Topper Association Winter Regatta 21/22 March

Opens Racing No Comments

 

 With 85 boats entered the site was very busy this morning as campers woke to a misty morning after a cold night. Saturday�s racing should have started at 11am but the mist was very slow to clear and it was after 2pm before the fleet took to the water. Some eager starters caused several general recalls, so it was to be another hour before the first race got under waySunday dawned with stronger winds which continued throughout the day keeping the many rescue craft occupied standing by while capsized dinghies were righted by their helm. It was to be another long day on the water! – The fleet went out at 10, sailed three races and were back at 2.

It really was a series of two halves with some competitors doing well in Saturday�s lighter winds and others favouring Sunday�s gusts. Overall there was a good mix of conditions over the weekend to test the competitors, but Felicity Foulds from Norfolk Broads Yacht Club, mastered them, was consistent, and took the championship title.

The Regatta which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

There are more videos to view (Unfortunately they will only work in Internet Explorer and Google Chrome at present)

 

Overall winner Felicity Foulds with Claire KirkpatrickAll the prizewinners!


Really Cold Blast During the Past

News No Comments
Can you remember what winters used to be like? Well, here’s one of Graham and Judith’s photos to remind us what effect it had on the lake. The framework of the old jetty is in the background, but no sign of the boathouse (not even a twinkle in Jak Jones eye at that stage!) – how times move on!

Turn Up The Heat!

Socials No Comments

There was a good turn out for Sunday’s walk, which avoided the icy hillside of Sale Fell and went to Wythop Mill, Embleton and back to the Club.

Meanwhile you’ll note that the heating has been turned on to melt the ice which has formed in the recent past. We are assured it will be a barmy 34o by the time sailing starts next month! – oF not oC though 🙂

Someone’s eager to help out – why don’t you follow his lead, it is always appreciated

Getting Some Practice In

News No Comments

Rich Critchley sent a photo of some keen swimmers at Pilkington Sailing Club in January. The second photo is of the 1993 winning Americas Cup boat Stars and Stripes with a well known club member at the helm (also in January). I know which sort of practice I prefer!

No, it’s not Mike Moore in the centre of the boat (does look like him though!)

Youth Squad

News No Comments

Below are some pictures of The Youth Squad that turned up at the meeting on 25th Jan.

Emma Smith introduced the new social organisers Becky and Robin Dawson, discussed the sailing programme,�and all were happy to start bolting on their races onto club races half way through the season when they had gained more confidence. Also, she explained the roles of the council, clarified the situation on boat hire, discussed who needed key fobs, volunteered Joe Watkins to be in charge of the Youth Squad notice board. Afterwards all played some pool and ate pizza!

Happy New Year!

News No Comments
As seen here the webcam caught the New Year revellers’ firework display!A new year and the lake is as glorious as ever, although there might be some small icebergs to contend with if you are in the mood for a sail.

If not too high on your priority list at the moment, remember that the season starts in March and that’s only two months away! Daunting thought

Christmas Comes But Once a Year…

Socials No Comments

…and when it does Santa gets an invite to the Bass children’s party. A fresh layer of snow meant he could again land on Skiddaw and get a lift across the lake in a dory using Rudolph’s nose to show the way

He was greeted by the new social secretary Lucy and then came in to sing a few Christmas songs and gave out some early Christmas presents

This year there were some small Santas too!

and, of course, some bigger kids who just love being on Santa’s knee!

Top Dog

News No Comments

Following the 57th AGM, Dave Nicholson has been elected Commodore. – full list of council members can be found here

Following much discussion it was agreed to alter the championship points awarded for weekend series to be double that of long series to help promote ongoing competition through to the end of the season

The treasurer’s accounts for the year were adopted, and Graham Kirkpatrick gave a vote of thanks to outgoing treasurer William Carruthers retiring after a total of 25 years on Council

Also, following challenges from two partners in crime (Messrs Fairlamb and Macpherson) it was agreed that subscriptions be increased as follows

Ordinary ��150
Family ��70
Junior ��35
Country ��74
Life ��60
Affiliated ��63
Senior ��105

NB Although not a rule change, the launch fee will rise in line with the review of the royalty rent to �27 per boat

Proposed rule amendments were agreed that

  • immediate past commodore to be renamed Rear Commodore
  • senior members to be eligible for posts on council
  • rule 9 reworded to define the club’s financial year

An update was given on the position with our application to the LDNPA for a lawful development certificate in connection with the siting of caravans which is taking an undue period to be resolved by the planners.

A request has been made to keep the accessible parking bays free for those members that need to make use of them

Outgoing Commodore Steve Hunt thanked everyone that had helped him during his term of office

What a way to go!

Racing No Comments

The forecast for the day implied that sailing might have been over for the season before any happy sailors turned up, but surprisingly the conditions were quite enticing – sunshine and a decent WNW breeze.

Seven boats made it to the start line for the final race of the season which turned out to have a good mix of reaches to blow the cobwebs away. The sun was swept away later by some black clouds that brought in more wind and dumped a little rain on the sailors.

William and Elaine broke away and made good use of various gusts to get sufficient lead to win on handicap. Jim Christie sailed well again, but as the wind picked up for the final 10 mins of the race there were several calamities of which Jim had one – unable to to run to the final leeward mark he reached and gybed several times but was caught out on the final gybe and capsized, but was soon upright and finished 2nd on handicap. Alan Nicholson had been the first to capsize at a gybe mark and was helped up only to turn turtle later in the squall that was passing through. Neil Garrison sailing his wayfarer single handed was caught out just after finishing, and capsized. He was helped ashore with a tow from the rescue crews. There was some uncertainty as to the adequacy of his boat’s buoyancy – at least he has all the close season to get it sorted! Jo Watkins was another to capsize in the squall but finished safely. Mike Turner and Sue Watson finished but then took their sails down to avoid ending their season with a capsize

Alan Waugh sailed well to finish third on handicap.

Apart from the final 10 mins or so, there had been some good sailing for the final race, and all were pleased to have made the effort. There was a close finish to the series, with William and Jim on equal points, but William’s couple of firsts split the tie in his favour, and he won the Winter Trophy presented by his parents many years ago.


					
 
	
	

							
 
	
 

	
		

		


	
 



		
	
 

 


					

						
					
 
		

						

				
Proudly powered by WordPress & Skyrocket Themes


 			
 
					
 
	

 

	
		

			
			
			
			MENU
		

	

	

		

			

				
Navigation