ROYAL SOLENT Yacht Club 2016 The personal investment service At Charles Stanley we have a different approach to investment services. Rather than slotting you into someone else’s financial model, we custom build a service around you.
▪ Discretionary and Advisory Investment Management ▪ Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPS) ▪ ISA Service ▪ Inheritance Tax Planning
For a brochure or to discuss our services in more detail please contact Sean Mylchreest or Nik Ramsey at our Isle of Wight office:
1 Langley Court, Pyle Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1LA T: 01983 520922 E: [email protected] www.charles-stanley.co.uk/isleofwight
Please be aware that the value of your investments may fall as well as rise and your capital may be at risk.
Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office 25 Luke St, London, EC2A 4AR. Registered in England No. 1903304 Royal Solent Yacht Club
TELEPHONE NUMBERS Office/Secretary 01983 760256 Bar/Members 01983 760239 Caterer 01983 760110 Fax 01983 761172 E-mail [email protected] Website www.royalsolent.org OFFICERS OF THE CLUB from April 2016 Commodore Tony Walton Vice Commodore George Alford Rear Commodore (Sailing) Nicholas Measor Rear Commodore (House) Caroline Norris Hon Treasurer Anne Kyle
SECRETARY Hamish Fletcher
CONTENTS 4 Commodore Windy 5 Rear Commodore (Sailing) Taittinger Regatta 6 Taittinger Regatta P6 10 YOD Class 12 XOD Class 14 Whittle Marine’s new XOD Folkboats in California P30 18 Yarmouth Lasers 20 Yarmouth Folkboats 22 Folkboat Week RYS Regatta P32 24-27 Club Racing 28 Race Management 29 Expanding your boating experience 30 International Folkboat Regatta
32 RYS Bicentenary Regatta Week George Alford 34 Membership Secretary’s Report P38 36 Reciprocal Clubs 37 Benefits of Membership 38 Member Profile–George Alford 41 Secretary’s Jottings 42 Clubhouse Development 43 Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club 44 Sailing Bonny Flighty Home Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club 47 Cruising – Out for Lunch P43 48-51 Thursday’s Child to Gibraltar and back 54 Bonobo across Biscay 56 Domaine Evremond 58 Yarmouth Harbour Report Family cruise to Gibraltar P48 60 Yarmouth Lifeboat 62 Bembridge Harbour 64 Members’ Activities 66 Visitors’ Activities 68 Trophy Winners Social Activities 70 Merchandise P64
Front cover photo: FB 168 Finvara, owned by Simon Field, in Folkboat week 2015. Photo by Keith Allso. All photographs in this magazine, unless otherwise credited, are courtesy of Club members. Editor: Dick Dawson, Tel: 01983 760256 Advertising Manager: Tony Knaggs, Tel: 01983 761647 Mobile: 07912 646955 Designed and Produced by Solitaire Creation, Tel: 01983 752232 Printed in the UK by: Barley Print Ltd, Tel: 01707 878010
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 3 From the Commodore
y the time you read these notes I will be in my last month as your Commodore. It has been an exciting three years for Mary andB me. We have enjoyed meeting so many of you, dining with you, sailing against you and getting involved in the huge variety of activities that the Club organizes other than boating. 2015 was a year of continuing vibrancy at the Royal Solent. The Club usage has been greater than ever with a significant increase in Mark Hall, Commodore. numbers through the summer months. As ever the autumn events of the Turkey Cup and the Needles Relief fill the bar and dining Our permanent Office staff, led by secretary Hamish Fletcher have room with Lymington visitors. been a pleasure to work with. Hamish has given me great support I have been very fortunate to have enthusiastic and hardworking in all my wild ideas and managed to control the worst of them! Flag Officers with Tony Walton, Caroline Norris and David Fox Angela has settled into the Sailing Office and Lucy and Claire have whilst Anne Kyle, our treasurer, has been magnificent. really grasped the need for private functions with many events for companies using our wonderful facilities and location during The sailing programme continues to flourish with sponsored the quiet periods in the week and in the winter months. These Wednesday evening racing by Spence Willard, Club regatta profitable functions utilise our building and staff to the full. by Taittinger and Charles Stanley and the Prince Consort by Eurovines, The Mottistone and Yarmouth Spice. We had lots of Vice Commodore Tony Walton and his predecessor, Dick financial help with the Club dinghy regatta from Delphie Lakeman, Dawson, have a great relationship with the Harbour Master. We Ocean Trust and Harwoods. The fiftieth anniversary of Folkboat regularly run Active Marina boat handling training in conjunction Week was a tremendous success supported by Lymington Marina with the Harbour team. Group. Over the last three years we have recruited over 300 new members. All our Club racing marks are now sponsored. Hayles Boatyard Our membership now in excess of 1000 which is where it should support our Club boats Marksman and Countdown. These be. Many Clubs struggle to retain members, let alone grow sponsors are really important to our Club finances but also numbers, so it’s good to be kicking the trend. allow us to provide superior events. Our high standard of Race Our finances and especially our reserves are being rebuilt and our Management means we lead racing in the Western Solent and financial performance in 2015 was significantly better than budget. many thanks to our Principal Race Officer Jeremy Willcock and Janet manages the funds most carefully. We opened a Repairs and the superb race teams. The Cruising group continues to grow Renewals Building Fund last year to ensure that money was put under the leadership of Geoff Neary with over 80 at the end of aside for work that we know has to be done. You are all aware now season luncheon. that a call was initiated in the autumn of 2015 and this has been Socially the Club is regularly busy throughout the week with received very positively. scrabble, backgammon, wine society, Scottish country dancing The repairs to the dining room roof, its ceiling lights and and film nights. Theme evenings such as Moules and Italian ventilation and the replacement of the roof and windows of the suppers have really worked well. First Wednesday lunches and bar are all scheduled for early 2017. We are very fortunate that Ian Commodore’s suppers have been well supported and Mary and and Caroline Laing are intending to fund the replacement of our I very much enjoy dining with new members on a regular basis. 1960’s bar extension. When this work is completed we shall have a We certainly enjoyed the mid summer evening when many of you completely renovated Clubhouse throughout. joined us for the Summer BBQ. My task as your Commodore has been greatly supported by all the The front of house staff, led by Vicky and supported by Tom, general committee members, and especially the Guardians, all of Scott and Mary with lots of youngsters are a real asset to the Club, whose help has made my task very rewarding. Mary and I find the members and visitors. They are always most welcoming and are Club and members a delightful environment and look forward to key to our relaxing environment only surpassed by our flower joining you all in a more relaxed atmosphere through 2016. ladies, whose efforts both inside and outside the Clubhouse constantly brighten the site with wonderful decorations. Mark Hall, Commodore
4 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016
A year in the life of Rear Commodore (Sailing)
ailing is a fantastic sport. It is a great way to meet new people. On the water the whole team needs to work Stogether and use key life skills like strength, fitness, adaptability, and planning to get winning results. From this grows great camaraderie and friendship that make for a wonderful social scene. For me, it provides a way of breaking away from every day problems and worries, because you just have to concentrate, as the sea and wind are never constant. What a David Fox, Rear Commodore (Sailing). great way to spend a hot and sunny summer day! We have had good support from members to help provide And the point of all this, I hear you asking? Well, during the last Race Officers and support boat duties, not only for our main few years we have been trying to help develop our youngsters Taittinger Royal Solent Regatta, but for the other regular races coming through from the Yarmouth Sailing Club, and also that we run. Our Club race management standards are high encourage adults new to sailing to come and have a go. To and this helps to attract visiting classes to our Club. aid this in the coming season, you will find a new page on the Royal Solent web site which members can use to ask for crew The growing Dinghy fleet, with more events and training for and crew can offer their services. This should help to get more juniors, has increased the need for patrol boat volunteers and boats out on the water. Race Officer teams and more RIB drivers are always needed. Without this pool of helpers the Club couldn’t offer its facilities We also need more women to enjoy sailing, whether it be to visiting classes. So a great big thank you to one and all. It is crewing or helming. Yes, we do have some excellent lady helms very good that people are prepared to put some time back into but there must be more ladies out there who would relish the their sport. challenge and no doubt beat some of the men. The Cruising section has had an active year and already the So I would like to see some time especially set aside to let plans for 2016 are looking very busy, with both on-shore talks, women gain confidence without having to race, but to just visits and sailing days away with other boats. We would love enjoy being on the water relishing the fresh air and freedom. more members to join in, even if you would just be happy to This can be as simple as planning a cruise to Cowes with crew for the day. Please see the Club web site for availability. friends or a chase around some marks followed by lunch. This year’s racing programme is as busy as ever with all classes So, can we form a new group called the “Women on Water” or trying out new ideas to keep our Club sailors keen and helping even “Ladies who Launch”? them to make the most use of their boat this year.
This past season sadly had plenty of racing cancelled for both So here I am, at the end of my three years wondering just what too much and too little wind. It’s very frustrating to have our to do with all my newfound free time! Don’t worry, I’m sure I racing on a Wednesday cancelled and see Lymington fleets sail know someone who will have an idea! by the Club on a Thursday! Is this the pattern caused by global warming? Who knows! Perhaps we may have to consider Finally I would like to thank all of you for making these past variable day sailing! Now there’s a radical thought! few years a wonderful experience.
However we do need to be ready to go out to race, even if we Wishing you all fair winds and a good season. do have to cancel when out on the water. I’m sure we’ve all See you on the water! been guilty of cancelling ahead of the appointed time! David Fox, Rear Commodore (Sailing)
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 5 TAITTINGER
The weather forecast for Friday Royal Solent 24th July was a stinker. We have Regatta opened the Regatta with a Taittinger Champagne reception 2015 every year since 2008, when the Champagne House first sponsored the event, and the weather always allowed us to get away with it. Dick Dawson reports.
Main Photo: Conditions were perfect for the racing on Saturday. Photo by Keith Allso.
Above: Competitors enjoying the Saturday racing photo by Paul Brown.
Top Right: Spinnakers aplenty. Photo by Keith Allso.
Upper Right: Congestion at the start line. Photo by Keith Allso.
Right: There was a good turn- out for the X Boats. Photo by Paul Brown.
Bottom Right: Former Commodore Martin Le Gassicke in his Folkboat Cloud Cuckoo. Photo by Paul Brown.
6 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Taittinger Regatta
In 2015 the weather had other ideas and only quick thinking by our redoubtable Club Secretary arranged sufficient marquee space to give us some cover. Even so, on Friday evening a savage northerly squall hurled horizontal rain deep into the Champagne reception and soaked all those serving drinks and canapés. The fortitude of yachtsmen and women once a glass of champagne is firmly in hand is a lesson to us all! Mercifully, Saturday provided superb sailing conditions, but the weather savaged us again on Sunday, producing really grim conditions. Once again, the fortitude of our competitors and race officers shone forth and the weather was not allowed to beat us, as Ollie Dewar’s report explains….. With 181 boats entered in 17 classes ranging from the mighty Classic Swan division to the bantamweight Viper 640 sports boat class, expectations were high and despite tough conditions on Sunday, racing continued throughout the weekend. ‘This is a unique regatta and very different from events held a little further east from here,’ commented the Royal Solent Yacht Club’s Commodore, Mark Hall, at the regatta’s prize- giving on Sunday afternoon. ‘The Western Solent is a very special place and we believe that partying and socialising is just as important as the sailing which we really take seriously,’ he continued. ‘Saturday was a stunning day of good wind and sunshine,’ said Hall of the crisp westerly that peaked at 21 knots on the first day of racing, ‘while today was a little grimmer,’ he added as 30 knot south-westerly gusts and horizontal rain shook the clubhouse windows. While conditions on Sunday caused cancelled racing at the America’s Cup World Series 20 miles to the east in Portsmouth, around 45% of the Taittinger fleet left the shelter of Yarmouth Harbour into conditions that were later described as ‘busy’, ‘biblical’, ‘brutal’ or – from one shell- shocked competitor - ‘I really don’t wish to talk about it.’ There was a price to pay for racing on the edge and Julian Tickner’s Archambault A35 Aztec broke her mast at the first set of spreaders early in the racing. ‘We’d just put the kite up heading downwind on the first leg in about 25 or 26 knots and the mast folded forward before the backstay brought it aft and over the side,’ explained Tickner. With considerable skill and avoiding any injuries, the crew secured the buckled aluminium mast and motored into Yarmouth Harbour without assistance. As his crew calmly cleared the damage alongside a pontoon in the harbour, Tickner recalled the moment: ‘It was going very well until then!’ he laughs. ‘We’d just seen the boat in front of us broach and I thought “let’s try and avoid that,” and then… bang!’ Meanwhile, in IRC1, Paul Findley’s team on Kerr 32 Raygun were putting in a stellar performance with three bullets. Sailing eight-up and crewed by a highly-motivated team in their early twenties, Raygun delivered faultless racing: ‘We’ve got a very, very young crew with many coming from the British
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 7 Taittinger Regatta
Passion. Photo by Keith Allso. Blue Dolphin of Wight. Photo by Keith Allso. Ovington Boats. Photo by Paul Brown.
On the windward rail. Photo by Paul Brown . It looks close but they did miss. Photo by Paul Brown. Incredible fireworks. Photo by Keith Allso. Keel Boat Academy,’ explained Findley. ‘They are really very One of the biggest comeback stories of the regatta was driven kids and sailing is their passion in life and they are totally Yarmouth-based XOD Sirena sailed by husband and wife focused,’ he adds. ‘Racing on Sunday was a splendid effort in team Dugald and Nicky Henderson and joined by Neil the gusty conditions and a big “thank you” to the Taittinger Payne for the Taittinger RSYC Regatta. ‘We broke the mast Race Committee and all the RSYC’s support boats for putting during Classic Week in Cowes on Thursday, but managed on racing in spectacular weather!’ The hectic social side of the to find a second-hand mast locally and were still rigging it on regatta failed to dent the Raygun team’s effectiveness. ‘We did Saturday morning before the racing,’ explained Dugald. ‘We go to the Towers Party on Saturday night, but an early morning were towed out of the harbour, sails up and straight to the start RIB ride to Yarmouth from Hamble into a gale and driving line while still setting the boat up,’ adds Nicky Henderson rain quickly put us in the right mood for racing,’ says Findley. of their massive game of catch-up. Despite the hurried ‘It was wild out there,’ commented Stuart Watson of preparation, Sirena took 2-2 in the 20-strong XOD fleet on Lymington-based Folkboat Crackerjack. ‘Hitting ten knots in Saturday. Sunday was a less successful as five XODs braved a Folkboat is as close as you can get to planing!’ Watson and the thumping gusts hammering in from the Needles. ‘It was his crew took three bullets over the weekend, stamping their really horrible with endless water coming in,’ admits Nicky. mark on the 24-boat regatta fleet. ‘It’s never as easy as it looks With one XOD retiring mid-race, Sirena was leading and while on the result board,’ he explained. ‘The main competition for their automatic bilge pump struggled to keep pace with the us was Padfoot and Aries, but we managed to get away although distracting slabs of green water rolling over the bow, Black the starts were very tight as usual.’ Crackerjack also won the Rock just off Yarmouth Harbour claimed another victim. ‘We Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta overall. ‘The touched it,’ admits Dugald. ‘It wasn’t a heavy hit, but it meant running of the races was just outstanding,’ said Watson as he we had to do a turn which took us from first to last place.’ received a jeroboam of Taittinger at the prize giving. Despite this encounter with Yarmouth’s notorious hazard, ‘This is a very special regatta,’ he confirmed. Sirena’s 2-2-4 scorecard assured them XOD victory in the regatta.
8 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Taittinger Regatta
Introducing a Sport Boat class was a new innovation for the regatta this year and the conditions proved challenging but exhilarating. Adam Broughton and Ian Martin with VX One Zhik returned to the Mainland with the Sports Boat silverware, but Sunday’s gale proved decisive. ‘It was a great weekend,’ confirmed Broughton. ‘Saturday’s racing was champagne sailing with windward-leeward courses giving us all the angles of sail,’ he reports and Zhik took 4-1 in the first two races with Nathan Batchelor’s Ovington Boats at 1-4 in the seven-boat fleet. The gale on Sunday provided a dramatic backdrop for a two-boat gunfight between Zhik and Ovington Boats: ‘It was pretty ugly out there and the boat is really for offwind sailing, so there was a lot going on upwind!’ However, Broughton and Martin survived: ‘Ovington had gear failure with a broken jib halyard and retired, so we took the gun.’ Having crossed the Blue Juice. Photo by Keith Allso. finish line, the victorious duo had to sail from the Island shore Commissioners – support the regatta in association with to Lymington reaching across the Solent in the building gale: Champagne Taittinger. ‘For us it’s a great opportunity to come ‘We had a lively trip back across and hit 17 knots!’ down here and be at the centre of a very social and entertaining event which continues to grow in popularity and provides a While the action out on the water was tough in harsh quite unique regatta atmosphere.’ conditions, the regatta’s onshore entertainment was equally demanding with around 900 guests attending the Champagne ‘This regatta would not succeed without the commitment Taittinger Reception on Friday night in the waterfront grounds and generosity of our sponsors,’ said Dick Dawson, Regatta of the Royal Solent Yacht Club and the sell-out charity Towers Chairman. ‘Taittinger Champagne and Charles Stanley have Party on Saturday night attracting the majority of regatta crews. supported us for years and this year were joined by Yarmouth ‘Once again it’s been a first class regatta with outstanding race Harbour Commissioners, who help us so much with management and the club’s staff have excelled themselves,’ moorings’. And of course, John Caulcutt’s Towers Party is a explains Nick Ramsey of leading investment management great draw and rounds off the social side of the event in style’. company Charles Stanley who – with Yarmouth Harbour The Royal Solent Yacht Club thanks you all!’
Champagne for the Independently Minded
L’Instant Champagne, with Vitalie Taittinger.
For further information please contact sole UK agents: Hatch Mansfield on 01344 871800 or email [email protected]
www.champagnetaittinger.co.uk
Vitalie Taittinger is an active member of the family Champagne House.
