In this Issue: Commodore’s Message p2 Women on Water p4 Make the Most of OD Duty p5 Interview with the Fillmores p8 Warren & Lorraine’s Holiday p14 plus Fleet reports: , Flying 15, , , Menagerie, Youth & Junior www.draycotewater.co.uk Autumn 2016 SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT REGATTA

There was a range of activities for the day of the Club Regatta in early September. The regatta race in the morning was average lap using the usual start sequence with some 50 boats and more than 60 people taking part in light winds and sunshine. This race was also the Club’s participation in Bart’s Bash and held a week earlier than the rest of the world as part of our Club Regatta. With the light winds, it was a day for tactical racing and there were some big holes which a number of people fell into, and opportunities for big gains if you got the beat right (or the wind found you!). There was some great racing in the Solo fleet where the front group remained closely bunched, with places changing regularly. But the most interesting racing was in the Laser fleet where Jack Lewis, in a Radial, just managed to keep the full-sized Lasers at bay for the whole Jack Lewis keeps his eye on the prize in the Club Regatta/Bart’s Bash race. He may be a multiple world and Irish won, followed by Mike Deane and Guppy, Nigel & Aaron Davis who were national champion, but this was still then Rob Still. Jack came fourth with using the day as very useful practice some achievement! Lasers taking the first 5 places. for the Draycote Dash which they will On corrected time, Jack won by less On the obstacle course, the winners be running. than 45 seconds from Robin Warren were Katie Byne & Phoebe Jones, We raised a total of £266 for who was the leading Solo. Thereafter followed by Josh Davis & Guy Jewkes. Bart’s Bash with another £120 the Solos took the next 3 places. Winner Many thanks to the OD team of next weekend raised by the Club and of the Tom Pearson Trophy for the Richard Pye, Dave Barker, Heather the big event. best-placed Get Racing participant was Josh Davis in his Radial. The afternoon activities were divided into the Youth & Juniors participating in Jon Hughes’ Obstacle Course, and the adults taking part in a 60-minute pursuit race. There was a bit more wind in the afternoon making for some pleasant sailing, but not enough for the faster classes to capitalise on. Some new Laser sailors turned up and Jack was not able to stay in front of them. Greg

Printed copies available Piracy of one sort or another from the Clubhouse and Shop seemed to be the theme of the Y&J races in the afternoon Commodore’s Message

It is now over nine But there is still a lot to do and, as months since you far as I’m concerned, there is a lot of ANNUAL GENERAL trusted me to be work in progress. Most significant will MEETING Commodore and I be the implementation of our new will be standing development plan which should be The AGM will be held on Wednesday again at the AGM agreed by the Committee in October 9th November at 7.30pm. It is in November if you and outlined to members at the AGM. important that as many members as are willing to have This should form the basis of our possible attend – it is your chance to me stay on. development for at least the next 10 hear formally from the Committee, It has certainly been an eventful years. question them and input into the nine months, with a number of curve As you will see, the Club made a direction of the Club. balls being thrown which we weren’t good surplus in the last financial year. AGM papers are available for expecting. Who would expect that a This goes some way to replenishing collection from the Clubhouse to 2nd shower manufacturer would supply the Club’s coffers which were October – please try to collect them, showers that couldn’t get wet? No-one decimated by the £80k loss made by otherwise they will be posted. on the Committee knew we were a the Club between 2009 and 2013. CASC (Community Amateur Sports Then there were doubts as to whether three National Championship wins Club) and certainly weren’t aware of the Club could continue as a going from our members (see p15 for more). the enormous obligations that came concern but, thanks to the work that I am delighted that, despite with the undoubted financial benefits Phil Hunt and his Committees put in, becoming Commodore, I have (about £13k a year). we are now in a much stronger managed to be more active on the But we are getting there. The men’s position financially. water than the previous two changing room is now finally complete On the water it has been great to injury-ridden years. with working showers and new see our sailors performing well on the We have a wonderful facility and it benches. There is more work to do, national and world stage. So far this is great to see it being used by but at least the first phase is year we have one World members and visitors! complete. Championship, one European and – Jeremy Atkins Committee Members Wanted The AGM elects the new Committee Legal. But anyone who is keen to and nominations close on Wednesday contribute to both the development of Accounts Show 26th October. While most of current policy but also its implementation Improving Financial Committee members have agreed to would be very welcome. stand for election again, more people Sailing experience or knowledge is Position are still needed on the Committee. Put not a prerequisite for being on the The full accounts are in the AGM simply, there are currently too few on Committee, so new and novice the Committee for the work required. members are just as welcome as papers, but a few highlights are: More specifically, there are two championship racers. The Club is a l Membership income up 13% skills / key roles that need to be filled: £1/3 million business and we need l Training income up 28% l First is Rear Commodore House: people with skills to help develop it for l Miscellaneous income up 55% heading up the work on our land-based the benefit of members. (primarily open meetings, hire of activities: the Clubhouse, catering etc. If you would like to discuss what lounge & boat hire) Ideally the Rear Commodore House being on the Committee involves, l Operating surplus: £27k (£12k would have some expertise or please have a chat with any Committee previous year) experience in facilities management, member or Dave Rowe. property, construction, surveying or related occupations. l Second is someone with financial expertise and skills. While Rodger Webb is prepared to continue as Treasurer, he has (in his own words) been at it rather a long time. We also have a need to set up a separate trading subsidiary to meet our obligations under the CASC scheme. This person could perhaps help n implement that and then take over as i w e

Treasurer from Rodger during the L

m

year. Or, if they want to, they could l o c stand as Treasurer straight away. l a M

Rodger would be happy to guide you : o

through everything. t o h

Other skills or expertise that would p be really useful on the Committee are There’s no requirement to be able to sail well to join the Committee! Human Resources, Marketing/Sales &

