The Bank holiday started early for many campers that have been on site since Thursday (using up a spare day in our allocation). A walk up Catbells for many was celebrated with some fizz on the summit, though Scumper seemed to struggle opening it!

A sunny Saturday was a bit of a surprise on a bank holiday, and there was a light breeze suitable for a fleet of eight Mirrors, many crewed by junior sailors, one of which was Alfie in his first ever race. Jonathan and Henry won the first race, and Mik the second race. In the handicap fleet, one of the Southport visitors gave Robbie D/Banter a run for their money as they each had a 1st and a 2nd. Dave/Lynn won the 1st GP race and Andy/Phil the 2nd, with Joan/Jack being the runner up in both races.

Will there be more partying tonight? You bet!

Latest Results

Yes, Saturday night was long and boozy. It finished at four from what folks can remember. And apparently the ladies were holding their own against the high supping males!

But all were ready to roll on Sunday morning with 32 crews on the water for the first race of five in the series. Weather was dry with a light easterly. The line remained unchanged throughout the day and was port biased in the extreme making good starts challenging. The morning course was liked by some if not by all and this was a long race considering there were two more to follow after lunch.

The second course was an even longer one with a bit of hanging around for the Slow Handicap one lappers – but so what? It was compensated by a tight course in the bay for race 3.

Highlights – from my notebook – as was too engrossed with my own fleet battles when racing! Well, one of the Fifteens got tangled up with the port end mark during a start and Z went some way down the beat before being retrieved! In the Geeps Val was determined to get the better of Joan and did so in Race 2 for positions to be reversed in Race 3. And the S/H fleet managed 9 Mirrors, most with dynamic young crews, and positions were continuously changing.

The F/H fleet had an extremely close result in the afternoon races. On corrected time the first two crews were 7 seconds apart in Race 2 and, in race 3, the first five boats were all covered by 34 seconds.

Holiday Monday: you couldn’t have asked for a better day. Ideal conditions with a Westerly wind which was the strongest of the weekend although not strong enough to tip anyone in. Well our brilliant weekend Safety Driver, Martin Rowell did go swimming fully clothed when he went to check the boats before racing!

The morning race was again on the longish side – or am I just getting old? (Don’t answer that!) And the sunny and warm lunch break seemed to go on for ever.

What happened on the water? Well, the Pico thought it was a Fifteen and got embroiled in their start, John apologising to all the affected helms afterwards. Also, to Mike who wasn’t involved anyway and reckoned that it might just have helped in him getting five bullets.

In the Fast Handicap’s afternoon race there was a slight incident – a clash of rigging I believe – involving Mark’s 100 and Robbie / Phil’s 400 which led to the latter boat retiring. Mark went on to win that race but the series had already been sewn up by Phil & Naomi.

The Geeps afternoon race was a turn up for the books with AJ & Sue leading the first lap and finishing second to David & Lynn who also lifted the series. And the Slow Handicap again, had the young crew to the fore with Andy & Lily in their Mirror taking the series with four wins. In the final race Mother was flying in a Topper and brother in law Nick was out with Scarlett in yet another red sailed boat. In all there were ten different Mirrors on the water over the weekend.

The day finished in style with a demo sail by young Henry Bullen and (I think) Matthew Somerville in an Oppy.

Final Results

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A poor forecast of wet weather and gusting winds led to a small collection of sailors turning out to race. While they waited for more to appear the wind looked acceptably sailable though somewhat wet. By the time the decision was made that there was enough interest, a rescue contingent was pulled together, and boats were prepared, the more blustery conditions suddenly appeared, and Lynn Lawson led the retreat! Sailing secretary Joe Roberts opted to test the suitability of conditions in his Laser, but when he returned, after the odd capsize, he decided he had had enough! A couple of boats went out for a sail, but racing was cancelled for the day.

Sunday morning came, the rain had passed, the wind had eased, and there was more interest in sailing. It was the last race in the Blencathra series in which Ian/Lezli-Ann were leading -should they stay ashore preventing Mike/Kayla from having a race, thereby securing the trophy? No, they wanted to sail! Claiming water at one mark, Ian misheard Mike’s response so ducked out, and missed a chance to take the lead which Mike held to the finish, taking the trophy.

