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| 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This is the News Archive for 2002.
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| Oct 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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24 Oct 02 How many ways are there to describe the start of a catamaran race? A pre-prescribed routine followed religiously by clubs the world over. I would say the ways are infinite (hope so anyway). The wide range of weather conditions, sea states, helms, crews, boats, and race officers not to mention the various methods employed to ensure a prime position on the line. There are the vagaries of interpreting a two-dimensional set of rules applied to a very three-dimensional activity. (Four-dimensional if you include Help-Dee-Aged). There are so many permutations and nuances and always a different perspective. It was a very grey day, the sort that is encoded in the Briton's genes as the norm for our climate. Having enjoyed prolonged daylight and some warmth during the summer months, we now accepted the damp searching chill in the wind as the first portent of winter. There was wind, but not a lot. Regardless of the length of start line there are only a few optimum positions to aim for. Like piglets approaching the sow with the promise of warm succour; the cosy satisfying feeling you get when you cross on the gun at speed with clean air and a good lay for the mark. This is usually superseded in my case by the hot breath of the baying pack intent on my demise. Guaranteed to render all cognitive capabilities inactive and reduce me to a gibbering wreck. As we jostled thrusting and focused on our chosen nipple, I was totally determined not to be the ninth piglet. I had a good slot on starboard, a little too near I slowed a little when I heard a cry from James “PUP! PUP! PUP!” clearly suggesting that I was a juvenile descendent of questionable canine lineage. I was obliged for reasons of good form to yield putting me closer to the black starting mark than I had intended. I could still make it, just. Then blow me! “PUP! PUP! PUP!” again, now Tom was having a go. My options were closed, stuck between a porphyry and a hard place, I could not tack without hitting the mark so I held my course. The fracas was sufficient to ensure I missed my chosen nipple and we all know only too well how that feels. Despite the foul, I plodded on not at the back of the fleet, but with a penalty to serve. I did my 360 then my trusty crew announced that it looked as if Pete S was ahead of James (making this observation rather than pointing out the obvious fact that I had once again skilfully secured last place). The race was not over so we set to catching the pack. Simon S was solo. I’m sure he had crew when we left the shore but with the softening wind had possibly taken the decision to pitch ballast overboard. In the finish Pete lost his first to James with Will and Amy third. A joust between Tom and Simon M had opened a window and allowed us through to fifth just behind Tom and just ahead of Simon M, Simon S just behind us. Chris without the benefit of his higher authority on board cruised home to close the race. The second race starting promptly, the wind fading as the light began its greyscale countdown. The clever money was on a port flier, needless to say Deesire and one other Dart chose starboard. We failed spectacularly to close down the port fleet and enjoyed the vista of Darts as they sailed past our bows. Close pack rounding the first mark and the fleet broke up like a slow motion roman candle to explore the options inshore and offshore. The wind by now was down to an asthmatic wheeze. We were soon overhauled by a solo Nacra 17. He failed to disguise the wirr of the hidden electric motors that propelled it at an unmatchable rate downwind. The fleet closed back up to round mark 6 and we all followed the Nacra like sheep to an uncharted destination towards West Kirby in the vain hope of locating the ‘Buoy formerly known as Lime Wharf’. Tom and Mike spotted ‘B’ first and changed course; the fleet promptly followed suit like a school of herring avoiding a predator. For once being at the back had the bonus of not compounding the error. It was now a race for the line with increasing tide to beat and failing wind. Deesire had fluked back some places. It was a close finish in distance if not in time with James first, Simon S. a well deserved second and Tom third. Deesire had managed to fluke back into last place. By now the wind could barely lift the flags on the Ark. The third start was a confused affair with boats drifting and tacking across the line. Deesire had another late start but managed to carry our speed using the kinetics of ballast to stay in contention. The protracted first leg dragged on and I swear that we were reeling James in inch by inexorable inch. Then to my total disbelief and no doubt intimidated by our blistering drifting speed James cut and ran for shore to retire. He may claim that he was just being considerate to his lady crew with regard to the cold, but as all helms know, crews are expendable. Tom and Simon S. heading towards Chester leaving Simon M. with a strong position rounding 3 at the front. The OOD had taken pity on us and mercifully brought the finish up to mark 2. Pete sailed away under us and for all it looked as if Simon M. would finish a strong first and Deesire could be second! I’m sure though that I could hear Pete mumbling a disruptive incantation in the failing light. Simon should have nailed the finish by now as we approached the line. He tacked again to avoid being washed away and I swear that he stood frozen in time as Pete appeared from down wind to steal first, I know this because as Pete safely crossed the line Permanent Waves reanimated just in time to take second and Deesire third. Will teach me to count my chickens…. Pigs, dogs, herrings and hens, whatever next? Mark Emptage
08 Oct 02 The conditions were promising during the rigging phase, it was warm and breezy and despite the usual pre-race tension I was quietly confident of a good performance by Deesire. Like a pimply youth enjoying the mind-altering influence of his second pint of scrumpy and spoiling for a fight, I surreptitiously weighed up the opposition. In light of the anticipated conditions I was confident of reasonable results. My most valiant and respected protagonist, James, was to be incarcerated on the Ark as OD. Pete S, although a brilliant strategist and experienced helm of many years' experience, was not invincible; I have finished ahead of him once or twice. Admittedly when he has gone the wrong way, but it's when you cross the line that counts. Simon, Tom, Ian and George trade places depending on the conditions, but all beatable on my best days. So, giddy as a schoolgirl, I trekked my steed down the ramp to do battle. The wind tugged impatiently at the jib and I awaited as my trusty crew trotted back across the sand after dropping the wheels at the rocks. I was chomping at the proverbial bit. Everything on the boat felt just right. There had been some concern over not having a course card and thankfully Simon M obliged with his spare. The first course was upwind to no 3. All Darts starting on starboard I still managed to cross late. The one and only saving grace of being at the back of the fleet is enjoying the full display of the leading Darts jousting in the cut and thrust that has become a feature of our closely contested club racing. Tom was and has been stamping his authority right from the start line. Pete breaking in a new crew pushing hard, and George, surely possessed, racing like a man with 10 years' experience should. Ian and Simon well up leaving me foundering. Fortunately this is not a feeling that is too alien. I should have heeded the warning signs. The early optimism and arrogance over my fellow racers vanished like a snowball in a furnace. I have a unified theory based on my experience of life. Amongst the many unified theories that I have wielded to bolster my inexplicable ineptness I will refer to this as my quarter turn theory. Let me explain. In my younger days when enthusiasm not only exceeded my abilities but also my finances I took to repairing and maintaining my motorcycle myself. In the late seventies Japanese motorcycles (although infinitely more reliable than their British counterparts) were not renowned for the robustness of their components. Never having been trained as a spanner jockey I had never explored the concept of torque when applied to the tightening of nuts. My approach could be described as agricultural, my definition of a correctly tightened nut was when the spanner shaft was arched almost to destruction, knuckles pure white and veins jutted until they throbbed in my forearm and neck. If at that point the thread did not strip, then the nut was tight enough. Needless to say I spent a lot of time with a broken bike. In later years forays into the world of home DIY, especially plumbing, further reinforced this unfortunate trait when almost everything I fitted leaked. No matter how hard I tried joints leaked, connections leaked, radiators leaked. Here's the thing, and I'm sure most of the world already knows this: To correctly fit a joint in a water pipe the parts are duly assembled, the nut is tightened by hand, then given a quarter turn with a spanner (or pipe pliers if you want to show off). So all these years, like a bulldog chasing parked cars, I was thinking the more physical effort applied the better the result. So apply this principle to sailing a Dart: I know that setting the sails is about getting the right shape for the given conditions. I know that it is rare indeed that the main should be wanged in to 1000 pounds per square inch. I also know that when the blocks are almost touching, that the main is hooked, the mast is bent flattening the sail and the boat sails like a paddle steamer rather than a missile. So why! oh why! knowing all these things do I heave the mainsheet into abject submission during a race? The same why? I would guess that still makes me assemble a plumbing joint with the nut hand tight, the prescribed quarter turn with my pipe pliers (just to show off) and the obligatory extra quarter turn just to make sure, and then just an eighth because it cannot possibly be enough! This level of restraint requires unspeakable amounts of effort. Tom went on to win the first race with Pete second, Simon third and George slipping to fourth. The second race and I chose a port start to keep the rest of the fleet on their toes. Unfortunately, the rest of the fleet were on their toes and I arrived at the start line 30 seconds late. The wind at the bottom of a 3 and the sea state slight, in this field I could only hope to hang on to last place. Pete having whipped his crew into shape took the lead with Simon and Mike finishing second. Tom a credible third and Ian taking fourth. Having learnt a little from the previous debacle I took a port start in the third race and crossed closely the back of the starboard fleet. This time the tactic paid off and Deesire arrived at the first mark in third place. I now had Ian and Simon and Tom in hot pursuit. With fading wind and golden sunset Tom soon overhauled me downwind with George in his sights. I attempted a token luff but it was sour grapes at the speed of his passing. Simon had performed a 360 at no 2 after fouling the mooring line (later
discovering that this was unnecessary). Ian also got ahead and we had
the closest of finishes with Simon inches behind me. I trudged dejectedly
up the beach with a well deserved aura of humility vowing to write out
500 times "Sailing is the art of control, judgement and finesse and
not a tug-a-war, I must not pull so bloody hard!" Would also help
if you guys stopped sailing so well. Mark Emptage
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25 Sep 02 Round 4 - Dee Sailing Club, 21/22 Sep 02
The forecasts throughout the week had not looked promising and sure enough we were greeted with bright sunshine but not a breath of wind on Saturday morning. The start time was rapidly approaching but still the Club burgee hung lifeless from the flag pole. I was considering suicide, but we agreed a postponement was in order and a second briefing would take place on the beach.