2 x Draycote Unshackled Autumn 2016 Participation, Participation, CHRISTMAS AT DRAYCOTE Participation Yes, it’s only three months till Christmas! Our Christmas programme will be as follows: Our status as a CASC (Community Amateur Sports Club) Sun 11 December Sunday racing as normal requires 50 percent of all our members to participate in Christmas Party for all ages, with mince pies, magician the sport 12 times a year. That’s a legal requirement on and Father Christmas arriving across the lake: magical! us. It’s a challenge because we have to include in our Sun 18 December Sunday racing as normal total members Associate members (who are not allowed Sun 25 December Christmas Day to use the water) and family members in a Family Site & water closed Membership who don’t sail (like babies!). Mon 26 December Boxing Day But, even without CASC, I believe it is a target we Pursuit race: datum: 11.30am. No wet bar should be aiming for anyway. I am convinced that an Lounge Bar open from 12 noon to 3pm – free nibbles! active Club is a successful Club. If members are using Water closes at 2pm, last launch 1pm our facilities, they will stay members. Sun 1 January New Year’s Day So a lot of our effort is in encouraging participation. Pursuit race: datum: 1.30pm. Water closes at 4pm There have been several initiatives in recent years, like Sun 8 January Sunday racing as normal Get Racing, the Windward/Leeward format for Race 3 and Women on Water, all of which have the full support of the Committee. We have also seen a resurgence of attendance at Youth Club on Saturday mornings and youth Race Training on Friday evenings. It is also great to see real growth in the number of people racing at the Club. It’s only one aspect of the Club, but it is an indicator of members’ involvement. Rear Commodore Sail, Will Whittaker, working with the Fleet Captains, has consciously been making some changes to the tried and tested formula, and it’s having an effect. Compared to last summer, so far we have seen an overall growth of 18% of boats racing this year, broken down as follows: • Wednesday Evenings: 13% up • Sunday Race 1: 11% up • Sunday Race 2: 28% up • Sunday Race 3: 92% up The new Windward/Leeward format for Sunday Race 3 has been a great success. The Rear Commodore Sail and Fleet Captains will not be resting on their laurels, but continually monitor performance to see what’s working and what isn’t, and making changes as required. We are always open to any ideas for boosting participation. – Jeremy Atkins Commodore Sunset and barbecue after Wednesday night racing

YOUR COMMITTEE HIRE OUT ONE OF THE Italian Meseta Commodore CLUB’S 35 BOATS FOR Coffee Jeremy Atkins TESTING OUT OR Rear Commodore Sail IN THE BAR Will Whittaker JOINING IN CLUB Americano Treasurer Latte RACING Cappuccino Rodger Webb Espresso President Lasers, RS 200, Hartley 12, De-caffeinated Harry Sayers Flying Fifteen, Fireball, Solo, Hot Chocolate plus Committee Members 16, (Laser) 2000, Pico Ian Macwhinnie Complimentary Chocolate square Gill Pearson £10 single-hander, £1.50 Nigel Pybus £15 double-hander for the whole day Vice-Commodore & Don’t want to drink Rear Commodore House vacant Unlimited Use: £150 (single-hander) £225 (double-hander) per annum coffee or alcohol in the bar? Tea and a range Contact Dave in the shop or Edited and Produced by of soft drinks are Ian Macwhinnie/Scriptographix call on 01788 814418 Printed copies by Claridges of Warwick also served

Autumn 2016 Draycote Unshackled x 3 Women on Water WOMEN SAILORS ENJOY THE WoW FACTOR

Our women and girls group Women on from these weekly sessions. I'VE DONE A COUPLE OF courses and Water (WoW) had their first meeting Mutual support and encouragement been a member previously of the Club in May and has met every week since along with some funding for coaching but have to say never felt part of the then. Over the course of the summer through Coventry, Solihull and crew, pardon the pun. we have had 18 women turning up Warwickshire (CSW) Sport has But being tenacious by nature, I with an average of 7 every week. enabled us all to progress, build on our rejoined the Club after an open day where I was approached by a very lovely lady who told me of the ladies group which didn't take things too seriously and generally likes to have fun: sounded good to me. Having been out a few times on my own with the only target of staying afloat I've gained more confidence, some knowledge and seen friendly faces along the way. Thank you to WOW! – Anne Malin n i w e L I JOINED THE GROUP AFTER a m l

o refresher sail following my Level 2 c l

a course last year and have sailed most M

: weeks. I’ve grown in confidence – o t

o making lots of mistakes but learning h p lots from them! Everyone is so supportive and friendly. I doubt I would have sailed again without the group. – Mary Paterson

I LEARNT TO SAIL EIGHT YEARS ago CSW Sport supported coaching sessions to help increase participation on a Sunsail holiday in Antigua and A small weekly sub includes boat skills and increase confidence. joined Draycote a year later. hire and refreshments (baking skills Learning to sail relatively late in life not required but very much Future meetings (for me) meant that it probably took appreciated when it happens!). longer than if I had been thrown into I have been impressed and amazed We will continue to meet throughout a wooden crate with a tea towel sail by the determination of all to get out October: every Saturday from 2-4pm. on Coventry Canal and told to get on and sail and see the overall If the weather is not conducive to with it at the age of 6! improvement in confidence and ability sailing, we can always walk round the I loved it from the start. That did of each and every one of the women lake or even venture as far afield as not mean of course that it was a who comes along. the lovely coffee shop at Toft Alpacas! ‘duck-to-water’ scenario, but I am a The general ethos is about sharing, On one of these afternoons, we will great outdoors person and have an supporting, offering advice and even a have a go at sailing as affinity to water (mainly in it!). bit of kit donation on occasion. I can well. Draycote was and is a very welcoming say without exception (myself We will also carry on meeting after and inclusive Club – on the whole, but included) that we have all benefited that (dates and times to be confirmed) I did feel increasingly (and I wasn't the only one to feel this) that women were not really given the opportunities to hone their sailing skills in a way that truly met their needs and allowed then to develop at their own pace and in a way that inspired confidence and improved competence. – Caroline Noel

so as not to lose momentum and take every opportunity to encourage women to participate more fully in the Club activities and events. So if you are interested in joining us please contact me. Click here for the CSW video of us out sailing. – Caroline Noel 07813 765864 What a way to spend a Tuesday evening! [email protected]

4 x Draycote Unshackled Autumn 2016 Being Officer of the Day – An overview MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR OD DUTY

