Sailing Report 10th & 11th April 2021

Published 23:12 on 6 May 2021

Spring Series 1&2 11.4.21 R/O Gareth Luker PB Barry Peters Debs Waters BM plus others: Jerry Robinson. Phil Selwood/Ian Robertson

Wind f1-6 N/E, N, N/W, W

Sunny/Cloudy/Rainy

We had changeable conditions, especially with a squall that came through toward the end of the first race, and accounted for the upper range of the rather fanciful description of the wind above. But more northerlies, some big wind-shifts, more cold, and some pretty good sailing too, with lots of competition at both ends of the D18 fleet, and a smattering of other boats. A lot of the monos were away at Datchet Water where there was a training weekend and very kindly one of the participants, Amelia Rose, has done an excellent report, see below.

RYA FEVA Training weekend.

Amelia Rose, Max England. Archie Oakden, Hannah Ruffer, Josh Rawlings and Noah Walters had the privilege last weekend of representing Worthing Sailing Club at a RYA Youth Feva training event at Datchet.

In very cold but ideal wind conditions the parents looked on from the Commodores motorhome (socially distanced of course!) while overlooking Windsor Castle in the distance.

Even though it was absolutely freezing (I'm pretty sure we all got hypothermia at least a couple of times), it was interesting to learn from other sailors our age and see how we can improve ourselves as racers. We did a lot of activities that focused around upwind sailing and sailing the most effective course that will put us ahead of the fleet as early in the race as we can. As well as upwind sailing we also looked at using spinnakers to their full potential by specifically looking at different positions for the helm and crew to sit in to make sure our weight is as far forward as possible. On the second day we looked at race starts and what end of the start line would make for an effective start. As a group we decided that starting on Port could put you ahead of the fleet early but could be very risky if all the other boats are on starboard. We finished the day with a small Regatta where we put all our skills learnt during the 2 days to the test. We all performed well, and it was clear that we all improved dramatically over the course of the 2 days. Overall, I feel I have improved to a great extent and I can't wait to use what I have learned during Sunday racing watch out adults the 'Yoof' are after those trophies! I was very grateful for the opportunity and learned most of all that it is 10 times easier to launch off the side of a lake than the beach!!!

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who hosted the event and our parents for getting both ourselves and the boats to the event. It was a great opportunity for all of us and we learnt a lot of things we can use in the future.

Amelia Rose

Back in the briny, the two races we had were tricky affairs with the shifting and variable wind. In the monos, George G, in his Feva, and Darren Reeves in a Laser Fun were able to beat Hendrix Allan who admittedly was slightly hampered by achieving the notable distinction of turning turtle and his sail coming away from the mast. One race was sufficient for the monos.

Mercedes and Mike Coady (D16) pulled off a stunning victory in the other Cats, leaving Phil G/Steve W(Topaz) quite literally behind them in their wake. Such was their triumph that they considered it gauche to contemplate R2, allowing Phil/Steve to enjoy a triumphant / meaningless second race.

The Dart 18s had a good little battle with Caleb/Chloe and Rob/Fi each winning a race and a welcome returning duo, Riccardo/Adriana coming third in both, with top Uni gals Holly/Izzy mid-fleet. At the other end the two single-handers, Gilbert and myself, had a nice battle along with Jamie / Luca. Obviously Chris Burke, with his new crew Alexandra Luzatto, were also sailing, and clearly was stung by the remark in the last report about no competitive cat capsizes, and corrected this cosmic imbalance with a splendid 'didn't-release-the-mainsheet-in-time' capsize during one of the big gusts at the end of r1. Reports of more leaking dry-suits too either not done up properly or needing patching

We also have two exciting additions to the WSC fleet: Caleb with an International Moth, and Colin Rawlings/Niall Walters getting a 49er these are spectacular boats, and we look forward to seeing them out on the race-course. The Moth has already been put through its paces, and is being mended accordingly. The alignment of the wind / tide / stars / chakras necessary for the 49er's first outing will occur soon, soothsayers have predicted.

This Sunday the keenly anticipated 3rd and 4th races of the Spring series will start at 11:00 with fairly uninspiring conditions forecast (very little wind, 100% cloud cover). But as we know, the forecast is always wrong so it's bound to be sunny f3-4 S/W 25 degrees.

Patrick Palmer