Laying Up Supper and Annual Prizegiving

This year’s Laying Up Supper and Annual Prizegiving was a fantastic affair with magic tricks, a tremendous buffet, an abundant amount of prizes and a classic example of Dad dancing from the, now, Rear Commodore !

Starting promptly, Club members had a very busy evening last Friday at Yarnbury Rugby Club. The presentation of the prizes was carried out at a pace by John, Patrick, Katie and Neil making sure everybody got the right prizes which allowed a nice time to enjoy the buffet supplied by Cranberries of Adel.

Once everybody was replenished Peter Greenwood, a Professional Magician, entertained everybody with a good blend of magic tricks and funny banter.

The raffle earned over £100 which will be donated to Sailability for the work Otley SC does for sailors with disabilities. The night finished with a Disco, which was summed up by a group of teenage girls who ran out horrified by the dancing ability of the Rear Commodore !

Seriously, a great night was had by all, and thanks are due to Tim and John, and everybody who helped them, for a ‘Good Do’ !

LAST CHANCE FOR LAYING UP SUPPER TICKETS

Our Laying Up Supper starts at 7pm prompt on the 4th December at Yarnbury Rugby Club.

If you haven't yet ordered your tickets please contact me or any committee member

This will be a fabulous evening with great food by Cranberries of Adel and entertainment from professional magician Peter Greenwood and a superb disco by DJBZ Entertainment - naturally we will be celebrating the success stories of 2009 too.
Tim Hattersley - 07770 554498

Eric Twiname's 'Start to Win' re-published

Earlier this year, the Eric Twiname Memorial Trust was generously assigned the author's copyright of 'Start to Win', written by Eric Twiname in 1973. Out of print for over 20 years, Adlard Coles (now Adlard Coles Nautical, part of A & C Black Publishers) have recently republished this classic - now in its 3rd Edition and substantially re-designed, with a Foreward by Ben Ainslie and an updated Rules section by Bryan Willis to accord with the 2009-2012 ISAF Rules.

Despite the passage of time 'Start to Win' has undoubtedly retained its position as the book on simple racing principles, written as it was specifically for the benefit of the ordinary dinghy sailor. As such it manages to remove much of the mystique of racing sailing and assists helmsmen to improve their skills and tactical ability. There is arguably nothing else that sets out the techniques of sailing in such a clear, understandable and straightforward manner. 'Start to Win' has been welcomed back by its many followers, and will no doubt be read for the first time by many more. This classic, which complements 'The Rules Book' also written by Eric Twiname and revised by Bryan Willis for the 2009-2012 rules, is set to help sailors achieve their racing best for many years to come.


Royalties from 'Start to Win' go to the Eric Twiname Memorial Trust, which was set up in 1980 in order to perpetuate Eric’s memory and to enable his many and diverse sailing interests to continue. It became a registered charity in 1991 with the primary objective of providing funding or equipment that will assist those in full-time education at schools and universities in the United Kingdom to sail or yacht race, with the emphasis being directed towards youth. Purchase of this book will therefore assist the Trust with its invaluable support for youth racing sailing, which includes bursaries for juniors on starter courses, the on-going provision of support RIBS for all eight national youth classes, the funding of dinghies for training purposes for sailing associations and clubs, and the financing of national championship events. For further information please visit http://www.erictwinametrust.org/.


'Start to Win' is available from Adlard Coles Nautical (discount price £15.29) and through most nautical booksellers.

Frostbite Series actually starts

This week, after the false start of the previous week, the Frostbite Series started properly. 14 boats enjoyed 2 races in the November sunshine and light Northerly breezes. Denis, Jo and Peter set courses using the entire Tarn and that kept everybody on their toes.

The Frostbite Series runs with 2 races every Sunday until 13th December, one race at 12.00 and the other at 14.00, and generally a social lunch break between the races. Even if you don’t sail in the races themselves come down and join in with the social spectating.

Yeadon Junior Squad Successes

Following on from the various Summer events and the Zone Championships in September the winter junior squad selections are now out. Congratulations are due to a number of Yeadon Juniors who have been selected for various training squads.

This is a great list and it reflects the efforts and commitment they all, and their parents, have put in over the year. So while the rest of us keep warm over the winter they, and their support crews, will be driving and sailing all over the country improving their sailing and racing !

