SAILINGSAILING SCENESCENE The newsletter for MEDWAY YACHT CLUB Issue No. 2, 2016

Office: 01634 718399 Club: 01634 718169 www.medwayyachtclub.com Email: [email protected] Lower Upnor, Rochester, Kent ME2 4XB Medway Yacht Club is now available for your special family and commercial events.

The Club with its high quality facilities provides an unforgettable location for Weddings, Christenings, Wakes, Parties, Training, Product launches and other events. We have spectacular views across the River which never fails to impress guests. We have the right mix of outside and inside space to be flexible whatever the weather conditions. We would especially like you to consider using the Club for your family events and for those of your friends. Our facilities are ideal for Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays and Christenings. The Club is available for hire Monday through to Friday during the day, and into the evening when required. We have room for 150 guests buffet style and around 100 guests for table dining. When table dining, we provide circular tables with seating for eight to ten guests and all linen and table decorations, that will make the occasion look spectacular with that sought after ‘wow’ factor. Our Chef and ‘Galley’ staff are experienced at catering for our own discerning Club Members and will meet your ‘silver service’ standards. We are able to offer a wide range of food options and will cater for your individual needs. Our prices are competitive and we are keen to provide guests with the quality and service that they desire. We are able to offer boat trips and will work with you to design a unique experience at an affordable cost.

Mr & Mrs H said: Our 40th Wedding Anniversary Luncheon was a spectacular success. The Club looked quite stunning and we had pre-dinner drinks on the patio looking out over the water, in the warm sunshine. A hundred guests were well looked after with excellent food and service from the staff. The staff kept all our guests happy and made the day very special.

To discuss your event needs and reserve dates, call: MYC Office on 01634 718399

2 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 Commodore’s Report

As I write this In May we threw our doors open and planned longer cruises were impacted the season is held a club open weekend as part of by the weather but there has been lots drawing to a the RYA Push-the-Boat Out scheme. of independent and group cruising close and by The weekend went well with lots of going on. the time you visitors getting afloat. Some liked us Ashore we have been busy as well. We read it many so much that they stayed and joined completed the installation of gas and boats will be the club. Next year we hope to follow water mains and converted all heating ashore for the winter but it is worth up the open day(s) with learn-to-sail and cooking to gas. The project got looking back over a very full season. course as we develop a pathway into off to a slow start but was completed sailing. The following weekend we basically on time and slightly under hosted the Squib Easterns where our budget. Issue No.2, 2016 home fleet put out five boats that were joined by seven visitors. Sailing On top of this there has been all the Contents conditions were almost ideal and usual club activities including Tuesday MYC promotion 2 everybody went home smiling. & Wednesday gangs, Wednesday Commodore’s Report 3-4 night racing, Friday nighters (very June and the pace did not slacken as busy this year) Oppie and Cadet sailing Vice Commodore’s Report 4-5 rd we held the 53 Medway Marathon (new revised and popular schedule) Rear Commodore’s Report 5 and half Marathon where monohull as well as RIB training for the Honda The demolition of the Grain 5 boats under 30ft sail a 26(ish) mile Youth RIB Championships. As you can Power Station Chimney course down to Queenborough and imagine all of this takes a considerable Autumn Trot Boat Service 6 back with doglegs up various creeks amount of organisation and requires a The Yacht “Vilda” 6 on the way. Numbers were slightly lot of help during the events. So from down with 31 competitors taking Handelsbanken 6 me on behalf of all the participants part. A week later and we hosted a huge thank-you to all who have Dates for your Diary 2016/17 7 the Wayfarer Nationals which also Editorial 7 contributed in any way to making attracted 31 entries. As you will read these events and our normal activities Bar / Galley Opening Times 7 elsewhere the conditions were varied so successful. One of the privileges of My 2016 Adventure 8-9 and race management challenging being Commodore is being at the club Valhalla 2016 9-10 but Sunday, the last day, almost a lot and hearing how well regarded Honda RYA Youth RIB 10-11 perfect and again we sent everybody we are both in terms of sailing and Championships home smiling. shore-side but also as a welcoming Welcome to New Members 11 July was our own Regatta which and friendly club. VR Topper SE Travellers Event 12-13 this year combined with the Sonata The office has been going through a Eastern Championships and whilst Looking for a Guest Family 13 period of change with first Sue Watson we did not attract any visiting Sonatas retiring and then our replacement Thank you from Robert Munns... 13-14 (too close to the Nationals) the MYC Wednesday Evening Series 14-15 resigning but “new” Sue, Sue Abery, competitors enjoyed three days of full- joined us in June and has been doing a Adverts 15-17 on racing in strong conditions. At the sterling job in role of Club Secretary. At Cadets’ Class Report 18 end of the month we passed the club the same time we changed banks and Oppies’ Report 19 into the hands of our young sailors have also been updating our systems 53rd Medway Marathon 19 with first Mutiny-on-the Medway with new accounting software and a and then Cadet Week. Both events professional administration system Wayfarer Class Captain’s Report 20 went very well with lots of sailing and Wayfarer N. Championships16 20-21 called Sailing Club Manager which we shoreside activities. are currently configuring and loading Squib Fleet Captain’s Report 21-22 August was quieter but things took off with information with the aim of Sonata Class Captain’s Report 23 again in September when we hosted introducing its functionality (including Medway Regatta & Sonata 24 a SE Topper training day and Open replacing DutyMan) over the next few Easterns Report 2016 event where we saw 25 young sailors months. Medway Dragon Fleet 24-25 putting on a fine display of sailing. At The House team has been busy not Cruiser Class 26-27 the end of September / beginning of only supporting all the club and open MYC Keelboat Regatta 28 October we held the East Coast Dragon functions but also finding time for the The Voyage of Quien Sabe 29-30 Championship with a good turnout of occasional outside event. As we head both local boats and visitors. Advertisements 31-32 towards Christmas I know they have It has not all been about racing and a full programme of social activities the Cruiser Class members have been including Trafalgar Night, Fireworks Illustrations for front cover “ The Loss of on their regular second weekend of party, Commodore’s Dinner, Christmas Grain Power Station’s Chimney as a useful the month jaunts to Queenborough Lunch, Carol Concert and Children’s Navigation aid - 7.9.2016 ” provided and I hear that, having tested every Christmas party. We aim to open the with courtesy of Mike Spurgin as are all hostelry in town, they now have eating photographs in this edition unless otherwise (continued on page 4) stated. and drinking cracked. Some of the

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 3 Cont’d from page 3 - Commodore’s Report Committee (MC) has tried to spend like to reinstate the Development some time looking at how we would Committee (DC) as allowed for in our Club on Boxing Day between 11:30 like the club to look in two, five and Rules with the sole task of looking at and 14:30 when the bar and galley ten years’ time. Every MC member renewing or replacing the clubhouse. will be staffed by the Flag Officers and without exception when asked when The DC would be tasked next year partners. looking ten years into the future with looking at the feasibility of the saw the need for a “new” or updated project including all aspects such as rd As the AGM looms (Saturday 3 clubhouse. Exactly what that means location, finance and time-frame with December) I would like to invite differed depending on who you talked the aim of presenting a report to the anybody who would like to become to but there was no shortage of ideas. AGM in 2017. If you are interested in more involved with your club to get Replacing or renewing the clubhouse joining this committee please let me in contact either directly with a Flag know via the office. Officer or through the office. This is a major project that needs careful year there will be two places on planning and management which I look forward to seeing you at your Management Committee and other goes beyond the normal term of club soon. opportunities to get involved. office of any one Commodore and Colin Weston the time available for Management Commodore During the year your Management Committee. I would therefore Vice Commodore’s Report

The last time I am extremely grateful as he has recent Sailing Committee we discussed I was writing provided many great events for the the level of cover to ensure that it for Sailing Class and represented your views is appropriate for our racing. It was Scene I had at sailing Committee. It is not only agreed that having two Safety boats just attended the weekends that provide Sailing on the river, an OOD and line helper the Dinghy activities and MYC would not be the was correct and this will continue in show in same if it were not for the Tuesday and 2017 which makes the total number March and was looking forward to the Wednesday groups. These Groups of duties in the region of 280! This can season start. All too quickly it seems also provide many of the unseen be a challenge to achieve and at this the Editor of this fine publication was volunteers that help around the club point I have to say with regards to the asking for my November iteration providing much needed support. line helpers that the Club and myself which signals the end of sailing for this Much discussion has taken place are extremely grateful to John Basley, year. regarding a Committee boat which the OOD’s best friend, for turning out What a year 2016 has been for the would replace Marguerite to provide practically every weekend to get the sailing not only for our Club racing but a better platform from which to run race box organised and help with also seeing MYC hosting a National racing. This year we have gratefully the starting the races. We are also event for every sponsored class at relied on a number of members who reviewing Sunday duties which to date the club starting with the Squibs and bravely place their cruisers on what have been a 9–5 day. The aim is to see culminating with the Dragon East can be a very busy start line. Our if this can be split into two to reduce Coast championships. All of these plan and hope is that a decision will the time; more information from your events showed MYC at its best and have been made on the most suitable class captains to follow I am sure. I am personally extremely grateful craft and a boat will be in service for With all of the duties in mind it would to all of the Individuals and class the start of 2017 season. We already be fantastic to hear from any members committees that put in a significant have a Topper and a Wayfarer opened who would like to help on a more effort in getting the events here in booked. regular basis. We are also looking to the first place and then organising Club windward leewards (W/L) have create a pool of members who can everything from breakfast to safety provided very exciting racing this help at events and the W/L providing crews. Our final task this year is to host year with 3 / 4 races taking place on the correct level of race management the RYA Instructor conference where a single day. These races also provide from race officer to mark-layers. This instructors from all over the South East valuable training and experience for is key to getting these events to run will receive an update to help with those members who attend class smoothly. We will provide training planning for next year. This is once open meetings which are invariably over the winter and prior to the start again a great opportunity for other Olympic style courses. In 2017 we of the season for anyone interested in Clubs to come and see our facilities. plan to increase these race days and becoming a Race Officer or helping We may even attract a new member are currently looking to have these more regularly at the club. Please get or two. once a month. in touch with the office or me directly. It is also important at this point to Duties. As ever the task of allocating There is still a lot to get right at MYC recognise that whilst the club does duties for next season is fast and there are a number of initiatives provide racing and hold these open approaching but firstly I would like to to help improve all our sailing events we do have a vibrant Cruiser thank all of those members who have class lead by David Boakes to whom done a duty or three in 2016. At a (continued on page 5)

