Streaker Ramblings - Elford Numbum Race 4 - 29th Jan 2012

Mostly overcast but with the odd clear blue patches and an occasional burst of sunshine during the drive down to Piddinghoe this morning. On arrival what little breeze there was seemed to be coming from the north corner (fisherman’s bay) of the pond occasionally reaching a ‘good’ force 2.

Kay set a ‘w’ shaped course with the start off the clubhouse and a beat to the north corner. A gybe followed with a run back towards the flag pole and then another beat towards the middle of the east bank. After another gybe it was southwards to a mark in the middle of the pond, off the north side of the island. Finally it was back towards the east bank, another windward leg, and around the east side of the island with a long reach back along the southern shore to the start mark.
Ten boats took to the water and at the start it was Matt Springhall (Laser full rig, NSSC) first across the line and heading for the west shore. Just a touch further back
But closer inshore was Laurence Venus (Streaker, NSSC). Nearer the pin end were
Julian Dobson (Laser full rig, NSSC) and just to leeward was Alan.Simmons (Streaker, Lancing SC) whilst Louis Gorringe (Laser Radial, NSSC) was just astern of Julian.

Alan.S foresaw a lack of breeze and a boat clutter about to occur near the bank and , fortunately with a little more speed, was able to tack in front of Julian, onto port and head further out towards the centre of the pond. Paul Ryan (Laser full rig, Hardway SC) had started a bit late but had a clear path to the port tack side and was out in front and tacked early to round the top mark. He then tacked on the inside of Matt.S but both were held to account as Alan.S came in on Starboard tack at the mark and claimed water in which to gybe in front.
Laurence.V and Paul.R both caught up with Alan on the ensuing run and both passed him on the ensuing beat and began to draw away. Paul and Laurence continued to have a battle royal for the first four laps, closing up and stretching out from 5 to 17 seconds apart until Paul finally got through in lap 5. For the last three laps their time differential was 5 then 16 and finally 3 seconds apart.

Behind these two Alan.S and Matt.S were also having a duel but with Alan staying ahead until the last lap. Their time differential varied from 3 to 31 seconds and at the finish Matt was just 3 seconds in front.
Further back down the fleet from these four front runners the excitement was initially between Michael Veale and Mike Rosier (RS 200, NSSC) and Julian.D. Michael managed to hit a mark in lap 1 and while doing his turns also manage to hit Julian. Just to add to Julian’s discomfort he subsequently lost the outboard mainsheet block from his boom when the rivets failed in the same lap forcing him to retire.

A contest  developed between Darren Field (Byte CII, NSSC) and Michael.V but it was Darren who came out on top slowly pulling away from the spinnaker powered pair in the RS 200, the gap starting at about 1 minute and ending at 3 minutes.
Bill Wates (Laser full rig) had a slow start with a tenth place at the end of the first lap but then gained a bit of momentum to pull up to 7th on the water , ahead of Louis.G and Dan Ford and Becca Gibson (Magno, NSSC) by the end of lap 4. Dan still cannot get the speed from his charge even though it carries quite a good sail area but the hull weight is considerable for its length.
Results (Unofficial, Unchecked) :-
1st, Laurence Venus, 2nd. Alan Simmons, 3rd. Paul Ryan, 4th.Matt Springhall, 5th. Darren Field, 6th. Louis Gorringe, 7th. Bill Wates, 8th. Michael Veale, 9th. Dan Ford,
Julian Dobson retires (hurt!)
Alan.S 1700

Streaker Ramblings - Elford Numbum Race 3 - 22 nd Jan 2012

Before breakfast the sky was mostly blue but on our trip over to Piddinghoe half an hour later it was a grey sky with the odd patch of blue. The breeze was from the west and on arrival at the pond a good force 3 with stronger gusts.
Kay set a course with an initial beat from the flagpole area to the mark in the corner by the clubhouse and then a broad reach to the north east corner with a gybe to a mark mid way along the eastern shore. There then followed a beat back to the start mark and after rounding a very broad reach back to the east side. After that it was a close reach behind the island and then a long beat, through the start line, to the corner mark finish line.
Windguru’s forcast of force 4, 5 and then 6 at noon before dropping back to force 4 in the afternoon obviously put off a few folk as only four hardies turned out.
Michael Veale and Mike Rosier in their RS 200 (NSSC), Jack Turner and James Bovington in their Laser II (NSSC) – repaired after Mum and Dad’s breakages of last week - Roger McAll in his full rig Laser (Pevensey Bay) and Alan Simmons in his Streaker (Lancing).

At the start Michael.V was just behind Alan.S and both heading for the bank, whilst Roger. McA was a bit closer to the pin and Jack.T was even closer . Michael.V had his bows just ahead of Alan and forced the latter to tack off when calling for water on the bankside. Roger meanwhile had already tacked and was first off onto the reach. Alan caught a nice gust or two and passed Roger on this leg whilst Michael used his spinnaker to pass the pair and Jack closed up behind, passing Roger after the gybe. Roger then rolled it in and with no wet or dry suit clothing decided that he would soon get very cold. After help from the safety boat he headed back to shore and took no further part in the event.

