ARMY ASSOCIATIONJournal

2020 1 2 [email protected] Advertising Sales: Branchfl Heather ower Director: Katie Mordue Creative Director: Kerry Wells Carisbrooke Court, MK181TU. Buckingham or printers are andalladvertisements includedingoodfaith.Published by Commercial Publishing Ltd, &Military 5 editor. inthisJournal can beaccepted advertised ofgoodsorservices No by responsibility thepublishers forthequality ofthispublication oftheArmy may SailingAssociation.otherwise, bereproduced No part withoutthepermission ofthe inthispublication inthispublication are arein thearticles in thearticles thoseoftheauthorsanddonotnecessarily thoseoftheauthorsanddonotnecessarily re re andviews, andviews, o o thepolicy thepolicy ect ect cial or cial or © This Journal contains o cial information andshouldbetreated withdiscretion by therecipient. The opinionsexpressed www.candmpublishing.co.uk ARMY SAILING ARMY SAILING CONTENTS ASSOCIATION FLAG OFFICERS’ NOTES Army Sailing Army Association Directory 48 ASA GENERAL ExHEBRIDEANKITE4 UkFoilCoachingCamp 44 KiteFoil Cyprus Training Exercise 43 UKAFKiteChampionships 42 Kitesurfi Army ngChampionships2019 41 40 KITESURFING ForcesWindfoil Training Week ExtremeSurfSafaga 39 Army Windsurfi ngChampionships 38 IceBreaker Corps 37 36 WINDSURFING InshoreSail Army Training Centre(South) KeyDinghy Fixtures2020 35 ASALake GardaPartnership 34 GoldCup 34 SailingClub Garrison Catterick 33 32 DINGHY JSATWC 2019RolexFastnetRace (Cyprus) 30 Adventurous TrainingWing Services Joint Carrickfergus Centre(CWSC) Water Sport 29 OffshoreRegatta(AOR) Army 28 2020 AOCC Programme Course 26 ExMOONRAKERCADET 24 Soldier British 22 OffshoreRacing2019SeasonSummary Army 18 14 12 OFFSHORE FromtheEditor Kitesurfi ngNotes RearCommodoreDinghy Notes 10 RearCommodore 10 Windsurfi ngNotes RearCommodoreOffshoreRacingNotes 9 RearCommodoreOffshoreNotes 9 Notes Secretary’s 7 Commodore’s Introduction 7 6 6 Journal Ex CRIMSONCOCONUT & Commercial P UBLISHNGTD Military 2020, Issue44 Telephone: Mil(94222) 7093Email: [email protected] Aldershot, HantsGU112LB Mackenzie Building, Fox Lines, Queens Avenue, Association Army Sailing

www.sailing.armysportcontrolboard.com FLAG OFFICERS ASA Lieutenant Colonel(Retd) T Keppel-Compton Secretary Major BCooke MBE Treasurer Major JJBoutle AISTCChairman OBE Colonel (Retd)RIHarrison Rear Commodore Germany Lt CdrOBowen RNR Rear Commodore Cruising Division A White Major Rear Commodore Kitesurfing Lieutenant Colonel A Greenfi eld Rear Commodore Windsurfing Lieutenant ColonelMSargent Rear Commodore Dinghies Colonel EACorrigan Rear Commodore Offshore Racing Colonel JMFacer Rear Commodore Offshore Colonel A Hadfi eld Vice Commodore NSexton Major General Commodore JIBashallCBCBE Lieutenant General Admiral Visit the ASA website at 3

Commodore’s Introduction Major General Neil Sexton s your new Commodore promote and attend the courses on offer, enter the Army I must start by thanking Offshore Regatta, and charter Grebe and our affiliated Regimental Amy predecessor, Maj and Corps boats as often as possible. Gen James Swift, for a great In Offshore Racing, with the new race boat, we are looking handover, congratulate him on forward to another great season, building on 2019’s success and his promotion and appointment aiming to repeat the stellar first place of 2018, in winning the as Chief of Defence People, RORC overall international competition. As important as racing and look forward to seeing him success is the number of budding racers that the core team plan continue his Army sailing over the to get aboard, through an ambitious race programme ranging coming years. from UK waters to the Mediterranean and Caribbean over 2020 & 2021, with Fujitsu British Soldier certain to occupy significant My own sailing began in the column inches in the RORC sailing world and beyond. way that many soldiers are , Windsurfing and Kitesurfing continue to introduced to a sport. I was thrive, enabled so well by the AISTC, our permanent staff and a 2nd Lieutenant assigned to the Army Air Corps squadron in our other sailing centres. We must remain responsive to the Minden during my first university summer holiday. My attachment changing demands of soldiers and unit pressures which are a coincided with the annual AAC Regatta out of the British Kiel constant risk to participation. The AISTC has made best use of Yacht Club and the squadron was short of a crew member; I was 2018/19 investments in new equipment by increasing soldier ‘volunteered’. After a brilliant week around the Danish Islands, participation in foiling and keelboats and has responded to the I was hooked and have sailed ever since, taking advantage of rapidly growing demand for Kitesurfing. The Inshore Centre has courses and yachts from the ASA, the Joint Services Adventurous continued to perform as a centre of excellence for training and Sail Training Centre, BKYC and the Mediterranean charter market a hub for continuation training whilst supporting other centres in equal measure. So, the Press Gang may have gone out of through training and qualifying instructors and safety staff. Most fashion but, in all of our disciplines, we must make a particular importantly, well over 1000 soldiers benefited from courses in effort to feed our Association with junior soldiers and officers, 2019. many of whom will have no idea what they are missing until they Looking to the future we are in good shape, for 2020 and are volunteered to give it a go. beyond, but with several enduring challenges, which I and the Our core purpose remains getting soldiers, veterans and Trustees will remain closely focused on. The future long- dependants afloat whenever we can, from Cyprus to Northern term location of the AOSC remains a concern, inspite of Fort Ireland and all points in between. Equipment in all areas continues Blockhouse’s reprieve from closure to at least 2022. Contingency to advance at a fierce pace, posing challenges, novelty and plans are being developed by the Secretary and Trustees, with excitement. It is remarkable how quickly new technology filters Army Sport Control Board support. Financial health is sound down from the pinnacles of the sport. I am sure it won’t be long but as ever will need continued drive and imagination to maintain before foil-equipped cruising yachts enter the mainstream market it. Driving participation and membership from an undermanned and foiling becomes almost the norm for Dinghy Sailing, Wind and and heavily tasked Army will be enduringly difficult but vital to our Surfing. You will have noticed that our new flagship race boat, future and our purpose. Fujitsu British Soldier, is a wholly different hull shape from the old I commend to you the excellent reports and articles in this as well as being faster and easier to handle. At the same time the edition of the Journal, which show again the breadth and depth of traditions of sailing and seamanship, inshore and offshore, are of the sailing that the ASA delivers. enduring value to us all; testing courage, leadership, knowledge Thank you to all ASA members for your continued support and and judgement. to all those that have made it possible to deliver such rewarding The AOSC is in great training shape, as is our HR 342 yacht, sport to so many soldiers. I look forward to meeting as many of Grebe, now with a new engine and sail drive. I urge you to you as possible in the coming season both on and off the water. Secretary’s Notes Lt Col (Retd) Toby Keppel-Compton fter 27 years as an ASA to enabling Army Sailing in the years to come and getting to meet member it is with great as many of you as possible, on and off the water. A massive thank Apleasure and a degree you to Lisa Winchester who continues to educate me every day of surprise that I find myself and provides the rock on which ASA management stands. writing as your new Secretary. I 2019 was another great season, with significant success across enjoyed an excellent handover all disciplines, expertly recounted in the Flag Officers’ reports, from Alan Flavell in December. especially further success for Offshore Racing with the X41’s last I cannot thank him enough season as British Soldier and Cpl Simon Horsfield once again and must also record the achieving multiple dinghy sailing triumphs. tremendous job he did as ASA With a new Commodore and Secretary, as you would expect Secretary over so many years, there will be some evolutionary tweaks on the tiller, to build on for which I know we are all the work of 2018. The finances will always need careful control grateful. I am looking forward and maximising sponsorship and grant income is a particular focus.

6 There are funds to be had but they need constant fighting for. our Joint Services efforts. The new race boat, Fujitsu British Beyond money there are opportunities for our internal and Soldier (FBS), is looking fantastic in her new fresh livery and is external communications, both in our website development ready for formal naming on the 27th of March at the AOSC. and with careful use of wider modern media. Thanks to Bernie She will be present at the AOR for aspiring offshore racers to Fowler for volunteering to continue to manage the ASA see and experience. Her RORC programme is impressive and Website. will see her race around the UK, in the Med and then into the The AISTC and AOSC continue their effectiveness in delivering Caribbean in 2021. The RAF will host the Services Offshore excellent courses and wider ASA support. Thanks again to Jed Regatta this year with support from the AOSC as needed. If Cunningham and Phil Brown for all of their hard work. Darren we can avoid gear failure, this time, we are hopeful of bringing Kirkham as our Regional1 Coach has made a particular impact home trophies. Dinghy sailing, Windsurfing and Kitesurfing are on the quality of the assurance and support we give our all gaining an injection of new equipment. The pace of change in affiliated Yacht Clubs, as well as expanding the frequency and these disciplines is fascinating, particularly as foiling develops apace, reach of Powerboat Training and coaching oversight. Sonnie proving attractive to all and especially junior soldiers. Looking Emeney has now fully bedded in at Thorney Island to the great further ahead our Dinghy Sailors are aiming for a presence at the benefit of course delivery. World Masters Games 2021 in Kansai Japan. 2020 is already looking to be an amazing year with a revamped Overall the ASA office remains focused on assisting as many Army Offshore Regatta (AOR) programme, taking in Poole of you as possible to get on the water, develop your skills, gain and Weymouth getting the event out of the Solent. It is hoped qualifications and simply enjoy the wind and spray. that we can spot some new racing talent on the AOR to assist Have a great season. Rear Commodore Offshore Notes Col Jules Facer 019 has been another good GREBE which is used extensively to deliver the sailing courses and year of Army Offshore is also available for charter to ASA members. The location of the 2sailing. There have been AOSC in its current building in Fort Blockhouse remains secure many expeditions and events for now as the site closure due at the end of 2020 has been organised by the Regimental and extended by a couple of years. Corps yacht clubs, plenty of take- Fourteen boats took part in the 2019 AOR which combined up of the excellent sail training inshore “round-the-cans” with windward-leeward and passage opportunities offered by the Joint racing. Much valuable racing experience was gained by all who Services Adventurous Sail Training took part, along with lots of enjoyment. Congratulations to the Centre, a busy schedule of Royal Logistics Corps for winning the Dolphin Trophy (team training offered through the Army trophy) and the Bowl (individual trophy). AOR 2020 will be Offshore Sailing Centre (AOSC) run during the 11-15 May and will build on previous formats by and a good level of participation in including more passage racing well outside the Solent. We look the Army Offshore Regatta (AOR). forward to seeing as many entries as possible from across the The AOSC, under the leadership of our Chief Instructor Phil ASA membership in the Victoria 34, IRC and cruising divisions. Brown, has delivered a range of courses both on and off the Finally, best of luck to all those taking part in Exercise Transglobe, water. These opportunities are open to all ASA members and run organised by Lt Col Frank Cannon, as the Army around-the-world throughout the year. At the heart of this is our Hallberg-Rassy 34 expedition on the JSASTC Challenge 72 sets off in October 2020.

Rear Commodore Offshore Racing Notes Col Eddie Corrigan here has been significant coincided with the change of hulls from the X41 ‘British Soldier’ to change in the Offshore the Sunfast 3600 ‘Fujitsu British Soldier’. It must be highlighted this TSailing Racing element change was possible thanks to the generous financial sponsorship of the Army Sailing Association from our brilliant partners Fujitsu, and additional support from the towards the end of yet another ASCB and Army Sailing Association. highly successful 2019 racing season. Maj Will Naylor has History. In 2017 British Soldier won the Haylock Cup (best Inter deployed on operations and Services Yacht in the RORC Offshore Series), the Culdrose Cup Col Eddie Corrigan has stepped and the Inter Regimental Cup (inter Services’ cups for the 2017 in to take over as RCOR, with Fastnet Race). 2018 improved on the successes of 2017 and was Maj Naylor providing a ‘reach the most successful season ever for the Army’s Offshore Sailing forward’ capability for historical Racing team and Services Offshore Sailing. Consistently gaining context and to remain involved exceptional results in her Class resulted in British Soldier finishing in the Committee. This change 1st overall out of a fleet of 395 yachts in the RORC Offshore

7 Series and winning the much coveted Jazz Trophy to take an historic victory for Rear Commodore Windsurfing Notes Services sailing within an international and exceptionally competitive, often professional, fleet - a first for Services sailing. In 2019, the team overcame a late start to the season following repairs, in delivering convincing service wins in both the RORC series and Fastnet Race but sadly failed to win the Services Offshore Regatta (hosted by the ASA this year) due to equipment failure, though the team managed first place in the Victoria 34 class. For its particular successes in 2018 and early in 2019, and for the dedication, commitment and personal 2019 - A farewell to the highly successful thoroughbred X-41. Credit Ray A Condachi sacrifices of the squad, the Army Offshore Sailing Racing Team was nominated for the Army Sports Team of senior non- the Year award. commissioned officers, warrant Successes: officers and The following was achieved by a squad of approximately 100 officers across the personnel (25 Ptes/10 JNCO; 15 SNCO; 2 WO; 3 OCdt; 10 Army, of all levels Lt/2Lt; 17 Capt; 13 Maj; 2 LtCol; 3 Col) with occasional trial and of experience, to novice sailors. the highest levels of competition. 2019 season: This is with the • Services Offshore Regatta Victoria 34 class - 1st aim of promoting • RORC Haylock Cup for best Inter Services Yacht in the RORC the Army and the Offshore Series Armed Services Sgt Adam Hearn taking over as Boat Captain from • Culdrose Cup for best service yacht around the Fastnet rock on through success Maj Will Naylor corrected time and by example, • Inter Regimental Cup for best service yacht overall in IRC at every level. It builds on personnel and skills developed through the Adventurous Training provided by the Joint Services Purpose Adventurous Sail Training Centre (JSASTC), the Army Sailing The Army Offshore Racing Yacht and Team exists to promote Association (ASA) Offshore Centre and the Army Inshore Sail excellence within the sport of Offshore Sailing, exposing soldiers, Training Centre (AISTC), as well as the personal commitment and development by members of the squad. Whilst it seeks to use the best sailors - those who might be considered for elite programmes - for the most challenging and high profile of events, it positively encourages participation by all and provides opportunity to build racing experience and expertise across a developmental, exciting, demanding and high-profile programme of events. With a common purpose and with shared values of individual commitment, courage, determination and team work, the team has developed a highly capable and dedicated squad, keen to deliver excellence and share their knowledge and experience through an all-inclusive and welcoming approach.

