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27 - 28 June - Zanen Trophy
Light and variable breezes made for slow progress on both days. Saturday was the Zanen Trophy which is meant to be a long distance race, however race officers Robin Joy & Mike Samuelson judged that Warner was not worth risking so went for a two round race using Derrick initialy as the windward mark. A 180 degree wind shift once the 8 Redwings and 1 One-Design got there at least provided two beats! At the end of the first round Harry Greenway in Snow Goose was just ahead of Joe Robertson in Red Gauntlett II, but jib problems as they rounded Britten allowed Joe a relatively easy victory. Colin Samuelson in Toucan was a consistent 3rd. There were only two One Designs racing and after an hour not getting very far, William Bland decided to call it a day and took a tow back towards the Under Tyne moorings. Anna Row meanwhile persevered and having spent quite a long period becalmed was actually not that far behind at the end of the first round. Not quite so good on the second shorter round so she had to make do with 5th place on handicap.
No One-Designs on Sunday, however 9 Redwings had a nice sail in the gentle breeze. After just over an hour & a half, Colin Samuelson in Toucan finished just over a minute ahead of Tom Scott in Siskin with Michael MacInnes in Avocet & Harry Greenway in Snow Goose close behind.
20 - 21 June - Svana RYS Quaich
Light and variable breezes on both days and with Saturday being the Round the Island Race everyone was more than happy to run with a 2 short race format. There were 5 Redwings out on Saturday and 6 on Sunday. Tom Scott in Siskin & Joe Roberston in Red Gauntlet II shared line honours throughout, however the weekend winner overall was Tom Scott with 3 firsts. In the final race on Sunday, there was only about 30 seconds separating second & fifth places.
In the One-Designs, although there was some close finishes lower down in the 4 boat fleet on Saturday, Mark Grz was well ahead in both races. Despite some close racing, fishing places were very consistent with Anna Row in No 8 notching up two seconds, Tony Splading in No 12 claiming two third places, and Charles Evans having to put up with two fourth places. On Sunday, Charles got his own back and took the first race inches ahead of James Row with Mark Grz third & Pat Spalding fourth. James was well ahead of Mark (who just held off Charles) in the final 3 boat race.
13 - 14 June - Evert de Kort Cup
Not that many takers which for a BODA weekend was a bit disappointing, however full marks to Jos Coad & Charles Evans who came down just for Saturday's racing. Somewhat variable breezes on Saturday resulted in a slightly unfortunate course change mix up in the Redwings and resulted in the race leader at the time Harry Greenway in No 5 Snowgoose, being disqualified for sailing the wrong course. This left Robin Ebsworth in Quintessence with a well deserved 1st place, a minute and a half ahead of Rosie Gosling in Gosling. Peter Grimaldi was 3rd and Nick Fairfax 4th. The five One-Designs meanwhile had 2 races. In the first, the order was Helen Mathieson in No 1, Jos Coad in No 8, Robin Joy in No 10, Roy Burrows in No 9 and Pat Spalding in No 12. In the 2nd race the front two changed so that the order ended as Jos Coad, Rob Mathieson, Robin Joy, Roy Burrows and Pat Spalding.
On Sunday, there was a very pleasant (and pretty steady) southerly force 3 breeze which provided some delightfull sailing for the 7 Redwings & 3 One-Designs. In the former, Colin Samuelson in Toucan who was ahead for the majority of the race came in 1st a minute ahead of Harry Greenway in Snowgoose who just managed to stay ahead of Peter Grimaldi in Redwing on the final beat into Pepe. In the One-Designs who were sailing a slightly shorter course and in fact finished ahead of the Redwings, Rob Mathieson in No 1 came in just under a minute ahead of Roy Burrows in No 9 with Pat Splading in No 12 a few seconds behind.