Michael nearly tipped the RS 200 in on the following beat – he had already had a swim before the race started – but recovered only to be overtaken by Jack. Michael and Jack had a good battle thereafter with Jack managing to hit the start mark at the end of the sausage leg – and do a 360 degree turn – in lap two. Jack also managed to get stuck in irons as he rounded the finish mark at the end of In lap 6, but he did finish ahead of Michael. Michael did capsize after all in lap 7 over on the east side (where Roger had his dip) and allowed Alan to catch up.

Alan survived the race in an almost entirely upright mode, the sudden vicious gusts – up to a good force 5 and above the average force 4 – not withstanding he had a few near misses. At the finish he was just 2 minutes behind the Laser II and a minute and a quarter behind the RS 200 beating both well on handicap.

It was a tough but enjoyable race for all three finishers, pity more had not ignored the forcast and come down for a sail. The actual weather at the pond is the only information one needs. If you can see white water and waves breaking (usually) on the eastern shore it might just be a little too hairy to venture out – unless you are young, very healthy and probably a trifle mad!
Results (Unofficial, Unchecked) :-
1st. Alan Simmons, 2nd Michael Veale, 3rd. Jack Turner, Retired – Roger McAll and OOD, Chas Humphries.
Alan.S 1700

Streakerramblings -Elford Numbum Race 2 - 15th January 2012

A nice bright shiny morning, Pale blue, almost cloudless skies and a hint of breeze from the south east – not had that even in the Freeman Iceberg series.

Kay (RO) set the course,  starting near the main flagpole with a beat (almost make it in one) down to the southeat corner followed by a short run behind the island. The next leg was a broad reach back to the start mark, a gybe and a close reach back to a mark halfway along the eastern side. Another gybe and then after turning a mark in the far north corner it was a close reach/loose beat back past the club before off down the southern side again.
The breeze was up to a good force 4 by the time all ten boats got on the water but thankfully it was not quite as gusty as usual. The line was a bit shorter than it has been of late but four boats were right there at the gun with Paul Ryan (Laser full rig, Hardway SC) getting the jump on Matt Springhall (Laser full rig, NSSC) to windward and Alex Mills Barton (Laser full rig,NSSC) to leeward with Alan Simmons (Streaker, Lancing SC) even a bit further to leeward.

Close at hand to these four were Roger McAll (Laser full rig,Pevensey Bay SC) and Darren Field (Byte CII, NSSC)

 All and those following made it safely down the first leg, around the gybe at the bottom and along the short run. On broad reach Alex.M B planed past Paul.R taking a lead  which he held to the finish – at the end of the 10^th lap he was 4 minutes ahead of Paul.R. There was a scrap throughout the race between Paul.R and Matt.S –at the end of lap7 they were just 4 seconds apart after 45 minutes racing.

At the end of the first beat in lap two Roger.Mc managed to capsize at the gybe mark just ahead of Alan.S  Alan seeing the event happen just before he himself had to gybe enquired if Roger was OK only to be told ‘No I need assistance’. Alan broke off and managed to get hold of the Laser’s mast and up right the boat but Roger could not hold it and it capsized again this time putting the mast head in the mud. Alan had nothing to get hold of but awaited the arrival of the Safety boat from the north end of the pond whilst Roger stood on the plate. When said safety boat arrived Alan continued his race but by that time in 10^th place on the water.

At the end of lap 2 Steve and Penelope Duncan (Fireball, NSSC) had moved into 4^th place behind Matt.S. Darren. F was still ahead of Michael Veale and Mike Rosier (RS 200, NSSC) with Chris and Carolyn Turner (LaserII, NSCC) tucked in behind them. Bringing up the rear were Chas Humpries and Bill Wates – both in Laser full rigs from the home club – with Alan.S by then behind them.

In lap 3 Bill Wates got a bit lost on the course and had to undo the situation dropping him behind Alan.S.  In lap 7 Matt.S managed to hit the ‘original’ start mark and then in lap 8 to miss it completely. Since the mark was part of the course, according to the RO, he was disqualified. Also in lap 7 Chris and Carolyn.T suffered a block coming loose on the boom and had to retire.

As Alan.S was on his way down the south side of the pond on his 10^th lap he spotted Paul.R returning from the bottom mark with his sail looking rather sad and as he got closer observed Paul’s top mast section to fold gently forwards – he looked rather like an ‘Anhinga’ – a bird some like our Heron but which lives in the Florida everglades and hunts by folding its wings forwards over it head and body rather like an umbrella.

At some point in the race, the writer is not quite sure when, Bill.W capsized and punched the top of his mast into the mud. He said would not have had a good sail on the pond if he had finished the race with a clean sail.

On calculating the results the RO awarded Alan.S  redress for his part in Roger Mc’s Laser ‘rescue’ in the form of a deduction of some 3 minutes. Nowhere near enough to catch Alex but sufficient to give him a second place.

Results (Unofficial, Unchecked):-

1^st. Alex Mills-Barton, 2^nd. Alan Simmons, 3^rd. Darren Field, 4^th.Michael Veale, 5^th. Steve Duncan, 6^th. Chas Humphries, 7^th. Bill Wates.

