AQUARIUS S.C. THE MAIN SHEET

Summer 2012 Edition Web Site: http://www.sailaquarius.org.uk Editor: Richard Cannon 01932 786636 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Publicity: Over Easy 020 8393 5495 E-mail: [email protected]

Contents Commodore’s Bit Commodore’s Bit 1 I must thank everybody who put a Some 40 people attended Pimms News of Members 1 lot of effort into the preparations for the with Noel Coward which also gave us a Newsletter Printing 1 Open Weekend. I would also like to chance to celebrate both Joan Bray’s Lyn Baker 1 give a big welcome to those new and Pat Irving’s 80th birthdays. Sailing Secretary Report 2 members who have joined. Congratulations to you both. Midsummer Cruise 2 With deep regret we had to say Did you know there was a new Very Easy Blackberry Jam 3 goodbye to Lyn Baker who finally lost suggestion scheme up on the notice Midsummer Night Cruise 3 her battle against cancer. About 40 club board? Nobody has taken up my Hello and Welcome 4 members were part of a gathering of suggestion of a new Commodore’s Weather Station 4 close to 200 to celebrate Lyn’s life. barge – Gloriana !!! Mike Hendra, Publicity 5 Sailing was fine from January till Hopefully we can now do some real Mrs R F McCoy 5 April but since then we have been summer sailing and don’t forget to note AQSC Regatta and SCOA Open 6 plagued by very strong currents and the forthcoming events on the back Sunday Regatta 2012 6 rotten weather. This also affected our page. Pimms with Noel Coward 7 regatta but many consoled themselves Good sailing Social Calendar 8 with the Hog Roast and of course cream Rodger Wheeler River Current Speed 8 teas with strawberries hand picked by Bewl Valley Sailing Club 8 our President and Secretary aided and Thanks To AQSC Membership 8 abetted I believe by Janet.

Newsletter Printing The printing and paper costs of this The term 'On The Fiddle' has it's Newsletter were met in full by JDC origins in that on HMS Victory and Independent Financial Advisers other ships, the dining tables were News of Members 69 The Green Twickenham edged with a fixed or hinged rim, called Joan Bray 020 8755 5577 'fiddles'. These were to stop platters and We thank Frank Rainsborough for jugs from sliding off, but not only did Welcome setting this up. the fiddle keep the platters and jugs on Frank usually contributes a few notes the table, it also marked the area We extend a very warm welcome to explaining some navy slang terms for available for platters and jugs. the following new members. food, the contribution this time still If a sailor's platters and jugs Darren Best & Demelza Rose and covers food and 'notes', because for the extended beyond the allotted space and Family right reasons it might be of particular touched the fixed or hinged rim, that Les Cummings interest to one of our esteemed Surrey sailor was said to be 'fiddling', meaning Nathan Dixon bank members. he had a larger share of food than he Justin & Gisele Flack and Family was entitled to, and was depriving Rachel Holland another sailor of his full share of food. Robin & Anna Hoyle Lyn Baker And this 'fiddling' was an offence David & Sheila Pryde and Family It is with deep regret and sadness that punishable by flogging. Julien Snell we announce the recent death of Lyn Aha! I'm now interested to know Phil and Diana Howley Baker. why 'flogging' is a slang term for Farewell She was a lovely lady who bore her 'selling'! If I find out, I'll let you know, Farewell to the MORRIS family who long illness with courage, dignity and if you know, please tell me! have moved to LIVERPOOL. We wish cheerfulness. them every success in their new home. We will all miss her and our deepest condolences go to Mike and his family Joan Bray Secretary

