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

2010 Season Streaker Open Meetings - Greensforge April 3rd.

The Streaker Southern Area Open Meeting Season began with a trip to Greensforge, north of Birmingham which required getting up at 5am, leaving home at 6am and finally arriving at the club after a 3.3/4 hour drive – including a couple of comfort stops.
Calf Heath reservoir is a small lake with trees on three sides and the breezes are either light and fickle or strong and gusty. Sunday was the former and regrettably the fleet was conspicuous by its lack of numbers, there being only five boats, two from the club and three visitors.
For the first race there was a little breeze (force 1-2) and Ian Bradley (Ouse A S C) led off the line to the first mark near the clubhouse and slowly began to pull away from the rest. It was here that the second boat, helmed by Peter Baker (Greensforge) firstly tried to round it on the wrong side – taking Alan Simmons (Lancing) with him – and then hit it. Alan untangled himself, rounded correctly and set off in pursuit of Ian.
The breeze eased off and became very fickle in strength and direction which saw Gary Hogan (Haversham) catch and pass Alan although not for long before the positions were reversed again.
Sam Frost-Huskinson (Greensforge- youth sailor) was having his first sail in a Streaker but not enjoying the conditions and sadly bringing up the rear.
Ian.B was the runaway winner of race 1 and started race two, after the lunch break, in front place again. Alan.S found a breezeless hole at the start and was left floundering, he did manage to get into third spot but far too far behind Gary.H to make any impression and as the breeze died away to almost nothing was lapped by Ian. B.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as the RO decided to shorten the course and call all ashore. Regretably the breeze then disappeared completely and it was concluded that no further racing was possible.
Having had a short rain shower on the way up, via the M23,M25,M40, M42 and M6, it seemed to rain all the way back home although the sun had shone throughout the sailing bit.

Results:-
1st.Ian Bradley, 2nd. Gary Hogan, 3rd. Alan Simmons, 4th, Peter Baker, 5th Sam Frost-Huskisson.

There is a full (official) report on the Greensforge web site ( http://www.greensforge.org/)  including Pictures and some video clips, no pics here - Bett forgot to take her Camera!
Alan.S 1700