After conclusion of the Race the Freeman Iceberg Trophy was presented by John Freeman to his son Jonty. Due to mix up and computer failure the trophy had been incorrectly presented to Eddie Thorburn. When the results of the last Iceberg race had been entered in the Sailwave program and whilst the two competitors had equal points Jonty had a better placing in the final race of that series.

Alan.S 1700

Streakerramblings -Elford Numbum Race 1 - 8th January 2012

It was grey overcast (high Thin Cloud) as we left home for Piddinghoe with just the hint of a breeze from the north but thankfully not cold.

Kay (RO) set a course starting with a short beat from near the flagpole to the north west corner by the clubhouse with a close reach along the north shore to the north east corner. After a gybe there was a run to a mark half way along the eastern shore and then a close reach behind the island to the south east corner. From here there was a windward leg to a mark mid way along the north shore turning onto a reach back to the start mark and finally a short beat to the finish off the clubhouse.
Some seventeen boats went onto the water although one, a Mirror, did not participate in the racing. Although it was a good length line (for the Pond) it was full to capacity at the start but unfortunately nearly everybody was over and Kay called a general recall.

At the second start Matt Springhall (Laser full rig, NSSC) was first off the blocks but just a bit too early and over the line again next was Laurence Venus (Streaker, NSSC) a little closer inshore - unfortunately he too was over the line and had to return to start correctly. Up near the pin end were Rupert Smith (Laser full rig, NSSC) and Michael Veale and Mike Rosier (RS 200, NSSC) with Roger McAll (Laser full rig, BexhillSC) a tad further down the line was Paul Ryan (Laser full rig,Hardway SC)

Behind the group at the pin end was Alan Simmons (Streaker, Lancing SC) who crossed the line and then tacked off on port to get clear of the inshore boats. It paid off as when he tacked back onto starboard he made the mark in fifth place behind Rupert.S,  Michael.V,  Paul.R and Roger.Mc. In the ensuing lap Rupert.S pulled away and established a firm lead – a position he then held until the finish. Paul.R also passed the RS200 of Michael.V who was being closely persued by Alan.S with Laurence.V not far behind him.
By the end of lap 3 the order was Rupert.S, Paul.R, Laurence.V and then Alan.S. Matt.S had managed to get back into the race and finished this lap on the same time as Roger.Mc both behind this group. In the light breeze – rarely above a force 2 – Michael.V and, in spite of using his spinnaker on the offwind legs, dropped back to 8^th on the water and finished the race in that position.

Matt.S and Roger.Mc had some close combat during the race as did Paul.R, Laurence.V and  Alan.S with Paul.R passing Alan.S again in lap 7.
Further back down the fleet Bill Wates (Laser full rig, NSSC), Julian Dobson (Laser full rig, NSSC) and Howard Minter – in his first Piddinghoe venture - (Laser full rig, NSSC) were in constant tussels with Michael.V also envolved. Bill.W had the most noteworty event of the race befall him in lap 6 when he hit a mark. Whilst doing the relevant 360 degree turn – as he thought, incorrectly, around the mark – he hit it for a second time and did another 360. The effect of all this pirouetting dropped him from 7th in lap 5 to 12th by the finish. A little further back still Chris Turner (Laser Radial, NSSC) ,with the reduced sail area, was initially sparing with Alice Smith but by lap 6 he had started to climb up from 13th  to finally finish as 9th on the water.

Dan Ford(NSSC) gamely sailed his Magno without his usual crew Becca  but the lesser crew weight did not help much with the overall speed. A certain Ben Ford (NSSC) was sailing a mirror single handed and without a jib which must have been incredibly slow and probably why he retired in lap 2.
The two Laser IIs of Jack Turner crewed by James Bovington and Alice Smith with Sasha Stonard (all of NSSC) did not find the conditions to their liking – a Laser II needs a bit of breeze to get it going. Alice finished ahead of Jack in spite of the latter flying his spinnaker during the race.

Sailing all alone without any direct competition Carolyn Turner in an un-numbered Pico gamely completed 5 laps in the unsuitable light breezes – like the Laser IIs the Pico like a bit of wind – but regrettably was still place 15^th and last. Would a jib here have helped, well perhaps a tad and might have gained one place.
At the finish the order, of the top group, was Rupert.S, Laurence.V, Paul.R, Alan.S, Matt.S (just one second behind) and then Roger.Mc.  Once the handicaps had been applied the two Streakers (on their club reduced handicaps of 1148) had still come out in front.

Results (Unchecked,Unapproved) :-

1^st. Laurence Venus, 2^nd. Alan Simmons, 3^rd. Rupert Smith, 4^th. Paul Ryan, 5^th Matt Springhall, 6^th. Roger Mcall, 7^th. Chris Turner, 8^th.Julian Dobson, 9^th. Howard Minter,

10^th. Bill Wates, 11^th Michael Veale, 12^th Dan Ford, 13^th.Alice Smith, 14^th. Jack Turner, 15^th Carolyn Turner. 16^th Ben Ford (Retired).

Alan.S 1700.

PS. If you have any corrections, tales to add, comments of any sort please use the facility below to add to this, or any other of my blogs.

