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Ally Jones
Quite dry
62 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Nov 2009 : 9:19:00 PM
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Glad to see playground comparisons into whose is bigger is still active! 
I think Solos tend to have the most boats out consitently though. |
Edited by - Ally Jones on 25 Nov 2009 12:29:41 AM |
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2009 : 11:56:59 AM
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Sunday 6th December.
Blimey!! December already. My memory of the year is one of not a lot of sailing due to iffy weather and this day was to be no different. The forecast was torrential rain first thing then brightening up with south west winds of 20knots gusting 30knots. At 9:00am Jessica and I had already decided yet again to give it a miss  . Ah well, perhaps next week.
Race 1.
Four boats signed on for what was promising to be a tough sail. The wind was south west at 15knots gusting 25 knots and the course set by the OD was B K OL H F Y D P. At B, Jeremy Davy and Chris Smith in 3922 were already showing their pedigree hotly pursued by Richard and Scott in 3642, Keith and Geoff in 3712 and Neil and Steve in 3583. B to port and a hard three sail reach to K. By this time the wind was coming in sudden hard unforgiving blasts  and 3922 took off on a screamer followed by 3642. Disaster! 3642 suffered a knockdown, skyed the spinnaker pole, broke the end fitting and subsequently retired. This gave the race to 3922 with 3712 second and 3583 not finishing.
Race 2.
The wind was still just as unforgiving but had veered West and the OD set a course of Y P J OL M D E H. This time only three boats decided to brave the conditions 3922 3712 and 3642 with a borrowed spinnaker pole. (What are dads for?  ). At Y 3922 was leading followed by 3642 and 3712. On the spinnaker leg to P 3922 pulled out a lead that never looked like being threatened. By the time the leader had reached J the wind had backed to its morning direction of South West and the leader, Jeremy and Chris, demonstrated a pointing performance that no one else could match, going through OL and laying M in one. The other boats had to put a tack of at least 100 yards in to make the mark. This settled the positions and after an exhilerating sail the final positions were 3922 3642 and 3712.
harry |
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robbersdog
Drenched
1427 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2009 : 2:11:00 PM
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Thank you Harry. One slight correction, we did have to tack to make M, but it was only a very short stitch. It was a great day's sailing and worth all the aches I have today! Thanks Jeremy for getting me out on the water. 3922 with Jeremy at the helm is incredibly fast off wind and some of the reaches were brilliant fun. Interesting courses, although I could have done with a bit more time on the shorter kite legs. Hoist, set, gybe, drop and stuff the kite into the bag with hardly any time to breathe in between. Great stuff, looking forward to a repeat performance some time soon.
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Chris Smith
Flying Fifteen 797
Sailing Photos
http://www.sushidesign.net/
http://www.gs-illustration.co.uk/ |
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2009 : 2:57:14 PM
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Sunday 13th December.
All of the web weather forecasts were for a North wind of 15knots gusting 25knots with a maximum mid-day temperature of 5C. Not a day for the faint hearted when the wind chill factor was taken into consideration but nevertheless the same stalwarts turned up to give it a go.
Race 1.
Five boats, 3327 3434 3465 3712 and 3795, signed on and sailed out to M for the course of P T J OL X Y M. After a well judged beat to P and a spinnaker leg to T 3327 was in the lead closely followed by 3795. After the run to J 3795 controlled the gybe better and broke through 3327. 3795 successfully flew the kite on the very tight leg to OL whereas the following four boats struggled and then dropped their kites in an increasing wind. The two Simons in 3795 revelled in the conditions and increased their lead on every leg of the ensuing lap. At J on the next lap the positions were 3795 3327 3434 3712 and 3465. A gybe at J and with the exception of 3327 which dropped the kite, the boats had another tight spinnaker reach to OL and with mains flogging (except 3795) 3465 hardened up and sailed over 3434 while 3712 freed off and sailed under both of them. 3434 which, with the lighter crew, was having a tough time of it. By this time 3795 and 3327 were away but there was still a race going on between the other three boats. A beat to X, a spinnaker reach to Y followed by a dead run to M and the three boats were splitting gybes to try and gain the advantage. At M although the boats had closed up the positions remained the same. A very tactical beat to P followed but there was still no change in position and at the finish after three laps the order was 3795 3327 3712 3465 and 3434.
Race 2.
