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The first ever race night took place last month, which was a huge success and highly enjoyable evening. Eight races took place during the night where there was the opportunity to back a horse. Be a jockey or owner, tables enjoyed a glass of Prosecco on arrival and food whilst watching the racing.
The Bristol channel looked like a mill pond when competitors arrived for Clevedon Sailing Club’s 2016 D Zero and Laser open race meeting. Sailors had travelled from as far away as Southampton and Northampton and were looking forward to similar challenging conditions as experienced for the 2015 meeting.
However, after a delayed start time, a gentle south westerly 5 knot breeze filled in and race officer Ian Hotchkiss set a figure of eight course in the bay. After the competitors took to the water and the preparatory signal was sounded there was a 180 degree wind shift so a running start ensued.
In the De Zero class local sailor Robin Goff made an excellent start sailing in shore to stay out of the tide. Meanwhile, Ian Morgan and Graham Cooper found extra breeze further out in the tide and led the fleet to the first mark. Goff left his transit to the first mark too late and ended up rounding last, but using his experience of the tide managed to pull back to third by the end of the first lap. Up at the front the battle for first place between Morgan and Cooper continued with multiple place changing. Cooper eventually broke away and went on to take first place with Ian close behind him. Further back in the fleet the battle for third place started. Goff had elected to stay inshore again and once more was passed by the rest of the fleet. Toby Peacock then broke away from the pack and remained unchallenged for third place. Using his skills over the tide Goff finished fourth as the wind dropped and the rest of the fleet were forced to retire.
Only nine Lasers turned out for this year’s open, less than previous years, possibly due the forecast of rain and little wind. Starting after the D Zeros the light breeze that had developed vanished and the fleet struggled against the incoming tide eventually making the windward mark set out to sea. John Ling steadily increased his lead in the trying conditions putting a considerable distance between him and the rest of the fleet. The occasional light patches of wind faded altogether leaving the majority of the fleet stationary as they approached the windward mark for the second lap. With the tide about to change there was no hope of the fleet completing the course and all boats with the exception of Ling retired. Unfortunately, Ling had been over the line at the start and was disqualified, consequently there were no finishers in the Laser class.
No other races took place due to the prevailing conditions. The results from race one therefore completed the open series.
Clevedon Sailing Club’s annual channel race was held in glorious sunshine on the bank holiday Sunday with good sailing wind. The long-distance race is from Clevedon to Denny Island and back. The aim for competitors is to time their departure to achieve the rounding of the rocky outcrop near Avonmouth to coincide with high water. This way they get the benefit of the flood tide on the way there and the ebbing tide sailing home.
The fleet of nine dinghies started according to their skippers’ best estimate of how long the passage would take. All the boats reached Denny before the tide had turned so that earlier starters were most compromised by sailing against the current. Amongst the group who delayed their departure for longest and reached the turning point as the tide was close to turning were Martin Gibson (Laser) and Robin Goff (D-Zero) who took first and second places respectively. One early starter was the 420 of Baker/Turner, who sailed at a splendid pace to take third place despite the disadvantage of having the current against them for a quarter of the race.
1st - Martin Gibson (Laser)
2nd - Robin Goff (D-Zero)
3rd - Trevor Baker & Stuart Turner (420)
Robin and Martin rounding Deny Island
1st - Martin Gibson
2nd - Robin Goff
Robin in D-Zero
Trevor and Stuart heading off
3rd - Trevor Baker and Stuart Turner
The 2016 John Ashley Long Distance race took place on Sunday 15th May with a steady force 4 building to force 5 on shore breeze.
15 boats started of which there were a number of visitors who used to sail at Clevedon many years ago. The potential for carnage along the rocky shore immediately after the start was avoided (as always) by good seamanship and shouting of relevant rights of way – always a good spectacle for those stood on the cliff watching the race. At the first mark, set at the far end of the recently refurbished Marine Lake, the 505 of Pickering and Priddle was just ahead of James and Anthony Willcocks in their 29er closely followed by a pair of tussling Phantoms of Phil Isaacs and Andy Willcocks along with the D Zero sailed by Robin Goff and 3 Tasars of which 2 would end up finishing in the top 4. In the mix was another 505 of Hotchkiss and Black and a number of Lasers; a 420; Firefly and a RS Vision.