PPS. Double click any picture to magnify its size.

Streakerramblings - New Year's Day Race - Piddinghoe

Fully overcast and raining , lightly as we left home at about noon this New Year’s Day Race.

On arrival at Piddinghoe the rain was heavier and the breeze just a light force 2 ish from the South.By the time the 7 entries got on the water the breeze had come up to a good force 3 and with gusts of force 4 to 5.

The course was one used previously for the Freeman Iceberg – a very  short windward (southerly) start to a turning mark off the clubhouse then a long broad reach down the southern side of the pond.
At the eastern end there was a gybe (around a repositioned and re-anchored) mark onto a run behind the island.  Mid way along the eastern side was a mark onto a windward leg to a mark off the flagpole then turning onto a run to the north eastern corner finishing with a beat back to the start line.

At the start it was Bill Wates (Laser full rig, NSSC) who, having just recovered from a capsize, found himself right by the pin and first over the line. Alongside him but slightly to leeward was Alan Simmons (Streaker, Lancing SC). Alan had the speed however and was ahead by the turning mark and off onto the somewhat hairy broad reach. Just behind this pair were Michael Veale (RS 200, NSSC) and Mike Rosier (Laser II, NSSC) once again using the strange cut down Scorpion rig. Bringing up the rear were Dan Ford and Becca Gibson (Magno, NSSC), Julian Dobson (Laser full rig,NSSC) and Phil in an un-numbered Pico.  Also on the water and intending to join in the race was Jonty Freeman (NSSC) with a Sailboard wearing a ‘HiFly’ rig. Whether it was the wind strength or the cold water Jonty did not last more than three laps before heading ashore.

The race was a bit processional as Alan.S went into the lead from the start and stayed there throughout the race. Similarly Michael.V took second spot early in lap 1 and was not challenged to the finish- some 2 minutes behind Alan. For the first two laps Mike.R  held third place ahead of Julian.D until a block in his mainsheet system failed during lap 3. After repairs Mike got back into third spot.

There were several capsizes, Bill Wates owned up to at least three and Dan.F was seen to be doing a pond bottom survey fairly early on in his race. Likewise Julian.D was seen with somewhat raised daggerboard whist going to windward and probably had at least one knockdown ion lap 3. Michael.V  admitted that he could have been a bit closer to Alan had he had the courage to fly his spinnaker – there were three legs possible each lap- but the gusty conditions put him off.

Phil in the Pico managed to miss the start line mark at the end of lap one and again later and so had no result otherwise he would have been fairly well placed.

Results (unchecked/unofficial):-

1^st.  Alan Simmons, 2^nd. Michael Veale, 3^rd= Julian Dobson, 3^rd= Mike Rosier, 5^th. Bill Wates, 6^th. Dan Ford, 7^th. (Disq) Phill Xxxx

Alan was pleased to have made it round the course without a full capsize, he had at least two near misses, being able to view his Daggerboard full length before recovering. With the continuous heavy rain he also had great difficulty in spotting some of the marks until very close to them. It was the miserable looking conditions that led Laurence Venus to decide not to get rigged and enter the race.

The hope is that the weather conditions experienced (which obviously led to the reduced numbers) are not a foretaste of what is to come in the Elford Numbum series due to start next Sunday 8^th Jan although at the time of writing this blog the sky is clear and blue and the Sun shining strongly and just a gentle breeze blowing.
  Alan.S 1700
PS. Sorry for the marks on the pictures - rain drops!

Streaker Ramblings - Freeman Iceberg Race 8 26.12.2011

The drive to Piddinghoe Boxing Day  morning was grey overcast, a light drizzle and just a whisp of breeze. Windguru for Seaford had been forcasting a force 4 westerly for the day but it did not develop. The breeze was certainly westerly but with a good bit of southerly in it too.
Thirteen boats took to the water on an unusual figure of eight course starting with a tiny windward leg in front of the clubhouse and then off on a very broad reach across to the east side of the pond. A gybe or a hardening up – depending upon which tack one approached from – led to a very close reach across behind the island to the south east corner. From there it was a beat up to the mark off the flag pole and then a reach to North east corner before turning westwards to beat back to the club house and start mark. The  breeze was somewhere between force 2 and 3 with occasional gusts just about in the force 4 area – the occasional plane was possible.

At the start gun, of the thirteen strong fleet,  three Lasers were first away - Matt Springhall (Laser full rig, NSSC) then Paul Ryan (Laser full rig, Hardway SC) and last of the set Jonty Freeman (Laser Radial, NSSC). Just behind them were Alice Smith (Topper, NSSC), Alan Simmons (Streaker, Lancing SC) and then Tim Cox (Laser full rig) with Ed Thorburn (Finn, NSSC) trailing him.

By the end of the first lap Matt.S on his first outing of the year led Ed.T with Paul.R in third position just 2 seconds behind. In fourth spot Jonty.F was in front of Alan.S  who, in turn, was one second ahead of Rupert Smith (Laser full rig, NSSC). Alan and Rupert had a battle throughout the first half of the race changing places regularly and rarely more than 10 seconds apart at the end of a lap. It was lap six before Rupert really began to pull away.