A slightly larger course was set for the second race with a beat up to Lime Wharf then a long reach out to Middle Deep followed by a run back to the line. This time the Inter 20 of Ron Bentham from Bala was out in front but on the second lap they headed for the wrong mark allowing Chris and Ollie to move ahead again. After two laps, Chris & Ollie scored another 1st with John Arran & Mic Turner from Llandudno SC 2nd and Alasdair & Brigid 3rd again.
More wind was forecast for Sunday and it duly arrived on time. The race team set a short course up to 8, across to 6 and back to the line. The leaders shot off for Lime Wharf, completely ignoring 8. Only when the following Dee boats got it right did the others turn round. Sunday was to be a Dart day with little opportunity for the bigger cats to get their spinnis out. Gareth & Jo Jo won with James & Jenny 2nd and Will & Amy 3rd. It was always the intention to run a longer race and the race team set HE4, DEE, Line for the final one. By now the wind had risen to a gusty Force 4 from the North-East. Basically a two-sail reach all around, the leading Darts kept up with the bigger cats which were unable to fly their spinnis again. The legs from HE4 to DEE and back to the line were awesome with big seas giving a hairy ride. The leaders were sent round for a second lap which caused some initial confusion but had no effect on the final results, a Dart 1, 2, 3 with Gareth and Jo Jo 1st, James & Jenny 2nd, and Paul & Steve 3rd. So to the final results. Chris and Ollie in the Nacra F18 just held on to their overnight lead, James and Jenny in the Dart 18 were 2nd, and Gareth and Jo Jo also in a Dart 18 were 3rd.
Massive thanks must go to Margaret, Susanne, Beryl and the team for the excellent food, Andy, Mark, Steve and the team in the ribs and tractors, Doug, Roger & Peter for running four races under difficult conditions, and everyone else who helped with the organisation. It was a great success.
Finally, the North Wales Cats is a great racing circuit and perfect for Dee boats to experience racing against a wide variety of cats in lake, open sea, and estuary conditions. Next year promises to be even better and it is hoped that more Dee boats support the series. With 37 boats at this event Dee has clearly been the most successful by far this year. By supporting the series we can hopefully encourage even more cats to come and visit us next year. Report by Alasdair Davidson
10 Sep 02
The Raiders were unable to sail up this year due to the high waves & wind, but undeterred by the stormy conditions, and with the added incentive of a treasure chest of cakes, pop & other goodies, resorted to come up the River Dee and down the creek in Dawpool with Andy Morley, protected by two Dee ribs helmed by Jon Oliver & Steve Pollock. Notorious scoundrel and pirate of the high Dee, A E Marston, flying the Jolly Roger brought his cut-throats ashore under heavy fire from water bombs & water pistols until they reached the depleted forces on Crooks Landing, where they returned fire. An almighty battle followed with many (wet) casualties, chaos & mayhem which became a mad free-for-all, with some scores being settled, we think! After the battle was over, a truce was called and everyone tucked into sandwiches, crisps, sausage rolls, cakes, cookies & pop. With the loot secured, the Raiders returned to their boats and plotted a course home to their secret hideaway in the cliff tops of a little place named Thurstaston. Lt Alex Douglas assured us that we won the battle!! Others might disagree? It was a great day out, and I'm sure they will be back again next year when the tides are favourable. Steve Roberts
10 Sep 02 The annual Dee Sailing Club Round Hilbre Island Race was run on Sunday 8th Sept. having been postponed from earlier in the year due to poor weather conditions. Twenty catamarans started from the Club line in a perfect Force 3 with the fleet splitting immediately either inshore or offshore to cheat the incoming tide in the main channel. It soon became apparent that the offshore route was favourable and the leading F18s, all flying gennakers, quickly pulled away from the main fleet. Hilbre Island is the largest of the three islands at the mouth of the Dee estuary, which over a large tide makes an ideal racing mark. First to reach the top end and drop their gennaker was the Nacra F18 of Alasdair Davidson & Brigid Loughlin. Three more F18s, a Hurricane 5.9, and an Inter 17 filled the next five places followed by the first of the Dart 18s sailed by James Douglas and Jenny Clark who had a clear lead over the other Darts. For the beat back to the Club the same inshore/offshore decision had to be made as the tide was just turning. The leaders all chose offshore and the F18s made swift progress. Holding second and third place on the water were the Hawks of Jon Dayton & Piers Easter and Tim & Carol Twells with the Hurricane 5.9 of Phil Bain close behind but it was the Nacra F18 that crossed the line first. Further back, close battles were being fought between a number of the Dart 18s, the narrowest margin being just one second separating Mark Dean and Simon Stannard. James and Jenny maintained their lead over the other Darts finishing six minutes ahead of the next one. A number of boats opted for the inshore course, which unfortunately didn't pay and were left to re-cross the channel to make the finish. Special mention must go to Paul Oliver and Richard Peck sailing one of the Club's Dart 16s who persevered in the dying breeze to finish in just over three hours. Overall the conditions seemed to suit the larger cats and the first three home also took the top three places on handicap. The three Dee SC catamaran fleets were well represented, Handicap Cats - 6 boats, Dart 18s - 10 boats, and Dart 16s - 4 boats, which bodes well for the North Wales Cats event on 21st/22nd Sept. Results
02 Sep 02 Dart 18 Race 1 With neap tides the race officer was restricted in the courses he could set without risk of the boats grounding, but nevertheless everyone seemed to enjoy the races. The first race was notable for very shifty winds coming off the land from the north. As usual the boats at the front of the fleet seemed to fluke this to their advantage while the less experienced sailors were caught out with every shift and dumped down the fleet. Will Thompson emerged from the moorings to be first to the windward mark (7) with Pete Spedding and Paul Roberts tussling for second. On the second lap Will retired and left it to Pete to wrap up the finish from Paul and then Tom Johnson. Dart 18 Race 2 On the third rounding of the windward mark the back of the fleet sailed into a hole and even the Nacra F18 struggled to get out. Wet Pussy drifted on to the mark and did a turn while the F18 had to take a second attempt to get round. By then the leading pack were hove to and twiddling their thumbs. Dart 18 Race 3 Tom was making up ground on James all the way to the line until he had to drop his attack to cover Pete who was doing his best to improve on third.