Unlike many sailing Clubs locally and double as a visible guide on the water. nationally Draycote Water is almost The instructions were rewritten just entirely professionally run for a few years ago and are reviewed and members with the exception of two changed regularly from feedback at roles: the committee member and OD the Fleet Captains meetings. In fact, Duty (officer of the day). Whilst those only this summer a one-page overview who are on the committee, past and was introduced to act as a simple present, know only too well, the job is reminder/checklist on the day. OD onerous and often thankless, the OD training is also provided, which has duty is different: it is only done by proved successful, with positive those who race for those who race, and feedback – look out for the next ones undertaken just one or two days a in Spring 2017. year. Sadly though, in the past, many What do I have to do? have seen the OD duty as a chore or extremely stressful due to little Arrive in good time, at least an hour support. The committee has tried hard before racing is best. The safety team to remove this issue, with clear are always present and happy to instructions, sailing instructions and advise if the wind is at the extreme safety guidelines which, if followed, ends of the spectrum. The OD pack, should make the day more enjoyable put together by the office, will be and less stressful. This, along with the available in the OD box upon arrival. (unless it’s a northerly!), and introduction of Dutyman three years Many people make the mistake of remember: the course map is only a ago means a virtually zero failure rate spending the time on arrival reading guide to buoy locations – it is not the of OD turnout giving teams regularly through the instructions, but if this is actual locations! When the anchor is more than the minimum two members done beforehand this is not required: down, rig the boat with the required required for OD duty and the the new check list should act as an flags, ensuring the start line pole is erected and green flag hoisted to confirm on station. The course is then best set using the movable orange triangle windward so a manageable first windward leg is set at a location to provide a port rounding. From this point the course is up to the OD team, with a 20 min first lap time the aim is for the fleets to come back through the gate from the leeward mark. On Sundays the warm-up race is best with just a simple Windward/Leeward, triangle or Make use of the moveable triangular trapezoid which provides an excellent buoy as the Windward mark warm up for the OD and gives the team an idea of course length confidence of a full team. This leaves aide-memoire, with the full required. On Wednesday this is not you with a great opportunity to enjoy instructions available as back-up. possible but again, due to wind the day, meet, get to know and learn Therefore, the first thing to be done conditions, a small trapezoid is always from others you would not normally is to check the kit, ensuring the right the safest option, also using the spend time with. flags and equipment are available and movable mark as a windward mark then loading them onto the committee with a port rounding. Once the course Preparing for OD duty? boat. At the same time the team can and start line (gate) is set then racing get kitted up for the weather can begin. Preparation is key to the day and, if conditions and put out the signing on For the start sequence, follow the done correctly (it takes just 15min to sheets. A final check with the safety picturegram in the instructions, but read through and familiarise yourself crew / Club manager for areas to ensure the hooter can be heard (best at with the instructions), will save much avoid, agreed course area, gybe mark the back of the boat with long blasts) time and make the day more locations in extreme weather, radio and the OD for the day is watching the enjoyable. The OD instructions are check, Committee boat safety briefing line with the flag. We see many always sent electronically to the OD and confirmation of the equipment examples where the wrong line is team 2 weeks in advance via email needed (start line and windward watched (the start line is the pole with from Dutyman when it sends the mark), then it’s on the water. the green flag to the red buoy) or the reminder, as well as being on the It’s always best to set the course wrong hooter signal and or flag given. Club’s website. These instructions are from the water as the wind is often simply set out with pictures which different from that in the OD box continued on page 10

Autumn 2016 Draycote Unshackled x 5 Youth & Junior Fleet HEADY MIX OF FUN AND ACHIEVEMENT

Well, what a summer of great sailing perform excellently wherever they we’ve had in the Youth & Juniors this travel around the country year. Both the Friday night ‘Race l The RS Feva class con tin ues to see Coaching’ and the Saturday Draycote Sailors doing fantas ti - ‘Beginners and Intermediate’ sessions cally, some great re sults in the Na - have been well attended and it’s been tionals: Jack & Lucas 4th overall & great seeing so many Y&J sailors 2nd Junior s, Daniel Lewis & Katie getting involved in all aspects of the Byne 7th over all & 1st mixed crew, Club’s activities. Harry & Phoebe Jones 15th and We have them taking part in the Har rison & Fergus Pye 26th Sunday and Wednesday racing, Get l In the 420s, Team Lewis and Racing, open events, supporting our Marshall became U17 Champions Open Day and even training to become l Closer to home the Youth & Junior Bosuns! Family Fun Endurance Race Night, Some of the highlights over the last BBQ and Camp-out was well few months at home and away include: attended and a huge amount of fun l Some great results from our both on and off the water sailors (Millie, Katie, l We had a great afternoon sailing Derin) across the Midlands and the SB20s with 15 Y&J kids in a nationally strong breeze and lots of laughs! Happy sailing! l Our Tera sailors continue to For the rest of the season we still have plenty of opportunities for sailing Friday night sailing at the pot-of-gold end of the rainbow and fun both on and off the water! Josh Davis, Will Puchy and Ethan Cheshire took part in the Laser Open Meeting in Laser 4.7s. We then have the eagerly contested Youth & Junior Championships on Saturday 15 October, more details soon and please let us know if you can support and run this important event. We need help on the shore for registrations and scoring/prizes as well as support on the water in the form of OD and coaching, please let myself or Dave know if you can volunteer some of your time. – Ant Clay Y&J Fleet Captain Saturday Morning Youth Club From April to October we run a Youth Club on Saturday morning. This is not a formal training scheme, but offers supervised sailing, coaching and fun on the water for young beginner and intermediate level sailors. You can bring your own boat, or use a Club boat: Picos and Teras, but the new Hartley 12s have proven to be popular this year, as have Lasers, and the Fevas and even the RS200 have seen plenty of action too. For those who have recently completed a course over the summer, this offers an ideal chance to get out The main thing is that everyone gets wet! on the water and gain valuable experience along with some additional by Andy Whitehead, on the Club the lake. Usually we will stop off for coaching. This year's highlight was an website. Our more usual activities a few Jelly Babies along the way. extra Saturday afternoon session include practising sailing skills; for The last session will be on 22 where we got our hands on the SB20 some reason, everyone seems October. We will start again in April keelboats: great fun was had by all. particularly keen on practising next year. Please join us! There is an excellent video of this, shot capsizing, and going on cruises around – Jon Hughes

