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28 Feb 04(Archive photo. Any similarity to persons known is completely intentional.)

The 'Compo' appreciation society acting 'Last of the Summer Twine' scene one act two, entitled. "When I nod my head........ you hit it"

21 Feb 04 Six and seven eighths? (archive photo)
Appeal

I'd rather have an engine than a sail'. No not an extract from El Condor Pasa (Paul Simon), but there are people out there (good people) who fail to feel the attraction of using aerodynamics and windage as the sole source of power for propulsion? For them the opening statement would be true. They favour instead the raw power of the infernal combustion engine. So if you know someone who could commit to at least one Sunday a month, DSC will arrange suitable tuition in power boat helming, rescue techniques and the art of undunking hapless helms (crews of course at additional cost). Contact your Fleet Captain..

You could opt to spend your Sunday morning languishing in the cozy torpor of a lie-in to rise at noon and brunch, comprising grilled rashers of pig served avec oeuf frit anglaise en crout. You could take the dog for a long hike or even wash the car. You may succumb to the urge to tackle the list of pressing chores now the nagging guilt has diminished to the dull and distant whimper of a failing New Years resolution. But wait, salvation is at hand. Get down to DSC this Sun there is another work party.

Note. At the moment the back field is being resurfaced so the dinghy park is full. Beware if you bring your boat back to the club check with the Captain, your usual space may not be free.

Note the new link Dart Open page.

New website editor
I'm very pleased to announce that Mark Emptage has been appointed as the new Editor of the DSC website. Mark has been updating this homepage and the News page since the new year and I'm sure you will have noticed the regular news items and the stream of new images. Mark has been our most prolific contributor for the last couple of years and his articles are still available on the news archive pages (2003 archive, 2002 archive).

Please support Mark by sending him news and images whenever you can, and if you'd like to contribute an article yourself it will be very welcome.

Mark can be emailed at webeditor@dee-sc.co.uk

Michael Johnson
webmaster

11 Feb 2004 (archive photo) Natural UK grey. Back to top
Update

Training workshop Tuesday 10 Feb 04 was well attended with 17 participants. A short session under the heading of the Psychology of Sailing, (a report will appear on the news page). Gareth Owen continued with race tactics and strategy. A session on Race Officer duties and Safety at Sea is planned. Other topics can be covered on request. Lobby your Fleet Captains, badger your Flag Officers or buy any committee member a drink and tell them what you need. There are sufficient skills and experience within the club to produce and present quality training to club members. News

Work parties. There are still many jobs to do to prepare for the season and the first race is on March 7. Due to adverse weather conditions some of the Captains mountain of tasks are a little behind. Make some time on any of the following Sunday mornings and report for working party duties. Feb 15, 22 and 29, speak to your fleet captain or the club captain. All hands on deck and share the load!

Pre Season Party. When will we three meet again, in Thunder, Lightning or in Rain? Around the hugh steaming cauldron of chili at the DSC on Saturday 28 Feb 04 actually! Simon & Claire will be hosting a social gathering to blow away the winter blues and herald in the spring time madness. Tickets are £4.00 a head. I will repeat that £4.00 a head and that includes wine. If that is not fantastic enough then if you can go out and raise a family by the 28 Feb then you can buy a Family ticket and save. Go on be magnanimous and treat your spouse and the offspring to eating out. Details Too good to miss.

Wanted. Your photos and or stories, sailing related or nautical. Spotted a piece of sailing hardware on your hols or been to an event? Seen your dreamboat at a show? Then get clicking. 35mm photos can be scanned into digital form, or digital photos can be forwarded to the webmaster in a range of formats.

Sailing Tips. Don't forget Valentines on Feb 14 or you may end up sailing solo this season. Invest in a bouquet now and sail through the year with love & blessings. Sailing starts on the 7 March. Check your boat end to end for wear and tear. Rinse blocks and sheets in warm water and a small quantity of pure soap flakes, rinse well and allow to dry naturally, lube up your blocks, (more fun than it sounds). Use a silicone or teflon based spray lube. Check your halyards for 'slap wear' and replace if necessary. Check the integrity (and indeed the presence or not) of shackles. Minor pilforing has been evident over the Winter.

Psychology of Sailing first session results. 10 Feb 2004

4 apparently simple but deviously tricky questions were given with a 90 second time limit. Test Group average result 28% Lowest score 0 highest score 2, no names. Think you could do better? Put your name down for the next session.

Questionnaire Results

The group was asked to rank in order of priority the following aspects of Sail Racing putting the most significant factor at 1 and the least significant at 10. Individual Ranking was based on 17 participants. The top 3 factors were produced following 10 minutes of discussion in 4 small groups.

The emphasis was placed on how these factors would affect a persons performance in sail racing. It is interesting that Luck was consistently considered the least significant factor. The list is not exhaustive and the conclusions are not presented as definitive. In conclusion generally the factors that were perceived as more in the control of the individual then the higher up the ranking they came. The group results rank 'State of mind' and 'Execution of manoeuvres' jointly as most significant followed by 'Responding to changes in the wind' next and 'Course management' and 'Condition of boat' jointly next. Non of the other factors appeared in the group top 3 conclusion. The skill levels ranged from beginner, novice and journeyman through to World Champion including juniors, mono hull, catamaran and cruiser sailors. The discussion was lively and many view points explored.

04 February 2004. DSC Wayfarers at Bala Lake (Photo supplied by Quentin Jones)

The training workshop is scheduled for Tuesday 10 February starting at 20:00. There will be a short session on the Psychology of Sailing followed by the Gareth Owen masterclass.

Updated information on the events page and a new entry on the Notice board. A new event for this year in the form of a pre season party! Wine and Chili and a chance to catch up with fellow club members after the winter hibernation. Tickets only £4.00 including wine. An opportunity to meet the newly appointed officers following the AGM on 25 February 2004.

Kit tips: If your wetsuit has been stored drag it out and check the zip. Salt crystals can form and jam the zipper. Use warm water to clean the mechanism and gently work it free. The same can happen to the zips on your boots and kit bag. The longer it is left the worse it gets. If you have a dry suit you can condition the zip tracks with beeswax. Check the seal integrity on the collar, cuffs and ankles. It they are OK dust them lightly with talcum powder. Any signs of weakness or perished rubber then have them replaced. Remember it can take a couple of weeks to send your suit away for new seals to be fitted, so check it now and be ready for the first race. If kit needs replacing the best offers can be found at suppliers during the off season months. Click on Links

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