While most of the country were embroiled in the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday, a fleet of 16 boats ventured out in the swinging winds for another two races in the MJM and Asymmetric Cup series.

The wind was light and variable, and swung so much that the start line had to be moved even before the first start got underway. Shortly after the boats completed the first windward leg the wind swung round to the north, creating the second beat of the three leg course!Mike/Jack took the honours in a Graduate with Neil/Archie in RS200 2nd.

The start line was moved for the next race in which the wind was steadier, and freshened slightly. Conditions suited Steve/Ruth in their Merlin finishing 1st with Mike/Jack 2nd.

Fortunately the forecast rain held off until all the boats were ashore, if not packed away!

MJM latest results

On Sunday morning the early arrivals were greeted by flat calm conditions, but the wind soon filled in from the west, with the expectation of it increasing as the day went on.

Racing got underway near enough on time for those on the line, but there were a few stragglers. Banter had an excellent start albeit three minutes late! About 30 minutes into the race there were some northerly gusts, similar to Saturday, and a calm area developed between the two sides of the course, and it slowed progress significantly for those having to sail through it, extending the overall length of the race by about 50%!

During the lunch break a sea breeze started to bed in from the SW, and racing conditions were much improved, with the occasional plane being possible.

In the GPs Val/Ken won both races with AJ/Sue 2nd. Dave/Lynn still lead the series.

In the handicap fleet, Mike/Jack lead the series with another win in the morning, Mike/Sally in a F15 won after lunch, and Rory in a Solo finished 2nd in both races.

Phil/Lucy took two wins in the slow handicap, with Oscar in a Tera, and mum Emma in a Mirror, both getting a 2nd place.

Latest BL results

Due to poor conditions on Saturday racing was cancelled for the day. As is typical, a gentle breeze filled in soon after the cancellation was announced!

Matt/Oliver took the honours in their RS200, with Dave/Lynn in a GP 2nd, and Chris/Laura in a RS200 third.

Paul Carruthers Memorial Trophy final results

Sunday�s racing was scheduled to start at 1030, but the lighter than forecast wind delayed matters for just over 30 minutes. The first club race was the Paul Carruthers Memorial Trophy postponed from Saturday. The wind was light and variable but sufficient to keep the fleets moving.

The wind freshened on the final beat, and it looked promising that the forecast winds were coming in, but it was necessary to wait until after the lunch break for that to happen.

The higher winds after lunch led to some great spinnaker legs, hairy gybes, with numerous capsizes, and some challenging shifts to test the sailors.

After three races the overnight leaders were Robbie D/Ian in the F15s, Cam in the Handicap fleet, Dave/Lynn in the GPs, and Phil/Oliver in the Mirrors (results for club members in the Mirror Northerns count towards this championship series).

Phil/Oliver led the Mirror Northerns too, with Will/Isabelle Crocker being highest placed visitors 2nd.

Gareth Ede was overnight leader in the Catapults

Monday’s wind was less blustery, but just as shifty. The Mirrors and Catapults had an earlier start planned to get their final races in before lunch. However, with echoes of scenes from Jaws, the committee boat was at anchor preparing for the start when it started being towed backwards! Was it a whale, shark, or a submarine? No, one of the rescue boats moving a mark dragged its mooring across the committee boat’s anchor warp! A few minutes later the lines were disentangled, and the start line reset.

Another win by Phil/Oliver Smith from Bass secured their overall lead to win the Northern area Championship. Angus/Isla Armstrong from West Kirby finished 2nd overall, with Will/Isabelle Crocker from Welton 3rd, equal on points, but losing out on countback.

Mirror Northern Areas final results

More consistent sailing by Gareth Ede earned him 1st overall ahead of John Terry 2nd, and George Evans 3rd. At the prize giving Gareth thanked the club on behalf of the visitors for an enjoyable weekend.

Catapult TT final results

After the prize giving, the club sailors went out for their final race of the weekend series. The sun broke through, and the wind settled to offer champagne sailing conditions at the end of a busy weekend’s sailing.

Neil/Rory took another win to secure the Jak Pot trophy for F15s, with Robbie D/Ian 2nd.

Matt/Oliver won the May Holiday Trophy in the handicap fleet, with Scumper in RS100 2nd, and Chris/Laura in RS200 3rd

Val/Ken won the final race, but it was Dave/Lynn that won the Lyne Tankard for GPs, with Val/Ken 2nd, and James/Jenny 3rd.

A couple of wins by Alex/Saskia in a Mirror won them the Peel Pot, with Phil/Oliver 2nd, and Andy/Izzy/Olivia 3rd.