Taittinger-125x185-landscape.indd 1 RSYC MAGAZINE22/02/2012 2016 19:13 9 YARMOUTH One Design 2015
he year began with new owners and members and What can I say about Puffin? As usual she won most things we are very pleased that Graham and Lynn Fell have including stealing Blandina’s crown for the Royal Artillery takenT on Y7 Blandina. Graham has shown how keen he is Regatta and The Junior Helm which was very ably sailed by and was awarded with the most improved person award at Laser Sailor Extraordinaire, Helen Sceales. the Annual YOD Dinner. Magnolia wasn’t sailed a huge amount this year, but each Going over the fleet boat by boat I must first start with time she was sailed by a different group of people. We look Francesca. She hasn’t managed to sail this year as she is forward to seeing more of her on the water this coming undergoing a major refit. The word on the street is that she season. may be launched in the spring complete with fully stocked Katinka came to the fray more times this year than usual drinks cabinet, as well as being painted bright pink! with her owner Rupert making at least four appearances Diatom had a particularly good year taking a number of himself! It has been good to see her sailing more and more trophies from John Caulcutt and Graeme Dillon, including each year so hopefully that theme will continue for the the Centenary trophy which Hugh Hudleston still needs to future. bring back from London! It was good to see Colin Finney Finally Pimpernel. She was regularly out on the water doing some more helming this year even if it was just when supporting the racing schedule but often towards the back Alan Hans Hamilton was particularly hungover. of the fleet. We must admire the crew’s determination to Anthea sailed a number of times this year, enjoying good keep trying and we hope to see her further up the fleet in conditions. In the eventually abandoned changeover race, 2016. Chris Temple once again sailing Pimpernel, had a close The Dinner this year was attended by over 60 people and fought battle with Puffin. was an incredibly lively affair with some excellent turns, It was a shame that Genista couldn’t make it to many starts excellent food, and excellent service. this year. Her owner is very busy organising his new IT The Towers Party was an amazing success this year application. As usual when she did come out she was sailed with a record number of people and money raised. Luke very well by Hugh or James Hudleston and was always McNeil did an amazing job organising the bar and Baz near the front of the fleet. Parsons-Smith likewise with organising the entertainment. Blandina was out more than any other boat this year. Unfortunately she didn’t take as many wins or trophies as Main photo: YODs give XODs a run for their money in a Wednesday Evening she had last year, but the boat is now undergoing a refit, to Race. Photo by Paul Brown. smarten her up and perhaps beat Puffin.
10 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Yarmouth One Design
Our thanks to Michael Barnard and Hugh Agnew for their generous donations. We raised £16,000 in aid of Yarmouth’s St James’ Church. I can’t close without mentioning two extraordinary people. Firstly, Baz Parsons-Smith who has unstintingly supported the Towers Party for 50 years, was made an Honorary Member of the YOD Class. Our thanks to Baz for all of his efforts over many years. Secondly, Chris Temple who, along with Ron Hamilton, Genista was sailed well throughout the season by Hugh and James Hudleston. was instrumental in re-establishing the Class 20 years ago and was Class Captain for 16 years. For these fantastic achievements and to express our sincere gratitude, Chris was made an Honorary Member, and also Honorary Admiral of the YOD Class. All-in-all an excellent year for a little fleet of vintage and classic sailing boats in Yarmouth and we are of course all looking forward to another good season in 2016. If anyone is interested in coming sailing – either helming or crewing – then don’t hesitate to contact me at the Club. I look forward to seeing you all out on the water this year.
Graham Fell Blandina, (Y7) now owned by Graham and Lynn Fell was awarded the most improved competitor at the annual Y boat Dinner. Photo by Paul Brown.
River Yar Boatyard is nestled on the Western bank of the River Yar, with the natural protection of Saltern Wood providing a tranquil and secure location to keep your boat.
• deep water walk ashore moorings • dry sailing • haul outs and summer scrubs • antifouling
saltern wood quay, yarmouth, isle of wight, PO41 0SE Telephone: (01983) 761000 - Email: [email protected] www.riveryarboatyard.co.uk
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 11 YARMOUTH XOD Division 2015
proved to be in the Prince Consort and the overall winning XOD in the another year of Taittinger. In a busy season for them elsewhere, the Seelys progress2015 for the Yarmouth XOD. found time to join us several times in X136 Lafia. Chris 18 boats launched of whom 16 Smith recovered from an early injury to become a regular raced locally generating over 300 starter in X128 Little X towards the end of the season, and starts. In particular the end of season Giles Maltby escaped occasionally from re-building Tresco programme was supported more than in the High Street to race X23 Starlight, often with his son usual with up to nine boats racing on James. the September weekends. The season The usual suspects were also active with some success was at its most intense in late July when in the Series races over the season. The Rosalita Taittinger Regatta was followed by partnership dominated the George Plate which as the Sunset Series and the Windward usual was perhaps the most hotly contested series. Leeward Series generating a total of 13 Spray clinched the July Series Cup and Mix races in 8 days. picked up the Beryl Kearns Cup by winning We welcomed new boats and new, or one of the mid-season Wednesday series. Ian newish, owners. The Hendersons Welby guided Miss T to the handicap win in and Neil Payne campaigned X94 the XOD Sunset Series whilst Arrow won Sirena with success particularly in the Club Sunset Series Havers Trophy. Club events taking At the end of the season Sans Souci both a clean sweep helmed by Peter Mildon ran away with the Centenary Chase overall as well as for the Class.
Main Photo: X115 Mix at Cowes, photo courtesy of the XODCA.
Inset: X156 James Meanings’ Gleam managed 5th overall at Cowes Week. Photo courtesy of the XODCA.
12 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Yarmouth XOD Division
James Meaning dominated once again in X156 Gleam, The year ended with the exciting launch of Nick Whittle’s easily winning the most trophies and also recording his best plan to build a new XOD, the first in the West Wight. series result at Cowes Week coming 5th overall. There was Members of the Divison gathered in the shed to toast the no Ladies Race due to lack of wind on the day but Agatha project. The display of XODs in various stages of winter Davies won the Junior Helm in X147 Foxy. refit in Thorley is a wonderful sight and now we will be The outstanding individual performance was probably able to see one grow from the drawings. The template X125 Arrow winning the Thursday Race at Cowes, which meets Class rules was taken from XOD 117 whose Georgen Alford’s first win in 44 years of trying. It was so three local sisters Xs 115,125 and 156 had that memorable dark there were no pictures taken of the racing but the Thursday at Cowes. The new girl will be fast! smiles on the faces of Thom D’Arcy, Caroline Underwood For those who wish to follow the progress of the build a and George shone brightly. With Nick Dorley-Brown in link will be provided from the Royal Solent website via the Mix finishing 7th and James in Gleam 9th on that particular Yarmouth XOD Division website. The hope is that the Thursday at Cowes it was truly a Yarmouth (Burnes boats) boat will be completed in 2016. day! Looking forward, Mike Till from Cowes Division has Socially the inaugural London Winter Dinner held in been elected the XOD Class Captain and plans to spend February had many of our X-boats represented and was some of his time racing with us in Yarmouth. He has a great success. The Moules evening at the Club in April appointed James Meaning as his Deputy which in turn has was well supported by the Division. The curry supper at led to Nick China and Dug Henderson taking over the Love Shore took place in only light drizzle and involved technical duties at Division level. Spray and Leda have new quite a lot of Pimms. With support from the YODs the co-owners and there are other whispers of boat sharing in Race Officers’ Cocktail Party was re- introduced thanks to the winter air. Finally, Malcolm Taylor has taken over as the kind hospitality of Gareth and Katie Davies and again Captain of the Division. we hope this will become a regular fixture to reflect our gratitude to those other members of the Club who make George Alford our racing possible. Yarmouth XOD Captain 2013 - 2015
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 13 WHITTLE MARINE’S NEW XOD
Main Photo: Nick Whittle explains the building process of the new XOD.
Inset: XODs and other wooden keelboat classes in for winter storage and restoration at Whittle Marine.
will be a landmark year for Whittle Marine It is essential that all of the information now laid down at this 2016 as it makes pioneering steps forward towards first stage determines the parameters that will be followed building the first Yarmouth production X One Design. With throughout the entire build process. most people already calling it a West Wight Whittle, this significant task has been our intention since first establishing Shortly before Christmas we were visited by the official Whittle Marine. Our resolve was further strengthened when Class Measurer, ex-Class Measurer and current Head of the the XOD Class Association gave full permission with a XOD Technical Advisory Committee. They were instructed unanimous show of hands and support at the Class AGM. to check all aspects of the final loft. A comprehensive and With this authority securely in place our determination systematic check of each of the full scale drawings was made and experience will push forward our new traditional XOD against the Class official table of offsets. build…..in readiness to take on another hundred years of Early in the New Year confirmation was received from racing. the Class Measurer on behalf of the examining team. The The first stage required construction of a perfectly flat floating Internationally renowned long serving X One Design sailor floor. This enabled a full scale drawing of the XOD in three Lt Col Stuart Jardine OBE notified us that our lofting had elevations. The precise flat level surface is crucial to allow total been approved. With completion of the first stage of the accuracy for the grid system from which to plot the official building process under our belts, the task of boat building XOD Class offsets. gets underway. The new boat will of course also have original Whittle produced Spars. With the original offsets accurately plotted we had our five building stations, the DWL (design water line), sheer line and Our business remains focused on maintenance, repair and both the aft and fwd perpendiculars. storage of quality wooden keelboats. We rebuild and repair XODs and other classes and our high quality of service and The body plan, full profile and half-breadth are all views which craft skills is becoming increasingly well known by owners in all will be used to create vital wooden moulds or frames which will of the X Class Divisions. in turn be used to construct the hull. Nick Whittle
14 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 JUNIOR SAILING 2015
he juniors at the RSYC had a busy season which started with two days of training at Easter. This was a joint event withT YSC and was run from the Boathouse. Boat handling skills were developed together with race training for Oppies, Picos and Laser 4.7s. Next year’s event will be increased to three days and will be held on Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th April 2016. During the summer half term we run our annual Junior Solent Regatta again jointly with YSC. This is a coached regatta for Oppies, Picos and Laser 4.7s. 27 sailors took part and they thoroughly enjoyed the enthusiastic coaching and fantastic racing as well as having a thoroughly social time. The classes were won by Sophie Whitehead, Charlie Sellers and Thomas Hugo Cordon, winner novice Pico. Whitehead. Next year’s regatta will take place on Tuesday 31st May, Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd June 2016. Entry forms can be obtained from the Sailing Office or me. Dinghy Week is the highlight of the RSYC junior sailing program and this year was no exception. There were 45 sailors competing in Laser full rigs, radials and 4.7s as well as novice and race Picos. We had light winds for once and were able to run lots of very competitive racing. The social was really fun for both sailors and parents with quizzes, rounders, karaoke and the annual visit by Derek Sandy all on offer. Dinghy Week is always very reliant on support from parents and Club members all of whom helped to deliver a fantastic event. We were also very lucky to have the sponsorship of Harwoods, the Ocean A keen competitor during a Wednesday evening series race. Youth Trust and the Delphie Lakeman Trust which all added The RSYC Laser fleet has continued to grow and the Club is to the success. Next year dinghy week will be from 15th to investing in two more boats to encourage further participation. 18th August 2016 and entry forms are available on the RSYC Another initiative is to make Sunset Series, which is at the website or through the Sailing Office. beginning of August, more “junior friendly” with additional Juniors are regularly competing in the Wednesday night racing patrol boats and sailors’ briefings. as well as Sunset Series. They also frequently sail in XODs and Please contact either the Sailing Office or me if you have any YODs with both classes having fiercely contested junior helm queries about junior sailing at the RSYC. races. Katie Davies
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 15 The Manta 550 from PRO MARINE, is a sturdy, well built rib, with undisputed sea-keeping qualities; perfect for the Western Solent and excursions along the south coast. Other models include 610, 680 & 795.
SPECIFICATIONS: Hull lenth:5.5m Beam:2.53m Displacement: 500kgs without eng Draft: 0,35 m Gas tank: 90 L Engine Power: 70 to 115 HP single EC Certification: C12 category Architect: PRO MARINE Research Department Hypalon Tubes as standard Stylish centre console / stainless steel detailing
ADVENTURE and DISTINCTION
For further details and enquiries, please contact: Joe Hall – UK Agent & Distributor for Pro Marine 56 Mill Hill Road / Cowes / Isle of Wight / PO31 7EQ T: 01983 200 901 / M: 07774 138 777 / E: [email protected]
YARMOUTH LASERS 2015
A good turn out of Lasers participated throughout the season in a variety of conditions.
provided a great season of Laser sailing some vengeance, was on him straight away up the first beat 2015 and racing. Through the course of the year and took the lead up to Harbour East. Sam White and Alex we welcomed around 20 Laser sailors partaking in varying Gallimore went offshore and were able to point so high their numbers each week and in very differing degrees of wind decision paid off impressively. Paddy took a tumble on the and weather conditions. The very popular Royal Solent second leg, Miles Norris found time to sledge him but then Dinghy week saw a further 20 participants in Lasers enjoying got tangled with a Folkboat. Alex Leonard had to work hard the Club’s facilities. There is something wonderfully special to get his Laser game head back on: perhaps his immersions about coming into Yarmouth Square and seeing the Yacht helped to focus the mind. Subsequently in the bar he agreed Club alive with Lasers being rigged. The process of boats to take honours with Sam for the most capsizes. Full credit being readied for racing creates a unique excitement along to Paddy who despite his roll pulled off the guest appearance with the competitive anticipation of the fun and sport to with a win. We hope to see more of him this year. come. In the first week of July we welcomed Colin Smith out with As you would expect from a one class design fleet we had us for the first time. The wind dropped prior to our start and plenty of thrills and spills throughout the season. There there was other fleet traffic around the line. On the start half is nothing like the experience of the involuntary gybes, the fleet were ready to go while others just drifted. Colin, perhaps only surpassed by the totally unexpected roll, the old pro, lingered just above the line then dipped it for followed by the quick and unannounced ducking. On the an excellent start. Libby Deegan, Colin, Marco James and third Wednesday evening in May we had eight boats out James Lord got away but curiously a Class 2 racer decided to on the very end of the ebb tide with a north westerly of 12 tow our windward mark No 17 back down the common. A knots gusting 18 and the race officer set a great course. The message from the Club RIB came through that there would five minute sequence was interrupted to allow a couple of be a re-start. Colin was “cruelly robbed” second time round. Class 2’s through adding to the expectation and allowing a Will he be back? By now the wind was coming back, the last minute course change. The pack congregated around fleet was on the line, with possibly a few over, but the race Countdown leaving space at the pin end and James Lord officer keen to get rid of us. The fleet became two bunches at lined himself up perfectly for a port tack flyer and then the windward 17 and James Lord cleared Marco and Libby tacked away ahead of the fleet. Paddy Hodgson, back with to cross the line first.
18 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Yarmouth Lasers
The season traditionally finishes with the Champagne put into shore and wade about in the shallows. There is race in mid-September and the south westerly held no better way to figure out where the sea bed actually is true around 16 gusting 25 knots on a flood tide. On than to step out onto it. that blustery evening we were delighted to be joined by Duncan Willard. The ambience was enhanced by the The 2016 Laser year promises to be another bumper warm smell of steam and embers as we sailed under the one with three great series, Dinghy Week from counter of the Waverley tethered to the end of the pier, the 15th to the 18th of August, the second annual I hope she saw us? The down hill leg to No 4 featured cruise and regular “fancy a quick sail?” evenings. Is a lot of rock’n’roll plus some spectacular submarining there an app for this? There are plans to run some bow dips. As we got to the down windward mark it fleet training so we look forward to seeing new and really started to blow. The RIB arrived to advise of a established sailors back on the water. The Club Laser shortened course so it was then a straight beat back up fleet is expanding to four boats this year. We also from 4 to the finish line. Libby, on the back of her 2015 have acquired new temporary marks so we can be season victory, took line honours. The Laser Class really more creative with dynamic course management and appreciates the time and effort provided by the Club’s keep away from the challenge of the risky multi class race officers and RIB drivers to provide consistently roundings. challenging courses and racing support. Finally, if the thought of outstanding one design Outside of racing, Laser sailors took part in the first racing, brilliant dinghy park camaraderie and a annual cruise down to Colwell Bay for a fine lunch. disproportionate fleet presence at sailing suppers is Are the rumours to be believed that The Hut will be not enough to get you into a wet suit, we should be sponsoring this important new event in the Laser inspired by Nick Thompson, the 2015 Laser world calendar? This area of the Solent provides some really champion who has been named in the Olympic squad. amazing Laser sailing with plenty of opportunities to Charlie Anderson
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 19 YARMOUTH FOLKBOATS 2015
Bossa Nova in a Sunday race. Photo by Paul Brown.
he very nature of the design and its sea-kindliness The Class also supported the National Association Western T tends to mean that our boats are always willing to go Solent Series and the South Coast Area events providing out and give it a try whatever the weather. As a result we a lot of whole weekend sailing. In fact over 50 had a day have been out from the April Early Bird race through to the out on the water racing - if only the weather hadn’t been so end of the Winter Series. Sadly the weather has been our unkind. biggest problem, cancelling many a race. Once again our boats joined in with the XOD fleet for their long races out We have lost both Matilda II and Aries from our fleet, but West, Windward/Leewards and in their fun Navigation at the start of 2015 we welcomed Merganser, owned and Race that we are at last getting the hang of! helmed by Jamie Sheldon. In the 2016 season the Class will welcome a new boat, Raev, with the potential winning team At the beginning and end of the season we ran a seven race of Mark Hall and Katie Davies, both very experienced XOD (reduced to four) ‘White Sail Only’ series, with a seven race sailors who know our local waters well. We welcome them spinnaker series across the summer, all hit by the weather. all to our solid core of keen sailors that not only compete Without doubt the highlight of the year was the 50th hard but also like the bar banter about how things should Folkboat Week, which has its own separate report. have been!