The long close reach out to the Clevedon Buoy, which took the back markers over 30 minutes to get to, saw the 29er overtake the leading 505 and then steadily pull away on the run to the Avon Buoy. With 2 Tasars hot on their heels we had a decent handicap race on. Thanks to OOD Howard East the leading fast boats were given the opportunity of a second lap – always interesting as the tide had turned in the process. Whilst the 2nd lap was easier going, the Lasers were grateful to be finished at a single lap so our thoughts should go out to the Phantom sailors who ended up doing 2 laps as well.
Apart from a delightful display of gybing capsizes just at the finish from one of the Lasers, there were no other casualties, so a quiet day for the 2 Safety Boats deployed.
The winners by 15 seconds (after handicap) were the visiting Willcocks Twins in their 29er, with 2nd place going to the Tasar of Martin and Ella Gibson and another visiting pair gaining third spot was Mike Pickering and Mike Priddle in their 505. Thanks and appreciation to The Mission to Seaman who have provided this Trophy.
Report by Chris Cooper
1st - James & Anthony Willcocks (29er)
2nd - Martin & Ella Gibson (Tasar)
3rd - Mike Pickering & Mike Priddle (505)
Prize Winners
Clevedon Sailing Club's 58th Regatta was held on Monday 2 May 2016. A 20 knot building to 30 knot south-westerly plus rain, kept visitors and club sailors alike away. 6 boats, each of a different class, braved the elements and left the slipway. Before the 1st race, Paul Sheldon (Laser) suffered a broken mast on a training beat. Swiftly towed off the course, he assisted with the Beach Party, which later proved essential.
Race 1 saw the faster handicap boats and club stalwarts unfettered by the worsening conditions. This included, Martin & Ella Gibson (Tasar), Robin Goff (D-Zero), Stuart Turner and Trevor Baker (420) and Phil Isaac (Phantom). The conditions proved too much for father and daughter team, Mark and Rachel Elliott (RS200) who retired and returned to the slipway. At the same time, Phil Isaac's dagger board found a rocky outcrop and he ended up beached precariously below the rocks. His quick thinking, nimbleness and lightweight boat saved his Phantom from serious damage as he swiftly jumped out, set his boat on the opposite tack and headed off in pursuit of the leaders. As the boats neared the pier mark they found that it had completely submerged by the rising tide which made for some interesting decisions by the helms on how and where to sail the proper course.
The next sailor to find the conditions too much was Paul Hield (Contender). Overwhelmed and struggling to control his gybes he capsized several times being simply overpowered. He retired and was towed home by the Safety Boat who by now were having a busy time of it. Race 1 saw Martin & Ella Gibson 1st, Robin Goff 2nd, Stuart Turner & Trevor Baker 3rd and Phil Isaac 4th.
The 2nd race, now reduced to just 3 boats saw the wind strength had increased further with large waves now breaking on the shore. The competitors raced in the deteriorating conditions and it was decided shorten the course. Race 2 results: Martin & Ella Gibson 1st, Robin Goff 2nd, Phil Isaac 3rd. Race 3 was abandoned to the comfort of the Clubhouse.
1st: Martin & Ella Gibson (Tasar)
2nd: Phil Isaac (Phanton)
3rd: Robin Goff (D-Zero)
4th: Stuart Turner & Trevor Baker (420)
Overall winners - Martin and Ella Gibson
Five boats took to the water for this year’s Easter Bonnet. Although windy, that did not stop many getting their boats wet for the first time this year. Martin Gibson continued his winning ways, but this time with the help of daughter Ella in the Tasar. Abbi selected a good sized sail for her Laser, being able to comfortably handle the windy conditions. Securing 2nd place.
Phil took 3rd place before suffering boat failure, which saw him take a swim. Paul was travelling well in his Contender taking 4th place and although also went swimming a few times. Is perfecting the art of righting his boat in a super quick time! A slightly fragile Stuart and Trevor were out in their newly purchased 420. Despite having the mast fall, they had just managed to complete the first race.