The wind remained much the same both in direction and strength but for a bit of variation the OD changed the course to P Y J OL N X B M. Four Freds, 3465 3561 3712 and 3795, signed on. 3795 established a lead on the first beat never to be threatened. After the beat to P the leg to Y was a three sail reach, and after the gybe the leg to J was a tight three sail reach for a Fred where kites were flown with a struggle. A two sail reach to OL was followed by a fetch to N. The wind eased slightly for the beat to X which was followed by a long three sail reach to B. After a gybe at B there was a broad three sail reach to M. After the first lap the positions were 3795 3712 3465 and 3561. By the time the boats had completed the next five legs and had arrived at N 3795 had a lead of J to Ol and OL to N over 3712 which in turn had the same lead over 3465 followed by 3561 with a similar gap. The race was now a procession and other than a breakage this was going to be the finishing order. Boat speed was now the issue and 3795 pulled out even further and at the finish the order was 3795 3712 3465 3561.
harry |
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2009 : 11:04:06 AM
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Sunday 20th December.
As I arrived at the Club at mid-day the outside temperature indicator in the car was reading -3c. Cresting the headbank revealed one Flying Fifteen, Peter Slater crewed by, I think Paul, on the water. For the Flying Fifteens that was to be the maximum and only turnout for the day.
Let's hope for slightly warmer weather in the New Year.
Good sailing and MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
harry |
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Wilko
Quite dry
54 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2009 : 11:52:07 AM
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Harry, you forgot to mention we won !
As you point out it was cold, all the ropes were stiff, we had to move the boat into the sunshine to thaw out for an hour before launching, and the spray on the foredeck kept freezing. However it was a beautiful day and once out on the water you forgot about the cold.
Thankyou to the race officers for a course that kept us busy and active.
There was only one problem as it was a clubhouse start we had difficulty reading the course. This wasn’t just a specsaver issue but the sun was just above the clubhouse and so was in our eyes, we could make out the letters but not the red/greens. If this situation arises again perhaps the board on the committee boat could also be utilised ?
Merry Christmas everyone.
PS. The water appears to be rising pretty fast now, the first two sections of the jetty were submerged. Can a regular note be added to this forum regarding the water levels so that we can move our boats from the beach in a timely fashion ? |
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2010 : 12:32:15 PM
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Sunday 3rd January 2010.
A Happy New Year to you all.
The Christmas decorations have been decomissioned and put away for another year and the first Sunday sail of the year was very cold for the few club sailors that braved the chill.
Race 1
The wind was a Force 2 NE and the OD set a course of F H E D J OL P. Four Freds started and on the first spinnaker leg from E to D the order was already determined with 3795 leading followed closely by 3327 and then 3712 and 3583. The only change to this order was when 3583 found their spinnaker haliard frozen and unable to drop the kite sailed off into the distance to eventually retire. So after two laps the finishing order was 3795 3327 and 3712.
Race 2.
The wind freshened to a Force 2/3 and backed NNE for the second race and only two Fifteens, 3712 and 3795, ventured out. The course was H S T X K OL and 3712 executed a classic port tack start on pin biased line. 3712 held the lead for the first lap but was being relentlessly ground down by 3795 on the spinnaker legs. 3795 established a lead at the beginning of the second and final lap never to lose it. And so at the finish the positions were 3795 and 3712.
harry |
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2010 : 2:59:44 PM
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Sunday 17th January 2010.
What a difference a couple of days make. Thursday we were still snowed in (the refuse lorry could not navigate our cul-de-sac because of the snow and ice) but by Sunday it was positively, with a bit of imagination, almost, spring-like.
Again, for various reasons, no sailing for me  and I did not arrive at the club until after lunch so I can only report minimum information and not give a running commentary.
Race 1.
The wind was a Westerly force 2 and the OD set a course of B C K OL P E S. Four Freds sailed and the result was 3795 3712 3327 3434.
Race 2.
The wind veered slightly and was occassionly touching 10mph and the course set was C K OL E S. Three FFs entered and on the first beat it appeared that any of the three could arrive at the weather mark first. However 3795 rounded first followed by 3712 and 3561. The positions did not change from here on but the gaps did increase. Comments from the sailors was that it was a cracking course and a great sail
harry |
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jan 2010 : 5:25:59 PM
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Sunday 24th January 2010
Really fouled up big time . Based on the weather forecast from a number of web sites of "cloudy all day with possible rain, max temp 3C with a wind chill of -1C" Jess and I decided that this would be another day to miss. Wrong!! Gloriously sunny day until about 3:00pm with a fairly steady westerly of about 7mph. Yes, it was fairly chilly but it was a great days sailing with two good courses.
Race 1.
With the westerly wind the OD set a course of Y K OL S D X F H. The two Simons' in 3795 hit the front from the start chased by David and Brian in 3434 and Keith and Geoff in 3712 with the "Rocketers" following up in 3583. The order remained the same through the race to the finish with the only significant feature being the gap that 3795 established.
