AQUARIUS S.C. THE MAIN SHEET

Summer 2013 Edition Web Site: http://www.sailaquarius.org.uk Editor: Richard Cannon 01932 786636 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Publicity: Mike Hendra 020 8337 1568 E-mail: [email protected]

Contents President’s Bit President’s Bit 1 Newsletter Printing 1 Nigel concluded his "jottings" in the Coming up, we are having a Secretary’s Welcome 1 Spring Newsletter by bemoaning the barbecue and cruise to see the Committee Business 2 miserable winter, with the current illuminated boats and fireworks at Quartet Pro Musica 3 precluding nearly all winter sailing. Sunbury in August, plus a 3 day visit to Start of Season Party 3 How things have changed - no current, Bewl, and a Russian evening in Working Party 2 reasonable winds, and sun. So we've September. See the back page for a full Midsummer Cruise 3 had some members taking full list. Quiz Night 2 advantage with Bryan Clements sailing On another tack, just a reminder to Culinary Corner 3 several days a week. safeguard your property. Unfortunately Hampton Regatta 5 Summer Social events have there have been several "incidents" in Aquarius Regatta 5 benefitted from the "clement" (no pun the area recently. Mid Thames Trophy 5 intended) weather with 74 members and Do you really know how to use the Special Thanks 5 guests partaking of the Hog Roast last patrol boat, rescue a sailor in distress, Sailing Secretary Report 4 Saturday and drinking many litres of or capsize and recover ? In any case Easter Egg Trophy 4 Joan's Pimms. why not get a few tips at one of our Weather Station Update 4 That well oiled machine "the demonstrations after lunch on selected On the Road 6 organising team" were really stretched Sundays. Bewl May 2013 6 so any additional help with future Wishing you all Good Sailing Barbershop Singing 6 events would be really appreciated. I Rodger Wheeler Main Gate Lock 6 think I can speak for everyone in Bewl Valley Sailing Club 7 proposing a big vote of thanks to A Knotty Problem 6 everyone involved including the unseen Source of 'Cut to the Chase' 7 group that cleared up afterwards. Dates For Your Diary 8 BYO Barbeque 8 AQSC Website Address 8 Road Closures 8 For Sale 8

Secretary’s Welcome Newsletter Printing A warm welcome to all new and Various round robin emails advising and Content returning members, and I hope that you impromptu events not included in the all enjoy being a part of Aquarius Sailing Programme have been circulated The printing and paper costs for the Sailing Club. by Richard, and I would like to Newsletter are normally met by JDC As ever this year we have a full and encourage all of you to take full Independent Financial Advisers; for varied programme with something for advantage of your membership and join technical reasons it isn’t possible for everyone, whatever their age and us at the club. this issue. capability. The racing calendar is in full If you have any comments or There is also a problem with the swing and there have been some suggestions you would like presented to time needed to, print, address, fold, put exciting, though at times very damp, the Management Committee, please in envelopes, stamp, and post, so it is moments. The peanut gallery on the email me at [email protected] being distributed by email. Those veranda is in full voice, and always and I will pass them on to the relevant without email will receive a paper ready to give helpful advice to our committee member. copy. gallant sailors from the safety of the Jean Maracchi For much of the content we need to quarter deck (otherwise known as the Hon Secretary thank Mike Hendra. veranda).

