Elford Numbum Race 5 - 30/01/2011

By 9.00am the sky was blue from edge to edge, a few tiny clouds on the horizon, with the sun ‘blazing’ down. A fresh north easterly was eddying around the house and the windscreen required de-icing and upon starting out it was barely 2°C.
At the pond the boat cover was frosted over and there was a lot more breeze on the pond side than in the car park. A wind check showed about 10 knots from the eastern side of the water. Shortly afterwards white horses appeared on the water and the wind was whistling through the rigging (force 6?).

Alan Simmons (Lancing SC) prepared his Streaker but looking at the ‘waves’ and, on his 73rd birthday, he was keeping his options open as to whether to launch or not.

Kay (RO) soon arrived to set the course with the help of Rupert Smith who was on safety boat duty with daughter Alice. An extra buoy was laid just off the Clubhouse to get a good windward start and it was then off to a yellow mark midway along the eastern bank. From there it was a run/reach to the southern corner east of the Island.
A gybe followed with a close reach back across the pond to a pink mark in the north east corner, finish off with a reachy run to the twin buoy finish line. It was effectively a figure of eight out to the corners of the pond.

Eventually six boats came to the start, Including Alan who reckoned he could start and then almost immediately retire to the comfort of the clubhouse since it blowing a good force 4 to 5.

The actual start was rather confused when most of the boats attempted to use the twin buoys as the ODM resulting in a general recall. The real start was not a lot tidier but it was Matt Springhall (Laser full rig – NSSC) to get away first with Alan.S and Paul Ryan (Laser full rig – Hardway SC) not too far behind.
The first lap was fairly uneventfull and it did seem that the breeze had eased a little – well Alan reckoned he could cope – provided he did not capsize and decided to continue racing. Tim Cox (Laser Radial – NSSC) was hot on his heels and beginning to close up. Behind these four Michael Veale and Mike Rosier (RS 2000 – NSSC) were finding out the problems of a wide, slippery, hull in the gusty wind and were shortly to take a dip when Michael lost his grip on the tiller. Bill Wates (Laser Radial _ NSSC) had tipped in once before the start – well it was windier then anyway.

In lap two Paul.R – having sorted out his Mainsheet and Outhaul intertwining - took a spectacular spill on the final offwind leg .This activity allowed Matt.S to pull away a little only to be overhauled by the end of the following lap.
Alan.S closed up on Paul, after his dip, but was slightly to leeward on the first beat of the next lap allowing Tim.S  to get ahead of Alan. However these two continued to battle it out to the finish, being rarely more than 15 seconds apart.
Likewise Matt.S having been passed by Paul.R in lap 3 continued to harry him - they were rarely more than 8 seconds apart - until he too had a trip- up on the reach from the south east corner in lap 6, but with a speedy recovery, he soon made up the difference and was only 2 seconds adrift at the finish.
 Neither of these two were sufficiently ahead of Alan.S to beat him on handicap – a pleasing ‘present’ for the birthday boy!
Although the breeze began to ease in the later stages, and the temperature reached 6°C in the end, the wind chill was extreme and frozen fingers all too present. The safety boat crew are to be praised for their efforts in the chill conditions.
Results (Unofficial/Preliminary) :-
1st. Alan Simmons, 2nd. Paul Ryan, 3rd. Matt Springhall, 4th Tim Cox, 5th Michael Veale,
6th. Bill Wates.

Alan.S 1700

Elford Num Bum Race 4 - 23/01/2010

Half the sky was blue and sunny and the other half grey and grim with a sharp northerly breeze, 5°C, as we left home. By the time we passed Old Boat Corner the skies were almost all grey and then, on arrival at Piddinghoe, the sun came out to play again. The breeze measured just under 10 knots on the pond bank before the boats were rigged but 10 signed on – although one changed his mind and did not participate.
With the usual RO, Kay, off sick (Flu presumably) it was Rupert Smith who set up the course, complete with ‘committeee’ boat start – to ensure a fair beat to the north east corner mark. From here there was a short broad reach to a point just off the island and then a further beat to the north east. On turning that mark there was a dead run to the southeast corner of the pond and final long reach up the southern side to the finish at the twin buoys in front of the club house.

First to cross the line at the start was Roger McAll (Laser full rig – NSSC) with Steve Duncan (Laser full rig –NSSC) further to windward and Tim Cox (Laser Radial – NSSC) taking a port tack chance against Alan Simmons’s (Streaker –Lancing SC) starboard tack at the same time.

The younger fitter helms – in their Lasers made the early running with Steve.D in front by the end of lap 1, a position he was to hold for the entire race, then followed Roger.Mc and Tim.C.
Jonty Freeman (Laser Radial – NSSC) soon closed in on Tim.C (after a close encounter with Paul Ryan (Laser full rig – Hardway SC)) who capsized - in lap2- on top of Julian Dobson (Laser Full rig – NSSC) and in the ensuing muddle Alan.S passed the pair of them. On recovery Paul realised that he was taking water into his hull – in spite of repairs the previous week – and decided to retire ashore and compete no further.