Look ahead The 2020 season will see the launch of the Army’s new racing yacht, Fujitsu British Soldier, supported by an early start to an ambitious and busy season with squad training, symposia, yacht familiarisation and maintenance/preparation and local inshore racing. Early training and racing will be supported by the previous, semi-professional, crew of the boat who raced her successfully in the previous two seasons. Thereafter Fujitsu British Soldier will compete in a demanding programme through until the end of Sep 20, developing a squad and selecting the best for the most challenging and high profile races. The 2020 season will lead directly into the next Fastnet season, with current aspirations to begin with the Rolex Middle Sea race in the autumn of 2020, followed by the Transat from Lanzarote to Grenada, followed by the prestigious Caribbean 600, before returning for the UK RORC series ending the season with the Fastnet in 2021. It is anticipated that forecasting this programme early will raise both the awareness and interest in the team and will drive an uplift in A hard won haul in 2019, top service yacht in RORC and the Fastnet’s Culdrose the size of the squad and future racers. Cup and Inter Regimental Trophy

8 Rear Commodore Windsurfing Notes Lt Col Adam Greenfield f Army Windsurfing challenge to retain his title from those hot on his heels. I am remembers 2019 as the pleased to report that the Forces Open competition will be Iyear that saw the birth of replaced from 2020 by the UK Armed Forces Foil Championships Windfoiling in the Army then I which will continue to be run by the Army. Five foil-specific racing hope 2020 will be remembered weekends have also been added to the calendar in 2020 which I as the year in which Windfoiling am sure will prove popular. comes of age. The 2020 2019 began with an Ice Breaker week in March which proved forecast of events is now very successful in getting sailors back onto the water following the live and there is no excuse winter break and in 2020 the event will be retained and combined for anyone involved in Army with the 2019 Army Individual and Inter Corps Windsurfing Windsurfing not to get involved Championships which had been held in July 2019 but insufficient in foiling in one way or another. wind, even for foiling, resulted in a deferral. There is also plenty on offer for The Inter Services delivered the best wind of 2019 with two those keen to continue their days of racing in high winds in which the team gave every ounce development without a foil. of energy but unfortunately the Army narrowly lost out to the In May 2019 the bold transformation plan to integrate foiling other two services. In 2020 the Army will host the event at as a discipline started to become reality. The Forces Open Weymouth and planning is already well underway, both for the event, traditionally held in May, was replaced with a week of event itself and a better result. training designed to get the maximum benefit from the new An overseas visit to Egypt in 2019 concentrated on the foil equipment ready for the season ahead. Developing a core development of those on the fringes of the Army team. 2020 of sailors able to use and care for the equipment before then will see the Army team return to the south of France for the passing on that knowledge to ensure that foiling got off to the prestigious Defi wind event in May and planning for the next best possible start. Throughout the season there was plenty Exercise Extreme Surf in 2021 is also taking shape. of opportunity to get out on the water and we were able to The stand out performance of the season was without doubt run successful foil-only racing at the Army Championships and that of Major Marti Jerrard who was crowned Champion in the also a team of six competed at the national inland windfoiling Veteran category of the UK Windsurfing Association Amateur competition. Congratulations to Captain Dave Curry, Royal Slalom Fleet. He also finished 6th overall which was an excellent Engineers, who was crowned as the first Army Windfoiling result. Champion and I have no doubt that he will face a significant I look forward to seeing you all on the water in 2020. Rear Commodore Dinghy Notes Lt Col Matt Sargent his report simply This year I took the decision to go ‘in-house’ for race must begin with management and umpiring at the Lagos Trophy Inter-Corps Team- Tan astounding Racing in June, and to reduce the fleet size from teams of 3 boats achievement: Corporal to teams of two. As a result 6 teams enjoyed terrific racing at a Simon Horsfield’s success in faster ‘Army’ tempo and the coaching and decisions by the umpire beating more than 600 boats team led by Corporal Horsfield were much better understood by to win the Sailjuice Winter our sailors. I intend to maintain the same approach this year and Handicap Series in 18-19 is would encourage all Regimental and Corps yacht clubs to ensure well documented and was at that their cap badge is represented. the core of his shortlisting as A World Championship in the Class on our doorstep at Army Sportsman of the Year; Hayling Island was too good an opportunity to miss. We entered as I write he, and crew Katie three second-hand boats in the highly competitive fleet. Cpl Burridge, have been confirmed Horsfield and Katie Burridge finished 47th, LCpl Josh Crisp and as the first sailors to win the stand-in crew Chris Brown 60th and 13 year-old Gwen Sargent, title twice, this year against a field of 657 and in even tougher an ASA family member, became U19 World Champion in 46th. conditions. We must warmly congratulate them both on this Elsewhere in fleet racing we supported the 2000 Nationals at fantastic result. Tenby as our main effort. Our ten boats boosted the fleet to 51 In our regular season events we continue to build the capability boats and enjoyed competitive racing all the way through the fleet. of dinghy sailors who came to the ASA as novices, not formed 2000 experts, Cpl Horsfield and Katie Burridge, finished third, racers and are on the threshold of delivering at the highest levels with other strong results from LCpl Stu Williams and Cpl Emily of Inter-Service racing. It would be a fair summary of the season Towersley-Veal in ninth and Gwen Sargent and I, top junior and to say, almost there but not quite, but not for want of effort 10th overall. and attitude. The first event of the season was the Inter-Service AISTC (S) put a great show on as usual for the Gold Cup. There Team-Racing at Bowmoor Sailing Club at the end of April. In was another win for Cpl Horsfield, this time crewed by Gemma, mixed conditions both A and B teams saw some tight calls by Katie’s mum, while her sister, Sarah, finished second as crew for the umpires go against them and neither made the final. The Kev O’Brien, of RAFSA, the 2000 Class Chair. LCpl Josh Crisp proximity to Easter leave tends to affect the Army more than the secured his best result in Army colours with third place. other services, and this year both the Army and Navy had been In summary a great year of competitive sailing in a variety of training in force. We’ll fix that for the 2020 season. conditions, building talent for the future.

9 Kitesurfing Notes Jon Metcalfe - ASA Kite and Windsurfing Manager

he 2019 season has been one of the most successful seasons in terms of performance and participation with Tthe Army team winning both the freestyle and kite foiling disciplines at the UKAF Kite Championships which were held in Oct at Hayling Island. Training courses continued to be very popular with units and individuals attending beginner, intermediate and advanced foiling courses at the AISTC on Thorney Island. In 2019 we trained in excess of 150 personnel covering skills courses, events and instructor training. This increased uptake has helped support our kite events program with successful trips made to the Outer Hebrides, Anglesey, Cyprus and Hayling Island. Looking forward to 2020 the season kicks off with Ex Hebredian kite in April which is an intermediate freestyle and wave kiting camp before courses start at the AISTC. This season we are planning additional courses to continue to meet the high demand for training, some of the basic courses will be run on Thorney Island utilising the beach at the top of the island which we are Team Army UKAF Kite Champs 2019 now permitted to use for kite training on short lines. We will be foil training camp in Cyprus in July which will be hosted at the continuing to use Hayling Island for the improver courses and Lemmings Kite Club in Episkopi. foiling courses. The Army kite Champs will be held at Rhosneigr again, this event Kite Foiling continues to grow in popularity, and we will be has grown over the past few years with over 40 personnel now focusing on this new exciting aspect of kitesurfing with a new attending from across the Army, this year we will be introducing foil racing series which will be delivered over five weekends an Inter Corps team event which will run alongside the individual throughout the season. The Army now have four of the latest competition. From this we will select the Army team for freestyle Moses kite foil race boards which will be used to support our foil and foiling for the UKAF Kite Champs event planned for October. team who plan to enter some of the key National events, there So, lots going on this year and loads of opportunities to get are also plans for a Combined Service team to enter the Edge involved in Army kitesurfing, I look forward to seeing you on the Cup this year. Also, in the pipeline will be a Tri Service overseas water this season.

From the Editor Lt George Heelas-Jorgensen

nother year of sailing, and another hugely successful season for the ASA. It is as usual a privilege to be the editor of the journal, where I get to read Aarticles and see photos long before they might be printed. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.

This year you can look forward to reading about the successes in the RORC Fastnet race, how foiling is starting to take over at the AISTC, and how the wind and kite surfers have been all over the world showing off what they can do.

I hope that the 2020 season is as exciting to write about as 2019 has been, and I look forward to getting articles and photos throughout the year from across the ASA.

10 11 RE O H S F F O

KRH Crew Ex CRIMSON

COCONUTby Lt Seb Teuber Having watched Depp, Bloom, and Knightly gallivant around the Caribbean once too often, and fed up with the wet and Wiltshire weather, 14 intrepid offi cers and soldiers, under the organisational baton of Lt “Barbosa” Jorgensen, fl ew to St Lucia in mid-January to join Ex CARIBBEAN EXPRESS. This Joint Services run expedition contained some long passages, including trans-Atlantic crossings, but the King’s Royal Hussars, fearful to lose sight of dry land and the refreshing but mind-numbing rum CrewTraining punch that accompanied trips he team fl ew into St Lucia where, Moored in Rodney Bay, just North of ashore ensured that the St Lucia resplendent in salmon chinos, Seb Castries, the fi rst two days consisted of Twas easily spotted and managed shore based training on the Challenge 72 – St Lucia leg was one of typical to keep the team together through the Joint Services boat, DISCOVERER and cavalry style. airport and onto the waiting shuttle. much plastering of SPF 50 suncream. This

12 ‘‘A truly magical 14 days was characterised by excellent sailing over 650 nautical miles, beautiful flora and fauna both above and below the surface, and stunning coastal towns; French and Caribbean. ’’ included the basics of rope and sail work, but the few hours of blissful sleep and rescue and recovery drills. Alex, the were worth the cool shower. Purser or more colloquially referred to as Following the initial ordeal, the 24 Mummy, was in charge of the provisions hour sail from Bequia to Antigua for our perilous voyage. The requisite tins was dreaded by most. The passage, of vegetables and UHT milk were bought in watches of four hours on, four along with, on the Doctor’s orders, some hours off, was uneventful as the Swimming Martinique more comfortable staples such as a whole crew steadily steered their way side of Atlantic smoked salmon; shamefully North learning about basic celestial the blinis and crème fraiche were forgot. navigation en route. Referred to as Regardless, fully stocked, we set sail. Nelson’s Dockyard and founded by The first leg of the voyage consisted the Royal Navy in the 18th Century of a day sail to Union Island, the furthest the crew disembarked and explored South of the Grenadines. The passage was the culturally significant area of rough and, unused to the pitch and roll English Harbour, mostly in awe of the of a monohull under sail, six of the crew number of enormous super yachts were forced to relieve themselves over the parked alongside. That evening, on guard railings. Sam was man of the match the hilltop overlooking the harbour, as he caught and held onto the author we were treated to a Caribbean diving to make the railings while, despite barbeque where a number of the also being afflicted, Ben failed to hide his junior soldiers turned on the charm schadenfreude and cracked the only smile to try and bag a more comfortable that has been seen of him since his arrival night’s sleep aboard one of the larger Cooking below at RD. However, as the crew moored in yachts. Unsurprisingly, all crew members Tobago Cays, the ordeal was deemed to were found to be asleep in their correct a brisk 18kt wind we made the trip to be worth it as Dylan swam in the sea for places the next morning. Deshaies in good time and took the the first time and for some, their first time Our time in Antigua coincided with the opportunity to explore the town where snorkelling was even more unforgettable finishing of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic the BBC drama ‘Death in Paradise’ is due to the presence of multiple sea turtles Challenge. Teams of two or four departed filmed. The day was made even more grazing on the sea grass in the crystal clear from Gran Canarias in December and special by the small dolphin pod that water below. rowed the Atlantic unsupported over playfully shadowed us at our bow for a The living accommodation aboard the nearly 40 days. It was great to be able number of miles. steel-hulled vessel was tight and hot but to support the final few teams as they Unfortunately and unusually for the the crew soon got used to the situation, crossed the line and certainly put our Caribbean, the wind dropped for the last some people choosing to sleep under the ‘particularly arduous’ adventurous training couple of days as we returned to St Lucia stars in the cool wind while braving the into perspective. via Martinique under motor-sail. However occasional overnight shower. The inevitable Antigua marked the halfway point this allowed the crew time to use the final clatter and cursing of people picking up of our time on board DISCOVERER. couple of days to swim and enjoy the local cushions and trudging back downstairs into Disappointed to leave we headed South towns as we stopped. the heat was an almost nightly occurrence towards Guadeloupe and after catching A truly magical 14 days was characterised by excellent sailing over 650 nautical miles, beautiful flora and fauna both above and below the surface, and stunning coastal towns; French and Caribbean. Despite the drone footage and excellent photographs taken by George and Andy, the “Hussars of the Caribbean” franchise doesn’t look set to take off. However, those novices who took part were all awarded Competent Crew and those already with the qualification clocked up enough miles to easily move onto the Day Skipper course. Sailing in the King’s Royal Hussars is looking up, and with so many now qualified, shorter trips on the South coast will become more and more feasible. Who knows, an all KRH team in the Army regatta might soon be a reality; if not a formidable opponent on the water, then they certainly would be in the bar afterwards – no rum punch though! Life is a beach