6 - 7 June - Victory/Westmacott Regatta & Nicholson Trophy
On Saturday morning at 10:00, 11 intrepid crews – 5 redwings and 6 One Designs – raced from Garland to a mark just outside Portsmouth Harbour. With an easterly force 5 good time was made – the Redwings there in 40 minutes, followed by the BODs in 50 minutes. Colin Samuelson lead home from Tom Scott in the Redwings and in the BODs Brian Orange just pipped Jos Coad. Unfortunately the first regatta race had only started at 10.30 so we sailed around for over an hour in very choppy waters; Two Redwings felt there was more to life and promptly returned whence they had come. The other 3 plus the 6 BOD’s then raced the second regatta course. Colin again coming in ahead of Robin Ebsworth and Tom Scott. Mark Grz just beat Brian Orange followed by James Row in the BODs. In the third race, Tom Scott’s mast came to grief when a stay broke, which left Colin and Robin fighting it out, with Robin coming in first. In the BODs Brian Orange came in ahead of Roy Burrows and Jos Coad. At this point Regatta racing was concluded and the boats repaired to the Haslar Marina. Brian Orange and Mark Grz managed to sail into Portsmouth Harbour undetected by the Harbour Master – the others were towed in by ribs as instructed! The boats were safely moored by 4pm at which point some very shell-shocked crews were able to relax – after over 4 ˝ hours of force 5 in very choppy waters which entailed large amounts of pumping the bilges.
After showering, changing and having a well-earned drink or two in the Haslar Lightship, our hosts took us across the harbour mouth were we made our way to the Royal Naval Club and Royal Albert Yacht Club. Our hosts, the Victory Class, made us extremely welcome and we enjoyed an excellent dinner. The Redwing crews sensibly returned to the Island on the Fastcat. The BODA crews returned by RIB courtesy of Brian and Sue Langford who drove us very expertly across a huge rolling sea heightened by the wind that had risen to easterly force 6. If anything we were wetter when we arrived back than after racing!
The next morning both Redwings and BODs took the RIBs back to Portsmouth making the journey on a flat sea in 15 minutes – unlike the night before that had taken 45 minutes! After collecting our boats, and in a south-westerly 4, we had one race which, in the Redwings, Colin Samuelson won, and in the BODs James Row stormed home ahead of Mark Grz and Rob Mathieson.
Finishing at about midday the wind had reversed to east south east, so boats had a long beat back to Bembridge sailing through a strong adverse tide. Fortunately the wind held and the Redwings were home by 14:00 and the 6 BODs all safely on their moorings by 14:45 thanks to some judicious towing by Rod, Charlie & Graham Hall!
Everyone really enjoyed their week-end with a not inconsiderable sense of achievement after sailing through some wild seas and strong winds; for the BODs in particular it was the first time the boats had been raced other than off Bembridge which made it a great adventure for all.
The six BOD crews who participated were Rob & Helen Mathieson in 1, Martin Bonham with Vyv Hardless in 2, Sam Deacon with Charlie Harcourt-Smith in 6, Jos Coad and James Row in 8, Mark Grz and Roy Burrows in 9 and Brian Orange with Willie Westmacott in 11. It was great to have a Westmacott participating in the Regatta held in the honour of his grandfather who had designed the X boats and BODs.
30 - 31 May - Curlew Cup
With late tides and Force 4 to 5 easterly winds forecast over the weekend, it was decided to go for a good long race for the Redwings & One Designs on Saturday and not risk leaving the boats out at Under Tyne overnight. In the event probably the wrong decision as Sunday was a lovely day with only a gentle breeze, but such is "sailing"!
There were 9 Redwings out and they much enjoyed the two long beats from Pepe to Cochrane and then to finish off with a final beat to Under Tyne and back to Pepe. James Wilson in Quail and Tom Scott in Siskin had a close race for the first round but then James pulled ahead to finish a couple of minutes ahead. Joe Roberston in Red Gauntlet II worked his way into 3rd place ahead of Mark Andreae in Prawn, Harry Greenway (out for his first race for a number of years) in Snow Goose, and Robin Ebsworth in Quintessence who finished within 15 seconds of each other after a 1 hour 55 minute race!
Meanwhile, the 3 One-Designs were set a slightly shorter course (Tara instead of Cochrane); Norman Marshall sailing on his own in No 7 finished well ahead of Roy Burrows (also sailing solo) in No 9 and Tony Spalding in No 12.
