SAILING SCENESCENE the Newsletter for MEDWAY YACHT CLUB Issue No

SAILINGSAILING SCENESCENE The newsletter for MEDWAY YACHT CLUB Issue No. 1, 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.1, 2016 Commodore’s Report

My firsthave to look forward to with the Squib grant. It certainly brightened my day report as Easterns, Wayfarer Nationals, Regatta when I was told the £75,000 had been Commodore incorporating the Sonata Easterns and deposited in our bank. and I am the Dragon East Cost Championship At the end of 2015 Sue Watson our sitting on all this as well as a Topper open and Club Secretary for seventeen years a plane a Kent School Sailing Association retired hoping to spend more time on wondering training event. This will certainly keep her boat with husband Peter who had where to start. the Sailing Committee busy, good also retired slightly earlier in the year. By the time you read this the season luck Mark and team. One of Sue’s final duties was the 2015 will almost be upon us or may even Cruiser racing is also getting a bit of a AGM which outgoing Commodore have started and what a season we shake up with some new chaps Aaron, Benita managed to keep to a very Paul and Phil taking over the mantel efficient 25 minutes. It was great to Issue No.1, 2016 of organisation from Roger Griffiths see so many members stay on after Contents who has done a sterling job for many the AGM and wish Sue well. years. One of things that I am pleased MYC promotion 2 In January we welcomed Vicky Bavin to see them doing is trying to make to the new role of Business Manager Commodore’s Report 3-4 use of trophies that are no longer and Club Secretary but unfortunately Vice Commodore’s Report 4-5 raced for. I am sure those who have two months in and Vicky concluded Rear Commodore’s Report 5 presented cups would much rather that the role did not meet her career Welcome to New Members 5 see them being raced for rather than aspirations and informed us that she Atlantic Lions 6 languishing in a cupboard. If there is would be resigning. The Management Obituaries 6 any member who would like to take Committee spent some further time on the role of Trophy Secretary please Bar / Galley Opening Times 6 examining our staffing needs and as I let me know. Dates for your Diary 2016 7 write this there is a job advert out from Editorial 7 It is not all about racing and the Cruiser which we received five applications Class have put together a full program within the first twenty four hours. Safety Boat Matters 8 of both local and more adventurous Vicky has kindly offered to stay on Excitement on the Water 8-9 cruises including a week exploring whilst we recruit her replacement. The Alternative Autumn Series 9 the east coast when I believe the plan At our February Management Honda RYA Youth RIB 10 is to head for Orwell and possibly the Championships Committee meeting we spent Deben, if you have not explored these some time exploring what each MC Look Behind You ‘Pantomime’ 10 rivers before they are well worth the member would like the club to look Book Store (MYC Clubhouse) 10 passage. like in the future and this led to some Medway Defences - Part 2 cont’d. 11 It has been all change at House clear themes including growing the Sailing on YouTube 12-13 Committee with Tony taking over club and training. Which leads me The Three Rivers Race 13 and lots of new blood joining. The to two more requests for assistance; One of my Christmas Presents 14-15 instillation of mains gas a new we are currently looking for a RYA ‘ Azoth ‘ 14-15 water main and converting all our Training Principal and somebody to Photos of Burns Night 15 cooking, heating and hot water to develop some club identity guidelines Advert 16-17 gas necessitated the closure of the and artwork. The training principal is MYC Wednesday Evening Series 18 club house, galley and bar. Hopefully more an administrative post and does with the use of the library as a club not need to be a qualified instructor Oppies’ Report & Cadets 19 room and with food and beverages although that would be ideal. Part of Wayfarer Class Captain’s Report 20 available from the mobile catering growing the club will be developing Squib Fleet Captain’s Report 21 unit we kept disruption to a minimum a clear product offering in terms of How we start racing (in a Squib) 22-23 but I look forward to welcoming all of what we offer on and off the water Sonata Class Captain’s Report 23 our regulars back now that we are fully and marketing. We are looking for Medway Dragon Fleet 24-25 reopen. The instillation of the gas and someone to draft guidelines so that Cruiser Class Captain’s Report 25 water mains and hot water upgrade we are consistent in the use of colours Cruiser Class 26-27 was made much more affordable and our burgee and ensign and create Two go into One - Sometimes 28 by the grant we received from Sport some graphics. If you can help with England under their Inspired Facilities either of these posts please let either Practical Dazed Kippers 29-30 scheme and it is worth thanking Items for sale, advertisements 31-32 again all that helped in obtaining that (continued on page 4)

Illustration for front cover “ ‘STARBOARD!’ cries IRENE but FULTILT (sail no GBR 139) sails on to win the 3rd Autumn series race on 15th November 2016. The picture was taken in Gillingham reach soon after the start with the Northerly wind blowing force 5-6. The low Autumn sun illuminated the white sails against the cloudy background. ” provided with courtesy of Mike Spurgin as are all photographs in this edition unless otherwise stated.

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 3 Cont’d from page 3 - Commodore’s Report club member encouraging us to abilities to the tasks that need to be do more by way of communication undertaken. If you have not already me or the office know. with members, following up on this returned the form I would ask you to I discovered that he was unaware of do so. Duties can actually be fun and As part of our review of the office the regular monthly newsletter. If a great way of getting to know other function we concluded that it is very you are reading this and you too did club members. difficult to crack on with any big not know of its existence then it gets admin jobs on Saturday when the Over the weekend of Saturday produced and emailed out monthly, 21 and Sunday 22 May we will office is open so we are going to trial with printed copies available in the this as a separate position. Office be throwing open our doors and office and clubhouse. If you are holding two club open days as part hours on Saturday will be 10:00 to not receiving a copy by email it is 14:00. If all goes well and budgets of the RYA sponsored and promoted because we do not have your email “Push the Boat Out” scheme. This is permit we may be able to open for address so please keep the office a few hours on Sunday to serve all a fantastic opportunity to showcase updated with any changes to your our wonderful club and we need those members who regularly attend email. Additionally Sailing Scene will on a Sunday. members to help. If you can assist be produced twice per year and the in anyway taking visitors afloat, As I announced at the AGM the club website is kept up to date with welcoming and booking in or “heads of departments Steve for details of everything that is going on. showing people around please let the yard, Neil for the bar and galley This year we are trialling a new the office know. and Vicky for the office have been method of allocating duties. All Well the Captain has turned on the meeting regularly with the Flag members should have received a Officers in what we are calling the fasten seatbelt sign so time to sign form asking them to confirm the off. A bit of a theme developed as I Senior Management Team (you can details that the office holds (part of tell I work in the corporate world). typed; a lot going on at the club and our drive to make sure that we have plenty of help needed. The meetings have so far been very your correct contact details) and to useful and are hopefully improving detail what types of duty you would I look forward to seeing you at the internal communication. be willing to undertake. With this club both on and off the water soon. On the subject of communication I information hopefully we will be Colin Weston received a letter from a long standing better able to match experience and Commodore

Vice Commodore’s Report

I am writing see out fantastic facilities I cannot cover we have enjoyed and a good this following think of a better way to increase our many years and it takes 6 members a visit membership. You never know you per race day to ensure that all jobs yesterday might find a new regular crew ! are covered. The change away from th (March 6 ) to 2016 will be a busy sailing year for classes looking after a particular day Dingy Show MYC as alongside our normal club was in an effort to make sure that at Alexandra racing. MYC will be hosting a number members were allocated to Duties Palace which certainly whetted of Class events including the Dragon that they were happy and capable my appetite for the forthcoming East Coast championships, Wayfarer of fulfilling be it Race Officer or season. During the show I attended Nationals, Sonata Nationals and the Safety Boat driver. It has been felt a meeting regarding the upcoming Squib Eastern Championships. It that for one class to provide the RYA Push The Boat Out event. This will be great to show off our ability right mix was becoming an ever National event will take place at as a sailing club to run these events increasing challenge which needed some 300 clubs including MYC on that take a lot of organisation from to be addressed. The new system did st nd the mornings of the 21 and 22 each of the classes involved. It is require the Club to have the correct of May. It is intended to offer free also an opportunity for visiting data on each member regarding sailing taster sessions in an effort to sailors to experience our wonderful their qualifications and willingness generate interest in the sport and hospitality. to do a particular duty, you may more especially new members. MYC remember being asked to fill out a will offer the opportunity during the This year we have tried a new way form requesting these details with mornings to try everything from a of allocating duties and I have to your membership pack. This exercise Wayfarer to a Keel boat and I am personally apologise that duties took more time that I had anticipated grateful to all classes for their support were not confirmed until late this hence the delay. I am ever hopeful in getting this organised. With this year. Duties are always a point of that in the coming years this will event in mind it would be great if discussion at Sailing Committee but not happen and thank all members every Member could encourage a without members doing these we would not have the racing and safety non-sailing friend to come along and (continued on page 5)

4 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 Cont’d from page 4 - Vice Commodore’s Committee decided that sailing learn to sail or existing members Report within the moorings was not to be increasing their skills and knowledge. banned but should you touch a I hope that during 2016 and onwards undertaking duties in advance for moored boat a 20% time penalty we increase our offering to members their help. would be added and if not reported and non-members alike. If you have I would like to personally thank a subsequently found out a DSQ any ideas or requests for a particular Tim Townsend and Catherine Gore would apply. The shorten course course please let me know. for all their effort in working with has also been moved from buoy 29 Lastly I would like to thank the whole classes developing 2016 Notice of to 30 again in an effort to ensure that of Sailing Committee for their help Race and Sailing instructions which racers are not scrabbling through the so far in getting 2016 underway and incorporate a number of changes. moored boats to finish. I look forward to working with them A couple of important changes to Training - Discussions on how we through the next couple of years note: 2015 saw a significant number as a management committee take developing our facilities, programme of complaints regarding damage the club forward and increase and sailing offering. I also look caused to moored boats by fleets membership pointed towards forward to seeing all members sailing into the moorings. These Training as an important part of the during the season and hearing your reports were not directly aimed at mix. Being able to offer casual Friday views on how we can improve what MYC in particular but to all racers sessions alongside more formal RYA is already a vibrant club. on the Medway and we were asked courses was seen as way of attracting Mark Penny by the MBSA to review our position new members who would like to regarding this activity. The Sailing Vice Commodore

Rear Commodore’s Report (House)

As I write now become an established event. Remember to keep looking at the this report The ever popular Burns Night website and the rolling calendar towards Supper was attended by more than for all up-to-date news and details the end of 100 people who enjoyed a great of events. As you all know, we February, the evening. have a lovely venue in probably Clubhouse is The season starts on 23rd April and the best setting on the Medway, closed with to celebrate the Galley is putting on so take every opportunity to bring work underway to upgrade the a free buffet after the sailing. But, your family and friends along and gas and water supply. An expensive if your boat won’t be in the water let them see what the Club has to business, even with the support of or even if you don’t sail anymore, offer both ashore and on the water. Sport England, but the end result come along to celebrate that the I look forward to seeing you all at will be a far more reliable supply sailing season has started. the Club. which will save us money every The Club is going to be very busy Tony Newcombe year going forward. Rear Commodore this year with many private events The continuing emphasis on booked and lots of sailing clubs getting good value for money for visiting to enjoy our hospitality. the Club continues and our Steward Sailing events booked include: has re-negotiated the contract with Welcome to NEW Shepherd Neame to improve the • 21/22 May – Push the Boat Out terms. We are looking to revitalize MEMBERS • 27/29 May – Squib Eastern the menus for the Galley and Championships provide a better choice. The photo- Colin Mark, Graham Jackson copier contract is being changed to • 16/19 June – Wayfarer National Barry Norman, Robert Woodgate reduce costs and all contracts are Championships now on a regular review to ensure Alec Clarkson, Pedro Agostinho • 8/10 July – Keelboat Regatta we get the best deal. Michael Caton, Paul Smedley The Christmas and New Year period • 29 Sep/2 Oct – Dragons East was very busy including our own Coast Championships Scott Sealey successful Carol Service and Supper, Commodore’s Day is on 18th Christopher Stewart as well as the Christmas Meal, September including the Boxing Day lunchtime with the Commodore’s Afternoon Tea Jonathan Silk, Simon Hopkinson Flag Officers and the staff enjoying and this year we are planning to Robin and Corinna Laurie a Christmas lunch. The New Year’s celebrate Trafalgar Day on 21st Eve party was successfully re- October – more details to follow! introduced to the Club and this will