In the GPs, Dave/Lynn led and won the race, with Val/Ken close on their heels all the way round, but it was series leaders Mike/Eric (who weren’t sailing) that kept their pole position winning the Mustard Pot.

Robbie D/Banter in their RS400 enjoyed the planing conditions on various spinnaker legs, catching up with, and passing, the F15s. Despite winning the race is more than a minute ahead of Zefer in his Laser Radial, Robbie D didn’t have enough qualifying results to win the Dodd Cup series from Ian Hall.

Final results

After lunch the Banana Stakes would take the fleet around the lake on a simple course comprising two two beats and two reaches – well that was the theory. Scarness itself caused a few problems with several boats misjudging how shallow the water was on the spit and consequently scraping their centreboards and rudders on the bottom. Val/Ken grounded a little too hard damaging their rudder and had to retire. As with most Westerlies the winds past Scarness were changeable as the gusts came over Sale Fell and became and downdraughts which spread out in all directions as they hit the lake – challenging as ever! Banter helmed the RS400 this time with Robbie D crewing, and led around the course, but conditions didn’t let them break away, finishing sixth on handicap. It was Dave/Lynn in their GP14 that took the honours with Joe securing another 2nd.

Banana Stakes

After a cloudy morning, the clouds started to part, the heat of the sun was felt, which was useful to combat the cooler than recent breeze, from a more typical SW. Indeed many were pleasantly surprised by the strength of the breeze that led to a few capsizes, and some good planing conditions.

Ian/LezliAnn took an early lead in the F15s in both races, but their downfall in the first race was rounding a windward mark the wrong way, which Neil/Rory took advantage of, and held 1st position through to the finish. In the second race, Neil sailed a better beat to take the lead through to the finish, though Ian remained on his tail throughout.

Robbie D/Banter in their 400, and Scumper in his 100, were the main contenders in the fast handicap fleet. Despite having the slower boat of the two, Scumper had some close battles with Robin, taking water at one mark (whether he had it or not!), only to get his comeuppance when he capsized, and struggled to right it as nimbly as he did the Vareo.

No particular changes of position in the slow handicap fleet, with Jim leading the fleet in his Hartley, followed by John in his Pico, and Mik back on the water in his Mirror.

Sunday started with the wind blowing down the eastern edge of the lake as Sale Fell shadowed the western edge. By the time racing started the wind had backed a little to the south so that OD Neil Garrison could get a beat from 1 to 8 and then zig zag the fleet back downwind again. The various gybe marks were the downfall of several helms in the stronger winds, one being Joan/Jack leaving Val/Ken to continue to the finish to take a 1st place in the GPs. The same happened in the next race, resulting in Val winning the McMillan Cup.

Neil had a fresh crew in the F15s, and the strengthening conditions suited him and Nick, securing another two 1sts with a good lead to win the Ullock Mug and let him finish early to go and watch the tennis!

With no racing in the slow handicap fleet, John Roberts results on Saturday earned him the Round Table Trophy with Mik finishing 2nd, and too shattered to race on Sunday!

With overall positions being very close, the cream of the fast handicap fleet battled it out to the end and were suitably shattered after the 5th race. It was Robbie D/Banter that secured the trophy from Scumper with Alex/Olivia 3rd.

Overall results

Congratulations go to Andy Smith and Phil Hodgkins on winning the GP14 Scottish Championship at Arran this weekend.

Duncan and Peter were 2nd, Mike and Eric 4th, and Alan and Sue 7th

A cloudy start to the day cleared offering mainly sunny spells throughout the afternoon. With no wind at home, several people who turned up were surprised by the strength of the wind as there was some white horses. It again blew from the NE though at 22C it was warmer than recently, and warmer than many other areas of the country!