Race 2.
Again four Freds signed on, Kevin and Roger in 3465 sporting a brand new suit of Goachers, Simon and Bill in 3632, Geoff and Keith in 3712, and the two Simons' in 3795.
The course set was Y K S OL H.
3712 was the first to hit the front and maintained the lead from 3795, 3465 and 3632 for the first lap and round to OL for the second time. 3795 had gradually closed the gap and at OL outgybed 3712 and, with the genoa still furled, climbed to weather to take the lead. In a dying breeze, with increasing cloud and, eventually, rain 3795 increased her lead during the next lap to take the gun. The positions at the finish were 3795 3712 3465 and 3632.
harry |
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 01 Feb 2010 : 3:09:07 PM
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Sunday 31st January.
Another freezing cold day (-2C at 09:00 and a whole 1.5C at 11:30) and the temptation to stay in bed until the streets were aired was greater than the need to sail. The result was that I did not arrive at the club until just before lunch to find Five Freds just completing the morning race. The afternoon saw four Freds racing in what turned out to be a marathon of nearly two hours. A wee walk to the inlet and back finished in a snow flurry and showed a considerable amount of ice around the spill, some of which was breaking away and tinkling merrily as it drifted out into the lake. You must be both exceptionally keen and hardy  to sail in those conditions or completely bonkers  .
Race 1.
A light Westerly wind and a course of B M C N OL S and the finishing order was 3795, the two Simons, 3465, Kevin and Roger, 3327, Pete and ?, 3712, Keith and Geoff, 3632, Simon and Bill.
Race 2.
Again a Westerly wind but a little bit fresher than in the morning. The course this time was B A M C P OL S. 3795 arrived at B in first place followed by 3712, with Geoff helming, 3465 and 3632. The leg to A was a two sailer followewd by a run to M which saw boats gybing halfway along the leg. Then to C which turned out to be another two sail leg followed by a spinnaker leg to P then OL, and then, after navigating through the university team racing, another spinnaker leg to S to begin the second lap. This was a repeat of the first lap until M was rounded when the wind freed to allow kites to be hoisted and then came the snow. When this cleared the sun broke through and by OL it looked a completely different day. The tempo of the university team racing had increased with the better weather and boats approaching OL on a starboard three sail reach had to contend with 18 fireflys either racing, preparing to race or finishing, all in an area between OL and K. The two Simons had built a commanding lead by this time and were increasing it by the minute on the leg to S. Next round OL was Geoff in 3712, then Kevin in 3465 followed by Simon in 3632. The race order looked settled but then 3712 had spinnaker trouble which required Keith on the foredeck to clear it and 3465 visibly closed the gap. Lap three and 3795 was beginning to do a horizon job but a mid lap tussle was starting between 3712 and 3465. By the finish 3465 had overtaken 3712 and the finishing order was 3795 3465 3712 and 3632 retired.
harry |
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Contender
Wet
434 Posts |
Posted - 01 Feb 2010 : 11:23:11 PM
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Thanks Harry
That sums it up rather nicely, in so far I was feeling the cold somewhat.
My intention was to set a large enough course and knowing that I would come in for flack from the Freds if I didn't run it for at least 1.5 hours.
My normal approach to running a course is to set the longest possible length beat - Ok I could have made it longer - perhaps starting at G - but with the wind shifting through about 15 degrees in the morning and about 30 degrees in the afternoon. Therefore starting at S seemed to be the best option - giving windward marks B or C as options - however B always seemed to be the mean consideration.
On the whole quite enjoyed the day coupled with the fact that I was teaching my two novice AOD's, (No previous experience of the duty).
Mike
Sailing another Uffa Fox design - GBR233
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2010 : 5:36:17 PM
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Sunday 7th February.
Not a lot to report for the days racing. In total not a lot of wind, not a lot of weather, except for the low temperature, and not a lot of takers.
Race 1.
The wind was just about 5mph from North East ish and the course set was S P J OL N. Three Freds started with just enough way on to make a race out of it. Even with the light winds the heavy weights of the two Simons in 3795 soon showed their noses out front. The first rounding of OL took about 45 minutes and somewhere between S and P at the beginning of the second lap the wind died and the race became a drifter. The three boats ghosted around P and slowly made their way towards J to be met by a RIB executing a rolling finish. The final positions were 3795 3712 and 3434. All three boats either paddled or were towed to the pontoon and were hauled out.
Race 2.
Terry and Morris had rigged 3561 and launched in anticipation of the afternnon race but with no other takers they also hauled out resulting in no takers for the race.
harry |
Edited by - harry on 08 Feb 2010 5:38:38 PM |
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 15 Feb 2010 : 11:03:45 AM
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Sunday 14th February.
