Following the latest government proposals to ease lockdown, reluctantly, the club council have decided it will not be possible to maintain appropriate social distancing to run our beloved Bass Week this year even if current restrictions on the use of changing facilities are lifted later in July. Therefore, sadly, Bass Week 2020 will not be held.
While you have your diaries out crossing out yet another event, please be sure to set aside 31st July – 8th August in 2021 for Bass Week 2021. It�s certain to be a cracker with so much catching up to do!
Will Thursday evenings ever be the same? There has been much activity on the esailing front, with 40 races being sailed in total. Ethan continued his mastery of the sometimes temperamental software to win ahead of Alex, and Dave Exley, in a series with 32 competitors.
While we edge everything closer to a new normal, and getting back on the water, there has been an array of virtual racing going on.
A few weeks ago Bass members had a mini series to determine who should represent the club in the NW area virtual championship. Ethan was the victor of the hotly contested series as there were 400 sailors competing for a place in the regional final which was a fleet of 20 from the top NW clubs.
The NW Area series was held earlier today, and was equally competitive.
Ethan takes the lead!Tended to be busy at the marks
Ethan did Bassenthwaite Sailing Club proud with some shrewd decision making and mark roundings. He had some consistent racing in a challenging field, finishing 7th overall.
While the country has been in lockdown, the sailors have been keeping their hand in with some friendly e competition. Not wishing to leave out the cadets, they have been racing at 6pm for the last three evenings, while their elders have been racing at 8pm.
Here’s an example of Reuben Allen’s last race in the cadets series
The final results were:
Well done to OD Paul Allen who almost had a clean sweep for the elders. Too much time (or was it wine?) on his hands?
It is with sadness that we have learnt that long standing member Capt. Ian King died yesterday, 9th April. Though not a racer, he would regularly be seen sailing in his Heron with Daphne Beck. Others may remember the pair litter picking during Bass Week for many years.
Our thoughts are with his daughter Muriel, and family, at this sad time.
The reality of not visiting�Bass on this sunny Easter weekend was, in a small way, helped by the enthusiasm�for some esailing on the popular sailing game, virtualregatta.com . The Night Jar was run as a test, with 7 cadets racing at 6p.m and 29 adults (and a few older cadets) racing at 8p.m.�
Congratulations to Henry taking an early lead from Cameron
Andrew & James Reekie, Cameron and Matthew Somerville, Grace & Reuben Allen, Henry Bullen and Jack Exley completed 4 windward/leeward races, starting in Star dinghies and later progressing to foiling catamarans and 49ers! The cadets where much better behaved than the adults, with fewer collisions and windward mark pile-ups. After 4 races Matthew Somerville was crowned champion with 4 x 1st places, closely followed by Henry Bullen in second.
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After we clapped on the door step in support of our key workers (mine was speeding on the way home to try and make race 1!) the first of 6 races split into 4 flights�started, with only minor confusion, lot’s of collisions and the majority of the fleet either 10 boat lengths shy of the line or 10 boat lengths over. As the 4 flights settled into the racing, skills improved and the competition hotted up. Andy Smith led a few before his internet decided to DNF, Dave Exley and Mark Somerville won a race each but couldn’t catch the Night Jar Champion, Ethan Dawson counting two first places. We plan to race over the bank holiday weekend (Sat/Sun/Mon), with cadets at 6pm and adults at 8pm. We’ve set up a Whatsapp group to try and manage the chaos (and craic) and communicate what’s happening when. If you want to join in please do the basic sailing course on the game then email Paul Allen. The game is a great leveller and much fun in these uncertain and wetsuit free times.�
We intend to join the herd (no mention of immunity!) and join sailing clubs up and down the country who are moving to virtual racing on the popular platform, https://www.virtualregatta.com/en/inshore-game/
The plan is to run a test race on Thursday evening starting at 8pm (kids hopefully tucked up in bed), and then over the bank holiday weekend run a 12 race series with 4 races on Sat/Sun/Mon also starting at 8pm (9 to count). Races normally last 8ish minutes. So far I have found the game works best in Google Chrome, however others tell me it also works as a download from the app store on phones and tablets. I recommend you complete the learn to sail course before hitting the start line!
The RYA are encouraging club participation and have published an extensive guide here. If that�s all too much then just create an account and get �on� the water! When creating an account and choosing a username, please make it obvious who you are so we know who to award the prizes to.
The game can be a bit glitchy, if you can�t log in or join a race, please try again. If you intend to join in please email me �so I can gauge numbers. The maximum is 20 boats in any one race, if we have more than 20 I will set up multiple races. When a race finishes we will roll straight into another until 4 are complete. To access private races you have to enter a join code. This will be �bass2020�. Check below�to see video instructions. Following racing we will post results on the club website along with some high action shots!
Hope you are all well and hope to see you virtually on Thursday evening, don�t forget to email me to sign on!
Due to the current situation the club council have taken the difficult decision to cancel all club events, racing, training and activities until 30/04/20. A further decision will be made then based on the situation and guidance.
PLEASE NOTE: The club grounds are out of bounds. Please do not visit the site. Thank you.
It is with sadness that we have learned of the recent death of founder member Val Rickerby. Val’s husband Ieuan Banner Mendus was instrumental in the creation of the club.
Following Ieuan�s death whilst racing on the lake with Val crewing, she continued her sailing, winning the club championship on at least two occasions. She has maintained her association with the club, and has been an honorary member for many years.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.
Various past Commodores with founder member Val Rickerby at the Diamond Jubilee celebration dinner in 2012