By the finish of  lap 2 the order had settled to Ed.T , Paul.R,  Matt.S and Jonty.F.

During lap 4 Steve and Penelope Duncan (Fireball, NSSC) who were coming up behind Alan.S – then in 6^th place – but suddenly dropped well back. It was afterwards discovered that the Jib had been incorrectly rigged and words with the crew resulted in near mutiny. It was a long and slow recovery to get up to 10^th on the water by the end of lap 7. Also in this lap Matt.S having just gone on to the reach across to the north east corner had a sudden falling out with his boat an equally sudden falling in to the water. This slowed him down rather as First Jonty, then Rupert and then Alan all passed him and he was unable to recover to better than 6^th place on the water.

Another  event occurred at one of the turning marks when a Laser loudly called for water, to which allegedly, he was not entitled. The was quite a bit of returning loud calls and the threat of protest but as far as the writer is concerned had not happened by the time of the prize giving.

One boat was afloat in a very curious garb, namely a Laser II (Hull) with a sail bearing a Scorpion insignia and a dubiously high sail number. Mike Rosier and crew Chris (NSSC) had sailed in a number  of craft in this series but this was the strangest to date. They did manage to stay ahead of Jack Turner and James Bovington (Laser II, NSSC) in their conventionally rigged boat, who had had a bit of an up and a down race in the light breeze and just about able to stay ahead of Alice.S in her Topper.

Tim.C was consistant in the full rig Laser, he had borrowed from Bill Wates, only dropping from 7^th (on the water) in lap 3 when Steve.D – who had been tied with him at the end of lap 2 – briefly got ahead. Steve’s problems, mentioned above, then allowed him back into 7^th spot.

Bill Wates, having loaned his boat to Tim.C went on to crew for Michael Veale  (in his RS 200, NSSC). They did manage to fly the spinnaker but it did them no good in the light conditions. Dan Ford and Becca Gibson (Magno, NSSC) fought their way gamely around the course with, as far as was seen , just one capsize – the reason for this is unknown but it could be that Becca is not getting her weight onto the side deck at exactly the correct moment.

At the finish of this final race of the series, after some nine laps, the order was Ed.T, Paul.R, Jonty, F, Rupert.S Alan. S, Matt.S and Tim.C the remainder of the fleet finishing at least on the previous lap. With the handicaps calculated the winner was Alan with Jonty 2^nd and Ed in third spot.

Results – Race 8 (unofficial/unchecked) :-

1^st.Alan Simmons,  2^nd Jonty Freeman, 3^rd. Ed Thorburn, 4^th. Paul Ryan, 5^th Rupert Smith, 6^th. Matt Springhall, 7^th. Tim Cox, 8^th Alice Smith, 9^th. Mike Rosier, 10^th Dan Ford and Jack Turner, 12^th. Michael Veale, 13^th Steve Duncan.

The series this year has had more strong wind than in the previous couple of years meaning that the younger, fitter helms have benefitted more than some of the old-uns (the writer included in that group) but the turnouts have been good and a few new faces have turned up. As always the Race Officer, Kay Young , has done sterling work – setting up the courses and recording the lap times – in all kinds of weather, although fortunately no snow this time round and was given a small token of appreciation at the prizgiving. Some 29 boats entered the series and completed at least one race – some helms used a variety of boats which did not necessarily help their overall results.

When the overall positions in the series were calculated both Ed and Jonty had 11 points (subsequently resolved via the last race result making Jonty the winner) whilst Alan had 13 and was thus 3^rd overall. Paul Ryan was 4^th, Rupert Smith 5^th, Darren Smith 6^th, Michael Veale 7^th, Dan Ford 8^th,  Laurence Venus 9^th, Tom Taylor 10^th, Jack Turner 11^th, Alice Smith 12^th & 13^th (Topper and Laser II), Graham Hardy 14^th and Bill Wates 15^th

Alan.S 1700

PS. The New Year’s day race starts at 2.00pm on Sunday 1^st Jan and the Elford Numbum series commences on Sunday 8^th Jan at 11.00am – we hope to see you there, if only spectating from the bankside.

Streakerramblings -Freeman Iceberg Race 7 - 18th December2011

What a change, blue almost cloudless skies this morning on our way to Piddinghoe with just a hint of breeze. On arrival it was still bright and sunny but with a deep frost on the boat cover and a cool breeze from the west, perhaps a force 3.
Fourteen boats entered this race and all were on the water for the start. By then the breeze had dropped to a force 1 to 2 and it stayed thus throughout – the sun stayed out too.
The course was an old familiar, start near the flagpole and a short beat to the corner near the clubhouse followed by a reach along the north side. Thereafter it was a close reach back towards the flag pole and a gybe round the former start mark and off to the east side and another gybe. The final two legs were a reach behind the island and then a long beat up the west side to the clubhouse but inside the start line limit mark.

At the gun there were a couple of boats, Laurence Venus (Streaker, NSSC) and Darren Field (Byte CII, NSSC) close to the bank and off on a port tack flyer whilst the rest of the fleet were coming up the line on starboard. At the pin end Alan Simmons (Streaker, Lancing SC) tried to get in by the limit mark but was prevented by Michael Veale and Andy Walker (RS 200, NSSC). Alan had just enough speed however to tack away on port and then return on starboard at the mark to turn in third place.

