Class Captain- Peter Davies
The Asymmetric fleet currently includes a range of different dinghies, from the RS Feva to the RS 800, (see fleet list for current Asymmetrics in the club). Although the fleet openly encourages new faces and dinghy development, it is recommended that for new members buying boats, one should primarily consider boats, which already sail at CCSC.
Asymmetric class starts, will be on Monday evenings and Sundays. Furthermore it is planned that for after the racing on Sundays there will be a very flexible ‘try an asymmetric’ /fun cruise /training (depending on who shows up). Training days will also be run by Fred and Hugh Shone…dates will be posted shortly.
For all the latest info check out not only the Asymmetric board in the clubhouse but also the new website at www.ccscasymmetrics.blogspot.com. If you are interested in the fleet, want to try a boat, or generally need to contact us, this can be done through the Blog or E mail me.
Hugh Shone
The Shone’s at the Musto Skiff Nationals
After buying the MPS around a month ago, Fred and I have been absolutely addicted to it! It is so satisfying to sail, as one masters how to keep it upright and reach some thrilling speeds.
Coupled with our enthusiasm of sailing the boat there was also a rumour that the MPS class was pretty friendly and so we decided to give the nationals ago. It turned out that the venue (Filey SC) was an absolute gem of a place to sail. Lovely beaches, lots of ice creams, some breezy days, free pasta, big barbecue and 48 other skiffs!
Obviously with only one skiff between us we chartered a boat for Fred. This was all arranged for us by the class, which highlights their enthusiasm to see the MPS succeed. Now onto the sailing…
Day 1-(around 6 knots and lots of tide)
During the briefing there is to be a raffle for a brand new Mainsail…unbelievably I win- Good idea to turn up after all then!
Race 1-
I manage to sail cleanly off the committee boat while Fred lingers about third row (apparently waiting for his crew to countdown for him). Managing to break free I secure an 8th while Fred battles back to come 28th in what was a tight fleet. I almost feel bad at beating my helm…. oh well.
Race 2-
A huge lift at the start ruins my pin end beauty, while I suffer Fred manages to tack out to the right. Stuck in the pack I watch Fred round the windward mark in 2nd. Fred Finishes 3rd in the end after somehow capsizing on the last mark! I manage to gain a few places and finish 16th.
Race 3- Suddenly the start line appears very small! I get stuck in the pack coming 26th while Fred manages an 11th.
So after Day 1 Fred is 14th overall and I am 19th. We are both placed in the gold fleet.
Day 2 – no wind
Day 3- (around 25 knots, flat)
Oh my God! Feeling somewhat out of my depth I blast away from the shore with Fred, ripping along with the kites up.
After only sailing the boat a dozen times (Fred only 4 times) and not in any breeze, I wasn’t too worried about flying off the start line in style! So waiting at the pin end I foot off below the fleet (somewhat out of control). To my astonishment I have just won the pin end of the line and subsequently round the windward mark in 3rd behind the ‘legend’ Richard Stenhouse. My downwind skills however did not match my first beat and I capsized on the first gybe. I feel at this point it’s going to be a long day! However my downwind skills gradually improve and I cut back on the swims. I manage to pick up four results consistently around the 20 mark. Fred seemed to have moments of brilliance, then moments of submergence also! Fred unfortunately retired from the last two races due to a loose boom fitting.
Day 4- (even windier with more waves)
Already a little bruised from the previous sail and fairly stiff we launch for the final day of racing. Fred looks good…..as he rounds the last race of the day in 2nd and while putting his nose in the lead he has more boat problems, which puts and end to his series but not his appetite for MPS sailing. I round the windward mark in 3rd in the second race of the day but cant hold on in the challenging conditions. However despite the ferocious gusts and a fair few swims I cant stop smiling as I leap from wave to wave and actually manage to pull off some stunning gybes, so shocked at their wonderfulness I pitch it in down a wave! Oh well it was beautiful I sigh to myself.
Summing the event up is almost impossible, for it was just sooooooo good! Fred and I for the first time raced competitively against each other and enjoyed it immensely. And despite being slightly battered and bruised we feel there is a real opportuniy to improve in the class (especially after watching in awe the top guys and girl showing how it should be done). We would also like to thank the class who put on a superb event, acquiring extensive sponsorship (we all got a free Gerber multi tool) and generally for creating such a friendly atmosphere into which anyone was welcome. Now I just cant wait until the next event and Fred cant wait to get his hands on a boat.
Perhaps some time in the future Fred and I will be MPS training partners…..anyone else is welcome.
Hugh Shone