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 5 Atlantic Lions Shortly after 9.20pm local time on 9th February 2016, the Atlantic Lions rowing team comprising Matt Townsend (former MYC Cadet Club member), Charlie Hayward, Joe Mile and Dave Middleton crossed the finish line of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge at the entrance to English Harbour, Antigua. They had taken 51 days, 16 hours, 6 minutes and 51 seconds to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera in the Canary Islands. The rowers received a rapturous welcome from family, friends and onlookers. Particularly memorable was the light of the flares and the cacophony of blaring horns from the super yachts moored in the harbour. Rowers from boats who had already finished also went to welcome in their friends. The boys suffered several setbacks during the crossing, in particular a storm which lasted two days and headwinds which prevented the boys from making progress. Power issues and a temperamental water maker also caused problems. Physical The Lions (L to R): Joe Mile, Charlie Hayward and Matt Townsend Photos - provided by Tim Towsend hardships included seasickness, open sores from chafing, blisters, friends through those. They said that say thank you for the support they tendinitis and burns (from an errant the tremendous welcome made all have received from the Club and jetboil). In spite of consuming 6,000 the hardship worthwhile. from individual members during this calories each per day, the boys had At the time of writing the boys had project. lost collectively 32kgs during the raised over £77,000 for their chosen To read their blogs and for more crossing. Psychologically, all the boys charity, the MS Trust. information please visit www. at times had extremely low periods, atlanticlions.com but fortunately not all at the same We’re hoping to get the boys back to time so they were able to help their the Club during the season so they Tim Townsend can talk about their adventure and

BAR and GALLEY OPENING TIMES OBITUARIES From 1st April - 31st October 2016 It is with great sadness that the BAR GALLEY Flag Officers have to inform you Wednesday 18:00 to 23:00** Wednesday 18:00 to 21:00** that: Friday 18:00 to 23:00** Friday 18:00 to 21:00** John Negus Saturday 12:00 to 23:00** Saturday 09:00 to 20:00** A member since 1960’s Sunday 12:00 to 19:00** Sunday 09:00 to 18:00** passed away on 19th January 2016 * Functions & Bookings only, see website for details * John Seaton ** All closing times are subject to the discretion of the Steward ~ Later closing subject to Functions ** (Commodore: 1983-84) A member since 1967 Galley last orders ~ Half hour before closing time passed away on 1st February 2016 Please note that the above times may be varied on any individual day subject to a Flag Officers approval.

6 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 Dates for your Diary 2016 Editorial Wow ... Sat 23 Apr Start of Season This is going Sat 09 Apr Cruiser Class Fitting Out Supper to be an Sun 17 Apr CC Spring Series R1 amazing year Sun 24 Apr CC Spring Series R2 with so much Sat-Mon 30 Apr - 2 May CC Cruise to West India Dock going on. It definitely Sat 7 May Windward / Leeward opens up such incredible Sun 08 May CC Spring Series R3 opportunities for those who want Sun 15 May CC Spring Series R4 to enjoy racing, cruising, learn to Spring Series Lunch sail, socialising, fine dining, and Sat & Sun 21 & 22 May Push the Boat-Out (Club Open Day) volunteering. Fri - Mon 27 - 30 May Squib Easterns I am not sure how much sailing I Sat 28 - 30 May CC Cruise to the Orwell / Ipswich area will be doing this season as I haven’t done much last year apart from Sat 11 Jun KSSA Training Day being on RIBs training our youngsters preparing for their Honda RYC Youth Sat 11 Jun Montgomery race & BBQ MYC nd RIB Championship. This year will not Sun 12 Jun 52 MYC Marathon be exceptional. I am also up for any Fri - Sun 17 - 19 Jun Wayfarer Nationals volunteering to gain and enhance my other skills. So, don’t be afraid to give Sat 02 Jul CC Stangate Creek MOB! (TBC) me any advice. Sat & Sun 2 & 3 Jul Dinghy Regatta (Wilsonian SC) Fri - Sun 8 - 10 Jul MYC Regatta / Sonata Easterns Thank you. Sat 23 Jul HRYRC SE Regional Finals In this issue, I hope you will enjoy some Wed - Sat 27 - 30 Jul Mutiny on the Medway of the interesting stories and my big thank to those who have contributed Sun - Fri 31 Jul - 5 Aug Cadet Week to this edition and to all the advertisers Sat 20 Aug Windward / Leeward for their continual support. Especially, Sat – Mon 27 - 29 Aug CC Ostend / Channel crossing thanks to Colin Marshall for helping me with proof reading (and advice) who has spent a lot of time, and Mike Sun 4 Sept Topper Open Spurgin for his exciting and professional Sat 17 Sept Windward / Leeward photography. I would also like to thank Sun 18 Sept Commodore’s Day Vicky Bavin, Holly Aird and Kellie Jones for their liaison at the office. Thur - Sun 29 Sep - 2 Oct Dragon East CC Have a great season! Sun 30 Oct End of Season Henry Chung CC Autumn Series R1 Editor Email: [email protected] Sun 6 Nov CC Autumn Series R2 Sun 13 Nov CC Autumn Series R3 Sun 20 Nov CC Autumn Series R4 Sun 27 Nov CC Autumn Series R5 Autumn Series Lunch

Sat 3 Dec AGM Sat 10 Dec Commodore’s Dinner Sun 25 Dec Christmas Day Mon 26 Dec Boxing Day I thought I have found my dream boat when I was in Macau last Christmas but Grace won’t let me sail her back to the UK...

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 7 time of writing there is little or no Safety Boat Matters progress in this area, because as with The winter maintenance work is The ribs need little attention this year all committees, it is very difficult to progressing well and very much on- and apart from the normal annual get anyone to agree what is required, time and on-budget. engine service should be ready to go. so I for one am not overly confident that she will be replaced this year. The pontoon is more than half completed with only the Marguerite hammerhead still to finish. I was The Tractor really surprised at how good our Marguerite is the boat that I left Members may have noticed that our pontoon is at growing mussels and, “afloat” over the winter and I have old tractor has been replaced with believe it or not, oysters and not just done very little to her on the basis something more suitable. It may small mussels and oysters, these that she is to be “replaced” before look very small but please be assured guys were more than saleable. the start of the sailing season. At the that the bosun and I reviewed what Note to self ~ the next time I have to the club needed and this was the remove the pontoon, arrange a Clam very best fit for the club’s needs for Bake for the members. the foreseeable future. As for the boats, Invicta, Bellis have There is still a lot of work to do been cycled through the shed before the start of the season but I’m and are almost complete with the confident that when the gun goes on exception of them needing rewired the first days racing we’ll be ready. electrics on their masts, new VHF Peter Aird radios, and new MYC decals added. HSBC.

many years as a Royal Engineer Excitement on the water (based right here at Upnor for a The rather large barge (which I did manage to zigzag through and get number of years) with a variety of not even know MYC has) dwarfs the the barge-launch oddity on the boat handling experience ranging now unusually small and powerless pontoon, with several staring club from operations in the Falklands, little Bellis to which it is strapped, members having one question on to experience with the SBS in Poole really does not want to move. Gale their faces - “why is he doing that ?”. harbour, via sunny Belize - and a force winds and cold November rain Now who said the RYA Safety Boat few anecdotes over lunch related are lashing me in the face, and with course was boring ?! to that. Bellis’s Yanmar diesel protesting its The barge towing experience, and The £110 fee for the two days - max revs abuse loudly, I am at the most notably righting a big old reduced with 25% if you commit to helm of this very underpowered dinghy with full sail up - where doing two duty days a year for two Bellis-Barge combination, with the instructor Chris Parish without years - seems good value to me, tide behind me instead of on my prior announcement disappeared and includes a well illustrated RYA nose, wondering how I ever got underneath of - unnerving ! - made Safety Boat handbook and DVD, use here to do this. My chosen entry me realise that no matter how long of RIBs, launches, and the mooring point through the lines of moorings you’ve been messing with boats, laying Barge I had never heard of is suddenly not empty anymore there is no substitute for staying or even noticed in my 35+ years as a fellow member in a nippy sharp, learning from fellow sailors on this river, and last but not least and manoeuvrable cruising yacht with more experience and “doing one Chris Parish braving winter is really going to go ahead and it”. The syllabus for the Safety waters and giving you a real taste moor up on the one buoy that was Boat course taught by member of pressure with his disappearing empty, notwithstanding my clear Ian Barron is very comprehensive under the overturned dinghy act. hand signals pointing and asking indeed. Where at first I wondered Having done a few courses with him to just let this mammoth slow why it would have to take two my native Dutch equivalent of the and hard to manoeuvre barge- days, at the end I agreed that made RNLI, and notwithstanding Dutch launch combination continue its sense and the thoroughness in the supremacy in all matters maritime, long established landing path. I practical exercises and diversity of I do have to concede the handbook abort my attempt to get to the subjects made it interesting and and the course as taught were very pontoon, hoping the massive raft I fun to do. Our little group of four thorough. I can confirm that the am trying to control will cooperate was the ideal size, all of us had MYC does not miss out any of the and turn full circle. It does albeit sailed many years; having our syllabus of the handbook. And agonisingly slowly; and a good newly appointed MYC Director of yes, it is nearly all useful and worth five minutes later again I approach Training Toby in our midst enriched the mooring lines and somehow the experience as he could add his (continued on page 9)

