CCSC HON SAILING SECRETARY REPORT 2007
SAILING
The sailing season got off to a good start with Richard and Adam Bowers providing invaluable on-water training that followed on from their popular winter talks.
The tides meant the keelboats were later than usual going back into the water that made for a later start to the racing season. However, racing got underway towards the end of April. Some complaints were received from dinghy sailors expressing their dissatisfaction as the diminishing P1 period.
Turnouts for racing have not generally improved from last year.
|
Class |
Boats in class |
Ave Turnout |
% |
|
All keelboats |
50 |
7.6 |
15 |
|
Asymmetric |
31 |
6 |
19 |
|
Class 9 |
215 |
8.7 |
4 |
|
Class 2 |
88 |
3.3 |
4 |
|
Class K |
26 |
9 |
35 |
|
J/24 |
7 |
3.8 |
54 |
|
Laser |
63 |
5.6 |
9 |
|
Class 1 |
70 |
1.8 |
3 |
|
Class J |
17 |
6.4 |
37 |
The IRC class was discontinued this year due to lack of boats in this class. The sailing committee are continuing to look at ways to encourage more dinghies onto the water for racing especially class 1. However well done to Sam Barker who regularly turned out to support racing.
The weather has not helped this year, with the Obstacle race, Team race Cherbourg race and Shambles race, all cancelled due to high winds. In contrast, the dinghy and keelboat regattas were sailed in exceptionally light winds. But even on the brilliant perfect sailing days, (few I know), the boat park remains full of dinghies with covers on.
Sunday racing is to continue next year; however there was only an average of 2 boats taking part in class 1. It is hoped to encourage more slow dinghies to take part. The Basso cup and other cup racing may have a slightly different format for next year.
TRAINING
Thank you to Richard and Adam Bowers who gave their superb winter talks again keeping sailing in the forefront of people minds during the dark winter months. The practical rig-tuning evening was very popular, but the short evening closed in on us before all the boats had been measured.
Derek Abbot held his OD/AOD talk again. A lot of questions were answered and new ODs gained excellent advice.
Z CLASS REPORT
Not received
CLASS 1 REPORT
Not received
CLASS 2 REPORT
Not received
ASYMMETRIC REPORT 2007
The asymmetric fleet have had a good year this year, showing some good turnouts for Club racing. They have also ventured away from the Club to all parts of the country from as far north as Loch Lomond (Phil Robinson came 20th), Draycote Water and as near as Lyme Regis.
The asymmetric starts have been well supported on Sundays and Mondays, and although not having their own starts in the Cup Events, the fleet supported these events as well.
The decision at the start of the year not to follow a strict preferred class system has been vindicated. Following a ‘natural progression and persuasion’ route, we now have, four Musto Skiffs, five Laser 2000’s (likely to increase for next year) and regular turnouts from RS200’s, RS800’s, RS400, RS K6, Buzz’s and Int14’s. We are looking forward to a combined Laser 2000 and Musto Skiff open event, which will be held at the Club in September 2008.
The fleet has welcomed some active new members over the last twelve months, Nick Griffin, Jerry Appatino, Steve Andrews and Jon Jenkins.
Outside performers include, Mike Robbins in the Musto Skiff Nationals at Lyme Regis this September. In five days of racing in very light shifty conditions both he and Hugh Shone made it into the Gold Fleet, with Mike finishing 23rd (Hugh finished 5 places behind Mike) out of 44 boats in what it is a very competitive fleet.
Pete Davies Asymmetric class captain.
CCSC LASER CLASS - CLASS CAPTAINS REPORT, SEPTEMBER 2007.
Laser numbers at the club has remained fairly consistent since moving to the new site at around 60 boats with 36 boats racing during 2007. Others have enjoyed sailing at other times.
Turnout is slightly down but this is in line with other classes. Successes include the cup events and greater participation in Monday series. But turnout on Wednesdays has fallen possibly due to the lack of consistency with the weather (5 out of the 21 races being lost) and Sunday turnouts are well down on Saturday turnouts last year.
In June the club hosted the annual laser open held in conjunction with the UK Laser Class Association (South Coast Grand Prix). The event was sponsored by Sail Laser who provided a very generous first prize. 35 lasers participated including 11 from the club. Barry Grant, as race officer, with Nick Spicer did an excellent job in difficult conditions. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped on the day - as the largest class in the club we have been largely self-supporting relying on laser members in the club. The 2008 laser open is due to take place on 17 May. It has been arranged in conjunction with both the South coast and South West Lasers and will be a bigger event with 50 plus boats expected.