The selected Juniors are :-

Matthew and Benjamin – RYA National Junior Squad – Mirror

Luke – ITCA Junior Development Squad – Topper

Also congratulations are due to William and Callum who although they sail and race predominately at other local Clubs ( Ripon and Yorkshire Dales) they are also members at Yeadon and sail with us just on Tuesday Nights.

William – RYA National Junior Squad – Mirror

Callum – RYA North Zone Squad – Topper

The RYA (and ITCA) Squads aim to nurture junior sailors, across the country, refining their boat handling and racing techniques and turning them into skills and to develop their ability to analyze and improve their own performances. The Squads form essential part of the RYA Pathway Scheme to develop sailors of the appropriate age and ability to go on over time and win medals at major regattas.

Basically young sailors under the age of 14, sailing Optimists, Toppers, Cadets and Mirrors who show promise can get selected for Regional (Zone) Squads and even National Squads. The Squads operate over the winter months between November and May and they have, typically, 6 training weekends. These weekends involve land and classroom sessions as well as a lot of on the water training and are run by top coaches. As well as being fairly intensive the squads weekends are good fun and the young sailors form long lasting friendships which helps develop the social side of sailing as well as the racing side. The parental support teams also get involved and it becomes a whole family event.

At the end of a winters training the improvements are dramatic, the junior’s sailing is vastly improved, as is their general confidence on and off the water and it is excellent to see the progress made. Adam Simms went through the various Squads a couple of years ago and this year all those efforts paid off when he won the competitive YHYSA Series. This is a series of eleven regattas from April to July and attracts junior sailors from all over Yorkshire. This is one of the best attended junior race series in the country and Paul Goodison, Olympic gold medallist, has been a previous winner of the series.

So on behalf of the all the Clubs involved congratulations to Matthew, Benjamin, Luke, William and Callum in gaining Squad Selection and thanks to their parents for their continuing support and encouragement. We look forward to seeing you all on the water next season.

(With thanks to www.fotoboat.com for the Mirror pictures, YDSC and Andrew Cowling for the Topper pictures)

Mike Saul's End of Season Sale 8th Nov

Mike Saul will be holding his annual end of season sale at Ripon SC on Sunday 8 November. The sale usually starts about 10.30am and ends about 3.30pm and there always plenty of bargains to be had. Anyone from local Clubs are more than welcome to come along.


Ripon's Frostbite series, which is open to all, got off to a fine start last weekend - why not come and join in - for a day or for longer? Small entry fee for non-members, first race 11am with 3 races per day during November and 2 per day during December. The series finishes on Sunday 13 December but on Sunday 20 December we have a one off 'Icicle' event which is once again open to visitors.

Happy sailing
Ripon Sailing Club

80th Annual General Meeting

NOTICE AND AGENDA OF THE 80TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
TO BE HELD AT 8.00PM ON THURSDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2009 AT THE CLUBHOUSE

 Agenda:

1. To approve the minutes of the 79th AGM held on 27th November 2008.
   
2. To receive the Hon Sailing Secretary’s Report.
   
3. To receive a report on training activity.
   
4. To receive and approve the Accounts and Hon Treasurers Report for the year ending Oct 31st 2009.
   
5. To receive the Secretary’s Report.
   
6. To receive the Commodore’s Report.
   
7. To elect a Commodore.
   
8. Hand over to the New Commodore.
   
9. To elect the other Officers.
   
10. To elect 3 Members of the Committee.
    
11. To appoint an Auditor for the financial year 2008-2009.
    
12. To determine the fees for the year 2010.
    
13. Close of formal AGM and presentation of discussion document regarding the future options for the club building and opening of informal discussion period.

Frostbite Start ?

1st November heralded the start of the Frostbite series for 2009.

Officers for the day, David and Peter dutifully prepared the Club for the day’s racing but, unfortunately, with the wind gusting 30 knots (and more!) with torrential rain any sailing was looking very unlikely. The baked potatoes went in the oven for lunch so people were committed to stay with the hope that things would improve !

Well the rain stopped, the sun came out but the wind continued to increase in the gusts, this time blowing spray off the wave tops ! The tarn was at it’s fullest for a long time with a good flow going out over the spillway and the tarnside path was flooded in places with all the water running off the land.
The baked potatoes were good, but there wasn’t any sailing !