4 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 Cont’d from page 4 - Vice Commodore’s Report Rear Commodore’s knowledge and abilities. Training is at the heart of this and we hope to Report (House) provide a much fuller programme and pathway in 2017 which will also see the establishment of a Ladies section I’m writing this report in the middle and Auction for the Club. of September, after a very busy on the 22nd so Lastly I would like to thank the whole year for the Club with Push the please offer of the Sailing Committee and the Boat Out and the Squib Eastern your support Bosun and his team for their help Championships in May, the Wayfarer to these very worthwhile causes. in making 2016 another great year Nationals and Marathon in June, the Fireworks Night at the Club is on and I look forward to working with Keelboat Regatta and Sonata Eastern Saturday November 5th this year many new Class captains developing Championships in July and the Topper followed by Class Prize-giving Dinners our facilities, programme and sailing Traveller Series and Commodore’s Day and laying-up suppers later in the offering in 2017. I also look forward to in September. Now we just have the month. Dragon East Coast Championships to seeing all members during the season December sees the Commodore’s look forward to starting at the end of and hearing your views on how we Dinner on the 10th, the Carol Concert September. can improve MYC still further. and Supper on the 16th and drinks On top of the sailing events the Club with the Flag Officers on Boxing Day. Enjoy your class dinners and the very has been chosen by both members best for the 2017 Season. Finally, in December there is the New and outside organisations for all sorts Year’s Eve Party. Mark Penny of celebrations with many positive The first event in 2017 is the very Vice Commodore comments received. popular Burns Night on 27th January. I have always been impressed by the The House Committee is always ability of the Galley to deliver excellent looking at new ideas for events but if food to up to 100 diners but this year anyone has ideas for the future then we have decided to upgrade some of The demolition please let any one of the Committee the kitchen equipment to ensure that members know. of the Grain we can continue to deliver the high levels of food we have come to expect. The website and the rolling calendar are getting ever more important for The Galley and Bar are only able to Power Station all the up-to-date news and details work so well because of the hard work of events. We have a lovely venue and commitment of Neil the Steward , in probably the best setting on Chimney and Mark the Chef plus their team and the Medway, so please take every said to be the tallest structure of its the Club owes them a huge vote of opportunity to bring friends and kind in Great Britain, was going to be thanks. family along and let them see what an interesting one to watch. Its location Looking forward to October we have amongst other structures such as our Club has to offer both ashore and re-introduced Trafalgar Day to the on the water. chemical tanks and electricity pylons Club on the 21st to celebrate Britain’s I look forward to seeing you all at the must have given the demolition gang’s greatest sailor. Also in the month we Club. foreman quite a headache!. The basic have the Macmillan Coffee and Cake Tony Newcombe aim was to bring the structure down Day on the 8th and the RNLI Supper without incurring collateral damage Rear Commodore to buildings and chemical tanks in the vicinity. that a further charge was blown at the 4 vent smoke cap was still intact thus Brian Cameron and I arrived by base. The cap, with 4 independent indicating it was a steel fabrication. water, with only 15 minutes to spare, smoke vents (probably made in steel), before the chimney was due to be I am sure there must be other seafarers continued to belch black smoke until who will be sorry not to have this demolished at 1100 hrs. We were it landed on the top of the rubble, still lucky to find a suitable position to ‘landmark’ available any more. I well belching out smoke. For a minute or remember using it as a homely guide film the event, amongst many other so the area was enveloped in a white boats, intent on having a good view. I when coming South from Burnham or dust storm which the wind carried it West Mersey and indeed coming from had already speculated as what might away in a Westerly direction. happen. What was noticeable was the East having been abroad etc. You that a brick had been removed about My camera was set to take repetitive can now delete it from your charts. 2/3ds of the way down from the top. shots at approximately 1/4 second If you missed this event you can In fact this is where a small charge had intervals. I ended up with 18 frames witness the demolition of the Kings been placed and was the first charge taken. North power station chimney which to be fired. Later I talked to a Club member who is due to come down, as the final It was uncanny to watch (and film) happened to witnessed the event demolition event, sometime next year. what happened. The top 2/3rds started from the shore who then later, went to Mike Spurgin to drop vertically and then it appeared the actual site, I was informed that the

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 5 Autumn Trot Handelsbanken Boat Service The Club’s new bankers. After many years of banking at Nat West we have now made the move of The summer trot boat service will switching banks to Handelsbanken. stop on Sunday 30th October. The background to this decision was an initial approach from Stephen The autumn trot boat service will Keast at Handelsbanken to our previous Commodore Benita Woolley. start on Saturday 5th November and Stephen discussed our requirements and current situation with Nat West. finish on Sunday 27th November. The discussion mainly centred around the service that we received and As usual the operating times will the bank charges that we were levied by Nat West and the credit interest be reduced during this period and received. whilst the start times are accurate the Stephen explained the local operating model of Handelsbanken and that finishing times are only approximate, we would be serviced by the office at Victory House, Quayside Chatham. members are therefore advised to Handelsbanken have over 200 branches in the UK and have been in check with the trot boat driver on existence since 1871. Handelsbanken is a Swedish bank which believes when the service may cease that day. in decentralisation, this means that all decisions and service operations for the client are made and carried out by the local staff who we have contact Times: numbers for! Saturday 09.30 – 15.00 Important factors for us were the security and financial stability of the bank. Sunday 08.00 – 15.00 During our discussions it was obvious to us that, in the electronic world we live in Handelsbanken takes security extremely seriously, furthermore Sailing Committee. Peter Aird Handelsbanken is the highest rated bank in Europe giving us confidence HSBC. that our money is safe. The switch went smoothly and the team at the Chatham office have always been on hand to assist and visit on a number of occasions to ensure all is working as it should. The Yacht Moving banks was not a decision the Management Committee took lightly but it is a decision we are pleased we made. In summary we now have a “Vilda” bank that is interested in us, we can contact and speak to decision makers The Yacht “Vilda” has been lying in the whenever we need to and we are saving money and receiving more credit winter storage this year among all the interest than we did at Nat West. other boats and going through the If you wish to find out more about Handelsbanken whether it be for ritual of preparation for the summer Personal or Corporate accounts, please contact Stephen on – 01634 nd season. On Saturday 2 April, when 890942 or [email protected] . at the club to install a new battery, it was noticed that the propeller was John Airey missing. This was a very distinctive Hon Treasurer Brunton”s Autoprop self feathering http://www.handelsbanken.co.uk/chatham propeller. The propeller was designed, by Brunton’s, to fit the particular hull shape, displacement and engine power characteristics for the yacht sizes and sufficient strength to boat parts sale so ask that you please so it’s use for other yachts would be undo the nuts. It was obvious the keep your eyes open. The propeller limited, however it had been stolen. propeller was designated for another has a unique serial number, which is From discussion with other members yacht as they also took the shaft key, known by the Police, AP6763, which is in the vicinity of Vilda and with the the sacrificial anode and the plastic stamped on all parts of the propeller. Boson it was felt that the theft occurred securing bolts to refit the propeller. Michael Mew over night on Friday, the night before A task like this would take some while the theft was noticed. to accomplish so if anyone observed Whoever stole the propeller had some the removal or has any further marine and engineering knowledge, information please let the Police, the as they must have come equipped club, the Boson or myself know. (My with the necessary tools to remove number is 07719 377123). Equally, the propeller from the shaft. Anyone as you can see from the photograph, who has had to undertake the removal the propeller is of a very distinctive of a propeller will know that an design so if you are approached to appropriate extractor tool would be buy, are aware of anyone selling such needed to force the propeller from the a propeller or see it fitted to another shaft. They would also need Allen and yacht please contact those above. It socket wrenches of the appropriate is also possible it might turn up at a Photo - provided by Michael New

6 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 Editorial What an amazing season ... This season has been like a RIB in full throttle. I am sure everyone had a great season with so much that went on at the Club. See for yourself in this edition as I am having problem fitting all articles in. Surprisingly (after the last edition of the Sailing Scene being published), I had so much opportunity on the water safety boating and have learned so much from the experienced. Not sure about you, but, I am already looking forward to the next season... Dates for your Diary 2016/17 definitely doing more proper sailing. Sun 30 Oct End of Season Thank you and CC Autumn Series R1 apologies. Sat 5 Nov MYC Bonfire and Firework Party As always, I cannot end without Sun 6 Nov CC Autumn Series R2 thanking those who have Sat 12 Nov Cruiser Laying Up Supper and AGM contributed to this edition and to Sun 13 Nov CC Autumn Series R3 all the advertisers for their continual support. Please accept my apologies Sat 19 Nov Sonata Dinner and Awards if your contribution wasn’t published Sun 20 Nov CC Autumn Series R4 in this edition, I will keep them for Sat 26 Nov Wayfarer & Squibs Dinner / Wayfarer AGM future issues as I know considerate Sun 27 Nov CC Autumn Series R5 effort has been put in to writing your Autumn Series Lunch article. A BIG THANKS to Colin Marshall for Sat 3 Dec MYC AGM / Fondu Christmas Supper helping me with proof reading (and Sat 10 Dec Commodore’s Dinner advice), Mike Spurgin for his amazing Fri 16 Dec MYC Carol Concert & Supper photography, Kellie Jones and Sue Abery for their liaison at the office. Mon 26 Dec Boxing Day Lunchtime Drinks Sat 31 Dec New Year’s Eve Party Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ! Sat 14 Jan Dragon Dinner Henry Chung Editor Sat 21 Jan Dragon AGM Email: [email protected] Fri 27 Jan Burn’s Night Dinner

Advertising in this publication BAR and GALLEY OPENING TIMES Advertisements for sailing items for sale, to buy, crew wanted, etc. can From 1st November 2016 be placed free of charge by Club members. Commercial advertisers BAR GALLEY may also take advantage at the Wednesday 18:00 to 23:00** Wednesday 18:00 to 21:00** following rates: Friday 18:00 to 21:30** Friday Closed** Back Page (full colour) - £155 +VAT. Saturday 12:00 to 20:00** Saturday 10:00 to 16:00** Inside Pages (black/white) Full Page - £103 +VAT. Sunday 12:00 to 18:00** Sunday 10:00 to 16:00** Other adverts charged on a pro rata basis. Minimum charge £26 +VAT. * Functions & Bookings only, see website for details * (All sizes are approximate) ** All closing times are subject to the discretion of the Steward ~ Later Please contact the Editor for further closing subject to Functions ** information about advertising in “Sailing Scene” Galley last orders ~ Half hour before closing time email: [email protected] Please note that the above times may be varied on any individual day subject to a Flag Officers approval.

