Category: Racing

Flying Fifteen Team Racing 17th & 18th October 2015

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A fleet of 18 Flying Fifteen Sailors are taking part in the annual team racing for the Viking trophy. To minimise the risk of protests, one Bass team comprised Mike Moore, Simon Longstaff and Neil Currie – perhaps they will gang up against another team?!

The forecast force 3-4 did not materialise, and the wind that was available, a bitter north easterly, came through in waves changing every few minutes. Some of the lulls were frustratingly light but, as ever, the cream comes to the top, with Steve Goacher taking the first race.

Steve took the lead in the second race too, but that master of light airs Hardisty broke through to win the second race.

With a particularly slow finish a third race seemed unlikely but the wind filled in yet again. A short race was held but a reaching finish, a freshening wind, and a closely bunched fleet led to challenging recording of the finish positions. Hopefully amicable agreement will be reached over a beer or two this evening.

Another two races were scheduled for Sunday, and those that turned up early would verify that conditions looked promising. However, as soon as some disappeared into the changing room the wind did the same! Various zephyrs spread across the lake, and the direction kept changing, but the wind never filled in so by noon the racing was abandoned for the day meaning that Saturday’s results were the final outcome. As for the Grotty Potty, it went to someone who’s need was greater than most, as they had to come ashore for relief (and went aground at the same time), so the lucky recipients were Gary and Alan.

Final results

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Jamie’s Dodgers
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Gary received the Grotty Potty while AJ was indisposed…

 

FF Team Racing Team Scores
1 Jamies Dodgers 1 4 9 14
2 You need a good Rod in it 2 6 8 16
3 Bassturds 5 7 10 22
4 Only time will tell 3 12 16 31
5 Tims Team 9 13 14 36
6 The Leopards 15 17 18 50

 

Club racing was held alongside the team racing. Mik was towed out to the start, watched the fleet set off and asked when he was starting! The first race was plagued by one of the lulls. Although Banter had a good lead, Joan/Jack were close enough to beat him by 17 secs. With the wind unexpectedly filling in, and the OD starting second race straight after the F15s, some were caught out and only just made it on time. Not the case for Banter who was a minute late for the start. He did pull through to the lead, but finished 5th on handicap (would have been 4th had he not been caught out by the OD’s eagerness to get racing underway – apologies!). Joan took another win, and a commanding lead in the series

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Still in a high

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With the high pressure continuing to dominate the weather, racing was cancelled again due to a lack of wind.

As with last week, Sunday morning welcomed sailors with an unexpected light southerly which freshened slightly as the day went on. A simple triangular course in the morning for a fleet of 13 boats suited Banter in his RS100, enabling him to put in some consistent 12 min laps and build up a 4 min lead (on handicap) on Dave/Lynn who held Joan/Jack at bay. Dave Darling suffered problems taking down his spinnaker at the end of each lap and then retired.

Although the wind swung to SSW over lunch casting a shadow on the course area, it backed to the south again in time for racing, and behaved itself till the end. An inverted P course proved to be more enjoyable, and a little more challenging. Hazel only sailed the afternoon race, but retired due to being ‘starving’ having missed her lunch. Val/Ken exited the race early as well after, but not due to, a flat tack. This time the course and conditions suited Dave/Lynn as they won ahead of Neil in his Laser, with Joan 3rd.

On personal handicap, Banter and Peter Winfindale each had a win.

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October High

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A brilliant finish to September and start of October is all due to a high pressure system, and a consequential lack of wind, which was not even strong enough to turn the nearby turbines, or blow away the mist which had been lingering all morning, so the likelihood of sailing was low. A small puff of wind caused ripples across the lake briefly, but they soon faded, and racing was abandoned for the day shortly afterwards.

imageSunday’s forecast was not a lot better, but it may have suited team Bass (comprising Commodore, rear commodore, bar chair, lady commodore, social secretary, youth squad co-ordinator and assistant, past social secretary) who are all took part in the Cumbrian Run!

On arrival at the club, sailors were pleasantly surprised by a light, southerly breeze, albeit somewhat cooler than recent days. Ten boats  sailed what was to be the first race in the October series. Banter in his RS100 led the fleet, and was lucky to take the wind around the course with him because shortly after the start of the first race wind from the SW enabled Sale Fell to cast a shadow on part of the course, but as he approached the shadow it was pushed away by the slightly stronger southerly. It was to be the GPs, led by Mike/Eric, that took all three pole positions, with Banter 4th on fleet handicap. Dave Lawson’s lower than usual position was due to offering some coaching to Pete Winfindale.

Though the wind strength varied throughout the day, it held for the afternoon race, but there were some major shifts to contend with which, of course, could prove to be beneficial if on the right side of the shift. Despite their best efforts, Joan/Jack were unable to stay ahead of Mike/Eric who went on to win the race on fleet handicap and take a 3 pt lead in the series. Joan leads the personal handicap series, with Banter 2nd.