By lap5 Jonty.F had managed to pass Tim.C and also Roger.MC, climbing into second place on the water – a position he retained to the finish at the end of 10 laps. Alan.S was unable to make ground on either 3rd placed Tim.C or 4th placed Roger.Mc but he did have a good race with Julian.D managing to stay just ahead.
Chas Humphries (Laser full rig – NSSC) – 8th at the end of lap 1 stayed ahead of the back marker Bill Wates (Laser Radial – NSSC) but they both enjoyed a brisk sail.
Conditions were not as gusty or strong as last week and it seems that the only casualty was Paul.R Everybody else came ashore with broad grins having loved every minute of the hour long race –especially the swift reach up the ultimate leg of each lap.
The results were calculated Manually (a minor error was picked up when they went onto Sailwave later in the day) but it was an overall win for Jonty.F by 6 seconds over Alan.S and with Steve.D, the fleet leader on the water, in third place 11 seconds behind Alan.

Result (Unofficial/provisional):-

Ist. Jonty Freeman, 2nd. Alan Simmons, 3rd.Steve Duncan, 4th. Tim Cox, 5th. Roger McAll,

6th. Julian Dobson, 7th. Chas Humphries, 8th Bill Wates. - Paul Ryan retired.

PS. Steve.D advsed me that I did him an injustice last week – he refutes that he capsized during that race – I humbly apologise!

Alan.S 1700

Elford Numbum Race 3 - 16.01.2011

Grey and overcast, honking around the west side of the house in Hove but mild’ish (at 10°C) s registered in the car on the way to Piddinghoe. The Seaford Windguru was forcasting a solid force 5 for the day so it was a bit’ iffy’ if Alan was going afloat. On arrival at Piddinghoe the cloud was beginning to break and some blue sky was showing. A check on the pond side showed a maximum of 12 knots but there was the occasional ‘whilstling in the rigging’ – usually experienced when the wind is force 6!
A course was set along the northside of the pond with a very short windward leg to the twin marks, bearing off to a yellow mark opposite the flag pole and then back east on a short run across to a turning mark for a second beat. There followed a short reach to the mark in the southern corner of the pond, a gybe and run northwards followed by a broad reach to near the north bank and then the full beat back to the start. As is usual the wind at Piddinghoe comes in lumps, some today were rather hefty gusts.
Some ten boats took to the water, including Alan.S in his Streaker.

He had barely left the shore when one of those lumps of breeze flipped him into the water – not a very auspicious start. Apart from the loss of dignity – in full view of all – he lost his mast head burgee to the pond mud. There was plenty of reaching up and down before the start in the Southerly breeze.

At the gun it was Paul Ryan (Laser full rig – Hardway SC) first off the blocks, closely followed by Michael Veale (RS200 –NSSC) crewed by Rupert Smith and behind them Steve Duncan (Laser full rig).

Alan.S was at the back having been caught in a Starboard boat’s call and as a result got into irons.
At the end of the first lap Paul.R was in front – a position from which he remained un challenged to the finish – Michael.V second up but with Steve.D right on his tail. Darren Field and Tim Cox (both Laser Radials – NSSC) were in 4th and 5th spot with Alan.S behind them in 6th. The trailing pack consisted of Alice Smith (Topper –NSSC) ahead of Callum Johnson (Laser Radial) then Bill Waites in his much reefed Laser Radial with Gary Johnson (Pico – NSSC) bringing up the rear.
By the end of lap two Steve.D had passed Michael.V whilst Tim.C had bested Darren. F. The bottom south east corner seemed to be popular swimming location as the gybe caught out quite a few sailors. – not that it was the only spot and most of the ten had a dip (or two) in the course of the race, even Paul.R the leader and Steve.D.
Gary.J gave up quite soon having not only failed to sign on but missed out a mark and Callum.J did likewise not too long after his dad, Callum had found the breeze somewhat more testing than he expected and did not overly enjoy his swims.

By lap 7 Darren.F had passed both Tim.C and Michael.V but came a cropper in the following lap and decided enough was enough. Niether Tim.C nor Alan.S were able to make any headway against Michael.V and in the closing laps (for them) Alan.S did make up some ground but could not gain enough to pass.
At the finish the order was 1st .Paul.R, 2nd. Steve.D, 3rd. Michael.V, 4th Tim.C and 5th Alan.S.
It had been a very gusty race with plenty of spills and for the heavyweights quite fun if somewhat damp. Alan. S was not so sure it had been a wise decision for him to sail after all, but he had stayed upright during the race. Results (unofficial/preliminary):-
1st, Paul Ryan, 2nd. Steve Duncan, 3rd Alan Simmons, 4th. Michael Veale and Rupert Smith,
5th. Tim Cox, 6th Alice Smith, 7th. Bill Waites. – Darren Field, Callum Johnson and Gary Johnson all retired.
Alan.S 1700

Numbum Race 2 - 09/01/2011

A beautiful clear blue sky, lots of sunshine and no breeze at the start of the drive to Piddinghoe. A bank of greyish cloud began to drift off to the south as the boats began to rig and a faint breeze began to blow from the north, just to compliment the near zero temperature which had added a goodly frost to the boat covers.