1 Quiz Night Working Party Committee Business Frank Rainsborough 17 th March Like most clubs, Aquarius has difficulty finding enough willing and The 20th April dawned, and In keeping with the weather curse of continued to be the most beautiful day effective bodies to fill the various 2013, the lead up to the March working Committee positions and this year was that we had seen for a very long time. party was not promising and a number The sky was a brilliant blue, clear of all no exception. of members phoned Richard expecting The club’s President George Bray, cloud and the sun shone joyously all the function to be cancelled. Ever day ending in a spectacular sunset and it’s Secretary Joan Bray retired hopeful Richard took no such action so after many years of unstinting service. across the river from our clubhouse. By those who did not come made the 7:15 the club was aglow with the light, Rodger Wheeler stood down from decision themselves. Notwithstanding a Commodoreship but we still have a the view across the river was beautiful cold wet morning, 23 of the faithful and 31 people were gathered for Frank's key, long serving person in place with pitched up for the chilling experience. Rodger now occupying the President’s quiz night. Adverse weather seems to have no The evening held a promise that it seat. impact on the turnout. The vacant Secretarial seat had been delivered extremely generously. Frank As usual there was a list of jobs had done a great job of preparation with filled by Jean Maracchi and Mike prepared by our dedicated Vice Baker’s publicity officer’s role has been an army of Rainsboroughs beavering Commodore Premises. In his manly behind, and Di and Pete Carpenter to some degree filled by myself, Mike pursuit of things practical the list Hendra. giving bar and sustenance support to the included everything from window usual high Aquarius standard. A Commodore’s functions have been cleaning to a full make-over of the undertaken by the three Vice The quiz organisation and entire site. What he forgot was that management were perfect and four Commodores, Richard Cannon, Nigel those brave enough to challenge the Knowles and Graham Thompson. teams assembled for the battle of the elements would need warming and brains. It did not take long to get All these Officers put in dedicated sustaining. service and to a large degree the club underway and soon we were all in full Fortunately the club matrixes, the flight. Team members answered exists because of their efforts so we all women who bind the place together, did owe them a huge vote of thanks. questions individually, assembled the not need a jobs list, they just got on result and delivered a team answer. with preparing bacon rolls for morning The evening passed quickly and we tea and spag-bol for lunch. Every now Sailing and Motor Cruisers. raced through half the program before and again a cold nose would enter the With the increase in ownership by the fish super arrived. Refreshed and clubhouse followed by cold hands and members of vessels other than sailing revitalised we battled on but despite the feet and a damp chilled body. The dinghies, the club’s policy on visiting best efforts A-Team just pipped chilled would be welcomed with “cruisers” was discussed in Committee. Geogian at the post. laughter from the galley and with any As the club facilities are available to all In the end we all won the same prize luck a hot cup of tea or coffee. members all and every day, it was and we were all winners. However, in Eventually and surprisingly, a number considered reasonable for owners of compensation Di Carpenter produced a of important jobs were completed cruisers to enjoy having their boats at very nice sweet and Pete espressoed although unfortunately the list was not the club during the days when racing or some fine coffee to round off the exhausted. sailing was not taking place. In general evening. Finally a small army of Due to Rodger being away there was there is no objection to occasional nameless volunteers cleared up and we no formal entertainment planned for the overnight stay and it was thought that all went home to bed. day so Peter Carpenter decided that he more use of the club by members Thanks Frank for a great evening, would provide some aquatic during the week was advantageous from the attendees for their presence and the cavortation. Unfortunately, having a security standpoint. There is no volunteers that helped it all happen. braved the river to waist depth, he provision for charging members for the found the lack of sponsorship made occasional overnight stay but members Team Scores further submersion uneconomical so he with berthing facilities do pay for them abandoned the venture and much to the and the club may charge fees for any Geogian A-Team Incredulous Scroungers disappointment of the assembled vessel left at the club for a week. Pictures 29½ 31 27 26 company, he went home. Notwithstanding, non race vessels J-History J-Film J-S+N J-History By late afternoon more cold noses should be kept clear of the docking area Round 1 20 24 19 19 had gathered in the clubhouse so during race days, i.e. the bank between Round 2 23 28 23 22 dishing out the spag-bol became a the up and down river slipways. Round 3 30 22 25 24 priority and we all sat down to lunch. Round 4 22 22 25 21 Slowly the conversation grew louder as Total 124 127 120 112 bodies warmed. Lunch ended and again Place 2 1 3 4 All in all the day was a success with the list of jobs was found wanting as a relatively good turn out despite the 'J' indicates the Jokers that Teams the tables need clearing, dishes needed lousy weather and the uncompleted played for extra points. Subjects are washing and things needed stowing. listed jobs. Thank you to those who self-explanatory, except for S+N which Even without a jobs list the assembled braved the elements and those who is Science + Nature. company helped with the clear up and bound the whole lot together from the the clubhouse was restored to galley. normality.