During the year club members have participated with mixed success in the youth nationals, nationals, South Coast Circuit and the Masters nationals in Sidmouth.
Castle Cove Lasers seek to embrace and support all laser sailors of all abilities upwards from cadets sailing in 4.7 rig, whether racing or cruising. Additional feedback from sailors includes -
Courses-There is a preference for fleet racing with separate starts and triangular and Olympic courses. Consideration should be given to improving the visibility of buoys, which in dull weather are very difficult to identify.
Cup events should be 3 short races back to back.
Laser specific training was not held this year due to lack of interest.
Youth laser sailing. We will have to work harder now we no longer race on Saturday afternoon to maintain links with the cadet Laser and Topper sailors to encourage youth participation in club racing.
Laser berthing needs to be addressed, particularly with the increase in newer boats.
It is noticeable that most clubs who use racking store their boats on the trolleys in the racks and as a club we are the exception resting the boats off their trolleys directly on the scaffolding poles, which is likely to damage the hulls.
Cancellation of racing - guidelines should be prepared to assist race officers and enable a more consistent approach. Where the decision is marginal consideration should be given to providing safety cover to enable more able sailors to improve their boat handling in windier conditions.
Numerous complaints about length of season, P1. The dinghy sailing season is getting shorter and this is clearly affecting dinghy sailing. This year the season started late with some of the best sailing lost and the Laser Open had to be reorganised again. Every attempt should be made to get racing and sailing by Easter with pre-Easter events both on and off the water including pre-season training and encouraging sailors who want to start earlier. This year we all lost some of the best sailing prior to the season commencing.
Other- It is particularly encouraging seeing the success of Friday Ladies sailing and the number of lasers participating and feeding into club racing.
My thanks to Malcolm Lofts for acting as vice captain and attending the sailing committee meetings and to everybody who has supported the class during the year.
John Shone Laser class captain
WAYFARER REPORT 2007
Club racing got off to a reasonable start, with up to 6 Wayfarers out at times, but numbers did drop during the season. Nick & Barbara Browning have done particularly well this year.
We had 4 Wayfarers enter the Western Area Championships, held as part of the Dinghy Regatta in Weymouth in June. This included Michael Dillistone and Owen Chaldecott, Pete Barfoot and Alan Jenkins, Nick & Barbara Browning, and Anya and Hugh de Iongh. Anya and Hugh de Iongh were 4th overall.
Many Wayfarer sailors benefited from the excellent Race Training and Tuning sessions from the Bowers. Michael Dillistone & Owen Chaldecott also attended the Race Training weekend at Parkstone YC in early May, and learnt a great deal, in amongst being holed by another Wayfarer, suffering their first ever Wayfarer capsize and being narrowly saved from sinking by the skill of the rescue boat crew.
Wayfarers are also excellent cruising boats. 2 dinghy cruises were planned, one was blown out, and the other was a successful trip down to Ringstead. Mike Howarth & Charles Campion Smith went up the East Coast, sailing 80+ miles from Brightlingsea, around Maldon, and taking on the container ships in Harwich.
Hugh de Iongh Wayfarer Class Captain Oct 2007
Cadets 2007
1. With a new Cadet Officer at the helm, the focus during the off-season was to set-up a lasting and sustainable structure around which Cadets might function in 2007 and beyond. Much hard work by an enthusiastic band of volunteers resulted in an organisation that quickly reached self-sustaining speed: the off-season before sailing starts in 2008 will be used to tweak areas noted this season as requiring further refinement. Highlights of the off-season work and supporting infrastructure include:
A most successful data gathering morning at CCSC in November 2006 that involved the children and their parents and debriefed the 2006 season. This allowed both to shape the forthcoming 2007.
The establishment of the CCSC Cadets Committee (with ex-officio members in the Rear Commodore Sailing (Nick Spicer) and CCSC Training Coordinator (Andy Gaunt)) to direct and manage the output of Cadets.
The set-up and management of a Cadets database that allowed full tracking of individuals and their associated qualifications, medical limitations etc.
The set-up and management of a CCSC Cadets website (www.ccsc..) that acted as the primary method of communication and hosted, inter alia:
o A duties roster encompassing a Cadet Officer of the Day, Duty Instructor, Safety Co-ordinator, Safety Boat Coxswains and Crews, and a rota for manning the galley.
o A clearly defined training programme that provided clear focus and progression for our Cadets of all ranges and abilities.
o Cadet news and a gallery.