Five RSYC boats did the Round The Island Race out of Of course, we all know that gear failure, spinnaker wraps, a fleet of 23. Samphire came 5th, with Bossa Nova 6th and tides not reacting to the tidal chart and crew failing to Ajax 12th. A very long day! observe wind shifts, are the main reasons for failure to win! Oh, did I forget to mention anything about the skippers? A fleet of 25 raced on the Saturday of the Taittinger Of course, they are almost blameless bearing in mind all the Regatta, but Sunday suffered with rain and too much wind responsibility of tactics and helming, and naturally always in and many boats did not race. The RSYC had nine boats the most difficult of circumstances! competing but with Aries on charter taking 4th place, the highest Club sailors were Cloud Cuckoo on 8th and Mimi If you would like to join in or just fancy a sail with us to see 9th. what it is like, then contact Teresa Fox , the Class Secretary on 01983 760628. Or see the crew/Boat register on the The Sunset Series saw a close battle between Cloud Cuckoo RSYC website. and Riot, with Riot leading up to the last race, when Cloud David Fox Cuckoo got a well earned first.
20 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Yarmouth Folkboats
TROPHY WINNERS 2015 Wednesday Series Overall Hempstead Trophy Cloud Cuckoo First boat in Taittinger Regatta Aries Trophy Cloud Cuckoo Best Yarmouth Boat in Folkboat Week Bossa Nova Trophy Madelaine Martin and Helen Le Gassicke’s Cloud Cuckoo had a good season. Prince Consort Race Tattarat Trophy Samphire White Sail Series Mimi Trophy Bossa Nova Queen’s Jubilee Race Matilda Trophy Cancelled Sunset Series The Otter Trophy Cloud Cuckoo Winter Series Cloud Cuckoo Trophy Woodpecker II Newest Boat Woodpecker Trophy Merganser Tried Hardest won nothing Pudding Spoon Ajax Turkey Cup Evelyn Trophy Samphire Centenary Chase Riot Trophy Cancelled White Sail Endeavour Ajax Trophy Mimi Long Passage West Victoria and Albert Trophy Bossa Nova Spinnaker Series Bossa Nova
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 21 FOLKBOAT WEEK 2015 David Fox on the Golden Jubilee of Folkboat Week. Edward Donald’s Madelaine rounding the mark. She finished second overall.
marked an historic and memorable year for 57 boats split between Nordic Folkboats and Cruisers took 2015 the Folkboat Association, celebrating the part in a variety of races from windward/leewards to several 50th Folkboat Week, all hosted by the RSYC. 70 years since short ‘round the can’ races and two long Solent races that the original Folkboat design, the weather set out to test us all, tested the crews to the limit. Sadly the traditional Christchurch proving once again that its iron ballast keel - representing more ledge race had to be abandoned and sailed in the Solent. than half of its displacement - really does make the Folkboat a very seaworthy boat. The winners for each day were awarded their trophies at that evening’s social gathering. Venues included a Sing Song at the To commemorate the start of the event a sail past was Kings Head, together with the traditional events held at the organised from the end of Yarmouth pier. The salute was Club, like the curry supper, BBQ and a Slipway party which taken by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the Island, Mr. Peter was generously sponsored by Lymington Yacht Haven. Kingston, together with our Folkboat President Mr. Robin G. Walters and Mr. Bernard Turner. Certainly a very unusual The week culminated with a stunning prize-giving Gala Dinner sight to see so many Folkboats under outboards in the pouring for 174 guests hosted by the Club and generously supported rain and blustery wind, proceeding past the end of the pier in by Lymington Yacht Haven. A commemorative plaque was one long line, with a dipping of the ensign and a formal salute. unveiled by Bernard Turner at the beginning of the evening, which can be found on the wall in the bar – so take a look. A Boats gathered from all along the South coast to make the short speech was provided by Erik Andreasen, the Danish largest turnout the event has ever had. The wind and rain tried manufacturer responsible for the majority of our Nordic to deter us from our racing, and when that failed the weather boats. Erik had flown in especially for the event and brought resorted to another great tactic, very light winds! with him the magnificent Walcon Cup which is awarded at an The competition was fierce, especially the starts, with everyone international team-racing event sailed every few years, which he desperate to get the best possible position. After several general asked the National Association to organise for 2017. recalls the Black Flag was introduced. Even so one or two Main Photo: Ed Donald’s F707 Madelaine leads the charge with Jamie Sheldon’s under estimated the strength of the tide and went over the line, F728 Merganser. suffering the consequences.
22 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Folkboat Week
In all, the week demonstrated that the age of the boat is not a key factor in winning, rather the skill to sail well and tune your boat to the maximum of the wind conditions. This year’s event proved, yet again, that this One Design Class still provides excellent racing for crews of any age and Folkboats can easily cope with whatever the weather has in store. Our thanks to the Race Management Team for their support on the water all week - often in horrendous conditions - setting a range of varied courses on both sides of the Solent. Finally, thanks to the Lymington Yacht Haven sponsorship, it will make the event the place to be!
THE RSYC BOATS TAKING PART WERE
Madelaine Edward Donald 2nd Woodpecker II James Walters 6th Bossa Nova David Fox 7th Mimi Chris Beane 18th Cloud Cuckoo Martin Le Gassicke 19th Riot Sue Cassidy Burgin 20th Ysa Thomas Case 21st Merganser Jamie Sheldon 22nd The Otter Claire Locke 24th Ajax Tim Lee 25th Columbine Christine Webster 26th
The 51st Folkboat Week will be run at RSYC from 20th -27th August 2016
Paul Brown Artist Original Pen & Ink Drawings
Greeting Cards Tel: 01983 761526 –– mobile: 07726796123 e-mail: [email protected]
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 23 2015 CLUB RACING
The Club organises many racing events throughout the year – some for members and invited guests only, some “open” events, to which all are welcome and some for visiting fleets. Here is a selection of some of this year’s events which are not reported elsewhere in the magazine – Ed.
Main Photo From left to right: Acorn, Niobe and Blue Dolphin during a Wednesday evening race. Inset: Michael Craig, skipper of Acorn and Class 2 Captain.
CRUISER RACER REPORT by Michael Craig This year, Class 2 racers started at 1735 In brief, the winner this season was instead of 1815. This caused problems for the weather. Of the Spence Willard some of our boats (Furstin, Myosotis and Wednesday Series races, only 14 out of Blue Dolphin) getting working age crew to the scheduled 21 races started – the rest the start line on time. We welcomed Niobe, being abandoned due, with one exception, a powerful Moody ketch skippered by Tony to high winds and rain. And in the Winter Walton, to the fleet, and she gave Blue Dolphin Series, only five out of the ten races got away. a run for her money in a number of races but Probably not unprecedented, but nonetheless this did not compete in the third Series. Acorn was had a notable impact on our racing. another regular racer but, with a ‘softer’ skipper, also had The results of the races that did start are littered with DNCs a few DNCs. We had more courses across the Solent, which indicating not only holidays etc but also a number of race was good, particularly for the faster boats, and this meant we days on which the weather was ‘marginal’ causing some of our had to judge winds and tides more carefully. Blue Dolphin was ‘softer’ sailors to stay tied up! At best, Class 1 mustered six Class 2 winner overall, with Acorn second, Niobe third and Lone boats and Class 2 five. Wolf fourth. Zenith, Zephuros, Myosotis and Petite Bretonne also joined in enthusiastically – we hope to see them challenging The winner of Class 1 this year was Moon. Not the fastest again next season. boat in the fleet, but the one that found ways of improving performance throughout the year to grab top spot. They Highlights or perhaps lowlights? Blue Dolphin was in difficulty bemoaned that they had little chance to practise with in one race when she lost a winch (no, not a winch handle, their spinnaker – if they had, planing would have become a winch!) Acorn ran aground on a falling tide just by her aeroplaning! Walk On By was second. We welcomed Equinox mooring – couldn’t get off, so forfeited a bottle of wine to the to the fleet for her first season and I’m sure we will see her rise crew while waiting for the tide to come back! So, on to the up the leader board next year. We were all delighted to see next! We really hope for some better weather this year. We Fandango out racing with us, but disappointed when damage to also want to see a few more boats out there on Wednesday the boat – during a yacht charter – left her unable to compete evenings. Last year, we were joined by Equinox in Class 1 and in Series 3. Niobe in Class 2. We need a few more – either returnees or newcomers. Fandango is based in Cowes and sails down in the afternoon, races with us in the evening, joins us for supper and slurps and If you would like to bring your boat to the start line but are then sails back to Cowes the same night. Epic! It would be short of crew, we have a new ‘crew finder’ section on the RSYC great to see a few more Cowes based yachts joining Fandango – website. We also have a ‘boat finder’ section for crew looking they could get good passage racing down to Yarmouth; round for an enjoyable few hours racing on Wednesday evenings. Do the cans with us then fed, watered and a night sail home – what have a look and if you would like to try it, do phone the Sailing more could you want! Office to discuss options.
24 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Club Racing
SUNDAY RACING by David Fox Despite the weather we did achieve some good racing across the season, and managed to get results for all the series. The three regular fleets, with on occasions some Lasers and Class 2 boats, came out to enjoy the morning’s race, even if sometimes we had to wait for the wind to come in or have a very short race in order to get back into the bar and have Sunday lunch. Thanks should also be given to the many boat owners who gave up a race and took their turn in Grants Race box. Even more frustrating if the racing was then cancelled! Let’s hope for a better season this year and get more Club members out on the water.
David and Tina Griffith’s Tradewind 35 Island Wind in the Prince Consort Race. Photo by Alan Toms.
Sunday racing on XOD Westwind.Photo by Paul Brown. PRINCE CONSORT CHARITY REGATTA by David Fox The regatta was held on the weekend of 4th-5th July. The event goes from strength to strength, with boats from both sides of the Solent enjoying this great race east, to round the Prince Consort buoy and back. 2015 saw over 50 boats turn out to race, with the generously long line giving everyone room to choose how best to make the most of the tide down to the Prince Consort buoy and maximize the spinnaker start. It was split evenly between staying near to the Island shore and going out into the middle. At the half way stage the middle seemed to have it but as all the boats came to go round the Prince Consort, it had made little difference. The rounding was full of shouts for rights often unable to be given due to the mass of boats in the vicinity and as the tide was still flooding the obvious next choice was to stay close into the Island shore. The new Cowes breakwater and its surrounding exclusion zone also added to the amount of tacking and forced manoeuvres due to boats on port tack giving way. All down the Island shore, local knowledge as to just how far you can go in made the difference. Once ashore with beer in hand the party could begin! A brilliant charity dinner was served at the Club thanks to the sponsors, ‘Yarmouth Spice’ and £3,010 was raised for Combat Stress and the Ellen MacArthur Trust. Sunday saw more gentle racing from Bouldnor Bay, followed by drinks and the final prize-giving in the bar. Overall, whilst XOD Sirena won the Prince Consort Race on the Saturday, James’ Meaning’s XOD Gleam won the regatta overall. 2016 will see a new charity with Geoff Holt booked to give the keynote speech and proceeds going to his new charity ‘Wet Wheels’, an inspirational charity getting disabled people out on the water.
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 25 British Soldier during the RAYC Regatta. Photograph by Paul Brown. RAYC REGATTA HARWOODS FANDANGO By Angela Cordon by Angela Cordon Royal Artillery Yacht Club Offshore Regatta, hosted for the The Harwood’s Fandango Charity Fun Race was held on first time in 1949, was held on 12th-13th September. Royal Wednesday 19th August. The race attracted members in Solent boats have always been welcome to join in and this year sailing boats, RIBs and motor boats, who all raced together to fleets of five XODs and five YODs competed. raise money for the charity ‘Help for Heroes’. The Prize Giving Dinner on Saturday evening saw over 80 past The course was set and everyone raced off together (motor and present members of the Royal Artillery celebrating in the boats keeping the same engine speed all the way round) and dining room at the RSYC. The RAYC Bantry Cup was won at an undefined moment during the race a loud BANG was signalled over the VHF radio and all the participants turned by Juke Box, helmed by Col Chris Copeland, second was British round and travelled back round the course in the reverse Soldier helmed by Major Matt Sargent & third was St Barbara direction. This photo, taken in torrential rain, is of Chris & V helmed by Nathan Webber. In the Bhopal Cup Class the winner was Rabbit helmed by Ben Archer, second was Jos helmed by Lt. General Chris Brown and third was Saoirse helmed by David Holtby. British Soldier – pictured in the photograph above - came second overall in the Royal Artillery Bantry Cup Class and first in the Sunday Race to Gilkicker Point.
The XOD class was won by James Meaning in Gleam and the YOD class by Graeme Dillon and John Caulcutt in Puffin. RIB Revenger and Blandina during the Harwoods Fandango.
Mo Kearns in their RIB Revenger, who decorated their vessel with Canadian Flags, going round the Buoy in front of YOD Blandina owned by Graham Fell and helmed by Jay Smith B all! espoke too sm cakes for any occasion... none is Dowse. Points were awarded for fancy dress, number of buoys rounded and bribes given to the race team, which totalled approximately £500 and all went to the chosen charity ‘Help for Heroes’. The winners were Phil Downey, Jo and five children all dressed up as ‘Tour de France’ complete with all the children’s bikes on the back of the boat! Big thanks to Harwoods Yacht Chandlers in Yarmouth for their sponsorship of this event. 07957 618158 [email protected] f
26 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Club Racing
CENTENARY CHASE by Angela Cordon Prestigious personalised Registration Plate Over 25 boats entered the Centenary Chase on Saturday on Retention 19th September. As one of the final events of the season, this FUN pursuit race drew over 20 Old Gaffers from across the South Coast and five local XODs all battling it out to be the FOR SALE first across the line. Unlike most other races, each boat was issued with a specific start time – scientifically calculated - in an attempt to estimate each boat’s average speed on the water, so theoretically all would cross the finish line at the same time. Reality – as always – was dramatically different and with very little wind to propel the boats through the water, the skill of the For price and further details helms paid off and played a huge part in their overall finishing please ring 07912 646955 position. Prizes were given to different categories, with the first Old Gaffer being awarded to Hester, skippered by Ed Rice. TURKEY CUP by Angela Cordon The Turkey Cup was raced on Sunday 4th October with over 20 boats enjoying light winds and glorious sunshine in the Western Solent. The race saw the Alan Spriggs Trophy being awarded for the 30th year. Alan first donated the trophy to the RSYC to mark his 40th birthday and 30 years on - and about to celebrate his 70th birthday - he proudly presented the trophy to the winner Libby Deegan in Akarana 3. Second prize and proud winners of the Turkey - kindly There was little wind for the Centenary Chase. Photograph by David Porter. sponsored by Harwoods Yacht Chandlers in Yarmouth - was Folkboat Crackerjack owned by Matthew Jones and Stuart The Overall winners Sans Souci were the Mildon family, Watson, from Lymington. skippered by David Mildon, who was also celebrating his birthday, with his daughter Anne and son David, who had both Following the prize giving over 50 racers and crew sat down to, travelled down from the mainland to race with their father what was for many, their first Christmas dinner of the season. on his birthday. The day culminated with prize giving and a This race concluded a wonderful season both on and off the celebration dinner at the Club. water at the Royal Solent.
Turkey Cup, The gaff rigged Rosenn and Bonni Lady. Photograph by Paul Brown.
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 27 RACE MANAGEMENT
rincipal Race Officer. What a grand title and how responsible it sounds! The reality is that teamwork rules the day!P Tasks are all well established and endorsed by the RYA and the Club will provide all the training that you need. There is always something to learn but that’s the fun of being in the Race Officer Team. Race officer or competitor – it’s all about decisions. In race officering your plans and ideas are all public. The start line, the course, the time it takes to sail the course and the results are all critical to everyone’s enjoyment. On your own boat if you make a mistake you can just stay quiet! Back in the bar people may make comments about the course, but just being out on the water and Chris Temple left) presenting the XOD Race Officers Trophy to James Meaning. away from work is pleasure enough! Photograph by Alan Hamilton. In reality, there are often not many options. The wind and tide and go out on the water during the Taittinger Regatta and make it one our fixed buoys limit the choices, so ROs make the best of what is of the most successful events on the south coast. available. Once people stop and think it through they will agree The Club celebrates its Race Officers’ work each year and in 2015 there was no alternative. Interestingly the top few boats never think the party was generously hosted by Gareth and Katie Davies there is anything wrong! at Hill Place. It was a great opportunity for all the Race Officer So why take on this challenge? Easy – it’s the best seat in the house! teams and supporters to get together and reminisce over the year’s You see everything. Working as part of the team is absorbing, doings. The picture shows Chris Temple presenting the XOD seeing your plans come to fruition is magical - and your hard work Race Officers’ Trophy to James Meaning at the party. is all over at the start. Then all you need to do is watch the racing Fancy a go? There is no responsibility in the beginning, just be part and record the finish times! Then it’s back to the bar ready to of the team and build up your confidence and experience, then accept the accolade for a great race. move on to the RYA Club Race Officer course. If you would like to There are many race officer teams in the Club, from just two know more, contact the Sailing Office on 01983 760256. people for a simple Sunday morning race, to the 40 or more who David Fox
28 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 EXPANDING YOUR BOATING EXPERIENCE
This year the Club will be introducing a range of informal sessions and powerboat training tailored to your specific requirements. This is because over the past couple of seasons we have noticed that far fewer people seem to be interested in taking the formal RYA training courses.
The core of our new on-the-water RSYC training programme is Close Quarters Handling. This is a three hour, hands-on course for anyone who wants to learn the principles of how to operate safely in confined spaces.
Whether you’re looking for help at the helm for your family or aiming to improve your own skills, we can help. Our range of on the water powerboat training and education is designed to help everyone to get more out of their boating experience. Particularly your crew members will learn to be more comfortable and safe at the helm under power, especially within the confines of a harbour or marina.
As well as practical training, this year we will also be offering a comprehensive range of onshore classes designed to provide members of all ages with any additional skills they need. John Burgess
TRAINING AND TUITION
The Club provides training, informal tuition and advice for boaters of all ages and experience. In addition to the regular RYA courses the All of these activities can be conducted on Club also provides; your own boat or the Club RIB In the first instance feel free to arrange an informal chat The CEVNI test required for using canals to discuss your requirements. • and waterways in Europe. CONTACT JOHN BURGESS, • Assessments for the International Chief Powerboat Instructor Certificate of Competence. and RYA Principal, RSYC • Safe harbour and one to one close quarter Telephone; 07770 315533 or handling tuition. email; [email protected]
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 29 WELL, IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME……
Tim Lee’s description of competing in the International Folkboat Regatta in San Francisco.