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 7 My 2016 Adventure. A few years ago I learnt that the beginning of the season. we had a long run from Dover to association for my boat “a Contessa 26” Eastbourne to contemplate. Tried to th Charts were updated only to find that was planning a 50 Anniversary Rally I could not update my chart plotter as get out of the tide by going inshore in Lymington, the birthplace of this the memory was too small for the new into Hythe Bay to get chased away yacht. This was an event that would Navionics charts. A late Christmas by a guard boat as the firing range only happen for me once and I was present from my son saw a new was active. Ended up motor-sailing determined to attend. chart plotter installed, only to find on against wind and tide for most of the This yacht was derived from the installation that the previous owner day getting into Eastbourne after Folkboat which Jeremy Rogers built had used domestic TV coaxial aerial dark having avoided multiple lobster in wood. Then GRP arrived which cable instead of marine VHF cable. All pots in the dusk on the way in. Took was cheaper and plentiful and he and new cable was fitted and a good job another days rest in Eastbourne. David Sadler sat down together and too as the through deck connection Next was a nice little hop round the the Contessa 26 was born. Building at the bottom of the mast was so corner to Brighton. Having heard started in 1966. A member of the corroded I just do not know how my stories about the marina entrance I grocery chain “Sainsburys”, Vernon VHF functioned at all. rang them to learn we could not get Sainsbury, financed the mould and A few shake down sails followed with in +/- 2 hours either side of low water. history was started. Around 200 the Tuesday Group. This lead to one As we had a couple of hours spare in Contessa 26 were built by Rogers heart stopping moment as alighting our passage plan decided to go for before the Contessa 32 became from the trot boat one Tuesday there a blast off Beachy Head but to find even more popular and production were three screws on the deck at the when we tacked back we could make switched. The moulds were then sold base of the mast. Up the mast again no headway round Beachy Head. to JJ Taylor in Canada and they have but could see no problems. I never Motor sailing again to catch up when carried on and built over 400 more found out where the screws came engine died so instructed Paul to sail as they are very popular on the Great from but assume they must have out to sea while I sorted the problem. Lakes. been left by the electrician when he The primary fuel filter had strips of Back to my own story. The first priority fitted the new through deck aerial black sludge in it and after cleaning would be to find a crew to share the connection. and replacing all filters off we went voyage so part way through 2015 I again. I think that there must have I decided to leave early for the rally and been a line of sludge in the bottom of asked Paul Jacquemin, you probably give myself a month to get from Upnor all know him as the Frenchman, if my round fuel tank built up over many to Lymington, day sailing marina to years which had been dislodged by he would like to attempt it with me. marina. So with the tide right we set He volunteered and I will always be the beating we took round South sail at the end of June. To start we had Foreland. Needless to say we got to grateful to him for his huge help with a pleasant sail to Queenborough with the adventure. With a longish voyage Brighton half an hour late so sailed a the evening tide and a quiet night on a couple of miles offshore and hove to planned, well longish for me and my buoy. Off very early the next morning small yacht, it was the longest I had for a couple of hours much to Paul’s to catch the tide turn at North Foreland discomfort. attempted. Until this, Queenborough only to give my crew his first heart to Pyefleet Creek, a mere 30 ish miles stoppage as I forgot to turn the diesel As we had plenty of time another days was my record but up to 60 miles in on and the engine stopped after 100 rest was taken in Brighton to get ready one day was in the planning. The yards. No wind on day two and a for our next long hop to the Solent. winter of 2015/16 became a major motor sail all the way to Ramsgate. The plan was to go to Bembridge but check and overhaul of all I could see. Up early next day with force 7 forecast here the tide would restrict our entry. I listened to many and the best piece to give us our first unplanned day in Again wind F4/5 from the West on the of advice was to fit a spray hood. The harbour. Next day it looked better nose and a motor sail through the Contessa 26 has a very low freeboard with F4/5 gusting F6. Ramsgate to Looe channel to the Streets Buoy. It and is notoriously wet. They tend to Dover did not seem a long sail so off was now too late to enter Bembridge go over the first and second wave and we sailed. Hardly any wind so what so Chichester was planned but on through the third when beating. More were the forecasters talking about bearing away at the Streets Buoy the about this sound piece of advice later. but halfway down the Gull Channel boat picked up her skirts and gave I had bumped into a few owners of it kicked in and by the time we got to us the best sail so far at over 5 knots Contessa 26 on my travels and some South Foreland we were beating into straight to Gosport. Overnighted at were fanatics creating boats looking 8 to 10 foot waves with white caps. Haslar Marina and set off in F4/5 for like new and obviously cherished. The new spray hood now paid for itself Lymington. Thought the sheltered Up the mast and everything looked time and time again. We were thrown Solent would be a piece of cake after sound. But not only had the boat to about everywhere and cabin looked South Foreland but how wrong we be mechanically sound it would need like a bomb had hit it with drawers were. Beating into the short chop to look her best. The varnish pot came on floor and contents of cupboards in the Solent was really hard work out as I like a bit of bright work; the everywhere. For the next two days we and in my view much worse than off hull was polished and she looked were locked in Dover with F8 forecast. Dover. But we made it and arrived in very good when Steve collected her Day five looked more promising with Lymington. Took over two weeks in with the Wise and launched her at the F4/F5 forecast but from the West and (continued on page 9)

8 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 Cont’d from page 8 - My 2016 Adventure Lymington to leave later in the week. Valhalla 2016. What a difference the return voyage some of the worst conditions seen was with wind from the West for the A cruise around the Zuider Zee, visiting recently. I now had huge confidence entire voyage except for our last day the beautiful old ports of Holland’s in the boat as my Contessa had proved where we had wind from the NW, Golden Age. she could take far more than we could. a direction we had dreamed about This Summer we wanted to see a part I was always told she was a great sea all the way to Lymington. On the of Holland new to us. In previous boat and now I believe it. return we were rewarded with one years we cruised the Southern areas It proved right to go early as 45 day of idyllic sailing from Brighton to of the Nederlands, Zeeland, which I Contessa 26 were planning to Eastbourne. F3/4 with a clear blue would describe as a yachties’ paradise, attend but only 39 made it with the sky and matching blue sea, making 5 with its huge expanses of sheltered remainder stuck in marinas along the to 6 knots through the water against non-tidal waters, its ancient ports and south coast due to weather problems. the back drop of the Seven Sister and cities, friendly locals and reasonably- As we approached Dan Bran Pontoon Beachy Head. We got back safely to priced berths. the club in under a week. in Lymington we were honoured to We wanted to visit the ports that also have our lines taken by Jeremy prospered during the 17th century, Rogers himself with his wife when Holland was the world’s leading Fiona and very privileged to nation. The Dutch set off to trade have him admire Queen Esther with the rest of the world with the and chat with us. I do not know formation of the East India and West what Jeremy thought at this India Companies in 1602 & 1621 and event but seeing 39 boats lined for the next 100 years brought back up two deep, which he had built, treasures from all corners of the globe along the entire length of the and sold them for huge profits to pontoon decked out in bunting the rest of Europe. “Free trade” and and flags must have made him “Freedom of the Seas” only existed terribly proud. for the most powerful of seafaring The rally itself was a great nations. success and I was glad I had Rally1. The gathering at Lymington. The Holland of the 17th century bears made the effort to get to little resemblance to the Holland of Lymington. On Friday night we today, due to the recovery of land took over the pub garden down from the sea. Dykes, dams, vast areas the road for a barbeque. We of polder land and huge defences met many old and made new against encroachment of the North friends and listened to much Sea and flooding of the Rhine would talk of Contessa 26 sailing along make the present map unrecognisable with a number of tall tales. to any brave seafarer 400 years ago. Saturday saw a gentle sail in Amsterdam was approached from the company, with light SW wind, North and East, through the Zuider down to Hurst Castle were we Zee, unlike today, through the North all anchored and spent a couple Sea canal from the West. The 17th of hours in warm sunshine century sailing ships returned from enjoying the afternoon, with their voyages making landfall at Den Rally2. The great man himself. Jeremy Rogers a back drop of Contessas and Helder then sailing South to Stavoren sailing Greyling. Owned and restored by (NE Ijsselmeer) or the only other ports much wine. Saturday evening Jeremy. The 5th Contessa 26 built. was the highlight as we enjoyed that existed at that time, Medemblik, a very good three course meal Enkhuisen, Hoorn, Edam, Volendam, at the Royal Lymington Yacht Monnickendam and the island of Club. 130 people were present Marken, on the West side of this inland including the lady who had sea. sailed a Contessa 26 round the Today’s Zuider Zee (Southern Sea) is world single handed. Lots of cut into two sections, the Markermeer good speeches and the Club to the South and Ijsselmeer to the Secretary was presented with North and all the old ports are on the a scale replica of his Contessa West side quite simply for the reason “Elinor” made and presented by that all development on the East side Jeremy Rogers himself. is on reclaimed land. From geography Sunday saw a light hearted classes in my youth I still remember race to Yarmouth for a huge the exam question “God made the carvery lunch. The rally broke up Rally3. Sunset on the fleet at Lymington. World but the Dutch made Holland“ here with some of the Solent based Kevin Thornton Discuss. sailors departing to their own home Contessa 26 “Queen Esther” moorings. We elected to return to (continued on page 10) All photos for this article - provided by Kevin Thornton

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 9 Cont’d from page 9 - Valhalla 2016. to maximize time spent exploring on smell was wonderful, so strong and all shore. pervasive we had to leap ashore to stock up with chocolate bars. So, with 4 weeks of summer holidays In Den Helder the weather deteriorated before us we set off from MYC to for a couple of days so we got out the The trip from Amsterdam back to Harwich, then across the North Sea to oilskins, cancelled any plans to go Amsterdam took ten days. Very little Ijmuiden, the entrance to the North further North to the Frisian Islands, distance was covered – only 135 miles Sea Canal. It was flat calm, not a ripple instead heading South on the North but with four hundred years history. on the surface, not even the remnants Holland canal to Alkmaar, to Zaandam The return was through Haarlem of a swell. It wasn’t even busy, ships and back into the North Sea canal to Brassermeer, (where the were few and far between, the only and Amsterdam. Memories remain harbourmaster,on his bike, presented sights to brighten the night, the of the passage through Alkmaar us with a large jar of pickled gherkins) various farms of wind generators. We with it’s many bridges all controlled Bruinisse, Vlissingen, Niewport, locked into the canal at Ijmuiden and from one central bridgemaster’s Dunkirk, Ramsgate to Queenboro’ continued to Amsterdam. office and watched over by CCTV, (through Swale) and home to MYC. every bridge opened on your arrival The huge (350 berth) Amsterdam and closed behind you as if by some In total it took 28 days to cruise 590 Marina, built 3 years ago, is where magic, with no one in sight. On the miles. At 21 miles per day this must the adventure started. This modern passage from Alkmaar to Zaandam we set a record for slowest cruise ever but marina has all facilities you would passed through an area of chocolate what sights, what memories. expect and also a fine restaurant but manufacturing. Willy Wonkadam? The Hammy & Mary Nixon it’s best feature is a (free!) half hourly ferry service to Amsterdam’s central station and all the sights of the city. Our first destination was Marken, a small island off the ports of Volendam and Monnickendam with its lighthouse high enough to guide all ships towards the approaches to Amsterdam. Volendam itself is typical of all the heavily fortified ports of 17th century Zuider Zee. We sailed North to Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Stavoren, Medemblik - berthing in Pekelharing Haven! - to exit into the open sea (Waddenzee) at Den Oever thence to the modern naval port of Den Helder. Berthing here amongst the large Dutch navy warships and submarines was a jump of 400 years from the previous ports to 21st century Holland. All passages were kept short – two or three hours typically Illustration - provided by Hammy & Mary Nixon Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship On the last Sunday (25th September) all against the clock of the Southampton Boat Show the and with penalties for best of the nation’s young RIB drivers infringements. competed in the final of the Honda There were fourteen RYA Youth RIB Championship to win regions represented, two new RIBs. Among them were so twenty eight two from Medway Yacht Club, George competitors lined up RIBs which most were not familiar Pegram, in the 8 – 12 age group, and to pit themselves against each other with. There were many approving Bryn Glass, in the 13 – 16 age group, and the conditions. The course was comments among the spectators on who had earned their places by exposed to a blustery wind causing the quay. winning in the London & South East quite a chop, a challenging test of Regional Final. the competitors’ skills. They took George and Bryn drove very well to They tackled a course which consists it all in their stride. In fact they all be placed 5th in a time of 1:25:88 and of an “L” shaped slalom, a stop exhibited great confidence and ability maneuver and a reversing maneuver, in handling the Honda/Highfield (continued on page 11)

10 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 Cont’d from page 10 - Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship

12th in a time of 1:21:82 respectively in their age groups. The winners were Jamie Patterson [0:58:31] of Findhorn Marina, in the 8-12 age group and Kamila Czartolomna [0:56:19] of South Staffordshire Sailing Club in the 13-16 Bryn Glass competing at the National Final - photo by George Pegram competing at the National Final - photo by age group. Each is a past champion Rebecca Glass Rebecca Glass and their laps were impressive. some of their best times. It takes a lot of time and effort to put in the performances that each the There was some competitors achieved on the day. drama when For ours, this year’s practice sessions the results were started at the beginning of May. We compiled, with held training sessions for a handful of Harry Chung young Ribsters, usually after Sunday and Bryn Glass Morgan Glass competing at the Regional Final Harry Chung competing at the Regional Final cadet sailing. Some were old hands posting identical from previous years and others were best times to completely new to the experience. In tie for first. It the weeks leading up to the London was decided & South East Regional Final, they that there was all came on in leaps and bounds, to be a play-off developing an appreciation of RIB with each going handling on the river. back out to do one more run. Alistair Verrill competing at the Regional Final Jake Forrest competing at the Regional Final The London & South East Regional Bryn went first rd Final was held at the Medway Yacht and Lily Cameron a close 3 . going 3 seconds Well done to all. Club on 23 July. slower than his It was an ideal day to race RIBs, just a previous run. It’s very satisfying to be gentle breeze and hardly a cloud in Harry went off involved with organising the the sky. Tom Busfield representing at a blisteringly training for the Honda RYA the RYA arrived mid-morning with fast pace and Youth RIB Championship. the course and the competition boat. looked certain 2016 is another year in which The course was laid just downriver of to bag first until Lily Cameron competing at the Regional Final the club’s participation in the jetty, the RIB was launched, guard a mistake at the the event has introduced boats and timekeepers were in place stop buoy led to him loosing time and developed some of its young and the competition got under way. which he was unable to recover. So members to safe and competent Unfortunately, there were no entrants the final positions in the 13-16 age RIB driving. It would not be possible from other clubs again this year, group were: 1st Bryn Glass; 2nd Harry without the help and support of the despite our efforts to attract more Chung; 3rd Morgan Glass; 4th Jake club and its members. interest. Nevertheless, the children Forrest. In the 8-12 age group George Thanks are due to all of those have entered into the spirit and produced Pegram was first, with Alistair Verrill 2nd helped, including: Mike Spurgin who has been an ever- present source of advice and help, Steve the Bosun and his team for Welcome to NEW MEMBERS organising the RIB and the course ready for our training sessions and the Samuel Boniface, Christopher Boniface, John & Jenny Thorpe regional finals, John and Matt Crockett Jack & Elaine Tilley, Philip Harris & Anne Lamming, Nicholas Wyver as trainers, Paul Cameron and Rebecca Glass as time keepers during the James Staniland, Rachel Darnely-Smith, Russell Turner, David Nutcher regional finals, Sue and Kellie in the William & Caroline Knight and children office and the owners of our training RIB “Champion” for kindly providing it Kevin Mooney & Louise Brown and children for our use. We are also grateful for the Robert & Rebecca Ratcliffe and children support from the Commodore, Vice Commodore and MYC Flag Officers Matthew & Fiona Davey and children for allowing us to use the club facilities Quentin & Nikki Straus and children and making allowance for us around the club’s racing and other activities. Peter McConnell, Lewis Wright, Ian Nunns & Nicky White Henry Chung & Ian Glass Ross Porter, Jon Smith & Randa Saab-Smith MYC HRYRC Organisers John & Myra Arter, Louis & Clare Redshaw, and the Sailability Group

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 11 VR Topper SE Travellers Event and Coaching at Medway Yacht Club sponsored by Pirate’s Cave The weekend of 3rd and 4th September waters and exercises in small groups. winds in the water inside the trots, was a busy one for young Topper The sailors then launched to put their and one of which practiced upwind sailors at Medway Yacht Club. strategies into practice on a small and downwind technique near Upnor On Saturday 3rd September, twelve course upriver of the Club. The wind Castle. The day’s coaching ended with Topper sailors including five of the over tide conditions of 15-20 knots a debrief, and unanimous agreement home fleet enjoyed a day of coaching were too taxing for some of the sailors, that everybody had taken something from International Topper Class and the fleet returned to the Club. from the day. association coaches, Andy and Ed. After lunch, the fleet was divided into On Sunday 4th September, over twenty The session began with some shore two groups, one of which worked on five boats competed in the open based discussion on sailing in tidal boat handling and boat trim in strong meeting with visitors from twelve clubs joining the local fleet. The visitors were strong with two of the sailors featuring near the top of the recent Topper World Championships and several other sailors with Championship experience. With a WSW wind of 14-22 knots and a flood tide the race team set a windward leeward course between the Club and Upnor Castle for two races in the morning. The boat handling of the better sailors was outstanding especially in the gusts

(continued on page 13)

12 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 Cont’d from page 12 - VR Topper SE Travellers Event & Coaching at MYC Looking For A Guest Family downwind which caused other My name is Luca Martin Röhrborn. I am a 15 years old boy from Dresden/ capsizes for others. The first race th was won by Scott Wilkinson from Germany. At present, I am learning in the 10 grade at a protestant Rye Harbour SC and the second by secondary school. I enjoy physics, maths, history and physical education Morgan Archer from Blue Circle SC. most. My favorite sport is dinghy sailing. I regularly take part in optiboat Other boats performing well in the sailing races that also include the maritime disciplines of throwing heaving morning were sailed by Liam Schiess lines and knotting. Once a week I visit an electronics course. In my spare from Chipstead SC and Coco Barrett time I also enjoy being part of the youth circle of my church community, from Island Barn Reservoir SC. fishing, building model RC boats and reading exciting books. With sufficient water now in Hoo After finishing the 10th grade at my school in summer 2017, I would like to Bay and similar wind conditions, a spend a school year abroad. I prefer to go to Britain because I like the country triangle/sausage course was set for and want to improve my English language skills. Also, I am interested in two more races in the afternoon, with getting to know the country, its people and culture and simply in making the start line close to the houseboats. new friends. Therefore, my family and I are looking for a guest family. Scott Wilkinson took the third race Do you have own children that are planning a “gap year” or school year after a race long battle with Morgan abroad? My parents Ines and Dirk and my two sisters Lotta (8) and Lina (11) Archer, while the fourth race was won by Magnus Handley from QMSC. The would also be very happy to welcome an exchange student that would like strong wind continued to take its toll to spend a year abroad. We live in our own house in the beautiful city of on the less experienced sailors and Dresden. Our home town is well known for its historic sites, art galleries and only seventeen boats finished the last museums, the beautiful river landscape and the surrounding countryside race. as well as the vivid student live. The overall results were dominated If you are interested we are looking forward to hearing from you. Simply by visitors. The event was won by write an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Scott Wilkinson, with Morgan Archer Kind regards, runner up only a point behind. Henry Townsend was the best placed home Luca Röhrborn based sailor, in ninth place overall, although he was only a couple of points out of sixth. William Hudson, from Newhaven and Seaford SC was the best placed 4.2 sailor in tenth place. The day finished with a prize giving on the terrace. This was a great weekend for MYC and put the Club back on the map so far as Topper sailors are concerned. The sailors who attended the training day benefited from top quality coaching, and the competitive fleet of sailors out racing on Sunday provided close racing from first to last and presented Thank you from Robert Munns a spectacle for those on shore. Naturally, the success of these events on behalf of the Oceans of depends upon a lot of hard work from volunteers; in this case the Hope Challenge organisation was led by Andrew Baker and Mark Breare, but the sailors also For those of you who attended the credible £668 which contributed to thanked the crews on safety boats on Commodore’s Dinner in December the success of the project. Below is a Saturday and Sunday, and the race 2015 you may remember that a friend thank you received from Robert earlier team and mark layers on Sunday who of the Commodore, Robert Munns in the year: laid the courses and turned the races (pictured), spoke about sailing with “It’s been just over three weeks since round efficiently. We have to thank multiple sclerosis (MS) and how his we hosted the first Oceans of Hope the staff in the galley for the catering sail across the Pacific with Sailing Challenge in Gocek, Turkey and I’ve had too. Last, but not least, we are grateful Sclerosis had rejuvenated and the chance to let the enormity of the as always for the support of the event inspired him and how he was putting project soak in. sponsors, Pirate’s Cave, who provided together a project to give others with gift vouchers for the winners. MS an opportunity to experience The week of sailing for people with MS was a huge success. In the end we had Tim Townsend something similar. His plan was to put together a flotilla for those affected by MS. We held a collection raising a (continued on page 14)

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 13 Cont’d from page 13 - Thank you from has not disappeared. In the right Robert Munns on behalf of the Oceans of conditions, he can still look after himself. Hope Challenge Red Dwarf and This is vital to his spirit. six boats instead of the proposed 5. Another example is a quote from one Valkyrie win Each boat had 6 crew and one skipper. of the participants. “I arrived in my So with two of the skippers having MS, wheelchair; I managed to get in the the overall 38 people had the opportunity to come boat. I got on my knees and helped sail away and be with others whose lives are the boat. I stood on my feet and I moved compromised by this disease. with the boat, I felt at one with the boat. Wednesday Together we achieved things that did I felt free” not seem possible before. To have seen these transformations was Evening Series People from 8 countries were given the overwhelming to me. I wished you could Despite discarding the final race Red opportunity to share experiences and have met some of these heroes and Dwarf (Hunter Sonata) helmed by Rob talk together as well as sail together, but witnessed the sea-change and power Hill sailed consistently throughout the most importantly to work together to within them. series and was overall winner and won achieve some form of greatness again. It was late last summer that I first the Barton Keelboat trophy. I could give you countless examples of conceived this idea and it was shortly Similarly Valkyrie (Dehler 34 Optima) how lives have been affected by the after that, you helped me realise helmed by Joe Bolton also discarded week of sailing but I’ll just give you one the idea. Not only by your financial the final race and was the overall or two along with some memorable contribution, but also your faith in me. points winner in the cruiser division photos. For both of these, I am thankful. and retained the Cruiser Barton trophy Bill: Bill’s concern was not being able The founder of Sailing Sclerosis joined us for the second year running. to walk more than 20 yards without for the week as a skipper and was very having to get into his wheelchair. As the impressed by the spirit of empowerment The last race of the 9 race series was week went on, I witnessed him slowly that continued with such vitality held in a pleasant West/Southwest leaving the wheelchair behind as his throughout the week. breeze with sunshine (at last) and spirit and strength started to soar. This shorts were the order of the day. My journey with The Oceans of Hope Musical Express started well on the is a guy who has relied on the immense Challenge has only just begun. I hope to support of his family and his wheelchair continue giving others the opportunity in order to just leave his house. Now, he to come sailing next year on the second (continued on page 15) has a new found awareness of what is Oceans of Hope Challenge. Without possible. (It’s more than just a new lease your faith in me, I would never have of life, it’s a confirmation that normality thought this possible. Thank you. Robert Munns Robert is organising another challenge for 2017 and has chartered 10 yachts in Croatia. If you or someone you know is affected by MS why not join the 2017 challenge (see MYC website for details) Colin Weston Commodore

Bill Robert Munns All photos for this article - provided by Colin Weston

14 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 Cont’d from page 14 - Red Dwarf and organisers and trot boat Valkyrie win the overall Wednesday drivers for turning out each Evening Series week without whom the racing could not take place. north shore and led the fleet away from the line until the longer waterline This is the third year we boats overtook in Gillingham reach. have run the series using Seahorse (Hanse 291) also started well the RYA National Cruising closely followed by the Dragons who Handicap system and whilst seemed to be having their own private not everyone’s favourite battles. handicapping system we did have 5 different winners out The course took the fleet down to of 9 races. Boats that sailed buoy 24 with a beat back to 26 and consistently well ended a run back to buoy 24 again before up in the top positions. If the home leg. Fortunately despite you have taken part and a strong ebbing tide the wind held enjoyed the relaxed racing allowing all boats to finish well before and social occasion tell all the time limit. your friends and make 2017 Valkyrie took line honours followed a bumper turnout. by Seahorse and OCD. However on Overall Results: handicap Seahorse won narrowly from Musical Express with Whistle 3rd. 1st Red Dwarf; nd The prize giving followed with overall 2 Valkyrie; prizes awarded to all boats that had 3rd Zephyros; completed 6 races. The Barton Cruiser 4th Seahorse; trophy was awarded to Valkyrie and 5th Gandalf; the Barton Keelboat trophy awarded 6th Whistle; to Red Dwarf. 7th Tender Touch Thanks were given to the participants Mike Harrison and crew for taking part and to the Race organiser

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 15 One of the largest chandlery stores in the UK Proud Sponsors of Medway Yacht Club