6 x Draycote Unshackled Autumn 2016 Fireball Fleet FLOATING YOUR BOAT SINCE THE ICE AGE

Fireball: A racing dinghy for two (fairly normal) people. Designed during the last ice age, but kept up to date with the adoption of modern materials for and sails, it is now considered bomb-proof. It feels fast enough to be exciting, but rarely goes so fast that you hurt yourself when it capsizes. Suitable for anyone from 15 to 80, it n i is a boat in which women can compete w e L on equal terms with the blokes. It is m l often sailed by people who are too o c l unfit (or too sensible) to hang out of a M more serious racing boats, offering : o t adrenaline thrills and tactical racing o h to those who might otherwise be stuck p at home mowing the lawn. Its value in socio-economic terms is thus incalculable ... Earli er in the year we held the Close racing (sometimes too close!) is a feature of the Fireball fleet Firebowl event, a personal handi cap af fair where your best chance of win - ning is to look hopeles s and then ex - ceed ex pec ta tions. This time round it was Paul Anthony and Steve Digby who took the tro phy, nar rowly rele gat - ing Mo and Holly into 2nd place. But with only 2 points cov er ing the top 3 boats, it was a close-run thing. On a marginally grander level, the European Championships was held at n Lake Garda, and our very own Colin, i w e

and Karen went along to show the L

m

locals how it's done. Then came the l o c nationals at Hayling, where Pete & l a

Richard represented us in fine style, M

: o notably only falling in once – a t o h

personal best. p In between all this, the DWSC Fireball summer race series have been playing out, and with only a few weeks Strictly Come Fireballing? left Peter Wood & various crews are winning both AM and PM race series, 23rd Oct End of the Summer is welcome to come and have a bash, with Helen & Paul leading the Silver AM & PM race series and you can keep up with the ongoing fleet in the morning series and Bob & 30th Oct 2016 Winter race series nonsense on our FB page. Paul winning the Silver fleet PM 13th Nov Fleet Championships day 2 – Mike Deane Fireball 14778 series. There's still time for that to Anyone fancying a go in a Fireball [email protected]. change though. The Autumn personal handicap event, the Marriott Bucket, was Search on For Windsurfing Intructors closely fought in light winds. Winners We’ve had another great summer with plenty of Dinghy courses running for on count-back were Pete Blakey and both adults and juniors and the Hartley 12s, introduced in the Spring from Ellie Campbell after a tie for first the Sport England grant, have been very well received. place. Visit our FB page for a full This year’s struggle has been Windsurfing: we have had a great deal of report with results on the Club site. interest and plenty of people taking part in taster sessions, booked privately Now that the cooler weather is or through Open Days, but we have only managed to deliver one Start settling in and good winds are almost Windsurfing course due to a shortage of instructors. a certainty, we've organised a few The plan for 2017 is to recruit more Windsurf instructors so that we can events to keep you amused up to the train more people who, we hope, will carry on to be Club members. If you can end of the year: help with recommending an instructor, please contact 16 Oct Fleet Champs day 1 [email protected]

Autumn 2016 Draycote Unshackled x 7 Interview with Tim and Elizabeth Fillmore THE SINKING AND OTHER STORIES

Tim and Elizabeth Fillmore, of [known as ‘Sid’ and ’s Draycote’s Get Racing Club, have coach] and Chris Law were sailing spent many years giving their time and Finns and they dominated, they were expertise to help others make the most the Ben Ainslie and of the of the sport. Between them they’ve day. I learned a lot sailing with them. been awarded the Commodore’s Cup But I was never heavy enough for the three times in recognition of special Finn but I really enjoyed sailing it here services to the club. As a solicitor, Tim – we had 25 Finns at Draycote and helped to renegotiate the Club’s lease, David used to come here in the winter and Elizabeth is an accountant, whose to sail with us. many roles have included being club Elizabeth: During the time Tim was treasurer. Both have represented GBR secretary of the British Finn internationally and when their children Association we helped to organise the Alex and Guy started sailing, they ran Gold Cup in Weymouth in 1979. There countless junior sessions and summer and me up to Napton and I’ve sailed were 130 boats, which was a lot in camps with Alec Ross and others. ever since. I went from Napton to those days when championships were Their volunteering ethos reflects their Mid-Warwickshire Sailing Club in all done by post and it was a big own introduction to the sport. Leamington and then to Draycote.’ admin job. The biggest problems Unshackled’s Paula Irish caught up How did you meet each other? though were political – in my with them for a chat on the patio to Elizabeth: Tim was already a ignorance I’d put down East and West find out more! member when I joined and that’s how Germany, and the East Germans came we met. He was 24. We got together and said they weren’t sailing under How did you first start sailing? to go to the Draycote annual that name, it was the GDR [German Elizabeth: I was introduced to prizegiving dinner in 1974 and Democratic Republic]. And the Navy sailing at Rugby SC one Sunday by married in 1976. We decided it would provided flags for each country for the Roger Hadlow when I was aged 11, be nice to have our wedding reception sea front but didn’t have one for and I’ve sailed every Sunday since. We here and asked the Committee. Tim Yugoslavia, and they were upset, so we met him at the BBC Club in Daventry ended up on the Committee for seven had to have one flown in and someone and my parents had never sailed and years and I was the Treasurer for four had to go to Heathrow airport to pick Roger introduced me to the sport. years, and we’ve been vaguely involved it up! But it was a good event. That Rugby used to close over the winter with bits and pieces ever since! (Tim was when you could sail off Weymouth months so I joined Draycote as a adds: ‘That was the price of our beach and all the houses along the winter member in 1972 when I was wedding!’) front were hotels, so it was perfect. 22, and was a member of both clubs Tell us about competing for the British I was selected along with Cathy for many years. Roger had a GP14 Sailing Team in the 1970s: Foster and Linda Ingram to compete and I’m a twin, so we took it in turns Tim: I was British Finn Association for GBR in 1976; back then the to crew for Roger initially and then for secretary and did Olympic indicators Olympics were not split into male and other people. I came to Draycote with and a couple of Gold Cups, at Malmo female classes, it was all mixed, so an with my sister Phillipa in Sweden and Palamos in Spain. I they ran a Ladies’ European and we were 16 stone all up. It doesn’t was third in one of the Olympic Championship and I managed to work on a big water so we switched to indicators. It was when David Howlett qualify for it in a Laser. It’s like chalk a and I carried on sailing with my sister until about 1980. In 1979 my sister and I won three Club Pursuit Races and thought it would be nice if there was a Club Trophy for the Pursuit Race Series and so Tim and I donated one for the next year. Nigel Pybus then crewed for me for a long time in the Lark. Tim: I was at Lockhead Sailing Club at Napton; where the Grand Union meets with another canal there’s a tiny reservoir, and that’s where I learned to sail in a . My father always promised that when I could swim he’d get me a boat. I eventually taught myself to swim but unfortunately he died shortly Cryptic caption: ‘With the forward tank holed afterwards when I was 8 or 9. My best by a collapsed step, this Finn sailor friend’s uncle was into sailing and I is supported by the independent rear and saw him this new they’d side tanks whilst he rues his choice of name.’ got in their garden; he took my friend