Hopefully next week will be better !!!
The Frostbite Series on every Sunday until 13th December, with 2 races each Sunday, one at 12.00 and the other at 14.00, and generally a social lunch between the races. Even if you don’t sail in the races themselves come down and join in with the social spectating.

Ribbed National 12’s Regatta at Yeadon Sailing Club

An enthusiastic group of ribbed National 12 sailors gathered at Yeadon Sailing Club from Yeadon and Yorkshire Ouse SC for the third and final event of the season. These events have been co-ordinated by class association chairman Tim Gatti (who also owns 4 of the 5 boats) and for various reasons competitors from the last two events were not able to compete so four of the five teams had not sailed these boats before. Tim briefed the contestants on the format which in brief was :- 5 short races, 3, 2, 1, Go and change boats after every race by moving up a boat number or if at N1183 back down to N2.

The event began in a gentle breeze and all boats got away cleanly from a short start line Phil David sailing with Katie McInnes took an early lead in N711 Sinner but were hotly pursued by Tim Gatti and Tace Morgan sailing N493 Laughter, Neil McInnes and Rachel Dean sailing N341 Mat were chasing hard though and the pressure on Tim caused him to miss a mark leaving Philip first and Neil second.

In race 2 the OOD changed the course slightly but Philip was again quick to take the lead this time sailing N1183 Tessa, Neil was first to start but as the signal had not yet gone soon returned to start again! Tim Gatti now in N711 moved up the fleet but it was neck and neck with Brian Miatt and Jane Preston in N341 and John and Kathy Cheetham in N2 Goldcrest. These three finished within seconds of one another with Tim taking second place to Philip and Katie’s second win of the day.

Neil was again first off the line in race three but starting to wish he had a watch! Brian Miatt and Jane Preston made a great start in N493 Laughter and although racing was very close particularly with John and Kathy in N341 Mat but Brian managed to pull off his first win of the day, Neil recovered from his premature start in N711 Sinner and finish 3rd whilst Philip and Katie finished an uncharacteristic 4th in N2 Goldcrest.

After an excellent if rather rapid lunch the teams were back on the water for race 4 and the course was changed back to the original one to suit the 20 degree shift, possibly caused by the hotdog with onions lunch? The wind had also increased to a comfortable two sitting out breeze. However Philip and Katie returned to form pulling out a good lead this time in Mat although John and Kathy in Sinner pushed hard at times but finished second. The final race ended with the same result for first and second places and the water was cleared for the afternoon’s club racing.

Overall a great event, thanks to Yeadon Sailing Club for hosting the fleet, Sarah, Margaret and Kathy for the excellent refreshments, Howard for running the races with Mike Cox and Ellie Clark for assisting in the committee boat, Ken Goddard for coming all the way from Derby to support and most importantly Tim Gatti for providing 80% of the fleet and coordinating entries etc.

Howard Chadwick N12 Class Vintage Wing Representative (Photographer and Race Officer)

Junior Team Racing

21 Junior sailors from Beaver, Otley, Ripon and host club Yeadon descended on Yeadon Tarn for the inaugural Junior Team Racing Event on Saturday. The idea was to give people an idea of what ‘Team Racing’ was, some general race training in a different environment and to give them encouragement to get involved in the autumn NSSA and RYA Team Racing Events.

The Tarn looked like a mirror as everybody turned up, but slowly a light wind filled in, in patches. The day properly began with an introductory talk on Team Racing by Neil and Katie, as many of those taking part had never team raced before. While that was going on OODs John and Tim sorted an approximate square S course which tried to miss the various flat patches on the Tarn and Peter and Heather came up with the selections of the teams, trying to balance the experiences and abilities of the participants taking part plus attempting to muddle the various club and friendship groups up so that everybody mixed together.

The format was always going to be fairly flexible to suit the numbers turning up and the conditions of the day so while the training was going on it was decided that five (2 boat) teams would be best, racing in a round robin tournament and that would maximise the number of races that everybody would have. The event was to be sailed in Laser Picos from Yeadon and Otley, and in the light winds the boats seem to be a great leveller.

The racing started mid-morning still with light patchy winds, but in bright sunshine. The first races progressed slower than the race team had hoped so there were some panics shore side as the race order and handover arrangements were re – jigged while the OODs on the start progressed the best they could with messages and revised race orders being delivered by the safety boat and as the teams came out to the starting area.