8 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 Steady driving, going slowly into The Alternative Autumn Series junctions and villages, and being As the first race of the MYC autumn up to cols with the inevitable totally observant at all times, is the series got under way our 26 year old hairpin bends and, in some cases, key. Porsche 944s2 was being given a unprotected drops into a valley! At the end of the day competitors final check ready for a week’s classic Entrants sign on during the Monday hand in their route card having car rally in France. afternoon and the first day’s route filled in code board numbers and The event is run by Auto Club instructions are issued along with clue answers prior to a trip to the Eclance. Since the first rally in a rally fleece and an I D badge. The bar; much like after a yacht race. 2007, it has grown from a handful welcome supper gives all crews a Each evening the rally stays at a of classics, to an entry of 60 cars. chance to meet up with old friends pre-booked large hotel where they Vehicles range from Monte Carlo and sets the scene for a very social provide a full three course dinner minis, Lotus Cortinas, loads of MGBs event. Navigators need to mark up often with wine included. At this and assorted Triumphs, to more their maps and be fully prepared point I usually send my son to our modern classics from the eighties for the following morning. Cars room to mark up the maps for and this year even a 1973 Roll start at one minute intervals, as tomorrows run while I go on about Royce. Unlike many classic events, per a published list, and head for how good the Porsche and driver are! the emphasis is on driving and the first coffee stop! A list of the The November 2015 Sun Run ended using your car rather than polishing required Michelin maps is given in up at Aix les Bains on the Friday your pride and joy! advance. To give readers a taste of where the final dinner included the prize giving. Having come 5th and a My son Robin and I boarded the the navigational and observation class win in 2014 Robin and I were Dover/ Dunkirk ferry at 8.00 am skills required here is a short sample a little over confident and missed on the Monday, prior to a gentle from the road book. a vital passage control question on drive to Eclance a tiny village close Section 2a Distance 45 kms the first morning, so ended up well to Troyes. Robin does the driving Estimate I hour. into the bottom half! The event was there and back, whilst the old man D15 Left, D460 Left D5 Right etc. won by the Turner brothers driving has a snooze. I drive on the event ending up at C2/ D266 Auberge du a 1985 Autobianchi, probably the while Robin does the exacting job Parc Lunch halt slowest car in the field. The Porsche of navigating. Classic road rallies is already booked into the 2016 are a test of navigation skills rather Whilst driving the section you also event but prior to that there is a than speed so my son is continually have to record small code boards spring vintage rally open to cars telling me to slow down and to stop that are placed close to village launched before 1960. The MYC racing with the Lotus ahead. Most entry signs or junctions. You are will be represented by two MGAs of the event is run on deserted D also given a sheet with pictures crewed by David Townshend/ roads and includes regular climbs of churches or other prominent features and you must record which Richard Wallis plus my brother Tony road they are on. There can also be and I. Cont’d from page 8 - Excitement on the questions to answer such as what is Dick Owens water on the roof of the café in Bonvillet. having thought about it even if it is once in a sailing career. A turned over dinghy is one thing, inversion with the mast stuck in the bottom is another, dealing with a lee shore situation another, dealing with multiple inversions and prioritising those yet another; kayaks present different challenges to rescuing and recovering than windsurfers and multihulls. One tip useful to know for any sailor - if towing alongside, make sure the tug sticks out 1/3rd behind the vessel towed. Another tip - do the course, it is fun ! Toby has promised to try and organise it in the summer instead of the current wintry days. Jaap Rademaker

Photo - provided by Dick Owens

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 9 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championships East Regional Final of the the date of the National Final at Honda RYA Youth RIB the Southampton Boat Show in Championship. It will September 2016 [usually the first take place on a course Sunday – possibly 11/9/16, TBA]: laid in front of the club • 8yrs to 12yrs [i.e. not yet 13] on Saturday 23rd July. Children from clubs in • 13yrs to 16yrs [i.e. not yet 17] the region will compete If you know anyone who may be against each other in a interested, please contact one of the time trial in RIBs with Honda RIB training co-ordinators: the winner of each age group progressing to • Henry Chung [henrychungmh@ Photo - taken by Mike Spurgin the national final at btinternet.com, 07810 006828], the Southampton Boat or Show. • Ian Glass [[email protected], We shall be running RIB 07941 320529] training sessions for and provide the applicant’s details: the children associated with the club who • Name would like to take part • Age and DOB and represent MYC. • Contact phone number and Although dates are to Email address be confirmed, they are likely to be scheduled for A comprehensive application form days which complement will be issued closer to April when Photo - taken by Henry Chung the cadets’ sailing provisional training dates will be For the third successive year, the programme. announced. Medway Yacht Club is pleased to Ian Glass The entrants should fall within MYC HRYRC Training Co-ordinator have been selected to host the South the following age ranges on

Thank you Look Behind You “I would like to thank Sheila Yes Pantomime time at the MYC. Gyngell and her colleagues for the £100 they gave to help We are looking for members to become involved in putting on a pay for the entertainer at the Pantomime in December 2016. Children’s Christmas Party” Members will be needed in all aspects of putting on the pantomime Juliet Wright from acting, lighting, costumes scenery through to selling tickets and ice creams !!! If you would like to join in and have fun please email or leave your name and area of expertise at the office. Advertising in this publication Advertisements for sailing items for Thank you. sale, to buy, crew wanted, etc. can Wendy Howland be placed free of charge by Club members. Commercial advertisers may also take advantage at the following rates: Back Page (full colour) - £155 +VAT. Book Store (MYC Clubhouse) Inside Pages (black/white) Full Page - £103 +VAT. Thank you for all those who donate books to the MYC Book Store Other adverts charged on a pro rata which you can find just inside the clubhouse. Please continue to basis. Minimum charge £26 +VAT. donate to this popular service which also raises funds for Club’s (All sizes are approximate) activities such as entertainer for children’s Christmas Party. Please contact the Editor for further information about advertising in Paperback books are most popular but we have difficulty making use “Sailing Scene” of hardback books so paperbacks only please. email: [email protected]

10 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 Medway Defences - Part 2 (... continued from the previous edition) However, before these proposals boat, the landing being on the South the fort may be reached by walking went to Parliament for approval Yantlet, and can be freely visited. along the riverbank path. various revisions were made. Cliffe Fort was a typical Royal Finally, two forts are very much on Because of ground subsidence the Commission fort built to form a the tourist trail. Upnor Castle, with its plan for forts on Burntwick Island and defensive triangle with Shornemead entrance at the lower end of Upper Oakham was rejected and replaced and Coalhouse Forts. Six 11” and two Upnor High Street, is operated as an by forts at Folly Point and Darnet. 12” guns were mounted in concrete exhibit with special reference to the Even then the planned 3-storey casements with iron shields in granite Dutch Raid. However, the Wareham construction at Folly and Darnet had facings. In 1885 an experimental and Bay sconces, later known as to be reduced to 2 tiers because of short-lived Brennan torpedo station the Middleton and James Batteries, the weight. Work started in 1867 was added. Most of the guns were have long gone. At Gravesend, the and finished in 1871. Provision for a deemed obsolete in 1922 and foundation of the Blockhouse can be floating boom defence was made but withdrawn but 3 quick-firing guns seen in the gardens on the riverside there is no record of it actually being remained until after WWII. This fort of the Clarendon Hotel, while the fitted. Other rejected plans were the remains in good condition though New Tavern Fort forms part of the strengthening of Grain Tower and the the barracks are in ruins. There is easy Royal Terrace Gardens. construction of a fort on Shooter’s Hill access, though once owned by Blue to protect Woolwich Arsenal. Unfortunately space availability has Circle Cement Co. prevented a more full explanation Garrison point Fort, finished in Slough Fort is small and of unusual of all the forts and the associated 1872, was one of only two Royal design. Originally it was to have batteries on both banks of the Commission forts to have two tiers seven casements protected by Thames and the armaments that of casements, the other being at iron shields and granite blocks. were installed in them, also the story Plymouth. Provision was made for 40 Instead of 10” guns, 7” guns were of the five forts and two redoubts guns protected by iron shields and mounted. In 1890, 4 concrete open built in the late 19th Century to form granite casements. At the same time, gun emplacements were added, the Chatham Lines has been omitted the Queenborough Lines, formed of a two on each side. Armaments were because they were land-based ditch and rampart around Sheerness, replaced at intervals but the fort was defensive and not coastal. However, were commenced though a series of disarmed after WW1 and abandoned there is a wealth of information towers and forts along it were never in the 1920s. It is understood that available in local publications such built. The 1890s saw an up-date of the fort is used by a riding school and as “Front Line Kent” by V. Smith, the guns at the fort with 44 guns now permission to view must be obtained published by Kent County Council, mounted and the construction of five from the owners. or the “Bygone Kent” magazine. For protective gun batteries. Rather than Grain Fort, completed in 1867, was those interested in the subject, the a chain, a Brennan torpedo station book “Coast Defences of England was added in 1887. It consisted of heptagonal in shape, built to cross- fire with Garrison Point and to support and Wales 1856-1956” by V. Hogg is a set of rails down which a wire- recommended. For those wishing to guided torpedo could be launched. the Grain Battery. It remained an active station until coastal artillery view the sites, the following list may However, it did not last very long, be helpful: being dismantled in 1900. The fort was abandoned in 1956. The keep remained in commission until 1956 was demolished but the main part but has since become the property remains with the top part now a Fort O/S map of the Port Authority which uses it as public open space. Grain Tower also reference a control station. A radar station is remains and was in use as an anti- Gravesend now on the roof. Access is by special aircraft gun site in WWII. There is a Blockhouse & New Tower 650 - 747 causeway to it from Grain Beach. permission only but the exterior can Shornemead 692 - 748 be seen from the nearby beach. As a result of the Royal Commission Cliffe 707 - 767 Modifications to Folly Fort 1867 proposals, Shornemead Fort was Slough 837 - 785 rebuilt in 1870 with iron shields set saw its proposed complement of 25 Tilbury 652 - 755 against granite blocks. Again, the guns reduced to 11, whilst at Darnet Tilbury Battery 695 - 776 nine 9” guns and three 7” guns were fort was designed to fire in concert Coalhouse 690 - 768 installed. Both Folly and Darnet with Coalhouse and Cliffe Forts. Forts were disarmed and abandoned Eleven 11” guns were mounted plus Grain Tower 890 - 767 before WW1 but remain in good three 9” guns in an open battery. Garrison Point 908 - 753 condition. Hoo Island was in MoD The fort became a barracks in WWII Folly 797 - 703 ownership and landing at Folly was with a 2-gun battery nearby - largely Darnet 807 - 707 prohibited. The fort was used as an demolished now with only the Upnor Castle 758 - 707 observation post in WWII though it casements still remaining. There is an is doubted whether this is relevant Army firing range between it and the John Basley today. Darnet Fort can be reached by Gravesend/Strood railway line but

