shore start of the week (perhaps the RO was not happy to bob about in the Committee boat again). Of the 6 starters it was Rupert and Carolyn off out ahead and with Matt, bedecked with a newly delivered sail, in hot pursuit. In fairly close contention up the first windward leg however were Sarah and Penny in the Squib and Jessica in her radial. I had steeled myself to go afloat in spite of some awesome waves but did enjoy the resultant reaches and runs. One of the problems was large clumps, almost beds, of stringy Sea Weed floating on the surface and guaranteed to end up wrapped around the board and rudder. I did at least (on handicap) beat Tim Cox in his Laser full rig to finish 5th.

Race 10 saw the fleet down to 4 boats and Rupert was soon ahead chased by Matt with Jessica behind him and me, as usual, at the back. If anything the waves were even bigger but the breeze had reduced just a smidgen. Matt won the race with Rupert in second place followed by Jessica. All managed to beach safely and ended up with huge grins on their faces, including me.
The overall winners of the week were Rupert and Carolyn with Matt just a point adrift in second and yours truly some way down in the points but none the less third position.
The Fast fleet trophy also went to Rupert and the Slow fleet trophy went to Matt – I was runner up in that. Because of the change to the Laser handicap (Yardstick Tables) the club handicaps have dropped the Lasers from fast to slow fleets, perhaps they will catch up next year.
Apart from Monday morning when I sailed in the Fun Race I was in one or other of the rescue boats, Tuesday through to Friday, and this gave me the opportunity to watch the Cadet Racing. There were seven youngsters competing but it was Jonty Freeman who had straight, and very convincing, wins in the four races sailed. Runner up in the fleet was Ross Turner in a Laser Radial and it was Alice Smith helming her Laser II with Sasha Stonard in third position.
In the Fun races, for the adults, Top spot went To Matt with Sara Gribble and Carolyn Turner (Squib) as runners up and James Clapham and Jenny Clapham (Dart 18) in third spot.
All in all a very enjoyable week. I would have liked less surf and wind, but this is England and one has to put up with what arrives. Again I would have hoped to see more entrants, both from club members and visitors - perhaps next year.
The full results are up on the NSSC web site for all to see, including those not mentioned in this blog (due to space considerations). There may even be some pictures soon on the club web site.

Alan.S 1700

Streaker Open at Bosham 10/07/2010

It was grey and overcast as we left for Bosham at 7.45 but by the time we arrived it was almost blue skies wall to wall. Intially, in the rigging area, the breeze left quite a bit to be desired(nil) but the inevitable sea breeze soon began to show.

Seven Streakers came to the line for the committee boat start and Olympic style courses. The tide was still flooding, although on its last legs with high tide at start time 11.00 hrs with a good force 2 breeze blowing straight up the channel.
It was Basil Messenger (Mengeham Rythe SC) who got the flier, in race 1, and high-tailed it out to the port side of the course but with Graham Butler (Bosham SC) – in my old boat 1567 Brash – chasing hard and Penny Dormer (Mengeham Rythe SC) close on his heels.
Having been forced the wrong side of the pin end mark I started a bit late and whilst the above three were having a battle royal I managed to squeeze up to 4th having been last at the windward mark. I hung on to that place until the last leg when Gary Hogan (Haversham SC and Ian Freeman (Warsash SC) both passed me on the downwind leg. Simlarly Basil was unable to hold off Graham.B and Penny.D.

