So quite a memorable Island Cup!
As the day approached the forecast gradually deteriorated from a perfect F3-4 WSW to a challenging F1-2 NNE. Not that that deterred anyone and it was impressive to see 11 boats lined up for the beach start which was necessitated by not having enough wind to keep up-tide (south) of the usual club start line.
Warm and sunny, a Force 3 southerly breeze, and clear blue seas... what a fine day for a sail! 6 boats out (no surprises in the line-up) and a second attempt at the pursuit race format to put into practice lessons learnt last time out. This time we put the 3 yellow racing marks out to form a classic triangular course off the Eastney shore with the start line between the outfall post and the safety boat to allow for starts to be relatively unhindered by wind-over-tide in the channel (at least that was the plan). 6 boats entered, but only 5 boats sailed the course...
More than 20 members turned up on Sunday 16th May for the excellent Dart 18 and sail training day given by David Lloyd. Despite the breeze and occasional showers, David was able to take us through how to rig a Dart for best performance covering many aspects including mast rake, batten tension, and a top tip on how to measure the sail camber to set the downhaul just right.
The planned afternoon sail saw just 3 Dart 18s venture out in the F5-F6 breeze but which was curtailed due to equipment failure and incorrect boat orientation...
Registration is now open for the 2021 Solent Forts Race, taking place at Hayling Ferry Sailing Club over the weekend of the 19th and 20th June. The weekend will follow a similar format to previous years but with a few changes on shore to make the event as safe as possible. Havant Borough Council have approved the Saturday evening social event which will take place in the boat park and will see a return of the legendary Trevor John Band.
It's happening... Band on the Beach is back for 2021!!! Risk assessments have been completed, approval from Havant Borough Council has been given, and most importantly the Trevor John Band is booked.
After a successful virtual RYA dinghy show, the publicity sub-committee continues it's good work, producing stickers, flyers and new club signage to help publicise the club and attract new members.
Stickers have already been distributed to club members, while the recently finished flyers will be available from the club house or by request from Jennie. Please help yourself and display wherever you think will catch the eye of prospective members!
Suggestions are:
Despite a chilly and mixed forecast, an excellent turn-out for the first race of the season saw 7 boats racing including the Tornado of new members Adrian and Fen. The start time was put back until after lunch and the forecast F3 south-westerly duly arrived to provide half-decent sailing conditions. The course was set around the Fairway Pole and Inner and Outer Passages as follows:
The Solent Forts Race is set to go ahead over the weekend of 19th to 20th June and planning for the weekend is well advanced. Although lockdown restrictions are due to end the day after on Monday 21st June, we will be following all RYA advice to ensure that the event is safe and complies with government guidelines. On the social side we will be running things a bit differently to previous years but the band is booked for Saturday night and we expect to be able to offer catering in some shape or form. Watch out for more details.
David Lloyd, winner of 31 national Dart 18 titles in 6 different countries, has very kindly offered to come and give us a few pointers on how to sail our Darts (and other boats) better. In addition to Dart 18s, he's competed in the F18 and Tornado Worlds and also sailed Spitfires, Dart 15s and keelboats to name a few. David will be going over how to set your boat up for different conditions, going through different manoeuvres, and, if conditions permit, offering advice on the water. All welcome!