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Championships are finalised

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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

Championship weekend series

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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.

Fun Weekend and Bart’s Bash 2015

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What a weekend it was, most arrived on Friday afternoon/evening with caravans, motor homes and tents ready for a fun packed couple of days. Friday evening saw the clubhouse full of sailors watching the Rugby World Cup Opening ceremony and match on the big screen, a number continued late into the night celebrating England’s victory against Fiji. As a result several were quite subdued on Saturday morning but the glorious weather soon got them livened up.

Early Saturday afternoon saw the on water activities commence which consisted  of 4 teams of 10 aged 5 to 60+ compete firstly in a relay race in Toppers, the rules of racing were totally disregarded, numerous forced capsizes and sinkings were encountered. The next leg of this unusual Triathalon was a paddle board race followed by an open water swim. Again a lot of skulduggery was apparent. The whole event was enjoyed by all including the numerous spectators and adjudicators, who won, who cares. After a quick shower and tea and cake which was sold to raise runds for Macmillan Cancer Support everyone met in the freshly cut back field for a game of rounders. The game lasted the best part of 2 hours and was won by the team that batted first as the light was fading by the end. Saturday evening was spent in the clubhouse with a bring and eat buffet which was excellent followed by a game of bingo.

Sunday morning whilst not quite as sunny was dry and a reasonable Westerly wind was blowing for our Barts Bash Race, bacon, egg and black pudding butties were eaten in preparation. 35 boats took to the water and sailed the course, there were a few capsizes and tales to tell. The faster boats sailed 5 laps the slower boats 2 and others 3 & 4. When the club results were computed Alex & Olivia  in a RS 200 were declared winners from Dave & Lynn in a GP14 and Commodore Mark in a RS100. £244 was raised for the Andrew Simpson Foundation. Everyone returned to shore for lunch and to reflect on an excellent weekend, caravans etc were packed up and we all went home.

Bart’s Bash results Bass Version  Bart’s Version

Check out the course

Tinker Weekend

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24hr
Mark and Emma starting at 24hr race

 

While the Southport 24hr race attracted a good selection of our members, club racing was held alongside the annual Tinker Rally. Forecast high winds may have deterred a few takers, but they need not have worried as conditions were very sailable, and the wind didn’t pick up until we tweeted that there wasn’t much!

The weather was mixed with sunshine and showers, a couple heavy, and there were mixed fortunes throughout the afternoon. Jim C was sailing his Supernova for a change and led both races winning the first one, but the heavier conditions in the second race suited the GPs and it was Joan/Jack that secured the winning position on handicap. Tony King is getting to grips with his Solo, finishing the day with two 2nds.

Nigel made a welcome return to the water, and despite a collision at the start of the second race, he was first to the windward mark.

Joan/Jack led overnight, with two races on Sunday started in a stronger than expected southerly could they keep their cool and fight off challenges from Banter et al. As it happened, Banter was a bit too eager to start and was called back (though he did suggest others were further over the line than him!), and promptly capsized, before making a sharp exit ashore. The course/conditions didn’t suit a couple of others who retired also.

AJ/Sue put in a good performance winning the first race ahead of Joan and Chris/Julie. The wind eased slightly in the afternoon but Banter kept his head to win, with Joan 2nd, and AJ 3rd.

Overall, Joan/Jack held on to their lead, and AJ/Sue’s 1st split the tie with Tony in their favour

Final results

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Winner Alastair Parker receiving trophy from Amber (Apologies about the shut eyes!)

The Tinkers were enjoying the conditions so much they had a total of six races, and had a tie for 1st overall that was split by the results of the final race with Alastair Parker pushing the regular winner Malcolm Ellwood into 2nd place. Vice Commodore Robin Dawson gave a vote of thanks, and his daughter Amber presented the prizes.

Our Southport team survived without major mishap (apart from being over at the start?) to finish 16th overall.

September Sunshine 

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A bit mixed would probably sum up the afternoon. Sunshine with cloudy spells, wind varying between force 0 and 3, and shifting between NE and NW!

As ever, OD Moore was determined to start on time, and he did. Unfortunately not all sailors were there on time. Despite being late for the start AJ, caught up with, and passed, Joan/Jack to take the lead which he held through to the finish. It’s a shame that he wouldn’t repeat it in the second race in which Joan got away and continued to strengthen her lead.

Banter sailed the first race well taking a deserved win from David Hazelden, but a good performance by Joe Watkins in his RS300 in the second race, and Banter doing an extra penalty turn for hitting a mark put paid to a repeat performance, and the race ended with David taking 1st place.

John Roberts in a Pico had one of those ‘could do better’ days when, in the first race, he couldn’t work out where he was going on the final leg giving away precious minutes (!) and his chance of 1st place to Mik. Jim C was out in his Hartley in the second race, and sailed well to take 1st with Mik 2nd.