Forecast was not too promising and crew was nursing a cold so wife and I decided to check out a walk in preparation for our walking group next Wednesday. Grrrrr . What had I done? Blue skies and decent breezes for the whole five miles. And so to the club to get the results and a report of the days happenings.
Race 1.
Four Freds turned out in a northerly wind of 6/7mph and a course of D X H T J OL. 3922 made a welcome return with Jeremy Davy at the helm with a mended Chris Smith as crew. 3795, as usual made the early running, harried by 3922 which in turn was followed by 3327 and 3583. On the leg to E 3795 and 3922 opted for opposite sides of the beat and 3922 arrived at the mark in first place. This settled the race and at the finish the positions were 3922 3795 3327 and 3583.
Race 2.
Very similar conditions to the morning race but for a bit of variation the OD set a new course of P T S H J OL K. Again four FFs came to the start on a very heavily biased line on which there was only one place to be. 3922 was in that place and you don't give Jeremy that kind of advantage. For first place it was game over. 3795 had been sailed off the line and the two Simons found themselves in an unusual rearguard position with a mountain to climb. 3795 at first ground down Terry and Morris in 3561 and then Geoff and Martin in 3712. In a dying breeze with the positions settled the race finished with ever growing gaps, 3922 being first followed by 3795 then 3712 and finally 3561.
harry |
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 22 Feb 2010 : 4:42:26 PM
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Sunday 21st February.
After spending the morning clearing the drive and the Close we live in from snow dedication to reporting the days racing took us (that's the management and me) off to the club with the expectation of little or no activity. The closer to the club we got the less the snow became and at the club there was no snow at all. Two enthusiatic and hardy FF crews had braved the cold and one helluva wind chill to sail both races so what follows is mostly a second hand view and a bit of journalistic licence (why spoil a good story with the truth ? ) of the action.
Race 1.
With a S/W wind of 5mph the course set was N OL T X S. 3712, helmed by Keith Snow, and 3465, helmed by Rodger Webb, indulged in a bit of pre-start match racing with 3712 getting the better of the start. However 3465 showed better upwind speed (new sails ?) to pip 3712 at the first mark. On the downwind spinnaker legs 3712 got the better of the occassional stronger puffs of wind, passed 3465, and held them off to begin the second beat from S to N in the lead. On this leg the wind slowly veered more Westerly and 3465 sailed through the lee of 3712, sailed higher and faster to round N in the lead. This time 3712 could make no impression on 3465 on the downwind leg and the finishing order remained 3465 and 3712.
Race 2.
With the new West wind of 8mph a new course of Y P J OL X H was set. This time 3465, with Kevin Holliday at the helm, got the better of 3712, with Geoff at the helm, at the start, and led at Y. At J, after two spinnaker legs, with 3465 still in the lead, there was nothing in it and the two boats split tacks for the short beat to OL. 3465 still had the lead at OL by some two boat lengths which was increased slightly on the next two legs. On the second beat from H 3465 rounded and stood on and 3712 opted to tack off to the left side of the course. A wrong move . At Y 3465 had increased her lead by a considerable margin and, other than her mast falling down, it was game over. Over the next two spinnaker legs to P then J, and then the short beat to OL 3712 reduced the margin slightly but at the finish 3465 still had a comfortable lead.
With thanks to Roger and Kevin during a beer.
harry |
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harry
Damp
135 Posts |
Posted - 01 Mar 2010 : 10:33:53 AM
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What a beautiful morning. Blue skies, sunshine, gentle breeze. The only problem is that it is Monday.
Sunday 28th February.
The forecast was gales, torrential rain and a wind chill of -5C. As it turned out it wasn't quite that bad but not by much. Only two hardy FF crews turned out in the morning to brave the elements and the rest of the club fleets were equally depleted. The afternoon, although drier, was windier and mind numbingly cold, even walking was painful, and the Freds present viewed the water activities from the lounge with a great deal of admiration (sympathy) for the other classes on/in the water.
Race 1.
With a strong gusty northerly wind the OD set a big course of P B M C Y OL J. 3327 had a better start than 3583 and led from start to finish. Once the boats had settled on the first beat the gap remained fairly constant throughout the whole race with neither boat losing nor gaining ground. After the finish both crews were happy to haul out with comments about cold hands, cold....., well, cold everything.
Well done to the OD team and the rescue team for sticking to their task through the whole day.
harry |
Edited by - harry on 01 Mar 2010 10:40:39 AM |
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Winter Series 2009/2010