Well done earlier in the week to the 9 Cadets and 1 Mum who passed their Powerboat Level 2 Course in some pretty challenging conditions, particularly on Wednesday. Also to Susie Beart, Sarah Bennett & Caroline Roe who attended an Adult Assistant Instructor Course on Friday. No takers for dinghy racing over the half term week, so the Smallest Pot for Oppies was not awarded.
23 - 25 May - Gunston Trophy & Lowrey Cory Cup
A very frustrating weekend's sailing with fickle and variable breezes; indeed with at least 5 races programmed for the 3 day holiday, the Redwings only managed to complete 2 races and the One-Designs one and a bit which was obviously disappointing for everyone.
Saturday's racing started off in an encouraging breeze with 11 Redwings and 6 One-Designs looking forward to at least 2 races towards the Gunston Trophy & Lowrey Cory Cup. However, after a good start, the wind died and both fleets had to finish on shortened courses. Edmund Peel in Quail lead the Redwings from the line and although his brother-in-law James Wilson in Redstart II was obviously trad of ng hard, he was a good five minutes ahead when he crossed the line at Under Tyne. Third, just, was Colin Samuelson in Toucan who had to take a penalty on the finish line for hitting the finishing RIB at the first attempt to cross. The One-Designs meanwhile had to be shortened even earlier up the course with John Harbord-Hamond sailing No 4 finishing 26 minutes ahead of James Row in No 8 and Jos Coad in No 6 a minute later.
Sunday's racing never got off the starting line - mind you had the fleets not voted with their feet and waited a bit longer for the light breeze to develop, they probably would have got a race in. Monday's forecast suggested a more promising set of races, however what was forecast and what was experienced was poles apart. After a short postponement, the 12 Redwings and 6 One-Designs started with off in a pleasant 5 knot north, north westerly breeze, however not long after the Redwings had rounded Derrick and were running down to Fitzwilliam, the breeze dropped and veered 180 degrees forcing the fleets into a second beat. Much to his chagrin, Edmund Peel in Quail had to make do with a 2nd place about 30 seconds behind his mother Caroline in Redstart II. Mark Andeae in Prawn was 3rd some way behind. The One-Designs meanwhile were well and truly caught when the breeze dropped and the tide off Derrick pushed them down towards Seaview. All bar James Row in No 8 who had rounded well ahead of the remainder wisely decided to take a tow back to the harbour; with little or no prospect of finishing within the time limit, James eventually retired when he realised that the Committee Boat was on its way back home having abandoned any further racing for the day.
So for the first time - certainly for as long as most can remember - the winners for the late May Bank Holiday weekend series emerged from just two races. The Redwing Gunston Trophy was agreed as a tie between the Peel family, and the One-Design Lowrey Cory Cup as a moral victory to James Row.
16 - 17 May - 25th Anniversary Medal
Wet & windy and late tides, but having been out for a "rain check", the ROs on Saturday (Tony Spalding & Mark Grz) agreed to venture forth and set an inshore course. In the event there were only two One-Designs (No 1 helmed by James Row & crewed by Helen Mathieson, and No 12 helmed by Jos Coad with Pat Spalding as crew), and two Redwings - Andrew Eddy in Plover and Robin Ebsworth in Quintessence.
All enjoyed the challenging conditions and it was a pity more had not been brave enough to give it a go. In the One-Designs (who started first as the Redwings took some time to get off their moorings) No 1 came in about 40 seconds ahead of No 12. Andrew Eddy meanwhile, sporting his reefed mainsail for the first time, and having taken advantage of the considerable port bias on the line was always 20 seconds or so ahead of Robin Ebsworth. Notwithstanding that Robin is still having problems with his new mast, it was very evident that Andrew's reduced sized main made for considerably more controlled sailing and is something that others should probably be thinking of emulating.
No takers for Sunday's racing - probably as well, it was not particularly pleasant out at sea.
9 - 10 May - Fortuna II - 1950 Medal
Gentle SSW breezes on Saturday & Sunday provided some good racing for Redwings & One-Designs even if the wind direction and tides made for rather processional beats; mind you a strong port tack bias on Sunday provided a challenging start!