8 x Draycote Unshackled Autumn 2016 n i w e L m l o c l a M

: Tim & Elizabeth came third in the Laser 2000 o t o

h Millenuium Series event at Draycote in 2007. p and cheese between then and now in happened? terms of preparation. You were given Tim: The picture appeared in a a GB badge to sew onto whatever you book called by Mike were going to wear at the opening and Wendy Fitzpatrick, published in ceremony! And I qualified in Lasers 1978, and was taken at a Grafham but the most popular singlehander in Olympic indicator in the early 70s by for women was the Europe, Alistair Black. The photo was included and I’d never sailed or seen one in the 'Boat Preparation' section! It before. I went over to Oberhofen on was blowing a hooley and I capsized, Lake Thunersee, Switzerland, and the and the mast came out and punched a venue was just a car park, no sailing hole in the fore tank, so the bow filled club, and the boats hadn’t arrived yet. up and it ended up with the transom But they said “we do have out of the water and me hanging over International Moths so you can go out the back of it! Sailing history: (from top) Tim’s in one of those if you like!” It had It was 18 months before another clothing badge for the 1976 wooden wings and was yellow... the incident, in a , when I was Olympics, Elizabeth’s Ladies Europe turned up the day before the crewing for Jack Knights at the European Championship Plaque championship and the only similarity Olympic trials in 1976. One day it was and her RYA Team badge. was the colour, it was also yellow! So really howling and we broached; the I felt it was an achievement to get boat filled up with water and sank. A children had Oppies, then we got a there but the result was rubbish. The local fisherman brought it back up Topper. Both got into the first RYA regatta, however, was a success, and again and padlocked it to a lamppost Zone Squads when they were set up, soon afterwards female classes were on Weymouth quay and claimed Alex in the Topper and Guy in the introduced to Olympic sailing.’ salvage on it! Eventually we got it Optimist, and he would train with Rio Tim also did some big boat sailing? back on the water for the last day and 2016 Olympian Alison I had the opportunity to sail across on the startline we could see a big Young because when she was in Oppies the Atlantic back in 1972 and that black thundercloud and Jack said we she used to visit Draycote. Then the was quite a fun experience. I helped should sail towards it; we got a children wanted to sail boats, John Holtom (a founder member of massive lift into the mark and rounded so Tim sailed a with Alex the Club) and his son bring his boat first to great cheers from the press. and Guy went into 29ers. When they back following his entering the Trans We didn’t win the race though. The grew up Tim and I started sailing Atlantic Single Handed Race. I also boat had a twisted rudder from its trip together in the Laser 2000 in 2005 – used to do a big boat series in the to the bottom of the ocean and back!’ our high point was winning the Euro Solent but found that with leaving on What happened next with your Cup in 2010 when I was Class a Friday to get to the Isle of Wight for sailing? Association Chairman. the last ferry, and then having to get Tim: I sailed the Finn for a long What inspired you to start Get Racing back again, and all the politics, I time, then our children Alex and Guy at the Club? preferred sailing my dinghy at came along and their sailing took over ‘Both of us had an awful lot of help Draycote; it was far less hassle!’ in quite a big way. from other people growing up because There is a picture posted on Facebook Elizabeth: The Lark went in the our families weren’t into sailing so we of Tim apparently sinking a Finn; what garage! We bought a , the were totally dependent on others for our sailing every weekend,’ says Tim, and Elizabeth adds: ‘I didn’t have a boat so I crewed for other people week after week, and as ladies, juniors and novices at Rugby Sailing Club, the last race of the day was one my sister and I could helm, and people were very kind and would always lend us a boat. ‘When we were asked about the Get Racing Club we felt it was something n i w we could do. It’s nice to see all ages e L taking part and making progress; m l o some have come on really well, and c l a they wouldn’t have had the confidence M

: Tim & Elizabeth have pioneered the to get on the water and join in o t o otherwise.’

h Get Racing initiative at the Club p

Autumn 2016 Draycote Unshackled x 9 Menagerie Fleet POSITIVE RESPONSE TO NEW INITIATIVES

While the Menagerie fleet is not all about the racing, our turnouts have increased this year. For example, we have had 45 boats taking part in the summer series morning race, only slightly fewer than the Lasers. The spring series was won by Ray Lee, who first joined the Club in 1970, a year after it started, in his Supernova. This year has seen the successful n introduction of the windward/leeward i w format for the 3rd race. Some 18 e L

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summer in a format which will l a