Our Heroes, Clive, Tim and John.
n response to an email we – Tim Lee, John Gallimore and The Danes, Germans, Swedes and ourselves then drew for Clive Smith of the Ajax syndicate – put ourselves forward for boats and opinions varied wildly as to the results, on one hand theI bi-annual International Folkboat Regatta in San Francisco we were told our boat had won on one occasion on another and were duly approved at the Folkboat AGM. All we had to hand we were consoled as the boat was a bit of a dog. I could do was get there on time and with our own sails. not help but notice there were lots of very shiny new sails about A wise old sage at the RSYC told us we should look to take and to a sail they were all much stiffer than our own! new sails with us as it was bound to be highly competitive. Monday dawned bright and warm with very little wind, but for Unfortunately there was not the budget to cover this so the two straight line sprint races it meant those who knew the Ajax’s rather tired sails were packed and handed to Clive for tides, winds and their boats dominated whilst we struggled at transportation as he flew jumbo jets for BA and excess baggage the back and, as all Folkboat fleets other than the UK do not was not an issue. use spinnakers, we were given no opportunity to practice with On 3rd September I flew to LA to meet Clive who, with all of the whisker pole. Not to worry, tomorrow is another day and his amassed travel experience, had offered to drive us along free keg of beer awaited us on our return, a trend that was to the coast up to San Francisco. After a few days touring, we happily continue throughout the week! collected John from San Francisco airport and headed out to Tuesday started in much the same way as Monday, but with find the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon for registration, the even lighter winds. Clive took the helm for the first where we draw for our boats and the opening ceremony. managed to finish eighteenth out of nineteen boats, relegating I cannot begin to describe how welcome we were made to a Swedish boat to last. I helmed for the second race where it feel by the Commodore and officers of the Corinthian Yacht became apparent just what we had taken Club who were taking their turn to host the event, particularly on when, despite finishing inside two when we were able to follow the correct protocol and exchange minutes of the lead boat, we were dead Club burgees. The CYC is a very imposing building steeped in last, a couple of seconds behind our history and with views to rival that of our own Club. new friend and rival the Swede Svante Svensson.
Far Left: Exchanging Club burgees with Jytte Birnbaum, Director of the CYC. Left: Our borrowed boat with Ajax’s sails.
30 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 International Folkboat Regatta
Entertainment featured heavily in the programme and on magnificent people, we learnt a lot, made new friends and had Wednesday evening we were treated to a barbeque with live a cracking time. Was it really a good idea and would I go again? entertainment including numbers from some of the other Yes, and at the drop of a hat! crews. In a Hawaiian number from the Germans the sight of Having said that, in mitigation of our performance we found Cristoph Nielsen, a near seven foot monster of a man in a grass that our jib was seven inches shorter in the foot than it should skirt, was something to behold! have been so with our replacements at least we can now point Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the sailing followed in much up properly! I also have a sneaking feeling that our experience, the same vein but with between fifteen and twenty-five knots or lack of, was also a factor. For example, Christoph Neilson is of breeze. We had some very exciting times building on our twice winner and three times runner up in the Folkboat Gold experience, mastering sailing with and gybing the whisker pole, Cup and he only finished second! climbing up the rankings on occasion to have two seventeenth places. Added to that for me there is the issue of the whisker pole, something that I grew to love with practice, can anyone tell We were still finishing within a couple of minutes of the lead me why we in the UK go against the grain and persist with boat but such was the competition there were often seventeen spinnakers? boats squeezed into that space. We tried all sorts of adjustments under the guidance of our fellow competitors and concluded Mention must be made of Michael the Chief Race Officer who that our sails prevented us pointing as high as many of the other not only provided the most efficient service imaginable but also boats. entertained over the radio whilst doing so. It is interesting to note that given the level of competition and closeness of racing On Friday evening we attended a cocktail party followed by not one protest left the water to go before a committee having an excellent dinner and prize giving in the magnificent dining all being resolved between sailors at the time. room of the CYC where, with the application of copious amounts of alcohol, we managed to persuade Peter Jeal, one Our heartfelt thanks go out to George Cathey and his team of the leading US competitors to part with a little used set of from the San Francisco Bay Folkboat Association, the Doyle sails for a bargain price just too late for the regatta! Commodore, members and staff of the Corinthian Yacht Club, So where did it all go wrong? Well actually it didn’t, we had and not least to Peter Jeal for the sails, advice and finishing fifth some brilliant sailing in a wonderful location with some in a race with a broken mast!
Contact us for a free quotation: 01983 209 999 or 07717 353 842 or Email us on [email protected] or [email protected] Visit our website: www.iowcoastandcountry.com & www.graysmarquees.com Main Building: Prospect Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7AD
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 31 RYS BICENTENARY REGATTA WEEK The Royal Solent’s Story
Above: RSYC in GBR 4014 in the lead at the windward mark. Inset: and extending her lead on the run.
s the week of the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Bicentennial Regatta approached it became clear that it was going to be breezy. After pouringA rain and strong winds on the practice Sunday, the forecast for Monday was in excess of 30 knots and all Monday’s racing was cancelled. The forecast was only slightly less for Tuesday but the Race Committee managed to run two races. In the second race the wind blew up and caused some exciting downwind sailing and the rare sight of a boat broaching on starboard aiming directly for a boat which had gybed and broached on to port gybe was pretty spectacular. The Royal Solent crew managed well and set a new world speed record for a Sunsail Farr 40 of 15.6 knots! Sadly, when Thursday was perfect conditions with 12-14 knots from the north letting the pole forward to let the spinnaker down, the inevitable west. The Royal Solent team were on fire! Arriving 1st at the broach followed. At this point there were five boats broaching in the windward mark they hung on down wind to collect a 4th. There same direction, one of whom finished beating back to the finishing were three races on the Thursday followed by two light air races on line with the spinnaker flying horizontal from the top of its mast. the Friday and unfortunately the Royal Thames team just beat the Having missed three races it was agreed amongst the fleet that Royal Solent team by enough in the last race to come 7th overall Wednesday’s planned Round The Island race should be changed with Royal Solent being 8th out of 10. With two 4ths, a 5th, 6th to two short races and a long coastal race. The Royal Solent team & 7th in the last five races it was a most exciting week of racing began to find their form and finished 4th in the long Solent race. for which we owe a great debt of thanks to James Hudleston’s Rory Garrett did an excellent job on bow with Alex Cornman and generosity in making the entry happen. Theo Seely on mast, Cameron Henderson, Charlie Davies and Many thanks to Simon Van der Byl and his team who made an Sophie Sheldon trimming genoa and spinnaker. Jack Davies was excellent series of decisions from the committee boat in pretty trimming main, Patrick Seely navigated with Hugh Hudleston difficult conditions. helming the long coastal race and Jamie Sheldon the two others. Jamie Sheldon
32 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016
Port Chantereyne in Cherbourg is a deep water marina, ideally situated as the closest French marina to the Solent. The marina offers a 20% discount on berthing fees on presentation of your www.jameslordart.co.uk Royal Solent Yacht Club membership card.
LIMITED EDITION ART PRINTS AND CARDS For more information please visit www.portchantereyne.fr
+ POWERPLUSMARINE When experience matters
The Island’s most experienced marine and electronics engineers Thetis Wharf, Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7BX W : www.powerplusmarine.co.uk T: 01983 290421
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 33 MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT
By Claire Hallett, Membership Secretary
ver the course of the last five years the Club has maintained Secure Online Member Area a healthy average of 90 additional members each year and Dinghy park & storage facilities (additional cost) Ohappily we were on target again last year with 75 new and 18 re- Seasonal moorings (additional cost) instated members; bringing our total active membership to 1,039 at Boatshed rental (additional cost) the end of 2015. In addition, the Club has an excellent membership Car parking (additional cost) retention rate – with an average of 89% of the members who have Permit to wear the Blue Ensign (additional cost) joined in the last four years continuing their membership. *Excluding Club functions & private events These statistics are assuredly a positive reflection on the enduring vibrant and friendly nature of the Club, which is channelled ADDITIONAL PERKS through an active and diverse social programme, a high standard of (Also available to visiting yachtsmen, RYA and affiliated members!) service provided by the staff and a loyal, fun-loving and welcoming Happy hour (6pm – 7:30pm every Friday) membership! Free Wi-Fi internet access Annual Club magazine We hope that all members, existing and new, are getting the most Showers & hair dryers that they can out of all the Club’s facilities and services. RSYC Lift & disabled facilities membership offers a wide range of exclusive privileges and benefits, Balconies & lawn with sea views as well as the opportunity to become involved in a variety of member groups, events and activities, both on and off the water….. ONSHORE MEMBER GROUPS, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS SPECIAL MEMBER BENEFITS Scrabble & Backgammon 10% off food & 15% off beverages with Club Payment Card* Wine Society Sign-in any one guest up to seven times a year Bridge Discounted family membership - children under 18 join for just £1! Scottish Country Dancing Regular members-only social events Gentlemen’s Lunches Reciprocal rights to over 40 affiliated yacht and sailing clubs Clay Pigeon Shooting Voting rights Film Nights Meal voucher worth £20 for each new member & their proposer Talks Discounted Wightlink & Red Funnel ferry tickets Golf 20% off berthing fees in Port Chantereyne marina in Cherbourg Murder Mystery Nights Use of Club’s slipway & pontoon Jazz Nights Heavily discounted overnight moorings off clubhouse IT Workshops for Beginners Boat transfer via Club RIB Themed Evenings Heavily discounted room hire Commodore’s Suppers Purchase of Club merchandise Fun Quizzes Solent Lottery Formal Club Dinners, such as Laying Up & Fitting Out Weekly email newsletters about forthcoming events Summer BBQ Free advertising of boats & nautical paraphernalia on Club’s notice Summer Ball or Dinner Dance board and website New Year’s Eve Party
34 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Membership Secretary’s Report
OFFSHORE MEMBER GROUPS, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS REFER A FRIEND Wednesday Evening Racing (April – September) A large number of new members are always gained through Year-round Weekend Racing member referrals, so our ‘Refer a Friend’ reward scheme was Junior Sailing introduced as a means to thank referrers. £20 lunch/supper RYA Powerboat Courses vouchers are sent to new members to entice them to dine at the Cruising Group Club with their proposer and hopefully meet and socialise with Opportunities to Race Officer other fellow members in the process. We do hope that all new Opportunities to Crew members and their proposers will participate in this ongoing Rallies scheme and enjoy a lunch or supper and a bottle of house wine on Regattas the Club. To further encourage referrals, members may sign in any one guest up to seven times a year. OPEN DAY A key annual event for both member recruitment and member JOIN US! engagement is our Open Day, which will be held this year on Prospective members are always welcome to come and visit the Saturday 30th April 2016 from 11:30am to 2pm. This is a fantastic Club during office hours (9am - 5pm Monday- Friday, 9am -Noon opportunity for potential and existing members to find out about Saturday) and, circumstances permitting, take a tour of the facilities all that the Club has to offer. Representatives from all the different prior to applying for membership. Membership Packs are available groups and societies will be on hand to showcase their activities from the Front Office and bars, and our Application Form can and answer questions, and we will of course be hoping to hand out also be downloaded from our website. Our Vice Commodore many application forms to prospective members who will also be or committee members will always be on hand to meet with welcome to lunch at the Club. Any members who would like to those who don’t have any members to propose or second them. come along to lend a hand at this event would be most welcome Applications are reviewed by our General Committee at the end of indeed - please contact the Front Office on 01983 760256 to each month and those with pending applications are very welcome register your interest. to use the Club in the meantime.
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 35 Membership Secretary’s Report
The Commodore & Flag Officers would like to extend a very warm welcome to the following new members of the Royal Solent Yacht Club:
Mr Donald & Mrs Janet Appleby Mr Anthony & Mrs Pauline Kay Mr Martyn Billing Mr Tony & Mrs Jill Matthews Professor Jonathan Billowes Mr Steven McArthur Mrs Ismay Breare Mr Mark McDonald Mr Barry & Mrs Lorraine Bristow Mr Stephen & Mrs Lesley Metcalf Mrs Sylvia Butler Mrs Joanna Minchin (Re-instatement) Mr Timothy Carter & Miss Sophia Whitaker Mr Edward & The Hon. Mrs Diana Nicholson Mr Timothy & Mrs Meryl Clark Mr Mark & Mrs Anne Paterson Mr Nicholas & Mrs Diana de Courcy-Ireland Miss Isabelle & Master Charlie Peplow Mr Rodney Dennison Miss Sophie & Master Archie Perkins Ms Carol Donnelly Mr David & Mrs Kerry Press Drs Peter & Paula Firstbrook Mr Robert & Mrs Corinne Quain Mr Jeremy Fry & Miss Jane Chase Ms Christine Rickard Miss Elizabeth Gillett Mr Alan Roffey Ms Carol Golding Mr Malcolm Sibley Ms Madeleine Green Mrs Catherine Skelley Mr David Hirst Mr Michael & Mrs Susan Syer Mr Anthony & Mrs Rachel Holmes and Jacob Mr Kevin Taylor (Re-instatement) Mrs Vivien Horsnell Mr Daniel & Mrs Clair Tennant Mr John Horton Mr Brian & Mrs Charlotte Tongue Mrs Jeanette Houghton Miss Carla & Miss Holly Trainor Mr Matthew & Mrs Kim Hutchins Mrs Anne-Cecile Turner and Zachary Mr Ross & Mrs Gabi Jennings, Max and Ava (Re-instatement) Mr Paul & Mrs Vicky Udall, Arthur and Margot Mr Simon Jenkins Mr Simon Watmough Mrs Bridget Johnson Mr Adam & Mrs Sarah Younger
Reciprocal Clubs of the Royal Solent Yacht Club South Coast Island (1st October to 31st March only) • Chichester Yacht Club • Bembridge Sailing Club (from 1st Nov – 31st March) • Christchurch Sailing Club • Brading Haven Yacht Club • Lymington Town Sailing Club • Island Sailing Club, Cowes (from 1st Nov – 31st March) • Parkstone Yacht Club (Poole) • Royal Ocean Racing Club, Cowes • Poole Yacht Club • Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Fishbourne (from 1st Nov – 31st March) • RAF Yacht Club (Hamble) • Sea View Yacht Club • Royal Artillery Yacht Club • Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (Falmouth) Overseas • Royal Dart Yacht Club • British Kiel Yacht Club (Germany) • Royal Dorset Yacht Club (Weymouth) • Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia • Royal Fowey Yacht Club • Gordons Bay Yacht Club (South Africa) • Royal Lymington Yacht Club • Penang Yacht Club (Malaysia) • Royal Motor Yacht Club (Poole) • Republic of Singapore Yacht Club • Royal Naval Club & Royal Albert Yacht Club (Portsmouth) • Royal Bombay Yacht Club (India) • Royal Southampton Yacht Club • Royal Cape Yacht Club (South Africa) • Royal Southern Yacht Club (Hamble) • Royal Cork Yacht Club (Eire) • Royal Western Yacht Club of England (Plymouth) • Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (Western Australia) • Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Other UK • Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron • Guernsey Yacht Club (St Peter Port) • Royal Natal Yacht Club (Durban) • Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club (St Peter Port) • Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (Auckland) • Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club (Dover) • Royal Perth Yacht Club (Western Australia) • Royal Cruising Club (London) • Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (NSW) • Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club (Lowestoft) • Royal St George Yacht Club (Eire) • Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club (Helensburgh) • Seattle Yacht Club (USA) • Royal Temple Yacht Club (Ramsgate) • West Indies Yacht Club (Jamaica) • Sussex Motor Yacht Club (Brighton) • Yacht Club Austria • The Naval Club (London)
The following clubs wish to accord our members their facilities on production of a letter of introduction from our Secretary without entering into full reciprocity: • Little Ship Club, London • Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, NSW
36 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Outstanding Clubhouse Fine Dining Talks & Films
Race Management Opportunities Members’ Lounge Unbeatable Sunsets
Pontoon & Moorings Cruising Group Members’ Dining Room
Two Bars & Three Dining Areas Clay Pigeon Shooting & Golf Stunning Solent Views
Dinghy Sailing (Park & Slipway) Scottish Country Dancing Bridge, Scrabble & Backgammon
Parking Facilities & Boat Storage Wine Society Lunches, Dinners & Fun Events
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 37 45 YEARS SAILING AN XOD AT YARMOUTH
Top: The XOD Arrow with James Lord at the helm, George Alford (centre) and Caroline Underwood. Below: (From left to right) Thom D’Arcy, George Alford and Caroline Underwood, Cowes Week 2015.
