J/24 Northern Championships
at the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club Bridlington
It seemed a good idea in the autumn of last year when the crews of Savage by Nature and Billy Whizz had decided with drunken bravado to attend the J/24 Northern championships at Bridlington; the boats were safely tucked away in the yard, never having been sailed by us before; should be good experience ? ?
April came with alarming speed and, with our entry fees of £25 duly paid, we were now totally committed with no option but to go. We had been counting on a few races at Whitby to hone our crew into an efficient machine, or at least as efficient as its possible to get two 12 year olds and a 14 year old, not to mention the wife, but with a terrible start to the season it now looked like this was going to be our first outing.
The week before the event we carefully studied the weather forecasts, looking for a suitable weather window, which of course never transpired, before deciding on Thursday to fit in with work commitments. Not surprisingly, miserable weather and a mid-week journey provided few volunteers and so it was that Savage by Nature sailed two up whilst Billy Whizz seemed more like Billy No Mates being single handed with Andy Monaghan.
It was with some trepidation that we set off into a steady South Easterly force 4 and continuous heavy rain. I thought this sailing lark was supposed to be fun but at least our new oilskins would get a good test. Initially we made good progress with the ships log recording light speed of 6 kts, however Captain, Scottie noticed a problem as the scenery ashore wasn’t moving very fast at all, we were pushing an increasing ebb. Pretty soon we were all cold, wet and miserable and with decreasing visibility, we noticed this when Billy Whizz disappeared from view, we couldn’t help but think things could only get better. Andy on Billy Whizz was beginning to struggle with his Genoa and it was with great relief, especially on the part of Deborah who was desperate to try our new thunder box, that we arrived at Scarborough.
Duly refreshed and relieved we departed Scarborough and started the long haul around Flamborough. Luckily the tide was now on the turn and we started to make up time again eventually making Bridlington in the grand total of 8 ½ hours. Following instructions we tied up to an old dredger in the middle of the harbour and staggered ashore in search of refreshments and a warm drive home in the sheer luxury of Kay’s car.
The Saturday racing started with a much better forecast, a steady SE wind again but fine weather. We had already taken advantage of the RYYC hospitality the previous evening and after a good breakfast, which Matthew was to experience again shortly afterwards, we attended the briefing this all looked very serious so decided to resort to plan B and follow everyone else.
A disappointing nine boats made the race line with five races to sail, all windward/leeward courses. Both Whitby boats had a couple of hired guns on board with Neil Williamson of Icon fame on Savage by Nature and Bill Uppington of E boat fame on Billy Whizz.
Competition at the front of the fleet was fierce, as it was at the back, where soon found ourselves. Whilst not too far off the pace we were losing out on technique with each tack and spinnaker hoist. With one leg to sail Savage was just managing to hold off Billy Whizz for last place when young Matthew succumbed to mal de mere, a bucket was brought forth and duly utilised whilst Savage continued on track to make the finish line just ahead of Billy Whizz despite their forlorn protests at the line.
Following a brief stop to drop off sickly crew, Savage by Nature left it to Billy Whizz to carry the flag for Whitby. Savage returned for the remainder of the races but with a depleted crew who were unable to match the increasingly competent and decidedly heavier Billy Whizz.
In the fourth race Billy Whizz allowed their enthusiasm to get the better of them and went over the line together with Stouche. This gifted a sixth place finish to Savage which also gave them the Whitby honours by a meagre point. For the final race both Whitby boats were showing a marked improvement to finish in contention with the rest of the fleet and not in last place.
The final results give some indication of how close the racing was with even the three times national champion only winning the event by 2 points with most of the fleet close behind.
After the racing we were treated to the famous RYYC hospitality which included a three course home made dinner and needless to say a great time was had by all. The J24 fleet gave us all a fantastic reception and were very helpful with their tuning tips, advice and encouragement.
Although several races were planned for Sunday morning the day dawned breathless and all racing was cancelled. Having had a weekend of sailing Jim and Andy decided they would try speed boating for a change and left Bridlington with engines on full throttle. This time fortunes had changed and Billy Whizz had a mate for the journey home whilst Jims family had deserted him in favour of a hot meal and a comfortable car ride.
