After weeks without rain the weather system was determined for us to catch up so we endured 24 hours of rain which topped up the lake level considerably. A forecast of gusty winds increasing as the weekend progresses may have put some people off, but those that turned out for the final championship series of the season had a mixture of winds that were challenging, and gusty, but well within everyone’s capabilities. There was a mixture of legs to test skills, even if Tog didn’t appreciate them! Robbie D/Banter took two wins in their RS400 while Tog and Peter Whipp each had a 2nd, and Tog and Jim C each had a 3rd.

Despite some close racing at times, Tim/Ian had two wins in the F15s with Chris/Julie 2nd each time. Honours were shared in the GPs with Mike Cave and Jonathan Bovington each having a 1st and a 2nd, though Jonathan leads overnight with the tie being split on the last race.

Mik and Harry were joined by eight Toppers from the training programme (even if the conditions resulted in several capsizes and they didn’t make it through to the finish). Harry capsized when a knot in his mainsheet came undone and the rig depowered quicker than he could sit in! After a short while he had rerigged the mainsheet and he continued. Mik won both races with Harry 2nd.

Just after racing finished a shower moved in and the wind eased to mirrorlike conditions – Perfect timing!

The winds were due to build again for Sunday, and they did, but as we have a micro climate, it was not as gusty as forecast. With Mik having a late start, and two races being sailed before lunch, his pole position in the series slipped away as Harry won both races ahead of Jenny. Harry consolidated his lead by winning the final race after lunch, and won the series trophy.

Robbie D/Banter won the two morning races, though son Ethan with Izzie (in the race he didn’t capsize and wrap his Feva’s gennaker around the leeward mark) did give him a close challenge finishing 2nd by just 30 secs. The courses were more to Tog’s liking, but Robbie’s victory robbed Tog’s chance of winning the championship. The final race was won by Ethan/Izzie just secs ahead of Peter in a Laser, and then Tim in a F15.

Despite an incorrectly rigged, and non-flyable spinnaker, Tim/Ian took a further victory in the first race ahead of Chris/Julie. In the next race, an ‘administrative error’ led to Tim sailing the wrong course for a while, Chris seized the moment and held the lead through to the finish. The series trophy was won by Tim.

Final results

As this is the last series in the club championship the final results have been calculated. Let us know any queries before the prize giving list is finalised.

Congratulations to this year’s champions
Flying 15s – Mike Moore/Kayla Sheard
Handicap – Robin Dawson/Phil Davenport
GP14s – Dave/Lynn Lawson
Mirror/Topper – Mik Chappell

Club Championship

Oops…

Last year it was decided the time was right to send another team of Bass Sailors to the world famous “Southport” 24 Hour Race hosted by West Lancs Yacht Club. The Club has an excellent record in the event winning it twice in 1992 and 2003 with several other top 10 finishes. Unfortunately we could not source a suitable boat or team but WLYC kindly allowed us to carry the entry forward to 2014. Again difficulties were encountered securing a competitive GP14 and team but Neil Garrison stepped forward with an alternative, why don’t we take his old Enterprise and some give some of our younger members the opportunity to come along, crew and experience this fantastic event.

The week prior to the race saw a number of developments and Mark Ninnim offering firstly his older Enterprise and on Thursday evening his current boat an excellent GRP Enterprise so the race was on.

The majority of the team congregated at Southport on Saturday morning, Neil had camped on Friday Night, Alex and Olivia had traffic problems on the A66 and arrived in the afternoon along with Dave and Lynn fresh from their voyage on the James Cook tallship. The Commodore with daughters Katya and Lily arrived to deliver a motivational speech and spent the rest of the afternoon searching for Katya and Lily amongst the crowds before departing leaving his good lady to the sailing.

Bass were boat number 30 which meant we started in flight 3, boats start at 1 minute intervals in groups of 10. Mark & Emma were first up in a light ENE wind. They made a great start at the port end and were clear leaders off the line. They continued to make excellent progress and passed the baton to Neil and Izzie at around 3.30pm. During this time position updates were infrequent but we were in 8th to 10th, excitement amongst the team was building The winds remained light and fickle as Neil & Izzie made their debuts at the event, they sailed for just short of 3 hours before handing over to Dave and Harry we were maintaining our position despite the trying conditions. Dave is a veteran at the race and Harry a debutant, once Dave had taught Harry how to roll tack progression was quick, and a cheer from Bass spectators was heard when it was announced we had finished 3rd in the Dusk Race, fastest lap after 8pm, and first Enterprise. Harry put it down to him breaking out the navigation lights!.

Mark & Emma took over after 9pm before departing to a proper bed at Chez Preston near Blackpool. They were followed by Alex & Olivia just before midnight, and at the halfway stage we were lying 12th. The wind had picked up slightly and it was cooling down rapidly, spectators were thinning out as sailors tried to get some sleep or partied in the marquee. Just before 3am Ethan and friend Alex had discarded the tiger Onesie, donned sailing gear armed themselves with numerous glowsticks and took over. Our position was still been maintained and it was definitely getting cold now.