1 Midsummer Cruise 20th June 2012 Trudi Hilton Sailing Secretary The summer weather so far didn’t cruiser, with David and Ben bringing Report - Richard Cannon bode well for the midsummer cruise but up the rear. Mooring all the sailing The winter sailing was brilliant and it was the best of the rest on the day; boats together, my keys and padlock the official start of the sailing season on the 6-10knt SE wind was perfect and it made their way to the bottom of the 25 March was also super with a NEE was even a couple of knots stronger for river and my arm was not long enough force 1 to 2 wind giving 9 boats a the return sail! to rescue them. Cold, hungry and lovely sail; since 1992 we have only Despite the road traffic challenges in grumpy Rebecca and I gave up trying had more boats out for the first sail of the Sunbury and Hampton area 4 boats to find them and thanks to Stuart we the season in 1997 to 1999. The first were rigged and ready to go at 6.30pm borrowed a padlock and went for food couple of weekends in April were OK and with a strong, blustery wind behind at The Weir Hotel with 17 other but then conditions deteriorated with us Rodger, Rebecca, Julian and I were members. the wettest April on record. quickly on our way to the lock. After a steak-and-Guinness pie Fortunately on 28 April there was Realising that we needed a patrol boat dinner, I tried again with Stuart’s the Mid-Thames Trophy at Desborough Rodger headed back to the club house magnet-on-a-rope and managed to SC; there was too much current to sail to check that the power boats were on retrieve my keys and padlock before at Aquarius and it was just possible at their way. everyone else came back to the lock. Desborough. However by the time we reached the RESULT! The wind conditions From the end of April to mid May lock we had caught up with rowing remained strong enabling Rodger, sailing wasn’t possible due to the the Graham and Eiko who had enjoyed a Julian and I to make it back to the club high current; the first time we have detour around the cut out of the main house under sail from the far side of the been unable sail in May due to current stream but there was no sign of the lock, despite the fading light, and for over 20 years. power boats. We were pleased to see carefully chaperoned by the cruisers. By We were able to have boats on the Stuart catching up with us and Julian 10:30pm we were all back on the bank water for the open days but on Saturday and I hooked on to his cruiser to be and packing up. they had to be towed upstream. towed into the lock. Fortunately there My particular thanks go to Stuart The Sunday of the Queen’s Jubilee were not too many other people around who must surely have been a boy scout weekend was cold and damp but the so our floating about didn’t get us into as he seems to have all the gadgets one East force 1-2 wind gave a good sail; too much trouble. Brian and Keith could possibly need for any untoward Joan Bray brought in some Jubilee made it as far as the lock but didn’t incident! The final word goes to Bryan Mugs as prizes for a Race. The forecast stop for dinner. who discovered I had left my keys in for Monday was very cold, wet and At the other side we moored up my locker door at the end of the windy and nobody went to Bewl for the before the bridge, and waited for the night…… all polite suggestions for scheduled visit; at Bewl the weather other boats. Eventually Rebecca and keeping my keys attached to me would wasn’t as bad as forecast, although Rodger arrived in the lock with Richard be most welcomed!! extremely cold (10°C air, 17°C water) in the patrol boat and the second and there were only about 6 Bewl boats out. More pictures can There was a SigneT Open Meeting be seen on Picasa Web within the Regatta on Saturday 30 June Albums accessed from and fortunately the current had reduced, sailaquarius.org.uk by the SW wind was force 2 to 3 selecting More>Photos extremely gusty to force 5 and shifty; on the Menu. instant 90° shifts. Richard Cannon crewed by Liz Archer and Ken Ayres won the SigneT Open Meeting. Conditions on Sunday were similar although the shifts were not quite so extreme. It became very wet and windy Ideal conditions for running to the lock when a squall went through; The Pictures by Frank Rainsborough weather station recorded a maximum 12 of the 18 who had dinner at the Weir Hotel gust of 28knts (force 7). We need an improvement in the weather for the rest of the season but it is still very wet and making plans to suit the conditions as forecast is very unreliable.