After passing Flamborough the wind began to pick up and the engines were duly packed away. Romping along at 7 kts with the wind and seas increasing, we proceeded North and were starting to do Beach Boy impressions with a spot of surfing as we approached the bell boy at 11kts.
Despite our initial reservations about lack of experience and poor weather I think it is fair to say that all crews concerned had a fantastic weekend of sailing and really appreciated the exciting racing that one design boats can produce.'
Jim & Deborah Theaker
April 25, 2005
NECRA Meeting
Minutes of NECRA Meeting held at T&HYC on 12th April 2005
Present
Peter Stenner ( Chairman )
John Allen
Ken Cameron
Terry Hogg
Dennis House
Colin Jackson
Harold Usherwood
David Wheldon
Apologies
Peter Cousins
Tony Graves
Minutes of last meeting.
The minutes of the last meeting held on 14th of December 2004 were accepted with the qualification on moorings at Roker Regatta where it is hoped to avoid the problems encountered in 2004.
Programme
It was confirmed that there will be a social event at T&HYC on Friday 27th May for boats arriving to take part in the Southern Triangle.
RNYC has obtained £2500 of funding to support two events one of which is the Farne Island Race It is planned to have all boats finished by mid afternoon Saturday to maximise the social activities in the evening.
Peter S issued posters and programme cards for distribution amongst the members and participating clubs.
John Allen was asked to enquire if discounted moorings would be made available for visiting yachts at Whitby.
Sailing Instructions
David Wheldon will produce a ‘Notice of Race’ similar to the one produced previously. Specific instructions will be produced as follows:
Southern Triangle. T&HYC. WYC. ScYC.
Sunderland Whitby overnight WYC
Whitby Hartlepool T&HYC
It was agreed that NECRA would delete RRS52 ( and therefore allow the use of powered winches and autohelms ) for coastal races.
The NESS committee has not yet met however the NECRA meeting is requesting that RORC rule on the wearing of lifejackets ( at night, when alone on deck, in fog, above 25kts true ) is strongly recommended to NECRA skippers.
Ratings
The new NERR rating system along with the NECRA website is now promised by April 15th. If this deadline is not met the 2004 system will be used for the Spring Series.
ScYC insisted that the NERR system would have to be very close to the IRC rating for it to be accepted by them.
If the NERR system is not available by 19th April then another meeting will be called to discussed the way forward.
Peter S explained the difficult situation that had developed from asking two separate members to develop the website. It is hoped to have the website being developed by Martin Foster up by 15th April. Martin will also maintain it in an ongoing commercial basis. A letter of thanks will be sent to Larry Wilkinson for all the excellent work he has done developing a parallel site.
Registrations
Registration forms for 2005 were issued for use by the respective clubs. It was agreed that registration would be free this year.
AOB
It was agreed that protests would be the responsibility of the host clubs.
Date of next meeting
1930hrs 6th Sept T&HYC
Terry Hogg
19.04.05
Present
Peter Stenner ( Chairman )
John Allen
Ken Cameron
Terry Hogg
Dennis House
Colin Jackson
Harold Usherwood
David Wheldon
Apologies
Peter Cousins
Tony Graves
Minutes of last meeting.
The minutes of the last meeting held on 14th of December 2004 were accepted with the qualification on moorings at Roker Regatta where it is hoped to avoid the problems encountered in 2004.
Programme
It was confirmed that there will be a social event at T&HYC on Friday 27th May for boats arriving to take part in the Southern Triangle.
RNYC has obtained £2500 of funding to support two events one of which is the Farne Island Race It is planned to have all boats finished by mid afternoon Saturday to maximise the social activities in the evening.
Peter S issued posters and programme cards for distribution amongst the members and participating clubs.
John Allen was asked to enquire if discounted moorings would be made available for visiting yachts at Whitby.
Sailing Instructions
David Wheldon will produce a ‘Notice of Race’ similar to the one produced previously. Specific instructions will be produced as follows:
Southern Triangle. T&HYC. WYC. ScYC.
Sunderland Whitby overnight WYC
Whitby Hartlepool T&HYC
It was agreed that NECRA would delete RRS52 ( and therefore allow the use of powered winches and autohelms ) for coastal races.