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Sunday brought more sunshine but a battle of the winds left a central calm patch resulting in a delayed start once the forecast northerly took control of the racing area. As with Saturday, the wind direction twitched somewhat before backing more to the west by the end of the race which was the first of a two race, one day series for all classes on fleet handicap.

Another fly past

Mike/Kayla sailed well in the morning race to pull out out a good lead securing consistent lap times despite the variable conditions around the course, but the last lap conditions suited the GPs better as they closed the gap taking the first three positions, and Hugh in a Vareo took 4th pushyMike down to 5th.

The race after lunch had a steadier SW breeze which suited Mike’s F15 and he won overall more than 20 secs ahead of Joe W in a RS300. Hugh’s chance at winning disappeared as he capsized on the 2nd beat. Perhaps the afternoon conditions would never suit the GPs but AJ’s chance after taking the lead faded after trying to defend his position coming into the leeward mark which he promptly over-ran (or went the wrong side of) as he was taking down the kite.

Final positions were very close with GPs of Joan and Paul on 5pts, with Joan’s 1st splitting the tie in her favour, and Mike in his F15 with 6pts taking 3rd overall.

Final results

Calm before the storm?

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When the turbines at Bothel aren’t turning, it is not surprising that there is no wind on the lake. However, just before the scheduled start time a breeze s filled in from the south enabling the fleets to enjoy good sailing conditions throughout the afternoon, and the rain stayed away too!

A select fleet of two GPs, Dave/Lynn and Joan/Jack, battled it out each securing a win each. Joan currently leads the series. In the fast handicap fleet, it was Scumper and Banter in RS100s that mastered the conditions, each taking a 1st place. Steve/Ruth in their Merlin played second fiddle taking a 2nd and a 3rd, but Banter leads the series. With Tog’s Solo still being repaired after the Nationals, Joanie was back on the water again after her ducking on Thursday, and was pleased when the shorten course signal sounded  saving one further lap.

Despite Mik being keen to get a good start by mingling with the fast handicap fleet (he didn’t think he’d get away with that did he?!) in the first race, it was Jim in the Hartley 12 that won both races, and took the series lead from Hazel who was racing in the fast handicap fleet (correctly, of course, as she was in a Laser Radial).

DW etc Latest results 

Will the Bass micro climate save the day on Sunday, or will the forecast high winds prevent all racing for the day? Well, when everyone arrived the wind was moderate, the sun was shining, and the air temperature somewhat tropical, all so much better than forecast.

Although 8/9 boats prepared to go out, by the time they were ready to launch the wind had started to freshen, and white horses appeared. Only five boats took to the water, but Alex/Olivia, the love birds, retired after their main came down before the start, leaving just four starters. Ethan, being the smallest and lightest, was first to capsize in his Radial. Several capsizes later, he was first to finish too (having completed just one lap). It didn’t stop him going for a bit of a blast after finishing. The next casualty was Shunty/Ruth causing them to be 3rd on Handicap behind Dave/Lynn who had no competition in the GPs. We reckon Lynn had her foot well and truly down in relation to flying the kite as it never appeared once ( but they stayed upright)! That leaves winners Robbie D/Banter who took best advantage of the gusts by flying their kite. Although even Banter must have been getting nervous with the ‘guidance’ he was giving Robin. A blast for them after finishing resulted in a quick capsize…

BL etc latest results 

Night Jar Returns – Who was over the line?

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IMG_1038.JPGAfter a five week break the Night Jar restarted with Round 13. It was overcast with a constant force 4 southerly wind and some chop. The course was 7-3-1 giving a long beat, a good beam reach and a gybe mark leading to a close reach to the final mark.

There were 18 starters on a fairly short line and the GP of Val & Ken, going for the port end, was driven over and forced to return. Going from a fast leg into a tight gybe caused a few capsizes including the 200 of Toggle and Joan. At the end of lap 1 the two Joes – Watkins and Roberts – had pulled out a lead in their 300 and 100 respectively followed by the GPs. Joan & Jack had AJ & Sue close astern.

With lap times of 11 minutes and with rain threatening it was decided to finish the fleet after 3 circuits, the exceptions being Josh’s Tera and David’s Topper as they had been lapped.

On return to the Clubhouse and the meal prepared by Debbie and helpers, results were calculated. Joan & Jack took the win on FH from AJ & Sue with Joe Watkins third. Val & Ken had gradually worked themselves up the fleet to finish fourth ahead of Neil’s Radial.

On PH Hazel in a Radial took the win with Aj & Sue second closely followed by Izzie also in a Radial, it was great to see both girls sailing brilliantly in their Radials.

Over 50 helms have now contested one, or more, rounds in the Series and there are still three rounds to run.

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