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 11 Another dinghy related site that is Sailing on YouTube worth a look is ’18 footers TV’ which brings you all the action from the We often hear people telling us that several different ways to view it. On 18ft dinghy racing LIVE each Sunday there is not enough sailing on TV. their home page you will see a row on Sidney harbour. It used to be Well in this modern age there is more of different tabs. The ‘Home’ tab just edited highlights which we sailing to watch than there is time to shows you what they have been up found better, but then the beauty of view it, you just have to know where to, not only the films that they have watching modern TV is that you get to look… and that is online. And released but also (if they haven’t to choose what you watch, so you the easiest place to find that is on disabled it) films that they have liked can skip the bits that are a bit slow. YouTube. and other channels that they have On a windy day in Sidney the 18’s still Before we get into what’s out there subscribed to. Often the more useful produce some of the most exciting the best way to watch any of it, If you tabs are both the ‘Videos’ tab, which dinghy racing that you’ll find. can, is to link your PC/tablet/phone shows you everything that they have released and, if they have loads of If you’re into yachts on a budget then up to your TV (or if your real lucky you the first person to check out is Dylan will have one of the new smart TV’s content and you’re not sure what you want to watch then the ‘Playlists’ tab Winter at ‘Keep turning Left’. Dylan is that can show you online content). sailing around Great Britain in various Things look so much better on a big might help you break this down into different parts. small shallow draft keel boats, which screen and most online content is in itself isn’t that remarkable. But now available in HD so as long as your Any way enough of the how-to lets Dylan is going the long way round by internet connection is up to it, it is just get on with viewing something. The exploring every little coastal wiggle, like watching the tele! channels we’ll mention in a moment river and island... often going as far So once you’re connected up where aren’t your normal contrived shows in land as he can. By the time he has do you look on YouTube... It’s not all produced for TV in which they blend finished he will have sailed more miles dogs doing cute things and stupid real life with special effects so well than he would have done, had he set people hurting themselves! There that your left wondering what’s real off around the world! are now more and more channels run and what’s not. These are real people doing real things and by taking their If you think that living on a boat might by both businesses and individuals be fun then you might like some of alike, that are doing interesting and camera along with them, we get to share in some of their adventures. the following people that share a part exciting things, many with regular of their life with us. daily or weekly content... and many So what to watch, well obviously your of these have something to do with first port of call should always be ‘fun ‘Sail Life’ Mads is a real character boats. n stuff with the foxwells‘ (just type that from Denmark who lives aboard an into the YouTube search) We show Albin Ballard and he has always got a Before we get into detail the best project of some sort on the go. way to make the most of YouTube you our sailing adventures, be that on is to login with a Google account. If big boats or small boats and most of ‘Accidental sailor girl’ Kourtney and you use Gmail then you already have you should be able to find something Pete live aboard an old Gaff Rigged one but even if you don’t it’s a pretty here to comment on :) Cutter with a Square Sail named simple and stress free process to get The RYA ‘Royal Yachting Association’ Norna, that is moored on the east one. An account lets you subscribe to has a channel dedicated to all kinds coast of America. There channel is the channels that you like and then of boating activities and magazines just a diary of their day to day lives YouTube, will then let you know when such as ‘Yachting Monthly’ ‘Yachting although they have been across the they have upload new content. It will World’ and ‘Practical Boat Owner’ all do Atlantic and back in this boat. (Look also suggest other channels or films features on sail boats in general which at some of their older films) for you, based on the sort of content includes some excellent reviews on More exciting are those people that that you watch. When you find things both new and old yachts. are living the dream, and you would you like, you can show your approval If dinghy’s are your thing then search be amazed at just how many people or disapproval of each film by clicking for the classes that interests you there are out there that are (a) living the thumbs up or down icon. This first. Many class associations or keen it and (b) sharing some great films of provides valuable feedback to not individuals have channels dedicated them doing it. only you tube, but the film creator as to their class. We learnt a lot about ‘SV Delos’ Brian and Brady are two well, you can further interact with the sailing our National 12 from watching brothers. Brian took out a mortgage clip by leaving comments if you wish. others sail them on ‘N3444TC’ and of on a 53ft Amel Super Maramu and It’s actually good fun commenting course Ian has films of his Blaze sailing between them, their girlfriends and and getting to know some of these on our site ‘fun n stuff with the foxwells’. others that tag along from time to people, all but the most popular time they make some truly first class channels will reply to your posts and But as an example just search for films of their adventures in many of corresponding in this way makes it all ‘49er sailing’ to see some fast and the world’s most exotic and remote the more real. spectacular racing action or ‘Finn Olympics’ to see why Ben Ainsley is places. When you find a channel that you one of our greatest ever sailors. like you will find that there are (continued on page 13)

12 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 Cont’d from page 12 - Sailing on YouTube making their way around the world. were those hovercraft that are The first films were a little shaky but sometimes seen tearing up and down they are getting better and better the Medway, have come from. Well ‘Follow the boat’ Jamie and Liz are at it now, and have an ever growing they have a channel as well just search a photographer and writer that are following. for ‘British Hovercraft’ traveling the world on an Oyster 435 called Esper, with their cat Millie and ‘wwwYachtTeleportCom’ Chris Bray Then there is the Americas cup with are living life at a more relaxed pace. and Jess Taunton (now married) are the awesome foiling catamarans. Australian photographers that enjoy Just search for ‘America’s Cup’ ‘Artemis ‘Sailing La Vagabond’ Riley and high latitudes. They bought a unique Racing’ ‘Land Rover BAR’ ‘EmTeamNZ’ Elayna are two of those sickeningly little junk rigged boat in Canada which and others. good looking and talented people turned out to be completely rotten, that seem to have everything going And it goes on and on… these are just but did it up and then sailed it through a few of the channels that we have for them, but these two Australians the North West passage producing work hard at having the perfect life. found and follow. There really is more some stunning photography on the sailing to watch now than there are They met in Greece, bought a 43ft way. Really inspirational stuff. Beneteau Cyclades, even though they hours in the day! didn’t know how to sail, and are now On a different note, ever wondered Ian Foxwell

http://www.threeriversrace.org.uk/ Medway in the Three Rivers index.php5?title=How_to_Enter The problem to be faced in this Race. A team for 2016? race, apart from bridges, is ensuring The Three Rivers Race is a 50 mile race had some positive murmurings and progress at all times. Stop for nothing! on the Norfolk Broads which involves hope that we will have a few boats No pit stops at watering holes, what’s dropping the mast to pass through representing the River Medway. This wrong with a bucket! Tieing up to bridges and with a 24 hour time limit. is a unique endurance race which raise and lower the mast will cost will, this year, be on the 4th-5th June. about 5min per adding 40min to the Some of you may have seen the race. Being caught by the tide can recruiting poster I put up in the Requests for an application form are to be in at the end of February: stop progress for hours. Apparently gents and in Willsonians. I have even one year no boats finished over a ten hour period everyone either took less than eight hours or more than eighteen! That is extreme. Generally selecting the best route scores dividends and I have rarely had progress fall to zero. This year low tide will be at 6.45 but do I want to be at the bottom mark at 6.45pm or 7.15am? Depends on the weather of the day. No point in aiming to get there a.m. if I can be eating breakfast in the clubhouse before then. If the wind’s with then spinnaker will allow progress against the tide close to the bank. Tide times aren’t precise. Apart from sailing the views are magnificent and having three in the boat and a stove will allow hot food and a little shut eye. This is also a race in where finishing is satisfaction in itself. There’s cameraderie between boats and minor infringements are forgotten. How else can you cope when some boats have bowsprits over one bank before the boom has left the other. [email protected] Archie Campbell

All photos for this article - provided by Archie Campbell

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 13 However on checking my library it was One of my Christmas Presents - nowhere to be found! I checked with the Commodore and was told that Tim A rare coincidence! Townsend had supplied this picture to go with his article on a review of My youngest Granddaughter, now water colour painting of a Wayfarer the Wayfarer class in 2015. However just 16 and hoping to be an artist who creaming along with a spinnaker flying the latest web site Wayfarer image I did very well in her GCSCs., asked her straight towards the viewer. It looked believe is mine! Mother what she should give me for somewhat familiar but I thought a Christmas present. Her Mother, my no more about it until later when I What is pleasing to note is that our Daughter, said “give him a painting of a enquired from where she had got the web site is now brimming over with boat, you know the type that you used idea. She explained what her Mother past and future activities at the Club on the Oppie course”. Well this course had said to her and then showed me, and illustrations are not only prolific was 7 years ago and she hasn’t been in on her phone, the picture she had but changed. Clearly it caught the a boat since and doesn’t know a sheet downloaded from the web site, quite eye my Granddaughter and it served a from a halyard!! Mother says “look on unaware that it was the MYC’s web site! useful purpose. the web site and Google ‘sailing boats My first reaction was that ‘it was my If you want a painting of your boat on the Medway’ - that will keep him picture’ that had been put up on the which has been photographed - look happy!” web by the Commodore. In the past I no further, I can get you a good rate! Well I opened the big surprise on have provided many shots of Wayfarers Mike Spurgin Christmas morning and there was a and this one was typical of my style. Image of the painting is shown on page 15 (right). Commemorate Stephen Dalton’s amazing single handed voyage to Australia At the Commodores Dinner, Colin Into the Atlantic MYC. Weston, the new Commodore, formally Azores- back - UK 2010. A shake down Anecdotes unveiled an original painting of Azoth cruise before the Atlantic crossing. At the Cruiser Class Dinner Stephen - the 34’ yacht which Stephen sailed to Across the Atlantic shared a few anecdotes with members. Australia. The painting - by local artist Falmouth - USA return 2011. 12 days • Azoth’s arrival at any marina resulted Christopher Jarvis, was commissioned to the Azores and then 26 days to by The Cruiser Class. The painting in nervous looks and extra fenders Newport Rhode Island. Returned being swiftly deployed. With a long pictures Azoth - on a good day in the direct to Falmouth - in 28 days. Southern Ocean - which Stephen says keel, twelve tons of steel and a 23hp were few and far between! Australia Bound engine, berthing was always more of a Falmouth/Cap Verdes Islands/Cape controlled “crash”. Town South Africa/Melbourne 2014. • Azoth’s black paint seemed to strike Left Falmouth June 18th arrive fear in the hearts of white-hulled Mindaloo, Cap Verdes July 10th. yachtsmen as she approached. Left Cape Verdes July 15th and • If there was one award Azoth did arrived at Royal Cape Yacht Club SA - deserve it would be for the longest September 17th. stay in the MYC car park - normally first Onwards to Melbourne October 9th out and often last in. Camouflaging - arrived Sandringham Yacht Club the boat with a white sheet did Melbourne - December 19th. not succeed in hiding her from the management committee. (22 days passage to Cap Verdes, 64 • Azoth was an old fashioned boat At an earlier Cruiser Class dinner days passage to Cape town, 72 days passage Melbourne). designed by Alan Pape for a couple Stephen gave a short potted history to world-cruise in. Never in any of my of his ownership of Azoth and of his Then cruised Melbourne to Sydney voyages did I feel the boat would let me th adventures aboard her. and on to Brisbane arriving 28 down, which gave me the confidence Azoth was purchased August 2008 January 2015. to aways push on. Its good design and Falmouth. Azoth Sold simplicity made it easy to get on with First trip abroad On June 18th 2015 Azoth was sold in the job of passage-making. Azoth is a Norway July and August 2009 - my Brisbane and is now being prepared tribute to Alan Pape’s skill. wife Sue enjoyed the trip so much she for a ten year circumnavigation - so Ian Inwood decided to get a flight back! maybe one day we will see her back at Image of the painting ‘ Azoth ‘ is shown on page 15 (right).