The NESS committee has not yet met however the NECRA meeting is requesting that RORC rule on the wearing of lifejackets ( at night, when alone on deck, in fog, above 25kts true ) is strongly recommended to NECRA skippers.
Ratings
The new NERR rating system along with the NECRA website is now promised by April 15th. If this deadline is not met the 2004 system will be used for the Spring Series.
ScYC insisted that the NERR system would have to be very close to the IRC rating for it to be accepted by them.
If the NERR system is not available by 19th April then another meeting will be called to discussed the way forward.
Peter S explained the difficult situation that had developed from asking two separate members to develop the website. It is hoped to have the website being developed by Martin Foster up by 15th April. Martin will also maintain it in an ongoing commercial basis. A letter of thanks will be sent to Larry Wilkinson for all the excellent work he has done developing a parallel site.
Registrations
Registration forms for 2005 were issued for use by the respective clubs. It was agreed that registration would be free this year.
AOB
It was agreed that protests would be the responsibility of the host clubs.
Date of next meeting
1930hrs 6th Sept T&HYC
Terry Hogg
19.04.05
April 13, 2005
North East Rating Rule
NERR RATINGS 2005
2005 yacht rating certificates under the North East Rating Rule are now being issued. Owners should be aware that valid certificates duly signed by them should be kept on board their yacht. As well as being used as the handicapping system within your club, your rating will also be valid for classes racing within the NECRA series of events.
Competitors should note that in the beginning of a new season there are frequently a large number of changes in the rating list due to yachts being re-measured after changing their configuration and the inclusion of new yachts in the list. These changes are published on your Club notice board and are subject to further changes from time to time.
The rule has been rewritten for 2005. After many meetings with your club measurers it became apparent that merely revising some aspects of the rule was becoming counter productive and harder to maintain. The Rule after all has been around some 30 years and although it has served us very well I decided a complete fresh look was necessary.
I also wanted to study comparisons with other measurement systems such as the IRC rule particularly in respect to the relationships between yachts. I do not however, accept that IRC is the panacea of accuracy; I have noted a number of anomalies expressed by IRC TCC’s for a number of yachts.
The rule has been revised by rewriting the formulae that is used to generate yacht ratings expressed at TCF’s. The effect of the changes may in some cases be seen to be large compared to 2004; however, it reorders the yachts in terms of their ratings so that they reflect a more accurate relationship between them. In some cases relationships are reversed. These have been examined to ensure the relationships are fair.
We wish you all a highly successful season with excellent sailing. Do not hesitate to get in touch with your Club Measurement Officer if you have any problems with the measurement of your yacht. Any virtue the rule possesses depends entirely on the willingness of the members using the rule to contribute towards its development.
John Kennedy N.E.R.R. Rating Officer.
2005 yacht rating certificates under the North East Rating Rule are now being issued. Owners should be aware that valid certificates duly signed by them should be kept on board their yacht. As well as being used as the handicapping system within your club, your rating will also be valid for classes racing within the NECRA series of events.
Competitors should note that in the beginning of a new season there are frequently a large number of changes in the rating list due to yachts being re-measured after changing their configuration and the inclusion of new yachts in the list. These changes are published on your Club notice board and are subject to further changes from time to time.
The rule has been rewritten for 2005. After many meetings with your club measurers it became apparent that merely revising some aspects of the rule was becoming counter productive and harder to maintain. The Rule after all has been around some 30 years and although it has served us very well I decided a complete fresh look was necessary.
I also wanted to study comparisons with other measurement systems such as the IRC rule particularly in respect to the relationships between yachts. I do not however, accept that IRC is the panacea of accuracy; I have noted a number of anomalies expressed by IRC TCC’s for a number of yachts.
The rule has been revised by rewriting the formulae that is used to generate yacht ratings expressed at TCF’s. The effect of the changes may in some cases be seen to be large compared to 2004; however, it reorders the yachts in terms of their ratings so that they reflect a more accurate relationship between them. In some cases relationships are reversed. These have been examined to ensure the relationships are fair.
We wish you all a highly successful season with excellent sailing. Do not hesitate to get in touch with your Club Measurement Officer if you have any problems with the measurement of your yacht. Any virtue the rule possesses depends entirely on the willingness of the members using the rule to contribute towards its development.