2 Start of Season Party Quartet Pro Musica Culinary Corner The Start of Season Party was Club members are often entertained Mike Hendra organised for the 23rd March, the by our own accomplished violinist Pat Following my stint as OOD I have Saturday following the March Working Halling. For those who don't know him, been asked again for my Brownie Party. This way it was thought that the he is the silver haired bloke who lives recipe. club would be presentable for the on the other side of the river almost occasion. opposite the club and sails his The chilly night was not an inviting over to Aquarius standing up. Brownies Ingredients one but nevertheless a good number of Pat usually provides musical support 150 grams Plain flour brave souls made the journey to a warm for pantomimes and other light hearted 75 grams Cocoa and welcoming event. entertainments at Aquarius as well as 300 grams Sugar As is usual, it was good to see the bringing his friends along to entertain in 100 grams Walnuts or any nuts or many faces of those who sail less often the form of the Quartet Pro Musica. dried fruit than once might have been the case. It Beyond the confines of the club, 4 Eggs was also good to see Mike Baker return members are often invited to attend 125 grams Butter to the club and it is hoped he will soon performances that happen outside 1 tsp Vanilla essence swell the numbers on Sunday and give Aquarius and in April the quartet Charles Dennis a run for his money. performed at the Riverside Arts Centre Method For interest Nigel had gathered a in Sunbury. The venue was cosy and Beat eggs until frothy. Add sugar selection of photographs which were welcoming, the bar well stocked and and beat for one minute. Melt butter displayed as a continuous slide show as the performance first class. then pour slowly into egg /sugar. Mix background to the lively conversations About a third of the audience was whilst still beating. Add vanilla. Mix that were taking place. made up by Aquarians who report that the flour and cocoa and slowly fold into For sustenance the Galley Crew they thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I the egg sugar mix. Heat the oven to mostly, but not exclusively in the form can certainly recommend that when Pat 170c and toast the nuts as the oven is of the two Diana’s, managed to present again offers club members an evening heating. Grease a 20 x 25 cm pan. Add an interesting array of finger foods and of Quartet Pro Musica entertainment nuts to mix and pour into tin. Cook for as usual had no trouble finding willing either at or beyond the club, they take 25 minutes. When cool cut into 16 consumers. As the evening was without up the offer enthusiastically. pieces. charge it was hoped that Pete would Thanks Pat! manage to keep the financial wolf from the door by quietly manning the bar Midsummer Cruise and coffee machine and I am pleased to report that the club finances remain in The summer cruise to the Weir took Although some heavy clouds good order. place on the 26th June on a fine summer threatened it stayed dry with enough As is usual, those principally evening with just the threat of a shower. wind for the "sailors" amongst us to sail responsible for the event were ably but The participating craft ranged from both ways. quietly supported by a range of other Graham's rowing boat to Don's cruiser The cap on the evening's performance volunteers less visible but no less with a sprinkling of Lasers and a was performed by Rodger who managed important to the production. Comet,.and all shepherded by Richard in actually sail out of the lock on the way All in all, an enjoyable evening the patrol boat. up. during which many members renewed All having managed to arrive safely, their membership for the coming year. 20 participants enjoyed a meal and the Thank you to all who made the evening company, before heading back to the a pleasant one club and arriving at 10:30pm.