Kay was able to set a new style of course – from the previous session of north easterlies experienced in the Freeman Iceberg Series. The start was just below the sailing school berths on the south side of the pond up to the twin buoy mark adjacent to the clubhouse. From there it was a very broad reach to the north east corner, right turn to a mark in the middle of the pond and then a close reach back towards the south side before setting off on a run to the gybe mark north of the island. A short close reach behind the island led to a long beat from that southern corner right up the southern side of the pond to the finish mark keeping all the marks on the way up to starboard – lots of tacking.

Some eleven boats took to the water and on the start line there was a bit of bunching. Matt Springhall (Laser full rig – NSSC) was first to start although unfortunately for him just a bit too early and he had to extricate himself from the rest of the hoard to get back behind the line and start properly. Darren Field (Laser Radial – NSSC) and then Steve Duncan (Laser full rig- NSSC) were effectively next across the line and just inside Darren was Alan Simmons (Streaker – Lancing SC). Having the inside berth at the pin end allowed Alan to also take the lead position at the twin buoy mark and then begin to establish a reasonable lead over the rest of the fleet which he retained until the last few moments of the race.
By the end of the second lap Matt had recovered from his ‘too early’ start and was scrapping it out with Steve. These two continued to pass and re-pass one another until in lap 4 Steve suffered a failure of the flexible joint in his tiller extension and subsequently retired. It was unfortunate in so far as he was on the point of catching and overtaking Alan. On this occasion Matt had dropped back a bit behind Steve leaving Alan still in front.

Tom Taylor (Megabyte – NSSC) had not come out of the start too well although being near the front row, he got a bit boxed in at the start and had to work hard – very difficult in the early light breeze – to get back in the race and in the early laps had to do a ‘few’ turns for both other boats and marks (so it was subsequently learned). During this early part of the race Darren Field (Laser Radial – NSSC) was giving him a good run for his money. Darren also managed to pass Roger McAll (Laser full rig) in lap 2 whilst slipping into 4th spot which he held to the finish.

At one point, in mid race, one capsize occurred when Bill Waites (Laser radial – NSSC) caught a hefty gust along the north side of the pond but it was a dry capsize so he reports.

Michael Veale(NSSC) crewed by Mike Rosier in their RS 200 although able to fly their spinnaker led 5th place on the water in the first couple of laps but then dropped back to 7th until Steve retired and were then 6th to the end of the race.
Callum Johnson (Laser Radial – NSSC) fought out 8th place with Jesica Cox (Topper – NSSC) until she too retired but it was Gary Johnson (Topper – NSSC) right at the rear until he too retired in lap 5.
In the penultimate lap (lap 8) the breeze began to build, towards the top end of force 3, and Tom in his Megabytye began to catch up with Alan having already passed Matt – who decided, whilst on the run across the pond, to do a ‘Captain Cook’ and go exploring on the island with a spectacular roll to starboard. He had, as Steve earlier, been on the point of passing Alan but none the less managed to stay in 3rd spot on the water after his recovery and re-launch.
In the final seconds of the last lap Tom finally got past Alan to cross the line 5 seconds ahead, nowhere near enough to beat him on handicap however.

Results:-

1st. Alan.S, 2nd Darren.F, 3rd. Matt.s, 4th. Tom.T, 5th. Roger.Mc, 6th. Michael.V, 7th. Bill.W, 8th. Callum.J – Steve.D, Jessica.C and Gary.J retired.

Paul Ryan (Hardway SC) did an excellent duty – if a trifle noisy – as safety boat helm, whilst young James Veale gave Kay support in acting as AOD.

Alan.S 1700

Numbum 2011 - race 1 02.01.2011

Firstly may I wish all my viewers a Happy New year 2011. Now read on for a double helping.