John Kennedy N.E.R.R. Rating Officer.
April 06, 2005
TALL SHIP’S CREW LIAISON OFFICERS VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th of July
Certainly 3 large Tall Ships and possibly 10 / 12 small, Tall Ships are expected into Whitby over this weekend.
This is an important event for Whitby as a whole and for the Club in particular.
The Harbour Master is chairing a multi-organisational working group to ensure a most hospitable welcome for the crews of these ships.
The Tall Ship Race Rules require 50% of a crew to be between the ages of 15 & 25.
They will be a polyglot lot, hailing from a variety of nations.
The Yacht Club, The Friendship Rowing Club and The Boating Association have been approached to provide Liaison Officers (LOs) to ensure these visitors are well received and leave the town with pleasant memories of their visit, every reasonable need having been attended to.
Ideally each LO should be available to their designated crew or group throughout the whole period in the harbour. However, one day or even a half-day commitment may prove useful.
Willing and interested parties are requested to register any tentative commitment to any Club Officer or by phone to:
Harry Sissling - 07786 354332
A fuller briefing will follow as details become known
Certainly 3 large Tall Ships and possibly 10 / 12 small, Tall Ships are expected into Whitby over this weekend.
This is an important event for Whitby as a whole and for the Club in particular.
The Harbour Master is chairing a multi-organisational working group to ensure a most hospitable welcome for the crews of these ships.
The Tall Ship Race Rules require 50% of a crew to be between the ages of 15 & 25.
They will be a polyglot lot, hailing from a variety of nations.
The Yacht Club, The Friendship Rowing Club and The Boating Association have been approached to provide Liaison Officers (LOs) to ensure these visitors are well received and leave the town with pleasant memories of their visit, every reasonable need having been attended to.
Ideally each LO should be available to their designated crew or group throughout the whole period in the harbour. However, one day or even a half-day commitment may prove useful.
Willing and interested parties are requested to register any tentative commitment to any Club Officer or by phone to:
Harry Sissling - 07786 354332
A fuller briefing will follow as details become known
DECLARATIONS
We faithfully print a Declaration in the Yearbook every year so that members can state that their boat and crew complies with the Safety Regulations laid down for racing. To my knowledge, nobody returns these, so could we make a concerted effort this year to return these declarations to the Rear Commodore Racing.
Thanks.
Nigel Robinson
Rear Commodore Racing
Thanks.
Nigel Robinson
Rear Commodore Racing
A BIT OF A DO - Nigel’s Retirement Bash
All club members are invited to Nigel’s Retirement Bash to be held in the club on Saturday, 30 April. Having completed 34 years serving the country, swanning around to exotic locations all over the world, he’s now decided it’s time he saw more of the humdrum existence that the rest of you have had to suffer for this considerable period. There will be a copious,
professionally prepared, buffet starting at 8.30pm and general club entertainment for the rest of the evening. I won’t even impose a quiz on you! We’re hoping some past and less frequent members will be tempted to attend, so please come along and have a jaw with some old friends.
We’d be grateful if you could reply if you intend to attend to give us an estimate of numbers for the caterer.
Nigel & Katy Robinson
professionally prepared, buffet starting at 8.30pm and general club entertainment for the rest of the evening. I won’t even impose a quiz on you! We’re hoping some past and less frequent members will be tempted to attend, so please come along and have a jaw with some old friends.
We’d be grateful if you could reply if you intend to attend to give us an estimate of numbers for the caterer.
Nigel & Katy Robinson
THE ADVENTURES OF ALEX
Alan Smith recently received the following missive from our honorary and distinguished WYC member, Alex Bennett.
Hi mate, Is this the Alan Smith from Whitby ! - guessing it is. Its Alex here. I’m writing this from Argentina. Was a helmsman onboard the maxi cat Cheyenne on the Oryx Cup round the world race. Just lost our mast three days ago, 250 miles north west of Falklands 24 hrs
after rounding the Horn. What a shocker - doing 30 knots at the time!! -
For those of you who don’t know Alex, he started sailing in our club being particularly successful with his SK700, Bandit. He then went on to sponsored and professional sailing including a Fastnet with several of our Cadet members, and then tried his hand at Mini Transats and other Transatlantic races in which he was particularly succesful. He was part of the ill-fated Team Philips crew, in fact he’s been picked up out of the sea more times than most of us have been to sea (I exaggerate, slightly, but he has done it at least twice, to my knowledge). To plagiarise Oscar Wilde, to lose one ship may be regarded as a misfortune, to lose two looks like carelessness! But when you're pushing a boat as hard as Alex does, you can expect a few problems! Anyway, good to hear he’s not losing his touch in the yacht dismantling business!