A successful Induction and Registration evening at the end of March 2007 at which Cadets helped shape their own training, debated and formed the Cadet Charter, and registered themselves for the forthcoming season, whilst parents committed to support in one of the myriad of supporting roles. (By the end of the season the children’s database had amassed over 75 members).
2. Shore training in the Clubhouse and around the boat park started in earnest in early April and once the keelboats had vacated the boat park, on-water training started with great gusto. With progressive development, the training programme has centred on a three-pronged strategy: Saturday morning sessions, RYA courses (Stages 1 – 4) and Class specific training days.
The aim of the Saturday training programme was not only to have fun while developing personal sailing skills, but also to share those skills, safely and co-operatively. These aims came partly from the Cadets themselves, who developed their Cadet Charter on our induction day at the end of March. The schedule covered a wide range of sailing skills from capsize drills to seamanship skills to all types of race training: regatta racing, pursuit racing, obstacle and team racing. We sailed every Saturday, rain or shine, only losing 2 days due: some days were lost due to moving aside for whole club events. Seeing the majority of the regular Cadets, from Optimists upward sail was a most welcome indicator of the success of the training schedule.
The second strand, RYA courses run in conjunction with WOEC, started early with the first 2 day Stage One course at Easter, making it possible for our newest recruits to begin crewing with the Cadets safely from day one. We filled another Stage 1 and a Stage 2 course at half-term and then a Stage 3 and Stage 4 course during the first week of the summer holidays. CCSC provides the safety boats, the on shore back up and assistance on the water as required and the children get RYA training at reduced rates using their own boats at the club. A most successful relationship.
The third strand of the training programme has involved special training for some specific classes of boat. Mid-May saw a day of Topper Class Association training followed, on the Sunday, by the Topper Class Association South West Zone Traveller event (an Open event): several members of CCSC Cadets participated, with varying degrees of success, on both days. In mid-June, Cadets again hosted an external coach, this time covering the Optimist whilst in July we looked to our own members for some coaching. Bob turner very kindly trained our Mirror sailing cadets in the skills of sail setting and race tactics in preparation for our Cadet Race Day and Mirror Class Association South West Traveller event at the end of July. At this event, the entry field from the Mirror Class within the whole of CCSC was disappointing (although most Mirror owning Cadets took part, there were a large number of Mirrors in the boat park that did not get wet).
3. Throughout the season, the improvement in skill levels has been substantial and together with involvement in club racing, keelboat sailing (for some) and external events (for some), the CCSC Cadets label has been spread far and wide.
4. Outside what one could term the ‘routine’ business of Saturday morning Cadets, several of our members have used their talents in a number of areas. Notable highlights include:
Volunteering to help with Weymouth’s ‘Youth Afloat’ festival in mid-May.
A sponsored cycle ride in aid of the NSPCC – ‘Sailors Cycling for Children’ – at the beginning of September.
Cadets entering the Weymouth Dinghy Regatta, Parkstone Youth Week and Weymouth Keelboat Regatta; and the Cadet Officer as a Course Safety Leader for the Olympic Sail for Gold Regatta hosted at the WPNSA.
Further afield, some of our Cadet members have participated in a number of wider sailing forums. Highlights include:
Last autumn, Harrison Reid was selected for the RYA Southern Topper Zone squad. He sailed in this squad and competed in the Topper Nationals and Worlds until mid-summer when he transferred to the Laser 4.7. In this class he competed in the Laser Nationals – many congratulations to him for his noteworthy efforts.
Anya de Iongh has completed her distinguished career as a CCSC Cadet (she moves in to the senior sailing arena now she has reached the age of 18) competing in the Scorpion Nationals, the Youth Nationals in her Laser, and the J24 nationals. More importantly, Anya’s qualification as a Dinghy Instructor has been invaluable to the delivery of Saturday morning Cadets.
Jemma Spicer has had an outstanding season. A regular member of Cadets and participator in Saturday morning sessions, Jemma also moves into the senior sailing arena (age) and this year has:
o qualified as a Dinghy Instructor and used this qualification to the benefit of Cadets
o Competed in the J24 National, the Laser Nationals, the Firefly Nationals and most notably, competed in and won a clean sweep of medals at both the Sea Cadet area/regional finals and the Sea Cadet Nationals.
o Been a regular sight on the start line at CCSC and won a racing series.