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27 August 02 Race 16 Paul & Michelle Roberts on Jammy Dodger and Michael Johnson singlehanded on Deetox had got away from the fleet at the start and opened up quite a gap in the light breezes (scarcely enough to fight the strong tide). At the "windward mark" (the winds shifted throughout) on the second lap Jammy Dodger and Deetox sailed into a hole just before rounding and sat there for ages, totally becalmed. Soon they were joined by the rest of the fleet, but only Pete Spedding & Hannah Hope on Hilberrys Couture carried any boat speed. They managed to sail through the hole with Deetox following them closely back up to the ark and the finish line. Simon Stannard and Rob Clarke also spotted the shift to get out of the hole and finished third. Race 17 Your correspondent further made a fool of himself by capsizing on the reach from 6 to 8 by trying to cane the monohulls and sheeting in too much before he got out on the wire! There wasn't enough wind to weathercock the boat around to bring the mast upwind and so the rescue boat had to assist by lifting the mast tip out of the water. DNF. Although Air Express held the lead for quite a while, Hilberrys Couture (recovering well from the collision) and Jammy Dodger eventually overhauled it. But Pete's bad luck hadn't finished yet! A broken tiller extension followed by a parting of the forestay strop eventually put him out of the race. Paul & Michelle held on to win from Matt and then Simon & Mike. Race 18 Well Done Simon & Mike, and also to Mark & Ian for making it so close.
19 Aug 02 The weather was crap - drizzle, overcast, grey, wet, cold, rain, cold,
wet and drizzle, with a faint breeze (F1-2) that was just enough to encourage
continued exposure to the cold, wet, grey drizzle, fog, mist and drizzle.
However, we did get from Pen to Anglesey, bumping into Simon Moruzzi on
the way (well almost - he was on a 40 foot yacht treating his employees
to the delights of cold wet grey drizzle too), round Puffin Island, across
to Great Orme and past it far enough to sight Llandudno Pier, then back
to Pen - a trip of 22 miles as the crow flies, but since we weren't following
any crows (they don't like cold grey overcast drizzly skies much), we
probably did nearer to 30.
16 Aug 02 Rob Clarke and I sailed in the Pen Marathon open event last Sunday and had a fantastic time. The sailing was 'awesome' - the best I've had so far - and the guys at Penmaenmawr Sailing Club are incredibly welcoming and hospitable. When they found out we have no water this weekend, they invited us and any other stranded Dee sailor to join them on Sunday (18 Aug) for their club racing. Penmaenmawr Sailing Club (just past Conwy) have got a great patch of open sea at their disposal, with views across to Anglesey and Puffin Island to the left and Great Orme to the right. Easy launching is available at any state of the tide, so they are not restricted by this weekend's awkward tide times - racing will be at 11:00 regardless. And you can sail all day... Whilst I plan to be at the Little Chef at the end of the M56 at 7:45, I suggest leaving Dee at 7:30 to be at Pen for 9:00 - to allow plenty of time for rigging etc and perhaps an on-water recce before the race. Now, obviously having a decent breeze on tap makes all the difference - the forecast for Sunday is 9 mph at Pen, but 17 mph at Beaumaris (this hits you a mile or so out). This is similar to the forecast for last Sunday when Rob and I completed the nominal 15 mile course from Pen, round Puffin Island, back to Pen, out to Fairway (about half way to Great Orme) and back to Pen in 1hr 37mins - allegedly only 7 minutes off the club record and 4 minutes behind the other Dart 18. Given that we capsized twice (about average for us, in any wind, I know) and completely mucked up the start by sailing straight into a wind hole by virtue of a port start whereas everyone else went on starboard, when we were actually moving, we had to be sailing fast. Suffice to say I think the wind was a little higher than predicted - but we had to delay the start to get it: After lousing up the start, we were comfortably protecting the rear flank
for even the slowest Pico. However, once truly underway, we sailed through
the monohulls as if they were stood still and sighted the Dart 15 already
closing on Anglesey. We passed him at the back of Puffin, and he seemed
to be no more than half way back by the time we reached Pen again (although
he somehow won on handicap - something to do with not capsizing methinks). Rob was flat out on the trapeze almost full time, and I was on the rear
beam (even downwind!). I did not dare to correct the 'popped' windward
rudder on the beat since my attention was 200% absorbed on staying under
control while maxed out. When we did the Red Wharf Bay Drift the weekend before (see Mark's report
for more on drifting skills), I lost count of the interminable tolls of
the lighthouse bell at Puffin as we inched through the gap... this time
I heard it once and we were gone. There wasn't even time to look for the
seals and dolphins that had been reported as spotting tourists behind
Puffin. Looking ahead, they are running a Speed Weekend on 7-8 Sept - apparently you have to be certified to gain entry. There will be a Long Distance race on the Sunday, which will be ideal preparation for our own event a couple of weeks later, and with a decent breeze promises more fun than I can usually deal with in a day. Last weekend's Pen Marathon cost £8 all in (including tea, soup, sandwiches and chocolate for helm and crew), so it ain't gonna break the bank. Hope to see some other Dee nuts out there!
13 Aug 02 This is my tale. We had decided to piggyback Deehydrated on Deesire. This was an effort to reduce the complication of a third trailer and car in the carnage that I knew would ensue in the quaint, but hopelessly restricted egress from Traeth Buchan. Or 'Little Beach of Gridlock' as it would translate appropriately into English. Graeme and I made our rendezvous with Simon Stannard and Rob in the Little Chef at the end of the M56. This locally accepted venue has launched thousands of intrepid travellers on a multitude of adventures; the Wirral's portal to the rest of the real world. We three bold Amigos, enjoying single status and released on our own recognisance set forth with Rob representing the younger generation. We arrived at Beaumaris in good time and made the obligatory two circuits of the town before coming to rest on the green near the front of the Sailing Club. Many boats were already setting up for the next day. With three boats to rig and mast we set about. Rob had taken no chances with Simon's rigging and ensured a stress-free unravelling by binding the whole kit and caboodle in some 30 to 40 metres of red insulting tape. It took several minutes and some sharp implements to extricate, but in all fairness it did behave well from then on. Not so with mine; the port and starboard trapeze wires had swapped sides, all the shackles had inverted and the forestay snaked around anything that moved. Finally happy with the three boats and all valuables locked away, Rob was removed to a safe distance by an Auntie, (to enjoy the luxury of a caravan and comfy bed) and we set off for the campsite. We were greeted and read the riot act, i.e. no noise after 23:00 all attempted escapees would be shot, etc. Set up tents and enjoyed tea and Bakewell tarts, bliss. Graeme is becoming renowned for never straying more than 20 yards from home without two large thermos flasks, mugs, teabags, milk, cakes, folding tables and chairs, gingham table cloths, small vases with daintily arranged fresh flowers. Frankly he is a real asset to any ensemble. There remained the final job of taking a car and trailer up to Traeth Buchan. It was rapidly approaching 21:00 and it was felt it would be wiser to eat in Beaumaris first as the chances of finding food any later than that on Anglesey were negligible. Ate at the Liverpool Arms after being turned away from several hostelries, panic had almost set in when the chip shop sported a sign declaring in no uncertain terms, "We don't open late". The late in question was 19:30. Enjoyed a seafood medley served by an attractive crew prospect. "Crew prospect?" you may well ask, at the risk of being non-P.C. and incurring the displeasure of many Dee lady members let me explain. I have on occasion been charged with apparently observing ladies with allegedly too much attention to detail. This is not as it would seem a decline into lecherous middle age, but a genuine interest in the subject's possible suitability to crew a Dart. I may even hypothesise as to the intellectual contribution they could make to my sailing stable. No honest, that's the reason. Having been made redundant in the role as helm to my good lady wife and forced to find crew elsewhere this behaviour is begrudgingly permitted as long as it negates said lady wife ever having to sail (should have crewing duty included in the marriage vows). Anyhow I shared these revelations with my companions. For the remainder of the weekend we classified prospective crew according to the wind conditions that would suit them most. I accept that if the roles were reversed then I would be 'heavy weather, and then only as a last resort'. However, there were the occasional 5 many 4s, 3s and 2s and in exceptional circumstances a few that would be welcomed aboard regardless of any wind conditions. After food we set off to deliver a car and trailer. It was dark and we were met by dense fog. This did not bode well and Simon's repeated prediction based on BBC weather reports of winds up to 1mph for the Sunday took the shine off. On return to camp Simon produced 3 cans of Boddingtons and put some shine back on. Draught widgets are not such a good idea in a confined tent in the dark. Slept like a log and rose at 07:00 to ominous mist. The trio hit town with a hunger and returned to the Liverpool Arms for a full breakfast, cereal and juice, tea and toast. The bare minimum for any respectable foodaholic. All for a mere £5 and served beautifully by a Force 2. Signed on and met up with Ian Clarke (Crew), Andy (Parky) crewing for Graeme at short notice and Rob. Briefing in the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club, then on to the water to sail gracefully up and down in the gentlest of breezes for an hour whilst the race was postponed due to fog. Finally away at 12:00 and watched the bigger cats take an early lead. James well up with the big Cats despite the light wind. Several tacks up towards Puffin Island, I did notice that Alasdair seemed to give the sandbanks a wide berth. The wind was thinning out and holes began to enlarge to trap the unwary. In the middle of the fleet places were gained and lost on a whim. Several times I coaxed Deesire towards what may have been a