At the start of race 2, which was held back to back after race 1 instead of the lunch break, and in slightly more breeze, it was Graham.B and Penny.D who pulled out ahead. I heard a second gun and, although not sure thought it was for me, went back to restart. As it turned out it did me no great harm and I slowly began to make headway against the leading pair. At the finish it was Graham, Penny and then yours truly - all within about five boat lengths.
We then had the deferred lunch break, albeit whilst afloat and could take time to notice of the multitude of traffic, Yachts (under power and sail), day-boats, Gin palaces and the like, all going up and down the main channel. They had been in evidence through out our previous races as the course was in mid channel, but we were somewhat too engaged to notice them except when they got a bit close for comfort – no incidents were reported however.
Race 3, in even more breeze – top end force 3, started well for me and I soon found myself in the lead, just, with Graham.B and Ian Freeman (Warsah SC) hot on my heels. At one point, in the final round, Graham bested me up the beat but I managed to re-pass him on the off-wind leg and cross the line to finish in top spot - just a length or so ahead of Graham and with Ian.F twenty or thirty yards astern.
Gary Hogan (Haversham) had his best result in the first race and then proceeded to drop off a little in the second and third race whilst John Smith (Bosham SC) slowly improved from 7th to 5th by the final race.
The overall result was an outright win for Graham.B with two straight wins (in only his second Streaker meeting) and with Penny.D in second spot with two seconds. I, if one uses the third race discount, I had 3rd place on equal points with Penny.
This was the innaugural Streaker Open Meeting to be held at Bosham and everything went off swimmingly largely due to the efforts of Basil.M - with the on the water refreshments provide by his wife Jane. I can confidently say that all the visitors will want to go to this venue next year if it is offered.
Results:-
1st. Graham Butler, 2nd (and 1st Lady helm) Penny Dormer, 3rd. Alan Simmons, 4th. Ian Freeman, 5th. Gary Hogan, 6th.Basil Messenger, 7th. John Smith.

Streaker Southern Area Champs - Broxbourne- 26/06/2010

Not quite such an early start – 7.30am – to try to get through the road works on the M25. Just north of the Dartford Tunnel until just past the M11 turn off they are widening the road with the compulsory speed restrictions. Fortunately they still have all three lanes in each direction fully open. We took a turn off before our usual one – this time past Waltham Abbey – through the countryside. Almost at Broxbourne we took a wrong turn and finding ourselves on an unfamiliar route we had to back track.

It was red hot sun and blue skies and just a whisper of breeze but by the start of the first race it had built to a decent force three. But, as it turned out, very shifty and inconstant in direction and strength.

Of the fourteen competitors it was Frank Catt (downs SC) who got the break off the line and although hotly pursued by Ian Parish (Stewartby) and Ian Bradley (Ouse ACS). By the finish it was still Frank.C but Ian Bradley had pulled through to second place. Although I had a fairly average start and not a brilliant first lap I managed to pull up to finish Fourth with quite a gap to fifth placed M. Wayland (Broxbourne S C)
A break was then taken for lunch after which the next two races were to be back to back. The wind had built a little in strength for race two and this time it was Ian.B who quickly climbed into top spot with Frank.C and Ian.P both dicing it out behind. On the leg across the top of the water the gusts were sometimes enough to plane in. This time I got quite a good start and finished the race again in fourth place with Gary Hogan (Haversham SC) behind me in fifth.
For the final race the breeze was even a touch stronger and it was Ian.B who was soon in the lead and soon established a considerable lead ahead of Ian.P. I managed to hold onto third spot for a few laps before Frank.C passed me and then he went on to catch Ian.P. I held onto 4th position until the final lap when I miss read the shifts and let Gary.H and also P.Selway (Broxbourne) – both of whom had been harrying me – pass and thus I had a 6th place to discard.

Results: - 1st.Ian Bradley, 2nd. Frank Catt, 3rd. Ian Parish, 4th. Alan Simmons (and 1st Master), 5th. Gary Hogan, 6th. P Selway, 7th. M Wayland, 8th.Bill Strange, 9th. Geoff Town, 10th I.Nash, 11th. Primrose.Salt (and 1st Lady Helm), 12th. J. Wolsoncroft, 13th. A.Smith, 14th. N.Hayes.

A very pleasant sail, extremely hot, but perfectly organised by the club – for which my gratefull thanks. There were a few shouts on the water and Ian.B and Frank C had a near coming together at one of the marks in race one which resulted in Frank doing turns. I think it was the final race when I got a shift/gust near a mark, hit it and had to quickly turn around and there was one noticed capsize plus a reed job. Otherwise it seemed to be a well behaved fleet.
Now it is back to sea sailing for a week or so then off to Bosham and swishing tides. This is yet another new venue this year and for those who know it right next door to Cobnor.

Alan.S 1700

Streaker open at Ouse ASC 19/06/2010

Bett and I with boat in tow left home at noon for the trip up the M25, M11, A14 and A10 to Saddlebow the home of Ouse ASC dinghy racing. There were road works on the M25 north of the Dartford tunnel and we crept along. We stopped for a short convenience break at the Services at Bishop Strortford which was packed to the gills and took us 20 minutes from the main road to a parking space. We finally arrived on site and began to set up camp to be joined in about ten minutes by Gary Hogan from Haversham and later in the evening by Ian Bradley from the home club (and now it’s Sailing Sec).