Hi mate, Is this the Alan Smith from Whitby ! - guessing it is. Its Alex here. I’m writing this from Argentina. Was a helmsman onboard the maxi cat Cheyenne on the Oryx Cup round the world race. Just lost our mast three days ago, 250 miles north west of Falklands 24 hrs
after rounding the Horn. What a shocker - doing 30 knots at the time!! -
For those of you who don’t know Alex, he started sailing in our club being particularly successful with his SK700, Bandit. He then went on to sponsored and professional sailing including a Fastnet with several of our Cadet members, and then tried his hand at Mini Transats and other Transatlantic races in which he was particularly succesful. He was part of the ill-fated Team Philips crew, in fact he’s been picked up out of the sea more times than most of us have been to sea (I exaggerate, slightly, but he has done it at least twice, to my knowledge). To plagiarise Oscar Wilde, to lose one ship may be regarded as a misfortune, to lose two looks like carelessness! But when you're pushing a boat as hard as Alex does, you can expect a few problems! Anyway, good to hear he’s not losing his touch in the yacht dismantling business!
FOLK WEEK 2005
The yacht club will be supporting the Whitby Folk Week again this year, the first time for some considerable time. Events will be taking place in the club and, hopefully, copious quantities of beer will be drunk. The week takes place over the period 20 – 27 August.
If you are able to find some time to help with serving, collecting glasses, washing-up, cleaning and all of the other things that go towards successful social events in the club, we’d appreciate your assistance. So could you let either Harry Sissling or Nigel Robinson know and we’ll do our best to make an acceptable roster.
If you are able to find some time to help with serving, collecting glasses, washing-up, cleaning and all of the other things that go towards successful social events in the club, we’d appreciate your assistance. So could you let either Harry Sissling or Nigel Robinson know and we’ll do our best to make an acceptable roster.
CRUISING 2005
Sunderland Yacht Club programme includes the annual cruise to Whitby at Spring Bank Holiday weekend. They should enjoy the usual welcome and entertainment our Club offers.
GRANTON
Extensive development work is being carried out at Granton with some 300 flats being built between the entrance to the harbour and Royal Forth Yacht Club.
This is the first phase with more buildings to come. The west side of the harbour is to be developed into a proper marina and run by Port Solent. How this will affect current arrangements with Royal Forth and The Corinthian Yacht Club is a matter for concern.
This is the first phase with more buildings to come. The west side of the harbour is to be developed into a proper marina and run by Port Solent. How this will affect current arrangements with Royal Forth and The Corinthian Yacht Club is a matter for concern.
RACING 2005
Scarborough Yacht Club intend to hold a race starting 0930hrs on Friday 27 May 2005 from Scarborough to Hartlepool as a feeder to the NECRAHartlepool/Whitby/Scarborough Bank Holiday weekend series. It is assumed that the enthusiasts amongst us are invited to take part should we wish.
OBITUARY 2005
We were all sad to hear of the death of one the club’s keenest and most enthusiastic sailors, David Hemsley, in January. David loved sailing, both cruising and racing, either on his own boat, Vegality, or as a keen and valued crew member with anybody else.
He was always great fun to have on board and there was never a dull moment on a trip with David. Despite his love of a joke and a laugh, he was always a safe pair of hands to have on board and was the sort of crew you could depend on in all conditions. It is a sad loss for Whitby Yacht Club, and for his many friends here.
Margaret Hemsley would like to thank all Club members who offered support to the family during David’s illness. Donations to the Hospice totalled more than £700.
He was always great fun to have on board and there was never a dull moment on a trip with David. Despite his love of a joke and a laugh, he was always a safe pair of hands to have on board and was the sort of crew you could depend on in all conditions. It is a sad loss for Whitby Yacht Club, and for his many friends here.