promising vein only to be dropped in a lull on arrival. Made the gap to the eerie sound of the lighthouse bell, a baleful resounding dong every couple of minutes. Lying 2nd at this point to James out of the Darts. A Dart from Rutland was close behind, if only I could hang on. The monohulls had started 5 minutes after the Cats, but had already caught up and started to overtake. There is a matter of pride at stake when any monohull drifts past a Cat, so I tried to avoid eye contact and busied myself fiddling with sheets and inspecting the limp woollies. The course was mercifully shortened, but I still managed to throw away a place by making two dubious tacks and our friends from Rutland made the line 83 seconds ahead. Which was less than the time I had wasted on the two tacks from one hole to the next. Lesson learned, don't make a bad situation worse by doing something unnecessary. After boats finished they were towed to R.W.B.S.C. by several volunteers in expensive looking powerboats. Some 85 boats, a considerable distance in groups of 5. We passed several recreational fishing boats on the way and received bemused looks from the occupants for the bizarre sight of fully kitted sailors being towed along like duck chicks following mother duck. I have never understood the attraction of fishing and at that moment I realised that the feeling from the on-looking anglers was wholly mutual. By the time we arrived a light breeze had picked up in the bay, so we went for a play. The sky was blue, and the breeze very pleasant. Went to look for Graeme who had finished after us and did not get towed all the way back. I shouted across to Graeme sporting my best practical joker deadpan. "You'll have to hurry in they stop serving food at 16:30". He did not bite straight away so I nonchalantly added "by the way what time is it now?" He looked down at his watch and his face drained. "It's 4:29" he bleated woefully. (If only I could time my race starts with such precision). Knowing that Graeme's last meal had been breakfast at 08:30, eight hours ago and he was still a good 10 minutes from the beach made this jibe all the more pernicious. I'm guessing that he shares my hopeless devotion to all things edible. All in all judging by his look of abject horror the wheeze was a winner. I was left feeling like I had just clubbed a baby seal, totally worth it! The food laid on was welcome. Hot soup and crusty bread, cheese pastie and beans, cake and tea. All credit to RWBSC for the organisation and provisions. I would ask them to consider making it a 2-day event next year. Plenty of people had arrived by Saturday and it would make all the effort even more worthwhile. Sailing in light winds is a real test of skill, any helm can sail a boat with good wind, most of the decisions are made for you and the sail plan and settings shout loud and clear. Eking out every Newton millimetre of drive from every morsel and breath in light airs with precious few or no clues requires intense and demanding concentration. There is an element of luck in sailing, I know I get most of the bad stuff, but watching the top helms they reduce the odds of bad luck by being constantly vigilant, disciplined and focused. Demanding of themselves and their equipment, shrewd, confident and increasing the odds of good luck selecting the right lines and asserting tactical advantage over challengers. I remember a motivational poster that says "Winners make things happen, the rest watch things happen." Having said all that during the DSC Dart fleet helm improvement course earlier this year James climbed aboard Deesire as crew to give me some hints and tips. The wind was lively and the sea choppy. The moment James left the rib, and I swear by all that is good and decent Deesire instantly went faster. The following manoeuvres were textbook and all the other cats suddenly and inexplicably moved into disadvantaged positions. The spell remained up to the start of the next club race, spooky! James was 2nd, our Hobie 5th, Deesire 7th, not that I should mention it or make any significant issue over it, but ahead of Alasdair who was 8th, Simon 9th, and Graeme 10th. In fact, 6 out of the top 10 placed cats were from DSC. Rob received a prize for the best under-18 result. Despite the obvious disappointment of a very short inshore Offshore Long Distance Race, the venue was brilliant, the organisation credible and the whole experience enjoyable. Would strongly recommend it as and event for your diary next year. Let's get a gang and take the top 10 places for DSC! Did I mention I finished ahead of Alasdair?
02 Aug 02 Afternoon starts are always more civilised, time to enjoy a proper breakfast and relax during the short drive to the club. There was the usual routine of scanning the hedges and trees for clues as to the strength and direction of the wind. Today however the wind was in a very reticent mood and even the most precariously attached foliage refused to give any signs, not even the slightest flutter. The wind was like a hapless teenager rising mid-afternoon, no strength and definitely no direction. I always get a childhood thrill at the first sight of the estuary at the end of Station Road. More sand than water a subliminal reassurance. Imagine that first glimpse and that tide all the way in having decided to flood 2 hours early for a change and me the only one that didn't get the email. I remember as a child sat in the back of my Dads Humber with the unfeasibly sumptuous green leather seats, all shiny and slippery. Big sister used to play the "who can see the sea?" game. As the car wove between the mountains and over hills and the other games such as "my side your side!" had waned. The end of the journey nearing, this new game would start. "I can see the sea!" she would say prematurely "Where?" I would whimper disappointedly having peered myopically in all directions for several minutes believing that somehow I stood a chance, "just over there behind that hill" she would insist with the authority that only a big sister can inflict on an unworthy sibling. She always won the game. I'm sure to this day that she had x-ray vision. This may explain my over abundance of competitive spirit but not my disproportionate lack of talent. A triumph of hope over futility: a road to true inner enlightenment. The car park was busy with several boats in various stages of preparation. Had there been a cunning plan to compromise James's standing in the summer series by knobbling Bogtrotter II, it would surely have failed. After the 'unfortunate incident' on Hoyle Bank someone had lent him a boat. Both James and Pete, the club's top helms, having anticipated light airs, resorted to improving their odds by fielding super lightweight crews. Not sour grapes honestly but I am sure these young beings had been coerced with sweets and threats of reductions in pocket money to secure their services. Speaking unofficially on behalf of the also-rans, we should be quite flattered to have put them under a little pressure! On to the water and we drifted out to the race area, riding every gossamer sigh of air to hold position against the tide. The race officer of the day conspicuous by his absence leaving the LBSA fleet to arrange a start sequence of their own. Before a race boats appear to move about in a random fashion, in these light airs they ambled aimlessly, as the start sequence progresses then the relative movements become more purposeful and synchronised. As the final gun approaches then the assembled fleet lurches towards the start line tilting and straining with intent. Not today though, as the cruisers wafted gently along the air, working to a start sequence of its own, breathed in one last time exhaled slowly and died. This was rapidly followed by the sploosh, sploosh and sploosh of anchors being deployed, warps straining as vessels sank back on their laurels to hold station as if posing for a still life portrait. The Dart fleet fared no better; some paddling up to moorings and the ark as the tide now exceeded any possible aerodynamic propulsion by several knots. Lines were tied and the younger members of the assembled race crews took to diving off the ark. The air had lost all viscosity and the naked sun turned summer suits into steamers. I swam back to talk to Mike H who was single handed on a 16. The few remaining strays drifting inexorably towards Heswall were quickly rounded up by the sheepdogs and brought back to the lazy crocodile of catamarans swaying behind the Committee boat. We tarried a while in the balmy surreal-ness surrounded by thousands of pounds worth of high performance sailing hardware (and DeeTox), like so much flotsam. After a while a draft of air did manifest sufficient to facilitate a race. The multi tasking rescue crew initiated a start sequence. James took a port flier with Graeme getting a good start. Deesire was in the starboard pack with Simon Stannard and Paul Roberts. I lost track of Pete and Tom but I knew they were ahead somewhere. George was also in attendance but with a more relaxed approach to the race and conditions. The breeze gave up the ghost and the ebbing tide carried the leaders over the finish. James 1st with Pete a close 2nd. Tom and Mike held 3rd despite having to re-round following a touch of the ODM. I would have been 4th with Paul and Michelle close behind but with no drive I also fouled the mark, Paul fell away to the wrong side. I tacked and fought the ever increasing ebb to re-round the line correctly. Progress was slow, almost imperceptible at first, but just enough to watch Graeme steal 4th and I made 5th. Simon and George to follow. Several Darts headed for the beach so I followed. Started to de-rig just as a credible westerly sprang up. So it was up with the sails again and off for a play. Shame it had not arrived 2 hours earlier. J M Emptage
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| July 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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22 Jul 02 Two club boats finished in the top three with Alasdair Davidson and Brigid Loughlin taking 2nd on the Nacra F18 and Tom Johnson and Michael Johnson grabbing 3rd on a Dart 18. This is a great result for 16 year old Tom, helming on his first ever traveller event (says his dad). When the North Wales Cats offered free entry (sponsored by Bernard Matthews) for youth helms, I don't think they anticipated that a youth might walk off with an overall trophy! Two other DSC youth helms made names for themselves on the club Dart 16s with great performances in the long distance race on Saturday and 'round the cans on Sunday. Well done, Jonathan Harris and Richard Peck, with Dave Harris and Tony Marston (the oldest trapeze swinger in town) crewing respectively. Everyone at the event said they were looking forward to coming to DSC for the last round (and party) in September.