By the time Laurence.V had reached the north east gybe mark Alan was 2nd and Ed Thorburn (Finn, NSSC) third with Darren 4th. Laurence immediately began to draw away on the reach whilst Ed overtook Alan before the end of the leg. At the end of lap one the order was Laurence.V, Ed. T, Alan.S, Jonty Freeman (Laser Radial, NSSC) and then Rupert Smith (Laser full rig, NSSC). The following group were led by Steve and Penelope Duncan (Fireball, NSSC) then Paul Ryan (Laser full rig, Hardway SC), Darren.F and Bill Wates (Laser full rig, NSSC).


In the second lap Steve.D blitzed his way past Rupert.S, Jonty.F and Alan.S. Paul.S using a borrowed bottom mast section (after last week’s breakage) also climbed up past Rupert and Alan to be fourth on the water and Ed.T scraped past Laurence.V to take the lead by ten seconds. By the end of lap 4 the top order was established as Ed.T, Laurence.V, Paul.R, Steve.D, Rupert.S Jonty.F, Alan.S and then Darren.F.
Slightly further back Graham Hardy (Laser full rig, NSSC) and Bill. W were having their own private battle with Chas Humphries (Laser full rig, NSSC) and Michael – who found their boat somewhat sticky in the light wind. Bringing up the tail were Mike Rosier with crew Chris Rosier (Topper Magno, NSSC) ahead of Alice Smith (Topper, NSSC). In the light breeze Alice was suffering from lack of momentum and unable to repeat her performance as last week.
Ed.T was first across the line ahead of Laurence.V, but well behind on handicap although holding an adequate margin on Alan.S who came home in third spot.
This week Dan Ford volunteered to crew the safety boat – hence his apparent absence from the race.

Results (Unofficial, Unconfirmed) :-
1st. Laurence Venus, 2nd. Ed Thorburn, 3rd. Alan Simmons, 4th Paul Ryan, 5th.Darren Field, 6th. Jonty Freeman, 7th. Rupert Smith, 8th. Graham Hardy, 9th. Chas Humphries, 10th. Bill Wates, 11th. Steve Duncan, 12th. Mike Rosier, 13th. Michael Veale, 14th. Alice Smith.

Alan.S 1700
PS. I repeat my message from last week - for those of my readers who missed it - I wish you all the seaons greetings for a Happy Christmas and Prosperous,Eventfull and Interesting New Year in 2012.
PPS. The next - and final - Race of the 2011 Freeman Iceberg will take place on Boxing day , Monday 26th December and hopefully I will be there to take part and/or report.

Streakerramblings -Freeman Iceberg Race 6 - 11th December2011

Grey, totally overcast and breezy as we set off to Piddinghoe. As we got closer the sky did seem to be brightening up to the south and whilst above the cloud the sun may well have had his hat on he did not come out to play.

Kay set the same course as last week, except that with a south westerly wind, we went round in the opposite direction. The start was by the clubhouse with just a few yards to the first mark and then a hairy reach down the long southerly side of the pond. At the end there was a gybe and another reach behind the Island thence onto a beat to a mark just off the shore by the flagpole. From there it was another very broad reach back to the north east corner and a final beat back to the start mark.

Some fourteen boats took to the water in a good ‘top end’ force 4 – the gust were, as usual at Piddinghoe, horrendous and close on mid force 6. At the start it was Paul Ryan (Laser full rig, Hardway SC) tight on the line with Jonty Freeman (Laser Radial, NSSC) tucked in behind and Rupert Smith (Laser full rig, NSSC) a little to windward. The next group of four were Nathan Bloss (Laser Radial, NSSC), Edward Thorburn (Finn, NSSC), Michael Veale and Mike Rosier (RS 200, NSSC) and Alan Simmons (Streaker, Lancing SC).

  The long reach, with the occasional violent gust, sorted out the order at the gybe into Ed.T as leader then Jonty.F followed by Rupert.S , Alan.S and  then Nathan Bloss Paul.R had dropped back a touch as had Michael.V who had problems lowering his spinnaker for the next leg. The next beat, back towards the Pole, allowed these two to pull back through ahead of Alan. At the ‘Pole’ mark it was either a tack or bearing off – depending upon which tack the mark had been approached – but gusts caught out the unwary. Also at the North east mark the gusts were coming fast and furious giving some competitors a dip.

By the end of the first lap Ed.T was in front, ahead of Jonty.F by 10 seconds, then came Rupert.S  just ahead of Paul.R. Next up was Michael.V then Alan.S followed by Jack Turner and James Bovington (Laser II, NSSC).