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Pirates Cave Ltd Loyalty Unit 6 Kendon Business Park, Maritime Close, Reward Card ve Chandlery rates Ca ave.co.uk Medway City Estate, Rochester, Kent ME2 4JF Pi Web: www.piratesc & more Tel: 01634 295233 / to be announced! Phone: 01634 295233, [email protected] P Twitter: @piratescave Get an up front discount & earn points* Facebook.com/piratescave Getwith an our up-front loyalty reward discount card Attendees and offers are subject to change. www.piratescave.co.uk Stay updated at facebook.com/piratescave & earn points every time *Terms and conditions apply. you spend with us The Racing Scene And don’t forget to put Cadet week into your diary for next year: 6th to Cadets’ Class Report 11th August. This event remains open to non club members and we can We’ve had a really good summer this we’ve introduced the two person accommodate some novices too. So year packed with the new schedule of boat series into the team events. It’s a invite a friend and show them what activities, both racing and team events. series of 8 races over four Sundays and they are missing. As you know, this year we’ve managed currently, after 6 races Alistair Bolton’s to cram all the racing into And still to come is 10 Sundays and filled the the remainder of the remaining days with a Autumn series racing, number of team events the team yacht race in and training days. The the middle of October, summer got under way the Everyone race with the pre-season BBQ (which should be really on 10th April for all cadets great fun) and the end of season presentation and their parents where th we welcomed several lunch on the 30 new members. October. There have been so much This year is my last year happening that it’s not as Cadet Adminstrator. possible to go through I’ve really enjoyed it and everything but here are some of the I’d like to thank everyone highlights as far as I am concerned: who has helped this year and last and in particular Team relay races: This was the first Andrew Baker, Mark and of the team activities. The four teams Joanne Breare, Sassie each had to get their teams round Raw as Class Captain a short course in a combination of and the 4 team leaders, toppers and Oppies. Tactics were the Raymond Pearson, Bath key to success but a couple of teams Gilmore, Alistair Bolton were undone by the inability to board and Amy Eldred. And, and untie a topper attached to a not to forget a really big buoy without capsizing it. Righting Team Surprise is in the lead. thank you to my wife a capsized topper tied to a buoy in a Amanda who has put a huge amount strong current is not easy, particularly Cadet week: we had 33 cadets this year. It went really well and we were of effort into the shore side activities, when your team mate tied it on with a in particular Cadet week. Finally I’d strange and “special” knot. able to sail every day. A few days in the middle of the week were a bit windy like to add a special thanks to Simon and tested the mettle of some of the and Shane Raw who have been really cadets, particularly Marathon day supportive throughout the last two where the award of “Fish of the Week” years. Andrew Baker is taking on the went to Espen Laurie for 38 capsizes in role of Class Administrator. I’m sure we one race. would all like to welcome him to the role and I hope that we will all give him RYA training: Additionally Chris as much support and help as I have Parish has run an RYA training course enjoyed. Photo by Amanda Eldred at intermediate level for 5 cadets this Ross Eldred summer. Thank you Chris. Cadet Class Adminsitrator Mac ‘n’ back: What a day! The Macdonald’s next to the Medway tunnel has not seen the like of it before or since; 17 young sailors emerging from the marsh in wetsuits and muddy boots, trapesing in and ordering lunch before disappearing back into the creek, confused many of the patrons.

Photo by Amanda Eldred Two person boat series: this year

18 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 The Racing Scene Oppies’ Report

young sailors made fantastic progress over the three days with all achieving either RYA Level 1 or 2 and having lots of fun too. Some did so well they Oppies have had a really good season quickly progressed onto training at this year with plenty of good weather, the Cadet Regatta in Toppers and are light winds and good fun. We have now sailing Toppers regularly. had a good number of new sailors who started learning in May and by July We are now ending the season were able to sail around a triangular recapping the skills we have learnt course in light to medium winds. over the summer and adding some new ones, finishing with the Oppie We made Mutiny an RYA course this lunch. We have had some fantastic year, run by Chris Parish our RYA support from parents, grandparents Principal and Senior Instructor. The and helpers and I would like to thank them all. We could not run Oppies without them. I have run Oppies for two years now and it has been great fun with some brilliant young sailors but as I will be running Cadets luck for the future. next year I will be handing Andrew Baker over to Brett Lewis and I Oppie Administrator wish him and all the new sailors at the club good

rd fashion with the main problem being 53 Medway Marathon one of navigating in the slightly Early on Sunday morning the various touch. After turning into Otterham gloomy conditions and with legs weather forecasters were checked and Creek F.L. had to cover H.E.A on the of about 2 miles. The Marathon is a all agreed that 6/10 knots from the beat up to Otterham Creek buoy. challenge of endurance over the 26 SSW. After a hearty full English it time miles and congratulations to Marie The wind now picked up a couple of and Trevor Cox in India for completing to set off for the Wayfarer 10:40 start knots as we headed to buoy 13 and and the 26 mile race. without incident. it was apparent this would suit the Richard Stone With a reaching start line on an ebbing fast planning All photos for this article - provided by Keith Pat Slater tide there was the temptation for the boats, and Wayfarers to try flying the spinnaker. true to The Neil and Angus Collingridge boat form the was first off and flying the kite, closely International followed by Obsession without the 14 sailed by kite, but within a mile it became quite Andy Peak obvious that kites were a handicap, and Graeme with No Problem helmed by Charlotte Oliver shot Penny now moved into second passed us in a followed by Fleeced Lightening. flash to go on As we cleared the wind influence of to be home 1 the Medway Towns it was apparent hr ahead of that the wind was southerly meaning the next boat. a long fetch to the turning point at Racing South Kent buoy. Obsession now had continued a comfortable buffer from Fleeced in a fairly Lightening with Happy Ever After in uneventful

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 19 The Racing Scene Wayfarer Class Captain’s Report

2016 has been an incredibly busy Championships for McKenzies qualified for season for the Medway Wayfarer Class the umpteenth time. the Gold fleet with the so far. Class racing began as usual The best placed home Pennys just missing at the end of April on Saturday and boat was sailed by Len Jones out, and we all Sunday afternoons with encouraging and Jamie Lea who finished continued to do our numbers of boats competing. as runners up for the second best throughout At the beginning of May we held our year in succession. Other the week against first event of the year, a training day local success was enjoyed by strong opposition. The led by Michael McNamara, sailmaker, Richard Stone and Catherine Gore who Championships were won coach and Wayfarer legend. This was finished in the top ten, while Tim and by a two time Olympic sailor, Mogen a very successful day with perfect Jacqueline Townsend were the best Just, from Denmark, by just one point breeze and plenty of water in Hoo placed husband and wife team, Jonny from Michael McNamara and Simon Bay for us to practise the exercises Hewat and Charlotte Penny won the Townsend, while third place was taken which Michael had set us. We silver fleet and Tony Alexander and by former world champion Peter Boje concentrated on improving boat Jon Moon won the bronze fleet. and his son. The Townsends were best handling and everybody felt they took In July, four went to Holland (this is placed MYC boat in ninth place. The something away from the session. In not an Enid Blyton story) for the World Coltarts finished in fifteenth place and the afternoon we had a short race, Championships which were held on the McKenzies in twenty first, while observed by Michael and we finished the Heegemeer in Friesland, which is the Pennys came twelfth overall in with a debrief in the library. a pretty area, not unlike the Norfolk Silver fleet. At the beginning of June Simon Winn Broads. The travellers were Tim and Since the Worlds, domestic Club racing organised a windward leeward race Jacqueline, Mark and Gail Penny, Brian has continued apace. The results on afternoon just for the Wayfarer Class. and Liz McKenzie and Stewart and handicap for both the Saturday and We enjoyed three short races over a Catriona Coltart. We stayed in holiday Sunday series racing will be very close well laid course with incredibly close chalets close to the Sailing Club which at the end of the season. The Open racing. Chris Parish and Rob Crockett was a great success. Nearly 60 boats meeting circuit has also resumed with were consistently fast during the competed from Canada, Denmark, Len Jones and Jamie Lea finishing afternoon and won the day overall. Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa, runners up at the Southern Area United Kingdom and the USA. The Championships at Shoreham. Jon By the third week of June we were Heegemeer was not a large expanse Moon and Tony Alexander competed hosting the Wayfarer National of water and there seemed to be some in the Round Sheppey Race and came Championships and welcoming reason why the race team could not fourth in class. 31 Wayfarers to the Club for three race all the entries in one fleet. So the What of the future? Racing will days of close competition. Three first day was taken up with seeding days of racing became two, when a continue on Saturday and Sunday races and the rest of the week was afternoons until the end of October. thunderstorm with heavy rain sucked spent racing in two fleets, Gold and away what little wind there was and Some of us will attend other Open Silver. The wind on the first day of meetings at Upper Thames SC, Datchet caused the cancellation of the first points racing was a healthy force 2-3, day’s racing. The second day saw the Water and Bough Beech SC. We have a but, apart from one isolated race on guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, fleet complete four races in light and Thursday afternoon, the races took shifty winds just downriver of the our Class AGM and Prize Giving Dinner place in decreasing wind strength as scheduled for November. Stewart power station. The third day made it the week wore on until we ended up all worthwhile with sun and moderate Coltart is preparing to take the helm sailing in breezes that were lighter as Class Captain in 2017. I’m sure that winds and three fantastic races in Pinup than we would be able to in the tidal Reach. Michael McNamara and his will be another successful season for River Medway. This was not to our Wayfarers at MYC. crew, Simon Townsend, were the stars advantage it seemed. Nevertheless, of the show as they won the National Tim Townsend the Townsends, Coltarts and Wayfarer Class Captain Photo - provided by Colin Weston

20 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 The Racing Scene Wayfarer National Championships 2016

Medway Yacht Club was delighted displayed ashore while the race team by race 4 some sailors were caught out to host the Wayfarer National went downriver to look for wind and by it as they strived to get a good start. Championships over the weekend of the sailors finished their preparations. Consistency was really hard to achieve 17th-19th June. A small team put in a The race team must have found some as even some of the best sailors got great deal of work in the preparation wind because the AP was removed but double digit results in their scores. stage and were hugely supported this was only the cue for a prolonged The sail back to the Club was typical over the long weekend by the Rear and heavy downpour accompanied by Medway with a failing wind and Commodore, Neil, the Club Steward thunder and lightning at Lower Upnor. strengthening ebb tide making the and the staff in the galley. The shore The sailors at first found shelter in the last few hundred metres a real slog. team led by Chris and Joan Sayers, lower marquee but as the rainwater A consolation for everybody after the Ollie and Liz Hulf and the Squib fleet ran in torrents down the hill, better frustrating sailing conditions was the put in sterling work each day. On the shelter was found in the Clubhouse Saturday evening Drinks Reception water, the visiting PRO, Dave Ellis, was and under the terrace marquee. There and Championship Dinner where well supported by Philip and Alex was drama in the clubhouse too as the over seventy people sat down to an Clarabut on Eleison, which was the drains were unable to cope with the excellent meal. On everybody’s lips was the question “what will Sunday bring?” Sunday duly arrived. The forecast was mixed depending upon which website you were looking at. The optimistic forecast was for sunshine and a south westerly breeze of force 3-4. The optimists were correct as this was pretty much what we got, with the wind occasionally at the top end of the forecast. Racing took place in Pinup Reach which seemed to be incredibly busy. Aside from the Wayfarers, there were racing yachts, cruising yachts, motor boats, racing dinghies from Wilsonian SC and even a ship sharing or passing through the race area. One race was required to allow a discard and three races would allow two discards. The conditions favoured the heavier and/or fitter crews but the cream still came to the All photos for this article - provided by Colin Weston top with the leaders overnight holding committee boat, and the many club volume of rain and there was flooding off all opposition. Michael McNamara members who helped out in the mark in the galley. Fortunately, there was a and Simon Townsend were deserved laying and safety boats. small army of volunteers available to winners of the Championships. All the help clear away the water and mop up. fleet needed to do at the end of racing The schedule was to have nine races was have their traditional sail home via over three full days and competitors Sadly, the storm sucked away the Hoo Creek, pack their boats away and started to arrive with their camper wind, and there was no racing at all on enjoy the prize giving where many vans and tents on Thursday evening. Friday which would mean a wholesale trophies and prizes were handed out This included one crew which had change to the racing schedule for the by the Commodore. travelled from Dublin via Derby where rest of the weekend. Simon Winn chaired the protest they had collected a brand new Saturday’s forecast was for a north Wayfarer. Local sailors were at the committee which fortunately wasn’t westerly wind of force 2-3. The PRO too busy, having only a request for Club to welcome the visitors, the bar scheduled four races to try and catch was open and everybody was able to redress and a couple of arbitrations to up some lost time from the day before. attend to all weekend. enjoy a chilli con carne and a convivial Racing took place in Long Reach in evening. shifty overcast conditions. A triangle/ And what about the Medway boats? Friday dawned with a forecast of sausage course was laid but the PRO How did they fare? Several boats lightish winds and some rain. The struggled in the conditions to lay had good individual race results but Vice Commodore welcomed the an unbiased start line. There was so putting together a consistent series competitors on behalf of the Club and much pin end bias that virtually the was a different story. There were some this was followed by a briefing from whole fleet was at one end of the line successes however. the PRO. The wind appeared to be at every start. The black flag was used lighter than forecast and the AP was to discourage impetuosity, although (continued on page 22)