13 O

14 F F S H ARMY OFFSHORE RACING O By Capt Ant Carrow, Army R 2019 Season Summary Offshore Racing Media Offi cer E “Almost completely stoppedoff theNeedles due tothelack thefl ofbreeze, eet was Peters Port in Guernsey for commiseration icecreams. for commiseration inGuernsey Peters Port mid-pack fi nishposition, Soldiermotor-sailed viaSt British backtoGosport intowards StMalo.edge pastrunning Dipping thelineinasadly familiar rigs towatchthesymmetrical setupanditwasheart-breaking asymmetric Soldier’s aftertheChannelIslandsdidn’tsuitBritish Light downwind airs making uptheFastnetteam, itproved weekend. tobeavaluable training directions. later proportion with alarge The crewtookthisintheirstride combinationofsailplanbeingusedinquickly shiftingwind every virtually conditions, fastoutoftheSolentacrosstoChannelIslandswith togetintouch. areencouraged racers reaffirm theethosthatthisis YOUR BOAT andthatprospective offshore the highestlevel ofEuropeanOffshoreSailing. The Committeewantto at torace approximately 100 having theopportunity personnel Army togetontheboathasresultedin to give newtalentanopportunity round-the-cans actionintheSolent. The strongpushfromtheCommittee Soldierinfast-paced onBritish participated of newcrewandskippers for theCommitteetoseewasthatasignifiwas heartening cant number results intheIRCNationalsandCowes week below expectations. What which wasachieved itself! inunderhalfthetimethatittookfor therace for afastbroadreachbacktoGosport the windpicked upaftertherace endfor anothermid-packfi untilthevery race nish. Asissooften the case, fi hardafteralong nishlineofftheDieppebeaches–crew worked shallow 9 boatsfromClasses1, atpaceintoavery 2and3short-gybing but itsadly wasnottobe. A fi ercely contestedbattleatthe fi nish involved spinnaker down laterintherace withtheasymmetric aimed tocharge winds.breaths ofwesterly Staying highontheracetrack, Soldier British from aSpitfi withthefaintest race effectively rebefore the restarted Needles duetothelackofbreeze, thefl eetwastreatedtoanairshow battlefromCowes toDieppe.airs Almost completely stoppedoffthe thatcouldhavea race goneeitherway. from theEddystonelighthouse. Soldierfi British nishedmid-pack in overall gained seamiles, thereachback didn’t changeduring andtherankings Unfortunately, thewindpicked uptheoffshorehalfoffl eet rstwho fi overnight theteamelectedtostay closertoshorefor theseabreeze. lightwindsperiod champagne sailingfor but much withatricky oftherace totheseasonwithMythofMalhambeingfistart race.rst Itwas crew whogave uptheirweekends topreparetheboat, itwasaslightly late ofmany with somemuch-needed maintenanceanddespitetheefforts Soldier hadleftBritish fromthe2018RolexMiddleSearace The return Cowes week, retiring theX-41onahighafterthree amazing competed infi ve RORC racesas well astheIRCnationalsand Fastnet raceattheforefront ofourefforts. BritishSoldier on consolidatingtheteamandX-41yachtwithbiannual F seasons. Cowes week, retiring theX-41onahighafterthree amazing competed infi ve RORC racesas well astheIRCnationalsand Fastnet raceattheforefront ofourefforts. BritishSoldier on consolidatingtheteamandX-41yachtwithbiannual The longslogtoStMalowasinitially blessed againby champagnesailing provedInshore racing tobeaschallengingthisyear asoffshore, with CupagainprovedThe Morgan tobeachallengewithrelatively light treated to anairshow from aSpitfi re” Club (RORC)Club (RORC) championship, championship, the2019seasonfocused the2019seasonfocused British SoldierwintheoverallBritish Soldierwintheoverall Royal Royal Ocean Racing Ocean Racing ollowing onfrom astorming2018seasonwhichsaw The strong push from the Committee to give new talent an opportunity “ to get on the boat has resulted in approximately 100 Army personnel having the opportunity to race.’’

Capt Ant Carrow, Media Offi cer, in the zone An early morning light winds reach amongst the fl eet Spray is fl ying across the Irish Sea RE O H S F “the St Malo race was… initially blessed with champagne sailing F conditions, fast out of the Solent across to the Channel Islands with O virtually every combination of sail plan being used”

Fair weather sailing at last! “The return ….. was extraordinarily fast; British Soldier set its own 24 hour distance record averaging 10 knots ’’ The hard work of crew members giving up their weekends to resolve maintenance tasks on British Soldier began to pay off towards the latter end of the season, and the Committee’s thanks go to all of those who made the effort to keep British Soldier racing. It doesn’t go unnoticed and is a factor in team selection! British Soldier fi nished a strong fi fth in the Channel Race, often famed for being one of the more testing events on Cpl Kat Welch with a message for the opposition! Sgt Andy Pritchard keeps a wary eye to leeward the calendar. Despite being the shortest race of the season at under 24 hours between the starting gun Cornwall. Watching super-maxi 100ft yachts like Hong Kong based and crossing the fi nish line, it was extremely competitive and the Scallywag as well as two Volvo Ocean 70’s hurtle past added to time between third and seventh place was less than 30 minutes. the enormity of the race. Conditions were fair until the Irish sea Skipper Phil Caswell remarked that Fastnet 2019 was probably when the wind and waves picked up, leading to a challenging 28- one of the toughest races that he had competed in, with all crew hour stint on the rail with limited relief for the crew. The return pushing the boat and themselves to the limit of endurance. With across the Irish sea was extraordinarily fast; British Soldier set its over 390 yachts packing the start line, it was tight and aggressive own 24 hour distance record averaging 10 knots for much of the getting out of the Solent and extremely fast down to the tip of leg to Plymouth. With a victory on corrected time in the Service yachts category and a top third place in IRC 2, the team had demonstrated that the X-41 was still a force to be reckoned with on her last major race of the season. British Soldier fi nished the season 9th in RORC IRC class 2 which, given that only fi ve contributing races were completed, is a great result and a tribute to the X-41 which has served the team for three successful seasons. 2020 promises to be an exciting new chapter for Army Offshore Racing with a new boat, a squad of exciting talent and a year which will include the Round Ireland race. The new boat will be called Fujitsu British Soldier after the generous assistance from our title sponsor Fujitsu in acquiring the Sun Fast 3600. She is YOUR BOAT and we encourage applications from Regular and Reserve soldiers of all ranks and abilities to get involved. See you in 2020. Please contact [email protected] for more information. Mid channel night sailing 16

RE O H S F F O BRITISH SOLDIER INTER-SERVICES WINNER AT THE ROLEX FASTNET RACE 2019

Maj Phil Caswell - the skipper Team British Soldier 2019

Main photo: Keeping weight on the rail amid strong winds and large waves in the Celtic Sea. 18 BRITISH SOLDIER INTER-SERVICES WINNER AT THE ROLEX FASTNET RACE 2019 By Lt Col Andrew Mould

Race Highlights This year’s Fastnet Race, the 48th biennial competition, certainly lived up to expectations. For a start, the size of the fl eet was the largest ever assembled. With a record 388 starters, up from the 362 of 2017, it confi rmed the Rolex Fastnet Race’s position as the world’s largest offshore race. With world class teams competing, the start line had a grand prix atmosphere – the lead boats followed by hundreds of chase boats and at least two helicopters. Seeing the maxi trimarans power across the start line at speeds approaching 25 knots was a memorable moment for all. Equally impressive was the moment the 26-metre superyacht Rambler 88 came romping past the fl eet in the Needles channel, destined to take line honours in just 1 day 19 hours. The course also delivered the conditions for which the race is rightly so well known, a combination of strong winds and big seas. The top half of the fl eet pegged some very fast times before the wind shut down on the third day. Light airs on the fi rst evening meant that no Aȭ erguard: course records were broken, but a moderate south easterly Skipper: Maj Phil Caswell REME meant that the entire Mate: Lt Jamie Hembury-Gunn PWRR fl eet was able to make it out of the Solent and past Results: the tidal gate of Portland Bill before the Winner: Inter-Regimental Cup (Best Service yacht corrected time in IRC) tide turned foul. British Soldier gave a strong Winner: Culdrose Trophy (Best Service yacht round the Fastnet Rock) performance in the IRC 2 class, maintaining an IRC Class 2: 22nd of 60 entrants average speed of close to 8 knots over 653 IRC Overall: 117th of 388 entrants (278 fi nishers) miles of racing to fi nish 22nd in class, and fi rst Facts: service boat on corrected times. The slower Race course length: 605 nautical miles boats in the race were not so lucky, as the (Cowes to Plymouth, via the Fastnet Rock) wind faded on the third night, leaving some Distance sailed by British Soldier: 653 nautical miles boats drifting within sight of the fi nish line, Time on course: 3d 10h 56m Average speed: 7.9kts Maximum speed: 16kts Crew: 10 Pot noodles consumed: At least 50! Flat-bread wraps consumed: None. (Honestly, who buys sandwich fi llings but no bread for a fi ve day race?!) 19 but unable to make it across for several frustrating hours. A downwind start in light airs made for an interesting tactical battle early on as the various fleets sought to position themselves in the most favourable tide for the run down to the Needles Channel. A decision on British Soldier to hold on to the asymmetric spinnaker as the fluky wind shifted forward of the beam led to some sail handling challenges, but a well-executed change to the Code 0 at Hurst Castle soon resolved the situation. The wind steadily built through the evening, and by Sunday morning it was blowing 20-25 knots. With one reef, and the smallest standard headsail, it was essential to keep as much crew weight as possible on the windward rail. The off watch were rotated below deck two Constant attention needed to keep the spinnaker at full power at a time to dry out, but with strict instructions to stay on the for the occasion at Plymouth Yacht Haven. 234 With 24 hour food high side bunks! By the time we entered the Celtic Sea, the wind stalls and bar, and live bands throughout the day, what better way had increased further, and the waves from the Atlantic were also to celebrate a great result at one of the world’s most iconic yacht growing significantly – approaching 3 metres at times. This made races! for a wet and bouncy ride to the Fastnet Rock. Rounding the rock, the challenge for the skipper and mate was to successfully navigate the unseen out of bounds areas that Q&A define the course on electronic charts. Since each boat is fitted Who is on the team? with a tracking beacon, there is no hiding a navigational error – We had a diverse range of crew drawn from across the Army, which would result in automatic disqualification. Safely on the with ages ranging from early 20s to late 50s, male and female, return leg, the wind was now aft of the beam, permitting the use regular and reservist, officer and soldier. The unifying factors are a of the asymmetric spinnaker. Unfortunately, the wind strength was commitment to the team and a love of sailing. too great, and no sooner had the kite reached the masthead than it exploded with a loud crack and came flogging back to the deck, What do you eat? the top ripped clean off about 1 metre below the head. Resolving Storage space is at a premium on the boat, and you don’t the unexpected situation, and hoisting the reserve spinnaker lost a have much time for cooking. We try to save weight by eating little time, but the boat was soon back up to speed and powering dehydrated meals like pot noodles and instant porridge pots, towards the Scillies for the turn to Plymouth and the finish line. supplemented with muesli bars and chocolate. Every crew Fortunately, there were no more major equipment failures, member has a personal spoon which they keep in their pocket to and British Soldier crossed the line at the western end of the save on washing up! Plymouth breakwater in the early hours of Wednesday morning. With an elapsed time just short of 3 days 11 hours, this was a Where do you sleep? remarkably fast race. Online records, which go back to 2003, Most of the work is on the boat is done on deck. When crew are show that this was only the second time that the team has not actively on task, they can normally be found on the windward reached the finish in under 4 days, and a comfortable 6 hours rail, sitting shoulder to shoulder for aerodynamic efficiency and ahead of the previous best time (in the J/111). Of course, what warmth! The ballast effect of 650kg of crew members makes a this really meant was that there was even more time to enjoy the big difference to the boat’s performance, so we try and keep crew party atmosphere at the finishers village – specially constructed there at all times. If the weather is particularly challenging, we rotate two below decks at a time.

How do I get to join in? If you’re interested, get in touch with the Team Captain [email protected],. New faces are welcome and we are always keen for development, so we like to sail with a range of experience on board.

Do I have to pay? No. Personal contributions are not necessary. The main costs of the boat are covered by sponsorship from our main sponsor Fujitsu, and charitable grants from the Army Sailing Association. We could not meet the annual costs of our racing campaign without the incredibly generous sponsorship we receive from Fujitsu, andour partnership has gone from strength to strength over the years; we are proud to be associated with them. The navigator is permitted below deck! Constant attention needed to keep the spinnaker at full power RE O H S F F O

Exercise Moonraker was a sailing expedition for the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst over the period 11 to 16 August 2019 during Cowes Week. The expedition used a Victoria 34 yacht from the JSASTC and was skippered by Maj Simon Burgess AAC. The crew of fi ve offi cer cadets at the end of the Intermediate Term had planned the expedition as part of their introduction to planning adventure training. The aim was to give all 5 Offi cer Cadets some testing AT and come away with a qualifi cation as well. During the six-day exped two Day Skipper and two Competent Crew qualifi cations were attained as well as a well-timed exposure the Cowes week and, the rough waters between Hurst Castle and Fort Victoria where for two of the crew violent sea sickness occurred. The ports visited took us over the length and breadth of the Solent and included; Gosport, Yarmouth, Bucklers Hard and Poole. EX MOONRAKER CADET

22 EX MOONRAKER CADET Day 0 + Day 1. All crew members assembled at JSASTC for kit issue, safety and boat briefs before cooking dinner and catching an early night. The next day was an early start practicing basic skills and engine manoeuvres, then escaping Gosport to make the most of the tide heading west towards Yarmouth. A fair westerly wind allowed us to have an initial go at practicing our man-overboard recovery techniques as well make good time amongst the Cowes week racing yachts, before its shifted in the late afternoon allowing us a gentle reach up the more secluded Beaulieu River to Bucklers Hard. Day 2. We left Bucklers Hard under the piloting of OCdt “MJ” Thomas to put our newly learnt basics into practise. We plotted a course from Beaulieu River to Poole, avoiding the crowds of Cowes Week. Once out of the Solent the weather deteriorated with certain members of the crew affected more than others! This however did allow novice members of the crew to gain invaluable experience piloting during such adverse conditions. A fair westerly wind Upon arrival at Poole Yacht Club we were all ready for some much needed and well- ‘‘allowed us to have an earned time ashore. initial go at practicing our Day 3. We awoke to similar weather as man-overboard recovery the previous day forcing us to rethink our day ahead through the Solent to Yarmouth. techniques as well make Unfortunately, after setting off the weather good time amongst the was too poor with very strong winds Cowes week racing and poor visibility, and so we moored onto a buoy in Poole Harbour to wait for yachts… the conditions to improve. After a few ’’ hours we were able to get underway and take off our waterproofs and sail just in continue to practice our piloting, sailing shorts and t-shirts. With a strong tide, we back downwind with 3 reefs in and a small made Lymington in good time, docked gib into the Solent though the North in the Town Quay and went ashore for a Channel. couple of hours to look around Lymington. Day 4. The weather saw vast Later that evening we conducted our night improvements over night, and now all crew sailing, which involved sailing the full length members were familiar with the roles of the Solent from Lymington to Gosport. they had to play, we were able to select It was a beautiful calm night (very different a sail type and prepare the yacht for the from 2 days before). Making sense of all crossing from Yarmouth to Lymington the lights on all the different buoys and now hardened and slick crew were more with little tuition from our instructor. The ships was a highlight of the week. than quick to master the skill of collecting a conditions were ideal, we were able to Day 5. Having successfully navigated the fender (acting as a crew mate) from the icy Solent at night we safely waters of the harbour. found harbour back at On completion it was time for the Gosport for our fi nal crew return to JSASTC. Returning evening living aboard back to harbour the close down of the the boat. The following adventurous training, getting things cleaned morning and with and the boat wiped down it was time HMS Queen Elizabeth for the certifi cates to be handed out. All as a backdrop we members of the crew made the grade began the fi nal aspect and there are now two more Competent of our course, really Crew members and two Day Skippers practicing our man- ready to set sail on another sea bound overboard drills. Due adventure and get involved in sailing when to the weather we had they commission from RMAS in December yet to really have the 2019. Thank you to all those at JSASTC opportunity to practice and a huge thank you to Simon for being these as much as we such a knowledgeable mentor and for wanted. Naturally, the allowing us to have such an enjoyable trip.