2 Midsummer Night Cruise - Mike Hendra Wednesday 20th June was a bright comfortable places on their boats for as the story of the Lock and Keys was sunny Summer Solstice eve and around this event so some redistribution of spread. For the uninvolved and the six o’clock a band of about 20 Aquarius crews took place at the club before onlookers the incident gave lightness to enthusiasts rolled up at the club for the departure. We all managed to reach the the evening which added to the pleasure evening cruise. This year the idea was lock in time for a single pass but due to of the company and meal. Eventually to sail, cruise or “Patrol” up to the some misunderstanding regarding the the Lock and Keys, who had not swum “Weir Hotel” upstream of Sunbury lock number of sailors who were actually far, were fished out of the river, using for dinner. dining at the Weir, half the fleet Stuart’s large magnet (from a The hardy folk this year included six watched the other half disappear behind loudspeaker) and exhibited triumphantly single-handed sailors (although two the lower lock gates and had to wait for before the diners. were only going as far as the lock round two, wasting a whole lock-full of By now it was getting chilly so we entrance) leaving four others to sail water in the process. all drifted off towards the boats but not through the lock. Two rowers, well one Eventually flotilla two got into the without some crew reshuffling. This rowing and one coxing, Richard in the lock and without any mishap exited the time we all made it into the lock and all “Patrol Boat” along with two boozing other side. Two of the dining sailors exited like skilful sailors. The rower crew thanks to Stuart who had supplied were moored just before the bridge and sped down the river at full speed the wine. David and son Ben, new here the other two joined them. without his cox, who was tucked up in members, in their half cabin “Olly Whilst attaching a state-of-the-art a cruiser and three of the single-handers Beak”, Don and Stuart with their anti- theft device to the four vessels as tacked manfully down stream. cruisers. Stewart was splashing the wine a precaution against roaming Peanuts, now abandoned by it’s crew so he had at least four crew. Don with boatnappers, the padlock with its keys thrashed tempestuously behind Richard no pre-priming managed with one plus slid impishly betwixt the thrashing in the “Patrol Boat”, eventually laying wife and dog. limbs of the Locker-Uppers and down on its side and stamping its sails The wind was over the current so the plopped into the river. “Get a torch and in a fit of pique. Richard managed to sailors where soon running up river at a boathook now” screamed one of the overcome the fit of pique and coaxed goodly pace with Graham rowing like LUs but not understanding why such the upright, towing it back to the hell behind. Stuart, in his other club’s chaos was occurring, the onlookers club. rear Commodore disguise, took off remained in shock and did nothing. By this time it was chilly and late early and left everyone rocking gently Disgusted by the inaction, one of the enough for a warm chocolate and bed in his wake. Richard motored blindly LUs sped off to get help whilst the to call so after securing the various into the sun worrying about everybody onlookers, now victims of a tirade of boats the revelers headed for home. All but his boat and crew, and Don sensibly abuse, strolled nonchalantly, if in all a very pleasant evening with some and serenely brought up the rear. belatedly, to the pub. unexpected entertainment. It appears that whoever organised the Those who had been waiting Thank you to all those who event forgot that Don and Stewart anxiously at the Weir Hotel, now participated and especially to Don and (alphabetical order) always offer shared the amusement of the onlookers Stuart for lending their cruisers.

Very Easy Blackberry Jam Fresh blackberries, washed & drained (1 Kg makes 4 jars of jam) Granulated sugar Zest & juice from 1 lemon (or lime) Knob of butter. Weigh your berries, weigh out an equal amount of sugar & combine all ingredients in a pot.

Microwave. Heat on high for five minutes then stir, repeat the process until the ingredients are dissolved and combined. Bring them to the boil then simmer for 15 minutes. Test for setting.

Stove. Place over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Turn up the heat to high and boil for 5 minutes while, skimming off any excessive pinkish froth. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Test for setting.