After the initial teething problems were worked out the races progressed much quicker. The competitors started to get into it with a race or two under their belts and team racing tactics were very much in evidence as teams endeavoured not to have the last place boat.

In the end the results were very close with both first and second places and third and fourth places having to be split on tie breaks. Blue Team, comprising Peter from Ripon, Aisling from Otley, and Tom and Tace from Yeadon, were the eventual winners with White Team, Heather from Otley, Rachel from Beaver, Benjamin from Yeadon and Matthew from Yeadon (for the first couple of races) and Will from Ripon (later), coming second. The intermixing of everybody seemed to work as each of the participating clubs had representative in either the first or second teams.

The smiles and chatter at the end of the day as everybody helped to put the boats away and tidy up seemed to suggest that the day was a success and all, competitors, helpers and parents, had enjoyed it.

Amy, from Yeadon, summed it afterwards by saying “It was fun!”

Solo & Streaker Open Meeting - 13th September

As people turned up for the Solo and Streaker Open they found an open meeting in full swing already. This was the Leeds and Bradford Model Boat Club having a One Metre Class Open with about 20 boats taking part. Luckily with a brisk Northerly wind both events could take place on the Tarn without interference.

After the briefing the bigger boats joined the smaller boats out on the water with the fleets keeping a respectable distance apart. For the racing under the burgee of Yeadon Sailing Club the Solo fleet started first and Bill Wilson with Andrew Fieldhouse in pursuit soon established a good lead. The excitement was at the back of the fleet with Peter Appleby and Michael Wilde constantly changing places, with Michael getting ahead at the finish.

The Streakers on the second start chased the Solo fleet around the Tarn, Pete Tyerman, the lead Streaker, got quickly clear but the rest of the Streakers had a close tussle for the first few laps. Chris Wright eventually broke clear and closed the gap on Tyerman leaving Denis Beard to bring the rest of the fleet in.

After lunch the on shore supporters got excited at the start of the second when Club Secretary Peter Appleby led the Solo Fleet for a number of legs for the first lap, but then on the next shifty beat the previous order was resumed.

For the second race for the Streakers Pete Tyerman and Chris Wright contested the lead for the first 2 laps with Clive Wood, the late comer after sitting out the first race, getting away from the mid fleet bunch. By the end Pete Tyerman got away from Chris Wright, in the end, to lead by a safe distance.

Over the tea break the wind appeared to ease but as the sailors launched for the third race the wind returned.

In the Solos there was a tit for tat race between Andrew Fieldhouse and Michael Wilde, with Andrew Fieldhouse establishing a lead only to lose it for a while after trying to park on buoy number 7. Bill Wilson was way out in first place but called it a day before the end of the race. By the end of the race Andrew had re-established his lead over the others and finished first


In the Streakers Clive Wood, took an early lead with Chris Wright keeping close behind in whilst Pete Tyerman was stuck behind in the main bunch. With the winds freshening it started to catch people unaware and the occasional capsize was seen. However, at the halfway point Pete Tyerman had got over his early set backs and took over the pursuit of Clive. Pete was eventually successful and took first place on the last lap.


At the end of the day everybody had a good sail in decent conditions. At the Prizegiving the winner of the Streakers, Pete Tyerman, on behalf of both fleets thanked the OOD and the Club for running an excellent Open Meeting

The final results were ;
Solo Fleet
1st 4529 Bill Wilson Yeadon
2nd 4041 Andrew Fieldhouse Yeadon

3rd 3774 Peter Appleby Yeadon
4th 4224 Michael Wilde Berwick

Streaker Fleet
1st 1586 Pete Tyerman Pennine
2nd 1374 Chris Wright Ripon
3rd 1527 Clive Wood Yeadon
4th 1563 Denis Beard Yeadon
5th 1482 Tim Hatterley Yeadon
6th 1597 Rob Crossland Yeadon

7th 1236 Pete Smith Ripon

Busy Day at the Club

Saturday at the Club was very busy, Bill and Neil had kindly laid on some rather nice weather for the Working Party, Junior Training, Junior and normal Club races, the free sailing session and the BBQ.

Throughout the day lots of blue paint seemed to get applied and grass cut and Denis was seen to be dismantling and replacing a window.