23 RE O H S F F 2020 AOSC COURSE PROGRAMME O

Please fi nd below the 2020 Course Programme for the ASA Powerboat Army Offshore Sailing Centre at Fort Blockhouse. These courses are also advertised on the Army sailing website: sailing. armysportcontrolboard.com. Course programme As you will be aware, members are welcome to attend any of the courses run by the ASA through the AOSC. The cost Welcome to the ASA Powerboat Course programme. Should of membership to the ASA is £15 for individual membership for you have any questions or need any advice on any of the the year and can be arranged through Lisa Winchester. courses we provide please contact Darren Kirkham the ASA If you wish to book a place please contact Lisa or the CI AOSC, Regional Coach: Phil Brown, as follows:

Tel Mil: 9380 65730 LISA PHIL Tel Civ: 02392 765730 01252 787093 02392 765457 Tel Mob: 07966544277 [email protected] 11x-chiefi [email protected] Email: [email protected] Army Off shore Sailing Centre The ASA offers a range of RYA practical powerboat training courses. 2020 Course Programme

This page details the main suite of courses available for the SHORE BASED COURSES ARMY OFFSHORE SAILING CENTRE (AOSC). AOSC only run intermediate and Advanced courses. RYA First Aid Courses In 2020, the AOSC will be running RYA First Aid Courses on the If you have a minimum of 2 candidates then please contact following dates: Darren Kirkham and subject to availability we could run a bespoke course. FA01/20 27 Apr 20 RYA First Aid Course FA02/20 27 May 20 RYA First Aid Course FA03/20 03 Aug 20 RYA First Aid Course If you are looking for a an RYA Powerboat Level 2 or FA04/20 12 Oct 20 RYA First Aid Course safety boat qualifi cation then you should look at the ARMY INSHORE SAILING CENTRE (AISTC), NUFFIELD SAILING The cost of the First Aid Course is £40, which includes the CENTRE or CARRICKFERGUS WATERSPORTS CENTRE. Certifi cate and a copy of the latest First Aid Manual

RYA Sea Survival: For Powerboat Instructor Enquiries please SS01/20 28 Apr 20 RYA Sea Survival contact the ASA Regional Coach – Darren SS02/20 04 Aug 20 RYA Sea Survival Kirkham. SS03/20 13 Oct 20 RYA Sea Survival

The RYA Sea Survival course is conducted at the Army Offshore Sail Training Centre, and in the swimming pool at HMS Collingwood for the practical wet drills. The minimum age for candidates is 18 years old. The cost of the Sea Survival Cse is £40

Visit the ASA website at Off shore Safety Course: sailing.armysportcontrolboard.com OS01/20 29 Apr 20 Offshore Safety Cse To obtain the Offshore Safety certifi cate, candidates must hold a valid RYA Sea Survival Certifi cate which is less than 5 years old. The minimum age for candidates is 18. The cost of the Offshore Course is £40 but if done in conjunction with the Sea Survival Cse, the cost of both is £70.

Diesel Engine Course: DE01/20 30 Apr 20 Diesel Engine Cse DE02/20 01 Jun 20 Diesel Engine Cse DE03/20 07 Sep 20 Diesel Engine Cse DE04/20 14 Oct 20 Diesel Engine Cse These courses are also advertised on the Army sailing website: sailing.armysportcontrolboard.com

24 2020 AOSC COURSE PROGRAMME

Conducted at the Army Offshore Sail Training Centre, the Diesel CC-DS03/20 20 Jul – 24 Jul 20 RYA CC/DS Course Engine maintenance course is a one-day course which teaches CC-DS04/20 10 Aug – 14 Aug 20 RYA CC/DS Course you all of the basic knowledge and skills needed to safely run a CC-DS05/20 24 Aug – 28 Aug 20 RYA CC/DS Course diesel engine. The cost of the Diesel Engine course is £50 CC-DS06/20 07 Sep – 11 Sep 20 RYA CC/DS Course

NOTE: The above theory courses have all been planned over a 4 day The RYA CC-DS courses run from 0830 Mon – 1600 the period. Should an individual decide to sign up for a selection of following Fri. The minimum age for candidates is 18 years unless the available courses (Sea Survival, Offshore Safety, Diesel Engine cleared by CI AOSC. The cost is £260 which covers all victualling and First Aid) at the same time, the total cost will be reduced and berthing. Wet Weather gear is also provided, at a small cost, as follows: Please add £10 to the below if it includes the Diesel if required. Please note that sufficient numbers are required to Engine course. enable the course to run.

One course £40 (£50 if Diesel Engine) Two courses £70 Three Courses £90 RYA Coastal Skipper Course: Four Courses £100 CS02/19 14 Sep – 18 Sep 20 RYA Coastal Skipper Course Please note that this reduction is only available at the time of The AOSC will, once again, be running two Coastal Skipper booking, providing all courses are booked at the same time. This Courses. The course will commence at 09000hrs on the Monday does not include the one-day theory courses and will run through until 1600 on the Friday. The course will teach the prospective Coastal Skipper, how to carry out all of the tasks required of an RYA Coastal Skipper. There will be no VHF SRC Operators Certificate Courses moderation on the completion of the course, however a Course Attendance Certificate will be provided. The cost of the course The AOSC will also be running VHF Operator Assessments will be £260 per person. on the following dates. Please note that an Online course completion pass must be completed prior to assessment:

VHF01/20 29 May 20 VHF SRC Assessment RYA Yachtmaster Beat Up Course & Assessment: VHF02/20 06 Aug 20 VHF SRC Assessment VHF03/20 15 Oct 20 VHF SRC Assessment YM01/20 05 Oct – 11 Oct 20 RYA Yachtmaster Beat-up and Assessment The cost of this on-line course is £40 payable to the ASA. This course can be accessed after contacting Jed Cunningham by email The AOSC will be running a number of Yachtmaster Beat-up on [email protected] or by mobile on 07516001776. Courses, depending upon the required demand. The courses will commence at 09000hrs on the first day and will run through until The cost of the Assessment is a further £60 payable to the 1600 on the Thursday. A moderator will then join the yacht on RYA which is passed to the examiner at the timer of assessment. Friday morning to carry out the assessment of the appropriate Candidates will also need to provide a Passport size photograph qualifications. The cost of the course will be £260 per person. and a separate means of photo-ID in order to obtain a Certificate should they successfully pass their assessment. RYA Cruising Instructor Course: A selection of alternative shore-based courses is also available and will be run on an “as-required” basis. If anyone is interested CI01/20 06 Apr – 10 Apr 20 RYA Cruising Instructor Course in participating on one of these courses, they should contact the CI02/20 02 Nov – 06 Nov 20 RYA Cruising Instructor Course Chief Instructor for further information. Of specific interest, the AOSC will be holding a series of one-day The AOSC will be running two Cruising Instructor Courses in theory courses as follows: 2020. The course will commence at 1930hrs on the Sunday evening, the first day of the course, and will run through until 1800 PRACTICAL COURSES. on Friday, the final day. A moderator will attend the last day. The cost of the course will be £50 per person, with the understanding RYA Competent Crew and Day Skipper Courses: that on successful completion, each candidate will agree to deliver one Comp Crew/Day Skipper Cse each year for three years. An CC-DS01/20 18 May – 22 May 20 RYA CC/DS Course online assessment needs to be successfully completed prior to the CC-DS02/20 15 Jun – 19 Jun 20 RYA CC/DS Course start of the course. Details can be obtained from the CI AOSC.

These courses are also advertised on the Army sailing website: sailing.armysportcontrolboard.com

25 RE O H S F F O

Close racing ARMY OFFSHORE REGATTA (AOR) 29 Apr to 03 May 2019 by WO2 Stu Southwick RLC The Army Offshore Regatta (AOR) remains one of the most exciting and highly contested inter Corps regattas in the annual offshore racing calendar and this year was no exception. There is always an air of anticipation to see which Corps will be fi elding teams to try and win the prestigious Dolphin Trophy by entering a team into both the IRC division and the JSASTC owned Victoria 34 division, and where the team with the lowest combined overall score are the winners. This year’s Dolphin Trophy was under threat of under- representation due, initially, to a very low availability of Victoria 34s and therefore increased to tension even before the event. However, the sterling efforts of the ASA’s Phil Brown and some reprioritisation by JSASTC fi nally produced a fl eet that would allow another healthy and competitive fi eld to take to the water and contest the individual and overall trophies Smiles all round with 5 teams representing the RLC, RAC, As always, the fi rst day was fraught with just met for the fi rst time, conducted RE, RA and the AGC. In addition, there necessary but useful administration, training on the way to Cowes Yacht Haven were 2 entries in the cruiser class seeing including Safety Briefs and kit issue, on the Isle of Wight - a very popular and some notably comfortable sailing alongside following which the crews, many of whom successful operating base for this regatta the fl eet of racers. were novice and inexperienced and had for the past few years and continues to

26 be so. That evening saw the Welcome aligning the start/finishing buoys for some and Race Brief held at the austere but more Windward/Leeward courses. comfortable Cowes Combined Services The Committee work tirelessly to ensure Social Club with all crews attending and that racing was at its best with some very getting to know each other and the scene well thought out courses. Everything was was set for a great week! soon in place and the fleets managed to The first day’s racing on the Tuesday saw get away for the first Windward/Leeward 10 - 15 knots SW wind gradually increasing race without problems. With the strong to 18 - 20 knots as the day progressed. The tides and shifting winds, significant gains wind filled in soon after the start of the were made, especially for those who inshore races, until it reached 15+ knots chose a more northerly route for the and remained like that for the remainder first leg, heading into the shallows of Lee of the day, resulting in challenging but on Solent where they found a significant great racing with sunny skies, after which tactical advantage. Shifting and variable the wind began to soften. It was clear winds throughout the race kept everyone that the week’s weather would present busy, with Spirit of St George eventually interesting challenges and variation for the passing all the others to finish first in Class race committee and competitors alike! 1, followed by Trojan (RE) and Turn to Both Callista (Richard Hourahane) and Starboard. In the Victoria Class, places were Lambis (Pat Audis) came in to contact and changing regularly with both Col Eddie ended their first day after the first race – Corrigan and Ed Middleton (RA) failing to fortunately they were able to re-join after go through a of the course whilst inspections of their boats revealed nothing being the lead boats and therefore classed sinister. Oops.... as not finishing – despite which they still The forecast for the offshore passage midnight and the Victoria 34 class saw managed to lead the fleet overall in a very race that evening never looked brilliant and Zidona, skippered by Col Eddie Corrigan tightly fought and tactically challenging was destined to test everyone’s patience. winning for a double RLC victory to add series of races. After a short break it was The start, off Osbourne Bay, saw a steady to their already successful day. a chance for the crews to take the helm 10 knot SW breeze. This would hopefully Wednesday was a time for crews to in the crew’s race back to Gosport, which assist to take the fleet down the Solent as demonstrate their recently acquired, and was won by Cpl ‘Woody’ (RLC) in the the course saw us zig zagging up and down minimally practiced, drills with a series of IRC and by WO1 Paul Penny (RLC) in the the Solent and through Southampton Windward Leewards in quick succession Victoria. Water (for those that got that far). After so that they could get back to Cowes Yacht The week was finished off with a prize the start the J109 of the Royal Engineers, Haven and prepare for the annual BBQ giving at the Hornet sailing club on Friday skippered by Sgt Adam Hearn, made reception at the Royal Yacht Squadron after crews cleaned up the JSASTC yachts a fast get away closely followed by the where the ASA hosted the Commodore, for handover. The winners of Class 1 were RLC’s chartered yacht a Beneteau First sponsors and invited guests. This has to be Spirit of St George for the RLC; Class 2 40 (nominally named Spirit of St George one of the most fantastic and prestigious (the cruising class) was not contested as but Merlin for real) skippered by WO2 locations to hold a barbeque and we are racing and the Victoria Class was won, Stuart Southwick. The wind was forecast grateful to the RYS for the use of their controversially (due to questions over to go light overnight and completely die fabulous and historically significant venue. scoring mechanisms), but deservedly in the early hours of the morning and The weather was just right for an evening non-the-less, by Ed Middleton (RA) who it became a long, slow and drifting affair out on the terrace – if not for the racing had put in a consistent set of results. The through the Solent, after dark – similar that day – and made for some great (and overall, and most coveted ‘Dolphin Trophy’ to the previous year. The majority of the rather lengthy) photo shoots and tall tales was once again won by the Royal Logistic IRC fleet managed to get most of the way of outstanding seamanship and navigation! Corps in Merlin and Zidona, but there around the course with Spirit of St George Thursday, final day of racing, and the wind was plenty of glass and silver to be shared taking the top spot on corrected time. All was a steady 12 knots but then dropped across many of the teams taking part yachts had to take their times from the and backed by 60 degrees shortly before and to reward the superb efforts of the GPS accompanied by a photo at exactly the start, causing a rapid re-think and re- skippers, but mostly, the many newcomers and novices to the sport. Thanks, as always, must go to JSASTC for the yachts and to the race team of Phil Brown (AOSC Manager), Dusty Millar (Race Officer), Brad Delaney (Support Craft driver) and Danny McCulloch for laying on the event and overseeing the Race Results. A big thanks must also go to the competitors, particularly the large number of novice and inexperienced crews, for entering and making the event so competitive. We all look forward to the 2020 Regatta, scheduled for 11-15 May 2020, where I’m sure the RLC will have a battle on their hands to retain the title in the face of some stiffened and determined competition. Until then, ‘Fair Winds and Downwind finish Calm Seas’ to all.