Test For Setting. Drop a little of the jam on a cold plate, let it sit for at least 30 seconds, then push on it with your fingertip. If it wrinkles, the jam is ready. If not simmer for 5 minutes and try again. Once it’s ready, remove from heat and pour into sterilized jars, seal, close and allow to cool. Bon appetite. MH 3 Hello and Welcome Thinking about new members, I As someone who had crewed and What Aquarius had become for us recalled the day when my lovely new raced ocean going yachts in South was a major part of our social life. We partner Jean and I joined Aquarius Africa and Australia, I really wondered went to the social events then we began about six years ago. I had seen the whether I would enjoy sailing a dinghy to get involved in their production and advertisement for the new season’s on the river. I had recently returned to development. (Offer Rodger a hand and open day in the local paper, I showed the UK, met Jean and we had settled before you know it you have lost a the notice to Jean who suggested that down together in New Malden while whole arm). We cooked the cakes for we might go along and see what it was my mother moved and settled in to a our duty Sunday and before we knew it all about. Sunday morning dawned wet care home. Jean had never sailed on we were in the pantomime, plays and so my inclination was to stay in bed but anything smaller than the QE II so other social events. I was dragged up anyway. We putting her in a Cockle Shell on the What I have now realised is that the breakfasted and with the rain still Thames was a big risk. Aquarius Sailing Club is just another falling faster than ever, set off to find For guidance I asked my good excuse for people to get together to Aquarius. woman what I should do and in normal enjoy themselves to chat to share a With no sensible drivers on the road female answer mode she said “Do meal with a drink and to swap we swished our way to Hampton Court whatever you want”. A very risky area experiences. Without our membership and beyond soon arriving at the less to enter as most men know, so I did of Aquarius we would not have enjoyed than inviting steel gate at the club’s nothing, another risky area but at least making fools of ourselves for the entrance. Although the gate was open reversible. The week passed and by the entertainment of others and we would with a welcome sign, the grey wet drive next Sunday I was cowed into probably not have gone sailing in did not look very inviting and driving submission so off we went again to Greece and Turkey. the car along its rutted length did not join. Like all sporting clubs Aquarius fill me with much enthusiasm but Other than Bryan’s enthusiasm I do would not have much of an existence powered by my woman I went anyway. not remember much more than several without the clubhouse, the bar, the The rain rattled on the roof as the attempts to right “Peanuts”, one of the galley and those who man (in the pre wind flung buckets full of freezing much abused club Lasers. As we drifted PC sense of the word) them. This spray over the car as it often does towards autumn and the water rat season I did take up during an English spring. Nevertheless I trophy so my determination to beat this again crewing occasionally for Richard was ordered out to get an umbrella French mistress faded. Cannon and I have learned things that from the boot and together we battled The season ended as did the enhanced our spring flotilla trip to the wind and rain from the car to the activities at the club and we slid into Turkey this year. clubhouse. the long greyness of winter. We missed My message is that Aquarius is what There were a handful of hardy the smiling faces, social functions and you make it and most of the making is members in the clubhouse with Joan the comradery of Aquarius and when ashore. So come along for more than Bray heading the reception committee. the New Year came around there was the sail. Bring your family, your As the only people silly enough to no question that we would not rejoin. friends, participate and enjoy the club venture forth this particular inhospitable I don’t think I even entered a dinghy and our company. Twenty trips to the morning we were the entire focus of the following year nor the two or three bar will save you more than the attention so naturally we were a tad that followed but being around sail membership fee and who knows? You uncomfortable but we could not fault boats rekindled my love / hate with may even learn to sail as a bonus. their friendliness. sailing and this led us to flotilla sailing Welcome aboard! first in Greece then into Turkey. Mike Hendra.

Weather Station- Richard Cannon Richard bought a wireless weather station but then decided it would be more useful at AQSC than at his house. Bryan Clements fitted a mounting pole to a fence post behind the club house; it is very easy to remove. The weather station outside sensors are only mounted while someone is at the club. The display is on a table or in the start hut. Both items are stored on a glasses shelf at the west end of the bar. The weather station displays and stores many measurements and has a USB link to a PC; the main displays we are interested in are wind direction, average and gust speeds, and their maximum values. Normally the only actions needed are to switch between Average and Gust speeds, display the maximum wind speeds, and reset the stored maximum values. Instructions Mike Hendra are attached to the display. 