Pictures by Frank Rainsborough

3 Sailing Secretary Report Weather Station Update Richard Cannon Richard Cannon From January to March there had been over two knots of I have provided a Weather Station for the club to current and red board warnings. I didn’t think we would be able use; during sailing days it is usually mounted on a to sail at the start of the new season; the Easter Egg Trophy. pole strapped to a fence post behind the clubhouse Fortunately by Easter Sunday the current had reduced to 1 knot and put in the bar at the end of the day. The display AND there was a 3 to 10 mph East wind that gave the few who unit is put on a table in the Clubhouse. It displays endured the fine but bitterly cold conditions an excellent sail. things like temperature, humidity, pressure and those The current remained at one knot for all of April and early we have a particular interested in; the wind speed May; fortunately there has been enough wind to sail every week. and direction. The weather was ideal for the Open Weekend; fine although a The sensors transmit to the display every 48 cold 10 to 15 mph wind that gave visitors good sailing. seconds. The wind speed is measured every 2 Three SigneTs went to Bewl on the late spring bank Holiday seconds and the average of the last 24 readings is Monday family sailing. There was a glorious sunny day with displayed. The maximum gust can be displayed and excellent sailing in a 12 to 25 mph SW wind. reset. It was extremely windy at the Hampton SC Regatta on The history is stored every 10 minutes. There is a Saturday with 35 mph maximun gusts; Bryan Clements decided it USB port so records can be transferred to a PC. I was too windy to sail, Richard Cannon sailed but retired after have added a wind speed page to the website Race capsizing. Result page; a wind speed graph is displayed when We were fortunate to have very good but challenging sailing the mouse pointer passes over a date. for the Regatta and SigneT Open meeting; an extremely gusty and The wind at the weather Station is generally more shifty 12 to 24 mph WSW wind. On Sunday there was a bit less than at sailing level. wind and not so gusty; excellent sailing. I have changed from knots to mph when quoting We were lucky to have a warm fine evening for the evening Weather Station wind speeds and generally use cruise through the lock to the Weir Hotel for dinner; four sailors, Beaufort Wind Speeds to indicate what boats are a cruiser, a row boat and the AQSC patrol boat; 20 members in subject to and this data in race result column all. headings. I use knots for river current.

Easter Egg Trophy Sunday 31st March was the start of The first race with four boats went Notwithstanding some close attention the 2013 racing season and by chance without too much drama except Bryan from the Patrol Boat he bravely sailed Easter Sunday as well. The day opened failed to see a wind gust through his on managing to drain away enough with bright sunshine and although it did hoody top and the result was his water to allow him to finish the race. not last all day it lasted long enough to graduate filled with water. Luckily he Liz Archer, who in the Assistant make everyone feel better; it was managed to back away in horror from OOD role had managed to keep Richard bitterly cold. the terrible threat of engulfment and from forgetting too much, had spent Having reminded his OOD partners although he only got his feet wet it some time in her kitchen producing of the clocks going forward Richard finished his race. three varieties of cake for afternoon tea. forgot and as a result arrived later than As always the ladies came to the fore Good one Liz! would otherwise have been the case. with Diana and Brenda serving a With all the maths now checked and Conditions were good and although warming soup with the lunch burgers rechecked it became clear the Charles there was one knot of current the while Pete warmed us with hot coffee Dennis had won the biggest Easter egg easterly wind direction balanced the from the bar. As she was in New and John Panting had won the smaller equation making sailing possible. Zealand Pat Irving had delegated the one. John was not too disheartened With preparations under way Richard BBQ task. because due to a “Purchasing then realised that he had left his Psion The the last two races of the day Malfunction” both eggs were the same PDA at home; as it would be needed to were back to back; three boats started size and as Charles is a vegetarian he evaluate the race results he went home the 2 o’clock race. Conditions were could not eat his egg anyway. to remedy the oversight. With things good although the temperature had All in all a pleasant opening to the running about 15 minutes late four dropped a little and the first race was 2013 sailing season that attracted four brave matalots launched into the Easter trouble free. The last race started well boats and sailors for the event and Egg Trophy; as there was a late start and managed two laps without incident fourteen for the afternoon tea. Situation the morning racing was changed from but on the third circuit John Panting normal! two sprint to one 45 minute race. encountered Bryan’s gust and repeated the aquatic uptake once again only suffering wet feet like Bryan.