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 21 The Racing Scene Cont’d from page 21 - Wayfarer National and Charlotte Penny won the Silver Championships 2016 fleet. For full results, please see the MYC website or YachtsandYachting. Len Jones and Jamie Lea were the com. most successful local crew, finishing 2nd overall for the second year in As always, we cannot name everybody succession. They were awarded the who was involved in putting on this Plymouth Trophy for winning Race event but we thank you all. We also 4. They won Race 5 as well and were thank our generous sponsors, Chesley awarded the Fairway Trophy as the first Storage, Pirates Cave, Craftinsure, placed Medway boat. Richard Stone Hartley Boats, Hyde Sails, Energy Solutions and Shepherd Neame. and Catherine Gore finished 10th as the first placed husband and wife overall. Tim and Jacqueline Townsend Tim Townsend th team. Jon Moon and Tony Alexander finished 12 and won the Pert Platter won the Bronze fleet. Jonny Hewat MYC Wayfarer Class Captain Squib Fleet Captain’s Report

but we are hoping for Acre creek, this disturb a few ducks an improvement in and gulls but nothing more. Other numbers during the than this, we have not seen any others closed season.For one of and they do not appear to be causing our races this year 85% any problems. of our fleet came to the As I mentioned in my Spring report, line. We in the Squib fleet my wife Christine is the helm on like to boast about this our boat, I therefore as crew tend to sort of number although operate under her instruction, so it I know some people was unlikely that we would venture will laugh a little when too far down river this year, so it I have to admit that it came as something of a shock to the is only 6 boats. In spite Squib fleet when a course was chosen How quickly the season proceeds, of the small numbers, including No 15, now, this is foreign we now have the Autumn edition we remain a happy and contented territory for Squibs and sent some of Sailing Scene calling for copy and fleet. Indeed, I can’t remember one looking for their passports, as we do are faced with the end of the racing protest since joining the Squib fleet not go this far very often and some season followed by the usual round of 13 years ago, if one was looking for a were not certain of where it was, maintenance to keep us busy through Squib protest you would need to be however, all was well and we may well the winter. something of an historian. look to go as far as Blackstakes now it The beginning of the season saw the We hosted the Squib East Coast has been repainted and is much easier usual dribble of boats slowly coming Championship in May, the first time to locate. to the moorings until we had the full since 2011. 7 visitors and 5 home The Spring series was won by Avocet complement of 7 boats, yes I know fleet boats were came to the line from Monkey Business and the it is small compared to other fleets and we sailed 4 windward/leeward Summer series was won by Black Mark races on the Saturday in a N/E 3-4 in from Monkey Business, again beaten Pinup reach and 2 W/L races on the into second place. For the Harvest Sunday in a N/W 3-4 at the far end of series Monkey Business has reversed Long reach. The visitors mostly being the roles and won the series with open meeting winners in the past Avocet in second place. This gives a sailed away from the home fleet. The different winner for each of the series highlight for us was watching some which is a healthy situation for a small of the visitors briefly sail on to the fleet. Monkey business was the first Medway mud which allowed us to close them down a wee bit. The first (continued on page 23) Squib home was Black Mark in seventh place. Well done to Mark and Stan for getting in front of one of the visitors. After some discussion and exchange of emails earlier in the year, the threat from the seaplanes did not materialise. On the 13th August while on our way down river we had the spectacle of watching one landing and taking off several times in Half

22 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 The Racing Scene Sonata Class Captain’s Report

In addition to the usual club racing Poole Yacht Club. results with 1st place where we enjoy a 4 series racing The Sonata Early Spring in the Medway calendar, this season has been full of Series saw some varied Regatta / Eastern events giving Sonata owners and crew winds changing Championship and the opportunity to race at Club and weekly between South the M.Y.C National level with boats attending Westerly and North Wednesday the Eastern Championship, hosted by Easterly and wind strength between evening M.Y.C and the Sonata Nationals held at F2 and F5. Musical Express won races series organised by Mike Harrison 1 & 2, Red Dwarf II won races 3 & 5 and from Musical Express. Watersong won race 4. After discards Time seems to have flown with the Cont’d from page 22 - Squib Fleet Captain’s these boats were within 1 point of Early Spring, Late Spring and Summer Report each other with Musical Express Series racing now behind us. At the winning the Series, Watersong in 2nd time of writing this, we only have a few rd Squib home in both the Marathon and place and Red Dwarf II in 3 place. races left in the Autumn Series before the Regatta, in fact, the only Squib in The Late Spring Series saw Watersong the season comes to an end and we these events, sorry lads. off to a good start by winning the start thinking about the AGM and st Class dinner & Awards in November. A Squib has been donated to the club 1 race of the series. Race 2 was but needs work, hopefully this will be abandoned due to lack of wind and This is followed by winter storage and carried out during the winter and will races 3, 4, 7 & 8 were won by Musical all the chores of maintenance and provide a boat for anyone wishing to Express. Red Dwarf II also managed 2 repairs in preparation for next season. try out keel boat racing, albeit a small wins taking line honours for races 5 & Enjoy the rest of the season and good keel. We are hoping that this might 6 and Munchkin achieved their best th luck to the top 3 boats who have now tempt some to join our fleet. series result with a 4 place overall. broken away from the rest of the fleet Rondar Boats in association with Watersong were back on form for the to battle for the podium positions. the NSOA are to produce a modified Summer Series by winning 4 out of 6 Steve Ellerby Squib with self draining cockpit and races and taking the Barton Trophy. Sonata Class Captain a new ergonomic cockpit mould on Whilst this is a good achievement, the existing hull, I think the members the result doesn’t count to the Sonata who race at the top end of the open overall table of results. meetings are keen but at grass roots Outside of club racing, it was good level of the membership the feeling to see 7 boats hauled out onto new is somewhere between luke warm road trailers and travel to Poole to and apathy regarding this. To try and support the Sonata Nationals. I am equal things up there is a proposal pleased to say that M.Y.C had the to fit solar powered electrical bilge largest travelling fleet to this event. pumps to existing boats etc. Watch A total entry of 21 boats, including this space for further information. Steve Goacher, took to the waters in We scrubbed Avocet on Friday 16th Poole Harbour over 4 days to compete September, 5 weeks after she was last in Windward/Leeward’s, around scrubbed, normally, we would scrub the cans and long distance racing. every four weeks at this time of year Against some very good competitors, and just remove some slime. I have Watersong managed the best results th never experienced growth like this for M.Y.C with an 8 place overall with over a 5 week period; there was 3-4” of White Noise not far behind achieving th th weed hanging from the bottom, it just an 11 place with BFG in 12 place. shows what a spell of hot temperature Their efforts undoubtable paid off at the end of the summer can do. with reports of good times on and off We all need to be vigilant to stay the water. competitive, even at this stage of the Next Year’s National event has been season. confirmed at Strangford Lough in When this edition hits the newsstands Northern Ireland so with all the new we will be well into the party season trailer equipment in place it should be so hope to see you all at the AGM, another good turnout by M.Y.C. I was prize giving, Trafalgar night or the there for the Nationals back in 2013 New Years Eve party. and highly recommend this event. Graham Halliday-Saddler Back on home water, Red Dwarf II Squib Fleet Captain have managed some perfect sailing

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 23 The Racing Scene Medway Regatta and Sonata Medway Easterns Report 2016 Dragon Fleet for positions throughout the fleet with Munchkin managing to secure Captain’s 2nd in two races just in front of White Noise. As the breeze increased boats Report made changes to their sail plans with Cry Havoc scoring 4th place as they It’s now almost 30 years since I started managed the conditions well. Red racing Dragons on the Medway. The Dwarf II and White Noise showed their format has changed a bit over the consistency with scoring 1st and 3rd years but the original concept of long Friday 8th July bought the first serious places respectively for all races so far in distance racing has been retained for racing of the regatta and the Sonata the series. With the wind building, the one of the three days. fleet were ready for a windy few days committee decided to abandon the The first day of this year was full-on racing for the Eastern Championship last race of the day and the fleet made perfect wind and tide conditions, Title. The event promised to be a very wet journey back to the club for providing a short beat start in Pinup competitive with White Noise being the shore side evening frivolities. Day 3 reach, followed by a 12 mile run past reigning Eastern Championship again brought the breeze and a shorter Sheerness and out into the Thames holders and Red Dwarf II holding the round the cans race. Red Dwarf II were and Medway Estuaries to Sea Reach regatta trophy from last year. Some leading the fleet and just needed to 2 (in the Thames channel). This in boats were also keen to use this event finish the race to secure overall victory Dragon terms was just off the Belgian as a warm up for the Sonata Nationals and took a cautious approach to the coast! Wind strength kicked up to in a few weeks’ time so everything was race and start line which White Noise top twenties and gusts to mid-thirties all to play for. The Friday was a long capitalised on to lead the fleet from making the first proper 5 mile beat distance race incorporating some start to finish. Spring Sonata bounced to Mid-Swatch a bit of a tough one. buoys in the Thames Estuary, not back to finish rd3 after completing Dragons OCD (Obsessive Compulsive somewhere the Sonatas often get the some much needed repairs, however Dragonistas) and Gandalf went to opportunity to venture so there was an it wasn’t enough to reclaim 3rd in the Essex but had no time to stop off at air of nervous anticipation through the overall series which went to Munchkin, Southend for ice cream. The fleet fleet as the course was read out. The with Red Dwarf II winning the Eastern was down to 6 boats at this stage, fleet started well with 3 boats rounding Championships trophy and the Cinder the Commodore’s boat COY (Colin’s the windward mark as close as 3 boats Plate, and White Noise finishing in nd2 . Other Yacht) having lost a backstay could be. With spinnakers up it was a Zoe Hill on the long run. The reach to No.10 long race towards the mouth of the was epic, the usual suspects had river. The Thames Estuary provided a some interesting horizontal moments. challenge to the fleet to navigate their FLOS (Fat Lads Out Sailing) certainly way to the buoys (some interesting won the prize for the best broach methods were used including charts, of the day and there are some great co-ordinates and trying to google pics on Marine Photographer – Nick images of the Thames!) whilst trying Champion’s website recording it for to maintain speed with the waves posterity. Now at this stage most Race catching the boats, the lead two Officers would have taken pity on us gave the rest of the fleet something poor dragoners and directed us back to watch as they were picked up on into the safety of the river. Alas no! in waves and quickly after broached. The the absence of flags from RIB guard fleet were split at this point on whether boat Blue Movie, the fleet headed off Spinnakers were still manageable or in search of more Belgian chocolates white sails. Rounding the first mark in back out again to Sea Reach 2. The Thames saw the lead boats settle into comments on Blue Movie concluded positions which ultimately completed that RO – Richard Stone, probably the overall finishing positions. Day didn’t like Dragons anymore whereas 2 again saw breezy conditions most of the dragoners thought which were due to build and with 4 that he should try this stuff with his windward leeward races planned the Wayfarer (that would certainly fill up fleet had another busy day. The first his bespoke green wellies!). The 13 race saw a port/starboard collision mile beat back to Gillingham Reach which left two boats sailing without and The Committee Boat was a classic wind instruments and Spring Sonata with Suti taking line honours just also experienced equipment issues ahead of Fit Chick. which hindered their progress for the days racing. There were close battles (continued on page 25)