27 RE O H S F F CARRICKFERGUS WATER O SPORT CENTRE (CWSC)

019 was a mixed year for the CWSC but still out on the water. Both yachts sailed greater distances than ever with some notable highlights. To begin with, a before, from high up in the western Isles to Southern Ireland quick explanation of the name change is probably and many of the ports in between. The planned trip to Ireland 2 went ahead giving twelves novices over the three legs their fi rst in order. It had been thought for some time that sailing experience and even though a decision was made not the old name: Sailing Association (Northern Ireland) to transit the West Coast – safety is always our top priority – (ASA(NI)), was not quite right for the facility and the the Irish Sea offered plenty of challenges and good sailing. We boats in Northern Ireland. Firstly, there are security issued RYA Certifi cates both in practical and theory courses concerns that are relevant to life in Provence but more and were able to get many more people out sailing. We are importantly we offer more than just sailing but a whole especially proud of our ability to remain fl exible with dates and range of water sports, including powerboat training and bookings even if behind the scenes there is a lot of hard and paddleboard etc. The change to Carrickfergus Water frantic work to make it all work. Sport Centre (CWSC), we feel, better describes the location, the boats, its people and what is available at As mentioned earlier we have had few issues regarding management and policy, resulting in all inshore RYA training for the centre. 2019 being suspended. The issues are not for detailed public discussions, but we hope the suspension will be temporary In 2019 the offshore continued with a busy timetable of and we will be able to resume normal service. The end state training and charters. The highlight was the Calm Waters for CWSC is for the centre to be properly staffed, have a project that ran for most of the year and delivered support to central booking system and with the sustainable future for both military veterans in Northern Ireland using community grant the inshore and offshores elements; allowing us to support money. The project was focused on offering support to those expeditions, sail training, community projects – such as Calm that might be suffering from stress or isolation since leaving the Waters, theory training and integrate with local Belfast Lough services and there is very little by the way of provision of this sailing community. We hope to be able to bring more positive type of support in Northern Ireland. Most of the events were news in 2020. based around a week sail aboard either TERN or GERONA and each course was oversubscribed. The aim had been to Notwithstanding the issues eluded to above, we are very close run a few more events in the year but due to administration to reaching a decision on replacing GERONA, our Tradewind reasons, some events had to be cancelled. Funding is still in 35. She has given many years of valiant service to the Army place and we are optimistic to be able to continue the project in Northern Ireland. TERN will remain available to charter in into 2020. the meantime. Bookings are being taken and the weeks are fi lling up, Please do contact us and we will do what we can to As well as the excellent Calm Waters project, both yachts accommodate you. The feedback we receive has been positive had regular charters throughout the year, taking many soldiers and something we value. Fair winds and happy sailing.

Issue 82 - Dec 19

Commercial RAF Military &P U B L I S H I N G L T D Publishing Just Got That Bit Easier

111 THE POWER OF SPORT IS UNBEATABLE 1 Tel: 0792 984 3354 AN ADVENTURE WITH KELLY HOLMES

www.candmpublishing.co.uk cover 2.indd 1 03/12/2019 15:07 From A4 to A5 size, fi nishes to suit every taste and budget, stitched or perfect bound we can talk you through the options. We publish high quality journals and magazines Print runs of 200 copies up to 10,000. We can offer a design, but we are extremely competitive on price. print, mail and postage service. 28 JOINT SERVICES ADVENTUROUS TRAINING WING (CYPRUS) JSATW(C) OFFSHORE SAILING BRANCH

he Cyprus Offshore Sailing Branch has been actively providing TAdventurous Training opportunities for Joint Service personnel since 2006 under the guidance of the Adventurous Training Group (Army) and the Royal Association (RYA).

Offshore Sailing requires team-work, endurance, determination, leadership and resilience. The Joint Service Offshore Sailing Scheme draws out all of these qualities and teaches people to manage risk, all very akin to operations, while enabling personnel to learn and develop in a safe but challenging environment.

With the recent acquisition of a Hallberg Rassey 342 on loan from Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre to compliment the two Jeanneau 36i’s, the Offshore Sailing Branch now has three yachts based in RAF Akrotiri which are available for courses and expeditions. The courses range from Shore-based to the practical RYA Competent Crew, Continuation Training and Day Skipper qualifications. The courses area open to all SP including UK based personnel who can use RAF Trooper flight from Brize Norton to attend. Booking on a course is an easy process via the Online Booking System available with the complete training calendar on the ATG(A) website. With the arrival of Yacht Tern (Hallberg Rassey 34) and the two Jeanneau’s, the Offshore Sailing Branch has uplifted the opportunities for Expeditions. Units are able to use a fully commercially coded and certified yacht from RAF Akrotiri in order to sail the coast line of southern Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean. Applications should be made via a JSATFA and managed through a unit’s Regional AT Desk Officer. An expedition’s only limiting factor is the skipper’s qualification. Yacht availability is published on the OBS, ATG(A) website.

For further information please visit http://www.atga.mod.uk

29 RE O H S ‘‘ F F O

2019 ROLEX FASTNET RACE By John Johnston ith two successful The fi rst training week was in the Solent so we knew it wasn’t going to be an easy entries into the 2019 area. Skippered by Sgt Pete Edwards, the ride. But it was nothing we shouldn’t crew were given a basic introduction to expect during the Fastnet itself, and so WRolex Fastnet Race, sailing and gained familiarity with the boat with Bdr Jay Edwards stepping into the it’s time to refl ect on the campaign; itself. Mate role, supported by Sgt Pete Edwards from when it fi rst started with The second event was the fi rst time and Sgt Adi Parry as Watch Leaders, we we came together to start a race: the sailed around the Isle of Wight and headed numerous training events to the Army Offshore Regatta. In May 2019, West for Dartmouth. It was a night sail culmination of the race itself. we entered our little boat into strong and the weather bore her teeth, meaning competitions against other corps and we were happy to see the comfort of the After a fantastic experience in the 2017 regiments who had chartered race boats harbour in the morning, where we had a Race under Lt Col Webber (Nat), I asked if for the event, and so we knew it was short stay in the marina and let the worst there was the possibility of running an all- going to be a tough week. With myself of the weather blow over before setting soldier entry in the following race. Nat and as skipper, the crew managed to fulfi l the sail for home. The journey back proved the rest of the committee gave a positive underdog story and achieved third place, adventurous, with diffi cult wind and sea response and planning began. I started beating two of the four racing boats, and states, the boat took a little bit of damage recruiting for the event in December 2017 giving the team a big confi dence boost. from the anchor as the pin failed. and received a great response from the Later on in May, we had planned another Unfortunately, due to this damage, the Gunner community, lots and lots of soldiers training event. Bdr Andy Stanyard stepped fi nal training event organised had to be registered interest, and lots of non-soldiers up as Skipper with LBdr Stacey Turner cancelled. We were due to enter the gave great feedback about the idea. An fulfi lling the role of Mate. This was a RORC Cowes Dinard St Malo Race but all-soldier entry was unprecedented, and fantastic opportunity for both, particularly were unable to get the boat fi xed in time. we could possibly change the way we Stacey who had only just recently qualifi ed Looking on the bright side, this gave us approach sailing forever! as a Day Skipper at Joint Service Adventure time to discuss with the squad who was Once we had a selection of people to Sail Training Centre (JSASTC) and so was going to be selected for the Fastnet Race create a squad, Capt Bob May volunteered able to put her newfound knowledge into itself: to be the Project Offi cer. Dates were put practice. Skipper LBdr John Johnston (Me) in the diary for a total of 4 training events With three training events completed, Mate/WL1 Bdr Andrew Stanyard in the build up to the race to ensure that we looked forward to breaking out of Watch 1 Bdr Jay Edwards we could train and bond as a team, and the Solent on our next training week Watch 1 LBdr Stacey Turner also making sure that we were prepared and headed to Dartmouth. The weather WL2 Sgt Adi Parry for the race ahead. forecast predicted gale force winds, and Watch 2 LBdr Jack Lyall

30 We decided to head along the Eastern edge to make full advantage of the wind and tides. This was a risky decision that could make or break our progress, as 90% of the ‘‘ fl eet had chosen to head along the Western edge. Watch 2 LBdr Mark Annand IX sitting just behind us. As we headed was his parting gift for us in the race. With So with the team selected, we met up on along the South Coast our decision to the rain coming in from the side, visibility the Tuesday before the race knowing we stay offshore looked to have paid off. As being reduced and having to navigate’’ with wanted to do fi nal checks and that we we started to creep into Lizard Point for the whole crew up keeping an eye out were happy that everything was on board, our last met update before entering the for shapes and sounds, we could see that including victualling. So with all winches Celtic Sea, we had seen a perfect wind the next boat had been following us all serviced, mast track lubed, sails prepped direction forming above the Scillies that the way in and we were keen not to lose and lazy jack’s removed, we were ready would be great for us on the next part of a space so late. Once we navigated our to depart for Cowes fi rst thing in the our voyage. We decided to head along the way in and crossed the line the weather morning. Eastern edge to make full advantage of the seemed to subside allowing us to be Once in Cowes, there was a real wind and tides. This was a risky decision met by the RAYC Commodore on our around the town, brimming with that could make or break our progress, as pontoon with light refreshments. excitement, worry and happiness from 90% of the fl eet had chosen to head along We had done it! RORC Fastnet Race not only our crew, but hundreds of other the Western edge. 2019 was completed by an all-soldier crew entries that had gathered. The Celtic Sea started to brew up strong for the fi rst time ever! As we woke up on the Saturday morning, winds and sea states were increasing. With Our close rivals sailing under the RAYC the day of the big race, we were all slightly the boat keeled over, life at 30 degrees burgee, Skua IX, achieved success too. nervous but excited all at the same time. was starting to upset some of the iron Skippered by Bdr Ed Middleton, they Once we got through the registration gates stomached crew. managed to complete the demanding we were happy to watch the enormous As we approached the Traffi c Separation course shortly after us. Having no choice multihulls come fl ying through for the start Scheme (a no-go zone in the race), we but to endure particularly poor weather at with “wows” and “awwwws” coming from were in the company of three boats and the end of their race, their fi nal approach every crew member on the boat. Now it’s quickly found ourselves in a battle of wits. was the most notable. As their skipper 12:49 and we know that we were about to As a German boat tried to overtake, some was also a JNCO, the two crews are go in to our start sequence for our 13:00 great helming from Jay meant we managed hoping that they have inspired future junior start nerves have started kicking in as we to leave him underneath us. soldiers to follow in their footsteps and knew it can all be won or lost on the start Britain 1- 0 Germany. take on leadership roles within the sailing line. We could now see the lighthouse and arena. 2019 ROLEX FASTNET RACE Bang we are off! Our position was just there was a great feeling; a buzz almost The voyage from the fi rst training event behind the line in the centre of the channel around all the crew not only that we were to the fi nish line of the race was long, with a great beam reach taking us out of here, but it was sunny and daylight. diffi cult, complicated and enjoyable. The the Solent. As we had been sailing for As we rounded the Rock we were hoping crew and I are tremendously grateful for around 8 hours we could feel the wind for a nice broad reach followed by a the support they received along the way hole we had been watching develop. As spinnaker run in to the fi nish in Plymouth. to make my aspiration come to fruition. it approached us we could feel the speed This wasn’t to be. We got the nice broad The RAYC Committee offered support decreasing; knowing that it was key to keep reach to the Scillies, but as we rounded throughout and their sound advice and the boat moving we set our sails early. the corner the wind dropped to 8 knots guidance were priceless. Bombardier As the sun came up, so too did the wind. and as we were getting fresh met in we brewery were kind enough to provide And with the wind back we could see that could see this was the start of a wind hole t-shirts for my crew. Additionally, Team the fl eet had not had a chance to split forming. So we plodded on through the Army made a considerable contribution and we could see our closest rivals Skua night achieving 18 miles in 6 hours. As the which ensured that all crew were equipped wind started with brand new racing clothing, for which to pick up on all are eternally grateful. Considering sailing the morning of is an expensive endeavour, the campaign day 5 we knew wouldn’t have happened without the kind this was the donation from Roger Shapland. Moreover, wind that was a large part of the fi nancial support for the to carry us on campaign has been provided by ATG(A), across the line. covering race entry fees and charter fees. We dug deep The campaign wouldn’t have happened to keep on the without the generosity of all mentioned. wind as much The RAYC are now looking to build on as possible this success. The Fastnet has proven to be and maintain the perfect vehicle for the development the best of junior leaders in the British Army under course. As we a challenging, and rewarding, environment. approached The Mate for this year’s race, Andy Plymouth Stanyard, has already been earmarked Sound the to skipper an all-soldier entry into the weatherman 2021. Keep your eyes peeled and we look struck what forward to seeing you at the start-line.

31 YY HH GG INN CATTERICK GARRISON D SAILING CLUB

CGSC is based about 20 minutes drive south of the Garrison on the Thornton Steward Reservoir. We are group members of Thornton Steward Sailing Club and from what can be established have been since the 1970s when the Reservoir was brought into use by Yorkshire Water.

Our situation is probably unique within the ASA in that we have no club facilities of our own to look after yet are still a Recognised RYA Training Centre in our own right. Members of CGSC have full access to the Club facilities at Thornton Steward and we keep 6 dinghies on site during the sailing season, 2 2K, a and 3 Fusions, more are available in store in the Garrison. Our relationship with TSSC is strong, we have full access to their safety boats and to their club fl eet for training. During the sailing season we always have a representation at the Reservoir on a Wednesday afternoon. Members of CGSC are however free to sail at any time during the week and a number of our Club members join in with the TSSC racing series and Regattas on Wednesday evenings and 2 Sundays a month. We can and do run full RYA courses for units during the week but that is dependent on Instructor availability, at the present we suggest units get their students down to AISTC! During the year we run Youth courses at half terms and during the summer holidays. We have children from both the Garrison and from TSSC on the courses, there is a reciprocal arrangement for Garrison children to go on TSSC Youth courses. It would be good to see more unit run courses, but in date DIs who are available and are presently few and far between. In 2017, for the fi rst time, we were able to run a DI courses at Thornton Steward, our second was in June 2019. The students are a mix of service personnel and members of TSSC; involving TSSC members is important to CGSC as their instructors help out on our courses. For the 2019 course two of the Army candidates attended Zero to Hero training at AISTC, it paid off they both passed. However to demonstrate the ‘churn’ of postings and deployments only one of the six Garrison based service DIs trained will be in post and available in 2020! If you are in the Garrison and want to know more please contact CGSC.