A number of Juniors, after doing some helping, enjoyed getting out on the water for a training session which involved lots of manoeuvring, sailing standing up, some mini races and coming along side the safety boat in a controlled manner (for chocolate bars, of course !).

The Junior Race turned into an epic race between sisters, whilst Matthew sailed in a race for the very first time and did really well despite getting stuck a couple of times !

The free sailing session later on was popular with up to 8 boats enjoying an gentle evening sail whilst the rest got the BBQs going and generally chilled out !

A very nice day indeed !!!!!

LAYING UP SUPPER TICKETS NOW ON SALE

We are pleased to announce the Laying Up Supper will be held on Friday 4th December at Yarnbury Rugby Club - 7.00 -12.00

The event will star the famous professional magician Peter Greenwood - an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle.

Of course we will have our prize giving, some great food and a great time together but this year the evening will be topped off with a superb disco so we can dance the night away.

Get your ticket from any Committee Member
ON SALE NOW

All in a Day

Saturday 12th of September



10 am onwards The Bosun's Working Party - Do your bit to help keep the Boat Yard and Clubhouse tidy and well maintained, all under the supervision of Bill. Jobs vary from making tea to repairing the roof. Let Bill know if you have and specialised skills or job preferences.


12 pm until 2pm - Neil the club's Sailing Coach is holding a Junior Training Session.

Followed by the 6th Junior Race of this year. Juniors ready to start racing are invited to join the adults in a normal club race! Juniors make the most of this opportunity, experience going over the startline with other like minded, competitive people. Put what you have been learning throughout the spring and summer into practice.

2.30 pm Series and Junior Race 6


4.00 pm Series Race

5.00 pm - 7.00pm Free Sailing - Planned especially for the Tuesday nighters but all sailors are welcome. Just when you thought you had no choice but to put your sailing clothes away in the closet until next year, there is another chance to get back onto the water!


6.00 pm Annual BBQ - Bring your own food and drink and meet some new people or chat with old friends.

Clipper 09-10 Round the World Race

Race Starts in 30 Days!
Yorkshire Welcomes the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race Sunday 13th September 2009

Ten internationally sponsored 68ft racing yachts will arrive in the Humber at the beginning of September for the start of one of the world's greatest races. Supported by a fantastic range of events and festivals the race will make Yorkshire and the Humber a hub of activity for tens of thousands of visitors.The Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race is the leading event of its type for non-professional sailors. It lasts ten months and covers 35,000 miles before returning to the Humber on 17th July 2010. Put that date in your diary now!The stunning fleet is due to arrive in the Humber on Friday 4th September for a week of final preparations before the grand send off. This is the first time that the race has started at an east coast port.Join in the celebrations over the weekend and wish the crews bon voyage.

Hull Freedom Festival Friday 11th - Sunday 13th September

The Freedom Festival promises to provide a wide variety of entertainment to give the crews and spectators an unforgettable and spectacular weekend, including a special fireworks display on Saturday night.The unique celebration of Freedom will see the city come to life with live performances of chart-topping music, international art installations, colourful dance displays and the awesome sight of a fleet of Clipper yachts beginning their round-the-world journey.This free three-day cultural extravaganza will consist of a range of music acts - including indie, pop and jazz stars - which will grace three main stages around the city centre over the weekend.

Start of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race Sunday 13th September 2009

10am The Clipper crews say their final farewells to family and friends before joining their yachts to the background of each boat's theme tunes.

11:30am The Red Arrows salute the crews with an amazing displayThen the Band of the Royal Marines will play as the Hull & Humber yacht leaves Hull Marina - followed by a Parade of Sail on the water

1.55pm The race countdown begins!

2pm Cannon-fire sounds the official race start and the ten yachts will begin their marathon circumnavigation of the globe

Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward, secured the Clipper Race start and finish for the region in addition to entering Hull & Humber into the Clipper 07-08 race, in which it came an impressive second. Hull & Humber will be flying the flag for the region as its Welcome to Yorkshire sail will be seen on news channels around the world, boosting the region's profile.Hull & Humber's 46-strong crew includes several representatives from the Yorkshire and Humber region. Della Parsons from Hull can't wait to get on board: "I'm so excited! I live in Hull and I'm immensely proud to be in the region and representing the region on the race, I think it's an amazing place."The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was founded in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the world. So that others could follow in his footsteps he set up the Clipper Race enabling ordinary people to become ocean racers and achieve the pinnacle in ocean yacht racing.For a sneak preview, the stunning fleet of ten Clipper yachts can be seen in Grimsby Marina on 5th and 6th September following a race for the Pilgrim Cup from their base on the south coast to North East Lincolnshire.