It was blowing old boots and cold with it so whilst those two went off for Fish and Chips in Kings Lynn Bett and I esconced ourselves in the club house with the Daily Telegraph and a good book. We hit the hay about 11.00pm and tried to sleep but the noise (wind on tent) was horrendous – even with my deaf ear uppermost – and we both had little sleep.

Saturday dawned grey and still very windy. Age does bring a small dose of wisdom – when it is wiser to stay ashore and watch the toughies, the chancers and the not too sures – so I waited to see if it would ease a bit after lunch. It did not so I never even entred the event.

Ian.B and Gary.H were joined on the water by Nick Lovell (also from Ouse ASC) for the first race of the event which was held jointly with the Supernova Class – of whom there were some 11 entrants.

I mention these fellows as there were quite a few upside down before the start and the rest were all a bit anxious to get things going - in their haste caused a general recall on their first aborted start. As a result when the Streaker start came on line, Nick was half way down the cut and still waiting for the Supernova start. Ian was the only one near the line and frantically waving to Nick who took no notice – he was too far away. Gary may well have been having second thoughts but he crossed the line to start the beat to the top mark near the sluice and then passed it on the wrong side.

Nick finally got going, by which time he was half a lap behind Ian. It did not help that he too went the wrong side of the mark but half way back to the start/finish line he saw the error of his ways, turned back and rounded correctly.

I am not sure if it was on the first or second lap that Ian.B pulled off an impressive capsize at the bottom gybe mark, turned turtle and even lost his mast head burgee. Nick saw this happening and could not believe his luck, not only catching up but even passing Ian to win the race.

The course must have been a nightmare to sail, not only crossing all the Supernovas – well those left not upside down or stuck in the reeds. The wind was good top end force four and huge gusts kept charging down the cut in all sorts of different angles. There were even white horses on the water most of the time.

After lunch, heroically served up by the ladies in the canteen initially without the gas cooker (who’s incoming gas supply pipe had been stolen) the wind – to my mind – was no less vigorous and Bett and I decided to call it a day. We saw the second start in which Ian was just ahead but to leeward of Nick just before we left. Ian tells me that Nick won this and the subsequent final race. Gary.H bravely also went afloat for these two afternoon races and started but regetably finished none during the day. His tenacity is to be praised, he is not exactly an experienced Streaker sailor – I wonder if he had second thoughts at the end of the day.

We should have gone, on Sunday, to Hunstanton. I am subsequently advised that (in line with the previous day’s forcast) it was blowing at least force five and there were heavy breakers on the beach and the meeting was abandoned before any one went afloat. I think I made the right decision to come home early – and not have to face another windy/noisy night in the tent.

I however went to Lancing and sailed in four races in a force 3 to 4 – a beautiful planning reach parallel with the beach in the first two races before lunch which I managed to win from a fleet largely composed of Lasers. After lunch I was beaten in both races by a Laser 4.7, in one on the water and could only get a 3rd and 4th spot.

Next Saturday it is off again, this time to Broxbourne, for the Streaker Southern Area Champs.

Alan.S 1700

2010 Streaker Nationals - Stewartby

A three hour drive from Hove – should have been 2.5 but for the road works on then M1 and then again on the A 421 had a 40mph limit whilst they build the adjacent new high speed link to Bedford. It was raining when we left home – Sussex had more rain overnight Thursday/Friday than in April and May put together. By the time Bett and I got north of the Thames on the M25 the rain had ceased however and it was a straight forward run through. The lake at Stewartby is normally split in half for sailing and power boat/ski boat use but this weekend we had the use of the entire water area, plus plenty of room for the boats, cars and the tents/motor caravans.
On arrival we were not sure how many entrants there might be but it turned out that there would be 48 competitors. This is a pretty good turn out for a southerly event, with the greatest concentration of boats in the north – well north of Birmingham – but a decided lack of enthusiasm for travelling south – there was however at least one guy from Scotland however.
Day one (Friday 11th June) was listed as a training event and about a dozen boats took to the water with Ian Bradley – the departing Hon Sec – taking charge rather than Steve Cockerill who for his pains was nursing a broken hand from a recent Mountain bike accident.
I was busy measuring sails, mostly Pinnel and Bax brand – and even managed to measure Steve C’s boat and sail. Nobody asked me if there was a charge, well there wasn’t but I would hope that all those concerned (even if I did not mention it at the time) would make a small donation to the RNLI.
In the early evening we had the AGM which I will not go into except to repeat the fact that no one has been elected as Hon Sec following Ian Bradley now standing down. Details of that and the official reports (sailing too) will appear on the Streaker web site very shortly.
At the end of the day the bar was open – with the ‘Footie TV show’ for those interested and the canteen going great guns with a goodly choice of food available. For those camping the the glorious sunset belied the serious drop in temperature that was to follow leaving all shivering. Those who had chosen to slum it at the Holiday Inn or Travel Lodge were gloating Saturday morning!