4 Mike Hendra, Publicity Introduction Boating Terminology Knots My name is Mike Hendra and I am For the uninitiated, (sometimes For me there are two really useful the latest victim of Rodger the including my lovely lady) boating knots (and several other useful ones) Anaconda, our enthusiastic shorts terminology can be somewhat but two will get you through most wearing Commodore. I was silly confusing, so clarity is important when boating requirements, one is the clove enough to write an article or two for the trying to achieve understanding. I sailed hitch and the other the bowline. I have Mainsheet and with the current once with a man who was a well found this site publicity officer rather sadly indisposed experienced sailor but every second http://www.animatedknots.com/bowline/ I was ingested into the job by Rodger. word was associated in some way with which has a very clear way of giving So to introduce myself here are some of sex which did nothing to aid the sailing instruction so please try it. my thoughts. of the boat. He also screamed abuse I have a friend who wanted to tie the including calling crew members names, bowline behind his back, here is the What goes round comes if things were not done quickly enough. trick but try it in front first. With the What he taught me were three things: rope straight in front of you with your round 1. No part of a sail boat (or any right hand holding the tail which should I lived in South Africa for sixteen other kind of boat for that matter) bears be pointing towards your body. Extend years from 1965 to 1980 whilst on a any resemblance to the male or female your left arm with your palm upwards break from a journey from Poole to form. No part of a boat is named after along the rope away from you taking Australia that started in 1964. In 1985 any body part or bodily function so no hold of the rope about 500 mm from my wife and I went back on holiday such expressions are relevant to sailing the end. Form an anti-clockwise loop in hiring a campervan to travel from or form any useful part in the language the rope with your right hand and cross Johannesburg to Cape Town via the of skippering or crewing a yacht. about 100mm of the tail over the part Kruger National Park and Zululand. On 2. Shouting and or swearing at the just past your left hand. The tail should the way back through the Eastern Cape crew neither improved their speed or be on top of the long or standing part of I suddenly remembered the beautiful efficiency. the rope. Take the cross over in your winery and restaurant at Boschendal 3. He was a lousy skipper and I right hand holding it with your thumb and decided we would stop for lunch on never wanted to sail with him again. under the standing part and your index the way past. My daughter in law finger on top of the tail. Now twist your assured me that under no circumstance hand clockwise forming a loop round would we get in so the diversion would the tail. Keeping the loop, take the tail be a waste of time. Nevertheless, I round the back of the standing rope and would stop and ask. thread it down through the loop and We arrived about 11:45 and as I tighten. walked in the staff (all very dark brown I hope you manage with my Africans dressed in dazzling white) instruction. I tried it out on Jean and no were setting up for lunch. I asked them matter how I rewrote it she still about making lunch arrangements and managed to get it wrong. Not sure if it’s the maitre-d directed me to the me or her! reception. I was not untidy but we had been on the road for two weeks so I was not in Disclaimer my topper and tails. I asked the Any article that bears my signature receptionist if there was any room for will be mine and although from time to five at lunch. The woman gave me a time I may repeat the views of others, I warm smile and said “I know you, one will have agreed with what is being night we were trying to land our boat in said. However, I do understand that Three Anchor Bay and you were one of others may not agree with me. The the crew who helped us. Of course we Mainsheet is to inform to educate, to have space.” I only vaguely remember share and to entertain so why not try that incident but did not remember the your hand at the art and make a woman at all but she remembered me contribution. and we got our table. Mike Hendra My daughter-in-law was livid! Mrs R F McCoy We regret to announce the death of you see on the moorings is thanks to Many of the older members of the "Mackie McCoy" an Honorary Member their efforts in the early days. club remember her with great affection of the club. Whilst her husband was the boat and our thoughts are with her family Many of the newer members will not builder and carpenter, "Mackie" was the Richard and Janet. have known her but she and her late organiser and general helpmate and Joan and I attended her funeral in husband, Richard, were founder developed the social side of the club. In April in Bournemouth and the club has members of the club and worked very retirement to Christchurch in 1984 they made a donation to the RNLI in her hard to establish the club as a friendly both became very involved in the memory. and successful venue and much of what support of the local RNLI. George Bray 5 Sunday Regatta 2012 In order to start the day its necessary Start was good at first mark in 2nd Due to a Diary Malfunction I did not to recover from the Hog Roast eat-all place (I think) and definitely a little make the regatta or the roast but I from the previous evening. Thoughts smarter and a bit faster resulted in a PH understood that Sunday might be however linger on the lunchtime delight place of 1st for this 3rd race.This described as a bit chaotic. of yesterday’s leftovers followed by actually left an overall result where As John reports, there was a tie for strawberries and cream and cakes Graham, Rodger and me with one race the Regatta Trophy whilst Rodger says galore. You just can’t put these delights discarded all having a 1st and a 2nd on John won the Sunday Regatta on a “Tie into words they are of course culinary PH. As luck would have it though Break”. Quite fitting in Wimbledon moments of magic, they need to be counting back to best last position week! experienced to understand the sheer resulted in Sunset ST924 with helm The commodore's novelty race was a wave of pleasure we just have to endure John Panting and Crew Daren Best as slalom event taking alternate buoys port on many of these occasions. The winners. I took the cup back home! and starboard up and down the river culprits for the divine consumption are The Commodore’s Novelty