Race start 13th September Hull MarinaRace finish 17th July 2010 Hull Marina

For all the latest event, crew information and race details visit: http://www.yorkshireclipper.com/

More Ribbed National 12 Racing at Yeadon

The fleet of ‘ribbed’ construction National 12s met up again at Yeadon SC on Sunday 19 July for the second gathering of the season (see the earlier blog for the report of the meeting in May). These boats are the oldest in the National 12 class, built long before the days of epoxy and carbon fibre and now lovingly restored and cherished by their owners.
With 5 boats present, Tessa (N1183) being a welcome addition to the fleet, and 5 teams of helms and crews, racing got underway promptly at 11am with Race Officers John and Cathy Cheetham setting the fleet a course which allowed them to enjoy most of the tarn. A total of 5 races were sailed, with helms/crews swapping boats for each race. Sadly the sunny conditions which had prevailed for the first meeting were missing for the morning of this meeting – the fleet sailed in light drizzle which developed into heavy rain before lunch. The two races sailed after lunch did however get underway in sunshine and a freshening breeze, which made for some enjoyable and at times very close racing.
The results were worked out on the basis of those from the May meeting and this later meeting and this year’s ‘Ribbie Champions’ are Howard Chadwick and Sarah Chadwick/Helen Nicholson. Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson were 2nd overall, with Bernard and Ellie Clark 3rd, Ian and Margaret Purkis 4th and Tim Gatti and Tace Morgan 5th.

Thanks to Jennie Clark for the report and the photo, John and Cathy for being OODs and to Howard and Tim for their efforts organising the event.

Certainly in the sunshine the boats looked spendid !

STOP PRESS – ADAM WINS YHYSA SERIES

Adam Simms wins the Yorkshire and Humberside Youth Sailing Association Series!!!
This is a series of eleven regattas from April to July and attracts junior sailors from all over Yorkshire. This is one of the best attended junior series in the country and Paul Goodison, Olympic gold medallist, has been a previous winner of the series.
Going in to the final event, the title was in the balance - either Ollie Wright from Rotherham on 16 points, Adam on 17 points or Matt Vellamail from Ulley on 18 points, could end up as Series Winner. Ollie and Adam were both looking to discard a 6th. All three needed to win to guarantee the series, but otherwise beating the other two was the main aim. We knew that Adam had to finish 5th or better, and beat Ollie, as Adam had a better countback score in the Series (3 event wins to Ollie's 1).
The racing, as could be expected, was tight all day and was tense for competitors and spectators alike. In the first race Adam finished in 2nd, Matt in 3rd and Ollie 7th, then in the next race Adam was 3rd, Matt 5th and Ollie 7th again. John and Adam had worked out by then that Adam had probably done enough even if Ollie won the last race (which he did), he couldn't beat Adam on the day. So for the Ripon event Adam finished 2nd at with Ollie finishing in 3rd place. This meant that they were both on equal points at the end of the Series with 13 points and so Adam won on countback. It really couldn't have been much closer !!!

Couple of pictures - Adam and Ollie battling it out in the last race - and Adam receiving the Series Trophy from Roy Goodison (Father of Olympic champion Paul - who won the series in 1994, 95 & 96)

Well done Adam!

Yorkshire Raiders

While most of us were enjoying the Commodore’s Weekend a determined bunch headed North to take on the Scots on their home territory. They were almost thwarted on the border by a seized wheel bearing but the AA came to their rescue and allowed them to continue northwards.
The picturesque Loch Ard was where they were heading and the Scottish Mirror Championship was the target for the Lulham Robinson’s and their Arctic Donkeez.

After 2 days of sailing in beautiful surroundings Yorkshire emerged victorious, taking the Scottish Championship Shield away from the determined more local sailors before heading the many miles back over the border and home into Yorkshire.

Well done boys, and good luck for two weeks time when you take on the rest of the World at the Mirror World Championships at Pwllheli, North Wales.
Have a really good time, enjoy the experience and we’ll be watching for the results with interest !!!

