Sights and Sounds from the Maldon Town Regatta 2007

I heard this weekend that H(B)SC is to run the 2008 warm up series.

Lorna Legs (bimbo) and I joined Jim and John (505) and the Ronet’s (Merlin) in a sail round the cans in Lawling Creek. It was a lovely day to be on the water but not a race – more about sail practice. Sad to say two boats split off from the main race of Solos and Lasers. But hey ho “a day in a life”.
And now for the reader here is a nobbling of pixels from the Maldon Regatta. I am still working on the Two Islands and the head cam pictures from 2006. This coming weekend is the Dyers Cup at the Blackwater SC, which sees Lorna’s first return to her previous stomping grounds.

Well as you can see that didn’t work too well and after week of trying I need to sort more brain cell

Maldon Town Regatta 2007

This is primarily an Old Gaffers Rally climaxing at Hythe quay. The Dinghy and Cadet race are very much also ran’s. But lets look at the Dinghy race run by Maldon S. C. The club sits on top of the saltings over looking Herring Point and Colliers Reach with Northy Island in the background, an idyllic peaceful place steeped in a maritime history.
Three visiting Merlins from Maylandsea bay joined the fleet. The sun popped in and out as the wind puffed and faded NW / N at 3 / 12 knots. The tide was on springs at a gallop, eventually flooding over the promenade and leaving Northy Island little more than a few trees poking out of the water.
The course was a well thought out affair with the avoidance of over 50 old gaffers sailing up the creek. It was more about orienteering than just a few cans to round, a splendid scene. Simon and Pies (Becky) won the start and showed good speed holding off Jacko and Lorna on a fast close two sail reach for the jibe around the number 17 green nav. mark overlooked by the promenade, in front of the outward going Thames barges with the day trippers. Simon and Pies had a race of ups and downs falling victim to the tide and being misled by others sailing a variety of variations of the course.
Ron teamed up with Wiggy, a team again with potential to lift the pot. Sadly Ron fascinated with the bird life in the saltings (with Laura missing) duffed the start, there followed a long battle with the Blazes fleet, which he finally lost by 30 seconds on corrected time.
Jacko and Lorna having gained the lead with the kite going up on the outward reaching leg to Nipper, were not to be seen again and enjoyed the sites and sounds of the day with Lorna very much in charge. The site of the huge amount of sail heading into Colliers reach and with the circumnavigation of Northy Island and the search for Clarks and New Hall marks, on the south side, and the windward leg up Southy creek as Northy Island slowly submerged, made it a notable affair. The second half sailed off Herring point and back into Colliers reach, mixing it with the Barges and Gaffers in a shifty breeze on the top of the tide, was a spiritually moving occasion. Jacko and Lorna won the day having sailed the right course.
The day ended as the sun went down at Hythe quay, the pots and trophies awarded, the free beer passed around and the singing of sea shanties and tails of “we nearly won that but…” and as the skies darkened the band arrived a small but perfectly formed group of Rocket sailors gathered in the corner of the Jolly Sailor (which has a new wood floor and big dark sofas to die in) a place not unknown to Jacko and Wiggy who were still in the (Talk Like Pirates) mode.I would like to thank all at Maldon S.C. for doing all the work in organising the day for the Dinghy race that seems to go almost un-noted; and the rugged looking captain with much hair for not squadging me off the planet at the number 10 green can off Herring point.

A set full of results, music and video to follow

Info on Pyefleet Week 2008

At long last I have more info on Pyefleet Weeks, past and coming. It has been revealed today, much to my dismay, that once again the 2008 Pyefleet week will clash with the Merlin Champs. This is misery, the thought of missing the champs or missing Pyefleet Week does not improve the sense of humour. It might be that an unknown person not able to find the go to go to Looe may well enjoy what is on offer in the peaceful surrounding of Essex. I now draw your attention to the link, Pyefleet Week 2007