19 Jul 02 The Open Dutch Championships were held at Helleveotsluis on the Haringvliet
on 11th – 14th July with 40 boats attending, from 7 countries. At the finish it was Josef Iral & Sabine Russold taking line honours from Hugo & Ruth Everts with (Ssanyong) Kenbeek & Koning settling for third. Bouvier & Bernard were disqualified for their port start when the Jury found they had impeded a starboard boat. This was to prove very costly. Further racing was cancelled for the day with wind dropping and a negative forecast. Day two had some stronger winds around force 5 Bouvier & Bernard led the whole way round to finish 1st from (Ssanyong) Kenbeek & Koning with Donald Kenbeek & Niels Oostenbrug in third. In Race 3 it was (TYPHOON) David Lloyd & Paul Roberts leading from the windward mark to the finish a fair way in front of Bouvier & Bernard in 2nd with Roland Jansen & Neletta Tange third. Again (TYPHOON) Lloyd & Roberts lead early on to end race 4 in 1st but this time from (Ssanyong) Kenbeek & Koning and Bouvier & Bernard settling for third. Race 5 like race 3 saw (TYPHOON) Lloyd & Roberts take an early lead for the third time to win showing a big dominance in the windy conditions from Bouvier & Bernard in 2nd with (Ssanyong) Kenbeek & Koning in third. Overnight this meant (TYPHOON) Lloyd & Roberts were leading on coutback from Bouvier & Bernard and only 2 points ahead of Ssangyong Day three was less wind - only force 4 and a good start from Bouvier & Bernard saw them lead at the windward mark to the finish from Robby Vogelenzang & Nikki Emmer who dropped back behind (TYPHOON) Lloyd & Roberts and Gilles Dicrenscenzo & Nicolette van Gorp who finished 2nd and 3rd. Race 7 once again saw Bouvier & Bouvier develop a strong lead early on to win from (Ssanyong) Kenbeek & Koning with Dicrenscenzo & van Gorp in third. The last race saw an incident involving a protest and at the finish it was (Ssanyong) Kenbeek & Koning 1st, (TYPHOON) Lloyd & Roberts in 2nd with D. Kenbeek & Oostenbrug in third - with Bouvier & Benard again being unlucky in the Protest room this time losing out because of an incident with Ssangyong at the final mark. TYPHOON won the event to become Dutch Open Champions bringing the trophy back to the UK for the first time since 1988. This was quite an achievement as this was the first time Lloyd & Roberts had sailed together.
Report by Paul Roberts
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30 Jun 02 In the first race Pete Spedding pulled out a good lead on the first beat up to mark 5 and lead all the way round. Simon Moruzzi and Tom Johnson both had problems beating up to 4 from 2 and were caught out by the shoaling water and up popped their rudders. Simon managed to bear off and hurtle across the front of Tom's boat and then gybed away from the shallow water (and the mark). Tom was in even more difficulties and couldn't gybe or tack. The only option was a visit to Heswall (almost), get off the boat, turn it round and get back on again. Not long after getting going again his crew was knocked off by a wave, swung right around the back and broke the tiller connecting bar. Game over. In the second race everyone capsized and Pete Spedding retired with broken battens. Mark Emptage sailed well to beat his old crew, Simon into second. Simon got his revenge in the third race after taking the lead when Mark sailed a bit too far over a lay line.
10 Jun 02 04 Jun 02, Races 3 & 4 - Six Darts on the water and the promise of a steady 3-4. James was away right from the start clearly under the instruction of a higher authority. Tom and Mike clearly eager to exorcise the memory of the weekend regattas, holding second. Pete and Debbie a solid third. Again the real excitement further down the fleet with Ian Clarke (novice helm) and dodgy crew keeping the pressure on Matt who was sailing solo, Matt heeling on the gusts and hiking out like a poplar refusing to spill one gram of aerodynamic potential from the main. Ian managed to hang on to 5 and Graeme 6. Lost track of John Hope, also solo. Second race and James away with the pack in pursuit. The wind gusting and larger crews, (that would be me then) in and out like a fiddler's elbow. Several position changes especially downwind, James holding 1 throughout, just showing off to impress his crew. John 2, Tom 3, Matt 4, Ian 5, Pete 6 and Graeme 7. 05 Jun 02, Races 5 & 6 - Making my debut as race officer ably assisted by Ian Clarke. Total of 8 cats on the water including a Dart 16, a Prindle 19 and a Laser.eps driven by Simon Bates. One Dart 18 went to explore the horizon and did not race. The weather was overcast and very grey, sea state slight and the wind a 2 building gently to a 3 for the last race. Got a chance to see close up the team that is ever present in the background providing rescue boat cover and services, work that is so easily taken for granted mainly due to the quiet efficiency of the operation. On the Ark I suddenly realised that I was in charge (technically), more nervous that I expected. Wind from the N, chose course 8 for the first race, with a beat up to #7, inshore to #8, ODM all to Port with #7 providing windward mark for the sausage lap. Got the timing sequence spot on and 5 out of the 6 racing got away well. No James or Pete, I am beginning to believe that as the middle of the fleet is closing the gap and several teams are in fierce competition the golden helms are intimidated... Not! The two young pups Matt and Tom were sailing with coolness and style. Skills from the junior fleet in clear evidence and the impudent confidence that exists in abundance proportional to youth (I blame the parents). Close racing with no forgone conclusions but this time Simon fielding a ringer (Will, may have had some experience as a crew before, I suspect) nailed it and led the 18s on the water. Timed the laps for the benefit of the handicap system and finished the race at the end of the second lap. Changed to course 18 to include #2 and #3 for the second race. Joined by Paul and Michelle on a 16. The wind had built a little and the sea state still slight although the sky was darker. Graeme got a good start and the Prindle with Tim was well away but the star of the race was clearly Tom who held the lead over the 18s. There was excitement at the back of the fleet as Paul on the 16 was in hot pursuit of Graeme, odds were being negotiated on the Ark. Paul has always been fond of beating faster boats. It was not until the last beat to the line that any conclusion could be reached. Graeme has stayed out after #3 and was beating down to the line, crew hiked out and the bows slicing through the water like a laser beam cutting through a table inexorably towards Bonds gusset, Paul taking the inshore route. Too close to call as the wind built slightly, surely the 18 would take it, Paul now flying the 16 with plumes of spray off the port bow… Paul stole it with 2 seconds to spare. The results as published after applying calculus formula differentiated to squillions of decimal places. No matter how we massaged the figures we could not escape the fact that a monohull beat the lot of us in the first race. Mark Emptage
06 Jun 02 Some good results for club members: Total Entries 70
05 Jun 02
Saturday 1st of June - West Cheshire Sailing Club hosted the second of the Regatta series. The sky was Mediterranean blue and the sea a Mersey green. 6 Dart 18s managed to drag their crews out of bed for an early start. The wind was very light and from the South giving us a course up river taking the Tower cardinal buoy to port, back through the offshore line, around C23 to starboard, C20 to port and C21 to port back through the inshore line.
