Wind and more rain led to the abandonment of racing for the third weekend in a row. Shame because Mik was ready and raring to go!
A few more boats were removed from site, and with more rain forecast it would be sensible to consider removing yours too if it is still on site.
Jose and Ginge wish to give a big thank you to all that helped move their boat to high ground earlier in the week.
You may be aware that the Lake levels are currently so high that it is lapping close to the winch by the boat house. Weather forecasts are predicting 150-200mm of rain in next 48 hours.In 2009 a 300 mm rainfall caused lake to rise 4 metre, flooding where your boats are currently parked.
We recommend that you prudently either take your boats home today or if you are wanting to sail tomorrow and next week, then move to even higher ground.
You may be thinking that your boats are insured but Lasers are very robust boats more likely to get scratched than holed.
Make the most of today’s break in the weather and do something to protect your property today.
Calls have been received from a number of members regarding the rapidly rising water levels, if your boat is near the lake shore you are advised to move it to higher ground as a matter of urgency. �????
Update 4.30pm – All boats have been moved to higher ground but you are advised to check them at your earliest opportunity as not all could be secured.
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Following successful bonfire night celebrations for which the daytime rain clouds parted for long enough to enjoy the bonfire and fireworks display, Sunday’s forecast was not at all encouraging (sustained winds in excess of 50mph).
A few sailors turned up, with Poppy being the most enthusiastic, but it was too wet and blustery to tempt anyone to even prepare their boat, so the OD was not slow in declaring the abandonment for the day.
Perhaps next weeks conditions will be perfect?!
NB. A�couple of�boats were blown over in the gusts, and some were rocking. Also, the lake has risen substantially over the last 24 hours, and at risk of rising more after further rain, so it would be worth checking sure your boat is still secure, on high enough ground, and not at risk of being damaged.
Our Youth Squad sailor Harry Binns has travelled to Barcelona this week to take part in the RS Aerocup Barcelona regatta, a three day regatta sailed on the seas in front of the impressive city of Barcelona, with entrants taking part from 9 countries.
A training day was held on Thursday to make sure the sailors were getting the most out of their boat and giving them tips on how the RS Aero can really be pushed in competitive sailing.
With only very light winds on Friday and Saturday, sailing was postponed until there was enough for racing to start. When it did commence Harry soon got used to the waves, and his competitors, and was laying in 5th place.
Sunday was a complete change with the wind blowing up to 35 knots and the swell on the sea began to grow. Racing was postponed again and finally abandoned as conditions continued to get worse. Therefore the final results didn’t change and Harry was unable to improve on this position.
A great time was had and having the sunshine throughout made up for the times when sailing was not taking place. A great event and Harry looks forward to the next RS Aero event where he can meet up with his new friends again and maybe even bring back the cup.
With the arrival of November, racing is scheduled for Sundays only, and that means just five days racing left this season. The day started misty with no wind whatsoever, but the forecast looked promising. However, 11.30 came and went and there was still little sign of wind in the northern bay, but it was nice, mild, and bright, and several boats were rigged ready for action. By 12.15 various zephyrs were filling parts of the bay, so the rescue boat was launched and the Bates brought ashore.
The OD opted to make the most of what little wind there was, and while waiting for the fleet to get to the start line set in the light southerly, the wind swung to the west, so the line was moved and racing was soon underway. Perhaps the raising of a knotted class flag was the OD’s way of keeping his fingers crossed that the wind would hold.�
Although the wind swung a little more to the north, and was somewhat shifty, the wind did hold long enough to get two races in back to back. However, by the end of the second race, the clear blue skies were gone, a mist was starting to roll in, and the wind was fading to nothing again.
The results show how fortunes varied in the changing conditions with first three positions going to Tony in a Solo, Mike/Eric in a GP, and Neil in a Laser in the first race, and Steve/Izzie in a Merlin, Jim/Poppy in a Hartley, and Val/Ken in a GP in the second race. Steve/Izzie lead the fleet handicap series while Pete is winning the personal handicap series
Saturday�s races was held in a light but bitterly cold southerly wind. Competitors having to endure nearly four hours of racing were pretty chilled but at least they were moving around. The Bates and safety crews were absolutely pickled when they finally came ashore.