14 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 Burns Night

L to R : Paul Cameron and brother both in kilts

Mike Spurgin’s Christmas present from his granddraughter, a painting ‘sailing boats on the Medway’

Colin Jamieson Rear Commodore : Tony Newcombe

Piper : Peter Tennant

Early spring flowers this year behind the office

Painting ‘ Azoth ‘ Image provided by Ian Inwood All photos from the Burns Night - taken by Mike Spurgin

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 15 One of the largest chandlery stores in the UK Proud Sponsors of Medway Yacht Club

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Magazine Spread-A4 MYC-Sep 2015 (MYC Events Sponsorship).indd All Pages 23/02/2016 12:09 One of the largest chandlery stores in the UK Proud Sponsors of Medway Yacht Club

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Magazine Spread-A4 MYC-Sep 2015 (MYC Events Sponsorship).indd All Pages 23/02/2016 12:09 Medway Yacht Club NOTICE OF RACE 2016 Wednesday Evening Open Series (Kindly sponsored by Barton Marine Equipment Ltd) A 9 race series for Cruisers and Keelboats (6 to count) will take place on Wednesday evenings from May to July starting at 19-00hrs from the MYC line. Practice Race 18th May First race of Series 25th May ~ Last series race and Prize-giving 27th July Notes to competitors It is intended to run a trot boat service from MYC pontoon. It is necessary for you to complete a 2016 MYC declaration form before racing. Boats on MYC moorings should sign on before going afloat. Boats wishing to take part from the Marina or other Clubs can signal their intent by VHF Radio providing they have completed a Declaration form in advance. The sailing instructions will follow the MYC sailing instructions for weekend series in-river racing other than the start time will be 19-00hrs and the time limit will be 21-30 hrs. Courses will be selected from the MYC 2016 in - river course sheet unless a special course is set. The race hut call sign is “Upnor Line” channel 37 (M 1) There will be two fleets Cruisers and Keelboats (Dragons, Sonatas and Squibs) with a combined start. Racing will be for the Barton Cruiser and Barton Keelboat trophies to be awarded to the overall winner. A trophy may be awarded to the best visiting yacht if there are sufficient entries. In addition bottle prizes will be awarded after each race. Racing for both fleets will be under the National Handicap for Cruisers (NHC). Handicaps may be adjusted after each race. The bar and galley will be open from 6-00pm. Please order your food before going racing. Entry fees are £25 for the series or £5.00 per race. To ENTER contact Mike Harrison: [email protected] Tel: 01233 850423 or 07890 485456

18/5 Practice ( Bottle race ) 6/7 No race ( Regatta week ) 25/5 Race 1 13/7 Race 7 1/6 Race 2 20/7 Race 8 8/6 Race 3 27/7 Race 9 ( and Prizegiving ) 15/6 Race 4 3/8 Race with Cadets 22/6 Race 5 10/8 Lady helm ( Bottle race ) 29/6 Race 6 The Racing Scene Oppies’ Report

Oppies start again on Sunday 1st May encourage as many prospective boats or helping get the for keen young sailors from the age sailors as possible as they will boats in and out of the of 8 years old upwards who want to be our future Cadets and water. learn to sail. Oppies will teach them club sailors. We are looking The young sailors can to sail in a safe and fun environment to organise more RYA also look forward to in the club’s fleet of Optibat dinghies. certificated training their very own regatta All the details are on the club this year. All that in July. “Mutiny on the website including the schedule of we ask is that Medway” is a mix of sailing dates. Oppies sail on Sunday parents help out in sailing and fun things mornings between 9.30am and 12.30 whatever way they to do in the summer. If roughly every two weeks. We want to can whether it is manning rescue after looking at the website you have any questions please do contact me by phone or email and if your child would like to join us then complete the form on the website in advance of 1st May so that we know how many to expect. Andrew Baker Oppie Administrator

a sail up the creek to MacDonalds We will be running an RYA training Cadets and back for lunch and a cruiser course for the intermediate level as race. The four team captains are well as targeted race training for the We are looking forward to an exciting Raymond Pearson, Amy Eldred, older cadets so if you are interested forthcoming season this year for the Beth Gilmore and Alistair Bolton. please get in touch with me. Cadets with several changes to the These captains will be looking for And don’t forget to put Cadet week calendar. This year we are going to sponsorship for their teams so club into your diary for the first week be packing in a lot. The three racing members are encouraged to get in in August: This event is open to series have been squeezed into just early and sponsor a team; it’s a great non club members and we can 10 Sundays giving us more time for opportunity for publicity for your accommodate some novices too. So training and other social events. We boat, business or class. invite a friend and show them what are arranging the cadets, including This year gets under way with the pre they are missing. the Oppies, into 4 teams which season BBQ on 10th April for all cadets are going to compete throughout On a final note we do need some and their parents. We will be running more support this year from Mums the season in a selection of events through the full season’s activities including a two man boat race series, and Dads during the Sundays to help at this event and the team captains run these events and to assist with on will be putting together their teams river training. Please can all parents so please make sure to come along if make sure that they are available to you are in the Cadet class. support us as much as possible this As always we are looking for new coming season. members. If you have friends who Ross Eldred may be interested in sailing please Cadet Class Adminsitrator invite them along to the BBQ and to come along and have a go on any Sunday during the season. In particular we are taking part in “Push the Boat out” over the weekend of 21st and 22nd May which is an event especially to introduce newcomers to sailing. Every Cadet should try to encourage at least one friend to come along on this weekend.

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 19 The Racing Scene Wayfarer Class Captain’s Report

E v e r y Championships in 2012 when our members will continue to season we had 35 entries, and it would support events on the UK Wayfarer seems to be great if we could attract a Association Travellers Circuit (open busy one for the similar number to the Club meetings mainly in the East, South Wayfarer Class this year. The racing will take and Midlands) and en masse to the at Medway Yacht place from 17th-19th June and Wayfarer World Championships in Club, and 2016 is three championship style races Heeg, Holland in July. Five of the promising to be no will be scheduled for each day. Medway boats have already entered different. The top Wayfarer sailors from around and will be competing against We finished 2015 with the AGM and the country will be competing, and, boats from the UK, Holland, Ireland, prize giving dinner certainly in 2012, several members Denmark, Canada and the USA. which we shared If you’re new to the Club or are with our friends showing an interest in the Medway in the Squib Class. Wayfarers for the first time, please Richard Stone and don’t finish reading this article Catherine Gore thinking that sailing our Class is all picked up the lion’s about cut-throat top level racing. share of the trophies We’re well known in the Club for for the major series being a friendly and helpful group of but there was a people. We hold winter social events general feeling away from sailing. Recently we held that the racing our annual 10 pin bowling and curry had become more night which is great fun and in April we competitive than have an organised tour of Canterbury ever. Numbers of Cathedral and supper. Experienced competing boats helms are pleased to offer advice to had increased and we regularly had brought their cruisers down to near those who are new to the Class. Every 10 or more boats on the start line the race area to watch the racing. It is Saturday and Sunday race is followed on Sunday afternoons. Numbers of a great spectacle. by tea, cakes and banter and we have boats on the start line increased on On the domestic Saturdays too. It was the closeness of front, series racing the racing which impressed however, will follow our and the close finishes. On one usual Saturday and occasion six boats crossed the line Sunday afternoon overlapped at the end of a 90 minute format around the race. cans. In addition Away from the Club in 2015, our we have scheduled Wayfarer sailors supported the a windward/ Open Meeting Circuit and National leeward afternoon Championships in the UK and in of racing on one Holland. For the second year running of the Sundays in Medway Wayfarers won the team early June so we can prize at the National Championships, sharpen our skills, as well as individuals standing on the and Mike McNamara podium at that Championships and (sailmaker, coach at the Dutch Nationals, the UK Inland and multiple World, European and a weekly email update with news, Championships and at the Upper National Champion in Wayfarers and results and an irreverent race report. Thames SC and Bough Beech SC many other classes) will be coming If you are interested in knowing more Open Meetings too. to the Club in May to deliver a day of about sailing Wayfarers at MYC, would coaching (boat handling is this year’s like to crew or would like to hire and So what is planned for 2016? The topic). The (personal) handicap series undoubted highlight is the Wayfarer race the Club Wayfarer (experience will run alongside the main series permitting) please contact the Class UK National Championships which is very popular and a great in June which are being hosted by Wayfarer Class Captain, Tim Townsend indicator of those boats which are at [email protected] MYC. A small committee is already improving their skills each week. working hard to ensure that this is a Tim Townsend successful event. We last hosted the Away from the River Medway, Wayfarer Class Captain

20 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 The Racing Scene Squib Fleet Captain’s Report

approach in that, power gives way to sail, there are no landing stages in the area so I presume these will be pleasure flights which means we could get a chance to have a tactical aerial view of our sailing area, and although I am your fleet captain I am also Christine’s (the helm) husband and work under her instructions, so we are unlikely to get that far down river this year. The year started with strong winds but I hope and pray that by the time the season starts it will have become more stable and we will have fair Last January it was one of those Last year Black Mark with Mark and winds and competitive racing. I look evenings at the club. We were all in David aboard did very well taking the forward to meeting you all on the the bar drinking contemplating our Spring and Summer series, first Squib water in April. AGM and the Eastern championship in the regatta and took the Founders Graham Halliday-Saddler meeting and, having had a drink and and the Tom Weeks trophies. Avocet Squib Fleet Captain the bar being empty we decided, won the Harvest series and was first why not stay in the bar, or actually Squib home in the Marathon and on the large table at the end of the Thrifty won the Autumn series. galley. We held our Championship The main challenge this season will meeting which went very well as be to keep the numbers up. The fleet our treasurer, Benita seemed to is now in single figures with only nine have everything buttoned up and boats expected on the moorings for organised. So, on to the AGM which the coming season At the end of was going very well until, it was last year, the fleet lost Thrifty. Tony pointed out that we had to elect a and Mike will be sadly missed as new fleet captain. Well, I have never they have been the most regular seen so many architects and interior competitors over many seasons and designers at a meeting, all studying I will be looking for others who have the various merits of the ceiling and boats on the water to become more the floor etc, unfortunately as my regular sailors. Tony and Mike will gaze was passing from the floor to remain members of the Squib fleet so the ceiling I found myself staring at if anyone is looking for a competent Roger, it was like being at the doctors crew these are the boys to contact. when your reflexes are being tested, In May we will host the Squib East at that moment my hand shot up Coast Championship which will be and that was that. So for the coming the third time in the last 10 years, so, year I will be the Squib fleet captain. although we are not a large fleet we Now, this will be a severe test for the are a very active part of the NSOA. fleet and me, as I cannot describe my Thankfully the static hoist will stay in knowledge of the rules of racing as commission which is good news, as comprehensive by any means, but I it is our preferred choice our getting know Roger will be on hand to give Avocet on and off the trailer and I’m me advice as he has already done sure for many others. so. I would like to thank Roger for stepping into the breach last year as Now, there has been an ugly rumour fleet captain at short notice, and for circulating that a company has the work he has done, especially as applied to the Port of Sheerness Ltd he hadn’t been able to sail last year. to operate private seaplanes further Being an old hand at this he seems down river North of buoys 15, 17 to glide through everything with and 19 and from Half Acre creek into consummate ease, I hope by the end the Medway. Some will look on this of the year I will be able to cope in a negatively as restricting our sailing similar fashion. area. I will take a more positive