Saturday dawned bright and sunny and with a nice little breeze – about force three – blowing from the north east – across the shortest span of the water. Three races were planned, one before lunch and then two back to back in the afternoon. Race one went off like clockwork, on time, with Tom Gillard leading almost from the gun off the somewhat congested start line. Surprise second boat – perhaps even to himself – was Michael Hines (from Deben) ahead of last year’s (and the year before) National Champ, Steve Cockerill.

Race two, after lunch, on an almost identical course started with a general recall and in the subsequent starting period a number of boats were disqualified for being in the prohibited area. Again it was Tom Gillard who had the speed and ability to extricate himself from the line and establish yet another unassailable lead. He was literally streets in front of the second placed Steve Cockerill (Stokes Bay) and third man Ian Jones (Dovestone) even before the finish.
Race three back to back with the previous saw Tom Gillard pull out ahead yet again. This time he led from Ian Jones and Chris Catt and finished with yet another considerable margin.
On this first day of the competiton proper my personal performance was not exactly outstanding with a 29th and two 22nd placings – still worse was yet to come – the breeze was constantly changing in pressure and direction and I always seemed to be on the wrong side of the breeze/course unable to accurately read the shifts.
Did you see (and hear) the Helicopter paying Stewartby a visit? Later in the day one of the occupants, Bett’s nephew (with wife and youngest daughter) come over to see us at the club.
Saturday evening we had a Hog Roast – the real hot pig – provided by outside professional caterers, luverly grub! This was followed by more Footie TV in the bar and music for dancing or listening in the main club room. As a final ‘treat’ we had a ‘Nursery Rhyme’ quiz in the bar.
Sunday dawned almost breathless and with a good shower of rain which made us all apprehensive as to the day’s sailing. Once afloat for the racing a little breeze did fill in but from about 180 degrees from Saturday’s but at under force 2.

Race 4 got underway with Tom Gillard showing yet again his dominance of the fleet and taking yet another top gun place with Ian Jones yet again in second and Chris Catt third. Steve Cockerill had his worst race of the weekend so far finishing 15th.
The last and final race, sailed back to back, commenced with another general recall. The strength did increase to about force 3 but it was very shifty and patchy in strength. Would you believe it Tom Gillard was out in front again in no time and it was the same duo – Ian Jones and Chris Catt who filled the next two spots. Steve Cockerill was fifth with his broken wrist obviously having its effect but all praise to him for attempting to defend his champion status.
So that was it for the racing, a splendid National Championship, all five planned races sailed, good courses, terrific organisation with trolley ‘dollies’ ( M & F), lovely food and drink (nice an inexpensive) good weather (bright and mostly sunny), loads of room for camping and parking. All at Stewartby Water Sports deserve a well earned vote of thanks for an excellent event. Even the wind was reasonable – well at an inland venue it is always going to be a bit more variable and most of the competitors were inland sailors anyway. Every one participating in the event seemed to thoroughly enjoy the weekend – especially Graham Butler who had recently purchased my previous boat 1567 and carried a grin of pleasure from ear to ear all the time.
I heard of only one rule infringement of any consequence during the racing when a Port tacker called for water, resulting in a few bumps the outgoing Hon Sec got pulled into that but presumably the offender's error was pointed out and he took his penalty – the were no protest meeting that I am aware of.
Congratulations go to Tom Gillard for an impeccable series with a pole positon result in every race and to the runner up, Ian Jones, never out of the top three and also to third overall placed Chris Catt for a similarly consistent set of results. My results were somewhat poorer and I just managed to scrape into 26th position overall, I had hoped to get into the top 20 or so.
A visit to the nationals gives one a chance to meet up with old friends who one sees at the various open meetings during the year – most of whom know me by name (and repute – infamous) but whom I just cannot recall their names. I apologise to any Streaker sailors I know by sight but fail to correctly address.
Next weekend there are two more consecutive days of sailing , at Ouse ASC (near Kings Lynn) and then at Hunstanton on the Wash and the weekend after that there is the Streaker Southerns at Broxbourne – if I can survive all that travelling.

