RACE RESULTS

Wednesday, August 1: Race officer Rolly Squibbs set a challenging course for the midweek racers involving a port triangle set close in making for a challenging race in the shifty conditions. Chaos at the start, with a red Osprey mounting the rear of a Laser as the fleet battled for the windward end of the line, continued up the first leg in a bid for clear air. With no penalty turns completed, the debate continued into the bar later on!  At the first mark it was hustle and bustle in the mass rounding as the Ospreys charged in ready for the spinnaker run downwind. Amongst the action, Nick Berridge in his Phantom squeezed through and kept the pressure on the faster boats, snapping at their heels and eventually taking the win on handicap. Just behind the action, the club's training boat, the RS Vision, was steadily making her way around the course, with new member, Rob Bancroft, on board flying the kite well and doing enough to take her into third place overall! Luffing battles aplenty during the race left a nice little gap for Paul Evenden to push his Osprey along into fourth spot. At the end of the three laps, the final results were as follows: 1. Phantom - Nick Berridge; 2. Osprey - Mike Stace; 3. RS Vision - Dan and Rob Bancroft; 4. Osprey - Paul Evenden. Sunday, August 5: Slightly lumpy conditions greeted the avid racers on Sunday, while a stiff breeze over a swell left over from the previous night's easterly meant for wet conditions for the Osprey helms! Race officer Colin Parmentor laid a superb course in keeping with the conditions, meaning a good beat to windward from the start line before following a starboard triangle for six laps - real short course action.  At the gun, the fleet immediately split into two, with everyone looking for tactical advantages on the edges of the course. As the fleet closed in on the first mark, it was the right-hand side that paid, with Ted Lewis and Mike Stace coming in with right of way over Rolly and Dan. So an action-packed mark rounding for the Ospreys hoisting the spinnakers before some high speed surfing downwind to the gybe mark. Further back in the fleet, the 29er was out again with our junior members Max and Conner on board. Even though they spent a lot of time upside down in the rough conditions, they still managed some good fast runs and enjoyed the ride immensely. Andy Davidson was again out in his new Laser, quickly getting to grips with the new machine, but struggling to match the impressive pace of our local Lazy guru Tommy D'Ortez, who sailed well.  Back in the Osprey fleet, spinnaker issues at the gybe mark for the first three boats kept the leaders close together until the end of lap one. Upwind the second time the fleet split again and this time at the top mark it was the ageing wooden Mark 3 which had the advantage over the shiny new Mark 4s.  Dan and Chris affected a good bear away set with the spinnaker and were soon pulling into a comfortable lead, leaving the battle for second place in their wake. Taking up the rear, the new Osprey pairing of Alistair squared sailed comfortably around the course without incident, showing off the good characteristics of this boat for sea sailing. As the race reached its final stages, the battle for second spot was still intense, with Rolly and Mike both making good runs to catch up with Ted and Matt for a near photo finish, with just seven seconds separating the three boats. Results: 1. Osprey - Dan Jackson and Chris Mackay; 2. Osprey - Ted Lewis; 3.Osprey - Mike Stace; 4. Osprey - Rolly Squibbs; 5. Laser - Tommy D'Ortez.

Junior Sailing

Last Wednesday saw the usual plethora of juniors descending on the club. Principal instructor, Mark Dashfield, was impressed by the progress made and looked forward to some of the juniors joining the main racing fleet in the near future. The evening was again rounded off by the ever popular Terry Evans BBQ. Would participants please note that there will be no training during the week of the RS200N Nationals (August 18-23).

Cruise in Company

The annual cruise in company takes place this Sunday. Would participating members and friends please gather at 10-10.30 am. The venue will be decided on the morning, depending on conditions.

RNLI

This Sunday sees the annual fund-raising event for the RNLI. Would members please note that the cruise in company will return in time to support this event.

Annual Plea (Repeated)

This is the time of year when the club makes a plea to members and friends regarding the forthcoming national championship. This year we are running the Gul RS200 National Championships. This takes place during the week of August 19 to 23. The club is delighted to be asked to host the event which will probably attract an entry of 130 dinghies! To run such a championship requires a lot of personnel. Hence the plea. If any member or friend can lend a hand, please contact any of the following club officers: Daniel Jackson on 813397, Terry Evans on 844256, Blake Shaw on 842535 or Mark Dashfield on 844918. There will be a meeting on Monday, August 13, at 7.30 pm, for all members and friends involved in the championships. Also there will be a working party on Thursday, August 16, in order to get things ready for the RS200 Nationals. Many thanks in anticipation of a positive response.

Jam evening

The next jam evening is scheduled for Wednesday, August 15. This is an evening not to be missed!

Discounted Club Membership

If anyone is interested in learning to sail or would like to enjoy our superb social scene, then this is the club for you. Why not join now and enjoy a sizable discount for the first year. For further details contact membership secretary, Julia Dashfield, on 844918.

Dinghy Park

Would dinghy park users please note that the annual fees are overdue and prompt payment would be appreciated. Please contact Daniel Jackson on 813397 for further details.

Club Openings

Would members please note the following amendment to the opening times. The club will be open every evening as well as Sunday lunchtime.

Important Dates

Every Wednesday - junior sailing commencing at 5.30 pm followed by the mouth-watering Terry Evans BBQ. Wednesday, August 15 – Blues jam session. Not to be missed! This is a very friendly and welcoming club, which endeavours to involve all members in a variety of activities. If anyone would like to join us, now is an ideal time, especially with the discount on offer. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.

GP14