Num Bum Race No 1 – 02.01.2011.
Cloudy but with small breaks showing blue sky and absolutely no breeze in a temperature of some 2 degrees C – such was the journey to Pidinghoe from Hove this morning. The clouds continued to break up and some sun was seen and miraculously half an hour before racing was due to start a slight NE breeze filled in at the pond – no more than force 2.
Kay set a course with a beat along the north side of the water followed by a run to a mark near the middle of the south side. A further beat then followed back towards the NE corner then off on a close reach and around the eastern side of the Island finally turning north along the south side of the water back to the starting area off the clubhouse.
The nine strong fleet was joined by Alex Mills-Barton (Laser full rig – NSSC) – before his depature to bigger things in Florida, USA and it was he who led off the line at the gun. In Close contention were Laurence Venus in his Steaker, Steve Duncan (Laser full rig – NSSC) and Paul Ryan also Laser full rig.
Close behind this group were Alan Simmons (Streaker), Julian Dobson (Laser full rig) and Darren Field (Laser Radial) with Callum Johnson (also in a Radial) and Bill Waites similarly boated out.
During the early laps Alex.M-B pulled away but a battle royal developed behind with both Laurence and Paul vying for second place on the water. Likewise Alan.S was in contention initially with Steve.D and Julian.D.
Upfront Alex was unchallenged but there was a bit of argy bargy between Lauence and Paul with a fair bit of vocalisation between them (mostly Paul) and at one point in lap 5 Laurence was seen to be doing turns and as a result lost out several places putting him back in 5th place behind Steve and Alan.
Darren whilst close behind Julian in the early laps seemed to fade as the race progressed with the full rig slowly pulling away as would be expexted. Likewise Callum could not hang on to Bill but it was spotted that his Kicker was hanging rather slack at all times. Ashore he said that it had been slipping but he hoped to get hold of the latest fittings pack if he could persuade his dad.
Alan and Steve gradually drew away from Julian in lap 3 and Alan finally, also in lap 5, got ahead of Steve to begin to catch up with Paul.
In the penultimate lap, after a few place changes, Alan overtook Paul and stayed ahead to the finish. Laurence slowly made good some of the ground he had earlier lost and also passed Steve to cross the line in fourth place.
The usual banter about the Streaker handicap took place in the changing room –‘ if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em’ is the phrase that comes to mind.
With the handicaps worked out it was Alan who was the winner (just) ahead of Alex, who’s 4.1/2 minute lead was insufficient and then it was Laurencein third place.
Results (Provisional/Unofficial):- 1st. Alan.S, 2nd. Alex.M-B, 3rd. Laurence.V, 4th. Paul.R, 5th. Steve.D, 6th. Julian.D, 7th. Darren.F, 8th. Bill.W, 9th. Callum.J

New Year’s Day morning was grey and overcast and as Alan Passed the Sussex University on the way to Piddinghoe it was drizzling. On arrival at the pond at about 12.30 the drizzle was no longer present but the skies were still overcast but with a light North Easterly (force 2 ish)blowing from the top corner of the pond.
The course was a beat across the north side of the pond followed by a run back to a mark near the middle of the south bank. Having rounded that it was back towards the NE corner then a run back to the south side. After tuning this one it was a beat around the north side of the pond, back to the SE corner and then a close reach back up the south side to the start mark just off the clubhouse.
Eight boats took to the water for the 2.00pm start and it was Laurence Venus (Streaker – NSSC) who was first away along with Jonty Freeman (Laser Radial – NSSC). Alan Simmons (Streaker – Lancing SC) was just a little behind but it was Lauernce who took off into the wild blue yonder, never to be subsequently challenged.
Callum Johnson (Laser Radial – NSSC)slotted in behind Alan.S and remained in 4th spot on the water to the finish.
The Toppers of Rupert Smith (NSSC), Alice Smith (NSSC) – Rupert’s daughter- together with Sasha Stonard (NSSC) had a continuing battle through out the race. The former pair always close together with Alice.S getting past her dad in the 4th lap only to lose out again in the final lap they sailed often less than 10 seconds separating them.
Gary Johnson (Pico – NSSC) brought up the rear of the fleet –the slow speed of the boat being the reason why his son Callum has opted for the Laser Radial.
Whilst Laurence romped away at the front of the fleet, trying out the Carbon Fibre mast lent to him by Alan.S, Alan himself enjoined a battle with Jonty.F and passed him by the end of the second lap only to lose out again when he snared the mooring line of a mark and pull it onto him. After doing his turns he had it all to do again but by the finish of lap 6 (the final lap) he was still 5 seconds adrift.
With the average lap taking about 10 minutes for Laurence.V – apart from the first lap - he finished some 4 minutes ahead of Jonty and Alan.
As the boats were finally packed away it appeared as if night had come early with dark and threatening skies – more drizzle was noted on the drive home through the downs near Falmer.
Results:-
1st Laurence.V, 2nd. Alan.S, 3rd. Jonty.F, 4th Rupert.S, 5th. Alice.S, 6th. Callum.J, 7th. Sasha.S, 8th. Gary.J
Appologies for the lack of Pics for this and for the first Numbum Race below due to the usual photographer – Bett Simmons – being indisposed with a large dollop of Bronchitus, but slowly improving.


Alan.S 1700

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.