Alan.S 1700

2010 Streaker National Championships - Stewartby

A three hour drive from Hove – should have been 2.5 but for the road works on then M1 and then again on the A 421 had a 40mph limit whilst they build the adjacent new high speed link to Bedford. It was raining when we left home – Sussex had more rain overnight Thursday/Friday than in April and May put together. By the time Bett and I got north of the Thames on the M25 the rain had ceased however and it was a straight forward run through. The lake at Stewartby is normally split in half for sailing and power boat/ski boat use but this weekend we had the use of the entire water area, plus plenty of room for the boats, cars and the tents/motor caravans. On arrival we were not sure how many entrants there might be but it turned out that there would be 48 competitors. This is a pretty good turn out for a southerly event, with the greatest concentration of boats in the north – well north of Birmingham – but a decided lack of enthusiasm for travelling south – there was however at least one guy from Scotland however.
Day one (Friday 11th June) was listed as a training event and about a dozen boats took to the water with Ian Bradley – the departing Hon Sec – taking charge rather than Steve Cockerill who for his pains was nursing a broken hand from a recent Mountain bike accident.
I was busy measuring sails, mostly Pinnel and Bax brand – and even managed to measure Steve C’s boat and sail. Nobody asked me if there was a charge, well there wasn’t but I would hope that all those concerned (even if I did not mention it at the time) would make a small donation to the RNLI.
In the early evening we had the AGM which I will not go into except to repeat the fact that no one has been elected as Hon Sec following Ian Bradley now standing down. Details of that and the official reports (sailing too) will appear on the Streaker web site very shortly.
At the end of the day the bar was open – with the ‘Footie TV show’ for those interested and the canteen going great guns with a goodly choice of food available. For those camping the the glorious sunset belied the serious drop in temperature that was to follow leaving all shivering. Those who had chosen to slum it at the Holiday Inn or Travel Lodge were gloating Saturday morning!

Saturday dawned bright and sunny and with a nice little breeze – about force three – blowing from the north east – across the shortest span of the water. Three races were planned, one before lunch and then two back to back in the afternoon. Race one went off like clockwork, on time, with Tom Gillard leading almost from the gun off the somewhat congested start line. Surprise second boat – perhaps even to himself – was Michael Hines (from Deben) ahead of last year’s (and the year before) National Champ, Steve Cockerill.
Race two, after lunch, on an almost identical course started with a general recall and in the subsequent starting period a number of boats were disqualified for being in the prohibited area. Again it was Tom Gillard who had the speed and ability to extricate himself from the line and establish yet another unassailable lead. He was literally streets in front of the second placed Steve Cockerill (Stokes Bay) and third man Ian Jones (Dovestone) even before the finish.
Race three back to back with the previous saw Tom Gillard pull out ahead yet again. This time he led from Ian Jones and Chris Catt and finished with yet another considerable margin.
On this first day of the competiton proper my personal performance was not exactly outstanding with a 29th and two 22nd placings – still worse was yet to come – the breeze was constantly changing in pressure and direction and I always seemed to be on the wrong side of the breeze/course unable to accurately read the shifts.
Did you see (and hear) the Helicopter paying Stewartby a visit? Later in the day one of the occupants, Bett’s nephew (with wife and youngest daughter) come over to see us at the club.
Saturday evening we had a Hog Roast – the real hot pig – provided by outside professional caterers, luverly grub! This was followed by more Footie TV in the bar and music for dancing or listening in the main club room. As a final ‘treat’ we had a ‘Nursery Rhyme’ quiz in the bar.
Sunday dawned almost breathless and with a good shower of rain which made us all apprehensive as to the day’s sailing. Once afloat for the racing a little breeze did fill in but from about 180 degrees from Saturday’s but at under force 2.
Race 4 got underway with Tom Gillard showing yet again his dominance of the fleet and taking yet another top gun place with Ian Jones yet again in second and Chris Catt third. Steve Cockerill had his worst race of the weekend so far finishing 15th.
The last (5th) and final race, sailed back to back, commenced with another general recall. The strength did increase to about force 3 but it was very shifty and patchy in strength. Would you believe it Tom Gillard was out in front again in no time and it was the same duo – Ian Jones and Chris Catt who filled the next two spots. Steve Cockerill was fifth with his broken wrist obviously having its effect but all praise to him for attempting to defend his champion status.