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boat in our fleet. This format will now t When they go, they go! o become the preferred option for the h P morning warm-up race on a Sunday (10.15am start, mass start) through ARE TWO HULLS BETTER THAN ONE?! the winter. Looking ahead to November, we Why are we all choosing Sprints? This was well received with 11 home have the Club AGM. This is well worth Reasonably easy to sail, cheap to buy boats and a total of 24 boats attending and may I take this and a huge amount of fun; are just competing. Ed Tuite-Dalton was the opportunity to put in a request to our some of the reasons. best placed home sailor with a fleet – which is the largest (by far) at Over the last two years the Sprint respectable 8th place. the Club – for volunteers to fill the 15 fleet has had a growth spurt at the You can buy a Sprint 15 from positions of Rear Commodore House Club with 20 now in the boat park £1000 upwards and, being strict and also a Club Treasurer. with good turnouts for club racing as one-design, you will be competitive if If you think you have qualities that well as good home fleet support for the you just point it the right way. would be of use to the Club in these open meetings. Join the racing and then have a posts, please contact the office or Dave In early September we held an open blast with the family on a Saturday in the shop. meeting with a new one-day format, using the boat in ‘sport mode’, with For those of you who have been opting for a very sociable two races in the and trapeze giving it a dual reluctant for whatever reason to take the morning and two in the afternoon. purpose. part in racing, do give the Get Racing sessions a try, which runs the first “Try a Sprint 15 Day” Sunday in the month. It will stop over the winter period Saturday 12th November and be revived in the spring. It is a gentle introduction to racing with its Boats available to have a go in own start and a coach boat for Tuition and Advice on joining the fleet support. Please be our guests and come and have a go – Malcolm Lewin 654 Get in touch with Dave [email protected]

OD Duty Continued from page 5 but there are others who are Amateur Sports Clubs) rules that Don’t be scared to call a general or experienced and happy to help, along provides the Club with rates relief, individual recall if needed – for some with the safety team. worth around £13,000 a year. fleets it’s the norm! Therefore, completing the OD form Once racing is underway, simply What happens after racing? and fleet results to confirm record the laps and times for about an attendance is not just a tick box hour then shorten course at an Sadly, a few OD teams think that, exercise but a necessity. appropriate fleet and time. Don’t after getting ashore, all they need to Once this has been completed, the worry, racing does not have to last an do is simply pack up and head home, results/times put onto the signing on exact time: do consider the conditions but by doing this we may as well not sheets and the equipment put back for and the time it will take to get back have turned up. the next OD team, that’s it for to shore, particularly if upwind and on The fleets require results, the RYA another year! a Wednesday night. Finally, don’t be requires PY () Hopefully you will have had a good scared to ask a question if you are times and the Club requires day, learnt something new and unsure at any point during your duty. participation numbers. The latter is interacted with people you didn’t I know Jeremy Atkins and I always particularly true since the HMRC know that well. check or make ourselves known to the enforced stronger rules on the Club – Will Whittaker OD team, so can be asked questions, under the CASC (Community Rear Commodore Sail

10 x Draycote Unshackled Autumn 2016 Laser Fleet BETTER THAN YOU MAY HAVE BEEN TOLD

“The Laser is rubbish!” “The Laser is The Laser can be fun and fast a knee wrecker!” “The Laser was with a rig for all shapes and designed in the 60s and should never sizes have seen the 80s!” “There are so many things wrong with the Laser it’s difficult to know where to start to critique it!” If you go to any sailing club bar or n visit any social media these are i w e

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at the Laser and possibly there’s an l o c element of truth in all of them. l a

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Laser Fleet update you’re thinking, t o and yes, you’re right, it is. But it’s a h P good opener for trying to explain why sailed one in the 70s would be able to many “guest appearances” from it is so popular and let no one tell you get right in and sail one now. members of “other fleets” who whilst otherwise. There’s a choice of 3 sail sizes: they may have “better boats” can’t It remains the largest selling dinghy Full, Radial and 4.7. The optimum offer the consistently large competitive in the world, there are over 215,000 weight for a Radial is 55 to 72 kg and fleets. Who wants a stop watch to out there being used, with c5000 new for everyone lighter there’s the 4.7. work out if you’ve won or lost? ones sold each year and it remains an For everyone heavier there’s the full, As one new member of the fleet Olympic class dinghy. although a Radial sailed by a heavier said; “The Laser got me back into We at Draycote have c60 boats better sailor will beat a sailing, after London 2012 when I Where have they all gone? poorly sailed full rig by a went to Weymouth to see Sir Ben and lighter sailor. the Star medal races. I watched the You can buy a Laser TV coverage and noticed the reasonably competitive new XD kit, so now you can sail a hull for less than £750 Laser like any other boat. Within a and, if you have skill, sail month I was back on the water, after at the very front of the 20 years, and Draycote has large fleet fleet. The less skill you Laser racing, just what I wanted.” have the further back you So what does success look like at will be no matter how Draycote? On average on a Wednesday much you spend. evening there are 18 Lasers on the This year is a super case start line (+5% on last year), this is in point; the winner of our over twice as many as any “other Wednesday night series start” and on a Sunday morning race was a Greg Irish who there are an average of 11 Lasers hadn’t stepped in a boat (+22% on last year) which again is for seven years. After a significantly more than on any other few weeks of getting start! himself orientated and It would be remiss of me not to reminding himself that the publish any results so for the pointy bit goes at the front, Wednesday Race the Podium steps a series of 1st and 2nds were occupied by: resulted in him winning the Place Helm Net Points championships with only 1st Greg Irish 17.0 17 points, leaving previous 2nd Andrew Blee 20.0 championship winners in 3rd Steve Irish 25.0 his wake and dirty wind. At the time of writing there’s still But it’s not all about six weeks to run to the end of the winning, in such a large season but current placings are: fleet it can’t be, no matter Place Helm Net Points that are regularly out there on the what your level of ability 1st Andrew Blee 19.0 water, including the five that the Club or skill you are always assured that 2nd William Whittaker 22.0 owns and are available for hire by there will be someone of similar ability 3rd = Andy Whitehead members. to sail against. Chris Dickinson 42 So, if there’s so much wrong with With such a large fleet there’s If you want to try or need any help it, you have to ask why is it so popular always a friendly face in the boat park with sailing a Laser, please don’t both internationally and at Draycote? who will happily give advice/tips to hesitate to contact me! The reason is, like the boat itself, new and seasoned sailors alike. – Marcellus Pryor it’s fairly simple and anyone who It is one of the reasons we have so [email protected]

