Jack Davies & the Cambridge Blue team in silver medal place at British Universities' Yachting Championships
20/04/13
One of our star Oppie sailors some years ago, Jack Davies is now representing Cambridge University in much bigger boats. Sailing in Sunsail F40s, he was recently the tactician in the Cambridge team who gained second place in the university championships racing out of Port Solent. You can read more about it on the Yachts & Yachting website. Well done Jack!
DutyMan activated for sailing related duties
15/04/13
The Club is now using the DutyMan web-based system to organise patrol boat and race officer duties. In the interests of security, there is no link to DutyMan on this website but members can access the site by following the log-on instructions they have been sent. Members should log on, find their duty dates and then either confirm the duties or start arranging swaps. If duties are not confirmed, we have no way of knowing if people will be turning up so it is very important that that is done. Feedback from members about the system is very favourable with most people finding it user-friendly and easy to negotiate.
Beyond the West Horizon and the America's Cup
15/04/13
A very enjoyable film night was attended by 38 people who ate fish and chips from Rainbow Fish Bar in Freshwater and watched “Beyond the West Horizon”, the film of Eric and Susan Hiscock’s adventures sailing far and wide in a small boat, and also the film of the 150th Anniversary of the America’s Cup – not so adventurous, but much bigger. more spectacular yachts. Thanks to Sue and John Tribe for organising a really good evening.
Oppie Only Races
14/04/13
It was too windy for the Oppie Only Race on Sunday 14th April, but we hope for better weather for the next one on 28th April.
Laser 4.7s now sailing with YSC
12/04/13
In order to provide an opportunity for further development, we are allowing boats with a Portsmouth Yardstick handicap number of 1150 and over to race at the club and will extend the length limit in the boat park to 14 feet. Laser 4.7s were trialled in the recent Winter Series and were very popular. Indeed two of those who were introduced to them then have already bought Lasers.
Easter Junior Training very successful despite some icy weather
12/04/13
Easter Training on 9th and 10th April turned out to be most successful even though the Solent sailors had to be brought in to the river as there was not enough wind for them to sail against the strong tide. Beginners and Bronze groups didn’t get to sail on the first day but did some good shore-based practice and a short session of sprit paddling. Everyone else managed to sail but eventually came in fairly cold. On the second day we had sunshine and very little wind to start off with, which was ideal for the less experienced sailors. Gradually, as they gained in confidence, the wind got up a bit and everyone ended up having sailed very well and coming ashore with smiling faces. All thanks to some excellent coaching and hard work on the part of the support staff.
An excellent fitting-out supper
24/03/13
Over 50 members were treated to a delicious 4 course meal thanks to Sue Tribe and team and entertained by several very amusing speakers before watching a DVD of Ben Ainsley’s final gold medal winning race in the London 2012 Olympics.
Keith Brettell was his usual witty self while telling us about some of his more disastrous escapades while serving in very big boats, Liz Mead gave us the female slant on such things as sheets, stays, and dressing overall (or not?), and Graeme Bowen and John Smith had an update on the Battle of Trafalgar which included such lines as:
"Nelson: “Order the signal, Hardy.”
Hardy: “Aye, aye sir.”
Nelson: “Hold on, that’s not what I dictated to Flags. What’s the meaning of this?”
Hardy: “Sorry sir?”
Nelson (reading aloud): ” England expects every person to do his or her duty, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious persuasion or disability.” “What gobbledygook is this?”
Hardy: “Admiralty policy, I’m afraid, sir. We’re an equal opportunities employer now. We had the devil’s own job getting ‘England’ past the censors, lest it be considered racist.”
Nelson: “Gadzooks, Hardy. Hand me my pipe and tobacco.”
Hardy: “Sorry sir. All naval vessels have now been designated smoke-free working environments.”
and ended
Nelson: “But you must hate a Frenchman as you hate the devil.”
Hardy: “I wouldn’t let the ship’s diversity co-ordinator hear you saying that sir. You’ll be up on disciplinary charge.”
Nelson: “You must consider every man an enemy, who speaks ill of your Queen.”
Hardy: “Not any more, sir. We must be inclusive in this multicultural age. Now put on your Kevlar vest; it’s the rules. It could save your life.”
Nelson: “Don’t tell me – health and safety. Whatever happened to rum, sodomy and the lash?”
Hardy: As I explained, sir, rum is off the menu! And there’s a ban on corporal punishment.”
Nelson: “What about sodomy?”
Hardy: “I believe that is now legal, sir.”
Nelson: “In that case …kiss me, Hardy.”
A really good evening.