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 21 The Racing Scene How we started Racing (in a Squib) In 2002 my wife Christine broke her In our first season we found ourselves second winter to contemplate how leg rather badly whilst driving her vying to finish last or second to to go quicker and our philosophy horse and trap (dangerous things), last in every race we entered with was to keep it simple. We bought later one afternoon when lying on a boat called ‘Argos’- yes the Essex a set of almost new sails from the settee while I dropped peeled boat which David Atkins, the man Tony Saltonstal, bought the most grapes into her mouth she said, why shouting ‘yes’ had bought from expensive antifouling, (how did it don’t you get out of the house and under our noses. We did however ever get that name) and got rid of the have some fun I’ll be alright lying manage to win our first trophy pole launcher in favour of an end to here in agony on my own. Within known in the Medway Squib Fleet end pole which we find more suited two days, out of the blue, a friend, as ‘The Mudlark’; this is awarded to to our easy style. In our second season Martyn Begbey (Legend No 675) the boat that manages to perform we sailed much better by adopting a phoned to invite me to crew for him the most spectacular cock up. We simple approach. Having read all of the following weekend. Having said were in our first ‘Pie and Pint’ a ten the information about tuning a Squib to Christine that I would have to leave mile race to Queenborough, stop for we realised that it was certainly at the her alone in front of the television on lunch in a local pub and then a return moment too complicated for us so Saturday afternoon with only sport leg, on arriving and attempting to we have just done the simple things to watch and closing the door quickly pick up a mooring with myself prone but made them count. We find the behind me the deal was done. I on the foredeck and Christine on the end to end spinnaker pole much advised Martyn that although I had helm I heard the boom swing across easier to use and faster for us, we done some sailing over the years I followed by a splash, while still lying do not use a downhaul, or move our had never raced. His response to on the foredeck I looked around to body weight around too much which this remark was, ” don’t worry I’ll do see a pair of very white knuckles on leaves us time to concentrate on the the kite”. So off we went and I had the gunwale and no sign of Christine. things that we understand and can a very good time, I can’t remember A Squib has never been secured do well. Since our first two seasons where we finished but I had a smile to a buoy faster than on that day. we have enjoyed a certain amount from ear to ear and arrived home like Christine was back on board in what of success within the Medway Fleet. a babbling idiot. After two weeks or I can only describe as a nanosecond We have never mastered the more so of babbling Christine said “ok, I and Christine (worrying that the technical side of racing, which to give in”, when are we going to buy a large pin in her leg would sink her) date, largely through ignorance has Squib”. So having scanned squibble can only describe as a life time. Poor eluded us. This becomes obvious and any other adverts we could find Christine squelched her way to the when we have attended the Inland we decided on three we wanted to pub and to add insult to injury had or Eastern Championship meetings see. to sit in the garden to eat lunch. This where we are usually propping up The first (Dandelion No 286) was very was the highlight of our first season. the fleet from the rear. When we close to us at the Royal Engineers In good Squib fashion we took first started racing we were given a in Upnor but after viewing it and Avocet home slightly downhearted lot of advice by people who wanted making an offer, the owner said but determined to improve. to help us, but we found it a little he had decided not to sell it, so we During the winter social scene bit overwhelming, by just watching phoned a chap at Stone to be told we spoke to several experienced others and sailing simply within our that someone was looking at (Argos members of the club who gave us own abilities we improved our sailing No 468) at that very moment, then various tips about when to put on and made it much more enjoyable. I heard him over the phone say, “do back stay, where to sit in the boat Before we started racing I well you want it” and the answer being in different conditions, putting twist remember picking up my copy of yes, so more of Argos later and on into sails and so forth, we changed ‘According to Uffa, the well known to the third choice. We drove down a few things around on the boat but book on small boat handling, turning to Devon a deal was struck, and decided to keep that devil incarnate, to chapter 5 and reading “Having Avocet (No 515) was ours. The chap the dreaded pole launcher. So on learnt to sail and handle a boat, the we bought her from said that he had to the second season, and things earlier you can start racing the better” been to the show the previous year, started to improve. We watched the (Oh really, I thought speaking from a had a good look at the squib that other boats tactics, tidal currents very limited cruising background) had won the nationals and rigged and various wind shifts and found Once you race, every fault is pointed Avocet in the same way. We soon ourselves bobbing around in the out in the way that other boats found out that this actually meant middle of the fleet. We rounded the sail away from you, (Exactly what half rigged. Having never raced, season off with a third place in one of happened to us) and when you do down hauls, Barber haulers etc, etc the series and managing to get rid of anything well, this too is revealed were all gobbldey gook to us so we the dreaded Mudlark Trophy. as you start sailing away from other rigged her how best we thought, So we sat down snug in our living boats. This coming season will be our along with that dreadful contrivance room in front of the fire for our ,the spinnaker pole launcher’. (continued on page 23)

22 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 The Racing Scene Cont’d from page 22 - How we started Racing (in a Squib) Sonata Class thirteenth at the club and we have enjoyed it on and off the water. There Captain’s Report has been the odd hiccup, I have been in the water more times than I would Sailing Committee is hard at work like on a voluntary and involuntary organising this to be combined basis and I’m Christine sure would with the Medway Regatta from 8th say that the weather has not always - 10th July. Dabchicks Yacht Club at been what she would like but, we Blackwater hosted the event last are more competent sailors because year and this was won by White of this. We hope this will help those Noise (MYC) who will, no doubt, of you who are just starting to race be trying hard on home waters coming from a cruising or limited / leeward races planned and a long to keep their name on the experience background. distance race with the Cruiser Class, trophy this year. including after-race BBQ. Happy Racing I hope you all have a great sailing There is also the Wednesday Evening season and look forward to Graham and Christine Keelboat Race organised by Mike competing out on the water. AVOCET 515 Harrison from Musical Express, Steve Ellerby which offers some mid-week sailing P.S. – The Squib Dandelion mentioned Sonata Class Captain in paragraph two is still for sale. with prizes. For those who want even more, there will be an ‘all comers’ race on Sunday afternoons with a start at 2.20pm, just after the Wayfarer class. All the hard work with winter There are some external events on maintenance and ‘wet & dry’ boat the racing calendar and I know that preparation is behind us, the 2016 several MYC racers will be hauling Sonata Racing Calendar is in place, their boats out onto road trailers to with the early spring series now compete. underway. The ‘Around the Island’ race is Sat nd The MYC Sonata Fleet has an exciting 2 July, followed by the Sonata Nationals at Poole Yacht Club from program ahead and will be out racing st th every Saturday afternoon starting 21 - 24 July and the Southern from the Club line. Championships at Brixham from 20th - 21st August 2016. For the really We have a 4-Series programme keen racers, there is also the Scottish running between April and October series at Tarbert from 27th to 30th May. with 3 that count on the leader board. In addition to the ‘around the cans’ MYC is host to the Sonata Eastern format racing” we have 3 windward Championships in July and the

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 23 The Racing Scene Medway Dragon Fleet - Snow Report (well there’s no sailing!)

So, we haven’t is required to install little blocks to sung evensong and were treated to done much minimise mast movement at deck the Cathedral choristers in fine form. racing in the level, the reason being that some of A delicious supper produced by last 4 months the professionals (also possibly some Stewart and Catriona in their home but off the oligarchs) have been naughty boys concluded a great day for which we water there at championships by adjusting their were all most grateful. have been mast rams post measurement, how And now – back to the future. some could they do that ….. It’s cheating (‘cash is king’ comes to mind)! So our Well the good news is that the fleet happenings. The Dragon Bike Ride Medway fleet now have to spend 200 is likely to see a 50% increase in returned to Appledore in the Weald of squids retro – fitting chokies’, not to Saturday turnouts. Yes, we actually Kent, and after many miles of ‘tough’ be confused with the yummy Belgian have some more boats coming to cycling once again organised by that variety. play. Edwin Hannant and team notorious cycling duo Robin and Chris Gandalf are back for the whole season January also saw our Annual Prize after a serious sabbatical. Next up is Ridsdill Smith we were rewarded with giving dinner. Attended by 60 it was a great lunch at the Black Lion. They Colin Weston who is breaking away good to see this level of support with from the Bootleg partnership having arranged a beautiful autumn day for our smaller fleet. A good spread the fleet to pedal around the marshes acquired ‘two-boat’ Trevor’s GBR of winners across the intermediate 710 and re-named it COY (Colin’s and enjoy the company of about half series saw ‘two-boat’ Trevor Cox with a million turkeys that were being Other Yacht), me thinks it’s time to Suti winning the beautiful John Field generate a dictionary of dragon- fattened up for your Christmas dinner Trophy, and Wendy Howland with her as well as some amazing views over speak so that our fellow racing fleets partial girl team winning the seasons can keep up with the jargon. Heiko those spectacular marshes. As always second place overall BAR Cup. The the group split into the fast guys and Schupp has taken sole ownership of usual suspects OCD and Fit Chick Bootleg and sounded very focussed the not so fast guys, this time our river filled some of the other gaps. The navigational skills excelled as nobody on making further upgrades to the draGOON first prize also went to OCD boat and getting on the water more managed to get lost! A big thank you with a picture depicting some 2015 to Robin and Chris I hope you will be consistently. A new member Nigel tactical errors, its rumoured them Kaula (BDA Hon Treasurer) has been back later in the year to yet again get be hot contestants at next year’s us sorted with our velocipedes. persuaded to join MYC and base his ploughing matches! Well done all of boat Anarchy GBR 797 at MYC. Nigel November saw the Dragon Fleet the winners, our numbers have been intends to mix some Medway racing officers, members, and retirees, at down this year but there was some with away championships, his regular the Fireworks Night running the good racing. crew looks to be Simon Howard who barbeque. Team boss Juliet Wright February next, and Stewart Coltart has sailed with David Crabb on Spitfire had our class officers on the frontline arranged a tour in Canterbury with a at Burnham for many years. It’s also in chef’s kit getting fired up with visit to the Cathedral. Twenty curios rumoured that John and Lizzie are the burgers and bangers; a ‘good dragoners were expertly guided hoping to get Ithaca back at the club night was had by all’. December on a one-and-a-half-hour tour of and join us for some of the quieter brought a casual supper with some this fabulous and iconic building. days of racing. excellent fare from Mark Theobald, Stewart is now part of the team of The Dragon East Coast Championship: unfortunately Pepita and I were away fifty qualified guides, having ‘passed In closing I have to promo the big and missed one of my favourites - out’ last year he now proudly wears event of 2016. The ECDC is back and roast ham and a honey glazed sauce, his stripes and mesmerised us with his scheduled for later dates than usual looks as if we will have to repeat that in depth enthusiasm and knowledge. in 2016 sometime. After the tour we all attended the January kicked-off with the BDA (continued on page 25) (British Dragon Association) – AGM. A couple of rabbits were pulled out of the hat; we no longer have to carry flares (having lost BBC in a 10-second crash dive there is not much time to play with fireworks!) The second bunny came in the form of mast chocks; to date we have used chocks on our road trailers, the Dragon Class now moves into the 20th century and

24 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 The Racing Scene Cruiser Class Captain’s Report

and Phil Clandillon) have been August as well as our local meets in working very hard to improve cruiser Queenborough. racing. There are risk assessments, New for 2016 is ‘Man Overboard Day’ sailing instructions, notice of race on the 2nd July, a chance for cruisers and minimum equipment lists to to try their rescue equipment in the do before you start arranging the challenging dates, the environment of series lunches, Stangate Creek. sponsorship, The highlight Looking back to the end of engraving glass ware prizes, of the Cruiser 2015, Steve Dalton our distance Class year and sailing specialist had a painting of researching trophies, my personal his boat ‘Azoth’, pictured sailing in favourite ‘The the Southern Ocean, unveiled at finding out who had the Montgomery the Commodores Dinner and now Race’ is booked on display at the club. He was also trophies last year...... its a lot in for Saturday awarded the Centenary Trophy, th to do! 11 June. The given for a display of outstanding tides are good seamanship or a similar nautical Luckily the to make it back achievement. Cruiser Class has a friend in Wayfarer mid afternoon for a BBQ at the club. class captain Tim Townsend who has MYC Cruiser Class have an exciting You’ll find the dates on the club cruising and racing year ahead of given many hours of his time helping the race team with the paperwork website for both our racing and them in 2016. By the time you read cruising events and also on the club this yachting author and adventurer that’s required to allow those that want the opportunity to race their noticeboard outside the office as well Tom Cunliffe will have entertained as our own near the changing rooms. the Cruisers at the Fitting Out Supper boats at MYC to do so. Make sure you on 9th April, a great start to the get involved to make these efforts a Please do get involved and support season. success. the Cruiser Class events, you’ll be warmly welcomed at all of them. You’ll be amazed by the amount of We have a varied cruising itinerary work during the off season that needs too for those that like a slightly less On behalf of Cruiser Class. to be done particularly with regards stressful sailing experience with David Boakes to racing. Our new race officer team visits including London West India, Cruiser Class Captain (Aaron and Paul Goodman-Simpson Ipswich and a channel crossing in