Fun and Games

A selection of photographs to capture the spirit of the weekend - from the calm of the evening sailing and the midnight race to the excitement of the canoe and bottle races.

Thanks to John, Jane, Adam and Amy for a great weekend.

Plastic Milk Bottles needed for Commodores Weekend July 4th and 5th

Could members please bring in plastic milk bottles over the next week for the bottle race at commodores weekend.

This jam packed weekend promises to be fun for all.

Activities will include:

Free sailing, boat swapping, Junior ‘funny face’ race, Charity race, ‘The Oaks’ North South Relay Race, Family quiz, Commodores Barbecue, Midnight Race, Canoe ‘Round The Island’ race, Raft Building, ‘Bring and Buy’ sailing gear, Commodores ‘Clubhouse Lunch’, Bottle Race and Prize giving.

More details to follow soon!

Mirror, Heron and Topper Open 21 June 2009

Warm & cloudy – Wind, Force 1, variable in direction.

Mirrors

Race 1. Peter Sedgewick(14) from Ripon, led the field throughout the race, albeit that Mark Hide of Ripon, Bob Towler of Beaver and our own Lulham-Robinson boys appeared to be glued to his rudder. After spreading out a little, they once again attached themselves to Peter’s transom (albeit in a different order). Peter had had enough. He charged off (there must be a little engine in his boat), leaving a thrilling battle (a long way) behind. Mark was a worthy second, with the young L-Robinson boys third.

Second Race. This time the Lulham-Robinsons established a very good lead, with Oliver Wright of Ripon in pursuit, Peter in third place. Then Oliver managed to get in front, until our young contestants used their local knowledge to find a new way down the Tarn. But danger loomed, as they were spotted by Peter, who shadowed them and nipped in front during the last furlong. The Beaver veteran, Bob Towler, had worked his way industriously into third place.

Third Race. In the absence of wind, Peter lost no time in establishing his lead, which he gradually but inexorably extended. All that the Lulham- Robs and Oliver could do was to follow him round, attaining second and third places.

A Masterclass by Peter Sedgewick, who clearly has a great future.


FULL ROLL CALL

1 67493 Sedgewick Peter Ripon S.C.
2 70534 Lulham-Robinson Matthew Yeadon S.C.
3 68366 Hide Mark Ripon S.C.
4 70442 Towler Bob Beaver S.C.
5 70010 White Oliver Ripon S.C.
6 70167 Hide Ellie Ripon S.C.


Herons

Dennis Beard had the newest boat at Yeadon, and Chris Dufton sails the oldest boat in Yorkshire (perhaps in the world?). Despite attaching himself to Dennis’s tail initially, age always tells (the boat, not the occupants), and Dennis gradually drew away.

Race 2. A different kettle of fish. The boats were inseparable, Dennis leading, until The Old Fox turned the tables at the last furlong. One set all!

Race 3. Dennis was defending his title, and left nothing to chance. He led, and kept it. Pity Chris is not an M.P.

FULL ROLL CALL

1 10070 Beard Denis Yeadon S.C.
2 108 Dufton Chris Yeadon S.C.


Toppers

Again, a dearth of visitors, but a better home turnout.

Race 1. Katie McInnes got off to a fine start, but from the rear of the fleet Patrick Gaunt sailed right through it and established a lead. Regretably, this effort must have worn him out, as he then gradually reverted to his opening position. This let Katie back in, and she held the lead thereafter. Sarah Woffenden had mounted an early challenge, but our international windsurfer John Horton, quietly waiting in the wings, finally pushed through, forcing Sarah into third place.

Race 2. John Horton (the heaviest sailor – even before his two 2 lunches) eatablished an excellent start, and his lead over the fleet just grew and grew. Patrick, with the rest of the fleet, fought valiantly, but all was lost, and the lighter (and, possibly more athletic) Katie, took second place, Patick third.

Race 3. It looked as though John Horton was going to do it again, but the wind (what wind) was dying, his lunch had clearly settled, and the elfin Katie took, and held, the lead. John kept the rest of the fleet behind him, leaving Sarah and Patrick fighting it out. Patrick triumphed. Most ungentlemanly.