o start at the end; after forty five years of For several years the Alfords stayed in every house T trying George Alford finally finished first in an for rent in Yarmouth including memorable stays in XOD race at Cowes in August 2015. The boat Solent View and Grotti Cottages, with additional had been there before with James Meaning, weekends at Jireh House. Finally in 1974 they Caroline Underwood and Thom D’Arcy bought Love Shore which has been the family winning a race in 2003 and James regaining base since then. Please note the boat came the Frank Beken Trophy in 2005, but for three years before the house which shows George this was the first time after owning their priorities. Arrow for over thirty years. Racing at Yarmouth takes time to learn and George’s parents, Ian and Jacqui Alford, X129 Vixen struggled for top ten finishes came to the Island first by chance. Ian had in the seventies unless there were white some unexpected leave from the Navy and horses. The dominant families were Hayles/ Jacqui spotted an advert saying ’Yachtsman’s Lords/Campbells, Flanders, Kizeleys and Paradise unexpectedly available’. This the redoubtable Mrs Cross. The immediate turned out to be Crab Cottage at Shalfleet competition were the Taylors and Miles complete with two scows which for a Oldershaw and Minty Watson and her brother. family whose main reading had been There is still a special flavour in sailing with Arthur Ransome, and had even created a three someone you have raced in five different dimensional model of the lakes to follow the stories, sealed their decades. fate. From then on summer could only be the West Wight. Despite managing to win a George Cup in Vixen an upgrade A chance meeting of school contemporaries on the front during was required and in 1984 the family bought X125 Xanthe from Cowes week led James Gould to invite George to join him on the the Chevertons. She was renamed Arrow after the family boat YOD passage race back to Yarmouth. Scows had to be replaced by that sailed in the original America’s Cup race round the Island. keelboats. One winter XOD 129 was advertised for sale in a wood She ran aground! George became a sporadic racer spending five near Pirbright; close enough to London for a nice day out. George years in Japan in the late seventies and a lot of time in the City persuaded his father to buy her by offering half, which happened to otherwise but managed the occasional surprise such as helming be the same amount as he had put up as a deposit on his first flat. Arrow to victory in a Needles race by coming back down the
38 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 45 Years Sailing an XOD mainland shore. Ian was supported by a trio of brilliant crew in has been resumed and in the last couple of years Arrow has begun Bunty (Minchin) Cindy (Le Marchant) and Minty (Watson) to win some trophies again but this year George’s best result at and Arrow’s battle honours grew. Her best results at Cowes were Yarmouth was crewing for Agatha Davies in Foxy when she won 3rd places including the notorious protest that took six months the XOD Junior helm. to decide. Between 1984 and 2006 she won the George Cup 14 George’s mother Jackie is now in a nursing home near Corinne times. and George in Surrey and still follows the results closely. George’s As Ian moved to retirement (from sailing) George had invited father is remembered annually in the Navigation Trophy race James Meaning to share Arrow and this combination lasted happily which Nicky Henderson and Jeremy Willcock have turned into an and successfully for ten years. On George’s marriage to Corinne event attracting outside interest. The order of marks on the course he developed a brilliant spinnaker hand in Caroline who has also is chosen by each competitor incorporating all marks shown at managed three Ladies Vase wins with different crew. They set up the five minute gun and thus tests navigation rather than boat home in Farnham on the Hampshire/Surrey border, an area in speed. Corinne rewards those still afloat at the end with one of her which many RSYC mainland members live. Among their local wonderful curries. activities Corinne has been President of Farnham Inner Wheel for George is still a banker but has turned from the dark side to act the last two years and George will become President of the Rotary for the Ministry of Health and to train staff at the Bank of England Club of Farnham this summer. As Yarmouth divisional captain of and Financial Conduct Authority. Corinne has rearranged the XOD for the past three years George has been involved in the her psychotherapy practice to be able to spend more time in development of a mainland event in the winter, a success that, as a Yarmouth and has even inspired other members of her family member of the General Committee, he would like to see extended to move here. New Year in Yarmouth has become a tradition to other members of the Royal Solent. as well as the summer where a particular highlight is Caroline’s Arrow spent one year in Parkstone with some success including Open Studios. The West Wight remains a significant influence being their leading boat at Cowes helmed by Pete Flanders on her painting as well as on the family. A wide range of cousins, before returning to Yarmouth where James Lord and then Henry godchildren and friends visit Love Shore each year to sail, swim, or Murray Smith have taken on the local management of the boat. just relax and enjoy the wonderful views of the west Solent that the The tradition of inviting a wide range of visitors to crew in Arrow Club also enjoys. George Alford
“Your Local Supplier to the Licence Trade”
~ Brewers of Traditional Ales ~ Bottled Beers ~ Wholesalers of Draught Lagers, Beers, Stouts & Ciders ~ Alcopops ~ Soft Drinks & Minerals ~ Wines & Spirits
We are proud to supply The Royal Solent Yacht Club TEL: 01983 867878 www.yates-brewery.co.uk [email protected]
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 39
Gordon House, South Street, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. PO41 0QB Tel: 01983 760377 Fax: 01983 760393
YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT BROKER FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS.
SPECIALISTS IN HOUSEHOLD, MOTOR, MARINE, COMMERCIAL, TRAVEL AND PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE.
EMAIL: [email protected] www.blackrockinsurance.co.uk Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Wholesaler to the Island’s Hotels, Pubs, Restaurants, Attractions and Clubs. Supplying our own ale as well as National and International Brands. Extensive range of wines, soft drinks and spirits.
Same-day free Island delivery 6 days a week, delivering direct to your boat! Big enough to handle events, small enough to care for the individual . Call 01983 821731
40 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 SECRETARY’S JOTTINGS
laire Hallett continues in her role as Membership C Secretary but in recognition of her impressive performance she was also appointed Deputy Secretary in the autumn. Lucy Case is our ever-reliable Events Manager and has been most successful in attracting outside events to the Club in addition to laying on a multitude of well-supported in-house functions for members. Angela Cordon continues to grow into the job of Sailing Secretary and Janet Pitman beavers away in the Accounts Office – an unsung hero of the team. The only loss has been Adam Preece as Boatman. He so impressed Versadock when they came to install a pontoon off the jetty that they made Alberto Bertazzo. him an offer he could not refuse!
Upstairs, Vicky Tribe has continued her sterling work as the House Manager where she has continued to raise standards, resulting in greatly increased Club usage. In the kitchen she is well-supported by the ever-reliable Tom Cripps and newly-joined Alberto Bertazzo with Jason Taylor as our regular KP, helped out, on occasions, by Tiegan Henderson.
In the Bar, Scott Henderson provides an ever- welcoming presence as the Bar Steward and he is assisted by Emily Jason Taylor. Chambers, Cory Turner, Laura Coles, Henrietta McLean, Lavanna Scoberg and Brooke Drake.
The one and only Mary Smith continues as our Head Waitress where she is helped out by Sacha and Ashlea Smith as well as those bar staff already mentioned. Finally, mention must be made of the cleaners who help to keep the clubhouse looking tidy; Natalie Sibley, Janet Critchley and last but not least Josh Stevens who not only cleans but will willingly turn his hand to anything. Hamish Fletcher
Secretary Brooke Drake.
Josh Stevens. Janet Critchley.
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 41 CLUBHOUSE DEVELOPMENTS
onald Rumsfeld’s quote about “known knowns, ceilings, including the dysfunctional known unknowns and unknown unknowns” sums up electrics and air conditioning in myD predicament about writing this article: what is written is that part of the building which accurate at the time of going to press but may not be correct has not been refurbished, when you receive the magazine! are beyond repair and First, some background. When the clubhouse was built need replacing. These are in 1897 it was symmetrical in shape and included library, issues which, although they dining and billiard rooms. Throughout its history, change encompass elements of the has taken place to accommodate a growing membership and projected follow-on work from changing needs. The merging of the Solent Yacht Club with 2011-12 are now very much in the West Wight Sailing Club in 1946 raised the membership need of urgent repair. Having costed this vital repair work and to 341, double the capacity the original building had been set out to carry out these repairs at the start of 2017 one of designed for. As membership numbers continued to increase our members, Ian Laing, came forward with a generous offer it became necessary to expand the building further and four to replace the flat roof of the upstairs bar with a pitched roof. separate schemes in four separate decades altered all four of This proposal would be separate from the proposed repairs the clubhouse’s elevations. A proposed fifth expansion in the and renewal work. Plans were going well until a report from 1990s did not take place due to cost. All these ad hoc solutions the structural engineer concluded that to install a pitched roof may have been necessary at the time but taken as a whole would require considerable strengthening of the foundation they were neither aesthetically pleasing, nor did they add to its under that part of the colonnade that is underneath the bar. operational efficiency. The most significant redevelopment So, where are we now? First, members need to be reassured since the clubhouse was built took place in 2011-12 and that they will not be asked to contribute any more funds than while the majority of members contributed to this scheme, it were asked for in the Commodore’s Autumn Letter; itself a would not have been possible without the extreme generosity request. The two options under consideration are replacing of James Hudleston. The rebuild of nearly five years ago the flat roof with a similar structure or finding ways to install a sought to combine functionality with an architectural style, pitched roof. This should be resolved by the AGM, when an sympathetic to its surroundings, which it undoubtedly update will be given. In the interim we are looking at re-roofing achieved. The appearance of the clubhouse changed but its those parts of the building not covered in 2011-12, less the original form is still recognisable. By mid-2012 an elegant two flat roof above the bar. This work is projected to start in April; storey structure had been added to the west of the building and it will cause some disruption but should not take long and the ground floor had been refurbished throughout; thus some will have the advantage of ensuring that the old dining room 80% of the clubhouse had been refurbished to a very high and kitchen roofs are made water-tight. The remainder of standard. the work; ceilings, electrics, air-conditioning etc can then be At present the ground floor and west wing are very smart, carried out as planned, along with construction on whichever while in contrast, the older parts of the building look run roof is decided upon to replace the structure above the bar. down. The old part of the roof leaks, rain penetrates around Hamish Fletcher the edge of the windows when there is a northerly wind and Secretary the window frames in the old dining room are rotten. Those Main Photo: The Clubhouse showing the new western extension of you who have visited the clubhouse recently will have seen built in 2012. the internal Heath Robinson guttering fix in the corner of the Inset: The eastern end of the Clubhouse requires attention to both bar – effective but only a short term measure. In addition, the the roof and windows.
42 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 ROYAL FRESHWATER BAY YACHT CLUB This prominent and beautifully-situated Club in Western Australia is one with which we are delighted to have reciprocal arrangements. Our links are very deep, because it was here that Emma Tongue kept YOD 11, Pimpernel, for a number of years. Pimpernel is now safely back in Yarmouth. Our member Mike Wilkins spent a good part of last winter racing J24s at the RFBYC and was right royally received. He writes ‘The atmosphere at the Club is just like ours, full of very knowledgeable people, all willing and pleased to give their time, yarn a little and be fantastically hospitable’. This description of the Club was written by Paul Bayliss, Chief Executive Officer, who was brought up on the Solent and knows our Club well. Ed.
oyal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club is proud to share reciprocal arrangements with the Royal Solent Yacht Club. RStanding on the banks of the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia, just six miles upstream from the Indian Ocean, RFBYC is one of the premier yacht clubs in Australia and enjoys one of the best locations and outlooks of any yacht club in the world. Originally formed in 1896, the facilities comprised a modest jetty to accommodate Members’ boats together with a small clubroom. Since the Club’s first official race in 1897, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club has set the pace for many boating classes on the river The Club’s flagship racer, the GP42 Black Betty. and maintained its reputation as a centre for sailing excellence. Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, as it became known upon the A marina made up of eight fully serviced jetties provides for granting of its Royal Charter in 1934, moved to its current site in some 325 boats and numerous Club moorings ensure Members 1936 having taken the lease on Keane’s Point complete with the have safe and easy access for the many programmed activities. former private residence, Cappoquin House. This move was the A separate Dinghy/Junior Club within the grounds is run by a catalyst for exponential growth of the Club. The Clubhouse has committee of junior members for the benefit of all such members been extended over the years, of course, and the latest of these, of the Club. the AU$4.5M (approx. 2.3M sterling) Ballroom development The main Clubhouse facilities include an extensive Members Bar was completed, along with new kitchens and office facilities and and our restaurant (The Bowline Restaurant) with panoramic opened in 2012. views of the river, and outside “yachtsman’s bar” and extensive RFBYC places great emphasis on its yachting programmes and lawn areas where our members can enjoy the Mediterranean has strong fleets in dinghy classes – Optimist, O’pen Bic, Mirrors, climate for which Perth is renowned. 420, 29er, 505 and 49er – as well as one-design keelboat fleets of While all these attributes make for ample convenience, a Club Flying Fifteens, Dragons and Etchells. In addition to this, there are is more than its facilities alone and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht four divisions of racing yachts with the Club’s flagship racer, the Club takes great care to ensure that its Club atmosphere remains GP42 Black Betty. strongly welcoming and encouraging to the spirit of camaraderie The Club also has a burgeoning Training Centre which for which we have always been known. runs sailing courses for members, their children and the local We have been delighted to enjoy the company of Mike (Wilf) community which has strong links with local schools. Hundreds Wilkins over the past few weeks and look forward to welcoming of young people learn to sail every year at the Club and some of more visiting yachtsmen (and women) from the Royal Solent them go on to become Club members for life. Yacht Club in the future.
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 43 SAILING BONNY FLIGHTY HOME
Bonny Flighty is a well-maintained 30 year old Victoria 26. For sale at Levington Marina, on the River Orwell in Suffolk, she was just the boat for us! But how to get her home? Pete & Ness Welsh describe Bonny Flighty’s delivery to the Solent.
uffolk, a hemisphere away from Brisbane’s warm waters Leaving Dover conditions were worse than expected, choppy S where I’d completed my RYA Day Skipper course. Ness and intimidating. Waves converged, smashing into white had only sailed in our Folkboat, Matilda II. Despite our horses around us. Ness was terrified as we turned downwind. I inexperience, with a seaworthy yacht and simple navigation, reassured her, “this won’t last for long”. But the swells increased keep the land on your right, we intended to sail Bonny home. as Bonny surfed down the troughs. Securely harnessed, we The first 50 mile, 11 hour leg to Ramsgate was intimidating, hung on tightly. Three metre waves built up and surged under facing the infamous North Sea and Thames Estuary. our little boat. An exhausting four hours to Dungeness with no With helpful offers of assistance, our friend Brian caught a another vessel sighted. Bonny was an absolute star, she held her train to Suffolk. We met at Ha’penny Pier, Harwich, a short course, keeping us dry and safe! sail from Levington. Unfortunately North Sea conditions The Dungeness Nuclear Power Station was a grim scene . were very uncomfortable, so we returned. With weather The shingle headland generated a confusing sea on our port deteriorating, Brian travelled home. quarter. With six hours ahead and calmer conditions in the lee, We discussed the considerable task ahead and decided to we put the kettle on, ate some food and shouted into the wind! engage a delivery skipper. Robin Cole, an RYA instructor and A soothing sunset, a glorious red moon, a glittering sea. The merchant seaman lived nearby. Waiting for better winds, we temperature dropped. Rugged up, we watched the lights of practiced gybing, tacking and experimented with the chart Rye, Hastings and Bexhill slowly pass by. Nearing Eastbourne, plotter. Eventually with Robin on board, we used the last two our following wind freshened and Bonny rolled in the sloppy hours of ebb into the North Sea. The flood helped us cross sea. Our night arrival was awful. Leaving the safe-water mark the Thames Estuary, Foulgers Gat and the wind-farm array. to port, with bleary eyes we peered at the confusing shore That day the North Sea was a benevolent expanse of water. lights. We plotted a course to avoid the shoals, sailing through acres Suddenly out of the darkness loomed a huge breakwater, waves of gracefully turning turbines, spying black seals in the distance. smashing only metres away. To my horror, I’d mistaken the Rounding North Foreland against the tide, the last few miles lights and steered us to the wrong side. Pushing the tiller hard to Ramsgate were slow but the beautiful sunset was inspiring. over, our single cylinder Yanmar at full throttle, we slowly With Robin’s encouragement we decided to continue the turned back out to sea. Bonny ploughed on, pitching over the voyage ourselves. He was available for advice by phone. chop. Spray from broken crests cascaded around. Shaken, I A glorious dawn departure towards Dover in gentle conditions. repositioned for a second approach. Ness was in shock, hardly Motor sailing, dodging cross-channel ferries and passing the able to tie on a fender. We finally entered the lock and moored famous white cliffs, our three hour passage gave us confidence. just after midnight. A calming cuppa curled up under blankets, Bonny glided into the harbour, we tied up by 9am, thrilled with we ate cheese sarnies and sipped chicken soup. our ‘nuggety’ little sea boat. Main Photo: Beachy Head. Top: Pete Welsh aboard Bonny Flighty in Harwich. Buoyed with success, we left for Eastbourne the following Top Right: Ness Welsh takes a turn at the helm. afternoon, a 10 hour journey, the first two against the tide. The Right: Pete at Bonny Flighty’s chart table. forecast still an easterly.
44 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Sailing Bonny Flighty Home
Harwich
NORTH SEA
LONDON RIVER THAMES
Ramsgate
Dover
SOUTHAMPTON Dungeness
Brighton PORTSMOUTH Shoreham Eastbourne
Selsey Bill Beachy Head Yarmouth ENGLISH CHANNEL ISLE OF WIGHT
Robin called the next morning and discussed the unexpected strong conditions. We asked for his assistance to get home. A gentle few days spent at Sovereign Harbour waiting for better weather, while cleaning and tidying Bonny. Robin arrived and we inspected the breakwater to view the sea state, it was initially too rough to leave. Seeing the rocks and smashing surf where we nearly ran aground was confronting. Ness could have caught the train to Yarmouth but despite her scare, decided to continue the adventure. Pretty brave! Leaving Eastbourne was very challenging. Running the engine at full throttle, I pointed Bonny into wind. Waves knocked us off course, full rudder deflection barely enough to regain our heading. Pitching, we slowed to less than two knots until clear, then turned south-west. With tide and wind in our favour, we raced the six miles to Beachy Head. It felt an age to pass the headland in two metre seas. BANK HOUSE With the South Downs a verdant, undulating backdrop, Bonny ANTIQUES EMPORIUM settled into a comfortable downwind romp. Evening descended Free valuation | We buy and sell | Over 26 dealers as the lights of Brighton and Hove twinkled across the water. Shoreham’s transit lights assisted a safe harbour entry. Through the lock, we rafted up to a large Island Packet and raised a glass to celebrate. A restful night and another sunny day. Huge container ships manoeuvred in the port and with several small vessels, we entered the lock at 11am. The wind steadied, pushing us along at a merry pace towards Selsey Bill. Ness helmed so I could concentrate on navigating. Hurtling through the Looe Channel at over nine knots, we All under one roof! rapidly passed ‘Street’ the port lateral mark. Our first time in • Silver repairer • Pottery & ceramic restorer the eastern Solent, the Isle of Wight in the distance! We sailed • Stained glass restorer past forts, avoided ferries and missed hovercraft. Abeam Lepe, • Furniture restorer a stunning sunset over the Needles. In the darkness with strong • Caning & rush restorer wind against tide, we were pegged near Solent Bank before easing Bonny across to the southern shore. An uncomfortable few hours. - Free valuation days every two months - The welcoming lights of Yarmouth guided us towards the Pier. All welcome to come and browse! We tied up before midnight, elated. Five days sailing with Robin’s Bank House, The Square, Yarmouth Tel: 761958 help, we learnt so much. An extraordinary journey sailing Bonny www.bankhouseantiques.co.uk home, the first of many adventures! Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 5pm. Sunday: 10am - 4pm. Closed Mondays
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 45 OF YARMOUTH YACHT CHANDLERS ...the best of the old with the best of the new Friendly Service Professional Advice Extensive Product Range Classic & Traditional Fittings Up to Date Technology
MUSTO · DOUGLAS GILL CHATHAM · HARKEN DAVEY & CO · SPINLOCK DUBARRY & OTHER LEADING BRANDS
St. James’ Square, Yarmouth 01983 760258 www.harwoods-yacht-chandlers.co.uk
46 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Harwood Cowes Yachting ad 2.indd 1 14/10/10 14:27:00 CRUISING OUT FOR LUNCH IN 2015
he 2015 “Out for Lunch” cruising programme was very well supported by members and guests, who attended Tsome 14 events by boat or by car. The season commenced with a February visit to the RNLI Headquarters in Poole which attracted more than 40 members. Our season then sparked into life with an “in house” lunch where approximately 70 members and guests were in attendance. At Hurst Castle. As in previous years we crossed the Solent to Lymington for a carvery lunch at the Sailing Club, then on a later occasion to the Folly Inn in the upper reaches of the River Medina. A resumé of all our outings with anecdotes would take too long to cover but some photographs may help. Safe to say the hospitality we were afforded in both of the Lymington clubs and the Royal Southampton Yacht Club was first class, as was our welcome to Bembridge Harbour, for another dinner for 35 members and an overnight stay. We also had a picnic at Newtown Creek and a late summer visit to the Inshore boat building facility at the RNLI centre in East On board Dunlin in Lymington. Cowes, where we witnessed the precision and care that goes into Your Cruising Committee of David Kennett, Pat Lester and the building of the RNLI inshore lifeboats. The season felt to be myself have been most ably supported by Commodore Mark soon over especially following our “End of Season” lunch where Hall, Rear Commodore Sailing David Fox and Sailing Secretary we were superbly entertained by the Mediterranean adventures of Angela Cordon. We owe them all, along with the staff of the Wellow Maid. RSYC, a much deserved expression of gratitude. Our Cruising season attracted nearly 600 participants, all of whom said “That was great ! See you again in 2016.” Geoff Neary, Cruising Captain
Above: Visiting the Geoff Neary. RNLI centre in East Cowes. Main Photo: Prudence of Yar and Dunlin at Lymington.