Margaret Hemsley would like to thank all Club members who offered support to the family during David’s illness. Donations to the Hospice totalled more than £700.
CRUISING 2005
As your new Rear commodore cruising/power it is my intention to try to make this side of the club more positive and would like anyone interested to join a small sub committee to help organise and develop this section of the Club.
During the season I intend organising some short cruises to Hartlepool and Scarborough. We will also be visiting Runswick Bay where in conjunction with Runswick Bay Sailing Club we will hold a barbecue.
Early season will see the return of the Dutch Cruising Association who weather permitting will arrive on Saturday May 7th. The Club will be hosting a reception for them on the Sunday evening in the clubhouse.
On July 22nd we have the Tall Ships cruising section visiting Whitby to stay-over for the weekend. It would be nice if Club members could sail out to meet them returning to the Club later in the evening.
I would also like to set up a register of charts, nautical publications, pilots etc that members are willing to lend to other members. It doesn't matter if they are out of date as they are only intended to be used for planning purposes.
You may wish to investigate cruising grounds new to you and buying charts for planning purposes can be a wasted expense especially if the idea does not come to fruition.
(A chart form is provided at the end of the newsletter).
Please note: The Club cannot accept any liability by anyone using these charts howsoever caused.
Please see the club notice-board & newsletters for further details.
Anyone with suggestions and ideas for the cruising/power section or who would like to join the sub committee please do not hesitate to contact me on: 01947-893392 or e-mail: yvonne@laughingwhale.co.uk
Good cruising throughout 2005.
Yvonne Coates
R.C. Cruising
During the season I intend organising some short cruises to Hartlepool and Scarborough. We will also be visiting Runswick Bay where in conjunction with Runswick Bay Sailing Club we will hold a barbecue.
Early season will see the return of the Dutch Cruising Association who weather permitting will arrive on Saturday May 7th. The Club will be hosting a reception for them on the Sunday evening in the clubhouse.
On July 22nd we have the Tall Ships cruising section visiting Whitby to stay-over for the weekend. It would be nice if Club members could sail out to meet them returning to the Club later in the evening.
I would also like to set up a register of charts, nautical publications, pilots etc that members are willing to lend to other members. It doesn't matter if they are out of date as they are only intended to be used for planning purposes.
You may wish to investigate cruising grounds new to you and buying charts for planning purposes can be a wasted expense especially if the idea does not come to fruition.
(A chart form is provided at the end of the newsletter).
Please note: The Club cannot accept any liability by anyone using these charts howsoever caused.
Please see the club notice-board & newsletters for further details.
Anyone with suggestions and ideas for the cruising/power section or who would like to join the sub committee please do not hesitate to contact me on: 01947-893392 or e-mail: yvonne@laughingwhale.co.uk
Good cruising throughout 2005.
Yvonne Coates
R.C. Cruising
NEW MEMBERS 2005
Whitby Yacht Club extends a very warm welcome to all new members. It is hoped that you will enjoy a long and active association with the Club.
RYA TRAINING COURSES 2005
I am hoping to run RYA shorebased courses in the yacht club over the next winter. I intend to run, initially, the Competent Crew/Day Skipper course in the first year and then follow up with Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster courses in subsequent years. At the moment, I am trying to ascertain the interest in such courses and also would like to know the format prospective students would prefer, i.e. one night per week throughout the winter or intensive weekends or any other system that would work.
I will be able to instruct a maximum of 6 students. The courses now include electronic chart plotting techniques, so the instruction has to be done on computers, one between three. Could anybody who considers taking such a course please contact and discuss their preferences with me on 01522-501544 or email nigeofsamaki@aol.com. Also, if anybody fancies giving me a hand, I’d appreciate that. It is quite tricky getting round 6 students when they’re involved in chart work.
Nigel Robinson
I will be able to instruct a maximum of 6 students. The courses now include electronic chart plotting techniques, so the instruction has to be done on computers, one between three. Could anybody who considers taking such a course please contact and discuss their preferences with me on 01522-501544 or email nigeofsamaki@aol.com. Also, if anybody fancies giving me a hand, I’d appreciate that. It is quite tricky getting round 6 students when they’re involved in chart work.