Event which concentrated the mind on the well known and will no doubt be was a slalom and good fun. No idea sailing rules. We all know that John hit hunted down when the next opportunity who won but I don’t think it matters a buoy and capsized but no one seems arises. now. I know we lost as we managed to to care who won. The race schedule was lagging hit a mark and capsize. Reportedly the festivities finished behind due to clearing up from the Race for Ladies & Novice Trophies, with a test of skill, steering the patrol night before but first race up Regatta all can enter but there were not many boat backwards between two closely Trophy Race 3, the third in the series of Ladies or Novices on the Entry Form. spaced buoys which proved to be harder the weekend. Graham Thompson in his Rebecca was the only female entry so than it sounds. For instruction please battleship Bosun had scored 1st and 1st she won on default (but would have book with Richard Cannon! on the previous two races and only two won in any case). So a trophy for As usual, the fair bricks on which of three were to count. That left us Rebecca. the club is built did a sterling job with others battling for a place. Result Darren Best helming SunseT with the food and as always the Strawberry Richard 2nd and Rodger 3rd so the me as Crew managed to get in front of afternoon tea was described by many as Trophy was won by Graham. Ben Pryde the only other Novice entry. very good. Great job once again ladies The Regatta cup is awarded on So a trophy for Darren! and thank you! Personal Handicap. I know this because The weather was not great and the Last but not least, attendance by I won it last year when my PH was 24. wind was challenging on the day and Aquarius members was a little This year my PH is 6 so I am thinking, this appears to have dramatically disappointing. However Stuart Schafer “likely I will have to sail faster – reduced the number of children saved the day by selling the Hog Roast smarter – better start – good crew”. participating or present which is a great to his “Other Club” Thanks Stuart! Well, new member and Novice Darren shame. See you there next year! Mike Hendra Best obliged as crew. John Panting AQSC Regatta and SigneT Open Meeting 30 Jun 2012 - Graham Thompson It was a day of confused battles, could prevail over competitiveness. Rodger Wheeler dropped behind starting with the Kingston traffic, which Frank Rainsborough was race officer Richard Cannon's lead Signet during the caused me to be 10 minutes late at the and we could expect efficient same lap, but recovered to run second start line for the 10 am bacon butties management of the day's racing. He had by the third lap. The fourth and final served up by Helen Barnett and Brenda reserved the best wind of the season for lap saw the two Bosuns finish ahead of Panting. teaching our visitors the joys of river the Signets in the order Richard Cannon The Signet Association had long racing. crewed by Liz Archer, Keith Hatton since arrived and were rigging four Two single handed Bosuns on full with Roy Nelson, L Davies with Pat boats for one of their open series. rig, Bryan Clements single handing his Overs, and then John Panting with Will Four generations of the Overs clan Graduate on main alone, and four two Davies. On personal handicaps Rodger had come, in particular Lizzie, whom I handed Signets started the race. Wheeler beat me, with Richard third had last seen as a teenager, was now A 180 degree shift on the start line and John fourth. married and her baby was happy to be left those starting on starboard reduced During lunch the wind picked up, so passed from one family member to to tracking back to the other end of the I put one reef in my main and took on another. line. Not that those on port gained Bryan as crew. This proved effective, in I was offered a spare Signet, but much – in a wind reminiscent of a that I could readily prevent capsizes and declined, both out of dislike of centre manic blender with a faulty gearbox therefore concentrate on making my main and from a fear of reducing their boats were repeatedly headed. The boat go in the right direction. Rodger, boat to matchwood. heavier Bosuns demonstrated the value the only single hander, struggled due to The weather was gusty and ominous of momentum in such conditions and having a full rig and no crew, coming grey clouds promised an interesting drew ahead, followed by Bryan fourth physically and on boat handicap day. I opted for my Bosun, as a five Clements, Crew exhaustion was a major behind the inevitable Richard Cannon hour opera marathon the following day factor, however, and Bryan Clements, and L Davis and Pat Overs. Keith would keep me from sailing, so comfort the most exposed perhaps in single Hatton and Roy Nelson retired after a handing a Graduate, retired during the capsize, allowing John Panting and Will second lap. Davies to come in fifth. 6 A lull in the middle of the third race made Rodger's task Carving the Hog roast somewhat easier and he was able to get ahead of me and my Picture by Frank Rainsborough merry crew during the second lap, but fortunately the wind picked up again and re-established the comparative advantage of reefing. Our 1 minute 57 second lead at the finish was insufficient to offset Rodger's advantage in personal handicaps and for the second time Rodger finished second on boat but first on personal handicap. Keith Hatton having retired on the last lap, and John Panting having elected to give his crew a dipping, Richard, now crewed by Ken Ayres, was the first Signet to finish, followed by L Davies and Pat Overs, then John Panting and Will Davies. The regatta results at the end of the first day were myself on five points, Rodger on five, John Panting on ten, Richard on eleven, and Keith Hatton on sixteen. All would depend on the Sunday racing and the discards available to those sailing for the two days. In the evening there was a delicious hog roast prepared and carved by Nigel Knowles. Many other members had prepared dishes to go with it.