At 5.30am Dave and Izzie were shivering beside the changeover point, Izzie having pestered Dad Mike every hour as what time it was, seriously disturbing his sleep, the enthusiasm of youth. They went out to see the daybreak and Ethan once again donned his Onesie. Dave and Izzie sailed really well and we were 3rd and first Enterprise in the Dawn race, fastest lap after 6am, a double for Dave with different crews.

Just after 8am Neil and Harry took over, by this time we were fluctuating between 10th and 11th our closest rivals been Pilkington who had our past commodore Steve Hunt, Ruth and rescue driver Chris sailing for them!! Rumour has it Steve took an inadvertent dive headlong into the lake at an early morning crew changeover, how is that possible?

Word was received from Chez Preston that Mark and Emma were hotfooting it back and they arrived at 9.30am took over from Neil & Harry in and interesting change over that has been reported on various media outlets and is in need no further reporting, they sailed until the midday finish. The whole team and supporters were there to cheer them across the finishing line and help pack the boat away.

All those who took part, on the water and providing support, agreed it had been a fantastic event. The mixture of experienced 24hr sailors and first timers blended really well, all want to return next year. Everyone played their part and were a credit to Bassenthwaite Sailing Club throughout the event. An added bonus was we finished 11th out of the 64 teams, and picked up a prize for winning Flight 3 by a clear margin, an excellent result and a lot better than we expected.

Special thanks to Mark for lending his boat and Neil for offering to lend his boat that was the catalyst that got us there.

Results can be found here. http://www.wlyc.org.uk/crewsaver-24-hour-race/results

To quote TS Elliot, the Night Jar series ended �not with a bang but a whimper! The OD concluded there was no chance of sailing on flat water and the abandonment flags were raised.

This gave more time for the Bring & Eat meal and much chatting along the table. The key event was Ken�s birthday. After he had blown out the obligatory candle, Val cut up the cake for each of the twenty two laid back ex sailors to enjoy.

Glenys kept those who could hear in continual laughter with her repertoire of jokes and Joan took AJ at his word when he said no food should be left and surrounded him with the residual offerings! No sailing � but a good time was had by all!

Congratulations to AJ & Sue on taking first place on PH from Joan & Jack. And to absentees Mike & Eric for winning of FH.

Final results PH FH

The final Fleet Challenge of 2014 commenced on Saturday with a light but sailable Northerly wind, 12 boats took part in the first race a decision was made to run it as a mass start with results calculated on personal handicap, despite been advertised as a pursuit series.

Robin Dawson and daughter Amber led the fleet in a RS 200 from start to finish. Mike Moore and Kayla Sheard in a Flying Fifteen recovered from a poor beat to mark 2 to overtake Tim Knowles and Martin Statter also in a Flying Fifteen to finish second.

When results we calculated the Wayfarer of Chris Lloyd and David Ferguson took overall honours followed by David Haselden in his Solo and Jonathan Anson in a Laser.

The 2nd race saw a wind shift just after the start which meant the first beat became a fetch for many. Mike and Kayla lead the fleet with Tim and Martin 2nd. After the results were calculated Chris and David were again victorious to lead the series overnight. Mike & Kayla finished 2nd and Jonathan had another 3rd to lie 2nd overall. Mik Chappell in his Mirror is lying 3rd overall despite hitting the last mark and having to do a penalty turn.

Sunday started as another glorious morning, though wind was light, and somewhat variable. The tell tale Bothel turbines were suggesting a northerly direction, but the signs and direction at lake level were not following suit. It was to be day when whatever OD Mike wanted and expected would be thwarted by the wind.

Due to the light airs, Mike was in a benevolent mood and delayed the first race start by a whole 7 mins, not that it was enough time for all to get to the line. Kayla was racing her Laser, and out in plenty of time, but got caught in a hole and ended up taking 3 mins to cross the start! The wind was very variable throughout, and some boats had to beat, for a short while at least, on the first two legs. On a personal handicap basis, Ian Hall was 1st 2mins ahead of Joan/Jack in their GP.

Again the wind teased Mike by coming from the West while he set the course for the 2nd race, only to generally settle from the North. Sazzle struggled to get her head round the course, reading 0B5 y/z as 05B x/y! The shifting wind suited her ‘course’ better than Mike’s! Kayla surprised herself, and the leaders, by twice getting into the lead for a while. Such a fine performance gave Kayla a deserved 1st place just 15 secs ahead of AJ/Sue

For the 3rd and final race of the day, Mike relied on the wind holding from the North. Although the fleet had to beat at the top of the windward leg, gusts from the West meant there was even more fetching to contend with. AJ/Sue won on handicap 45 secs ahead of Harry in a Laser Radial.

In the final out turn it was Mik in his Mirror that won overall, 3pts ahead of Hazel/Izzie in a RS Feva

Final results

Izzie and Harry arriving for a voyage on training ship James Cook.