Although the F15s were competing at Kippford in the Scottish Championship, and no doubt looking forward to an evening sponsored by Loch Fyne, there were 17 boats racing for the first races in, inter alia, the Autumn Trophy! (Hopefully Summer is over just yet?). In the GPs, Val/Ken seemed to lose ground for a while (what wasn’t Ken doing that Val thought he should?!), and the first race was won by John/Nigel with a good lead. In the second race, Val/Ken found their form, holding off Joan/Jack though to the finish.

Jim in a Hartley won both slow handicap races from John in a Pico. There were some consistent results in the fast handicap fleet, with Scumper winning both races in his 100, Tony had two 2nds in his Solo, Robbie D/Banter two 3rds in their 400, and Peter two retirements in his Solo!

Mike was sailing his Streaker, capsized over the Bates almost taking out Herb, the official starter, who said his eyesight was squiffy, then he realised his lens had been knocked out of his specs!

Latest results DW etc

Sunday’s forecast was for light airs, which may have put some sailors off, but the wind filled in suitably for the morning racing, and the sun continued to shine! Ian Hall won in his Solo ahead of Mike in his Streaker, while John/Jack took the honours in the GPs from Val/Ken. Jim C took another win in the slow handicap ahead of John in his Pico. Amber took to the helm of a Mirror, but someone hadn’t given her a full fighting chance as the mainsail was not fully raised…

Latest results BL etc

The wind disappeared totally over lunch but made a reappearance, and with a few remaining sailors prepared for the water a race was started in light airs that rapidly faded again. Jim had taken to his Supernova to tune it back up, not that the conditions were suitable for that, and took an early lead but the lack of wind worked against him and he subsequently retired. With the conditions not looking likely to improve the race was shortened at the first rounding of 0. With the threat of rain, after leading the fleet across the finish line, Val/Ken rushed ashore so Ken could put the hood up on his open topped car! Fortunately, the rain held off at the club and attacked Binsey instead. Next across the line was Mike in his Streaker who, on handicap, secured 1st pace from Val by just two secs.

RNLI Pennant

Next weekend we host a multitude of open meetings viz Topper NW areas, Laser Travellers, Solo open alongside club racing in the form of a fleet challenge.

The start of half term, another Bank Holiday, and another camping weekend resulted in the unusual sight of a revision/homework table in the clubhouse on Friday night.

Saturday was delightfully sunny, and despite a forecast for very light airs, the wind did fill in to get racing underway. However, it was neither steady in direction or strength, and there were various lulls for sailors to contend with, along with occasional planing conditions.

Dave/Lynn and Scumper/Zefer mastered the varying conditions and each secured two wins in their respective fleets. In the F15s, Mike/Kayla and Ian M each had a win, while Jim C won the only race in the slow handicap fleet

Latest results MG etc

A communal barbeque on Saturday night proved very popular.

Blue skies were the order of the day for Sunday, with slightly greater wind strength than Saturday, though just as shifty and inconsistent in strength! Another good turnout of 32 boats including, notably, six Mirrors with an abundance of junior crews. Ian P has been enjoying his exploits in a Mirror, but has a bit of tweaking to do to ensure his rudder stays attached to the hull! Could it be true that ‘interaction’ between a Mirror and some F15s led to some tearful kids?…

Ian/Elaine took the honours in the first F15 race, but Simon/Jon went on to win the next two. Dave/Lynn had a clean sweep in the GPs. Jim/Poppy won the first race in the slow handicap fleet, while Andy took the next two in a Mirror. In the fast handicap fleet, results were a lot less consistent with Robbie D/Josh, Mark/Emma, and Scumper each winning a race.

The Hunter’s curry night was a sellout success raising £500 in aid of charity Asha, and may have led to more wind on Monday!

Monday turned out bright again, with a stronger, though still extremely variable, breeze from the NE for the final two races in the weekend series. Andy/Phil won both GP races, but Dave/Lynn 2nd was enough to win the series. In the F15s, Simon/Jon had a 1st and 2nd to take the series ahead of Neil/Rory. Scumper and Alex/Olivia both won a races, but Robbie D/Banter’s 2nd and 3rd won them the series, as did Jim/Poppy’s 1st in the slow handicap fleet.