4 Hampton Regatta Aquarius Regatta Sadly only two boats left Aquarius In their program the SigneT Once at the club I was persuaded on Saturday 15th June to carry the club Association hold Open meetings at into a Signet and with the wind burgee. Bryan Clements was to sail one venues around the country and AQSC is conditions, this made another dunking and Richard Cannon and I the other. one of the clubs visited. probable. Di and Helen took on the task Due to the strong wind Bryan decided This year, as in previous years, of preparation so at least I had help. In that wisdom was to be a spectator Frank Rainsborough’s race management the end the girls help was invaluable whilst Richard and I braved the skills were employed, he was ably and I stayed dry through what was an elements. assisted by Jean Maracchi. exciting sail. After finding a nut loose in the The SigneT Open Meeting and our After tea, cooking commenced and cockpit (other than Cannon and Hendra) Regatta were combined on Saturday the with the smell of garlic wafting through and dressing the naked thread, we made 22nd June, the longest day, and for the club the uptake increased. a late dash for the line and executed a many it seemed like that. The sky wore In the end we served the magic 20 perfect start. Conditions were difficult the grey pyjamas of a British summer that always seems to support the particularly with a geriatric crew with a and the wind blew from the south west impromptu events so I hit the numbers combined age close to 150 plus another with an eagerness that threatened the target exactly and made a £2.00 profit 45 for the boat, but we sailed well and fleet with some swimming practice. (if you don't count the sherry we watched others fall around us. Our The clouds were not thinned when supplied for trifle). course cycle time was about ten Bryan reported that his trailer had been Jean complimented my effort with a minutes with six cycles in the race and stolen and the clouds gathered even vegetarian version of my French we were half way through four when thicker when questions arose about who sausage stew and a wonderful trifle the squall hit. should man the patrol boat in the topped of with fresh strawberries and We had just tacked, I had waited for prevailing conditions. 20 diners seemed to thoroughly enjoy the head to come round, released the In a rash moment I had offered to the meal. "Thanks for coming!" port sheet and hardened up the make a Cassoulet for the Saturday starboard when the gust struck us. I evening and for an Aquarius function I Sunday was just as windy but the frantically struggled to free the sheet as had spent a lot on money but the uptake wind was less shifty/gusty and the OOD water came over the starboard gunwale was not promising. My intention was to Mike Baker and crew set out a very but it was too late and slowly I slid into prepare and cook at the club and I went interesting course. The racing was very the chilly water. Richard was still in the with that intention. exciting with many of the crews boat only partly immersed, eventually enjoying a dip or two. In the end John he held his nose and dropped into the Panting won the Personal Handicap river but only because he had very little Trophy and Richard Cannon took the other option. Ignominiously we could (cup-less) Boat Handicap first place and not recover the boat and suffered the Mid Thames Trophy forgot to tell anyone. complete indignity of a Patrol Boat To finish, Aquarius Catering rescue with me being hauled out of the Three club boats took part in the Mid crowned a great weekend with a stream by my buoyancy vest. Thames Trophy at Hampton Sailing fabulous spread of sandwiches and Bedraggled and soaking we were Club on the 27th April. Not our biggest cakes followed by strawberries and returned to the club for a shower, a fleet but it certainly included some of cream. None of the attendees needed change and lunch. Race two was our most competitive sailors. The north dinner and many would not need considered but without another change wind was extremely shifty and fluky breakfast the following day either. of clothes and with strengthening winds with gusts up to 15mph so it was very Between cooking and eating I we threw in the towel and went back difficult to make way against the 0.7 benefited from Nigel's marathon effort home. The Hampton weather station knot current. The course was lengthy, with the new shower. "Many thanks recorded a maximum wind of 35mph!! from Platt's Eyot well downstream Nigel, good one!" SigneTs can capsize if the genoa towards the host club so it was a long sheet is not released in time so the and tiring day. dunking was the crew's fault. Perhaps Charles Dennis did best with 11th my squall indicator needs a new place overall whilst Bryan Clements Special Thanks battery! and Richard Cannon (with Joan Aquarius now has a lovely new With Rodger joining the fleet on Courtney crewing) managed 13th and shower thanks to a huge effort by our Sunday, the number of boats swelled by 14th respectively. In the end we made worthy Vice Commodore Premises. 50% to three but the wind was far more third place but as the fourth place getter Nigel put in much blood sweat and kindly, the risks far less and the results only had two boats in the race the tears as well as considerable number of for Aquarius unexciting. celebration was somewhat muted. hours in rebuilding the old sad cubicle; Given the day, wind and current, the it needed much more work than Nigel event had reasonable support but sadly expected. Please use the new one with the conditions had not improved from respect, keep it clean and enjoy. those that we had experienced through "Thanks Nigel!" April.