There were eight starters although Joan and Jack had an early capsize and were well down the fleet. Banter Phil was first on the water but Mike & Eric won on FH and AJ and Sue on PH The following race held back to back in ever lightening winds had a long course and took an age to finish. Jim in the Supernova was fed up with conditions and bemoaning no reach in the course so he came ashore. Banter was again first over the line 5 seconds ahead of Mike & Kayla. There was no wind when coming into the slipways and the Geeps had their paddles out. But Mike & Eric were again winners on FH with Banter taking the PH win.
Conditions on Sunday were much of the same. Chris & Julie had a flyer at the start of the morning race at the start and it took Mike & Kayla in the other Fifteen a fair time to get by them.
After lunch the action switched to lower down the order. Richard lost the forestay fitting on his Solo and retired, luckily without further damage. Meanwhile Joan and Jack brought their Geep ashore for de rigging prior to their forthcoming holiday adventure. Mike & Eric took two further bullets to make it a full hous
Latest results FH PH (to be updated…)
Our bonfire celebrations are being held on 7th�November. Please bring along a large display firework to make the event all the more spectacular. Hot snacks will be available. The bonfire will be lit around 6.30pm
Our grounds chairman is asking for help to build the bonfire on the morning of 7th�and would ask any keen helpers to attend from 10.30am
Ocean Youth Trust North offers young people a safe but challenging environment on board our yacht James Cook in which they can explore their own identity and increase their self-confidence. The results are profound. Those taking part learn a variety of interpersonal and transferable skills that enable them to expand their horizons and gain independence.
Living together, often under challenging conditions, they are motivated by setting and achieving their own goals while taking on responsibility for all aspects of running a big boat. The result is a noticeable increase in individual determination and self-confidence which they take home with them, with resultant benefits for their community. There is some general information about our voyages in our brochure which you can read online at: on-line brochure and there is a short video clip on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YjazlLv_yg
Having successfully run our charity on the east coast we are now extending the opportunity to more young people living in the North West.
For 2016 we have scheduled a week voyage on the West Coast for Individuals which I am circulating around the sailing clubs to give the young sailors the opportunity for a challenging adventure.
The date for the voyage is 8th – 13th August 2016 and it starts and ends in Whitehaven. It is a 6 day voyage in the Irish Sea enabling visits to places such as Isle of Man, Ireland, Southern Scotland and Wales.
The cost is �570 which includes comprehensive insurance, food and refreshments taken onboard, use of personal protective equipment and wet weather gear. It does not include travel to and from the boat.
If you think any of your young sailors (12-24 year olds) would be interested or you would like to discuss it further please come back to me.
Regards
Caroline
Caroline Saunders
Ocean Youth Trust North
Royal Quays Community Centre
9 Prince Consort Way
North Shields
NE29 6XB
Office: 0191 257 1212
www.oytnorth.org.uk
Changing lives inspiring futures
Registered No: 3898088 England Registered Charity No: 1079955
Registered Office: Royal Quays Community Centre, 9 Prince Consort Way, North Shields, NE29 6XB
Further information about Ocean Youth Trust North is available in our brochure: on-line brochure which is also accessible through our website www.oytnorth.org.uk There is a short video clip on YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YjazlLv_yg You will find us on Facebook at Ocean Youth Trust North.
Some of our Youth Squad went to Windermere today and brought back the winners trophy! Congratulations to our winning team called the “Bassenthwaite Heavies” comprising Hazel Newport, Harry Binns, Jamie Kerr and Izzie Hunter
Hazel took the lead just after the first mark and stretched her lead to a whole lap during her 1.5hour innings.
Her three other team members followed suit to finish 4 laps ahead of Royal Windermere SC after 5 hours.
Our second team called “Bassenthwaite Baskervilles” consisted mainly of people who only started sailing this May. It was no surprise that they were the last team but they all gained additional experience of sailing elsewhere. The team comprised David Rodgers, Xanthe Tilsey Lucy Hammond and Poppy Gannon.
Other teams were from Royal Windermere (2nd), Glenridding on Ullswater, Derwentwater Marina, Windermere Outdoor Centre (Joint 3rd)
The event was sponsored by sailing equipment maker Harken.�Each person was given Harken Port and starboard wrist bands, Harken drinks bottle and Harken Bag for life.
Our winning team received�a Trophy to keep and RYA Onboard medals.