Proud mum received some communication ‘having great time, don’t text me!…’

Day 2

Harry and Izzie are now in Campletown having left Whitehaven last night. This is not the first such trip as a group of young people from the club went to Scotland in the distant past (in the 1980s?) to sail a boat called Taikoo. Could have been some of the member’s children who are now elevated to be members who are now parents of young people.

You can access to voyage on http://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/ enter James Cook Sailing Vessel.
More from http://www.sailjamescook.com/about/james-cook/follow-james-cook

OYT North have planned to have a boat jumble stall at Whitehaven Marina on Saturday the 30th August where there will be people more than willing to talk about the alternative sailing for younger people. We are also looking for sailing equipment donations to sell for funds to support local young people on future voyages. Nothing is too small if we can make a few shillings.
Contact Andy Sugden [email protected] or even bring it along on the day. Sure there must be some of those children’s lifejackets in the garage or even a few dozen screws or shackles that others may be able to use.

Better still if you are in a corporate position we are always looking for sponsors for what has been a proven 50 year track record in sail training and has had a place in Cumbria for some time. James Cook attended the Official Whitehaven Sea Lock Opening Ceremony when local young people from our schools and companies sailed it to the event. It has even sailed around the world with young people on board.

James Cook will then be back in Whitehaven Harbour on the 30 August if want to have a look as it prepares for the turn around when she heads for the North East Coast via the Caledonian Canal. On board will be another connection from the club.

Anyone wishing to know more can catch me at the club or make contact direct.

It has been regrettably the best kept secret in sailing.

Regards

Andy Sugden – the one with the bump on the head at Bass Week and now to be seen wearing a bump cap!

After the visitors left on Sunday, there was a great atmosphere for the rounders match and people of all ages and from clubs up and down the country had a great time with refreshments being served it was a great way to end the day.

Bank holiday Monday was a poor forecast of high, gusty winds, with showers mixed in and despite the sun shining, the southerly wind and waves resulted in minimal interest in racing, but four Lasers, and a couple of F15s led the way by preparing to go out, and several others followed.

Just before the start the wind swung through 60deg to the East just in time to ensure the windward /leeward course wasn’t two reaches! While Toggle led the Asymmetric fleet, Dave/Lynn in their GP led the MJM fleet, including the F15s for almost half the race! The wind shifts were substantial, and the gusts significant, giving opportunities to gain substantial ground, but causing a few capsizes too.

The afternoon pennant race only had two takers, both F15s. AJ took the left side of the beat and was trouncing Mike/Sally until he rounded the windward mark the wrong way (perhaps he’d taken too much notice of Greg Wells in the F15 Northerns…). Once in the lead, Mike wasn’t going to give it up, and he opened up the gap to win the Eric Twiname Trust pennant.

Skiddaw Cup latest results
Dodd Trophy latest results
MJM/Asymmetric Cup latest results
Eric Twiname Trust pennant

We are hosting this prestigious event on Saturday and Sunday of the August weekend. It was great to have a total of 35 entries.

With a forecast of next to no wind on Sunday, the OD forewarned sailors that he would try to get four races in on Saturday. A slight delay before the first race, but it got underway in a nice breeze and promptly faded for 5 mins! As ever, the cream rise to the top with Steve Goacher taking the lead and winning the first race.

All were a bit too eager for the second race so there was a general recall. After a second general recall, the black flag came into force, and everyone behaved well getting the race underway in strengthening, but still shifting, winds. Another win for Goacher.

However he didn’t have all his own way in race 3, being 10th to windward mark, working through to 5th off wind, and clinching water,and 1st position at the leeward mark before the final leg of the shortened course.

Goacher took the lead in the fourth race from the windward mark and continued to pull away. With potentially one final race on Sunday Goacher had already won the championship.

As for everyone else, there was mixed fortunes with many ups and downs, various bumps and near misses, several threats of protests, and many weary sailors after a challenging days sailing.

They were all ready for the Waples wine tasting together with a slither of cheese, and it turned out to be a boisterous, fun evening.

Sunday was a beautiful day with a poor wind forecast. After a postponement, despite major wind swings the OD was able to get a final race underway. The wind continued to swing, and eased from time to time, but it was another race for Goacher to demonstrate his ability to work through to the front of the fleet and secure his fifth win of the championship – a clean sweep!

Final results
Waples wine results

With the darker nights creeping in, a reminder that the Night Jar start times have moved forward to 7pm. This isn’t so that AJ can finish earlier and prepare the evening meal as, this week, Neil will be cooking a curry to warm you all up.

Well done and congratulations to Bass members that attended the GP Worlds in Strangford Lough

14th � Dave/Lynn Lawson
16th � Adam Parry/Phil Hodgkins
36th � Paul Bowmer/Mike Fairlamb
51st � John Riley/Nigel Lewis
67th � Val/Ken Bell