On Saturday, Edmund Peel in Quail - out for the first time this season - showed a clean pair of heels to the Goslings in Gosling, Nick Wakefield in Bizarre, Tom Scott in Siskin & Joe Roberston in Red Gauntlett II. On Sunday, Edmund won again by at least 2 minutes (and thereby wins the Fortuna II - 1950 Medal) with Serena Gosling & Tom Scott enjoying a good battle for second & third. Joe Robertson, wo is clearly not gnetting the boat speed from 24 that he enjoyed last year brought up the rear.eaP>
Meanwhile on S urday in the One-Designs, James Row in No 8 was well ahead of Rob Mathieson in No 1 and Peter Truman in No 9. Sunday was closer with James finishing about 15 seconds ahead of Roy Burrows in No 1 with Peter Truman in No 9 not far behind. James Spalding in No 12 did finish but was quite a long way behind.
Well done to the BHYC team lead by Graham Sutton who convincingly won (again) the Inter Club Scow Team racing on Saturday; SVYC were 2nd, BSC 3rd and Yarmouth SC 4th. With each Club split into two teams of two boats and each team racing everyone except their own Club, means that the Race Officers have to start and finish 24 races - quite a task, but BZ to Graham Hall who was so ably assisted by Philip James & Stuart Aiken. Alas no photo appears to have been taken of the BSC helmsman in No 10 Scow who gybed just before the start of the first flight and mysteriously (& somewhat embarrassingly) found his Scow full of water!!
2 - 4 May 09 - Quail Trophy & Woodroffe Bowl
A good start for the Redwing Fleet, particularly as the tides were less than helpful and required boats to be out on the Under Tyne moorings on Friday evening. A nice breeze on both Saturday & Sunday with simple but verySakiaffective windward leewa,ing up the rd coursfourth a minute behiset the scene for some close racing between the 10 boat fleet. Keeping inshore to minimise the effects of the tide paid dividends and after a good start, Tom Scott in No 36 Siskin lead the way throughout; Colin Samuelson in No 11 Toucan was never far away though and came in 2nd ahead of Hugo Cuddigan in No 8 Capella II. On Sunday, a similar pattern but this time Colin Samuelson in Toucan lead virtually from the line to come in just over a minute ahead of Class Captain Andrew Eddy in No 40 Plover who just pipped Rosie Gosling in No 45 Gosling on the finish line. With less of a breeze on Monday and everyone keen to get back into the harbour, the intended three quarters of an hour race ended up somewhat shorter as the breeze slowly built. Another seemingly easy win for Colin Samuelson in Toucan who finished about three quarters of a minute ahead of Hayley Landon in No 3 Prawn with Tom Scott in Siskin at least a minute later, to take the Quail Trophy for the weekend series.
Except in the light airs Monday when they sailed the same short course, the fleet of 10 One-Designs enjoyed the slightly shorter courses that were set. On Saturday D Orange was almost back on the moorings before the 2nd boat (James Bullin in No 5) crossed the line in 2nd place just ahead of Sam Deacon in No 6. On Sunday, James got his revenge and although the time separation between No 5 and Brian Orange in No 11 was significantly less than the previous day, it set up for a close race on Monday for the weekend's Woodroffe Bowl. Jos Coad was third in No 10. In the event, D Orange had another convincing win in the following day's short race to take the Bowl; Peter Summerhayes crept into 2nd place with James Bullin having to make do with a third place (and a close 2nd place on overall points).
Overall an excellent weekend's racing despite the tides and paucity of wind on Monday.