5. At the end of the season the Prize Committee met and with a significant number of Cadets eligible in what was a tough fought competition, the Prize Committee awarded the prizes and trophies shown below.
The Andy Mursell Trophy (for Cadet endeavour) – Robert Kennedy
The Ayton Dempsey Trophy (for Cadet youth progress) – Sam Barker
The Thornlow Cup (for best team player) – Robin Hollis
The Cadet Madness Trophy (to a Laser sailor) – Jemma Spicer
The Gwilli Jenkins Optimist Cup (for the best Oppie sailor) – James Bishop
Trophy for Innovation and Performance (for constantly and consistently testing different boats, techniques and methods and questioning teaching in order to improve his understanding and abilities) – Thomas Merewether
Trophy for Best newcomer 2007 – Mike Powell
Plaque for Cadet Novice Endeavour – Tristan Bracegirdle
Plaque for the Best Attendance Record 2007 – Thomas Wildman
6. Finally, Cadets finish the season in high spirits, safe in the knowledge that much hard work and effort has helped produce a most successful season. Our structure and programme have undoubtedly worked and provide a most effective foundation for the 2008 season and beyond. As I somewhat prematurely step down as the Cadet Officer, I am buoyed by the outstanding efforts provided firstly by the Committee that assisted me (in turn I thank them for their support) and secondly, by the scale of voluntary help from Cadet Parents and others. This magnificent team effort has made the 2007 season an outstanding success.
Henry Merewether
Cadet Officer 2007
LADIES (FRIDAY) SAILING 2007
We have had another very successful season, with 26 different people sailing with us during the season so far, including 4 “honorary ladies”. Some members have been able to sail regularly, whilst others have only managed one or two Fridays in the season. Confidence, experience, and hopefully skill have increased and we were delighted that one of our regulars won the Ladies’ Race this year. Lasers and Toppers have been the biggest group of boats, several members hiring the club boats, but we have also used Wayfarers, Laser Picos, Comets and of course “Mary Rose”. We would like to thank Sara Lloyd, Diana Gill and Joe Isaacs (+ Steve Green as backup) who have again this year generously given their time and expertise to provide rescue boat cover and encouragement to us all.
Cathy Williams
CCSC CRUISING REPORT
Unfavourable weather conditions dominated the season making member’s cruises very difficult to plan. However, weather windows were taken and many trips were accomplished to the West Country, Scilly Isles, Channel Islands and many areas of the French Coast.
Marina stay were much longer than expected but feedback tells us that even in difficult situations spirits remained high in typical castle cove sailing club style.
A closeness of cruising members has grown, producing an excellent ambience.
The spring Barbeques have proved a huge success and as usual everyone is welcome. I already have requests for another in 2008. The end of season supper was enjoyed by all and it was good to see a mixed group of sailors happily attend. Being close to the winter lay-up, makes the event more significant.
On the whole, cruisers made the most of the weather keeping very active. Sound proof that the cruising fleet is very much alive.
Mike Carter Cruising class captain
OUTSIDE PERFORMANCES not already mentioned, include, Jock Fellows for coming 3rd at the Scorpion open at Lymington, 4th in the open at Weymouth and 22nd in the Scorpion Nationals at Bridlington. John Mursell came 1st at the Scorpion open at Lyme Regis, 2nd at Netly, 3rd at Weymouth and Sidmouth and 2nd at the Scorpion Nationals at Bridlington. Jemma Spicer in her Laser came 1st at the Sea Cadet area sailing championships, she then went on to win the Regional championships and became overall winner. Jemma has also qualified as a dinghy instructor.
Anya de Iongh competed in the Scorpion Nationals, the youth nationals in her Laser and the J24 nationals. She also has qualified as a dinghy instructor.
In the Z class, Peter Eustace made a formidable trip from Cornwall to the Azores and back. A two handed race of over 2,000 gruelling miles where Peter and his crew had to cope with storm force winds, surfing down waves that threaten to overtake them or swamp them at any time, broken self-steering gear, Spanish fishermen and a spinnaker that went into self destruct mode round the forestay. Peter (according to his website), is now looking forward to sedate cruising with no spinnaker work. All the same, congratulations to Peter and his crew for completing such a arduous race and finding the time to keep a web based diary for those of us sailing in home waters to read.
I wish to thank the sailing committee for their support and hard work during the year. A big thank you to the catering committee and the Bar committee and a big thank you to all the volunteers that have given up so much of their time to help out during open events and cup events.