http://sailingtheblackwater.blogspot.com/2007/08/pyefleet-week-2007.html

Harlow (B) S. C. Two Islands Race 2007

16 Merlins gathered at the top of the slipway in brilliant sunshine with a soft S.W. to S. afternoon breeze and just a hint of sea breeze. The incoming tide, a gentle flow and full of long, soft green weed that had been lifted off the mud banks (looking for the racing helms foils) floated up through the creek.
The start was for some the end; picking the north side as it turned out was not the thing to do and for Mr Rainey, Jacko, Charles Davenport and Ozzie, all with the facial expressions of mortuary attendants, suffered as all other competing yachters disappeared at a goodly pace down the south bank.
Tom and Liam nipped into the lead as they passed Lawling point and headed straight down the middle, despite the lead boat taking a look around Goldhanger creek, popped the kite up and down, viewed the Thames barges (full off day trippers looking at the race through the bottoms of emptying glasses and was not seen again and so lifted the booty.
Duncan and Ian, making a fair start and just a tad puzzled at the lead boat verses Tom and Liam, but carefully observing the bow of the Thames barge and Northy Doubles navigation mark, picked off some hot lifts on port, sailed a smart race to be 2nd.
Mr Rainy and Vicki, recovering well from the deathly start, hit the north side of Lawling creek and headed for Osea Island (Kylie Minogue was not to be seen on the beach) and at a good pace worked their way up, taking on the armada of motorised craft supporting the Heybridge, around Northy Island, rowing race (in anything that floated) received a well worthy 3rd place.
William and Chris, sporting colours that blended in well with the Thames barges and classic craft, having made a fair start bucked the well known phrase of “if you can see Jacko your in the s**t” having had a conversation with Jacko and Lorna on just who the gun fire was intended for as they sailed down Colliers Reach. As it transpired it was for the finishing oarsman. William ducking and shifting weed finished 4th.
Notables: Laura Davison was not thanked at the prize giving but gave so much to make this open meeting happen, and did not kill Ron for making Jacko’s start look good. Charles Davenport and Steve Brown made an appearance. Tudor Owen (Whitstable) lost contact with voices from above. Simon and Pies (Beccy’s) boat did not need repairing post race. Mr Cooper was not racing for the bottle of red. No boats saw mud. And as I write this (Sunday) I see the weather station at Thorpe Bay is reading 23.6 mph gusting 33.4 mph. Good luck chaps and chapiess. I would also like to render apologies to Charles D for not looking harder for a replacement front-end girl.

The boat picture is thanks to Mr Longshank and the other, Tom and Liam.

Sad to say there is a video on the way

Newcombe Cup - Lowestoft

The annual trip up the A12 to the land of fish and chips, Adnams beer, doughnuts, ice cream arrived. A small, but perfectly formed fleet sailed out though the harbour entrance into what might be compared to Rocky mountain rapids with the tide flooding in up the coast bringing Harwich just a long port tack away. The wind S.W. off shore, shifty, with a building selection of weighty cubic whammies squalling out from the beach and the pier of fun turning the choppy, sloppy wind lets into a pleasure park of wet stonking brown Neptune specials.
Brian (much respected) race officer of the day revealed a new and wicked toy for course setting to enhance the normal macrame handbag course, The sailing area, now mapped out correctly with sand banks and deep water channels including navigation marks, racing buoys all neatly coloured in the form of pegs were set out in a purpose made handy tray and a piece of string scaled to 15 miles exactly (to insure no short measure) was about to be wound around the little coloured pegs. This is a brilliant form of torture that Kenneth of the Halfway Y. C. would have died for. The course read Pp Kp Ws Es Rs Es Rs Kp Wp Kp Ws Ps Ms Ws Ps Ks Ws. (those of you with a knowledge of Klingon, as does Mr Wigg, will recognise the word for some one who spits alot) and fair go's, the beats on the tide were hardy and the reaches blattering, with the runs very twitchy.
Richard and Nicola won the start and were not seen again. Alex and Chris 2nd to the windward and 2nd to finish. And whereas Jacko and Lorna were 3rd to the windward and neatly sailed out the back door. The first over taking boat down the first reach was Liam and Rob who went on to finish 3rd. All in all not a vintage year but a honking hard sail at a unique venue in a top class fleet of sail boat racers.

Picture of a wave for Neil Fulcher to "pump at"

Stone weekend 2007

Stone S.C. Essex Dinghy Championship 2007
This article is from the Slow Flight within this Open meeting and Sundays results are part of the Blackwater Traveller Trophy Series 2007