Day 2 was not able to happen due to storm Katie making it too windy!
1st - Martin & Ella Gibson (Tasar)
2nd - Abbi Ruffle (Laser 4.7)
3rd - Phil Isaac (Phantom)
4th - Paul Heild (Contender)
5th - Stuart Turner & Trevor Baker (420)
The new sailing season got underway on Sunday 20th March 2016, with six boats taking to the water. The conditions were nice for the first day back, in normal Clevedon fashion slightly changeable. Starting with more wind then forecast in the first race, to dropping off to nearly nothing by the end of the last race.
Martin Gibson got a good start in both, making it difficult to catch him! While the Solo and other Lasers battled it out behind, not far behind having a great race, was Grace Cherry in the Topper who took 2nd place in the first race.
The sun came out and it was a lovely way to start what we hope to be another successful sailing season. Easter weekend has two days of sailing for the Easter Bonnet on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th March 2016 both days’ first race starting at 9am.
Much fun was had by all at the Quiz night, particulary the last round when teams were to act or describe words.
Here are a couple of snaps from the evening.
This event is a black tie dinner followed by Clevedon Sailing Club's infamous box auction. And of course Blue (piper) will join us once again to play a jig or two to celebrate the birthday of the famous Scottish poet.
If you would like to attend the social event please let us know your menu choices (please see choices below), by emailing clevedonsailingclub@outlook.com by Monday 18th January.
The Christmas draw took place last Friday with a slightly different way of picking the winners. Darts where thrown at the board to hit the baubles, here are a few snaps from the evening...
Thank-you to all those who purchased a bauble
(D-Zero)
(Tasar)
(Laser)
Congratulations to this years winner of the Paper Boat Race which took place on Boxing Day. Despite many starters, there were only a select few boats that made it to the other end of the lake, and only one which made it all the way across, this was Jon Summers.
Yesterday was the last race of our season, despite quite challenging conditions, there were four 'lunatics' who took to the water.
The wind varied throughout the race, from very strong to easing off and then back strong, which did mean a few swims for Phil! But this did not stop him taking 1st place, followed by Benedict and Rory Whybrow (Tasar) in 2nd and Chris Copper (Laser Radial) 3rd.
Here's to next season - Next years Programme and Open Events schedule to follow.
RULES FOR THE MAKING AND RACING OF THE PAPER BOATS
Design Rules
Racing Rules
1st - Robin Goff (D-Zero)
2nd - Phil Isaac (Phantom)
3rd - Martin Gibson (Laser)
1st Cadet - Grace Cherry (Topper)
1st - Robin Goff (D-Zero)
2nd - Martin Gibson (Laser)
3rd - Phil Isaac (Phantom)
1st Cadet - Grace Cherry (Topper)
1st - Robin Goff (D-Zero)
2nd - Martin Gibson (Laser)
3rd - Phil Isaac (Phantom)
1st Cadet - Grace Cherry (Topper)
Grace Cherry
Stuart Turner (Laser)
The Regatta this year not only saw Stuart upside down, but his Rudder going in the opposite direction to his boat and sinking into the depths of the sea!
1st - Pursuit Race - Martin Gibson (Laser)
Cordelia Twigge
For her consent support and help at the club, stepping in to cover rescue boat and OOD at short notice, the outstanding calmness showed in a very testing day at the Regatta this year.
Carol Gell
For supporting Phil throughout his time as Commodore, keeping him in check and organised.
Jubilee Cup
Anna Marriott
The Annual Laying Supper was once again a huge success and enjoyed by many members. Here are some photos from the evening.
1st - Robin Goff (D Zero)
2nd - James & Anthony Willcocks (Fireball)
3rd - Martin Gibson (Laser)
After being rescheduled due to lack of wind this year’s Autumn Trophy took place on 18th Oct. Although the north-east breeze provided a reasonable wind offshore conditions along the shore were very variable and shifty. Race Officer Stuart Butter set a large course with the beat back to the start line from a seaward mark off Wains Hill.