32 GOLD CUP Inter Services Asymmetric Trophy Open Handicap By Regional Coach Darren Kirkham Gold Cup – Army Inshore Training Centre

he day began with a light E-SE 5-8 knots of wind with the course being set just outside Thorney Channel to the TSouth of Pilsey Island. There was a strong turnout from the Army Team fielding 7 out of the fleet of 11 racing boats.

Race 1 saw Cpl Si Horsfield (ASA) & Gemma Burridge return to winning ways, Kev O’Brien (Obi) take 2nd (RAFSA) and LCl Josh way homeward Crisp 3rd (ASA). however after Race 2 saw a split in the fleet with SI and Gemma taking a low a recall, and line and the fleet taking a high line to the leeward mark. With the the mark laying unfortunate drop in wind and increasing tide this favoured the rest team swiftly of the fleet with Obi taking 1st position, Josh 2nd and Si 3rd place. relocating Race 3 saw Si and Gemma and break away from the fleet the course to and demonstrate their superior light wind skills, as they were the opposite approaching the windward mark with a clear advantage, the Race side of the Officer anticipated the drop-in wind conditions and raised the channel, racing N flag for abandoning the race. A very frustrated fleet of sailors recommenced. Competitors briefing from the Race Officer returned however 5 mins later the wind dropped, and crews Race 3, Lt Col Matt Sargent at AISTC reverted to swimming and using hatch covers to make way. An eventful start with a 8-10 knot wind and a strong ebb tide With racing postponed it was 30mins before the wind began to resulting in 2 boats being OCS (over the start line), Obi (RAFSA) fill in again from the SW and the fleet had started to make their and Josh Crisp (ASA). Unfortunately, they did not hear the call from the committee boat nor see the Individual recall flag and carried on racing. With 2 of the top three boats out of the race this allowed Matt Irwin (RNSA), Ben Flowerdew (ASA) , Sgt Adi Parry (ASA), Bruce Eckman (ASA) to creep up the standings with their best finishes - a good 2,3,4,7 position respectively. Due to the Sundays Forecast (Light winds) the Race Officer decided to push for another 2 races (the correct call). Race 4 & 5 saw the wind increase to 8-12 knots and with ebb tide kicking in saw the fleet racing in closer vicinity. Si & Gemma consolidated their top position with two 1st place finishes, with Josh taking consistent results of 2,3 (even with a boat full of water- Leaking!) pushing Obi down into 3rd and 4th. Day 2 – saw the Race officer and mark laying team go out early to access the conditions but unfortunately had to abandon racing for the day as the sea breeze was not going to kick in early enough to overcome the strong flooding tide. Gold Cup winners - Cpl Simon Horsfield Grant Trophy Winners - Inter services - Mrs Gemma Burridge. Asymmetric cup. Ross Southwell - LCpl Josh Crisp RE

Cpl Si Horsfield and Gemma Burridge 22364 Leading the fleet 33 Y H G IN D ASA Lake Garda Partnership

he ASA is delighted to announce a partnership with the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation - Lake Garda. TWe have relocated four 2000 dinghies in 2019 from the British Mohnesee Sail Training Centre to Lake Garda for the use of the Army Dinghy Team. The Royal Navy Sailing Association have also relocated four 2000’s and with a MOU in place this will give the ASA access to eight 2000 dinghies. As part of the agreement the Army Team will have access to Andrew Simpsons foiling dinghies to develop advanced skills under the guidance of the team coaches. The Partnership will also give opportunity for Regiments and Corps to utilise the ASA dinghies, whether they wish to organise a group trip or individuals wishing to personally use the 2000’s. With the Lake just metres from the venue, it will offer a World Class training facility located at Campione Del Garda, within Boat Handover – ASWC Lake Garda easy access from Verona airport. Any enquiries should be made through the ASA Regional Coach - Darren Kirkham.

ASWC – Lake Garda. Foiling Equipment Centre location at Campione Del Garda

Key Dinghy Fixtures 2020 From To Event Location 14 April 20 17 April 20 Army Team Trg Camp – Pre IS Team Racing AISTC(S) 23 April 20 24 April 20 Inter Service Team Racing Champs Bowmoor SC 15 June 20 16 June 20 Lagos Trophy Inter Corps Team Racing – Army Team Training AISTC (S) 17 June 20 19 June 20 Lagos Trophy Inter Corps Team Racing AISTC (S) 18 June 20 19 June 20 Inter services Keelboat Racing – Coningham Cup Cowes Tbc July/Aug 20 Tbc July/Aug 20 Army Sailing Team - Lake Garda Training Camp Lake Garda – Italy 16 Aug 20 21 Aug 20 2000 Class National Championships Brixham 14 Sept 20 18 Sept 20 Army Team Training.Inter Service Asymmetric AISTC (S) Dinghy Champs – Individual training 19 Sept 20 20 Sept Inter Service Asymmetric Dinghy Champs – Gold Cup AISTC (S) 24 Oct 20 25 Oct 20 2000 Class Inland Championships Llandegfedd SC

34 Army Ȏnshore Sail Traidzing Cedztre (South)

2019 was a spectacular year here on Thorney Island where units and individual soldiers enjoyed the many different activities that we deliver on the idyllic waters of Chichester Harbour on the south coast.

The training team was made up of a core of 6 staff that manage, administrate and teach; most do all aspects. In March we were joined by 7 seasonal staff who had mostly never been afl oat before. By May they were all instructors and the doors opened for the season. Let the fun begin. Thanks to the Army Sailing Association and the Army welfare grants provided we have excellent, up to date equipment that got plenty of use. We have invested in new Fusion single handers to inspire the complete beginners whilst also fi tting those boats with spinnaker to give thrills to the more confi dent as the boat planes at 15 kts across Chichester Harbour. Our interest in keelboat sailing grew in 2019 with the addition of the two Nordic Folkboats to add to our two Cornish Shrimpers giving a greater range of use with the Folkboats going into the Solent and the Shrimpers staying in the Harbour exploring the creeks and rythes. An exciting growth in inshore sailing is foiling. We introduced the technique into kitesurfi ng, windsurfi ng and dinghy sailing during 2018 and the 2019 season saw the mastering of it more and more. The demand to learn to foil grows exponentially. A major step change in our delivery came in 2019 when our kitesurfi ng school increased its output to match demand and resulted in 40% more riders being taught. In 2020 the kite school will provide weekly courses throughout the season and is seen now as one of the largest schools on the south coast. Not every day is windy but soldiers need entertaining. This is when we bring out the Stand Up Paddleboards and the ‘Wheelyboat’. The Wheelyboat was an Army Welfare Service You can book individually on a course project that allows those from Thorney Island to sea the Harbour or arrange for your whole sub-unit and visit the seals. The SUPs are great fund and is a group activity. to enjoy a week away to relax, have Our ‘bread & butter’ training remains windsurfi ng and dinghy fun and learn new skills. Just type in sailing. The Centre can put 50 soldiers on the water a day AISTC into Google and you’ll fi nd us learning these great sports that are the starting point to all those at the top. We also have a Facebook techniques shown above. Over 1300 soldiers came through the page called Army Inshore Sail Training Centre during the 2019 season and we are expecting many more Centre and a Facebook group called in 2020 so book early! Army Inshore Sailing. Drop us a line and we’ll get you on the water.

35 G FIN UR S D IN W CORPS11-15 March 2019 Location - Thorney Island ICE BREAKER

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really challenging windsurfi ng conditions. We had a M total of 10 sailors from the RA/AAC/REME windsurfi ng ɍ Corps who attended the training week. We worked in On average the winds were more than 25-30 knots every day the main Thorney from the West and South West, this tested the sailor’s ability and Channel for most of the confi dence massively. We designed the training plan around strong intermediate sessions as winds, so we concentrated on running short sessions which focused this gave us a small amount on strong wind survival stance, blasting control and sailing smaller of shelter from the elements board technique. and by the end of the week we had The ability of the group was split between intermediate to advanced all the intermediates sailing upwind with improved stance and level, so a broad range of experience and it was great to see the comfortably using the harness. intermediates getting stuck in to the wild conditions. Stance and On the advanced front we moved the sailors up to the next level using the harness was key to sailing in strong winds and crucial in with skills progression on short boards and small wave sails, due to moving to the foot straps and controlling the board in strong winds. the wind direction we had some perfect bump and jump sessions

36 ARMY WINDSURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS HAYLING ISLAND 22 – 26 JULY 2019 CORPS ICE BREAKERby Jon Metcalfe ASA WSM by Jon Metclafe ASA WSTM short run event this year due to the lack of wind but none the less we did manage to run some training for all fl eets and Acompetition in the foiling discipline. There was just about enough wind on Monday and Tuesday to run some Novice skill training and some racing around a triangle course also we ran some intro to foil sessions for the FR1 and 2 fl eets. Wind foiling is growing popularity across the Army and is starting to integrate into the racing program which we will continue to develop through 2020. Wednesday - no wind Thursday - SE F3-4 not enough wind to run any slalom racing due to the wind still being in and around the 15-knot mark so the decision was made to run some foil racing. The Army is currently supporting Corps sailors with foil equipment to race on so we drew up heats of 6 sailors who all used the same foil equipment, this way it kept it fair with everyone on the same foils and boards but depending on size and weight sailors were allowed to use different sizes of rigs. The format was based around an across wind fi gure of 8 slalom course which worked well, with some close racing and good performances put in from Lee Jackson (RA) Nik Barnes (RA) and Dave Curry (RE) who took the overall win to become the fi rst ever Army Wind Foil Champion. We plan to build on this achievement next season and formally recognise a full foil fl eet into our racing.

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off East Head which really tested people’s ability and technique. A great experience for all who attended to sail in such strong winds and severe conditions. Overall a great few days of strong wind windsurfi ng and good to shake the cobwebs out preparing for a busy Army windsurfi ng season. LeǪ ȏȜcȫȤon RA ȸǶȩy CǬaȩpǷ 2019 37 G FIN UR S D IN W SURFEXTREME SAFAGA EGYPT 30TH MARCH - 6TH APRIL 2018

The Army windsurfi ng team deployed to Safaga by Jon Metcalfe - ASA WSTM in Egypt on the 30th March for a week long intermediate windsurfi ng camp. We choose Safaga because of its perfect fl at water and steady winds. We booked the camp through Club Ion which is now one of the world’s leading windsurfi ng overseas centres. The centre is fully stocked with 2019 Duotone and Fanatic gear ranging from 155 litre wide style boards down to 100 litre wave boards and rigs from 7.8m down to 4.0m. To continue to keep aligned with our ASA get on the windsurfi ng development program we prioritised water every day. our aspiring intermediate sailors this year and For the majority of had a group of 12 people ranging in abilities from the week the wind was a just getting into the harness and foot straps to little light (albeit not common cracking the allusive carve gybe and water start. for this time of year) but we did get We have seen a new group of intermediates three really good force 4 – 5 sessions immerging over the last 18 months who are in the classic Northerly direction which super keen to progress there windsurfi ng so this gave people the ability to get on to really justifi ed our trip in March so we had to smaller boards and rigs and work on fi nd the best warm fl at water location to train in carve gybe variations like laydowns, duck to get everyone ready for the Army windsurfi ng and strap gybes and try some chip hops. season. The package was broken down into On most days we had enough to get kit hire through Club Ion and an all-inclusive going on big freeride equipment so there full board accommodation and meals package was always a bit of a scramble in the at one of the prestige Hotels in the area the mornings with the other Ion centre guests Shams Imperial Hotel. This worked really well to get the biggest kit. as the windsurfi ng centre was only a short walk Despite the light to moderate winds we from the hotel. The Hotel and food was really made some form of skill progression every day top notch, it also had a couple of decent size and having the three good short board sessions swimming pools also for the guys to cool off made the week well balanced and kept the more after a full days windsurfi ng. advanced intermediates happy so over the whole A round up of the windsurfi ng week most of peoples individual goals were After the morning brief each day we ran a achieved. shore based session on a specifi c topic and On the whole a great week of windsurfi ng and I then got out onto the water to develop core would defi nitely recommend Club Ion and Safaga skills. Normally the wind is light in the morning to anyone looking for a pre-season windsurfi ng fi x, so ideal for running some skill sessions based we were unlucky on the wind conditions but that’s around improving fundamental skills just windsurfi ng!! like tacking, non-planning carve gybes, feasible freestyle, beach starting etc., all important techniques to improve on when it gets windier. The wind should normally start to fi ll in around 1100 if it’s coming from the North which is the prevailing direction but due to weather systems in land we

just didn’t get the reliable cross shore d Ȧ ǧ winds Safaga is renowned for. I think Ƕ r e ȏ we had winds from all directions over the week including strong offshore but M no problem to go sailing as Club Ion has safety cover on standby should someone get into diffi culty so we did

38 Forces WindȆoil TRAINING WEEK 20-24 May 2019 - AISTC & Hayling Island by Jon Metcalfe (ASA Wind & Kite Manager) The fi rst specifi c windsurfi ng foil training week was delivered during the week of the 20 -24 May this year, a total of 10 windsurfers attended the week which was designed to start to deliver structured training sessions and development to those current Service windsurfers who were looking to make the transition across to the foil discipline. We also intended to run the fi rst ever Forces wind foil competition which was planned for the S i Ʉ end of the training week. c ȯǻ Wind foiling has taken off well in the Army and we have a ǰDZ ȣc Ǭ group of dedicated foilers who now regularly foil on the

R Ɂ South Coast, the RN and RAF have also now started a ȯ wind foiling program albeit a little way behind ours!! Wind foiling has now been confi rmed as one of the sailing medals for the 2014 Olympics which has replaced the RSX one design racing fl eet, there is also a growing foiling fl eet on the UKWA National circuit, again this has replaced the now outdated Formula windsurfi ng fl eet. The competition element of the discipline is obviously priority, and, in the future, we hope to have some ɄȺ Service sailors competing Nationally and potentially on RE aDZl the International circuit as well as integrating the foiling ȥǬ Ǯt ǭ discipline into Service windsurfi ng competition which will Ȗ ǹ be happening this year. t a So, I round up of the week: M Even for windsurfi ng foiling you need a steady 10-12 knots to foil properly and even though the weather was hot and sunny all week we only had two quality training days on the water over the week. The gear set up is crucial especially in light winds, so we looked at kit set up covering rigs/foot strap placement/deck plate position and how this effects the ride height/trim of the foil. Also understanding how the foil works helps sailors to develop their overall board and foil control as the foil is effected by board trim fore and aft, sideways pitch and yawl, all these effects can change the way the foil will track through the water so key to get right if you want to stay in control. We delivered practical sessions on launch and landing technique and beach starting as these are all very different to getting going on a conventional windsurfer!, once up and sailing the boards will track in non-planning mode relatively the same as a normal windsurfer but as you increase board speed and move your weight aft over the foil then the magic starts to happen and you will rise up out of the water on the foil. The fi rst planning sessions which were delivered were the “fi rst fl ight” sessions which teach basic foil trimming and control we then moved onto “sustained fl ight” again building on skills already mastered to enable prolonged fl ight across the wind, we d Ȧ ǧ Ƕ even started to look at the entry into the foil gybe!! r e ȏ Due to lack of wind we didn’t run any competition but

M nevertheless we made loads of development and got everyone up to and in some cases beyond the “sustained fl ight” modules which given the light winds was really promising and a good base to build on during the season.