24 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 The Racing Scene Cont’d from page 24 - Medway Dragon Boat’ will have some There’s been less travelling this year Fleet Captain’s Report competition! Next I which may have contributed to our am very pleased to higher weekend numbers. In the MYC bar afterwards, the thirty- see that Quentin Results for the year so far: - The Proton seven-mile race was already being Strauss a.k.a. ‘Q’ considered by some dazed dragoners Cup, The Dragon Flagon and MYC and family have Regatta were won by Fit Chick. The for The Guinness Book of Records re-joined MYC. while others were a bit concerned John Field Trophy won by OCD. The I sincerely MAD weekend salver by Suti and about what might happen for the rest hope we can of the Regatta. as I write this on the morning of persuade Q Commodores Day - The Commodores Eight Dragons participated in 5 races. to race at Cup is still up for grabs. No injuries and some great racing national left some very satisfied racers. The and The East Coast Dragon Championship Medway is still the best kept secret international events is almost upon us and it looks as if for Dragon Sailing (especially with under the MYC burgee as we go we will have 16 or 17 boats racing. its proximity to London) offering forward. We expect to be getting entries from Burnham, Abersoch, Belgium and some superb long and wide reaches Attention has also been focussed on that also provide virtual lake sailing Affiliated Dragoners with a good mix Heiko who is rumoured to be looking of abilities. My personal thanks go to conditions (with a bit of tide thrown at a serious upgrade to another more into the mix!) all of the ECDC Committee for their recent boat, this might leave the great support in getting this event The most significant change since possibility of GBR 494 being used as a organised and a special mention of last year has been the fruition of my development boat (with a bit of help thanks to Colin Weston for doing such predicted increase in turnouts on from The Class and MYC) to encourage a great job with the ECDC website Saturdays. Wow what a difference a others to try and join in the action and pages. year makes, it has been great to see have a go at racing a Dragon. This will probably be my last report our weekly numbers move up from The attraction of spheretex boats - the 2015 lows of 5 or 6 boats to current before I step down as Class Captain (spheretex was used by Petticrows in January 2017. The last four years ranges of 8 to 10 on the MYC line. The about 25years ago, outlawed by the highest was six weeks ago when Race have been good fun and at times very IDA and subsequently grandfathered) demanding. I struggle to remember 15 saw 12 of our current 13 boat fleet has caused one or two of our cross the line. how Pepita and I managed to do members to look at a couple of likely so much in my previous captaincy So what’s changed? We still have targets for buying and upgrading. without emails and the internet. a great level of enthusiasm and One is at Burnham and the other is in David Harris hopefully will be taking competitive spirit with the hard core Belgium. Watch this space for further over from me and I wish both he and of five or six boats and this has been developments. We have observed the Susan good luck and every success enhanced by the return of Gandalf and performance of FLOSS this year with in 2017/18. It is fascinating to see Royalist, the arrival of Anarchy and the great interest. Having joint- owned the continuation by our younger re-launching of Ithaca (who actually and raced White Lightning (another members of the enthusiasm and fun won the race on her first outing this spheretex) 15 years ago I’m certain of being a Dragon owner and/or racer, year!). there is a good case for speculation. long may that continue! So can we continue the growth? Well On the travelling front we have seen Bruce Boyd there are a couple of opportunities. OCD and Anarchy at La Baule, Fit Chick Dragon Class Captain Firstly, I can welcome Ben Hancock, an at Ostend, and FLOSS in Holland. [email protected] ex Solent member and Class Captain All photos for this article - provided by Champion Marine Photography who has recently brought his boat Asa from Northern Ireland. She currently resides in Jaspar’s barn to undergo some work and hopefully start racing with us next year. Asa is a wooden boat so it looks as if ‘The Right Royal Red

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 25 The Racing Scene Cruiser Class Captain’s Report

drew the short straw with the weather; April. The only problem we may have a solid 25 knots of Northerly breeze is arranging someone as good next meant Ramsgate was the only sensible year...I have some ideas for other option, though in fairness the change speakers but I might just book him of plan was made during the crossing again, he’s certainly got plenty of to Blacktail Spit! While weather bound stories to tell! Tom’s story of spearing in Ramsgate’s outer harbour for a few an occupied fisherman’s shed with days the only vessel spotted coming the bow sprit of what he described as or going was the lifeboat, which will a ‘serious vessel’ on the river Hamble give you an idea of the conditions. was excellent. 2016 has certainly been a year of two halves with regards to the weather. Thankfully the weather improved Some of you may have heard of Dylan Cruiser Class members were battered dramatically and the regular ‘Second Winter and his excellent ‘Keep Turning by strong northerly winds during both Saturday’ of the month meets in Left’ series. In case you haven’t he’s the May bank holiday weekends. Queenborough were well attended. a retired cameraman and journalist We’ve finally struck gold with the who is sailing what he describes as a The first, a trip to West India Quay was catering arrangements on the island. ‘4 knot shoe box’ (I’ve substituted a well attended. Ten boats braved the A recently refurbished hotel at the word for our more sensitive readers...) trip up The Thames hoping for the top of the High Street is our current slowly around the U.K. He started in best rather than worst of the forecast favourite destination; trust me - you’ll the Solent about 5 years ago and is NE 5-7. A good tide weekend meant a be surprised! These Saturdays have currently in Scotland, he’s been up leisurely departure at 11.00 and arrival been a great success and will continue the Medway, on the forts, in all the late afternoon. Fine dining on Sunday in 2017. creeks and with his mast unstepped to evening at The Gun in a private room Aylesford lock. overlooking the O2 dome rewarded Another well supported Cruiser Class the brave. activity this year was the Wednesday He’s booked for a film night and fork evening race during Cadet Week. With buffet at the club on the evening Our scheduled trip to The Orwell over around 30 knots of SW breeze the of Saturday 21st January; all club the second May bank holiday weekend conditions were yet again challenging. members are welcome to join the The Cadets thoroughly enjoyed Cruiser Class for this event. themselves and remained dry, some Commodores Day and the Cruiser of them experiencing boats that don’t Sail Past, complete with a generous capsize for the first time! Thanks again prize fund courtesy of our friends at to the Cruiser Class members who Pirates Cave Chandlery, was another made the effort to come and help success. Two categories ‘Traditional’ out; you know who you are and your (won by Brian Corbett on Yankiss) and efforts appreciated. ‘Contemporary’ which went to Matt and Dan Crockett on Diligaf. Well done to everyone that took part for making the effort and supporting your class. The biggest surprise of Commodores Day for many came when Cruiser Class absolutely spanked the other class captains and flag officers during the Class Captains dinghy race in Toppers! Still to come this year are the ever th Our Annual Montgomery Fun Race popular Autumn Series starting 30 had the opposite problem and October and of course our Laying Up th suffered from a complete lack of wind. Supper and AGM on Saturday 12 This became the annual buoy #15 and November. This is your chance to offer back race when any hopes of taking your help, opinions and help shape the tide to the Montgomery faded, the Cruiser Class for 2017. 6 hours of ‘sailing’ later the 14 yachts If you’d like to get involved or learn taking part made it back to MYC for a more about our activities please get BBQ....just as the wind filled in. in touch by email david.boakes@ On the social side Tom Cunliffe was outlooklofts.com or call on 07718 an excellent after dinner speaker 732451. at our annual Fitting Out Supper in David Boakes Cruiser Class Captain All photos for this article - provided by David Boakes

26 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 The Racing Scene Cruiser Class Racing The Medway Yacht Club Spring series was competed for minutes and crossing the line in second place. Valkyrie took over four races in April and May with one discard to count. line honours by over eleven minutes and placed second Sixteen yachts made it to start line for Spring 1 with the fleet in NHC. Reefer placed third. The second double handed being split into two classes with dual scoring under IRC and race sailed in September was blessed with a decent breeze NHC in both. with ten yachts making the start. Special mention has to Fair weather was the norm for all races, and no rain at all go to Ian Foxwell sailing his new boat Seahorse (Hanse 29) whilst on the water! The Works (Projection 762) and Full Tilt single handed and placing first under IRC and second in (Arcona 40) performed well under both handicaps in class NHC. Reefer took second in IRC with Samuel Peypes (X-102) 1, with The Works scoring a first under IRC, and a second in third, and won NHC with father and son team bringing under NHC, and Full Tilt a winning NHC and taking second Valkyrie home in third. place in IRC. Third places in Class 1 were taken by Zephyros Over the summer a new format was tested with five trophy (Dehler 34) in IRC and Valkyrie (Dehler Optima 101) in NHC. races being held instead of a race series in the hope it would IRC Class 2 was won by Goodbye Mr Chips (Impala) with entice crews out onto the water. Each race featured two Reefer (Robber 3E) in second and Spring Sonata in third. classes, with both being dual scored. The jury is out on how Under NHC, Reefer was first to Goodbye Mr Chips in second successful the format has been. Trophies were awarded to place and Nimbus (Hunter Formula 28) taking third place. the NHC classes only (IRC resuts are on the website), and Trophies were awarded at the cruiser class lunch in May. crews should be sure to attend the Autumn series prize June saw the first of two double handed races with thirteen giving lunch where the silverware will be handed out to the boats out on the water competing for this new format to following boats: the Medway cruiser class, which we hope will become more popular over time. Red Dwarf II (Sonata) sailed an Dauber Trophy (NHC1, race 1) won by Scorcher, excellent race taking first place on handicap by almost 10 Limbo Cup (NHC2, race 1) won by Reefer Bolton Tankard (NHC 1, race 2) won by Valkyrie Jubilee Trophy (NHC 2, race 2) won by Amberjack Seabird Cup (NHC 1, race 3) won by Zephyros Trafalgar Trophy (NHC 2, race 3) won by Suntrek Cooya Bowl (NHC 1, race 4) won by Surfeit Jade Cup (NHC 2, race 4) won by Nimbus Strood Plate (NHC 1, race 5) won by Surfeit Willis Bowl (NHC 2, race 5) won by Red Dwarf II

As this edition goes to press we are in the early stages of the Medway Cruising Club’s Burton series which is enticing MYC yachts out for some good racing over five weekends. After that we will have the ‘King Of the River Race and are looking forward to the MYC Autumns series which is keenly contested by yachts from the club. Paul Goodman-Simpson