25 - 26 Apr - St George's Day Trophy & Woodford Long Distance Race
Perfect weather but sadly only two BODA takers for the week-end. On Saturday it was blowing SW force 4-5, gusting 6, and with a course from N of Pepe, G, N twice round; such good progress was made that the second round was switched to Y, Drum and harbour finish. Unfortunately Drum hadn’t been laid so we went round Jonah instead! Jos Coad in 8 came in some way ahead of Tony Spalding in 12. On Sunday it was a beautiful sunny day with a force 3 from the south. After starting the Illusions the race officers set a course from N of T, N twice round. Again it took only 30 minutes to complete one round so the course was extended to include a harbour finish. Jos Coad in 8 finished just ahead of Tony Spalding in 12. All participants – helms & crew – had two excellent sails and much enjoyed it. The decision to move N to its new location has proved an excellent one as it is ideal for being the start line, being close to the harbour and with just about every option available for course setting.
Excellent, albeit challenging for those without electric pumps, Illusion racing on Saturday for the St George's Day Trophy.
1st - Mark Downer
2nd - Raymond Simonds
3rd - Rudy Jurg
On Sunday the wind kindly abatted for the final Illusion race of the season - the Woodford Long Distance Trophy. A couple of circuits round St Helens Fort fitted the bill admirably.
1st - Raymond Simonds
2nd - Rudy Jurg
3rd Justin Biddle
18 - 19 Apr
No racing - early/late tides. Very successful PB rally to Bosham Sailing Club (BSC). Successful "Crane Course" for the Redwing Club.
10 - 13 Apr - Oppenheim Trophy & Vernon's Easter Cup
Busy weekend with lots of boats out but not a lot of wind at times.
BODA started their season on Good Friday with 7 boats out braving the rain; fortunately the wind held and with the Gosling family stoically braving the elements as our race officers a short course N,G,E twice round was won by Peter Harvey (12) who was followed by Brian Orange (11), Rob Mathieson (1), Jos Coad (8), Mark Grz (9), Norman Marshall (7) and Martin Bonham (2). This was the first time that N (Nainby-Luxmoore) had been used in its new position between the fort and channel buoy 2a.
On Saturday there were 10 boats out in a brisk breeze that fizzled out but not before boats had completed 2 rounds of N,E (starting at G). The final run to E from N was very slow but Jos Coad (5) caught and just pipped Peter Harvey (7) on the line; they were followed home by Pete Summerhayes (1), Mark Grz (9), Martin Bonham (2), James Row (8), Denise Orange (11), Robin Joy (10) and Willy Cobb (6). Pat Spalding (12) retired.
On Sunday in light wind there were 6 boats out, lead home by Denise Orange (11), James Row (8), Peter Harvey (9), Rob Mathieson (1) and Martin Bonham (2). Norman Marshall (7) retired. Finally, on Monday the sun shone with a S/SW force 3 and 9 boats enjoyed the perfect conditions. James Row (8) lead the fleet home, followed by Brian Orange (11), Jos Coad (5), Rob Mathieson (1), Martin Bonham (2), Peter Harvey (10), Sarah Marshall (7), Roy Burrows (9) and William Bland (12).
Congratulations to Brian and D Orange who won the Oppenheim Trophy in no. 11. Despite the rain on Friday it was an excellent start to the season with 16 helms participating over the long week-end and an average of 8 boats per race.
Well done also to all 12 (ranging from 12 to 45-ish) who successfully gained their Powerboat Level 2 Certificates on Friday & Saturday.
5 - 6 Apr
No racing, early late tides - pity, rather nice although a heavy mist came in on Sunday afternoon.
28 - 29 Mar - Picnic Hamper
Saturday was a cracking day (literally). Boats were smashed and blood was spilled in the cold wind, but none of this stopped anyone smiling! The podium was like a favourite toy, no one wanted to share it. Graham Bailey was particularly childish, only letting Mark Downer have one go in three.
Sunday brought lighter air and the almost unstoppable force of Philip Bown. Had Piers Thomas not intervened in the final race, Philip would have claimed a golden hat-trick. Impressive! Well done the ROs - course setting not easy now that the trot moorings have been re-laid. Next stop Easter, can't wait!
Final Results:
1st Graham Bailey
2nd Piers Thomas
3rd Rudy Jurg
4th Justin Biddle
5th Philip Bown
6th Jo Downer
Congratulations to Tim Woodcock, James Beart, Jono & Anna Gage who successfully completed their PBL2 course over the weeeknd.