39 ING RF U S E IT K ARMY KITESURFING UKAF KITE CHAMPIONSHIPS

CHAMPIONSHIPSby Jon Metclafe ASA Kite Manager RhoǷȡǪǯgǶ Beǧȝh2019 – AnǫDZesǪȂ 9-13 Sepǹ 19 The 2019 Army Kite Championships were held this year at Rhosneigr beach on Anglesey. A total of 32 competitors form across the RE, RS, AAC, RLC, AMS and INT Corps attended the event. The event has been building momentum over the last few years with increased Corps riders making the trip up to North Wales. Rhosneigr can be pretty reliable with good wind conditions and this year was no exception, we had four full days of wind starting off with moderate NW winds in the force 4-5 range and building through the week to max out at 30 knots from the SW by Thursday. The plan this year was to run a novice, intermediate and open freestyle event and incorporate the kite foiling discipline into the program and run a specifi c foil race. Kite foiling is now well established with a growing number of Army riders making the transition to the new aspect of kite surfi ng.

A roǻdzȨ Ǽp oȇ ǺhǪ ǿȥeȬ MonȧǧȠ - NW winds ranging from F3-4 gave fl at water in the bay perfect for getting the novices out second and a great result for for some coaching sessions working on board starting SSgt Paul Gregory (12 Regt and fi rst board rides, the afternoon was also great for REME) in third. some foiling practice and big twin tip riding. By mid-afternoon the wind had dropped a little so we cracked on TuǪsȧȜȠ - The day started with light winds from the with the novices - the conditions were NNW, a little gusty in the bay but enough to get out still challenging but we managed to get a and have a session in the morning, by lunch time the full round of competition completed, Gnr Noah wind had built to a steady force 4-5 from the WNW Magnus (19 Regt RA) took the win with a strong so again we got all the group out and kited until performance in the dying wind, second and third around 6 o clock in the evening. places went to SSgt Mark Langham (RE) and LBdr WeddzǪȤdȜȂ - Competition day for all riders which Paige Furey (16 Regt RA). started with a high tide freestyle open fl eet contest. By late afternoon the wind had dropped to around The wind was a solid from the NW with 10-2 knots so we got the foils out and completed some great small waves rolling in to the bay which the fi rst Army foil race around the bay. A total of was perfect for some big airs and an opportunity 5 riders completed the tricky course which was for the Corps top riders to put on a demonstration. designed around a windward and leeward course We ran one fl eet for the open freestylers who all of two laps. Pte James Roe (RLC) who is leading competed in a 20 minute expression session with the way in Army foiling racing set the pace and the top 3 going through to a 10 minute fi nal. What a completed both laps in fi rst place. contest! Massive big airs, loops and un hooked tricks So by the end of the day we had completed all the were being thrown down. In the end Lt Mark Spencer competition formats for all fl eets, a long day but (AAC) came out on top and took the win. Mark excellent results. Just as well really as the forecast continues to be pretty much un challenged in the for Thursday was coming in with 30 knots SW! freestyle discipline. ThuǶȤdǧȂ - A crazy day of strong winds and big The intermediates were up next and a much closer waves, not for everyone but those who made it out contest was had – two heats of 4 riders in each had a metal kite in extreme conditions to say the competed in 10 minute heats with two going through least!! from each heat. The tide was starting to ebb in the In summery the most successful Army Champs afternoon which made for manageable conditions but to date, a great turn out with some high level the wind was still blowing around 20 knots. The fi nal competition and some excellent individual was a close run thing with Bdr Lee Jackson (16 Regt performances. RA) taking the win, SSgt David Lovesey (RS) taking Look forward to next year.

A 404040 MaǮn Ǵǭȣto: Jed ȉǻdzȡǯnǫǭam AǶȩy KiǹǪ ȉǭȜmǴȤ UKAFHayǰǮȡg IǷDZanȧ 7-11KITE Ocǹ 19 CHAMPIONSHIPS Jon Metcalfe ASA KSTM ARɄȵ – UKȸȋ ȯhamǵions 2019 It was an event which was won by the Army team this year who clearly stood out across all the fl eets and disciplines to take a win in the 2019 freestyle team and individual event and in the fi rst ever kite foil racing series. The Army fi elded its strongest team for a few years with the top 6 freestyle riders who all delivered the goods in a windy and testing day of competition at the start of the week. The Army riders made it through to both semi-fi nals with a strong display of controlled jumps and transitions leaving the RAF and RN to battle it out for 5th AsǬ HeȦ and 6th places in the individual event. Ȣn 2 It was an all Army fi nal with Lt Mark Spencer U K ȸ (AAC) taking the overall win with a standout ȋ

2 display of unhooked powered manoeuvres, 0 1 clearly stating his place as the top freestyle rider 9 in the Services. This performance was backed up the rest of the team who battled it out for 2nd place which went to Lt Pete Evans (RA), 3rd place Lt Charlie Perks (RE) and 4th place LBdr Ash (RA). Tuesday - SW F6 wind and a big ground swell breaking on the sand bar, so no competition was J osǬ ȋ run, advanced riders were the only ones out in Ȣȁ ɋE the challenging conditions and strong wind. M Ⱥ Wednesday – again a super windy day so Ȳ Ȑ the plan was to run some foil racing for the A ȼ advanced fl eets, this was the fi rst time we have

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i delivered proper foil racing at the UKAF event, t

Ǫ

ȉ we completed a total of 8 races which were Ǭ

Ȝ completed around a windward – leeward course. ȩ

p Ƿ The foiling discipline is growing popularity in the Forces with a strong fl eet entered from the Army and RAF. The Army team were dominant again with a strong performance in the gusty and challenging wind conditions which peaked at A around 25-30 knots at times. s Ǭ H The Army’s top kite foil racer Pte James Roe e Ȧ (RLC) pretty much cleaned up every race and Lt Ȣ n Mark Spencer (AAC) took overall 2nd place. Ɋ

A

So, an overall great result for the Army who

Ȕ

ɀ

ȷ continue to be the dominant force in Services

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kitesurfi ng competition. 2

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1 9

2019 UKȸȋ ɀitǪ CȣDzǵ Teǧm AǶȩy ȔKȷȋ ɀitǪ CǬȜȩpǷ 2019 41 ING RF U S 24 - 28 June 2019 E Location - Lemmmings IT K ite foiling is now taking off in a big way in the UK and we Know have a dedicated group of Army kite foilers who have made the transition into this new exciting discipline of kite Surfi ng. We have set up a kite foil training program which is currently being delivered at the BKSA kite surfi ng school based at the AISTC Thorney Island. Suitable conditions and environment are crucial to being able to master the basic techniques of foiling and key to develop skills and our sistership kite Centre in Cyprus which is based at Lemmings beach has one of the best foil by Jon Metcalfe (ASA Kite Surfi ng Manager) Kite Surfi by Jon Metcalfe (ASA locations in so no better place to run an overseas foiling camp. The lemmings Club which is based in Happy Valley is pretty much perfectly set up for foiling, a nice shallow shelving beach and deep water entry allows easy learning and the ability to foil straight off the beach, the wind in the wind in the Summer months is very predictable and constant. The Club has excellent facilities with a BKSA kite TRAINING EXERCISE school and active Club scene which is well supported by on island personnel, there is also a beach café on site. This was the fi rst time we have run an overseas foil camp and although the numbers were relatively small, we had 5 full days of foiling over the week. Conditions were perfect everyday with force 4-5 cross on shore winds everyday making for loads of skill progression. The level of the group was similar, so it was great to be able to help each other to develop skills and learn new techniques and transitions. looking at equipment set up and foil design is also key to developing skills, we had a broad range of new equipment to use from Moses / Fone / Shinn and Axis. Part of the week was to look at the next Army level foil purchase so ideal to be able to try out some of the new gear on the market. On the whole the week was a great success and a solid platform to build from , next year we are planning to run a Tri Service dedicated foil week which will be designed around foil training and foil racing, a new concept which is being integrated into Service and National competition. Stay loyal to the Foil. CȘɉRUɍ ɀȎTȶ ȋOȎɂ ɀȎTȶ CȘɉRUɍ

42 Main photo: Ash Heron Cyprus Foil ‘‘On the whole the week was a great success and a solid platform to build from, next year we are planning to run a Tri Service dedicated foil week…‘‘

25 - 28 April 2019by Jon Metcalfe ASA KSM he fi rst UK based kite foil training camp was successfully delivered over the 25 – 28 April this year. Kite foiling Tis a relatively new concept to Army kite surfi ng, its popularity has been growing for the last two years with a small group of dedicated new kite foilers emerging not only in the Army but also across the other two services, there is an aspiration to include foil racing as part of the Inter Services in the future so this UK camp was set up to see if there was initial interest to get the program going. Kite foiling opens up different aspects of kite surfi ng, from kiting in very light winds into carving and cruising even waves as the equipment technology has evolved and foils have become much more user friendly to use, foils have become more stable and forgiving so much easier to grasp the basics and develop skills. We teamed up with the RAFPKA to run the camp which was split into two parts. Thursday the 25th was a dedicated intermediate foil development day which was run for us by Andy Gratwick who is one of the leading foil coaches in the UK, so we organised a day with him based down in Poole. Ideally, we wanted moderate wind and fl at water to foil in but what we got was totally different! Strong southerly winds and large shore break made the day challenging to say the least! but once we got off the beach, we had a great day of foiling in strong winds and took loads of good tips from the day. Friday – Sunday was meant to be based around a directional transition into foiling as riding surf boards is a key skill to master the basics of foiling as a lot of the basic skills are the same, riding toe side / roll tacks / gybes etc. Friday’s forecast was looking tasty with moderate to strong SW winds and Saturday’s forecast was for even more wind up to 40 knots!! We based ourselves at Hayling Island for the 3 days and worked out of the CBK Club. Thursday was fairly successful with a mix of foiling and directional coaching. We also ran some fi rst fl ight foil sessions to get the basics dialled. Saturday was absolutely nuking, it pretty much stayed in and around 40 knots all day so way too much for foiling, it’s not often you get waist high waves on the bar at Hayling but we had some really good wave riding and crazy twin tip jumping conditions, big respect to those who went out as it was pretty extreme conditions. Sunday’s forecast couldn’t have been any different, light to moderate NW winds which was offshore, so this gave us butter fl at water and winds around 15 knots – perfect for foiling. What a great session, at one point we had around 10 people out all cruising around and working on toe side gybes and tacks, the wind stayed in all day so we had around 6 hours of foiling. Overall a great success and there is defi nitely a new buzz in

COACHING CAMP FOIL COACHING UK Army kitesurfi ng on the foil front, we are planning to start to deliver basic foil courses as part of the kite program at the AISTSC in 2020. Kite Foiling has been confi rmed as one of the sailing medals in the 2024 Olympics which is really encouraging and great for the sport so loads more to come on the foiling front..

43 ING RF U S E IT Ex HeǨȦǮdȥadz KǮǺȥ 4 K 12 - 20 ApǶiDZ 2019 bȂ Joȡ ɄǪtțȜDZfe ASȸ ȐɌM

his year’s Army kite surfi ng season kicked off with a trip to the Outer Hebrides in April, this is the 5th time we have visited the islands and this year didn’t disappoint, I think overall it was the best trip we have run to Tdate!! A total of 10 Army kiters made the long journey which was broken up a little by a stop off in Edinburgh on the way up to break up the long drive, so the plan was to get most of the driving done on the Friday and then do the remainder on the Sat morning to get the ferry from Maillig which was due to leave at 1700. True to form we had strong winds all day Saturday to the extent that the ferry was cancelled due to high winds so this left us with 2 options drive further North to get another ferry from Uig on Sunday evening or risk waiting for the Maillig ferry again which was looking like it would be cancelled again on the Sunday. We decided to go for the Uig option on the Sunday as this was a shorter crossing and more sheltered from the strong SE winds. Luckily, we managed to book in to the JSMTC in Fort William for Saturday night and some of the group managed to get a quick albeit gusty kite Saturday afternoon in Fort William sound. Slightly frustrated but confi dent we would fi nally get to Benbecula on Sunday evening, we arrived at West Camp, Balivanich which is run by QinetiQ at 2130 it had taken us 2 days to get there.! It was worth the wait as the next week gave us 5 full days of superb kite surfi ng conditions, moderate to strong winds from the S and SE were forecast all week so after our morning brief we went looking for appropriate beaches to kite from.

Day 1 Strong SE winds all day so we travelled to another beach on North Uist which gave us cross on conditions, great day to kick the week off and a mixture of directional and twin tip riding, small waves to play around in.

Day 2 The winds were a little lighter today although still 20 knots + and from the SE so we discovered a great wave beach which we nicked named “stinkys” due to the pungent sea weed small, we kited there in the morning then headed off to the legendary Solas bay in the afternoon for a spot of foiling which was , albeit a little shallow.

Day 3 Southerly winds 25knots, back to stinkys for some more wave kiting and twin tip boosting, and a board rescue, we won’t mention who!