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 27 The Racing Scene Medway Yacht Club Keelboat Regatta of the sportier French’s Dehler 34. boats hitting In NHC2, Keith Lennox’s J80 double figures “Jemini” took full advantage of the for long periods. planing conditions to win the class The tough convincingly with a 1,1,2,1. Mike conditions also Wilkinson’s Contessa 34 Nazca II led to a few revelled in the tough conditions to retirals and claim second and Roger and Julie some swift trips Griffiths (racing shorthanded) gained home to raid a well-deserved third place in their the garage for Dehler 35 “Sulis”. spare sails and gear. MYC again In NHC3, Aaron and Paul Goodman- did competitors Simpson’s well set up and sailed Robber proud with 3E. “Reefer” was unstoppable in the some quality heavy conditions and took the win. Big winds, big waves and the entertainment in Mike Wood’s Limbo 6.6 “Festina Lente” occasional big wipeout! 9, 10, 11 July the evening. from Greenwich Yacht Club claimed 2016. second place with Phil Clandillon and If conditions on Friday and Saturday Dulcie Ireland’s Beneteau First 235 With a very punchy looking forecast, were testing then Sunday was “Amberjack” rounding out the podium 28 cruisers turned out across four something else, with regular gusts in 3rd. The conditions were particularly classes, ranging in size from “Festina over 30 knots and the added tough for the small boats but to the Lente”, a tiny but tidy Limbo 6.6, all the phenomenon of the Admiral’s Cruise credit of the class there were only two way to the smartly turned out Arcona to contend with, a spectacular convoy DNFs (due to gear failure) all weekend. 39 “Full Tilt”. of hundreds of powerboats making The NHC4 (white sail) class was won The weather started as it meant to their way out to the wreck of the SS emphatically by Philip Clarabut’s go on, and with regular gusts above Montgomery and back. Feeling 32 “Eleison”, with Timothy 20 knots on the Friday, there was The IRC class was won in some style Andrews’ very well sailed Bavaria no chance of a gentle bedding- by Robbie Stewart’s newly refitted 33 “Astral” coming in second. Ian in period for the fleet. Race 1 saw quarter tonner, “Hellaby”. Second Pearson’s Beneteau Oceanis 411 classes large and small head out to went to Ian Foxwell’s recently arrived “Fleet” sailed well against a tough the Thames Estuary where wind over Hanse 291 “Sea Horse” and third rating to claim third place. tide conditions had created some place was claimed by “Zephyros”, Tim challenging waves. Race 2 was more Phil Clandillon of the same and some pretty tired crews stepped off their boats to enjoy a very welcome slap-up meal at the club house that evening. Saturday was windier still, with many

28 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 The Voyage of Quien Sabe It is with great regret I have to inform We settled her down in a mud berth her ability to roll and roll and ROLL! As you that former member of Medway and went ashore to fortify ourselves she did so a solid lump of bilge water Yacht club and internationally for the forthcoming voyage. We would slosh up one side of the cabin acclaimed musician Roger Cotton had checked with the Met. man at bounce off the deck head and then died suddenly on 1st June 2016. BBC Manston Airport, a light northwest slosh up t’other side gradually soaking Radio Two broadcast an hour long wind should persist for a couple of the cabin, its contents and crew. There programme of his music as a tribute to days before going southwest and was only one solution, rum, vast him and his work. freshening a little. Almost perfect and amounts of the stuff. Before long we The story herewith was published so without a care in the world we set were oblivious to the rolling, to the some years ago but perhaps you can about fortifying! So well did we fortify bilge water, to everything! find room to re-run it? ourselves that getting back on board The next day saw us proceeding out was a bit tricky but we were able to The Regatta Party mentioned made through the Dover roughs and on turn in and ignore the crazy angle the course for Ramsgate. Our friendly over £1000 profit on the night, not Quien Sabe had adopted. since surpassed. north-westerly made for pleasant We awoke with a start, the tide had sailing. A deficiency in cleats became Roger Best been in and was now away, we were apparent. The irrepressible Roger touching bottom again, “quick, over rummaged about below for a while the side and push her off!” Into the and emerged triumphantly with a (A tale of two Rogers and an old muddy waters we plunged and with huge cleat, two nails and a hammer. wooden Boat!) much heaving and swearing she slid He gazed about the cockpit, muttered out into the fast running water. We “About here I think” and nailed the Like many an adventure this one were away! Yes we were, straight cleat in place! Many years after started innocently enough with an into the path of a small coaster also these events a German yacht builder excited telephone call from Roger, my heading seawards, luckily my old Ailsa invented a Central Winch System with old sailing buddy. “I have bought a Craig fired up and we squeezed by all lines coming into the cockpit to new boat, it’s like a Blackwater Sloop, and without more ado we were at sea. one powerful winch, we were decades 18 feet long with a bow spit and she Sails up and on course for Dungeness. ahead of them with our Central Cleat is ashore in Rye. Do you fancy sailing System. her home with me?” Always game for Time for our first meal at sea. Leaving a laugh I signed on, the plan being to the skipper blissfully at the helm of It took only a few hours to reach prepare her and sail her home as soon his new command, I went below Ramsgate and soon, homemade flags as work and wind permitted. to prepare breakfast. I was acutely aflutter once again more, we entered aware the gas cooker was under the harbour and made fast to the single I did ask a few pertinent questions, “Are main (and only) hatch so in the event pontoon below one of the vertical the sails any good?” “Erm, there is an of a fire I was surely doomed. Fire wooden ladders on the harbour wall. old main, can I borrow some headsails extinguishers? Fire blankets? Don’t Feeling very pleased with ourselves from your boat?” “Yes. Is the engine ask! During breakfast we were joined we went for a well-deserved shower sound?” “Erm, it’s in a box, it needs by a school of porpoises. What a fine followed by a sampling of the delights some work. Can I use your outboard? start to the trip, we were proud of of a run ashore in that fine old port. So Really I need to borrow everything Quien Sabe and agreed that once well did we sample the delights that from your boat?” “No problem”. In due fully worked up she would take us when it came to turn to descend the course my boat was stripped out and anywhere. ladder I carried on descending until up Quien Sabe was equipped with all the to my waist in salt water, I didn’t care, bits and bobs we deemed necessary The day wore on and the old boat it made crawling into my wet sleeping for a coastal voyage. A friendly local made a steady 4 knots, well an bag less of an ordeal. welder fabricated an outboard bracket estimated 4 knots, there being no from scrap and no skip in Rye was log or other means to determine We discussed the passage plan safe from us as we sought out other our speed. Before long we rounded for the next stage at some length missing essential equipment. Dungeness and headed into our first and considered it of the utmost port of call, Dover. These days Dover importance to be at Longnose buoy Came the great day and Quien Sabe welcomes cruising yachtsmen but at slack water to give us a chance of was lifted in. This was the first time not then. We made our approach like a flat sea around the North Foreland in ten or more years that her keel had old salts flying our homemade flags and so, next morning, carrying the last tasted salt water and I was alarmed to (thanks Mum) requesting entry and of the north going tide, we cleared see how much water poured in. “Don’t were directed to the anchorage in the Ramsgate. The wind had gone round worry, she will take up in a day or so” harbour, the harbour launch circled a bit and freshened more than a bit said Roger, “these boats need a bit of us a couple of times and her crew but we were in a stout vessel, ready water in the bilge to keep them sweet”. suggested we make for Ramsgate as for anything. We were almost up to I thought I could see daylight through soon as possible. some of the seams but what did I know about wooden boats? Safely anchored Quien Sabe exhibited (continued on page 30)

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 29 Cont’d from page 29 - The Voyage of Quien wedged myself in and clipped the The following and final morning Sabe lights into place. I will leave it to you, saw the last comic act, Roger awoke, dear reader, to work it out, it took the gasping and choking. “I can’t breathe, Longnose before the first knockdown, pair of us an hour or two before the my chest feels tight, I must have after the third or fourth we decided truth dawned. something wrong with me.” I looked to seek shelter in the lee of the North We sailed on into the night, had a near at him struggling for breath, reached Foreland, somewhere near Joss Bay. It over and undid his safety harness, was considered prudent to fall back miss with Herne Bay pier, never saw Hook Spit or East Last or any other “That a bit better?” “Ah yes, fine now and regroup in Ramsgate. Oh yes, and thank you” to try and remove some of the water mark for that matter until, somewhere from the boat. Looking back now we off Whitstable, we lost the tide and And so the voyage of the Quien Sabe should have reduced sail but reefing had to anchor for what remained of came to its end. These days we sail far Suffolk Yacht points? What are they? the night. It was a bit bumpy and and wide in our modern yachts with Harbour the boat very wet, we had to do a lot our electric nav gismos, diesel engines, By now the wind had really got up. of pumping to lower the water level radar, super reefing and headsail The sea was lumpy and progress was in the bilge. The over worked bilge rolling systems, hot and cold showers, slow even aided by my Ailsa Craig. The pump went on strike necessitating fridges etc. and anywhere between motor was not happy at being dunked a strip down and removal of various Harwich and the Looe Channel is under the waves and when we were nails, screws and other detritus that regarded as home waters. As we slip only 100 yards from the harbour had hereto been happily residing in along in comfort and safety, perhaps entrance, it stopped. “Get the hook the bilge. Morale on board was low, sipping a G and T with ice and lemon, down Roger while I sort the motor”. I Burnham Yacht only one cure, “Neat Spirits” I cried and are we having as much fun as we did Harbour must point out that Roger was and still another bottle of Captain Morgan’s all those years ago? is a professional musician and as such finest was dealt a blow. We turned in Roger Best needed all his fingers, nevertheless it wet but happy, just a bit puzzled by an had to be done so he dragged anchor irregular flashing amber light seen on P.S. Roger’s fingers did survive this and and chain forward and let go, in a few distant Sheppey. It never penetrated Chatham moments I had the engine sorted, “get many subsequent adventures and he Marina our brains that cars display flashing went on to enjoy a very successful it down again” “Ok, up with it” “Sorry, amber lights when turning corners! down again” how many times I cannot music career performing around the remember but each time threatened a The dawn crept up, grey, windy and world. He has agreed to make time promising career. Then salvation hove miserable. We decided it might be to perform for us at the Regatta Party into view in the form of a large motor easier just to motor round the inside, on 18 July. He will bring a fantastic yacht, “Give us a tow please” we yelled, up through the Swale. Not a bad plan band and a memorable evening is in “sorry, we don’t have enough power had the motor been on form but with prospect. DO NOT MISS IT. for that” came the reply from a truly my outboard still suffering from the Roger Best miserable bxxxxxxd before he wound ingress of salt water, it took a full day to up his 500hp motors and disappeared limp slowly round into the harbour (and to hell I hoped!). to the Medway. We had to persist and eventually We had two made it alongside the pontoon again. buckets on board, SEAGULL OUTBOARDS There was an ancient wooden boat a red one for Do you have an old Seagull outboard motor gathering ahead of us flying an unusual ensign; washing and so on dust in your shed? I hailed the skipper, “where from and a green one for If so, Joe Menhams could be interested. mate?” “Argentina” came the reply and more personal and I thought from Rye was good going! serious matters. Mr Menhams’s hobby is restoring old Seagull During this long outboards for exhibition at regattas and shows. After regrouping which involved the day, I observed consumption of a certain dark and my skipper empty If you wish to get rid of your Seagull, please contact strong liquid, we altered the sail plan the wrong bucket him directly. from cutter to sloop and rigged a over the side and crude form of reefing for the mainsail vowed not to wash British Seagull Exhibitor/Collector and when the time was right we up for the rest of once more set sail. Soon we were the trip! Joe Menhams round Longnose and bowling along up the North Kent coast in fine style. We managed to carry the very 42 Wick Green, Grove What a difference a bit of thought- Wantage, Oxon power makes! The day wore on and last of the tide to Gillingham where gave way to dusk; we did have some 01235 769374 battery powered nav lights, clutching we picked up a vacant buoy and the green one in my right hand and [email protected] the red in my left I scrambled forward. turned in, tired, Reaching the pulpit I turned around, wet but euphoric.

30 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.2, 2016 Clarke & Carter - looking forward to seeing you all next season! Suffolk Yacht Harbour

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Chatham Marina

Clarke & Carter - looking forward to seeing you all next season! WWW.GILLINGHAMMARINACHANDLERY.COM More Than Just A Chandlery. Boat Showroom, Marina & Workshop On Site.

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