Autumn 2016 Draycote Unshackled x 11 Flying Fifteen Fleet THE JOY OF FITTING OUT A NEW FIFTEEN

Last August Simon [Thompson] and I due to business commitments, Simon Patterson takes to were lucky enough to sail in the Flying where part of my workshop the water in Fifteen World Championships at would be free, and Ovington’s Flying Fifteen 4044 Crozon Morgat in Brittany, France, would not start building until where our own Jeremy Davey and they had received orders for Martin Huett did a brilliant job and 10 boats; luckily our new boat came second. On the drive home we arrived just before Christmas. were having a chat, and I made a When doing a project like casual remark saying that I would love this you must be organised as to fit out another boat at some time, it will save you a lot of time and Simon (then President of the and pain. n i

British Flying Fifteen Association) Trailer, spars, sails and w e L said “why don’t we?”. fittings had been ordered from m

Current owners of fifteens are Pinnell and Bax, with o c l benefitting from the build quality and substantial discounts - don’t a M

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longevity from Ovington Boats, be frightened to negotiate. We o t o

therefore changing them less are lucky as they do a Harken h frequently; for 4-6 year old boats on fitting kit, so everything P the second-hand market, about comes in three cardboard £13,000 for a well put together boat boxes. P&B even collected is a sensible investment to enter the our boat from Ovington’s free class, without having to pay the price of charge as they were of a new boat. We made the mistake, on our previous boat (GBR3795), of keeping it for 11 years from new, and the change of price was then quite high. This we did not want to do again, as our then current boat was 6 years old (GBR3950), and discussions suggested that we could sell our boat and get a new self-fit boat for a sensible price. We placed the order with Ovington Boats later that month, for a new carbon hull and fully faired keel. I would stress to anyone who does this to have the keel faired for you, even though it costs approx £1000 more, as it is a long soul-destroying process – I The bare hull ready for drilling taken loads of pictures and measurements from the old boat, so after three days of measuring twice and drilling once, it was basically all done. I am lucky that I am a boat builder by trade and I have the facilities to do it in. That said, anyone with basic DIY skills can fit out a boat, so don’t be frightened to have a go - just do your research and make sure that you understand the class rules. Just room for the mini-bar! The next stage, after the initial fit have done this twice, and never again. collecting a 505 and had a free tow continued on next page It is worth every penny. bar. On collection Alan was kind Our boat was immediately put on enough to put his templates on the the market, and sold within two weeks boat to mark out key fittings which to ex-505 sailors at Loch Lomond, again saved me loads of time. who are doing very well in it and are There is nothing like that “new at the front of the fleet, in fact just in boat smell”, and the boat was in the front of another old boat of ours. workshop and levelled up and ready I knew I had a small window of for action. I wanted to fit it out almost The Harken fittings time in December 2015-January 2016 the same as our old one, so I had

12 x Draycote Unshackled Autumn 2016 Solo Fleet NUMBERS BOOSTED BY NEW ENTRANTS

This sum mer has seen some de cent sail ing weather and this has been re- flected in good turn outs most week end, with as many as 17 Solos on the start line on a Sunday and regu lar turn outs in double figures. We still have a few races to go in our Sum mer Se ries, but it is look ing like Jeremy Atkins is the man to beat, back on form at the front of the fleet hav ing re cov ered from a couple of inju rie s which put him out of the running last year. Jeremy has al ready taken first e p place in the just complet ed Wednesday o H

Evening Series, followed by An drew d i v

Smith in second and Jona than Hughes a D in 3rd. Out in the wider world, Chris : o t

Brown has just taken a credit able 4th o h Place at the inland cham pion ships , P held re cently at Rutl and, where over 70 boats were competing. Members of the Solo fleet are keen to practise informally It is not just about racing though ... Solos can regularly be seen out on the water cruising, with some informal Fitting a Flying Fifteen (cont) We had agreed for P&B to take our boat to the Dinghy Show at practising on Saturday afternoons in out, was measuring; this is the difficult the summer and a regular group Alexandra Palace, so we had to part. Our boat was the first out of the get a move on to get it rigged. The getting out on Wednesdays during the newly refurbished Mark X mould, and day. next little problem was with the the chief world class measurer had mast, it being 50mm too long. Not If you think a Solo could be the insisted on a full measurement. boat for you, don't forget that there is a problem, P&B said that they So on a cold day in February, with would sort it out, so the boat was a Club boat for hire. the wood burning stove running flat – Jonathan Hughes delivered back to them, where out, and an unlimited supply of bacon mast was fitted and rig calibrated. butties and coffee, we had two class After the boat show the boat was measurers and one Olympic measurer taken back to Ovington’s, where in the workshop. We started at the keel was refurbished (keel 9.30am and finished at 6.30pm; weight made down to minimum practically everything was covered in weight) and sealed on to the boat.

The finished article on dispaly at the Dinghy Show templates, boat off the keel, turned It is very satisfying to sail your upside down, levelled with the help of own boat, a boat you have put lasers. together yourself, so don’t be The boat is weighed and the amount afraid to have a go. We calculated of correctors calculated. The hull that with the sale of our old boat passed with flying colours. The last and the DIY fit out, we saved thing was the keel. This is where we about £4000, and gained a great had a few problems. One of the profile deal of satisfaction. We would like templates would not meet by 2mm to thank Alan Bax and Olli Wells (keel too fat); on weighing it, we found of P&B, and Ovington Boats, for that the keel was 6kg over minimum their help with this project. weight. – Simon Patterson

Autumn 2016 Draycote Unshackled x 13 Interview with Warren & Lorraine WHAT WE DO ON OUR HOLIDAYS