Twins James and Anthony Willcocks (Fireball) showed the fleet a clean pair of heals from the start leading from start to finish ahead of parents Andy and Andrea (Fireball), Richard White (Phantom) and Robin Goff (D Zero). Phil Isaac capsized at the first gybe and spent the race recovering. Conditions proved too trying for Stuart Turner and Trevor Baker (Scorpion) and Tony and Scarlet Cherry (Tasar) who both retired after race 1. Goff took the race on handicap with the Willcocks 2nd and Grace Cherry (Topper) 3rd.
Race 2 started at high water leading to different tactics. The Willcocks twins led again from the start together with Paul Sheldon (Laser) with Goff steadily pulling back through the fleet from an indifferent start. By the beginning of the second beat the inshore tide was ebbing and the leading boats headed shoreward to tack up the coast in slacker water. Whether by inspiration or luck Martin Gibson (Laser) stayed out in the stronger, cleaner wind passing both Phantoms and finishing just behind Andy and Andrea’s Fireball. Gibson took 1st place on handicap with Goff 2nd and the Willcocks 3rd.
By race 3 the tide was ebbing strongly and staying out wasn’t an option. After their third good start of the day James and Antony again led with Phil Isaac and Robin Goff in hot pursuit. The slower handicap boats struggled against the tide in the fickle conditions, gradually falling further behind. Willcocks took 1st place on handicap with Goff 2nd and Isaac 3rd.
With 3 different race winners the overall result was a close run thing. Willcocks and Goff both tied with 3 points, both having a 1st and a 2nd place, leaving the result to be decided by who did best in the last race. Prizes were presented by Vice Commodore Ian Hotchkiss while competitors enjoyed a curry and liquid refreshment.
After a 30 minute postponement due to squall passing through race officer of the day Howard East got this year’s John Ashley Trophy underway. A large course in the Channel had been set with a short first beat to the Bandstand mark followed by a very long one to the Clevedon Buoy and a run to the Avon buoy before returning via the end of the pier to the start line. Although the wind ashore didn’t seem that strong offshore it was, and with large waves conditions were demanding. Jon Somers and his son Diggory sensibly decided this was too much for their Miracle and retired early in the race. In the meantime Phil Isaac (Phantom) and Martin Gibson (Laser) battled it out to the Clevedon
buoy with Isaac finding the Phantom over-powered just rounding behind Laser. However, he quickly overtook Gibson on the run and pulled further ahead on the following reaches. The following Lasers of Chris Cooper, Paul Sheldon and Martin White also struggled and there were several capsizes. Despite pulling ahead on the reaches of the second lap Isaac was unable to beat the Laser on handicap. Fortunately there was a capable beach party to retrieve the dinghies and the 2 safety RIBs in the large waves on the slip and there was no damage to any boats, just a few bruised and tired sailors.
For the first time in several years Clevedon Sailing Club’s Town Plate was held on the scheduled day rather than being postponed for too little or too much wind. The race is traditionally a ‘pursuit’ format where slower handicap boats start first with faster boats starting progressively after. If all boats are sailed equally well they should all finish together.
First boats away were Grace Cherry (Topper) followed by Jon and Diggory Summers (Miracle) who, in the dropping wind strength, struggled against the flooding tide. The next flight of boats suffered much the same fate and were quickly caught by Martin Gibson (Laser) who close tacked up the shore in less tide. However, Gibson took the whole of the
following lap to overtake Dave and Jess Herbert (420), Sarah Hotchkiss (Solo) and Richard White and Kelly Hewlett (Firefly).
Meanwhile both Benedict Wybrow and Tony Cherry, and Anthony Rees and Kevin Watts (Tasars) floundered in the lighter variable wind and were quickly overhauled by Phil Isaac (Phantom) who steadily closed the gap on the boats ahead and Gibson who was now the leading boat. Isaac eventually caught Gibson on the last leg a few minutes before the end of the race to take first place.
The Town Plate was originally provided by Clevedon Town Council and prizes were presented in the clubhouse after the race by Chairman of the Council, Graham Watkins.
1st - Phil Isaac
2nd - Martin Gibson
3rd - Richard White and Kelly Hewlett
1st Cadet - Grace Cherry