All photos for this article - provided by David Boakes

Cont’d from page 24 - Medway Dragon Fleet - Snow Report from 30th September to 2nd October. I am expecting to see a good turnout from visitors having already had a lot of interest. Most of the international events are over and most travellers are back in UK at this time, so this will be the last opportunity of a championship in UK before winter. All good wishes to fellow members and in the absence of insufficient snow Pepita and I will have to go and find some. Bruce Boyd Dragon Class Captain

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 25 The Racing Scene MYC Cruiser Race Program MYC Spring Series: A four race series, raced every Sunday from 17th April 2016 until the 15th May 2016, with a break for the Spring Bank Holiday. The last race will be followed by a Prize Giving lunch at MYC Clubhouse. Each race is typically 2-3 hours duration raced in the river, with committee boat starts/finishes. The Spring Series fleet will be split into Class 1 and Class 2, and following the success of the 2015 autumn series, both classes will be dual scored, for boats that have a valid 2016 IRC Certificate. This year the Spring Series is a four race program, with no discard. This is due to the Medway Club facilities being pre-booked for the prize giving lunch. A five race format will be reintroduced for the 2017 spring series. MYC Double Handed Regatta: The Race Officers are trying out a new Double handed race format for 2016, which we hope will be supported by a number of boats who do not traditionally race, due to problems in getting a full crew. The Cruiser Class will be organising two Double Handed races as trial events, with the Spring Double taking place on Sunday 5th June 2016 and the Summer Double on Sunday 4th September 2016. Please email your interest to the Race Officers, so that we can all work together to get a good turnout for these events. Summer Trophy Races: The Race Officers are trying to increase the number of boats out on the race course in the Summer months and this year have decided to drop the summer series, in favour of providing 5 individual “Trophy” Races. The idea being that the Cruiser Class will get a greater turnout, as a result of boats not having to put in a full series, and still have the opportunity of winning silverware. The five races will be taking place on Sundays throughout June and July, with a break for the Medway Regatta. The Trophy Race dates are; 12th June 2016, 19th June 2016, 26th June 2016, 24th July 2016, 31st July 2016 Typically the summer races are longer in duration than the regatta races and will start from the MYC Start Line and may be finished at buoy 30a depending on weather conditions on the day. MCC Burton Series: The Burton Series is a five race event being organised by Andy Homer at the Medway Cruising Club. In the last few years the event has been well supported, with combined starts and finishes from the Gillingham line, and common courses set for Class 1 and 2 boats, typically of 2-3 hours duration Racing off the excellent Gillingham Line, the first race will be on Sunday 11th September 2016, with the last race and prize giving at MCC on Sunday 9th October 2016. Class 1 and Class 2 will be dual scored for NHC and IRC, with an overall NHC Series winner as per last year. MYC sailors are encouraged to make the small journey to the MCC club house for the prize giving. MYC King of the River Race: Set between the end of the Burton Series and the start of the Autumn Series, the “King of the River” Race is a new event for the Cruiser Class and will be run on Sunday 23/10/16. The idea is that the race will cover, where possible, all key parts of the river, downstream from the club. The race will share a common start and a set of marks which can be rounded in any order. The format is being worked on by the Race Officers, who welcome input from the fleet as to how we can make this “fun” race provide “bragging rights” as to who knows the River and its currents the best, and where local knowledge is just as important as sailing performance. MYC Autumn Series: The five race Autumn series wraps up Cruiser racing on the Medway, with Cruiser Class the first race commencing on Sunday 30th November 2016 and concludes The winter has taken its toll and our Computer man; Malcolm Gould with Race 5 on Sunday 27th November at last the sunset is getting later, as our indefatigable Secretary; Mike 2016, followed by a Prize Giving lunch and the sunrise is getting earlier, Wallis as our support Racing and at MYC Clubhouse. making the days both longer and general political tactician; Vaughan hopefully, warmer. As the weather Everett as our Duties man; Ian Each race is typically 2-3 hours duration changes, so does the Cruiser Class. Pearson as our Sailing Committee raced in the river, with committee boat Since the AGM, the changes in your representative; and myself, as the starts/finishes. The fleet will be split committee have become more Sailing Scene writer and local news into Class 1 and Class 2. There will be a evident. David Boakes was elected and MSBA, (Medway and Swale single race discard with four to count, as Captain, and the members of Boating Association) news gatherer. and both classes will be dual scored, the committee who were retained; The newcomers are Phil Clandillon, for boats that have a valid 2016 IRC Marilyn Stewart as Treasurer; and our Aaron Goodman - Simpson, and Certificate. technical wizard, Paul Cameron, as Aaron Goodman-Simpson (continued on page 27)

26 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 The Racing Scene Cont’d from page 26 - Cruiser Class Cruiser Class Paul Goodman - Simpson, who will share the racing and cruising duties between them. The newcomers do not have much time to settle down, because it is amazing how soon Easter and the start of the sailing season will be upon us. Easter is only some eight weeks away, and the race to prepare the yachts for the coming season quickens day by day. One item which came up recently in committee was the number of members who do not Fastnet Rock and back to Plymouth. through the hours of darkness, have Internet facilities. There are The idea of such a race for and in bad weather, under racing five as far as our class records show. amateur yachtsmen was greeted canvas. It is suggested that I should try to by many prominent cruising men Initially there were 14 entries (one put a monthly news summary out in questioning the wisdom of sailing from America), but only seven came hard copy, but we shall see. Perhaps to the starting line. They were: it is easier to send an abbreviated edition of the Committee Meetings, which combined with the Club’s YACHT TONS HANDICAP FINISH monthly Newsletter, will suffice. As a matter of note, those not on Julie Brise (E.G.Martin) 44 Scratch 1 the web may have the Newsletter Saladin (Ingo Simon) 40 6hrs 4 posted to them, if they ask the North Star (M.Tennant) 37 6hrs 30 5 Office. Gull (Ire. H.P.F. Donnegan) 18 9hrs 3 We should also see that although the Clubhouse will be closed until Jessie (C.J. Hussey) 27 10hrs 40 rtd Easter your Committee will be Fulmar (REYC) 14 12hrs 40 2 working on the Racing calendar; the Bank Holiday Cruises; and Banba IV (H.R.Barrett) 20 ? ? on the dates for this year’s Social functions. The lists should be available soon. We will assure you On Race Day, Saturday 15 August, to create the, Ocean Racing Club, that all those members who need the start was at Noon. There was (later, in 1931 Royal). Jolie Brise is them, will get a copy. a good breeze, but Jolie Brise was still afloat and is used as a training Many of our readers will remember 2 crewmen short and Banba IV had yacht for a College in the West that in an earlier edition of Sailing still not been measured. Jessie Country. Fulmar, the smallest yacht, Scene in January 2015 I wrote was the only yacht to carry a full was sold, and “Ilex” bought, for the about the picture, in the clubhouse Bermudian rig. Fulmar suffered a 1926 race. Of the other yachts, I of “Ilex” rounding the Fastnet Rock. faulty inlet pipe to the starboard know nothing of their later history. But that was not of the First race tank. (a Sapper fixed it in time!). Lines: around the “Rock”, only the first The race instructions were brief; location of start line, time, and There is often a yacht which goes race under the auspices of the aground on the Shingles Bank at “Ocean Racing Club”. There was course. After a close start by the smaller yachts, Jolie Brise flew a the start of the Fastnet. This year it another race a year earlier in 1925. was a yacht called “Lucky”. It was organised by three intrepid spinnaker and gained a lead, which yachtsmen. One was a civilian, she maintained to the Rock; a lead “Boat of the month award” (Not Mr J. Weston Martyr, another was of some 12hours. Then a freshening yet known) but “Dorade” winner of LtCdr E.G.Martin, cruising editor breeze picked up, and the yachts Pacific races since the 1930’s, and of Yachting World, and the third, shortening sail at night, were again in 2013. Seventh out of 309 Major Maiden Hackstall-Smith. carried all the way into Plymouth. entries in 2015 Fastnet! They were supported by Sir Ralph Jessie retired, and it was thought Question? “What would you have Gore and Major Philip Hunloke, that Banba IV finished much later. been, if not a rich soccer player?” the King’s sailing master. They Afterwards, when the cheering Peter Crouch: “A virgin” formed a committee, “Ocean Race crowds in Plymouth (true) had Committee” to run the race from dispersed, and the crews had Good Sailing! Ryde, Isle of Wight, round the celebrated, some 34 of them voted Brian Cameron.

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 27 Two go into One - Sometimes These days a replacement mast can specializedgroup.co.uk/contactus. be worth more than the resale value asp. I took the 4ft length along for the of the boat. This is primarily about the enquiry. They seemed confident but successful repair of a mast. busy. However when I said that I had I have suffered a broken mast eight hoped to have it ready for the Bank times in 59 years of sailing. A Hamble Holiday weekend they said they might Star in 1957, two Finn masts in Suth fit it in so I lashed two pieces of wood Afrika in the late 60s, one Mirror 16 across the roof bars of my car and the at Largs in the late 70s and a Miracle, 20ft section on top of them and took Flying Dutchman, Projection and now it round. Challenger Micro on the Medway in Eventually it was going to be ready the past 19 years. at 6pm on the Friday. I knew that the The first, the Hamble Star was the only mast would be shorter to allowing for time we ever jury rigged. The Star was trimming the ragged edges but not a gunter rigged 14ft undecked hard by how much so I was tearing round chine scow. We had sailed from the to Medway Slings with the upper and Hamble to Cowes and up the Medina lower shrouds for them to remove 3” when the mast went over the bows, as a safe guess. Medway Slings were breaking at the goose-neck. We were closing at 4pm so it was rather a panic. paddling, rather forlornly, down river I had the mast and rigging back at the when a passing boat offered a tow, club at about 6pm but now had to put “Where would you like to be dropped it all together. All the halyards had to off?” We ended at the Squadron steps be re-reeved. The critical one is the and while the fifteen year old skipper longest, the main halyard, because went to phone the school we re- this can be used to pull in all the rigged the boat under the directions of others, I could have used a 25ft tape a couple of blazered old buffers. When but hadn’t one with me so I attached a aluminium sleeve for the inside of the skipper got back the boat was large drill bit to the end of the halyard, the mast. It had been rolled to fit the ready to go, reefs in the main, shrouds refitted the top sheave with the end section over the front 70%, then the aft and fore-stay, the boom lashed to the and the bit in the mast, tossed the edges were milled off to fit the section main thwart and the jib luff very slack. mast up vertical and banged it on the back to the web across the front of the We planed on the way back with the ground till the bit appeared. Well it luff groove. Clearly the luff groove crew in the classic Hamble Star pose wasn’t quite that simple because the couldn’t be sleeved. The weld has of three along the gunwale and the weight of the halyard exceeded that considerable thickness over the main fourth bailing for dear life. Off Calshot of the bit so I had to feed in a few feet part of the joint because it combines we met the sailing master in the of halyard, toss the mast up and feed the sleeve with the thickness of the school support boat, a Fairy Duckling, in some more quite a few times. Hard mast plus some weld metal above a 9’6” hot moulded ply bathtub, with work. I reeved the other halyards by the profile of the mast. Thus, with the a Seagull on the transom. We had the removing the sheave boxes, fishing extra support of the sleeve, the mast boat packed up by the time he got the main halyard out and attaching is very strong in this area. If the break back. the next halyard to it with a short had been higher up the mast I would This mast is also unique experience to length of seizing wire. have been keen for them not to use me. It has been repaired. The work wasn’t complete till nearly a sleeve, or a very short one, to keep weight down and I’m sure that the I had been resigned to persuading 1pm on Saturday but this was in time to catch the ebb tide to Harty Ferry. quality of the weld would suffice to Craft Insure to cough up for a new mast give adequate strength. I had asked or for them to accept the suggestion On Sunday we sailed up to the bridge them not to be unduly concerned with of buying another Challenger with a at Faversham, had a pleasant pint in the sail groove as I would be happier 2 year old mast at about 75% of the the Shipwright’s Arms, at the foot of with a strong weld even if I needed to cost of a new mast but realised that Oar Creek, sailed back through the grind it back with an undercutting tool the two parts of the mast, 20ft and Swale and arrived back at the club but the weld has plenty of metal in this 4ft were relatively clean ended and at 10:30pm. Bank Holiday Monday area without impeding the bolt rope could be welded together. Moreover was atrocious so we were glad we of the sail. Just as well as the tool I had googling “Mast Repairs”. Came up had persevered with our return. The looked out was too big for the track. with the repair of a Wayfarer mast repair and re-rigging had all been so I consulted that fount of all local worthwhile. I am happy to commend Specialised’s work. wisdom, Steve Porter, the boatswain, The Repair who recommended Specialized Archie Campbell just along from Pirates Cave www. The welders trimmed off the damaged edges of the break and formed an All photos for this article - provided by Archie Campbell