Hurray the sun came out! And it turned out to be a full-on 5 race series sailed in 2 to 16 knots W. to S.E. in the sun, “summer had returned” The Saturday race, an all in handicap 2-4 knots on an ebbing tide called for great patience and the art of missing the fine threads of weed floating just below the surface. The windward legs against the tide, the runs and reaches with tide sorted the shaker makers out from the following fleet. The race winner was a nice bloke and lady in an ISO.
Jacko and Lorna Legs, now sailing the newish ship and totally dazzled by the shiny gel coat in the brilliant sunshine, read the line transits as back to front! And started their own race, leading start to finish and was duly awarded the ‘Two Boat Lengths Trophy’
Sundays race 2 saw a good breeze and a committee boat start in the middle of St Lawrence’s bay. The sun shone and the race turned in to a nightmare with the wind oscillating around shifts that made front end girls number calling sound like a bingo game. Neil Fultcher, sailing a Phantom, wining the start and at time a huge lead only to be wound in and under great pressure to rock the boat “I have to pump to control the rocking” but not being fit enough to do both at the same time, was hovered up by Andi Riley sailing a Laser.
Jacko and Lorna, again failing to start well, and not really showing any great skill to windward hung in to put more edge on the finishing to steal the race. Lorna, not to be out performed on the beach by Big Phil, stepped out of the boat in to 1.8 metres of water and kept her nail polish dry.
Sundays race 2 started after a long 3-course meal including cheese and biscuits, a starting and an abandoning and more delays while the sea breeze took over from the S.E.
Finally sorted itself in to a pucker race, 12-16 knots wind over tide, short legs, punchy sailing. However the start line ended up not too good with the fleet charging down the line on starboard unable to cross it but fritting the life out of the boats wishing to get stuck to the race on port. Once more Neil won the start and was well ahead at the windward mark followed by Andi with Jacko and Lorna looking for another recovery. The race was much enhanced by the catamarans flying through the fleet in every direction, good to see them at such close quarters. Once more Lorna put some good down hill moves together (even when Jacko put an added part triangle in to the sausage) to put the race in the bag for the 2nd win. Neil 2nd Andi 3rd
Monday was a gay day, more sunshine, more wind and a good course had been set starting off the club line; wind over tide N.W.10-14 knots. It must be said that Jacko now with 1 OCS and 2 bad starts was receiving ear ache from the front-end girl. A request to keep close to the race box down tide on the race course side of the line but never the less well out the way of any one wishing to race, for the purpose of (Jacko to see what the transits actually looked like and a goodly squint at the flag order) was prudent!
As it turns out Andi (Laser) now with a 2,2,3, score line and in 2nd place overall decides to open the proceedings with an attempt to block Jacko’s path back to the pre start side of the line. Carried out with some artistic body language and well-articulated bunny pie! Now unbeknown to Andi, Jacko has spent time competing against the likes off Al Warren, Jim Park, and Biddle/Little, of which Biddle/Little mastered the art of close cover tacking on the slip whilst rigging! Prerace/pre launch. Nor the fact that a newbe Merlin hotshot attempted the strangulation of Jacko via spinnaker sheets attached to the spinnaker and boat, rapped around Jacko’s neck/head on a to die for blisteringly close three sailed reaching leg at Pyefleet week. Jacko having lived in a house with two teenaged children was not fazed by either, or any such events. Inquiring of Andi if he was aware of the Hunting rule? And was smartly informed that there was no proper course! And so took part in this alternative option to getting the best start poss. on the grounds that it took the pressure off him as far as the front-end girl was concerned. (Not sure on the rights and wrongs at the time of writing)
And what of the race? Well it turns out that Jacko made a fairly good start (for once) and rounded the windward mark 1st followed by Neil and Mike Stone (Phantom). There was much bunny pie on the merits of Neil’s sailing technique down the runs and the fact that following the passing of a large motor cruiser putting up two 60cm bow waves that Neil sadly missed them! Quote Neil “I was too busy sinking” best placed reply of the weekend. The fleet spread out a bit on the shifty beats and the added pleasure of the Thames Barges and classic yachts sailing majestically up the river on the top of the tide keeps you plugged in. Jacko took the bullet, Neil 2nd Mike 3rd
Last race saw Neil lead from start to finish in 6-10 knots with a long windward leg up to Northy Island against the tide in the afternoon sun. The water was flat and streaming weed. Mike sailed a good race finishing 2nd and Jacko and Lorna having encountered another attack of Andy’s rendering of pre start Americas Cup (I’d rather sail out the back door than race) clawed back to 3rd to take the series.This was a brilliant weekends sailing in St Laurence’s Bay hosted by a club that eats and sails to the full, it was well run and well supported. The water is unique to that part of the river Blackwater and has much to offer. Sundays result goes to the Blackwater Travellers Trophy a reworking of an old series hoping to build contact between sailboat racers on the River Backwater.

