The forecast of 60+mph winds for this weekend has been considered by the Sailing Committee and a decision made to cancel the final race of the Winter Series in advance.
Sailing Secretary
The forecast of 60+mph winds for this weekend has been considered by the Sailing Committee and a decision made to cancel the final race of the Winter Series in advance.
Sailing Secretary
Otherwise known as the Neil factor…
Sunday started with light, patchy, conditions from a cold NE direction. By the time the race started for the three competitors the wind had bedded down for the simple, triangular course.
With the Bates out of commission for the rest of the season, Herb told AJ, the OD, that the race would be started from the race office (whatever the wind direction!). This meant 0 would be left to starboard for the start, though the course was to be left all to port. This is where the Neil factor kicked in as he decided to always leave 0 to starboard…
When the race was shortened Neil was in the lead but again left 0 to starboard so never actually finished in accordance with the rules. Mike/Dave were not too far behind and taking pole position on personal and fleet handicap.
After a break for lunch to warm up and build up their energy, the flip chart was pulled out and AJ drew the course, especially for Neil, to show what was expected in terms of sailing the course. All three boats sailed again, and Neil took the lead, but finished 2nd on handicap behind Mike, being the same overall positions on both fleet and personal handicap.
As if by magic, the wind disappeared just after racing ended…
Just one more race scheduled, after the annual dinner, so unlikely to be too many takers.

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.
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.
We need some help on rescue this weekend 17/18 October. If you are available to help please contact Mike Hunter.
Thanks