The aim of this new level is to build on those skills gained in the Level 1 & 2 course and to give a taste of the advanced modules. Many people are put off the further levels as [...]]]>

This year the RYA have created a new level in the Adult Sailing Scheme: Level 3 Better Sailing

The aim of this new level is to build on those skills gained in the Level 1 & 2 course and to give a taste of the advanced modules. Many people are put off the further levels as they are termed “advanced” perhaps feeling that they could not describe themselves as advanced sailors. However that is where Level 3 Better Sailing comes in.

The course is mostly coaching on the water with very little of the theory that is squeezed in to the previous levels. Any theory points that you are unsure about will of course be explained if you wish. You may then choose with your instructor which of the advanced levels you may wish to try. So, for instance your instructor may take you for a session with a Spinnaker, maybe try trapezeing from Performance Sailing, have a bash at anchoring or reefing afloat from Seamanship Skills, maybe take part in one of the races on a Sunday with your instructor on board with you to explain what is happening and (hopefully!) keep you out of trouble.

It is a two day course and after it you should feel much more confident in your sailing ability and perhaps have some idea of how you may wish to take your sailing further still. The information about the course is accessible through the sailing school pages, alternatively if you would like to discuss things further just drop us an e mail, phone or just come along and have a chat.

Nick Jones took a number of photographs which can be seen on the gallery.

In the clubhouse hall and bar, the [...]]]> Sunday 28th February saw the second working party of the year, and with monsoon conditions and widespread flooding across the site, everyone was welcome of some indoor work. After 3 days, the clubhouse renovations were complete.

Nick Jones took a number of photographs which can be seen on the gallery.

In the clubhouse hall and bar, the ‘gloss’ paintwork was finished and the pictures re-hung. The bar area looks complete now with all the pictures back on the wall. All of the curtains were painstakingly ironed, paired-up and hung at the windows. We have a new cool-blue set of rope lights and, for the first time in ages, a clock on the wall. No late races now!

In the changing rooms, the benches have been modified and more room created for people to move around, especially in the gents changing rooms. While the amount of bench-seating has reduced, it makes better use of the space and feels far less cramped. A mirror has been put up there are soap dishes in the mens showers.

Of course, working parties are nothing without the volunteers. The list of whom includes:

• Dave Grummitt
• John Williamson
• Peter Billington
• Dave Harrison
• Bill Strange
• Nick Jones
• Steve Ivory
• Karl Pountney
• Gerry Howcroft
• Ruth Ivory
• Robin Hall
• Harry Fiddler
• Sarah Norman (Galley Boss)
• Rosie Norman (Galley Slave)
• Kate Southwell
• Emma Southwell
• James Prior
• Zoe Janes

The club would also like to thank all the parents, children and coaches of the RYA Eastern Zone squad. We took a gamble with the re-booking of their training event and hoped for good weather. As it was, the weather kept us all indoors and your patience and cooperation resulted in a successful day for everyone.

Photographs courtesy of Milton Keynes Sailing Club are also available.

Icicle Series Results – Sign up for your Icicle Series Duty, contact duty@swsc.org.uk

The conditions were cold, very cold. However, for [...]]]> Seven boats headed out in very cold light wind conditions on Sunday 7th February. Dave Harrison and Harry Fiddler set two excellent courses and the racing was close and competitive throughout.

Icicle Series Results – Sign up for your Icicle Series Duty, contact duty@swsc.org.uk

Race Report

By Karl Pountney, Solo 4675

The conditions were cold, very cold. However, for the morning race 6 boats readied themselves for racing in light, but steady wind conditions.

From the start of the first race the fleet split in two. The fast handicap group of Mark Norman’s Phantom along with Duncan Wilson’s Phantom (crew Tim Browning) made quick progress to the windward mark. Behind the slow handicap group of Nick Jones (Solo), Karl Pountney (Solo), Kathryn McRitchie (Topper) and Peter Billington (Streaker) were close and swapping positions throughout the first beat. Kathryn’s Topper began to fall behind on the reaching legs. Karl and Nick managed to keep pace with a very quick Peter Billington but on the beat of the second lap Karl’s choice to use the right-hand side of the course left the way for Nick to slip through and gain a lead of several boat lengths

On the final lap, the Phantom appeared to have the race in the bag both on the water and on handicap. The Kestrel found the course had limited spinnaker possibilities and would have to wait to see what times the slow fleet would post.

On the final beat, Karl had closed the gap with Nick to just a boat length or two. Approaching the windward mark, Karl approached on port-tack pointing high and stealing back the difference. Nick approached on Starboard forcing Karl to either tack and shoot the mark above close hauled or take a chance on sneaking through on port and tacking on the mark. It was close, but too close. Forcing Nick to alter course, Karl had no choice to do turns and handed the race to Nick

At the finish, the positions were: 1. Mark Norman, 2. Peter Billington, 3. Duncan Wilson, 4. Nick Jones, 5. Karl Pountney, 6. Kathryn McRitchie.

Race 2 was almost a reverse of the previous course with what looked like (and was) a very long running leg down the lake. With the start-line so long, the whole fleet (now including Terry Van Rijn’s Rooster) hit the line on the gun.

The first beat was eventful with a port/startboard coming together of Terry Van Rijn and Duncan Wilson at the windward mark with Duncan coming away with penalty turns.

The long run gave Duncan the chance to claw back the lost time and eventually Duncan would take second from Terry on handicap.

The slow handicap boats were close for a while but eventually Peter and Karl were able to obtain a half-leg advantage over Nick that Nick wasn’t recover from in the failing wind. Karl was only 2 boat lengths behind Peter at the finish. However after they cleared the line both would be involved in a collision as the both boats raised their rudders at the same time. Fortunately, very little damage despite the loud bang

At the finish it was: 1. Mark Norman, 2. Duncan Wilson, 3. Terry Van Rijn.

Thanks must go to Dave and Harry excellent race management. Support Boat cover was provided by Charlotte Howard and Ian Howard. Galley, with its hot soup and Sausage/Chips, was laid-on by Sarah Norman.

It was Charlotte Howard’s 16th Birthday today. Everyone wishes her many happy returns.