The light winds endured for most of the first 2 laps and positions remained largely unchanged. I had regretted my tales of stunning speeds possible on the Dart 18 to my crew as each leg drifted gently by. If only I had not waxed quite so lyrically about slicing through waves at 15 to 20 knots + hanging on for dear life. I was beginning to make excuses such as "It is really exciting with a bit more wind" and "these are not really the ideal conditions for a Dart".
The real excitement was further down the fleet with helmsman of a lesser God jousting for fourth. My crew, in his first race (did I mention that?) and only second time on the boat nonchalantly played swings and roundabouts with the shroud upwind but stayed calm cool and collected unlike the helm, we still managed to out fluke Mike and Tom to fourth place. Mike had been a valiant protagonist throughout the race but like England came second in the final. Refreshment provided at the Clubhouse in glorious sunshine. Rumour has it that Ian and Help Dee Aged turned up an hour late in time to see the Dart start. Which as it turned out on the following day was just as well. Sunday 2nd of June - Wallasey Yacht Club Regatta: third in the series. Weather imported directly from Blaenau Ffestiniog, slate grey skies and Mersey green sea, a promising breeze from the South. 6 Darts entered, James and Bogtrotter and Pink Panther sitting this one out. Ian and Help Dee Aged on the beach set up and raring to go. Graeme and Mark with Dee-Hydrated for their first foray on the Mersey, other entrants as for previous day except for a crew change on Deesire now with Elaine and Bionic with Colin. The course set for a downwind start on the inshore line with a long run down to C18 to port a close reach across to C21 back through the inshore line South limit mark to port and back up to C18, C21, line, Slm, Brazil to port and a beat to the finish. Ian and daughter on blistering form shot away from the start like a top fuel dragster and set the pace for the long downwind leg. Some crews had claimed seeing brief bolts of lightning to the North, this later proved to be a speed camera at Crosby picking up Help Dee Aged on the downwind legs. The rest followed on, positions changing as lines of wind picked boats up and dropped them off on a whim. Catching up with the boats ahead only to slow and see them pull away. Testing the skill of the gifted and trying the patience of the rest. Once around the downwind mark Ian, Pete and Barry leading with Mike on DeeTox and Deesire swapping for fourth in a windier repeat of the previous day. Pete crossed the sea wall and benefited from the low current factor in the lagoon to prise first place from Ian, an inspired and daring move, he who dares, wins, so they say. Barry and Colin a solid third. Deesire fourth, Mike and Tom fifth. Graeme content with a convincing sixth took time out to play on the wake of the Super Sea cat, crossed the line and promptly teabagged the crew. Classic! Food and refreshment at the club as the rain arrived. In summary: there was quality racing and professional organising on both days. A real treat to sail amongst so many classes of boat, I do remain surprised that the handicap fleet and the Darts are not better represented: let's get the word out, this is good stuff! Mark Emptage
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31 May 02
28 May 02 Well done to James & Jenny and to Pete & Iain (and their substitute crews), who were head & shoulders above the rest of the fleet. Third place was hard fought for, with three boats separated by only 1 point. Mark Emptage & Ian Clark managed to hold on to third, despite the efforts of Ian & Lucy McLean and Simon Moruzzi & Clare Kimble. Excellent results from Tom Johnson & dad and Matt Pollock & Amy Johnson who finished 6th and 7th respectively in their first full Dart 18 series. Paul & Michelle Roberts scored some great results and would have finished high in the series if they weren't competing in the UKIDA Grands Prix. Likewise for Will Thompson and Chris Aspinall & Anna Lindsey. The standard of racing in the middle of the fleet has improved dramatically this year and the races are no longer a procession. Everyone's looking forward to the Summer Series which starts on 09 Jun.
25 May 02 Dee SC will hold the cat classes at Thurstaston on Sunday 26th May Sailors of other classes should contact the home club for that class. Medium and slow handicap dinghy classes are still scheduled to race on West Kirby lake. Start time for the 1st class 11.30. Mylnes and squibbs racing off Rock Ferry - no change. IRC1 and IRC2 racing of Liverpool YC - no change.
21 May 02 22 May 02 Mike Johnson and myself had planned this trip since the back end of last year. We were to be accompanied by Mark Carrington and Mike's brother Tim. Friday the 19th of April in the evening I got packed, ready for the off at 09:15am, in Mike's car. Just as I was about to go to bed about 23:00 I got a phone call from Tim. He had taken Mike to Arrowe Park A&E as he had heart flutters, he apparently was OK but they wanted to keep him in overnight. It was decided to take a rain check in the morning. Tim phoned me again from Arrowe Park to say Mike had seen the specialist who wanted him to stay in over the weekend. I phoned Mark to let him know what was happening, we decided to go up in my car and hope Mike would join us ASAP. I picked up Mark and we went to Arrowe Park to see how the old fellow was getting on, Connie Marston greeted us, just like being down the club. On the way up we stopped for coffee at a service station before hitting Dumbarton for the food and beer. We arrived on board about 17:00 and were shown arround by the bosun. After unpacking, a quick chilli and a few wines it was off to bed. The next day we took her out, she being a Dufour 32', from Rhu Marina near Helensburgh. As we were short-handed and with not knowing the boat we decided to have a play with the motor, we headed up Gareloch hoping that a submarine was not heading the other way, as we passed Rhu Narrows. The wind was a 3-4 with light drizzle. The RNLI were out on their Atlantic 21 having a good old play around. Whilst reversing, the helm went hard over, I hadn't got a good grip of it when I increased speed, the tiller extension was loose and cut my finger open. After a few practices of picking up moorings it was time to get the sails out (I know, I know but it was inmast furling and roller reefing genoa). To keep Mark on his toes I gybbed without telling him whoops! Great start! We sailed back down Gareloch and picked up a mooring for lunch. The local sailing club was out racing, a couple of 5.9s, two Dart18s, a Laser, a B14, loads of Toppers with a few Sonatas out for a play. Mark was giving the 18s advice on how to sail single-handed as the wind picked up to a 5 gusting 6. After lunch we headed out into the Clyde, too much sail out, soon learnt how to reef. As we headed back early evening with the wind still a 5-6 we decided to pick up a mooring and wait till the wind died down a bit. Sitting having a cup of coffee and admiring Simon Le Bon's old boat Drum, we watched a Sonata heading in for the marina under gib. We watched as they threw in a few gybes and were secure. It was time for action, now the wind had dropped, to head in ourselves. In the end it was fine. We went down below and found I had a text message from Mike, I was no longer a text virgin having got a mobile phone from the company on the Thursday. I had been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century. He was in fine fettle and was hoping to join us come hell or high water the following day. Great news, Tim would be coming up with him. We went to the local pub in Rhu and had a few beers and cheese toasties, so much for Mark cooking! Monday after breakfast we headed out of the marina for Holy Loch which I knew quite well from a few years previous. The wind was a good 6 gusting 7 with constant driving rain and visibility down to 1/2 a mile. It was nearly a straight beat there, just a couple of tacks to miss a couple of headlands. A good sail, picked up a mooring off Holy Loch Sailing Club and had lunch. Then it was a beam reach all the way back, still with the driving rain. Once in Gareloch it brightened up. Mike phoned to say he had just passed Carlisle, about two hours away. Once in the marina I got a spaghetti bolognaise going for the troops. After a hearty meal with Mike and Tim now on board it was down the pub for a few jars and plan the rest of the week. With the trip now planned we set off not too early Tuesday morning, Tim suffering quite badly from a hangover. We had a good stiff breeze and sunshine, the boys had done us proud bringing all that sunshine up from the Wirral. We picked up a mooring off Kip marina for lunch, Tim declined. Then it was off to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. We berthed in the harbour and had curry for our meal before hitting the pub again. Tim felt better, back to the boat for a few scotches it was time to hit the sack. Mike got up early and got some fresh bread and buns from the local shop and cooked us all a hearty breakfast bacon, sausages, eggs and beans, wonderful. We set off about 11:00 up the East Kyle on a run with fairly flat water and a 4 blowing. We passed the Burnt Isles at the top of Bute and down the West Kyle before stopping for lunch off Tignabruaich. The wind picked up in the afternoon as we passed down the Kyle or as it was to become known the Kyles of Minogue. After rounding Ardlamont Point the wind increased again and with big swell it was great fun. Mark helming even managed to get 8 knots out of the old girl, and reminded us