Our promising junior, Vanessa Kennedy, fought bravely and stoically, against the experienced sailors throughout the whole day, with great credit. Well done, Vanessa.
Katie was awarded the Yeadon Top Hat trophy.

FULL ROLL CALL
1 41006 Katie McInnes Yeadon S.C.
2. 22237 John Horton “
3. 35355 Patrick Gaunt “
4. 11683 Sarah Woffenden “
5. 36169 Vanessa Kennedy “

Yeadon Vintage 12’s make a mark at the Nationals

Three Yeadon boats joined an 80 boat fleet and went to the National 12 Championships held over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club (Southend).
Tim Gatti our Yeadon Class Captain was sailing with Yvonne McInnes and Howard Chadwick was sailing with his niece Liz Wady and both were competing in the vintage fleet in clinker Twelves built over 40 years ago. A total of 7 vintage boats had joined a total entry of 80 boats to compete in the best supported National Championships for many years. John Cheetham was sailing his double bottomed boat with a crew from the host club.
Saturday racing was held in light winds and bright sunshine all day with two races scheduled. In Race 1 we had two general recalls and an abandonment before racing finally got under way. Race 2 was sailed in even lighter winds and only 16 boats managed to finish within the time limit with the fleet just making it back before the water disappeared completely with the strong outgoing tide. The venue was fantastic with the dinghy park in front of the club and camping between the two. A BBQ on the Saturday evening at the club was enjoyed by all and despite the excellent turnout the club coped well with the numbers.

Photo of Tim and Howard just off the beach.

Sunday racing was held in again in bright sunshine but this time we had a pleasant force 3 and again excellent close racing in the vintage fleet although it has to be said very much towards the back of the overall fleet! At the end of race 4 Brian Kitching was leading the vintage points followed by Tim then Howard. John Cheetham finished a creditable 35th and 43rd respectively. Racing was followed by a dress as a 12 fancy dress party and live band which was excellent but no rest for the Yeadon sailors who maintained standards by dancing through till the end.
Monday morning dawned slightly grey and with a fresh offshore breeze and this was Burton Cup Day so one race only but the rules prevent it being shortened, it must be a triangular course a mile offshore and covers a distance of 13.5 miles. As the fleet sailed out to the start the wind freshened dramatically and by the start was at Force 6 (some reports say F7!) with the sea littered with upturned boats. Many boats headed in and some started intending to review the conditions at the windward mark which was nearest the club! John Cheetham sailing with a local crew he was not used to decided to come in, our two vintage representatives however were determined to finish and battled on after the first two laps the wind thankfully started to drop and Tim and Howard were the only surviving vintage boats and were in close contention throughout despite the conditions and positions changed constantly with Howard getting through Tim on the penultimate beat. Tim however was catching up again in the last lap and Howard had to defend his position 100 yards from the finish with a lee bow tactic. Howard finished less than a boat length clear after 13.5 miles of close racing to take first vintage in the Burton Cup Race. At the end of this race the overall points for the vintage trophy were separated by only one point in favour of Tim and Yvonne.
Tuesday was the final day with two races scheduled and sunshine and a stiff breeze blowing at F5 to F6, conditions that prevailed all day. John went out to the start but again though discretion the better part of valour with his young and inexperienced crew. The first race again saw close racing but with Tim and Yvonne slightly ahead Howard and Liz did a nose dive into wave and capsized to windward at the penultimate mark and although a mile offshore got the mast top stuck in the bottom and needed assistance to pull the boat free as the wind and tide were against them. Howard decided at that point to return to shore whilst Tim having managed to finish. Tim and Yvonne started the final race only to retire after they capsized a couple of times however with Howard ashore they had won the overall vintage points trophy.
Photo of Tim and Yvonne with their handy size trophy !

Other Northern boats in the running were Philip David of Yorkshire Ouse Sailing Club sailing with another local crew. They finished 23rd and were the first single bottomed twelve in the points series. Mark and Emma Simpson from Scaling Dam also sailed very well to finish 16th overall in the very difficult conditions.
Also held at the championships was the class AGM where Tim Gatti was elected as the Class Association Chairman with Howard as Vice Chairman, Tim has been on the committee for a year and Howard has been on the committee (this time) for two years as the Vintage Wing Representative so Yeadon members will continue to support the class and promote Yeadon Sailing Club on the regional and national scene for a few years yet.