5 Bewl May 2013 On the Road A Knotty Problem John Panting Mike Hendra Cath Bridger Just over the hour and we arrive at I was taught to drive back in 1958 Tying rope into knots is a Bewl Its 9:05 am and the free entry by a London taxi driver, one who fundamental necessity for all those who pass does its duty. owned a shiny black cab. He always sail and each knot has been developed There was not any racing planned for kept his cab clean and bright with for its characteristics in relation to a the day, as Bewl were in a training Paraffin and over the years I have used particular function. Tying them and mode for young sailors. Consequently, his method on my own cars. using them in their appointed place not the exceptional canteen was not Wet or hose off your car. Fill a spray only helps the person who ties them but showing its usual offerings. Good job bottle with 20% cheap hair shampoo it also is valuable to the person who we took our own fare. from Lidl, dish detergent or the like and may need to untie them. This can be Three SigneT's with their helms 80% water. Shake well and spray the very important if the knot needs to be (Richard - Keith - John), one crew (Liz) vehicle (not allowing it to dry). Wash untied in dark or difficult conditions. took to the water. Not to forget the two off the soap and dirt using a sponge or So, can you name these knots? Even versatile wives Brenda and Madeline brush and rinse with a bucket or hose. better, can you tie them? And can you whose roles embraced shore crew and Fill a bucket with warm water and give an example of when each one continuous conversation. Oh yes and add 2 caps full of the Paraffin to the might be used? one rambler Bryan. water. Wring a wash-leather or the There are more knots on page 16 of There was ample sun and plenty of modern version of same in the solution the AQSC manual at wind all day. The wind was challenging and use it to leather the car dry. http://www/sailaquarius.org.uk/ for its varying strength and varying If you do this carefully you will not documents/aqtrainingmanual.pdf direction. There were many capsizes to need to buff the car afterwards and your be witnessed but none involving the car will sparkle. What you will notice Aquarius crews. is, no matter how clean the car looks Bewl is a wonderfully large expanse after you have washed it, the paraffin of inland water with the longest stretch water will be surprisingly dirty. about three miles. It has a few large spurs which form the irregular shape around the spits of land that create different wind patterns to suit all, even in the somewhat blustery conditions of the day. I managed to park SunseT on Barbershop Singing the concrete ramp with a little more Aquarius members enjoyed another For the attendees there was a variety gusto than intended but thanks to great evening of entertainment on the of songs and singing styles all executed SunseT's aluminium sacrificial rubbing 1st June delivered by Pat Irvin's friends with consummate professionalism. At strakes, protecting her mahogany from the "Thames Harmony Chorus" interval Aquarius Catering turned their strakes and plywood sole, no damage barbershop style singing group. backs on the starving millions and fed was inflicted. The club turn out was a little the attendees to capacity and no one What a great day and it was free. All disappointing with Aquarians matching complained. topped of with an uneventful smooth the group's 19 singers with about 21 Well fed and now completely drive home. Where were the rest of members but the clubhouse was quite relaxed, both the entertainers and the you? I can't wait for the late August full anyway. entertained savoured the pleasure of the visit. We are taking our tent for the second half with all clearly enjoying three nights. See you there themselves. Thank you very much Pat and Main Gate Lock friends. Richard Cannon I have found the padlock at the main gate to to be very difficult to use at times; I line up the correct numbers but it won’t open. If the hasp is held in a bit as the wheels are turned it is much easier to get them to line up so the lock will open. Remember never leave the lock unlocked; it can be stolen,. Never leave it locked on one end of the chain. Use the padlock to reconnect the two ends of chain else the waterboard may lockup, bypass our lock and we can’t get in or out; this has happened a few Thames Harmony Chorus - Picture by Rodger Wheeler times. 