often. A run up Lower Loch Fyne and then it was into Tarbet for the evening. We planned to have a meal ashore that night as it had been recommended to us by some local yachtsmen back in Rhu. Shower first then to the pub for a couple pints, by which time it was 21:15 and unbenown to us they stop serving food in Tarbert at 21:00. Poor Mike had to traipse back to the yacht and rustle something up while we stayed in the pub. Great meal, perhaps a bit too much wine afterwards though. Beautiful place Tarbert. In the morning Mike found a lady outside the toilets. Luckily, she was just selling fresh kippers from the back of her car and although I gave them a miss, the others enjoyed them thoroughly. I gave them a miss, everyone else enjoyed them though. Next it was off to Lochranza on Arran, I was helming and Tim working the main sheet with Mark & Mike navigating, they didn't seem too sure, yet me and Tim could see it another fine day. We got there no problem and after picking up another mooring we had lunch. I was to skipper round to Lamlash in the afternoon, but I spied a distillery off yonder. Forget Lamlash, after much debate and a quick call to the coastgaurd on the VHF to check the wind was not coming round to a north-westerly. We got the inflatable out, seeing as it looked quite small we thought it would be prudent if only three go ashore and then one goes back to pick up the last crew member. Whilst in the pub Tim and I discovered that the distillery was open till 17:00 enough time for another. Sea boots are not made for walking as we found out hiking a mile or so up the hill to the Distillery. Well worth it though. Very interesting tour it had opened in 1995, the Queen had visited for a tipple in 1997 and now members of the Dee Sailing Club in 2002. I purchased two bottles of their finest (one for Mark Emptage who wanted to come), then it was time to head back to the pub for a meal, which Mark very kindly paid for. A few more drinks and it was time to head back. We had forgotten to put the anchor light on and it was pitch black. As usual after a few drinks we could not be bothered to make two trips, so all four of us piled into the dinghy. Mark was rowing and Mike was giving the dirrections, straight into a spit. Mike got out the back where it was deepest, did we laugh, oh yes. Eventually we found Highland Rhapsody. I was rudely woken in the morning with Mike starting the diesel which was just below my pillow. We had a good swell coming straight into the Loch so it was fun having breakfast. We had forty miles to cover that day to get back to Rhu, so we set off early. The wind was a westerly 6-7 with a fair old swell as we headed for the Kylie Minogues again. The A Team, Tim and me got 9.2 knots whilst surfing down a large roller with gust of 34 knots (ie an 8). Once into the shelter of the Kylie we pulled out more sail as the wind dropped. Tim wanted to call Mike and Mark the Chuckle Brothers me to you, you to me. But as we already have the Chuckle Brothers in the club it was decided to call them the Hokey Kokey Twins, you pull the main sail out you pull the main sail in, in out, shake it all about. They were forever reefing or putting out more rags, but never beating our speed. We did get becalmed for five minutes so it was time to hoist the iron sail as we were approaching the Burnt Isles. After the Isles I saw Royal Fleet Auxiliary Orangeleaf a 30,000 ton tanker built in Camell Lairds heading for the NATO fuel jetty in Loch Striven. I nearly called them up on the VHF to see who was aboard as I had worked for them for 13 years. A quick break in Rothesay then back to Rhu. Once we had got up towards Dunoon I went below to cook, it was still blowing a 6 and quite lumpy. Nearly all done just about to add the sauce when a huge gust came in and we rounded up. Sauce everwhere except in the pan, screams from the galley, just laughter from the deck. I was christened Fanny Craddock, the second name of the week. The first being Wolfie after a misunderstanding with Tim, when I said I went water-skiing on my wedding day and he thought I said I got married in a wolf skin, funny boy. Once alongside after filling up with diesel only 16 litres, a meal just saved, a shower then to the pub for one final time. It seemed weird going to the pub at 23:10. They had a band on and it was heaving finally kicked out at 01:30 back to the boat for a few scotches and listen to the radio, which wasn't very good. Mark got so fed up with it he gave it a float test which it failed. Worked out how to cook toast without a grill, much to the amazement of Mike. Saturday morning time to clear up after 4 hours kip, Mike drew the short straw and got the heads. 10:10 on our way home after a wonderful week's sailing. Great to see the family again, but was in bed at 19:30. Already planning next year's, so if you fancy a week in the Med let us know. Cheeeeeeeeers
21 May 02 Wow !!! what a sail. Three Dee boats made the trip to Pwllheli for Round Two of the 'Bootiful' North Wales Cat Series sponsored by Bernard Matthews; Chris Delves & Oliver Frost and Alasdair & Brigid in Nacra F18s, and Jon Dayton & Pearce in a Hawk. Strong winds and mountainous seas were the order of the day and with the event also forming the first round of the UKCRA Long Distance Series, exciting sailing was promised. Don Findlay, the OOD, opted to run the long distance race to Aberdaron on the Saturday. The start was on time at 12.00hrs and 20 cats charged off the line on the long beat to Abersoch, inside the islands and across Hell's Mouth to Aberdaron. Leading the way with incredible speed were the Tornado Sports of Will Sunnocks and Richard Allen. Third was an Inter 20 with Chris and Ollie 4th and Alasdair and Brigid 5th as we passed inshore of St. Tudwall's Islands off Abersoch. Approaching Hell's Mouth, diamond wire failure put paid to Alasdair and Brigid's race and they limped back to Pwllheli, luckily with the rig intact. Jon and Pearce were fighting hard with an Inter 18 for 6th place before one wave too many stopped them in their tracks and Pearce gashed his leg. One of the rescue boats took him off to Abersoch for transfer to hospital, leaving Jon to sail his Hawk back to Pwllheli singlehanded. An amazing feat given the conditions. Chris and Ollie were to report the biggest seas they had ever encountered in a small boat off Aberdaron but hoisted the kite and flew back to Pwllheli faster than they'd ever gone in a sail boat before. Sunday dawned with even stronger winds and Don made the right decision to cancel racing, much to the disappointment of Dave Wood and Pete Spedding who'd made the trip down as the fourth Dee boat. So to the results. First and second went to the two Tornado Sports, but that should be expected from our Olympic team members, but a well earned 3rd went to Chris and Ollie in their first event together. Overall, ten boats finished an extremely testing long distance race and we all eagerly await Round Three at Llandudno on 20/21 July, although maybe slightly less wind would be preferable. It is hoped that many more Dee boats will support this event, particularly if we're looking for good support for our event. Under 21s will of course receive free entry courtesy of Bernard Matthews and remember, under 21s only have to compete in two events to qualify for the series so Llandudno and Dee will be sufficient. Despite the retirements, another excellent event and more success from
Dee sailors. 13 May 02 Race 13 - An interesting figure-of-eight course (9) was set, although most boats completed the first leg to No 8 without tacking having started on port. James Douglas and Jenny Clark in Bogtrotter II rounded first, followed by Geoff Bradshaw and George Henshaw tickling Wet Pussy along nicely and then Tom and Michael Johnson on DeeTox. Positions stayed the same as the boats reached out to 6, but on the run to No 2 Bogtrotter and Wet Pussy pulled away from the fleet. Dave Wood on 6234 and Simon Moruzzi and Clare on Permanent Waves overtook DeeTox as they gybed at the leeward mark. Positions stayed the same on the reach to 4 and then the beat back to the line where the boats were finished. Race 14 - Same course and again most boats started on port. Tom Johnson got a flyer, crossing just in front of Dave Wood who was on starboard, and led all the way to the first mark (again without needing to tack). James Douglas took advantage of the slight gap Tom left as he tacked at the windward mark and tacked inside without losing any momentum to take the lead, which he never relinquished. Simon Moruzzi battled all the way around the course with Paul and Michelle Roberts on Jammie Dodger for 3rd place which left the Johnsons on DeeTox able to concentrate on boat speed and 2nd place. As the line was approached upwind Tom Johnson was very alarmed as the race officers didn't finish Bogtrotter; this meant another lap! Would he be able to hold off his former mentor Paul Roberts and keep 2nd place? On the beat to No 8 Paul was suffering from dirty air and tacked off, but the tactic didn't work and Simon Moruzzi was able to fetch the mark without a tack. James and Jenny won, Tom was ecstatic with his 2nd and Simon held on to 3rd. Race 15 - Course 15 was set, more or less a mirror image of the earlier course, but with No 6 as the windward mark. Everyone started on starboard and Bogtrotter and Jammie Dodger soon got away from the rest of the fleet. Matt Pollock and Amy Johnson on 3900 battled throughout with DeeTox and held them off to finish 3rd behind James and Paul. A great day's racing and some excellent performances from Tom Johnson
and Matt Pollock, two helms new to Dart 18s, having graduated from last
year's youth squad.