Pimms with Noel Coward 21st July 2012. Somewhere between the Aquarius During all this time the Players gave The overture and beginners went Regatta and the 21st July, the Aquarius little thought to the real production, well with Rodger dressed for the part Players, under the leadership of one Dianna Carpenter and her trusty and, with the exception of some very Rodger (the Anaconda) Wheeler were catering team who were beavering away small glitches, the evening was good slowly drawn into the chaos of another behind the chaos. As they had done fun and seemed to be enjoyed by all club production. Initially there was many times before. present. My new script for Mad Dogs some discussion with a little tooing and During Saturday afternoon we was somehow disordered but with froing and slowly the hapless practised while Rodger revised the everyone joining in I don’t think that performers were drawn into the scripts, songs, running order etc. By mattered much. Everyone else seemed whirlpool. this time Jean and I had several scripts to be doing well and enjoying The first serious production meeting with Jean working from the musical themselves and that seemed to be the was held on the 15th July at the score and me from lyric sheets that I case with the audience too. With some clubhouse following afternoon tea. With had downloaded. When we arrived at work for the audience, a table of uncertainty as to the framework for the the club Rodger had had fun on his sumptuous food, a good lubrication of event, the number of performers, the printer and now we had a final version. bubbly and a pleasant summer evening songs to be used and the running order, Well, I thought I had, although mine (at last) the evening appeared to be a we scheduled a rehearsal for Thursday turned out to be different from Jean’s. great success for most of us in 19th. With the aid of email and for The late afternoon weather felt good, including our two octogenarians. Rodger, much midnight oil, things the sun was still shinning and the As with everything he does, Rodger looked a little shaky but were forming evening was full of promise. Peter and worked very hard with Linda suffering up. Somewhere as if from a hat, Coleen Joan were manning (old English but quietly beside him. The players put in a was hauled in by Pat Halling so at least womanning doesn’t work) the bar and lot of effort, the catering team did a we had a pianist. the Pimms looked good. At least we sterling job as usual and Peter Through Friday we struggled with would start with a well lubricated Carpenter and crew, Joan kept us matching songs on the CD Rodger had throat. lubricated as he normally does. Finally acquired, to the words on the song It was good to see faces that had the same many hands helped with clean sheets that Rodger had produced; a been absent through the summer and up, wash up and lock up. problem that blighted the Mikado. reacquaint ourselves with the news of As always, naming names is sure Saturday morning was the final old friends. I felt confident and I knew way of missing someone who put in a rehearsal beyond which we were live. Jean was OK although my duet partner lot of effort expecting nothing in return By sunny Saturday, we had gained Anne Halling was a little nervous. We so where possible I try to avoid that some confidence, its always better when had a quiet rehearsal and it went very trap. It helps me too cos I can’t the sun shines! The rehearsal went well, a lot better than my croaky remember names anyway! So as ever, reasonable well, some last minute performance anyway. fun at the club is not down to the song changes were made and we all went and dance gang but to the many that home to do a final polishing job. At the provide the support that makes it all Saturday rehearsal we discussed (for the possible and makes the Aquarius first time) the layout of the club but left Sailing Club a great place to have fun. without it being resolved. Ahh well, it Mike Hendra will be alright on the night!The Regatta cup is awarded on Per 7 Social Calendar - Dates For Your Diary Sat 11 Aug Bring Your Own BBQ followed by a trip to Sunbury Regatta fireworks Sat 