6 Bewl Valley Sailing Club Three Day August Bank Holiday Visit 24-26 August 2013 Mike Hendra Bewl Water is a beautiful 900 Acre The Bewl Sailing Club offers a very BVSC would like to know how reservoir three miles long in the natural nice unpowered campsite with toilet many will be going, and when, so it is surroundings of the countryside. It and shower facilities not far away in essential to let Richard know if you is off the A21 Hastings road, just pass their clubhouse. They also have a may be going by ringing 01932 786636 , about one hour from the restaurant that is open for lunch, snacks or emailing [email protected]; he A3 Kingston bypass. etc at other times. Next door is the will also give you a voucher so you can Last year we had a wonderful visit Bewl Aquatic Centre which also offers enter the Bewl complex without paying camping at Bewl over a September refreshments. There are several decent the entry fee. We also need to know Regatta weekend and Aquarius has pubs close by for those who wish to eat who may be going so we can plan what been invited back for 2013. The event out. boats to take. takes place over the Summer Bank Last year Mike and Jean took their This is a wonderful opportunity to Holiday Weekend, Saturday 24 - caravan and it served as a focal point enjoy sailing on a large expanse of Monday 26 August. for attendees offering a clubhouse water in good winds with no current. On the Saturday there is a Youth atmosphere and shelter. They travelled Bring plenty of clothing, conditions Regatta, Sunday an Open Regatta, and out on Friday and back on Tuesday can change very quickly and you often Monday family sailing. Saturday is giving a base that covered arrivals and need to wade into the water to launch usually the day for travelling and departure and the proposal is for them or come ashore; shorts can be good. perhaps a social sail in the afternoon, to do the same this year. There is more information on the Sunday is the Open Regatta in which All club members are invited to AQSC web site, sailaquarius.org.uk members are able to participate; ; entry come to enjoy the Kent countryside, the Booking With Richard Cannon is fee is £10 per crew member. Monday is lake, the sailing and the weekend. Bird necessary and volunteers to transport usually an early sail, decamp and watching, cycling, sailing, walking, boats are a prerequisite for a successful departure although there is no deadline relaxing and socialising are all part of weekend. Please help! for leaving the campsite. the activities we can enjoy. Sailing is The lake is huge and offers the kind not compulsory but it would be a shame of open sailing not able to be enjoyed to miss the experience. in Aquarius' restricted reach of the Basic camping equipment, a tent and river. As a result just sailing bedding, is a necessary requirement recreationally offers a very different although there is some that may be Source of sailing experience from that normally borrowed. Or you could come down available to us and the racing for a day visit. 'Cut to the Chase' experience is also very different. Don’t be put off if you haven’t a Frank's 'Information Clips' have in Aquarius members usually take a boat because we will be taking some the past featured amongst other variety of boats along and members mix club boats and members will need subjects, Navy slang for food, and this and match boats and crews to spread crews. New members will have a great time, from an item in Terry Breverton's and share the fun. . experience. Nautical Curiosities book, Frank is expanding on the book's explanation of Bewl August 2012 the now oft used idiom 'cut to the chase'. The 'Chase' refers to a ship being pursued, and also the process of chasing it. The situation occurs when a 'chaser' and a potential 'chasee' are both anchored and in sight of each other. The 'chasee' the potential victim, might wish to depart (escape!) from its anchorage (when doing this it's said to be 'in the offing' another nautical idiom) and this preparation to raise its anchor could take up to an hour. The 'chaser' would observe this activity but to catch the victim he would have to sacrifice his own anchor (if he's successful he expects to regain one!) so by cutting the hemp cable to his anchor, he instantly releases it and by cutting the ties that kept the sails furled, his sails would drop and fill, enabling the chase to begin immediately. Hence 'cut to the chase.'

