Sunday's Racing Report- Commodore Pete

Filling in for Tactics Tony again. He’s missed another good day of sailing. It might have been the best of his life, we will never know.

A good turn out, 3 Merlin Rockets, 2 Solos, 6 Lasers (all full rigs I think), 2 RS 400’s, an OK (welcome back Charlie, long time no see), Contender Rodger and Aero Stuart (making a guest appearance).

Race 1 was up to 3, down to 10, up to 6, down to 14 then a reach across to A. We did 2 laps.

Another interesting, very biased start line. All away first time, mostly behaved. Very shifty, so lots of snakes and ladders. The Merlin’s blasted off, Paul and Anna in particular. Hot on the heels of the fast fleeters was myself and Stuart in the Aero. Then a good minute or two behind was the rest of the slow fleet. Eventually the traffic, shifts and gusts meant that some of them made some time backup, with notably Tim being only 20 seconds maybe behind me.

Race 2, start line was made longer and less biased. Again up to 3, then a change to 10, 9, 5, A.

A general recall on the first start, naughty naughty. (You know who you are!). A good getaway on the second start. Again the Merlin’s cleared off into the distance. The wind was still very shifty, but the gusts had strengthened. There were a few swims and some gear failure this time, hence the DNF’s. I’m sure the swindlerly (chandler, for those not aware) will have done well this weekend. This time the Solo’s did well. It was hard work to get the boats on the plane, until the last lap down to A from 5. We all picked up some good speed and I’m sure most of the slow fleet managed to overhaul a few boats.

Anyhow, the results speak for themselves. A great days sailing.

Big thanks to all those on duty.

Commodore Pete

Today's Racing Report- Mick Keates

Another rubbish start to the day today, weatherwise. Dull, cloudy and virtually no wind. Good turnout though while we observed the 2-minute silence for Remembrance Day. Then several quickly decided to cut the grass around their boats and then retire for the day.

A light and patchy breeze arrived shortly after and teased a few to rig their boats, while it died away again by the time they arrived back up to the top of the ramp.

Nevertheless, 8 ventured out for a 1 lap drift around 1-4-10-A. There was just enough breeze to tempt 6 to stay on for a 2nd race, 2 laps round 1-11-10-A.

Thanks Rob, Stephen & Kuba for presiding over the proceedings. Check out the scores here

What it should have been like today.

Winterising your boat

Using your boat less over winter? Fair weather sailor only? Then this is the guide for you, when it comes to tucking up your boat.

  • Make sure the bow is angled up, this will allow any water to drain out of the cockpit and run off the cover, preventing pooling.

  • Consider the condition of your cover. It should be waterproof and breathable, allowing air to circulate.

  • Take sails home and store them in a warm and dry location to prevent rusting on eyelets and mould. This should also prevent the rodents from turning them into bedding for their winterisation.

  • Make sure that the boat is tied down. Ensure anchors or heavy blocks are on either side so that strong winds do not have the opportunity to throw your boat on to the neighbouring boats in the boat park.

  • Make frequent visits to ensure that all is well. Check that the cover has not fallen off and that water hasn’t pooled in any locations. You should also visit after heavy winds to ensure your craft is still tied down and that others around haven’t flipped on to yours.

Today's racing report

I’ll be Tony for the day and give a quick brief. If Tony did sail, he probably would have said “that was the best sail I’ve had in a long time”.

A small number for laser first Sunday, Musto Mick, Me (Pete), Andy Ballast, Amir, New members Charis and her dad (welcome), Jon (welcome to racing), Solo Dave, Contender Rodger and then the Merlin fleet of Paul/Anna, Jon/Blake, Nick/Mattel and Rich/Clive.

Big thanks to Leo, Maria, Alex, Linda and Adrian for doing duties.

Race 1.

We went to 1, 5, 14 (not 7 or 12), 11, 0 (not 10), A.

An interesting start as Pete and Dave opted for the race box end of the start line to try and tack in straightaway and lay it in to 1. Hampered by all the Merlin’s coming at us on Starboard. Well thankfully, the Merlin’s all forgot the way and ended up going in all directions. As a result by the end of lap one Commodore Pete was all but in the lead. Eventually the Merlin’s overtook one by one, but the damage of not knowing their way around was done. It was Pete, Solo Dave and Musto Mick.

Race 2

1, 5, 9 (not 8), 2, A

All the new comers joined for the second race. Again, a lot of commotion trying to get to 1. A case of first round was better off on in this race, with the wind having dropped a little. Musto Mick was flying, having got to 1 first. Never saw him again. Some confusion again with numbers for the Merlin’s. With one boat trying to go to 8 instead of 9. The beat up to 2, especially as you got closer, was very shifty. It was hard to make gains on anyone and it was more about finding speed in the gusts. Micky won followed by Nick/Matteo and Jon/Blake in the Merlin’s.

Well done all. See you next weekend.

Commodore Pete

What to read when you're learning.

Learning a new watersport? Want to swat up before, during and after?

The best way is by using books that compliment the RYA course that you are on, whether that is Dinghy Sailing, Windsurfing, Powerboating, First Aid, Racing, Foiling, etc.

You’ll find that the RYA books, available in e-books, audiobooks and paperback, should fulfil your needs. They have all the images and explanations that you could ever want or need.

Dinghy Sailing

Windsurfing

Powerboating

Racing

Weather

First Aid

Children Specific Books

The London Watersports Company can also assist you in getting copies of these materials.