28 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 although the weather was basically Practical Dazed Kippers grey and sunless, so off we went under full sail on another reach across the 7 Three of us who took the Day Skipper 20m. Mind you in the Canaries the miles of open sea to Lanzarote and theory course at the club in early echo sounder gives up once you are a then along the coast to Arrecife. 2015 decided we needed to take the mile off shore as the depth goes over practical test too. It turns out that the 1000m and the standard Raymarine The passage itself was largely idea of doing it around the East Coast echo sounder gives up at 100. uneventful with lunch taken underway we arrived at Arrecife in mid-afternoon lost out to going to the Canaries and Sailing out from the marina on a reach, fine weather. A five day course was to find the major commercial the Bav’s best point of sail, Clive told us port (according to the pilot book) booked for three of us, Mike Shaw, to watch out for flying fish which were Pat Melvin and Paul Smith, plus Mike’s completely deserted so no ship quite spectacular, gliding about 1m dodging at the entrance. Clive told us neighbour Hayden who was going to above the waves for quite impressive do the competent crew course. he normally finds plenty of space on distances. Unfortunately the sail the first one or two pontoons so was th 17 October. Gatwick to Fuerteventura was cut short when our beginner, a little surprised to be told we had to on Norwegian Air. Arrive at Coralejo Hayden, discovered that he suffers go to pontoon K. He had not allowed Marina at about 7:00PM. Met by Alex from seasickness and decided to share for the fact that the Mini Transat fleet Moreham (Mrs Sail the Canaries) who his lunch with the fishes. A quick tack were in port. These tiny but extreme showed us round the inside of the (quite a slow one really as it was done machines filled the first two pontoons. boat, a Bavaria 37 before plying us with the RYA way) and another reach back The sailors had a special area by the alcohol in a local bar. Then to a local to Coralejo. Once in the lee of the office for them to entertain sponsors fish restaurant (plenty to choose from) island Hayden started to recover a little and each other while they waited for for a late meal and finally crash out in but was only better once he was back the start of the next leg of their race. the boat ready for a 10:00 start the next on land. The vast majority of them were French day. After a trip to the local pharmacy to When you think the race was set up Alex also told us it never normally obtain some snake oil for motion as a low cost alternative to the Ostar rains in the Canaries. The deep sickness it was back to the boat for it is incredible to see how far it has puddles everywhere led us to believe homework. The passage plan and changed from that original idea. These otherwise. First night sleep proved pilotage for tomorrow’s planned trip to machines were more like small Open difficult to come by as every time the Arrecife on Lanzarote. Going from one 60s than anything else with huge rigs windows were opened the rain that island to another, is this a transatlantic and canting keels. never happens came in. crossing? Homework over its another That evening was spent in a small 18th October. Sharp at 10:30 our evening hitting the nightspots of Tapas bar overlooking the small fishing instructor Clive Moreham arrived to down town Coralejo. harbour making a sizeable dent in the spend the morning going through 19th October. We all woke up early bar’s stock of beer. the initial briefing on the boat and the and not refreshed after another 20th October. Breakfast on the boat normal checks we should go through rainy night with the windows closed. was followed by a short passage to every time we go out. This included Hayden dosed himself up with snake Puerto Calero about ten miles to the checking your lifejackets and re- oil and declared himself ready to go. west on the south coast of Lanzarote packing them and carrying out a full Clive arrived at 09:30 and checked our with Pat planning the passage and WOBBLE check on the engine. It shows homework, Mike’s passage plan and Mike the Pilotage. Approach to the how much attention your humble Paul’s pilotage. Declaring them OK and harbour was used to practice the scribe took in that I can only remember after supervising Hayden wobbling the use of transits which was livened up what the WOB stands for (Water filter, engine we were free to depart on our when the white square building on Oil, Belts). Atlantic Crossing. After spending ages the hill drove off! Once tied up in the Once all that was done a light lunch doubling up lines so we could leave the marina a light lunch was followed by followed by what we came for, our berth the RYA way we were underway. a choice. We could either practice first sail in the Atlantic. This was just Luckily for Hayden the breeze and see coming alongside or go back out for scheduled to be a quick out and back were much less than the previous day, another sail and hopefully see some so Clive could gauge our abilities. I dolphins or whales. Since think I failed the first test when he the weather was perfect asked how we should leave the berth. for sailing out we went. Apparently it is not the RYA way to just Once we were about a cast off all lines, jump on the boat and mile offshore in 1000+m go. Who’d have thought it? of water we thought about With about 25 knots blowing we left looking for whales. After the marina with a couple of rolls in both sailing around for a couple the genoa and main. We did notice of hours we decided to a new attitude to water depth. Our head back in. Then, just as instructor was getting very nervous whenever depth dropped below 1 Off to Lanzarote. L to R Clive (Instructor) Pat, Hayden and Mike (continued on page 30)

MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 29 Cont’d from page 29 - Practical Dazed appears in the RYA training manual so fender in the bright sunshine. There is Kippers after half a dozen attempts, we gave no pleasing some people. up and used the boathook. Once we crossed the 400m contour, a pod of Back into the Marina for the evening safely moored, the kettle went on to and the choice of all the posh dolphins found us! They were shortly help with passage planning (Paul) and joined by a couple of whales. waterfront restaurants. Clive went off pilotage for the entrance to Coralejo on his own to talk to a mate about a (Mike). The pilotage was made harder RIB or some other excuse. The weather by Clive adding a ring of imaginary had other ideas about what we did rocks around the harbour entrance. though. Just as we arrived at the As soon as it was dark we left for the 7 recommended restaurant the heavens mile crossing to Fuerteventura which opened and three hours of torrential was done under engine. Clive was rain ensued. It looked like the end expecting to have to make up a Colreg of the world. The roof of our chosen exercise using an imaginary craft on restaurant resembled a sieve so he collision course but he was lucky and lost 75% of his tables so there was no a ship decided to aim at us. A turn room at the inn for us. Heading back This was a truly fantastic day’s sailing to to starboard to show our port light towards the boat we went into the first those of us used to the murky shallows satisfied the Colregs bit. place we could find that still had dry of the East Coast. Unfortunately it had tables and had a very pleasant meal to end and back in to harbour we went The harbour entrance was a bit of a and a few beers. Clive decided to stay to tie up in our allotted berth. Stern to problem as the guys at the back, Paul in the bar with his mate rather than and done the RYA way. and Hayden rebelled against following brave the deluge to join us. There was another special treat for us Mikes carefully laid course and transits that evening as we had a night sail to avoid the imaginary rocks as it When the rain eventually stopped planned for the following night and looked like we would hit the harbour we headed back to the boat. This the steaming light was not working. wall, very real. The ensuing mutiny was when we found that Canarian With two qualified electricians on meant we hit the imaginary rocks, drains cannot cope with a rainstorm. board Pat was hoisted up the mast to black mark for Paul and his dreadful The sewers had overflowed and raw investigate the problem. It turned out night vision. sewage was flowing across the road to be a wiring issue so Pat waved his Back in the home port Clive shot off and into the Marina, which was no magic wand and re-routed the deck home for a good night’s sleep leaving longer crystal clear and blue. Back at light power to the steaming light so the four of us to our own devices. Back the boat we discovered that we had we would be fully legal the next night. to the original fish restaurant. not closed the windows properly and all the berths were soaking. Oh deep nd That evening was spent in one of the 22 October. Another Atlantic joy! Crossing, this time to Marina Rubicon, restaurants overlooking the marina rd followed by a leisurely stagger back to just across the bay from Puerto del 23 October. The final day on the the boat Carmen on Lanzarote. Passage plan by water earmarked for a simple 7 mile sail from Marina Rubicon back to 21st October. A happy morning spent Pat with pilotage, with imaginary rocks by Paul. Perfect sailing weather with Coralejo. We left the marina under low pontoon bashing. Taking it in turn to grey clouds and as we went out of the come alongside, springing off and sunshine and a nice F3, more typical Canaries weather at last. harbour Coralejo disappeared beneath backing up to a pontoon. All the time a rain storm. Continuing under engine avoiding the other school that was More problems with the pilotage as we soon motored into the deluge doing the same thing and the tripper the naviguesser did not get the correct and had to practice our poor visibility submarine that came and went at transit set up in time we clouted the navigation to reach Coralejo, which we regular intervals. This was followed imaginary rocks fairly hard. Another did just as the rain stopped. Of course by an anchoring exercise. Luckily, just black mark for Paul, at least it was only it never rains in the Canaries! down the coast is a shallow bay where an imaginary rock. Once safely back in our berth the final we could anchor in about 8m water Marina Rubicon is a brand new marina debrief of the week was given and and put up the anchor ball. (I always with crystal clear water and obviously we all passed. With about 120 years wondered what that was for) A light aimed at up market clientele. Then sailing experience between the three lunch at anchor was followed by an we turned up. The whole place of us going for Day Skipper it would afternoon sail back along the coast to looked fantastic in the sunshine. have been highly embarrassing had a bay at the Eastern End of Lanzarote A celebratory mood ensued over any of us failed. In fact Clive did say ready for the night crossing back to lunch and Paul cracked open one of we should have made a bit more Coralejo. the cans in the fridge. This brought effort and gone for something more In late afternoon we were picking up down the full might of RYA political challenging. Hayden is now a full a buoy in a bay to the south of Puerto correctness concerning drunk sailing. qualified competent crew and was del Carmen. Of course rather than just The afternoon was spent back out at really pleased. picking up the buoy using the boat- sea carrying out man overboard drills Paul Smith hook we had to use the RYA method under power and sail. The hardest of lassoing it. This is not as easy as it thing about this was seeing the MOB All photos for this article - provided by Paul Smith

30 MYC “Sailing Scene” - Issue No.1, 2016 FOR SALE Squib ‘Thrifty’ For Sale

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