01 Sep Weekend visit to Bewl Valley SC Sun 02 Sep Weekend visit to Bewl Valley SC Sat 15 Sept Old Time Music Hall Sat 03 Nov Kempton Park Fireworks and a social with hot food at the Club afterwards. Provisional date and prices . For reduced price (£5.50 instead of £8) advance tickets contact Richard Cannon on 01932 786636 by Wednesday 31 October; meet & park at Richard’s at 7:00 pm for a short stroll to Kempton Park Sat 24 Nov AQSC Annual Dinner starting at 7:30 pm. Sat 01 Dec Working party 10:30am. Come along with gardening tools. Lunch will be provided Sat 8 Dec AGM, Prize Giving and End of Season Party starting at 7:30 pm. Sun 16 Dec Cheats Christmas lunch 12:30pm and family games Wed 19 Dec Nigel’s Christmas nibbles 2013 Tue 01 Jan Hot Drinks Biscuits from 11a.m. New Year's Day Sail, subject to sailing conditions. Celebrate the New Year with a Soup and "Raid the Freezer" lunch from 1.30p.m. We may even prepare some mulled cider/apple juice Fri 25 Jan Burns Night Celebration, Haggis Tatties and Neeps from 7:30pm Sun 10 Feb Ladies Night - Chinese New Year, dress up and food Sun 24 Feb Lunch 12:30 and frostbite Cruise/scavenger hunt Sat 16 Mar Start of Season Party 7:30pm Sun 24 Mar Start of sailing; Spring Race 1, TFC, Spa Race 1

Thanks To AQSC Bewl Valley Sailing Club Membership Weekend Visit 1-2 September 2012 - Richard Cannon It's over a month since I lost my beautiful wife Marilyn and that loss is Normally we visit Bewl Water on Don’t be put off if you haven’t a as painful now as it was then. the August Bank Holiday Monday; this boat because we will be taking some For Lyn it was a blessed release, not year BVSC are hosting the Comet club boats and members will need from pain, that was controlled, but from Nationals that weekend and will be too crews. New members will have a great a quality and dignity of life that was no busy to have visitors. experience. longer possible. I was with her when They have invited us to go the BVSC would like to know how she died peacefully in her sleep. following weekend ; there is a Youth many will be going and when so please What I wanted to say was a massive Regatta on Saturday 1st September and let Richard know if you may be going thank you to everybody for the an Open Regatta on Sunday 2 by ringing 01932 786636 or emailing messages of support, the cards, the September. They say ‘You are most [email protected]; he will also flowers and the attendance at Lyn's welcome to camp, sail in the regatta give you a voucher so you can enter the celebration of life at Randall's Park. and to just sail at Bewl’. Camping is in Bewl complex without paying the entry You will never know how much it all a large field near the club and car park. fee. We also need to know who may be meant. Bewl Water is a beautiful 900 Acre going so we can plan what boats to I will get back to Aquarius at reservoir three miles long in the natural take. sometime in the future but right now I surroundings of the countryside. It After the terrible sailing we have had need some time to sort things out and is off the A21 Hastings road, just pass this year this is a wonderful opportunity maybe grab a few days away on my , about one hour from the to enjoy sailing on a large expanse of own. A3 Kingston bypass. water in good winds with no current. Thanks once again for all your kind The club has excellent facilities, Bring plenty of clothing, conditions condolences. including a first class galley, and there can change very quickly and you often Mike (Over Easy) Baker are local pubs for an evening meal. need to wade into the water to launch or come ashore; shorts can be good. River Current Speed There is more information on the AQSC web site, sailaquarius.org.uk There has been a lot of current recently but usually it is not actually as fast as it looks. One knot is 100ft per second and the distance from club back door to the start line is 100ft so if some thing takes a minute to drift from the back door to the start line the speed is 1 knot. When there is a current of over 1 knot the Environment Agency are likely to have yellow warning boards at the locks and advise unpowered craft not to navigate. 8