Pyefleet Week 2007

(Merlin Magic Essex) part of Pyefleet Week 2007
This was not a vintage week for the weather but the sailing and the racing was full on.
Six Merlins sailed in the slow handicap flight part of the 108 boats taking part.
I can only write this peace as the way we viewed it from our place in the fleet.
The race was about who was to be top dog in the Merlin fleet. Graig and crew, new to Merlins had already become the club top rated boat and right from the start stamped authority over the fleet, winning the start and pulling out a good lead from Ozzie and Melissa, Jacko and Lorna. In the last part of the race having lost the lead but gaining a windward overlap on the hill reach became over powered and with the spinnaker sheets wrapped around Jacko’s neck, conceded a fowl and retired. Strangulation might well have occurred but was to follow later.
Race 2 and 3 also sailed in a goodly breeze saw dominance from Graig and Jane with Ozzie and Melissa threatening a win but Graig and Jane finishing with a good lead.
The gods of wind then descended and it was Thursday before racing returned.
Race 4 saw a tighter start with Graig and Jane pulling out a good lead but with Jacko and Lorna finding a way though up wind and hanging on to take the bullet.
Race 5 saw a tight start with Graig hanging on to 2nd until the wind god through a huge beast of a squall down the last run to finish splatting Team Graig just metres from the finish but still holding second place.
Race 6 the final race was win to win saw Graig winning the start but quickly loosing out only to regain it and not to be seen again. Jacko and Lorna got a bit of a gallop on down the last run to the finish but it was Graig's day with a sore line RAF, 1,1,2,2,1.
Jacko and Lorna having been lead Merlin and finishing 2nd over all for the last two years and now riding a new boat, it was race on. Sadly the lack of time spent in the boat racing and a tad bit of unfitness in Jacko’s end of the boat put them at a slight disadvantage.
Failing to start on time in race 1 meant catch up from the start. But settling down slowly pulling through to challenge the lead boat. Lorna relearning old tricks in the newly strung boat work away to take the lead on a down hill spinnaker leg. The unfortunate coming together, and Jacko’s wearing of Graig’s spinnaker was an indication that the race was on.
Race 2 saw Jacko and Lorna again fail to sort the start dropping in to 3rd place with a long gap to 2nd placed Ozzie and Melissa in a good 12 to 18 knots of breeze.
Race 3 was a tighter start with Jacko and Lorna popping out in 2nd but Ozzie and Melissa passing through the lee side and taking off big time. It was on the down hill run that Jacko finally lost the plot and following a jibe and total loss of control made an excellent entrance in to the splat the duck competition. Jacko was seen to spend a considerable time with the fishes and was heard to say how smooth and yellow the new boat was and how well it floated and that the glued on rudder fitting supported his weight well. But refusing offers of help from the passing fleet and the odd jibe about how well he floated gathered Lorna who had ruined her makeup the soggy offending spinnaker and him self back in the boat (it was noted that there was no cheer and applause as when they entered the water right out side the club house).
Race 4 saw a newly sorted sail plan in the Jacko boat. Not starting well and on the second part of the race Jacko and Lorna starting an up wind leg and lifted the weather side of Graig rounded in the lead. Once more Lorna played the kite string and the team took the bullet.
Race 5 saw at last the Jacko Lorna magic (or jam) that makes Lorna know that she’s picked the right helm (laugh I nearly did) taking an early lead and sailing free. With Jacko so keen he wished to do an additional round stopped only by a 30 mph squall and horizontal rain travelling through a now upside down following fleet and the shortened course gun, escaped another swim with the fishes.
Race 6, a need to win race, failed to happen. Gaining the lead only to lose it in the opening 400 meters and unable to up the boat pace and not till he last down hill run to the finish in the first lighter winds of the week meant runners up spot for Jacko and Lorna.
Ozzie and Melissa seemed to be on a back foot having had a good start in the new boat but feeling that the new boys in town Team Graig had won 4 out of every 5 races of late. Jacko’s arrival and long thoughtful talks on the beach saw Ozzie looking a bit more “mean” (not in Ozzie’s nature) making fair starts and having Jacko well sorted and Graig in his grasp taking the lead more than once in races 1 to 4, were looking more the biss. Sadly in the big puff at the end of race 5 it all went titsup. Desperately trying to avoid team Graig splat the duck move directly in his path called for rudder hard to starboard unfortunately the boat did but the rudder did not. The rudderstock now looking like a peeled banana ended Ozzie’s week with a DNF and a DNC
The Ronet’s staring Filf the dog (roving reporter) Ron and Laura had a good week failing to enter the splat the duck competition and Ron’s toe straps not braking (of which the items can now be sent back unused) found life tough but rewarding in the middle of the fleet some way back from the front end Merlins but maintaining a good spirit and cheerful attitude. Laura, a brilliant hard working crew, and always ready to punch out Jacko’s well being in any race was full of encouragement in Jacko big swim…….. Laura being a Pyefleet week virgin stayed the distance (it was quite a distance) and ever cheery finished 14th
The two vintage Merlin (apologies l need more info). On some races time was a long affair and again good blokes sailing well and staying the distance in well built worthy boats.All up a hard but brilliant week hosted by a friendly club for sailors hell bent on having the best of times.