Jak Pot final results

After some glorious days through the week, with plenty of sunshine and wind, Saturday started with torrential rain, which eased as the day moved on, but there was a lack of wind.

The mirror like conditions were broken up by zephyrs, which had Mike and Jack itching to race, but there was a lack of enthusiasm by others, and the mirror like returned, so racing was abandoned for the day.

By Sunday the forecast rain had passed through but the NNE light breeze was slow to develop, so it called for an early lunch, after which the wind had filled in, and continued to increase.

By 1.15 racing was underway. James/Jenny were a bit too eager and had excellent start, albeit they were lined up with the handicap fleet!

Throughout the afternoon the wind varied in strength as different major shifts hit the course.

BL etc latest results (when available)

The second race, the Albert Bates retirement trophy, normally sailed around the lake, immediately followed on. There was a major shift from the east at the start but the wind soon backed to the north. Fortunately the rain held off until racing was over.

Albert Bates Retirement Trophy results (when available)

Hop over to www.bassweek.org.uk to enter and read more about Craftinsure Bass Week 2023.

Where did the time go? The new sailing season starts on Sunday, and Andrea is keen to pull up some flags (will she remember where the toggle should be?), while Ian oversees�

Be there bright and early because the clocks go forward one hour for British Summer Time on Sunday morning.

Happy sailing!

Sadly, and unexpectedly, longstanding member Don Ellam died yesterday morning at home despite amazing efforts by ambulance crews.

Don and his family will be remembered by older members for his involvement in the club.

Our thoughts are with his children at this sad time.

Don’s funeral will take place at Distington Crematorium at 1315 on Monday 27 March

A buffet will be available at Melbreak Hotel, Great Broughton from 1400

At the 71st Annual General Meeting held online on Sunday 4th December 2022 the following members were elected on to Council.

Commodore – Ian and Andrea Preston
Vice-Commodore – Joe Roberts
Secretary – Claire Duncan
Treasurer – Mike Cave
Sailing Secretary – John Reekie
Rear Commodore – Jon Denwood
Asst Sailing Secretary – Dave Lawson
Bar – Lucy Thomas & Sarah Hodgkins
Boats & Buoys – Alex Leonard
Galley – Judith Corry
Grounds & Jetties – Mark Somerville
House – Paul Gannon
Membership – Liz Stockdale
PRO – Paul Allen
Training – Anthony Woodyer
Safety – Shaun Lewis
Social – Olivia Leonard

Fleet Captains
Flying 15 – Ian Preston
GP14 – Vicki Bowmer
Mirror – Naomi Smith
Handicap – Vacant
Laser – Paul Gannon
Tera – Matthew Somerville

Jon Denwood thanked outgoing members of council for all their support and help during his time in office, with special mention for Phil and Naomi Smith, as well as Dave and Pauline Nicholson.

As part of the AGM, Andy Smith gave a presentation on the considerations and efforts of the slipway refurbishment sub-committee, and clarified the options that have been considered and put forward to council, identifying key milestones that will need to be met for the scheme, in whatever form it may take, to progress.

Treasurer Mike Cave then explained some of the background to the need to change the status of the Club to help secure potential grants. Further investigation is required to determine the most appropriate option before coming back to the membership for approval at a future general meeting.

Members were encouraged to support the Club’s nomination as Club of the Year 2023 by voting using the link onn the website.

 

We are delighted to be a finalist in club of the year awards for 2023. If you�ve enjoyed your visits to Bassenthwaite Sailing Club, we would be equally delighted if you, and your family, would vote for us by clicking above.

Every vote counts. Thank you!

The weather was kind enough for the final day�s racing of the season.

Seven boats took to the water. There were mixed results over the two races but, overall, Alex in a Laser had a 2nd and a 3rd to create a three way tie on points with Phil/Oscar and Neil. The tiebreak resulted in Alex winning the Winter Series, with Phil/Oscar 2nd who won the series on a personal handicap basis.

Final results

Next Sunday the AGM will be held in the clubhouse. Papers have been circulated to all members.

Despite the forecast of strong gusts, and plenty of white horses to be seen in the SE wind, four helms turned up keen to have a race.

A shore based start was all that was required to get racing underway, and release the OD for some additional rescue cover!

There were various capsizes, not at the gybe mark, but all recovered to continue racing.

The wind eased between races but picked up by the end of the second race.

It�s surprising what effect sunshine and mild weather have on sailors� desire to race!

Latest results