So that was it for the racing, a splendid National Championship, all five planned races sailed, good courses, terrific organisation with trolley ‘dollies’ ( M & F), lovely food and drink (nice an inexpensive) good weather (bright and mostly sunny), loads of room for camping and parking. All at Stewartby Water Sports deserve a well earned vote of thanks for an excellent event. Even the wind was reasonable – well at an inland venue it is always going to be a bit more variable and most of the competitors were inland sailors anyway. Every one participating in the event seemed to thoroughly enjoy the weekend – especially Graham Butler who had recently purchased my previous boat 1567 and carried a grin of pleasure from ear to ear all the time.
I heard of only one rule infringement of any consequence during the racing when a Port tacker called for water, resulting in a few bumps but presaumably his error was pointed out and he took his penalty – the were no protest meeting that I am aware of.

Congratulations go to Tom Gillard for an impeccable series for pole positon results in every race and to the runner up, Ian Jones, never out of the top three and also to third overall placed Chris Catt for a similarly consistent set of results
A visit to the nationals gives one a chance to meet up with old friends who one sees at the various open meetings during the year – most of whom know me by name (and repute – infamous) but whom I just cannot recall their names. I apologise to any Streaker sailors I know by sight but fail to correctly address.
Next weekend there are two more consecutive days of sailing , at Ouse ASC (near Kings Lynn) and then at Hunstanton on the Wash and the weekend after that there is the Streaker Southerns at Broxbourne – if I can survive all that travelling.

Alan.S 1700

Streaker Ramblings 3 – Weston SC - 17th April 2010

A ‘local’ event for Bett and I this weekend, a mere 58 miles away, and it started off with bright sunshine, clear blue skies and just a zephyr of breeze. The meeting – a joint event with Supernovas, Lightnings and Streakers - was a late start, planned for 12 noon.
The Streaker event was proposed by Ian Morgan (sailmaker for Rooster sailing), a Weston club member, so I expected to have at least another Streaker to sail against and he said there were a couple of other Streakers at Weston. Just down the road there are a several other Streakers at Bosham and now one at Mengham Rythe, plus interest was shown by the Whitfields from Tamworth and Ian Bradley from Ouse.A.S.C , so I expected a goodly fleet.
As it turned out there were precisely two Streakers, myself and Gary Hogan from Haversham – he hails from Milton Keynes - Ian Morgan had decided to sail a Supernova!

A nice force 3 sea breeze eventually set in with a flat sea, the only waves created by the fast rescue boats and we sailed off for the starting area, to the north of the club up Southampton Water, for a trapezoidal course. First fleet away were the Supernovas (about 15 boats) and then the two Streakers with the Lightnings (six boats) following up in the rear. The plan was for three back to back races of approximately 45 minutes each – 3 or 4 laps.

In race one I was soon into the lead boat position, and pointing slightly higher than Gary, gradually began to pull away and hold my lead to the finish. The five minute start sequences ensured that there was no mixing of the fleets and the course size also helped maintain this situation for all three races.

For race 2 (and 3) the RO decided to start the Streakers and Lightnings at the same time. I got quite a good start and was soon in the lead of the mixed fleet whilst Gary got a bit stuffed at first. The breeze filled in a trifle higher for this race and I was able to plane for a few yards on the two reaching legs. Again I finished in front whilst Gary was stuck behind a pair of Lightnings.
In race 3 it was the previous race leading Lightning who was first off the line with myself close on his heels and it was not until the beat in lap two that I bested him and began to pull away and draw out into a goodly lead. Gary had to be satisfied with two Lightnings ahead of him at the finish.
At the ‘Prize giving’ I was obliged to appologise for the decided lack of support by the Streakers – for which I was truly embarrassed - but was assured that Weston would be willing to give us another event next year in spite of this poor attendance.