Day 4 Fatigue was starting to settle in a little as we were averaging around 4-6 hours on the water every day, but two days left so more kiting needed! We had a session at stinkys in the morning, which was a little light, so we decided to fi nd a suitable foiling beach in the afternoon. We found a perfect foiling location on one of the bays around the corner which gets fl ooded by the tide at HW so loads of deep fl at water perfect for foil progression. (we nick named the location “The Devils Ricker”)

Day 5 Off to the Devils Ricker for a full day of fl at-water twin tip action and foiling progression, the winds remained in the 20-knot bracket so a great way to fi nish an amazing week of kiting. Overall probably the best trip we have done to the Outer Hebs, apart from the long drive and losing a day the whole group made massive progression on directional boards, twin tips and foiling. See you in 2020. Ex HeǨȦǮdȥadz KǮǺȥ 4

KITE SURFING CYPRUS First in Cyprus - since 1998 LEARN TO HAVE FUN SAFELY CONNECT WITH NATURE Kite Surfi ng Equipment, Sales and Repairs IKO Certifi ed & Insured Instructors Tel +357 99 618 448 | info@kitefl ex.com www.kitesurfi ngcyprus.org Amathountos Avenue Marina Beach Apartment Shop SF7 Pareklissia, Limassol 4533 Cyprus FIXTURES & EVENTS 2020 Mar-20

DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL Mar, 15 O shore Warsash Spring Series 1 Solent RSTB Mar, 21 - 22 Army Windsur ng Instructor CPD AISTC(S) RSTB Mar, 22 O shore Warsash Spring Series 2 Solent RSTB Mar, 28 - 29 O shore Warsash Spring Series 3 Solent RSTB Mar, 28 - 29 Dinghy Sailing: RS 200 Rooster National Tour GP1 Queen Mary Sailing Club UTB Apr-20

DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL Apr, 04 Dinghy Sailing: 200 Class Open Weirwood SC MS1 AISTC(S) UTB Apr, 10 - 12 O shore Army Team – RORC Easter Challenge Solent RSTB Apr, 14 - 17 Dinghy Sailing: Army Team Training Camp – Pre IS Team Racing AISTC(S) RSTB Apr, 18 - 25 Kite Sur ng: Ex Hebredian Kite Outer Hebrides RSTB Apr, 18 - 19 Windsur ng UKWA Slalom 1 Lee on Solent RSTB Apr, 23 - 24 Dinghy Sailing: Inter Service Team Racing Bowmoor SC RSTB Apr, 25 - 26 O shore Warsash Spring Championship Weekend Solent RSTB Apr, 25 - 26 Dinghy Sailing: RS Sprint (All RS Classes) MS2 Rutland UTB May-20

DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL May, 02 - 03 Kite Sur ng: Army Foil Racing S1 Hayling Island RSTB May, 02 - 03 Windsur ng: Army Foil Racing S1 Hayling Island RSTB May, 09 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Class Millennium Series MS3 Bowmoor SC UTB May, 11 - 15 Army O shore Regatta (Inter Corps Teams) English Channel RSTB May, 16 - 17 Windsur ng: UKWA Slalom 2 Christchurch RSTB Jun-20

DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL Jun, 01 - 03 RLC Seaview Regatta Isle of Wight UTB Jun, 01 - 05 Windsur ng: UKAF Foil Championships Hayling Island RSTB Jun, 06 - 07 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Class Millennium Series MS4 Wilsonian SC UTB Jun, 06 - 07 Dinghy Sailing: RS 200 Rooster National Tour GP2 Draycote UTB Jun, 06 - 07 Kite Sur ng: Army Foil Racing S2 Hayling Island RSTB Jun, 06 - 07 Windsur ng: Army Foil Racing S2 Hayling Island RSTB Jun, 13 - 14 Windsur ng: UKWA Slalom 3 Felixstowe RSTB Jun, 15 - 16 Dinghy Sailing: Lagos Trophy Inter Corps Team Racing – AISTC(S) RSTB Army Team Training Jun, 17 - 19 Dinghy Sailing: Lagos Trophy Inter Corps Team Racing AISTC(S) RSTB Jun, 18 - 19 Dinghy Sailing: RS200 Rooster National Tour GP4 Hayling Island UTB Jun, 19 - 21 Kite Sur ng Armada Hayling Island NTA Jun, 22 - 26 Novice Windsur ng Championships RSTB Jun, 27 - 28 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Millennium Series MS5 Itchenor UTB

46 Mar-20 Jul-20

DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL Mar, 15 O shore Warsash Spring Series 1 Solent RSTB Jul, 11 - 12 Windsur ng: UKWA Slalom 4 Eastbourne RSTB Mar, 21 - 22 Army Windsur ng Instructor CPD AISTC(S) RSTB Jul, 25 - 26 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Millennium Series MS6 Snettisham SC UTB Mar, 22 O shore Warsash Spring Series 2 Solent RSTB Jul, 25 - 26 Kite Sur ng: Army Foil Racing S3 Hayling Island RSTB Mar, 28 - 29 O shore Warsash Spring Series 3 Solent RSTB Jul, 25 - 26 Windsur ng: Army Foil Racing S3 Hayling Island RSTB Mar, 28 - 29 Dinghy Sailing: RS 200 Rooster National Tour GP1 Queen Mary Sailing Club UTB Aug-20 Apr-20 DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL Aug, 01 - 06 Dinghy Sailing: RS200 National Championships Filey SC UTB Apr, 04 Dinghy Sailing: 200 Class Open Weirwood SC MS1 AISTC(S) UTB Aug, 15 - 16 Kite Sur ng: Army Foil Racing S4 Hayling Island RSTB Apr, 10 - 12 O shore Army Team – RORC Easter Challenge Solent RSTB Aug, 15 - 16 Windsur ng: Army Foil Racing S4 Hayling Island RSTB Apr, 14 - 17 Dinghy Sailing: Army Team Training Camp – Pre IS Team Racing AISTC(S) RSTB Aug, 16 - 21 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Class National Championships Brixham RSTB Apr, 18 - 25 Kite Sur ng: Ex Hebredian Kite Outer Hebrides RSTB Apr, 18 - 19 Windsur ng UKWA Slalom 1 Lee on Solent RSTB Sep-20 Apr, 23 - 24 Dinghy Sailing: Inter Service Team Racing Bowmoor SC RSTB Apr, 25 - 26 O shore Warsash Spring Championship Weekend Solent RSTB DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL Apr, 25 - 26 Dinghy Sailing: RS Sprint (All RS Classes) MS2 Rutland UTB Sep, 05 - 06 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Millennium Series MS7 Keyhaven SC UTB Sep, 05 - 06 Windsur ng: UKWA Slalom 5 Worthing RSTB May-20 Sep, 07 - 11 Army Kite Championships Rhosneigr RSTB Sep, 13 - 14 Kite Sur ng: Edge Race Cup Exmouth RSTB DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL Sep, 14 - 18 Army Windsur ng Championships and UKAF Inter Services Weymouth RSTB May, 02 - 03 Kite Sur ng: Army Foil Racing S1 Hayling Island RSTB Sep, 14 - 18 Dinghy Sailing: Army Team Training: Inter Service AISTC(S) RSTB May, 02 - 03 Windsur ng: Army Foil Racing S1 Hayling Island RSTB Aysmmetric Dinghy Champs – Individual Training May, 09 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Class Millennium Series MS3 Bowmoor SC UTB Sep, 19 - 20 Dinghy Sailing: Inter Services Asymmetric Dinghy AISTC(S) RSTB May, 11 - 15 Army O shore Regatta (Inter Corps Teams) English Channel RSTB Champs – Gold Cup May, 16 - 17 Windsur ng: UKWA Slalom 2 Christchurch RSTB Sep, 19 - 20 National Windsur ng Championships Rutland RSTB Sep, 26 - 27 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Millennium Series MS8 Stone UTB Jun-20 Sep, 26 - 27 Kite Sur ng: Army Foil Racing S5 Hayling Island RSTB Sep, 26 - 27 Windsur ng: Army Foil Racing S5 Hayling Island RSTB DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL Jun, 01 - 03 RLC Seaview Regatta Isle of Wight UTB Oct-20 Jun, 01 - 05 Windsur ng: UKAF Foil Championships Hayling Island RSTB Jun, 06 - 07 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Class Millennium Series MS4 Wilsonian SC UTB DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL Jun, 06 - 07 Dinghy Sailing: RS 200 Rooster National Tour GP2 Draycote UTB Oct, 03 - 04 Dinghy Sailing: RS200 Inland Championships Grafham Water UTB Jun, 06 - 07 Kite Sur ng: Army Foil Racing S2 Hayling Island RSTB Oct, 03 - 09 Windsur ng: Weymouth Speed Week Weymouth RSTB Jun, 06 - 07 Windsur ng: Army Foil Racing S2 Hayling Island RSTB Oct, 09 - 11 Dinghy Sailing: Endeavour Trophy – Burnham on Crouch RSTB Jun, 13 - 14 Windsur ng: UKWA Slalom 3 Felixstowe RSTB Champion of Champions Jun, 15 - 16 Dinghy Sailing: Lagos Trophy Inter Corps Team Racing – AISTC(S) RSTB Oct, 12 - 16 UKAF Kite Sur ng Inter Services Hayling Island RSTB Army Team Training Oct, 24 - 25 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Class Inland Championships Llandegfedd SC RSTB Jun, 17 - 19 Dinghy Sailing: Lagos Trophy Inter Corps Team Racing AISTC(S) RSTB Oct, 24 - 25 Windsur ng: UKWA Slalom 6 Sandbanks RSTB Jun, 18 - 19 Dinghy Sailing: RS200 Rooster National Tour GP4 Hayling Island UTB Jun, 19 - 21 Kite Sur ng Armada Hayling Island NTA Nov-20 Jun, 22 - 26 Novice Windsur ng Championships RSTB Jun, 27 - 28 Dinghy Sailing: 2000 Millennium Series MS5 Itchenor UTB DATE FIXTURE VENUE TRAVEL Nov, 07 - 08 Windsur ng: UKWA Slalom 7 Weymouth RSTB

47 RY TO C Clubs offering ASA APPOINTMENT HOLDERS E R hospitality To I ARMY HQ REPRESENTATIVE JSASTC D ASA Members Maj R Reid Lt Col T Wood The Royal Lymington Yacht Club

Hornet Services Sailing Club OFFSHORE SECRETARY/ DINGHY SECRETARY Army Sailing Association CHIEF INSTRUCTOR AOSC Vacant Mackenzie Building, Fox Lines Mr Phil Brown Queens Avenue, Aldershot, Hants GU11 2LB Tel: Mil (94222) 7093 WINDSURFING SECRETARY REGIONAL COACH WO2 S McCulloch Mr Darren Kirkham Email: [email protected] Website: sailing.armysportcontrolboard.com SENIOR INSTRUCTIONAL OFFICER ARMY RACING TEAM CAPTAIN WINDSURFING & KITESURFING Maj P Caswell Mr J Metcalfe ARMY SAILING ASA WINDSURFING RACING SEC RC GERMANY ASSOCIATION Maj J E D Cunningham Col (Retd) R Harrison OBE 2020 DIRECTORY

RC NORTHERN IRELAND JOURNAL EDITOR SECRETARY ASA Lt Col C Wood Lt G Heelas-Jorgensen MoD ASCB, Mackenzie Building, Queens Avenue, Aldershot, Hants GU11 2LB Tel: Aldershot Mil (94222) 7091/Civil 01252 787091 ASA TRUSTEES Email: [email protected] COMMODORE TRUSTEE Maj Gen N Sexton Col N Wilson

SEAVIEW YACHT CLUB TRUSTEE TRUSTEE Seaview, Isle of Wight Col (Retd) D McCulloch Brig (Retd) N Nottingham Hants PO34 5HB Tel: 01983 613628 TRUSTEE EXTERNAL TRUSTEE Fax: 01983 565451 Lt Col AJ Fairs Mr J Stevens

SOLDIER TRUSTEE THE ROYAL Cpl S Horsfi eld YACHTING ASSOCIATION Royal Yachting Association, RYA House Ensign Way, Hamble, Hants SO31 4YA SECRETARIES - AFFILIATED CLUBS Tel: 0845 345 0400 HOUSEHOLD DIVISION SA Lt Col J Green (James) ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE Chairman - HDSA 20 St James’ Place, London SW1A 1NN ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS YC Capt H Foster (Henry) Tel: Civil 0207 493 2248 TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE Email: [email protected] Fax: Civil 0207 493 5252 ROYAL ARTILLERY YC Lt Col (Retd) S J Gray (Stuart) TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE ARMY OFFSHORE SAILING CENTRE Sword Building ROYAL ENGINEER YC TBC Fort Blockhouse, Haslar Road TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE Email: [email protected] Gosport, Hants PO12 2AB Tel: Gosport Mil (9380) 65457 ROYAL SIGNALS YC Lt Col B Howarth (Ben) Civil 02392 765457 TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE

INFANTRY SA Col A Hadfi eld (Andy) ARMY INSHORE SAIL TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE TRAINING CENTRE CENTRE (SOUTH) AISTC(S) ARMY AIR CORPS YC Maj S Burgess (Simon) - Offshore TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE Capt D Macklin - Inshore/Dinghy Baker Barracks, Thorney Island Capt CD Jurgens (Colin) - Windsurfi ng Emsworth, Hants PO10 8DH Email: [email protected] Tel: 94295 8315 Civ 01243 388 315

Visit the ASA website at www.sailing.armysportcontrolboard.com

48 ROYAL LOGISTICS CORPS YC Maj M Jones (Mark) TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE EX OFFICIO ARMY MEDICAL SERVICES SA Maj C Taylor (Chris) TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE MEMBERS

ROYAL ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL Capt C Haugvik (Chris) ENGINEERS YC Email: [email protected] JSASTC TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE Lt Col T Wood ADJUTANT GENERAL’S CORPS SA Lt Col T Fairs (Tony) TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE Army Headquarters Representative INTELLEGENCE CORPS SA WO2 S Brain (Steve) Maj A Reid TE & EXAM CENTRE OFFSHORE

Honorary Life Members OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION General the Lord Richards GCB CBE DSO Lt Gen Sir John Kiszely KCB MC Commodore RAC YC Commodore RA YC Lt Col NRE Woolgar MBE Col N Wilson Lt Gen Sir William Rollo KCB CBE Commodore RE YC Commodore R Signals YC Cdr E D L Llewellyn RN Lt Col M Johnson-Ferguson Col L Dallyn MBE Maj Gen C R S Notley CB CBE Commodore Infantry SA Commodore AAC SA Maj Gen DJ Rutherford-Jones CB Col A Hadfi eld Gapped Brigadier Miles Wade CBE Commodore AMS SA Commodore RLC SA Maj C Taylor Maj Gen S McMahon CBE Lt Col D J Peerless

Commodore REME YC Commodore AGC SA Col I Gibson Lt Col A Fairs

Chairman HD SA Commodore Int Corps SA Lt Col J Green Lt Col S Puxley

Chairman AISTC(S) Commodore Dhekelia WSC Maj J J Boutle Maj S Horder

Commodore Dhekelia Services SC Commodore ESSC Capt C Griffi ths T Hastings

Visit the ASA website at sailing.armysportcontrolboard.com

49

Supplier of charter yachts to the Armed Forces for over 20 years

Please call or e-mail and quote ref. AF2020 to qualify for your special 15% discount

Cosmos Yachting Ltd Tel. 020 8878 0880 or Freephone 0800 3769070 [email protected]