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 47 THURSDAY’S CHILD SAILS TO GIBRALTAR AND BACK 23rd July 2014 –12th June 2015 by Jojo Minchin
Joanna (Jojo) and Robin (Bol) Minchin set off on the adventure of a lifetime when they embarked on extended cruising in their Sadler 34 Thursday’s Child with their son Harry and daughter Isabelle. However, not everything went to plan and their problems, difficult decisions and ultimately enjoyable cruise are described with disarming honesty in Jojo’s log, which deservedly won the Morva Cup, for the best cruise log of 2015. These edited highlights are a mere fraction of the story, but I hope they convey the spirit with which this remarkable family worked together to enjoy their adventure – Ed.
n incredible feeling on Tuesday night, 23rd July 2014. The journey begins Farewell said to family and friends, we sat, the two of us, The trip along the south coast of England went without a hitch, inA the cockpit at 1am, savouring the moment which had at last the weather was perfect enabling shorts and t-shirt on deck. arrived. After more than six years of planning, we were to leave We knew Bol could get seasick so he took Bonine (Metrazine in the morning. The weather was fine, the boat was creaking, hydrochloride) to manage it. So far the conditions had been groaning under the weight of provisions, spares and ‘just-in-cases’, calm and he had felt fine, if a little tired. On route we visited everything was as ready as it could be. Daybreak and a fabulous Dartmouth, Salcombe, Plymouth, Fowey and St Mawes. Our send off by our shore party at Fort Victoria. We waved and waved last night in the UK was spent anchored in the beautiful Helford until our arms ached and everyone became dots on the horizon, River. sailing out through The Needles, the wind and tide helping us on Farewell England our way, the sun shining down on our backs. Our Channel crossing began around 2pm with a NW breeze of 15 So how did it all begin? knots blowing us on our way. As we passed the final UK cardinal, Like many crazy ideas our adventure began whilst sitting at a the Manacles, the wind rose to 23 knots, we flew! The UK table with a bottle of wine. We would take a year’s sabbatical disappeared rapidly and it was the best feeling in the world. I have in 2014 by which time we could have saved some money and crossed the Channel many times but this time was very special; made the upgrades on Thursday’s Child (TC). Isabelle would be it was on our own boat, with my own family and we would not seven and old enough to remember the experience, Harry nine, be returning for many months. But then disaster struck. Around would still be young enough not to have too many pulls to keep 6pm Bol went a shade of white and soon began a catastrophic him dreaming of home. Initially we had thought of aiming for roller-coaster of vomiting for 12 hours. Was it the movement? northern Spain, then Madeira, Canaries, Cape Verde, Caribbean, Was it the stress? Was it the worry? Was our journey doomed? I perhaps the USA, returning to Yarmouth in July 2015. had to concentrate on sailing the boat and keeping everyone safe, warm and fed. Cruelly but thankfully the children were fine and sat watching the DVD player, sticking their heads up occasionally to acknowledge what was happening. Isabelle was an absolute delight joining me on deck at 4am to see the sun rise. Twenty- three hours after leaving Falmouth we tied up in Camaret, and stepped ashore in France.
Main Photo: An Idylic beach on the east side of Islas Cies, Spain. Top: The Minchin Family Jo Jo, Bol, Isabelle and Harry. Left: Thursday’s Child, our Sadler 34. Right: Playful dolphins.
48 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Gibraltar and back
France Falmouth Yarmouth The Bay of Biscay was our next challenge so we wanted perfect weather with some north wind. When the time came to leave Cherbourg Camaret Camaret on 13th August we thought we were heading into the tail St Evette of the 30 knots we had experienced at anchor. A different picture FRANCE met us when we stuck our bows out into the entrance for we soon BAY OF BISC found 15ft waves right on the nose. As I write this one year later AY and one year wiser, we now know we should have turned around La Cor una there and then, but we were new and we were keen and we carried on, hoping that things might calm down as we sailed further off Opor to shore. We managed six hours. A quick study of the chart and a SPAIN PORT hand brake 90-degree turn towards Sainte Evette was the wisest UGAL Lisbon decision. After a rather subdued day ashore and with a beautiful Northerly forecast we headed on out again. Seville Bay of Biscay
We had a thoroughly enjoyable 285 miles to northern Spain taking Gibr altar three nights and two days. Bol and I managed to do our watch system of 3 hours on, 3 hours off, which worked well, he felt tired entire journey alone which would take 48 hours, so altered from the medication but not sick. The swell had virtually gone, course to the nearest port of refuge, Leixoes just north of Oporto. we were out of sight of land and finally experiencing life at sea. Ask Stepping ashore in Portugal for Bol to regain some normality, we Isabelle what was the highlight of our entire trip for her, and she were greatly cheered by a friendly welcome in fluent English by the will tell you it was the dolphins in the Bay of Biscay. For hours we Leixoes Port Captain. It also accompanied the shocking news that delighted at the enchanting sight of dolphins ducking and diving, 50 knots was forecast the following day. The 50 knots did indeed squeaking and splashing, clearly having a great time. arrive, and it was wild, lasting about 48 hours. Welcome to beautiful Spain “Good news, good news, we leave on Tuesday”. Eight times trans- The Port Captain was waving at us as we approached Viveiro Atlantic Olivier and his wife four-times trans-Atlantic Annie who Marina, in La Coruna, then he cycled to the pontoon and caught owned an immaculate Sun Odyssey 43 Eolaine next door were also our lines; it doesn’t get more welcoming than that. A thoroughly heading south towards the Canaries. Olivier came bouncing in enjoyable six weeks in Spain followed. We day-hopped along when the storm has passed and announced that Tuesday would be the coast and started to learn Spanish. The weather was blissfully the day to leave and suggested we sail in company. What a dream. warm, Bol felt well and life on board was good! Harry began fishing Decision time in earnest, a new all-consuming hobby. Within a few weeks he was We had perfect sailing conditions and TC was sailing well. We making lures, reading fishing books and providing many delicious kept 15 miles off shore to avoid the many fishing pots and as meals for us. the night approached our watch system began without hitch, Portugal Bol was feeling OK and the children were happy. With Eolaine We finally sailed away from beautiful Spain on 9th October. We heading straight to Lagos before heading onto the Canaries, we will never know whether we made the right or wrong decision knew we were heading for our big decision; do we stop in Lisbon because by deciding in the morning to leave that afternoon, we or do we keep going? On our second night out, with the loom didn’t give Bol’s ear patches time enough overnight to work. It of Lisbon approaching, Bol and I sat in the cockpit and chatted turned out to be a decision that would shape the rest of our trip. through the options. We both agreed, as painful as it was, that we We headed out at 6pm into a gentle breeze enabling TC to sail would not cross over. It was galling but it was right. Our dream towards Lisbon. Disaster struck around midnight with Bol getting crumbled as we talked, but it was for the best. It was painful but seasick again. This time we realised this was a serious problem I realised ever so slowly, that the weight that had been inside me that was here to stay; the swell was gentle and we weren’t tired was slowly lifting. We would slow down, we would explore these or stressed; our trans-Atlantic trip was starting to look genuinely two fascinating countries, we would learn so much of their rich doomed. With Lisbon 250 miles away, I realised I couldn’t sail the culture and maritime history, we would make it worthwhile and we would make it work. So we turned left, radioed Eolaine and headed in towards Cascais. Approaching the anchorage with dolphins jumping so high and close to splash Bol on the foredeck, gave us a happy and memorable welcome. It was 5am, dawn was just breaking over the land, tall elegant palm trees silhouetted against the skyline, and a peaceful scene began to emerge out of the darkness.
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 49 Gibraltar and back
Here the log describes in detail how they cruised and explored Portugal, with short hops down the coast to Lisbon and on to the Algarve, the making of new friends and renewal of old friendships, and a multi- national celebration of Christmas. Completely rethinking the cruise was a difficult decision, but once made the pressure was off and life slowed to a more leisurely pace. They all embraced the opportunities offered by remaining in European waters – Ed. 2015 New Year brought thoughts of moving on and we day out of the hatch. I relished the responsibility of skippering and hopped down the coast towards The Med. We flew that loved the navigation. All-in-all the 15 days to sail 1,005 miles day, with a clear blue sky and enormous waves right up our from Lagos to Cherbourg were thoroughly enjoyable and TC stern, recording a steady 9 knots. The 35 miles were dramatic, was a happy ship. Whilst it was bitter-sweet without the family, exciting and fast. We reefed as we gybed into the Straits, passed just knowing that they would not have enjoyed themselves Tarifa Point, the southern tip of Spain with Africa only 8 miles helped a lot. away. The Rock of Gibraltar was standing boldly right out of the sea, 423 metres into the air, wonderful to see for real. We were in the Mediterranean! We had five weeks in the Gibraltar Straits. There was plenty to explore here, a rich and dramatic history with fourteen sieges between the 1700’s and WWII plus tunnels, caves and headlands. Nelson memorabilia was everywhere. We volunteered in the Botanic Gardens Wildlife Park and saw many of the infamous Barbary Apes. All the while Bol and I were quietly focusing on returning TC to the Channel: how, when, and with whom! It was around mid-March that many emails and phone calls were exchanged for our journey north as Bol and the children really didn’t wish to sail the 1,000 miles north to the Channel. To cut a long story short, at the end of March we confirmed Fred Montanus and Hans Guelbert would sail with me from Lagos to the Channel. Bol visibly relaxed knowing TC would be safe, I was thrilled to have a go at skippering TC and the children were excited about flying to the UK! Life with crew rather than family was totally different of course. I was thoroughly spoilt and not allowed Top: Harry Minchin wonders at the view on the west side of Islas Cies. near the galley. Delicious food, hot tea and soups appeared Above: Bonito for supper.
50 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Gibraltar and back
Reunited in Cherbourg Bol, Harry and Isabelle were back on board TC in time for Bol’s birthday on the 14th May which we celebrated in Alderney. Our final mission of our sabbatical was to visit the Normandy Beaches. Timing was perfect and we headed around the Cherbourg Peninsula to St Vaast. On 1st June we ghosted along the 40 miles of Normandy Beaches, 3 miles off shore, absorbing all the sights, calling the children up on deck as we approached each beach; Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. We checked in for a week to the beautiful Marina de Ouistreham and visited Caen and Pegasus Bridge Museums, Arromanches, Gold Beach and Bayeax War Graves. D-Day JoJo and the homeward crew. commemorations began with breakfast on Sword Beach. Later on, there followed a most moving Remembrance Ceremony. We contemplated the scene that Bol’s father, Harry Minchin, would have experienced as he came ashore, aged 23, seventy one years ago. Bol and I soon realised that we would be unable to ‘top’ our week on the Normandy Beaches, so we reluctantly but sensibly decided to return home. We ended on a high and felt truly grateful for all we had achieved. We didn’t do what we set out to do but we ended up doing much more than we ever thought, it was only different. My big brother once said to me that you can do whatever you like in life, you just need to have a dream, and to have the courage to make it happen. Trying to make sense of it all at the Bayeux War Graves.
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 51 THE BOATYARD IN YARMOUTH HARBOUR MARINE SERVICES
We offer a friendly traditional service working on all types of yachts and commercial craft. We are approved by all major insurance companies for repairs.
SPURS® Line, Net & Weed Cutters TefGel - Anti Seize Lubricant Specialist Marine Engineers Slipway and Storage Facilities 20 ton Crane Repairs, Refurbishing & Refits Rigging Service, Talurit & Swage Chandlery, Paint & Antifouling International Gel Shield Centre Painting, Polishing & Antifouling Yacht Brokerage
SPECIALIST MARINE ENGINEERS
We have engineers highly qualified in servicing, repairs, installation and commissioning of all marine engines. Parts for all engine makes are available by mail order - call for details.
PONTOON MOORINGS
Our private pontoon visitors' moorings are perfect for yachts visiting Yarmouth. They offer direct access to land, are 5 mins walk from the town centre and you can book ahead ensuring a berth at the busiest times.
Tel: (01983) 760373 [email protected] www.haroldhayles.co.uk Looking for solid financial advice from a well-established company?
Harrison Black have been rooted in the Isle of Wight's financial landscape for over 100 years.
THE NATURAL CHOICE FOR ISLAND BUSINESSES
To find out how our forward thinking approach can help your business grow, call us now on 01983 524731 or email us via our website at www.harrisonblack.co.uk for a free consultation. BONOBO ACROSS BISCAY
An easy Biscay crossing but... In making an offshore passage we fear gear failure or difficult weather most. Just occasionally a rogue crew member can be just as difficult . By Pat Dawson.
ur pal Simon wanted to take his Bavaria 49 to southern Portugal for the summer and Dick and I signed up, persuaOding Royal Solent member Pete Garratt and his friend Fraser to join us. We had sailed with Simon before and know him to be a great sailorman who looks after and prepares his boats well. Our crew muster was eight: owner Simon, Gary who knew the boat well, Gary’s friend Mark, who had done We sailed from Falmouth, bound non-stop for Lagos, on a litt le sailing, Pete, Fraser, Pat and Dick. When Dick asked Pete bright sunny June morning with a westerly 3, but this soon if Fraser had any sailing experience, he said “No, not really…. increased to a 5 to 6 and as it got dark we needed a reef. but he has rowed the Atlantic”. Th e fi nal crew member was Beating to windward was uncomfortable as the boat slammed supplied by a crewing agency and had good qualifications, but badly and litt le sleep was had by anyone except our new crew was not interviewed before joining. member, who slept like a baby.
Dolphins. Simon (left) and Pete. ‘I don’t know where we are either!’ The yellow peril. Dick navigating.
La Coruna.
54 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 BonoboBonobo Acrossacross BiscayBiscay
As dawn broke the wind dropped and we were left wallowing in a sloppy sea. Th e forecast gave litt le, if any, wind for the next three days so we decided to divert to Camaret to refuel. For the final three hours we were in thick fog. Th e baby slept, Dick navigated, Mark made endless cups of tea and coff ee and relayed messages whilst the rest steered and kept a lookout. Apart from the occasional buoy looming through the fog as we hopped from one to the next, there was nothing until we saw the lights on the Camaret breakwater, at about 100m range. Now had another skipper of our acquaintance been in charge, Job Done. Bonobo in Lagos Marina. the fi rst thing on the dock when we arrived would have been Sadly Mark got a call from his business that required him to sleeping beauty’s kit, quickly followed by him - but Simon return home so he left the following morning. A day later, at was more forgiving. Th e man had his Yachtmaster certifi cate 07.30 in bright sunshine, with a crew of seven, Bonobo left La and came over as an experienced sailor. He had told Simon Coruña towards Lagos with full fuel tanks. Once again we that he occasionally suff ered from seasickness but would have were motoring. Where was Godfrey? you’ve guessed it - in the necessary medicine to help him cope with the problem. his bunk. Th e rest of us were having a great time relaxing in He clearly, as a retired GP, had access to some prett y powerful the cockpit. As we rounded Cape Finisterre the wind fi lled potions and decided to render himself comatose rather than in and Yellow Peril was soon out of his bag and on duty. Two suffer mal de mer. hours later he was stood down as it breezed up and the genoa Aft er fuelling up in the morning we sailed – or rather motored. poled out was a safer option. Everyone was taking it in turns to At least we could see where we were going and after lunch we helm in an at tempt to get the highest speed surfing down the saw our fi rst pod of dolphins. Th e forecast gave us no decent swell building from the north. It was a great sleigh ride, enjoyed wind for two days. During the afternoon there were a few not only by us but by a huge pod of dolphins who revelled in zephyrs so we set the vast yellow spinnaker. With Simon and bursting out of the top of the waves. We peaked at 13 knots, Gary’s encouragement Dick, Pat, Pete, Frazer and Mark fi nally but by 20.00 we had a reef in the main and a third of the genoa got the thing to set, for all of fi ve minutes. We went through furled. And Godfrey? He was reading his book. this exercise at least three more times that afternoon and were We sailed through the night but as dawn came the wind started gett ing quite good at it. It wasn’t our sleepy dormouse’s watch to drop so the reef was shaken out. In the afternoon the wind so he was dozing over his book. fell light and never really fi lled in again so the rest of the way it was a mixture of sailing and motor sailing. With light airs Despite sailing from Camaret with full tanks, it looked as we fell to cleaning the boat, checking the engine, keeping the though we would have to refuel again in northern Spain. Th e log and enjoying the warmer weather and the sunshine. Sail leg to La Coruña took 62 hours and most of us fell into the trimming and changes now went like clockwork. Dolphins routine. Fraser was great and would try his hand at anything continued to come and check us out and cheer us up but and Mark, who had no experience, was good at fi tting in and Godfrey had not improved – we just worked around him. did splendid things in the galley, keeping us all well fed and learnt to steer. Our now wakeful sleeper was not improving. We tied up in Lagos at 02.50 and the log records “Garratt wins He was oft en late on watch (although that had advantages), the arrival time sweepstake. Moored up on waiting pontoon. could not steer a course, never kept a lookout, spent most of Good landfall without incident to safe haven after an enjoyable his time in the cockpit reading, only spoke about himself and quiet voyage”. It had taken 67 hours 20 minutes from La had a habit of interrupting conversations. His demeanour Coruna, with just over 41 hours sailing, the rest motoring or was reminiscent of a querulous character in Dad’s Army, so we motor sailing. After a few celebratory drinks we slept well with dubbed him Godfrey. plans to clean and tidy the boat in the morning. As we approached the Spanish coast the wind fi lled in from As we surfaced, not early, we found a note from Godfrey. He’d the NW and at last we could set the spinnaker long enough taken himself off for a long walk and would not be back until to photograph it and sail. When our mobiles sprang into life the evening, could we please let him know where we planned Simon contacted a friend who was in La Coruña skippering a to eat so he could join us for supper. large steel yacht. He undertook to arrange a berth for us and be Godfrey was a constant irritation and determinedly not part of there on the pontoon with a bott le of brandy. It took us a litt le the team. His very presence upset the team dynamic and once longer than we had calculated so when we fi nally tied up only or twice tempers became short. Had the passage been diffi cult half the brandy was left . Th e subsequent cockpit party soon he would have been a danger to himself and his crewmates. A finished it off ! lesson learned.