Nigel Robinson
THE RACING SCENE 2005
The new season is almost upon us and it has all the prospects of being a good one. Three new yachts and the return of an old friend! Two new J24s, “Savage by Nature” with Jim and Debbie Theaker, “Billy Whiz” with Andy Martland and Andy Monahan, Bill Uppington is making a good job (as would be expected!) in doing up Et Tu, the E-Boat, and Chris Hamlett foregoes Thetis and brings back Glisk in to the bay. Class B is really going to see a step up in class!
What else is new for this season? Well, the International Racing rules have been revised, but I don’t see any major changes (however, don’t quote me on that if we’re facing each other on opposite sides of the protest table!), so I suggest you invest in a copy, anyway. Our Racing Instructions have changed to reflect the change in starting procedures (now a 5 minute, a 4, a 1 and the start signal), so give them a good read. We could well be going back to class starts again with the increase in Class B boats. Some of the courses have changed, so don’t use last years’, it took us long enough last year to get everybody to go the same way round!
We’re also going back to including some modified pursuit racing. For those not au fait with our form of pursuit racing, they are staggered starts initially based on our NECRA handicaps and finish at a set time with your position being determined by your place on the water. If you were in the first 3, your next start time will be penalised 3, 2 and 1 minute respectively and if you are in the last 3, your next start time will benefit by 1, 2 and 3 minutes. We know all the ways for abusing this more lax form of racing, it depends on everybody trying until the end of the time limit, so please bear this in mind!
We’ve an excellent weekend in prospect over Spring Bank Holiday with races at, and to and from, Hartlepool, Whitby and Scarborough along with the NECRA fleet. It has great possibilities.
We’re also bringing back midweek racing, something we’ve not tried for some considerable time. We decided not to go firm on just Wednesdays as this could have limited our time on the water in order to make the bridges, so they are dotted around on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. So mark the dates on your calendar!
If you wish to see the whole programme, please look at Alan’s (with a small hand from Fran!) web site http://www.whitbyyachtclub.com. He’s done a great job and it should really keep you up to date with all events in the club. I hope to get all the results posted there soon after the event and any other changes will be posted there, too.
So I look forward to seeing you all on the water for the Early Bird Trophy on 9 April and please come to the sailing meeting on Sunday, the 10th at 1000 to voice your opinion on the racing programme and any other sailing topics. I know class A have still some serious matters to sort out yet.
Happy sailing!
Nigel Robinson
Rear Commodore Racing
What else is new for this season? Well, the International Racing rules have been revised, but I don’t see any major changes (however, don’t quote me on that if we’re facing each other on opposite sides of the protest table!), so I suggest you invest in a copy, anyway. Our Racing Instructions have changed to reflect the change in starting procedures (now a 5 minute, a 4, a 1 and the start signal), so give them a good read. We could well be going back to class starts again with the increase in Class B boats. Some of the courses have changed, so don’t use last years’, it took us long enough last year to get everybody to go the same way round!
We’re also going back to including some modified pursuit racing. For those not au fait with our form of pursuit racing, they are staggered starts initially based on our NECRA handicaps and finish at a set time with your position being determined by your place on the water. If you were in the first 3, your next start time will be penalised 3, 2 and 1 minute respectively and if you are in the last 3, your next start time will benefit by 1, 2 and 3 minutes. We know all the ways for abusing this more lax form of racing, it depends on everybody trying until the end of the time limit, so please bear this in mind!
We’ve an excellent weekend in prospect over Spring Bank Holiday with races at, and to and from, Hartlepool, Whitby and Scarborough along with the NECRA fleet. It has great possibilities.
We’re also bringing back midweek racing, something we’ve not tried for some considerable time. We decided not to go firm on just Wednesdays as this could have limited our time on the water in order to make the bridges, so they are dotted around on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. So mark the dates on your calendar!
If you wish to see the whole programme, please look at Alan’s (with a small hand from Fran!) web site http://www.whitbyyachtclub.com. He’s done a great job and it should really keep you up to date with all events in the club. I hope to get all the results posted there soon after the event and any other changes will be posted there, too.
So I look forward to seeing you all on the water for the Early Bird Trophy on 9 April and please come to the sailing meeting on Sunday, the 10th at 1000 to voice your opinion on the racing programme and any other sailing topics. I know class A have still some serious matters to sort out yet.