AJ had some coaching from the F15 fleet over lunchtime and he moved up to 3rd in the last race. Perhaps he should have taken advice sooner?…

Final results MM etc

Overall an excellent bank holiday weekend.

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Saturday started with another well attended training session. The wind, though patchy initially, filled in from the north west and backed to the west as the afternoon went on.

There was a good mix of boats across the four fleets, together with some close racing. There was a few capsizes, mainly by Ethan getting to grips with his 600, and a couple of groundings by two F15s! The shifting winds turned broad reaches into close reaches and even beats, but it helped test the sailors skills.

Latest results MG etc

On Sunday, the Bass micro climate again beat the forecast and, though lighter, the wind filled in from the north west, and after a short postponement, racing got underway. The breeze was light and shifty and backed to the west, strengthening slightly in the afternoon for the Albert Bates Retirement Trophy, typically sailed around the lake, but contained in the bay due to the likelihood of the wind fading.

Robbie D/Erin in an RS400 led the fleet across the finish line but, on handicap, Steve/Ruth won in their Merlin ahead of Dave/Lynn and Mike/Eric in GPs.

Latest Results BL etc

Final results Albert Bates Retirement Trophy

Latest results Sandra’s Salver

Next weekend we are taking part in the RYA Push the Boat Out campaign to get more people on the water, so encourage your friends and colleagues to come down and take part and experience life on the water.

After the final championship weekend series of the series, the championship tables have been updated and can be viewed on the following link

Club Championship 2015

Congratulations to this year’s champions are

Flying 15s – Neil Currie & Rory Yardley
Fast Handicap – Robin Dawson & Phil Davenport (Pipping Commodore Mark Somerville at the post!)
GP14s – Dave & Lynn Lawson
Slow Handicap – Jim, Poppy & James Christie

For various reasons there weren’t many takers for the latest weekend series, but those that did turn out were keen to take to the water once there was the hint of sufficient breeze to blow away the mirror like conditions. So when a light northerly filled in the OD took to the water and the sailors followed.

The wind swung a couple of times while waiting for the fleet to get to the start line, so a simplified triangular course was set, which seemed to be the most manageable option for the conditions.

Fortunately the general wind direction remained from the north, but the strength was much more variable. Joan/Jack took the leeward mark a little bit too close and had to do a turn losing significant ground on Dave/Lynn who went on to win.

John Roberts managed to lasso the staff on mark A, so after untangling himself he too had to do a turn. Jim C led and won the slow handicap fleet, with Mik 2nd.

In the fast handicap fleet, Robbie D/Banter won with Alex/Olivia 2nd

Before all had finished the wind dropped to drifting conditions and all hopes of another race faded.

It was unlikely that Sunday’s conditions would enable four races to be sailed, but it did look promising as the day started with a warm, light southerly.

With a plan to get two races in before lunch, the courses were plain and short, even though Robbie D wanted longer legs (an eternal wish for him some might say!)

The wind did ease as the second race went on, and finally died over lunch. Scumper and Hugh each had a first in the fast handicap, while Jim C and Barbara each had a first in the slow handicap fleet, and Dave/Lynn took two more firsts in the GP fleet.

With no obvious sign of the wind filling in, afternoon racing was abandoned. As is the norm, the wind did fill in, though not really strong enough to race in.

Trophies go to Dave/Lynn in the GPs, Robbie D in the fast handicap, and Jim C the slow handicap fleet.

Final results 

Other sailing events over the weekend had good representation from Bass members with Andy and Rob Smith finishing 2nd at the GP Northern Championships at Derwent Reservoir, while Hazel Newport came 7th at the RYA Zone Championship, and Josh Hunter came 3rd overall in the regatta for Toppers, Teras and Oppies at Ullswater. Meanwhile Mike Moore and Kayla Sheard came fourth of 17 at the Burton open meeting. The results meant that they were tied on points for the Waples Wine Northern travellers series but came second on countback.