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 55 Domaine Evremond
Pierre Taittinger, President of Champagne Taittinger (left) and Patrick McGrath, Managing Director of Hatch Mansfield examining the terroir.
hampagne Taittinger, key sponsor of the Domaine Evremond is very much a ‘friends and family’ C RSYC Regatta, along with their UK partner venture between Champagne Taittinger, Hatch Mansfield Hatch Mansfield Ltd and friends, have set up Domaine Ltd and friends, reflecting the independent, family-focused Evremond, purchasing 69 hectares of farmland at philosophies of both companies. Selling Court Farm in Kent. 40 hectares of this will Domaine Evremond takes its name from Charles de be planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Saint-Evremond (1614-1703), a Frenchman and the first Meunier grapes to produce English Sparkling Wine. This true ambassador for Champagne, who fuelled its popularity in unique collaboration marks the first time that a Champagne England during the late sixteen hundreds at the court of Charles house has invested in the UK with the intention of producing a II. A poet, epicurean and literary critic, he was buried in Poets’ range of premium English sparkling wines. Corner in Westminster Abbey. A passionate historian, Pierre- “We have dreamt for a number of years of working with our dear friends Emmanuel named this new company in his memory. in the UK to create a special Franco/British project, built on the values of The land, a former apple farm, is near Chilham in Kent, close friendship and also to create something special to show our appreciation to Canterbury and Faversham. The 40 hectares to be planted of the UK support for Champagne – it is Champagne Taittinger’s are eighty metres above sea level, have chalk soil and south- number one export market. We are very excited that this dream is now facing slopes creating an ideal terroir (soil, microclimate and becoming a reality. topography) to plant and grow high quality Chardonnay, Pinot We believe we can produce a high quality English Sparkling Wine Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Stephen Skelton MW (Master of drawing upon on our 80 years of winemaking expertise. Our aim is to Wine), one of the UK’s leading viticulture consultants and wine make something of real excellence in the UK’s increasingly temperate writers, has worked closely with the Domaine Evremond team climate, and not to compare it with Champagne or any other sparkling in the capacity of viticulture advisor in securing this ideal plot for wine. vineyard development. Our family has already had considerable success planting sparkling wine “We are delighted to be working with Champagne Taittinger on this vineyards in the USA in 1987 when we launched Domaine Carneros by project and we have a joint ambition to produce very high quality wines Taittinger, our venture with the Kopf family of Kobrand Wine & Spirits. using our combined expertise. As a team, we have a real belief in the We hope to replicate this success in the UK, working alongside our UK potential of English sparkling wine. Our aim is not just to be an English agent, and good friends, Hatch Mansfield. Sparkling Winemaker, but also a significant supporter of the whole English wine industry.” Our family has strong connections to Kent through my father, Jean Patrick McGrath MW, Managing Director, Hatch Mansfield Taittinger, who twinned Canterbury with Reims over 45 years ago when he was Mayor of Reims (1959 – 1977); so I am looking forward to No wine will be produced for the first five years as the plots are being able to strengthen these links with Kent and with Great Britain as transformed into vineyards, after which time a range of premium we embark on this venture.” English Sparkling Wine will be made using ‘domaine’ fruit from Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger the farm. President, Champagne Taittinger Mark Calver, Hatch Mansfield
56 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Newport T | (01983) 527878
Glanvilles: Always Putting You First
At Glanvilles, our priority is our clients. We tailor everything we do to our clients’ needs and pride ourselves on a high level of customer service at all times.
Services: Family Law Wills, Trusts & Probate Employment Law Personal Injury Commercial Commercial Property Dispute Resolution Commercial Litigation Conveyancing Corporate
Chichester Fareham Havant Newport Southgate Place West Wing Langstone Gate The Courtyard 41-42 Southgate Cams Hall Solent Road St Cross Business Park Chichester Fareham Havant Newport, Isle of Wight PO19 1ET PO16 8AB PO9 1TR PO30 5BF United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom T | (01243) 550073 T | (01329) 282841 T | (023) 9249 2300 T | (01983) 527878 F | (01243) 538022 F | (01329) 822052 F | (023) 9249 2361 F | (01983) 821629
We look forward to hearing from you www.glanvilles.co.uk | [email protected] YARMOUTH HARBOUR 2015 By Jeremy Butcher – Deputy Harbour Master Gaffers in harbour. Photo by Chris Boynton.
ith a record breaking year in 2014 we looked forward in conjunction with the RSYC Open Day. Please log on to our W to 2015 with nervous enthusiasm. Preparations for our website www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk for news and updates. bid to become the operations and maintenance base for the In April we introduced a new harbour management system that Navitus Bay Wind Farm Project were high on the agenda as were will help us improve our market research. The aim is to proactively new ideas such as the Spring Festival. These, together with the improve our appeal to visitors, both at home and abroad and to challenge to increase visitor numbers, ensured we hit the ground encourage them to visit Yarmouth more often. We also employed running. the use of a drone and produced a detailed guide entitled “How The weather was not kind to us in 2015 with higher than average to enter Yarmouth Harbour”. This 18 slide guide gives detailed rainfall and long periods of high winds. The number of overnight information on what to do and what to expect when entering the and short stay visitors for 2015 were disappointingly but not Harbour. It is designed to give potential visitors more confidence surprisingly lower, with overnight visitors down 4% at 18,028 and at the same time contribute to safety when using the Harbour. and short stay visitors down 5% at 5,493. However the number It will no doubt be useful to those of you who are regular users of of long term visitors, previously referred to as summer and winter the Harbour too. The guide is available on the home page of our moorings, were up by 30% at 10,307 nights. Incredibly this website but to give you a taste, two of the slides are shown on the resulted in a 4% increase in the total number of visitors for 2015 opposite page. compared to 2014. Our Sailing Schools promotion that we offer In 2015 we hosted 52 rallies, our highest ever and 30% up on during the winter months in conjunction with the RSYC, resulted 2014. In May we hosted the Old Gaffers Festival. We had over in a healthy increase in the number of Sailing Schools’ vessels 100 Gaffers in the Harbour and this together with the shore-side visiting the Harbour of 105%, up from 113 to 232 in 2015. festival organised by YOGAFF made for another exciting and The first Spring Festival took place on 25th April. The theme was enjoyable event. The YOGAFF Committee have decided to hold based on safety and security and exhibitors included the MCA, the shore-side festival on a bi-annual basis, so the next event will be Hampshire Marine Police Unit, National Coastwatch, RNLI, as in 2017. In the meantime they are seeking new sponsorship and well as national and local exhibitors such as DataTag, Harwoods volunteers to join their committee. We will of course continue to and SeaSafe. RAMORA UK provided a disposal facility for offer our full support and look forward to helping them with their expired flares, while Fat Shaun’s fed our visitors with a superb next event. Fear not though, the Solent Old Gaffers Association hog roast which was eaten while listening to live music by Slainte will be holding their rally as usual and will be here from the 3rd– Va. All in all a great day and an event that we plan to build on. 5th June 2016. We expect to have a similar number of Gaffers and This year’s event will be held on Saturday 30th April and will be there will be racing events and harbour water sports as usual.
58 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Yarmouth Harbour 2015
September was an eventful month for the Harbour. On the 3rd September we celebrated Merchant Navy Day, a national event to celebrate and remember the sacrifices that the Merchant Seamen have made for our country during numerous conflicts. A short ceremony, attended by HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight and other local dignitaries, was held on the Pier and afterwards at the RSYC. On the 11th September the Energy Minister Lord Bourne announced that development consent had been refused for the proposed Navitus Bay Offshore Wind Farm. This effectively put an end to years of speculation and hard work by those involved in the project. However we will continue to promote Yarmouth Harbour as an Eco-Hub and provide opportunities for companies to install and test renewable energy equipment, such as the PLAT-O project early in the year. The RYA Active Marina event hosted by YHC in October proved once again to be very popular. Tony Walton organised the day’s proceedings which included a tasty lunch and an informative Q&A session at the RSYC. This year we have an event planned for Saturday 2nd April and possibly two more How to enter Yarmouth Harbour guide. later in the year. Full details will be available on our website. Other rallies of note were the Taittinger RSYC Regatta in July, Once again a busy and eventful year for the Harbour. So what which attracted over 120 boats and the 50th Anniversary Folkboat does 2016 hold? In March we will have news about our bid for Week in August; both of these events involved detailed planning. grant funding to replace piles on the Pier; look out for our new The success of these events were a testament to the superb uniforms for the Reception Team and don’t forget our AGM at working relationship between the RSYC and YHC. the RSYC in April!
A rELAxing WELCoME YARMOUTH HARBOUR OFFERS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO MOOR UP...
The friendly harbour A wide variety accessible at all of events GREAT states of the tide DEALS FOR Access to safe country WINTER RALLIES & Moorings of all types walks and cycle rides available for visitors & SUMMER SAILING and residents Facilities for SCHOOLS the disabled MOORINGS Jovial pubs and AVAILABLE renowned restaurants WiFi access AT MONTHLY Historic town and Fuel and gas heritage trail RATES Cranage Excellent Harbour PLEASE CONTACT facilities Washdown facility THE HARBOUR OFFICE FOR DETAILS Helpful staff Laundry
BOOK For further information see our website www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk ONLINE NOW
TEL: +44 (0)1983 760321 EMAIL: [email protected] VHF: CHANNEL 68 YARMOUTH HARBOUR, THE QUAY, YARMOUTH, ISLE OF WIGHT, PO41 0NT
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 59 OUR YARMOUTH LIFEBOAT
2015 was an eventful year for the Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat station. Dick Dawson reports.
Dame Ellen MacArthur Pam Skinner On 1st December Dame Ellen It really has been a ladies’ year at the Yarmouth station. The day MacArthur DBE, became the after going into work at the Yarmouth RNLI charity shop on 19th chairman of the Yarmouth RNLI April, Pam Skinner celebrated her 100th birthday. She is the oldest Management Committee. working volunteer in the whole of the RNLI and it is calculated Her remarkable sailing that during those years she has helped to raise around £70,000 on achievements have captured the her Sunday morning shifts. She has no intention of retiring. world’s imagination, culminating in her world record for a single-handed non- Claire Hallett stop circumnavigation of the globe in 2005. Dame Ellen is the Claire was appointed to the post of Deputy Press Officer in the founder of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, a charity helping spring. She is responsible for all electronic media - the web site young people to regain their confidence through sailing, which (see www.yarmouthlifeboat.org.uk), Facebook and Twitter and continues her strong association with the sea. Dame Ellen she stands in for Richard Heming, the Press Officer, when he’s took over from Dave Kennett MBE, who was coxswain of away. Claire is well known to members as the Club’s Deputy the Yarmouth Lifeboat for 23 years. Dave will continue to be Secretary. involved as the Yarmouth RNLI Station President. Services Vicky Tribe As always, the services covered a wide range of problems. Here Vicky, well known in the Club as are details of a few: On Easter Sunday a service coincided with our Catering Manager, has made a rowing race in the river Yar in which five of the lifeboat crew history as the first female to join were taking part. The rowers raced to the shore to man the the Yarmouth lifeboat. Vicky grew lifeboat to assist a yacht in the Needles channel which had up by the sea and has worked been holed after hitting a navigational mark. An emergency abroad for many years on luxury pump was put aboard and the yacht was towed to Lymington. yachts. She is an experienced sailor Two other services followed on the same day! On 2nd July with a passion for the sea. She is also a head injury was reported on board a yacht off Newtown well known to all the volunteers at the station and is a very Creek. Upon reaching the scene the lifeboat transferred two of popular addition to the crew. Vicky says ‘I have enjoyed all her volunteer crew members to the yacht to provide medical aspects of my training so far, it is exciting and a privilege to have care for the casualty. With the arrival of the Search & Rescue the opportunity to crew on my local lifeboat and I am looking helicopter, the casualty was airlifted to Southampton General forward to the challenge.’ Hospital. The casualty made a full recovery.
60 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Our Yarmouth Lifeboat
On 7th August the Fairey serious rigging failure and was in danger of losing her mast. It Huntsman motorboat took two hours to bring the yacht to safety due to the weather Here and Now caught fire conditions. No one was hurt. to the east of the mouth of Lifeboat refit Lymington River. Escorted Our Severn Class Lifeboat, Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) by the Yarmouth lifeboat, (main photo opposite)has spent the winter at South Boats the damaged motorboat in Cowes, undergoing a thorough refit. The hull and was towed back into Lymington by the Lymington lifeboat, superstructure has been stripped back, many systems renewed where the Yarmouth lifeboat’s salvage pump was used to pump completely and two new MTU engines installed. By the time her prior to being lifted out of the water. The casualty had an this magazine is published she will be back on station and fit for illustrious past, having featured in a boat chase in the Bond film service. The Severn lifeboat is a very successful Class. Initially ‘From Russia with Love’ in 1963. designed for a 25-year life, experience shows that they are On 10th December the immensely strong and fit for much longer service. Our boat is 22ft yacht White Osbeat was 15 years old and fit for at least another 15. in distress off Hengistbury The Crew Head in Christchurch Bay. The crew (below) is as strong as ever. Here they are on The south westerly wind the quayside with coxswain Howard Lester in the middle, was gusting 35 knots (force Operations Manager Jeremy Willcock on the left and Press 7) and the visibility was Officer Richard Heming on the right. very poor. The yacht had a
The clothing accessories and gift boutique by the sea
/bluebythesea www.bluebythesea.co.uk Tel: 01983 760362
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 61 BEMBRIDGE HARBOUR
Writing this commentary at Christmas 2015, we celebrate four years of owning and managing the Harbour. During this period we do believe we have brought ‘added value’ to the Harbour, its environment and what is offered to yachtsmen and local stakeholders. Malcolm and Fiona Thorpe report.
AT THE RISK OF REPEATING OURSELVES: On average we have dredged 38,500 metric tonnes of silt from the Harbour and channel annually. We have extended the pontoons by ¼ mile in length We have increased visitor numbers by 39% and anticipate having a waiting list for the residents’ marina in 2016 for the first time. Together with installing finger pontoons on the Duver visitors’ pontoon, we also offer the ability to pre-book berths in advance on our premiere berths that will include a ‘berth service’ for daily newspapers etc. We have installed a live-time digital tidal depth gauge on our website updated every 60 seconds to show the minimum depth within the entrance channel.
These fundamental improvements not only bring benefit to the Harbour with greater numbers of visiting yachts but also indirectly for local businesses such as restaurants, shops and both sailing clubs; we are totally supportive of East Wight and its economy. And by and large both of us are still enjoying the experience of being involved with a very unique part of the Island. In autumn 2012 we commissioned The Manser Practice and other consultants to create and package an overall planning proposal - this was formally submitted to the IOWC in May 2014 and after much deliberation and negotiations with the likes of Natural England and the Environment Agency, we at long last gained our planning approval. Whilst we appreciate that not 100% of the local community are in support of our plans, these proposals have been Main Photo: View of Bembridge Harbour from Bembridge Fort. Top: Yachts dressed overall for the fun weekend in July. thoroughly examined through a full democratic process to Top Left: Visitors on the Duver Pontoon. arrive at a positive result which will enable us to continue vital Top Right: Wild flowers beside a peaceful stretch of the harbour. regeneration of the Harbour. Above: An autumnal view of Bembridge Harbour.