Happy sailing!
Nigel Robinson
Rear Commodore Racing
THE COMMODORE’S MESSAGE 2005
Hi, we’re back again! Mind you, the Committee has been here all through the dark winter days, slaving away on your behalf collecting and spending your money etc.
2005 as you will all know is SeaBritain year:- the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Trafalgar Day, being 21st.October, is out of our season. Some clubs are, however, celebrating SeaBritain year by organising events during the summer period - should we do something ourselves? Any suggestions would be welcomed.
We have a well-organised programme for 2005 with something for everyone, a more ambitious sailing activity, NECRA events for both cruising and racing, additional yachts to expand the sailing fleet, a mid-week and weekend racing programme, a cruising programme, the Tall Ships visit, marina improvements, more clubhouse activity, more openings, entertainment and facilities.
This is the second year we have the modified committee and we now have a full complement of active and able Trustees. This only leaves the Sub Committees to be well supported. Please volunteer your expertise if you fancy having a go and make your presence felt. Why not turn your thoughts from what ought to be to what is.
Whitby Yacht Club needs active support from all the members if it is to move forward and prosper.
Derek
WYC Commodore
2005 as you will all know is SeaBritain year:- the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Trafalgar Day, being 21st.October, is out of our season. Some clubs are, however, celebrating SeaBritain year by organising events during the summer period - should we do something ourselves? Any suggestions would be welcomed.
We have a well-organised programme for 2005 with something for everyone, a more ambitious sailing activity, NECRA events for both cruising and racing, additional yachts to expand the sailing fleet, a mid-week and weekend racing programme, a cruising programme, the Tall Ships visit, marina improvements, more clubhouse activity, more openings, entertainment and facilities.
This is the second year we have the modified committee and we now have a full complement of active and able Trustees. This only leaves the Sub Committees to be well supported. Please volunteer your expertise if you fancy having a go and make your presence felt. Why not turn your thoughts from what ought to be to what is.
Whitby Yacht Club needs active support from all the members if it is to move forward and prosper.
Derek
WYC Commodore
SPRING 2005
Winter has almost gone and we’re looking forward to a good sailing season in 2005. Whitby Yacht Club enjoyed a very successful season last year, both on the waves and on the social side and it looks as though this coming season will once more be well supported. The racing fleet sees some new blood as well as the regulars and we hope for some keen racing in the weeks ahead.
In addition to the weekend racing programme, midweek racing is to be re-introduced after a long lapse. In theory there is plenty of support for it, so watch this space for a progress report! On evenings when there is racing the clubhouse will be open to all members, and it’s hoped that there will be a sizeable turnout all round.
(Details of the 2005 Racing Programme have been sent out by email and are also available on the website for those who are interested.)
A highlight of the sailing season for us in Whitby this year will be the visit of several of the Tall Ships from 22nd – 24th July. This is a not-to-be missed occasion, and there’s sure to be a good turnout of local boats to see them into the harbour.
The new website is now all-singing and all-dancing – thanks for all the hard work, Fran & Alan! It will be regularly updated throughout the season, and will also incorporate newsletter items as they become available.
On the social scene things are well in hand for a good season. You can keep up-to-date by looking at the Club notice-board beside the marina. Details will also be on the website.
Katy Robinson
In addition to the weekend racing programme, midweek racing is to be re-introduced after a long lapse. In theory there is plenty of support for it, so watch this space for a progress report! On evenings when there is racing the clubhouse will be open to all members, and it’s hoped that there will be a sizeable turnout all round.
(Details of the 2005 Racing Programme have been sent out by email and are also available on the website for those who are interested.)
A highlight of the sailing season for us in Whitby this year will be the visit of several of the Tall Ships from 22nd – 24th July. This is a not-to-be missed occasion, and there’s sure to be a good turnout of local boats to see them into the harbour.
The new website is now all-singing and all-dancing – thanks for all the hard work, Fran & Alan! It will be regularly updated throughout the season, and will also incorporate newsletter items as they become available.
On the social scene things are well in hand for a good season. You can keep up-to-date by looking at the Club notice-board beside the marina. Details will also be on the website.
Katy Robinson