  Next up was Alice Smith sailing a Topper(NSSC) ahead of Nathan.B and then Darren Field (Byte CII, NSSC). Bringing up the tail were Alex Stonard in a Topper (NSSC), John Smith (Pico, single sail, NSSC) Dan Ford and Becca Gibson (Magno, NSSC) and finally Josh Smith (Topper, small sail, NSSC) - this group had all been well off the start line at the intial gun. Josh.s  having capsized fairly early on in lap 1 got rather cold and retired to the bank side.
In lap 2 Jonty.F got ahead of Ed.T on the long reach – and stayed there until overtaken in lap 4. Paul.R also overtook Rupert.S whilst Alan.S, having nearly been forced into the bank by an out of control RS200 on the long reach, just escaped to move  into 5^th spot with Jack.T behind him.  Michael V having finally regained control dropped back to 7^th.

In lap 4 Alan.S capsized just after leaving the ‘Pole’ mark and had his mast stick in the bottom mud. After the Safety boat had had a couple of attempts to right the boat Alan floated off – or the boat did  and was ‘cornered’ by Rupert.S who had himself been upside down for quite a time. When eventually aboard the Safety boat the Streaker was righted but Alan had lost best part of a lap in time.  The Pond Rules allow for assistance by the safety boat and then continuation of racing. This lap also saw Nathan.B retire having spent a good time in the water and Jack.T and James.B also retired when one of their trapeze wires broke  - shades of Steve Duncan last week.

Lap 5 saw Paul .R, who had been in third position, suffer a broken mast and had to be towed ashore. This time Ed.T and Jonty.F crossed the line at exactly the same time but then Ed went back in front to finally finish some 16 seconds ahead.

Few but the two leaders and  Alice Smith – who sailed a blistering race - stayed upright throughout  the event. Most of those spoken to afterwards could not recall how many times they upended but mostly sem to have enjoyed their outing.

Results (Unofficial, Unchecked) :-

1^st. Jonty Freeman, 2^nd. Ed Thorburn, 3^rd. Alice Smith, 4^th John Smith, 5^th. Darren Field, 6^th. Rupert Smith, 7^th. Alan Simmons, 8^th Michael Veale, 9^th Alex Stanard, 10^th Dan Ford,

DNF. Paul Ryan, Nathan Bloss, Josh Smith and Jack Turner.

Alan S 1700

PS. To my reader(s?) I wish you a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous/Joyous New Year

Streakerramblings -Freeman Iceberg Race 5 - 4th December2011

As last week it was a grey overcast sky, very high cloud but without a break and just a gentle breeze as we left home.

On arrival at Piddinghoe and whilst rigging the boat there was another westerly breeze of about force 2 – Windguru was forcasting force 4 initial building to force 5 later in the day - this faded to almost nothing until just before the racing started.
The course Kay set was practically as last week with an initial very short beat, to the clubhouse corner, along the northern side followed by a close reach back to the start pole end. A broad reach across to the eastern side then down behind the island before a final beat back up the western side.

Sixteen boats were afloat for the start and Darren Field (Byte CII, NSSC) made off at the shore end ahead of everybody else – just a little too early – and was called back to start properly. At the pin end it was Alan Simmons (Streaker, Lancing SC) who was legitimately first away and tacked off to get what he thought was clear air in the light – force 1 - breeze. At the shore end it was Tom Taylor (Megabyte, NSSC) closely followed by Laurence Venus (Streaker, NSSC) who made it to the turning mark first with Alan.S through next and then Ed Thorburn (Finn, NSSC).

Whilst Laurence, Alan and Ed were scrapping along the northern side of the pond Tom broke away and established a goodly lead on the next reach. By the end of the lap Ed was up to second with Laurence still ahead of Alan and beginning to edge away. Behind this group were Paul Ryan (Laser full rig, Hardway SC), Jonty Freeman (Laser Radial, NSSC)  then Darren.F (having re-started) with Rupert Smith (Laser full rig, NSSC) behind him.

By the end of lap 4 Tom. T was still ahead of Ed .T but Jonty.F  had climbed up to 3^rd place ahead of Laurence whilst Alan.S was down in 7^th having been overtaken by Jonty, Paul and Rupert, the breeze by then having increased to a good force 4 – planing was possible on some of the reaches. Laurence had a slight collision with Jonty’s stern on one of the reaches when he lost control of his boat and ended up doing a 720 degree penalty.
In lap 6 Tom.T suffered a broken (Carbon) mast – at the site of a previous repair – and had to be towed home, his moments of glory dashed and so Ed.T went into the lead with Jonty.F hard on his heels. This was also the final lap for Dan Ford and crew (the girl) Becca Gibson in their Magno (NSSC) who had embarked on a capsize whilst both were on the wrong side of the boat. Michael Veale and Mike Rosier (RS 200, NSSC) had been using their spinnaker on all the reaches and runs in the course and were closing on Alan.S and finally passed him on the final reach of the next lap. Rupert .S had been climbing up the fleet and finally got ahead of Paul.R in lap 6, the most eventfull of the total nine laps sailed.

Alice Smith and Alex Stanard (Laser II, NSSC) also slowly climbed up the fleet from 13^th in lap one to 8^th in lap 8, one spot in front of Darren.F.
Josh Smith (Topper, NSSC) only completed one full lap before retiring whilst his dad John ( Pico, NSSC) spent a long while with his mast stuck in the mud before the safety boat eventually freed him. Steve and Penelope Duncan (Fireball, NSSC) in their first venture out this year – but not racing, Steve said – followed the fleet round, keeping out of everybody’s way (mostly) and also spent a goodly amount of time on their side when Penelope’s trapeze wire snapped during the main windward leg.
Throughout the race the two full rig Lasers of Bill Wates and Graham Hardy (both NSSC ) had a good tussel half way down the fleet, Bill coming out on top at the finish. The lead held by Ed.T and Jonty.F at the finish was still not enough to beat Laurence.V time on application of the handicap correction.