62 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Bembridge Harbour: Bembridge Approach Chart 2012: Visitmyharbour.com 15/03/2013 12:54
Not to be used for navigation purposes
Crown Copyright 2013 See full terms and conditions
VisitMyHarbour members can use the fullscreen version
1 2 Fl.G(2)2s Fl.R(2)2s Find out more about Bembridge
N 3 l 2a e n n a Harbour on VisitMyHarbour.com h C
d e y o 5 u B
7 4
Bembridge Harbour6 7a 6a Online Charts: Enjoy what you Regrettably, to be able to achieve the support of all agencies and to 9 8 see on this website ? Join us ! A gain the local planning authority’s agreement meant that we had to withdraw our plans for both The Old Boathouse and also the one off payment of £25 gets you commercial business units along Embankment Road - a pragmatic 9a 10 permanent membership. Access THE DUVER decision not taken lightly. The original anticipated timing for such y ST HELENS wa 1667 "Full Screen" charts online, on PC, Bembridge Cause Point a decision was pre-Easter 2015; as at now we are looking at Winter Small Craft 11 Moorings Mac or iPad. Use for planning and Harbour Office Attrills Boatyard 13a DUVER PONTOON 2016 for completion of our new facilities and admin complex at the Bembridge Boat Storage 17 13 research. 14 12a Duver plus the new facilities and car park at the Marina, with the 13 12 10a Bembridge Small Craft Sailing Club new houses with spectacular Harbour views to follow on afterwards. Moorings Brading Haven Small Craft BEMBRIDGE YC Moorings BEMBRIDGE MARINA Redwing Quay NEW: Lay UK/Irish charts over Google When comparing this number of houses to our total land holding of VHF Channel 80 Fishermans Pontoon
250 acres, it really is a very low overall density. Very exciting times lie Selwyn Pontoon Selwyn Earth satellite imagery with variable Boatyard ahead to enable us to fulfil our dream of establishing Bembridge as a Bembridge Harbour Boatyards Harbour Office, The Duver, St Helens, transparency, 3D, "head up" view. Isle of Wight PO33 1YB Tel: 01983 872828 fully fledged destination Harbour within the Solent. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk Really see how things are ! Look at NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION The new facilities and admin complex will be housed in a two-storey what you get in the "Members Only" building situated on the new sea wall on the water’s edge - double The Bembridge Boat Storage business continues to gain a footing area... the number of showers and toilets, a new laundry, a new version of at the high end [literally !!] of RIB and boat storage inside our large Click HERE for the ‘Galley Locker’ and combined berthing and admin offices for green shed and has been extended in 2015 with some new external a membership preview greater efficiency. In all, a huge change from our present cramped racking. and old amenities and ex-shipping containers !! Life is far from dull at the Harbour - 2016 and beyond looks just as How to go Full Screen But in the meantime, the Harbour goes from strength to strength on exciting as the past four years; we intend to lead from the front in the a daily basis - certainly the 2015 seasonal staff training programme Harbour’s regeneration. paid off to back up our permanent berthing staff - enabling us to welcome existing and new visitors as well as looking after our locally BRING IT ON – WE’RE READY AND LISTENING based boats. ON VHF CHANNEL 80 !! Search
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 63
http://www.visitmyharbour.com/harbours/solent/bembridge/chart/50B10B0D65F72/bembridge-approach-chart-2012 Page 1 of 1 Members’ Activities
Before 2012 it was often a question of whether the Club could host an event for members or an outside event but it could seldom do both. However, this situation changed following the expansion of the clubhouse, with the Club now able to look after the members as well as simultaneously hosting outside events. Here, in no particular order, are details of some of the events that members are involved in organising – Ed.
Film Nights Wine Society
Film nights have proved to be well-supported, featuring The Wine Society meets once a month throughout the such epics as Dr Zhivago, Ice Cold in Alex and the African winter. Its success goes from strength to strength, thanks Queen regularly drawing sufficient numbers to fill the to the hard work of Hilary Vernon, with all evenings Hudleston Bar. A particularly illuminating evening was fully subscribed. Will Gilsenan from Enotria Winecellars Drummond Challis’ talk and showing of the film The presented fine French wines from small producers. Bob Riddle of the Sands. Drummond was the film’s producer Godden from Pioneer Wines, a local company, gave us and responsible for the construction of the replica yacht nine wines to taste, all from small producers. Majestic Dulcibella which features strongly in the film. Wines came to present a range of their Champagnes and gave an insight to the production of Champagnes and their Champagne Houses. They also introduced a mystery wine which turned out to be Nytimber Classic Cuvée 2010. Dining and Dancing There were two social events, the Christmas drinks party The Moules and the Italian Evenings were great successes followed by supper and the annual dinner, with, as always and the Club intends to run more themed evenings in fine wines to complement the food. At the time of writing 2016. Watch out for another Moules Evening and also a the next event is a departure as Richard Pierrepont is Scandinavian one! presenting a gourmet Duck evening, no doubt with some of his favourite wines from Burgundy. The last event of this season will be a quiz organised by Bob Godden.
Golf
This year the golfers once again left their tillers and ventured forth to Afton Down for matches against Seaview Yacht Club and the Royal Thames. While both matches were officially declared to be honourable draws, we have it on good authority (from Miles Oldershaw) that in reality the Royal Solent easily beat the Royal Thames while it is also rumoured that the Eastern Block were in similar disarray! Post the golf, all retired for sumptuous fare at the Club. The Commodore’s Summer BBQ. Photo by Larry Ellis. On a sad note the Club has lost one of its leading lights, The Commodore’s Summer BBQ at the Boathouse was a Peter Coke. To paraphrase Richard Bundy’s words; “the great success as was the Summer Dinner Dance and New fairways will be quieter but not Year’s Eve Party. With regard to the latter - what would we as much fun”. The apocryphal do without the Accelerators? The Club continues to excel story may, or may not, be true: a at its more traditional functions such as the Laying Up and professional golfer concentrating Fitting Out Dinners, which are always very well supported. on his putt at Freshwater Bay Golf Club rose from his crouched position and asked what Peter Scrabble, Backgammon and Bridge Coke, on the tee one hundred and seventy yards away, was saying Scrabble evenings are well-supported, with beating Jeremy to him, only to be informed that Willcock the main aim of those present. Backgammon Peter was talking to the chap next and Bridge continue; in the case of Bridge we are indebted to him, not to the professional! Peter Coke will be sadly missed. to Anne Vernon for all her efforts.
64 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 Members’ Activities
Gentlemen’s Lunches Flowers
It is not possible to think of Peter Coke without being The Club is very grateful to the Flower Ladies Team, reminded of his single-minded dedication to the cause which is organised by Anne Gradwell. Their efforts can of Gentlemen’s Lunches. The past year’s events have sometimes be taken for granted but without them the been a huge success, the highlight being the Bicentennial clubhouse would not look as stunning as it does after they Waterloo Lunch in June where ninety five members had an have worked their magic. Christmas decorations for 2015 excellent Beef Wellington Lunch followed by an excellent were based on the theme of Christmas Carols and many talk on the battle by Hugo Fletcher. In a fitting tribute to other Club members rallied round to make the Club Peter, (see Golf section) over fifty members attended the particularly festive. The Club’s gardens have benefitted enormously from June Smith’s dedication and hard work.
Shooting
2015 was another successful year for the RSYC Clay Pigeon Shooting Events for both beginners and experts alike. Our highest score at the March meeting was 65 and
The three founder members of the Christmas Gentlemen’s lunch. in September 70 out of a possible 80 hits. We try to spread the more talented shots between the two teams in order to Christmas Gentlemen’s Lunch. March 2016 saw the 10th create a bit more competition. This worked particularly well Anniversary lunch, attended by the three founder members in September where there was only half a point between (L to R) Anthony Davies (currently chairman) Colin them. Clements and Peter Jennings.
First Wednesdays and Commodore’s Suppers
These continue to be well attended and our thanks are due to Tim Francis for the way in which he continues to provide a never-ending list of speakers for both these events. The wide variety of topics seen in this selection of talks – “The Battle of Verdun” by Dr Anna Barrington- Ward, “Behind the Scenes at Shanklin Theatre” by Vic The enthusiastic shooting team. Farrow and “The Falklands Campaign – a Chinook Pilot’s For the March 2016 meeting we are encouraging the ladies Story” by Tony Stables. to join us and have two signed up already. Training sessions are being organised to assist the beginners and those of us who are a bit out of practice! The smiles on the faces of the Scottish Country Dancing teams show that a good day was had by all.
The Scottish Country Dancing group meets every Wednesday at the Club from October to April. Tuesday Ladies Sessions last from 7.30 to 9.30, and after this the bar is available for everyone to unwind. You do not need to Another enjoyable year has passed for the Tuesday Ladies’ have previous experience - we make sure that beginners Group. These weekly lunches were started in 1998 and are introduced to our dances in a painless fashion, and have many happy memories for those who attend of the ethos of the group is non-competitive and directed time spent at the Club. Do take the opportunity to look towards maximum enjoyment for all. And there is no through the Blue Book, available from the upstairs bar. need to bring a partner; we welcome everyone. All members are invited to join this group, even if on an occasional basis. Come whenever you can. You will be If you would like to give our group a try, please give Nick most welcome as we all wish these lunches to continue. Measor a ring on 01983 760462, or email n.measor@ Those attending gather from noon onwards; it is all very btinternet.com informal and no prior notification is needed. Just turn up!
RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 65 Visitors’ Activities
With so much space now available in our extended clubhouse we provide facilities and hospitality for many external organisations. Here is a selection of those events from 2015 – Ed.
Functions for Visitors to our Clubhouse
In addition to the many in-house functions in 2015, the Royal Solent hosted 68 visiting yacht clubs and associations. We held 18 meetings and 20 private functions for members,
which included a very special drinks party to celebrate the The wedding of Clair and Daniel Tennant, August 2015. 100th birthday of local member Pam Skinner and an art exhibition to name but a few. Lymington Yacht Charters visited the Club regularly throughout the summer months with a number of businesses and organisations enjoying a day away from the office and out on the water. What better place to stop, take in the view and enjoy a BBQ lunch than on the Club Lawn. The Club can meet all catering needs from coffee, tea and biscuits through to breakfasts, buffet lunches and three course meals or a hog roast. We are happy to work to a timescale to provide a meal that fits in with any schedule. A first for the Royal Solent in March 2015 was a three day management event for Hall Hunter. Following on from the success of the March event, they returned to the Club again in October. The Club layout provides the flexibility to accommodate a range of delegate numbers from small board meetings to large conferences or seminars. Our rooms can accommodate theatre-style, boardroom-style and classroom-style seating. Staying nearby at The West Bay, over 25 Hall Hunter employees started the day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the Club before enjoying a Soft furnishings supplied by MyDesigns to a property number of team building activities. They were kept well featured in Kevin McCloud’s Grand Design Program. stocked with food, with a selection of morning and afternoon snacks, buffet lunches and dinner. The Island offers a wide variety of activities perfect for team building activities, from RIB trips, archery and kayaking Interior Design, Soft Furnishing to paint balling, go-karting and mountain boarding. Hall and Refurbishments Hunter employees ended their October trip with a rather chilly but very enjoyable trip to the Needles with local company Needles Pleasure Cruises. August saw the wedding reception of Clair and Daniel Susan Collins Tennant. They had perfect weather for their vintage-themed wedding in a marquee on the lawn overlooking the sea. In 07876 032 212 its idyllic seaside location, with stunning views of the Solent and glorious sunsets, the Royal Solent Yacht Club provides www.mydesigns.org.uk a unique and romantic setting for this most important day [email protected] in any couple’s life. We wish Daniel and Clair a very happy married life together. Looking forward to 2016, the diary is @my_designs_ filling up fast and we look forward to what we hope will be another busy and enjoyable year. Lucy Case, Events Manager
66 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016
TROPHY WINNERS 2015 Club Trophies presented by the Commodore and Mary Hall at the Laying Up Dinner.
Anne Kyle (right). Pat & Joe Lester (left & centre) GOLD LACE BOWL JOHN LEONARD TROPHY Peter Coke (left) Jojo & Bol Minchin (right) Outstanding services to the Club The best kept JUNE SLEEP ROSE BOWL Cruising log trophy THE MORVA CUP Other awards presented throughout the year
(Left to right) 2nd Michael Craig, (Back left to right) Sam Grade, Libby Deegan (right) 1st John Poyner, Duncan Willard Charlie Davies - who picked up the with trophy donor Alan Spriggs prize on behalf of his brother Jack. TURKEY CUP of sponsors Spence Willard Anne & David Mildon with their James Meaning (left) 3rd Tony Walton father David.Overall winners (Front left to right), Thomas Whitehead, Hugo Cordon, Overall Winner WEDNESDAY SERIES CLASS 2 CENTENARY CHASE Sophie Whitehead, Helen Sceales PRINCE CONSORT REGATTA DINGHY WEEK
TAITTINGER RSYC REGATTA Trophies presented by Stephanie Cornelis.
Robert Stiles Roger Morris Mark Devereux Matthew Jones (Jonathan Rolls THORPE TANTALUS TROPHY BARCLAYCARD SALVER RSYC ALLISON CHALLENGE BURNETT CHALLENGE CUP GANDALF CLASSIC SWAN BOWL TROPHY
Richard Haycock (left) Malcolm Mitchell Dug & Nicky Henderson Nik Ramsey of Charles Stanley RYA NHC DIVISION 2 HAVERS TROPHY (right) presenting the Christopher Greenan (right) Libby Deegan (right) CHARLES STANLEY AWARD HUNTER KERMIS CUP IRC CLASS 3
68 RSYC MAGAZINE 2016 TROPHY WINNERS 2015 Commodore’s Award Anne & Roger Gradwell Gold Lace Bowl Anne Kyle Noreen Smith Coaster June Smith West Wight Sailing Club Race Distinction Bowl Ajax Tim Lee, John Gallimore & Clive Smith Morva Cup Thursday’s Child Robin & Jojo Minchin John Leonard Trophy Prudence of Yar & Fortune’s Star Jo & Pat Lester, Brian & Maxine Crawford Herbert Davies Jug (1st RSYC Boat in the Round the Island Race) Madelaine Ed Donald June Sleep Rose Bowl Peter Coke THE PRINCE CONSORT CHARITY REGATTA Winner of the Prince Consort Race The Neptune Trophy Sirena Nicky & Dug Henderson & Neil Payne NHC Class Petite Bretonne Paul Hastings Folkboat Class Padfoot Chris Hills XOD Class Sirena Nicky & Dug Henderson & Neil Payne YOD Puffin John Caulcutt & Graeme Dillon Overall Winner of the Prince Consort Regatta Gleam James Meaning Folkboat Class Samphire James Hoare & Graham Coulter XOD Class Gleam James Meaning YOD Puffin John Caulcutt & Graeme Dillon CENTENARY CHASE Overall Winner Sans Souci David Mildon Royal Southern Yacht Club Challenge Trophy Sans Souci David Mildon 1st Open keel Boat Sans Souci David Mildon Old Gaffer’s Class Hester Ed Rice The Secretary’s Prize (Awarded to the last Boat to finish) Cazrlotta Piers Rowlandson SUNSET SERIES Black Rock Trophy XOD & YOD Class Arrow Henry Murray-Smith Folkboats Cloud Cuckoo Martin Le Gassicke Lasers Alex Gallimore WINTER SERIES Blount Cross Cup Woodpecker II Bernard Turner WEDNESDAY EVENING RACING Leveson Gower Cup Class 1 Moon Rodney Hogg Ambitron Trophy Class 2 Blue Dolphin John Poyner RSYC Challenge Bowl Class 3 Puffin John Caulcutt & Graeme Dillon Hempstead Trophy Folkboats Cloud Cuckoo Martin Le Gassicke The Alex Leonard Laser Trophy Lasers Libby Deegan DNF Award Pimpernel Tony Knaggs & Steve Carson Wednesday Evening Pot Moon Rodney Hogg Iseult Centenary Trophy Mimi Chris Beane The “B & 8” Award. Foxy Mark Hall Sailing Office Award Paul Brown DINGHY WEEK Pico Novice Hugo Cordon Pico Race Thomas Whitehead Laser 4.7 Helen Sceales Laser Radial Sam Grade Laser Standard Jack Davies Best Under 16 Sophie Whitehead Best Junior Hugo Cordon Hurley Trophy Yarmouth Sailing Club TAITTINGER RSYC REGATTA Gandalf Classic Swan Trophy Xara Jonathan Rolls Swan Class Masquerade Roger Motson RSYC Allison Challenge Bowl IRC Class 1 Raygun Mark Devereux Thorpe Tantalus Trophy IRC Class 2 Diamond Jem Robert Stiles Bottle of Taittinger & Mug IRC Class 3 Akarana Graham & Libby Deegan Bottle of Taittinger & Mug IRC Class 4 Stan the boat Toby Gorman Bottle of Taittinger & Mug IRC Classic Cruisers Pazienza Richard Haycock Hunter Kermis Cup RYA NHC Div 1 Alize Christopher Greenan Bottle of Taittinger & Mug RYA NHC Div 2 Ocean Lore Malcolm Mitchell Commodore’s Cup Contessa 32 Blanco Richard Vanner Burnett Challenge Cup Nordic Folkboat Crackerjack Matthew Jones The Gaffer’s Hoggit Gaffer Class Windflower Malcolm McKeon Barclaycard Salver J24 Class Jolly Roger Roger Morris Sigma 38 Class With Alacrity Chris Choules Havers Trophy XOD Class Sirena Nicky & Dug Henderson & Neil Payne Minchin Trophy XOD Class Sirena Nicky & Dug Henderson & Neil Payne Caulcutt Bowl XOD Class XL Roy Paton Sports Boat Class Zhik Ian Martin & Adam Broughton Charles Stanley Award Pazienza Richard Haycock Jeroboam of Taittinger Regatta Overall Crackerjack Matthew Jones Club clothing, accessories and burgees are available for members to order via the Front Office. Boat names can be embroidered below the insignia for just £2.50. Crew Gilet - £36.00 Lambswool Jumper - £45.00 Rugby Shirt - £30.00 Short or Long Sleeved Polo Shirt - From £18.00 Quarter Zip Micro Fleece - £30.00 Fleece Jacket - £30.50 Women’s Quilted Bodywarmer - £38.00 Men’s Zip Neck Sweater - £33.00 Men’s Chambray Shirt - £28.00 Musto Sailing Bags - From £33.00 Thinsulate Hat - £8.00 Baseball Cap - £8.75 Cap Badge - £17.50 Ties - From £7.50 SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS Buttons - From £7.00 Burgees - From £30.50 FOR OVER 23 YEARS Child’s Hoodies - From £14.00 Child’s Polo Shirt - £11.75 Child’s Rugby Shirt - £18.00 SAME DAY Delivery SIX DAYS a week ViewView fullfull detailsdetails viavia thethe MembersMember Area Area on on our our website. website. Wine list professionally prepared and printed Regular specials and promotions
Call 811743 or visit www.eurovines.co.uk
THE ISLAND’S LEADING INDEPENDENT WINE WHOLESALER SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS FOR OVER 23 YEARS
SAME DAY Delivery SIX DAYS a week Wine list professionally prepared and printed Regular specials and promotions
Call 811743 or visit www.eurovines.co.uk
THE ISLAND’S LEADING INDEPENDENT WINE WHOLESALER George Hotel Full Page advert.pdf 1 12/01/2016 14:11
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K