7 Dates For Your Diary 2013 Sat 20 July Hog Roast Sat 10 Aug Bring Your Own BBQ followed by a trip to Sunbury Regatta fireworks Sat 24 Aug Weekend visit to Bewl Valley SC Sun 25 Aug Weekend visit to Bewl Valley SC Mon 26 Aug Weekend visit to Bewl Valley SC Sat 21 Sep Russian evening 7:00 for 7:30 pm Sat 02 Nov Kempton Park Fireworks and a social with hot food at the Club afterwards. For reduced p rovisional price (£5.50 instead of £8) advance tickets contact Richard Cannon on 01932 786636 by Wednesday 30 October; meet & park at Richard’s at 7:00 pm for a short stroll to Kempton Park Sat 16 Nov Working party 10:30am. Come along with gardening tools. Lunch will be provided Sat 23 Nov AQSC Annual Dinner starting at 7:30 pm. Sat 7 Dec AGM, Prize Giving and End of Season Party starting at 7:30 pm. Sun 15 Dec Cheats Christmas lunch 12:30pm and family games Wed 18 Dec Seasonal nibbles 2014 Wed 01 Jan Hot Drinks Biscuits from 11a.m. New Year's Day Sail, subject to sailing conditions. Cele- brate the New Year with a Soup and "Raid the Freezer" lunch from 1.30p.m. We may even prepare some mulled cider/apple juice Sat 25 Jan Burns Night Celebration, Haggis Tatties and Neeps from 7:30pm Sat 15 Feb Viennese evening Sun 02 Mar Lunch 12:30 and frostbite Cruise/scavenger hunt Sun 16 Mar Working party 10:30am. Come along with gardening tools and clothes. Lunch will be pro- vided Sat 22 Mar Start of Season Party 7:30pm Sun 30 Mar Start of sailing; Spring Race 1, TFC, Spa Race 1

Watch for details of our BYO Barbeque Sunbury Regatta Illuminated Sail Past RUSSIAN EVENING & Fireworks

st Saturday 10 August from 6:00pm. Saturday 21 September Bring Your Own supper to cook or 7:00 for 7.30p.m. purchase burgers, sausages etc. from the £15.00 Bar. Friends welcome At 20.15 the patrol boats will leave AQSC Website Address Road Closures the Club for Sunbury lock in order to The primary website address for Sunday 4 August view the illuminated sail past and Aquarius Sailing Club is There is a major impact on road fireworks, returning at approximately http;//www.sailaquarius.org.uk. travel in London and parts of Surrey on 10.30pm. Spaces will be allocated on a http;//www. is not normally needed Sunday 4 August, as a result of the first come-first served basis by signing with modern browsers. Prudential RideLondon weekend up at the Bar. The following also open the website: cycling event; some of the route is aqsc.org.uk similar to the Olympic cycle events. For Sale aquariussailing.org.uk The route passes through Kingston aquariussailingclub.org.uk and Walton; Hampton Court Bridge is The main reason for buying these closed from 05:00 to after 15:30 8ft GRP tender £50 additional domains was so no one else northbound and 19:00 southbound. I could take them; aqsc.org.uk is very think Walton Bridge will be useless. Box trailer - wooden cargo box 6ft x useful to minimise typing. Because it will be very difficult to 3ft (unbraked / indespension) £50 get to AQSC by road from the South if any one needed it we could pick them Contact Rodger Wheeler for details up from Hampton Railway station.

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