It is only a few years since Lorraine is under st andably Warren & Lorraine started not so keen. sailing, but they have always Their first cruising had a clear idea of what adventure was a trip they they really wanted from it. took on their own to Rutland They were keen to follow the Water soon after buying celebrated and time- their boat. “We had a whole honoured tradition of dinghy range of conditions from a cruising around the lakes, lovely F3 to F5/6 and got estuaries and coasts of the the boat planing for the first UK. time. And for them, there was “It was great how helpful no humming and harring people were. As soon as we about what type of boat to said this was our first get and trying different ones venture, they couldn’t do first. The in which enough to help us. The same they had learnt ticked all Where did you put the sun cream? has been true of people at the boxes right from the Draycote. We’re really glad start. “What we wanted was we have also been the Swallows & Amazons And nearly all the conveniences of home encouraged to race as well. experience and the “Above all, you learn Wayfarer has been the good discipline and how to perfect boat for that,” they react quickly to situations. said. “We want to see With all your provisions and different, beautiful places equipment in the boat, and see them from the capsizing is not really an water.” option!” This summer they joined Warren & Lorraine have the Wayfarer Gathering in also taken their “lazy, hazy Ullswater and sailed each days” philosophy to the day up or down the lake Mediterranean. They are either on their own or in enjoying their fifth flotilla company, stopping off for tour of the Med, sailing two picnics along the shore and up on a Beneteau 35 (the returning each evening to interview for this article was the campervan they have conducted while they were bought specifically to enjoy sailing their Wayfarer off own Wayfarer, but the sipping G&Ts in the south this kind of lifestyle. “We the coast at some stage and rudder broke so, undeterred, Ionian – I wasn’t!). would find ourselves sailing to enjoy the challenge of they hired an old one However, alongside another Wayfarer tidal waters. locally. “The aft mainsheet will continue to be their loaded down with Mum & So far they have put their took a bit of getting used main interest with their base Dad, three kids and a dog, toes in the water sailing in to.” at Draycote where Warren not to mention barbecues the Salcombe estuary on a Warren has plans to take can also enjoy his recently and tents.” Watch the video three-day trip to celebrate part in the Wayfare r As soci - purchased Sprint 15. of their trip. Warren’s 50th birthday. atio n’s annual cruise around – Interview by They intend to move on to They planned to take their the Isle of Wight, but Ian Macwhinnie

This is the life! A wandering of Wayfarers

14 x Draycote Unshackled Autumn 2016 FERNHURST BOOKS DRAYCOTE DASH – 19 & 20 NOVEMBER

The Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash is the biggest event that the Club runs. It attracts more than 100 competitors including some of the top sailors in the country. It is part of the prestigious GJW Direct SailJuice Winter Series. It is a really great to event to compete in and we encourage members to enter. The entry fee is just £15 for Club members (compared to £30+ for visitors). Entry has to be done online, through the Series n i website by Sunday 13th November. l O

Entry is limited to 130 boats. m T

On the Saturday there should be : o t four (35-45 minute) average lap races o h and there is one 120-minute pursuit P race on the Sunday which is non- discardable. Last year’s Dash was sailed in interesting conditions In a change to previous years, the racing will be run separately on the would like to be involved, helpers are pursuit race is only for those who have day. needed, so please contact Jeremy entered the Draycote Dash – club If you don’t want to compete, but Atkins. SUCCESSES ON THE OPEN CIRCUIT e p o H

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Jeremy Davy and Martin Huett are National Champions in the Flying Fifteens, winning at Hayling Island and came third in the European Championships in the Netherlands.

Jack Lewis and Lucas Marshall with the enviable problem of where to put yet more silverware: l in the RS Feva, they are European Champions (for the second year), 5th in the Worlds and 4th in the n Nationals i w e L

l in the 420, they are U-17 National Champions, in m their first year in the boat, and were 4th overall l o c l

l Jack is also World and National Champion in the RS a M

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Serena Nahlik (right), with helm Fergus Barnham, are h National Champions in the [Laser] 2000 class, pictured p in a younger incarnation when we saw more of her; with Phillip Hunt, former Commodore, and, right, Tim Fillmore (interviewed on p8).

Autumn 2016 Draycote Unshackled x 15 SB20 CORPORATE DAYS & KIDS PARTIES

In their first season of operation, the Club’s two SB20s have been a great success and started to develop into an important source of income for the Club. They were purchased earlier this year as a way of tapping into the corporate market and making use of the water during the week when it was quiet. This summer was really aimed at bedding the boats in without a significant marketing effort. “We wanted to spend this year getting used to the boats and finding out how they could best be used,” said Dave Rowe. As it is, we have had a number of Perfect plan for kids parties bookings from corporate clients, including Severn Trent, Jaguar Land interruption to their working week. “It provides the kind of team Rover and a property company. They can have a meeting, conference building activity which companies “It enables people to get out sailing or workshop at the Club in the like and we give them the for a few hours in the Midlands, morning, using our lounge and opportunity to go sailing and racing. without having to go down to the south training rooms, then have lunch and They love it – they enjoy the boat coast, and without a major go sailing in the afternoon” said Dave. and the sailing and that element of competition. Very quickly they’re out there doing it and they’re not just passengers – there’s string to pull and you have to move about. So far the feedback has been excellent.” In addition to about 10 corporate days, the boats have been hired out to AgeUK and meet the needs for Sailability opportunities. The boats have also been hired out for kid’s parties and are also available to members to hire on a commercial basis. With the encouraging take-up this year, we can look forward to breaking even within the time-frame The two SB20s give great opportunities of the initial five-year plan and bring for some competitive match racing significant income into the Club.

Replacement ANT CLAY’S Membership Cards BLAST FROM and Fobs available THE PAST “I’ve only gone and found and purchased Optimist K1498 that I learnt to sail in at Draycote when I was a Y&Jer of a mere 8 years old! The wooden Optimist is well over 40 years old, with previous owners before I originally had it including Ian Walters and both Steve & Greg Irish! The Cards: £3 Fobs: £2 poor thing needs a fair bit of TLC and I need to replace a load of missing bits before she Keep in touch with what’s hits the water, but hopefully going on at the Club by she will be sailing again soon joining the Draycote Water at the Club with my members Facebook page daughter.”

16 x Draycote Unshackled Autumn 2016