Results:-

1st. Alan Simmons (Lancing S C), 2nd Gary Hogan (Haversham).

Regretably I did not see Gary before I left for home and therefore take this opportunity to thank him for making the not inconsiderable effort to make it to Weston. To the rest of you, who indicated you might come, you missed an excellent/ideal set of racing conditions. I must blow my own trumpet by saying that I was sailing quite well for a change and would have welcomed far more competition. I just hope that the Nationals and then next Southern Paddle event will show a bit better support.
Alan.S 1700

Streaker Ramblings – Tamworth 10th April 2010

Another early start – 6.00am – from Hove and back up the same route as last week, well nearly. This time it was only 186 miles (each way) but it was a pleasant drive with not too much Commercial traffic and just the one comfort stop. The sun was out, the skies were blue but the breeze was not present. On arrival at Tamworth there was a small group of youngsters out trying to train but they all ended up paddling their boats back ashore after a few minutes, there was just nothing blowing.

By the time the racing of the joint Laser and Streaker fleets were due to start there was but a tiny whisper but as that kept changing direction through 180 degrees the starts were postponed. Finally both fleets got away on the original course with local sailer Paul Burgoine (Tamworth) taking the lead and Ian Bradley (Ouse ASC) following with Debbie Degge (Bartley SC)behind him. At one point all the rest of the 12 strong fleet came together at the ‘Church’ mark with quite a bit of ‘light’ banging, barging. and calling which resulted in Matt Whitfield (Tamworth) pulling out ahead of the rest into 5th place behind John Burgoine (Tamworth). I also managed to extricate myself and finished 6th in that race.

Race two, after a lunch break started in not much more breeze than the first however Ian.B managed to find enough to put him into a commanding lead by the first mark. Deddie.D was in close attendance but Paul.B had to make do with 3rd spot. John .B was consistant in 4th position and Matt.W was again 5th. This time I dropped down a place to 7th.

Race 3, after another short shore break, started in similar conditions to the first two except that the direction had change by at least 90 degrees so we were off to ‘Church’ on the first leg. Debbie.D got there first but was swiftly overtaken by Paul.B. These two opened up a goodly lead from the pack and were not challenged. Ian.B, John.B, myself and Matt.W were all in a tight group until the leg before the final beat. Ian and John had a bit of a luffing match and I followed their direction – the wrong one of course – only to see Matt go the right way and take 3rd positon. Ian managed to hold off John but I could not seem to find the right shifts – of which there were many and significant one throughout the day – so ended up 6th once more.

The overall winner was Paul Burgoine with Ian Bradley second and Debbie Degge third. Matt Whifield took 4th spot on equal points, but with a better last race finshing postion, with John Burgione and I ended up in my usual mid fleet position at 6th.

Ian Whitfield (Tamworth) did not find the conditions at all to his liking and failed to keep up with his son Matt in any of the three races finshing 9th overall. Likewise Ann Burgoine had to settle for 8th place behind the rest of her family.

For details – the official event report – go to http://www.intersail.co.uk/news/?article=151200 (Yachts and Yachting) or the Streaker web site.

I knew I would be in trouble after two weekends sitting crouched in the boat for nearly 3 hours (Tamworth) and 2 hours (Greensforge) even after a b…… good blow back at Lancing. Sure enough the muscles at the top, front, of my legs caused me agony on Monday morning. I had to come down the stairs, from our loft bedroom, sideways to ease the pain.

At Lancing , sailing in the ‘Medium’ fleet against Lasers – full rig, Radials and 4.7s – the legs got stretched in the top end force 4 of the first race on Sunday. I did manage to gain a second spot with only one Laser ahead of me but in the second race I managed to get stuck in irons seconds before the start leaving me to be last to get going and then subsequently capsized after a gybe mid way through the race, only to finish 5th out of the 9 starters, in which the wind got up to about force 6 by the finish. All that still did not prevent the leg pain, refered to above, the next day.

Next Saturday it is off to Weston, on Southampton water, a new Southern area venue. I wonder what the wind will be this time – please can I have a nice force 3!

Alan.S 1700