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23 Apr 02 The key elements of the Bernard Matthews sponsorship is to provide cash prizes and promote youth participation, with the overall winner of this year?s series collecting ?100. Second and third place finishers also get cash prizes, as does the top traveller boat competing in all four events and best newcomer. However, the most inspirational feature is that under-21 helmsmen will qualify for free entry at all events, helping to cut their costs and hopefully encourage the next generation of cat sailors to try open meetings. What?s more, under-21s will also qualify for separate cash prizes. This is the ideal racing circuit for all Dee boats not just the Handicap cats and should be perfect for our youth sailors who only have to compete in two out of the four events to qualify. For anyone concerned that this series is designed solely for the ?big? cats then think again. Last years winner sailed a 16ft Stealth and former Dee member Dave Wood was 2nd in his Dart 18. Even the Pwllheli Raid to Aberdaron and back is a realistic distance and there is likely to be the option of a shorter course for the smaller cats. It is hoped that this event in particular will attract some of the country?s top cat sailors given its inclusion in the UKCRA series. If anyone requires further information then log on to www.nwcats.co.uk or contact Jonathan Jenkins on 01606 852571 or by e-mail at jhjenkins@ukgateway.net Alternatively speak to Alasdair Davidson at the Club or on 0151 348 4300 or e-mail at ali@whitehouselane.fslife.co.uk 15 Apr 02
05 Apr 02
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31 Mar 02 22 Mar 02 Another tightly contested start in race two saw Tony and Richard pulling through to round first and hold the lead throughout the race. That all changed in the final race with Tom and James finding that extra something on the final beat into the finish. Higher on the wind and holding the same speed they crossed tacks with Tony and Richard. Tony failed to make sufficient allowance for the ebb which was running strongly. They were forced to tack under the Committee boat letting Tom and James, still pointing higher and screaming into the finish, to cross ahead to take the gun. Steve and Beryl who weren't pointing too well, had to put up with third
places. Simon Stannard and Rob Clarke and Mike Hilton and crew were not
far off the pace though were giving a generous margin to the first three
boats on the start. Well done to Richard Peck (12) who had his first taste
of trapezing in brisk conditions…(and loved it…of course). 18 Mar 02 Race 4 - Dave Wood flew up the first beat to lead at the first mark from Pete Spedding and Simon Moruzzi with Will Thompson well down the fleet. In the tightest of fights, Dave and Pete pulled clear of the fleet. Will fought through, passing Paul and Simon to bag 3rd on the last lap. Dave just missed out on the win after leading for much of the race. Meanwhile Mark C, Mark E and Ian were battling for 6th 7th and 8th places. Race 5 - Paul Roberts cracked in from port to lead round the first mark from Pete and Charlie Hazelwood with Dave close behind. Will made up ground and a close fight between Dave, Pete and Will developed. At the finish a few yards separated Pete, Dave and Will in a repeat of the first race result. Further back Mark C and Simon traded places with Mark C finally getting the upper hand over the line. Race 6 - Simon Moruzzi powered away from the start but at the first mark it was Pete leading from Charlie, Will and Paul. Will flew downwind narrowly avoiding taking the lead round the leeward mark. A good beat saw Pete stretch away leaving Will and Paul to settle for second and third. Well Done Pete Spedding and Iain Blair who won the Dart 18 series with
four wins and two second places.
05 Mar 02 Warm Up Series - 03 Mar A great start to the 2002 season with ten Dart 18s and five Dart 16s racing. Two of the 18s were new to the fleet - Paul and Michelle Roberts moving up to 18s from 16s and new members Chris Aspinall and Anna Lindsey. Results Dart 18s Race 1 began belatedly with everyone misjudging the start against the strong tide (it's a warm up, remember). Will, Pete and Chris Aspinall moved into the leading positions with places changing regularly round the course. James, who missed the start by minutes, caught up with the fleet on the third lap but it was in vain. Nobody realised at the time, but the race was finished after two laps. After a great scrap Pete won from Will with Chris third and Mark E fourth. Race 2 - An interesting start with Paul Roberts dragging the start mark upwind and most of the rest of the fleet over the line. Despite having to go back, Will and Pete charged back up the fleet with Pete rounding the first mark in the lead. James followed round soon after and the three boats scrapped it out for the rest of the race with Chris Aspinall chasing. James barged(!) past and made it to the front at the end of the second lap and went on to win from Pete, Will and Chris. Race 3 - On the changing tide everyone was now warmed up and showed it by queuing up early to start. Paul, and James were deemed to be over the line but continued unaware of the signals. The first beat was hectic, with a failing wind and a racing tide the fleet was close at the first mark with James, Pete and Will within a couple of boat lengths. James was soon made aware of his infringement giving Will the lead. This lead extended with Pete capsizing and losing second to Chris Aspinall on the second lap. Will disappeared over the horizon while Chris lost second to Pete after hitting a mark. Mark C pushed hard and came in a good fourth ahead of Simon. Dart 16 report to follow. 02 Mar 02 DSC Youth Team training DSC's future stars were on the water for a training session in the club Dart 16s on a big tide on Saturday. Joining them were a couple of up and coming wrinklies in their Dart 18s.  A big thankyou to Tony Marston for organising and leading the session and also to Carmel Johnson and Mark Emptage for helping out on the video camera. The training continued off the water with Tony using the video footage to talk through the session. 
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27 Feb 02
Dart Open The Notice of Race has been published and entry forms are now available. Check the Dart Open page. Liverpool moves to the Wirral! Liverpool Yacht Club has been added to the Wirral Regattas. More info on the Wirral Regattas website. 26 Feb 02 New sailing documents On the Sailing Info page, you'll find the new sailing instructions for this year's club racing, a slightly revised Course Card, plus a copy of the new Race Officer's results sheet. Warm Up Series The 2002 season starts on Sunday with a short Warm-up Series before the Dart Open at Easter. Check the Sailing Programme. 23 Feb 02 Fast Handicap Catamarans 2002 2002 looks set to be a busy year for the Fast Handicap Catamaran fleet with up to eight boats taking part in Club racing, the Wirral Regattas, and the 'Bootiful' North Wales Cat Circuit sponsored by Bernard Matthews. 19 Feb 02 Dart Open entertainment announced Visit the Dart Open page for details. 17 Feb 02 Winter Series The series ended on a high note with nine boats sailing; mostly Dart 18s, but also three Dart 16s and a Laser. Will Thompson and Zander Oz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