Results (Unofficial, unchecked) :-

1^st .Laurence Venus, 2^nd. Jonty Freeman, 3^rd .Alan Simmons, 4^th .Ed Thorburn, 5^th. Rupert Smith, 6^th .Paul Ryan, 7^th. Darren Field, 8^th.Michael Veale, 9^th.Alice Smith,10^th.Bill Wates, 11^th.Graham Hardy, 12^th.Steve Duncan, 13^th. Dan Ford, 14^th.John Smith, 15^th. Tom Taylor and Josh Smith.

The series table after 4 races now stands as 1^st.Jonty Freeman, 2^nd. Ed Thorburn, 3^rd. Alan Simmons, 4^th.Paul Ryan, 5^th. Michael Veale, 6^th. Darren Field, 7^th. Tom Taylor, 8^th. Laurence Venus, 9^th. Alice Smith, 10^th. Rupert Smith, 11^th Dan Ford, 12^th Graham Hardy, 13^th Bill Wates, John and Josh Smith come in at 18^th and 19^th place as they keep changing boat class.

Alan.S 1700

PS. The sun finally began to break through as we were half way home.

Streakerramblings -Freeman Iceberg Race 4 - 27th November 2011

A grey sky, wall to wall, a very strong breeze and rain coming down in sheets. That was just on the journey down to Piddinghoe this Sunday. On arrival Alan.S was in two minds as whether or not to sail in the westerly wind but decided to rig anyway. Huge gusts were coming across the water and the wind was howling in the rigging of boats on the bankside – suggesting at least force 5 to 6.
There was a fair amount of interest with finally eleven boats getting onto the pond, with one boat left on the bank, its helm unsure of the sense of going afloat ( having seen Alan.S in his Streaker, one of the first afloat, capsize and have to await the safety boat to free his mast from the mud) finally deciding against venturing out.
Kay, the RO set a course with an initial short beat up the long (west) side of the pond, turning in front of the clubhouse and followed by a close reach along the northern bank. Turning there led off on a broad reach back to the start mark and after another gybe another reach across to the east bank and thence behind the island on a run to the Southern corner and finally the main beat up the west side.

At the off there was a good bit of shouting as Paul Ryan (Laser, Hardway SC) coming up fast below Jonty Freeman (Laser Radial, NSSC) forced him up towards the pin mark. A little to leeward Rupert Smith (NSSC) sailing a Laser full Rig this week - instead of the Mirror he has used for the previous races – came off the line with good speed with Darren Field (Byte CII, NSSC) tucked in close behind. Alan Simmons (Streaker, Lancing SC) was close to the pin but just astern of Paul.R and right down to leeward Michael Veale and Mike Rosier (RS200, NSSC) started off on port tack.
By the end of lap one the order was Paul.R followed by Rupert.S with Jonty.F in third spot. Next up was Michael.V with Alan.S in 5th spot – these two remained in the same relative postion throughout the race with the gap between them opening and closing constantly. Tom Taylor (Megabyte, NSSC) was labouring in sixth on the water having been nowhere near the line at the start – probably not hearing the guns due to the wind and not seeing the visual signals, somewhat hidden in the reeds. In seventh place was Darren.F, then came Jack Turner and James Bovington (Laser II, NSSC) with D.Ford and girl crew in the Magno (NSSC) bringing up the tail.

Nathan Bloss (NSSC) sailing a Laser Radial suffered a broken Kicking strap in the first lap, after an early capsize, leading to a skying boom which eventually came off and he ended up on the east bank until towed home. Josh Smith sailing a Topper with the reduced rig found the breeze still too much for him and also capsized in lap one and then retired to the bank.
A battle royal was happening in the front of the fleet with Rupert.S passing Jonty.F in lap 2, losing the place back in lap 3. By lap 4 Jonty.F had also overtaken Paul.R as has Rupert.S. The top order then stayed Jonty, Rupert and Paul to the finish.

A bit further back down the fleet Jack.T had a capsize in lap 4 and retired whilst Tom.T suffered a dip in lap 5 but recovered and although he passed Alan.S before the finish he was still a lap behind.
Whilst the skies cleared and the sun shone out the breeze dropped slowly throughout the racing until it fizzled out almost entirely once everyone was ashore and packed up.
Once the handicaps had been calculated Alan.S had overtaken Michael.V but made no impression on the three front running Lasers.

Results (Unofficial, Unapproved) :-
1st. Jonty Freeman, 2nd Rupert Smith, 3rd. Paul Ryan, 4th.Alan Simmons, 5th.Michael Veale, 6th. Darren Field, 7th. Tom Taylor, 8th, D.Ford, 9th (Retired), Jack Turner, Josh Smith and Nathan Bloss.
Alan.S 1700