Gosport Model Yacht & Boat Club
Affiliated to the Model Yachting Association (MYA)
2009
Autumn 2006
In this issue
Commodores Report
2008 Championship Results
2008 Photo Competition
A Class Report
Committee Business
Racing & OOD Duties
RC Laser Update
Free Sailing Report
As It was
Green Caps
2009 Event scoring
Multihull Report
Club Clothing
IOM News
Buoy Management
Items For Sale
Your Club Needs YOU
Hints & Tips
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Welcome to the first Newsletter for 2009, it is
very good to have
articles from our Class Captains keeping us up-to-date. You will see
that we are proudly continuing to fly the flag, making local residents
aware that we are open for
business. Visitors to the Club House will notice four new shields on the right hand wall, these are the trophies from the Tri-Services Radio Sailing Club who have now adopted Gosport as their home base. This year we will be adding to our local profile by supporting the Council with the Gosport Great Day Out on 14th June and also the 50th Anniversary of Gosport’s twinning with Royan on 23rd May. These are normal sailing days but we can expect visitors to come along and see what a superb model yachting facility Gosport provides. The Club operates for the members and you should address any points you wish to raise with either a Class Captain or a member of the Committee, these will then be raised at the next meeting. Our condolences go to the families of two of our skippers Tony Davis and Mike Mizzen who have recently died. |
Spring 2009 P. 1
| Class | EVENT | WINNER | TROPHY | ALLOCATION FOR 2009 |
| RA | Easter Cup | Peter Fothergill | Easter Cup | RA 2nd August |
| RA | Club series first | Peter Fothergill | McGilloway Cup | RA Club series |
| RA | Coronation Cup | Mike Nichols | Coronation Cup | RA 8th November |
| RA | Overall Champs 3rd | Peter Fothergill | Creston Cup | RA 3rd |
| RA | Overall Champs 2nd | Brian Leighton | MacPherson Cup | RA 2nd |
| RA | Overall Champs 1st | Mike Nichols | Rodney Cup | RA Overall |
| IOM | Q Cup | Mike Tattersall | Q Cup | IOM 15th March |
| IOM | Matthews Cup | Stan Nutchey | Mathews Cup | IOM 24th May |
| IOM | PM Series 1st | Colin Cooper | Clubman Trophy | IOM PM Series |
| IOM | AM Series 1st | Colin Cooper | Club Championship | IOM AM Series |
| IOM | Brazier Trophy | Brazier Trophy | IOM 16th August | |
| IOM | Overall Champs 3rd | Stan Nutchey | March Hare Cup | IOM 29th March |
| IOM | Overall Champs 2nd | Mike Tattersall | Consolation Cup | IOM 26th April |
| IOM | Overall Champs 1st | Colin Cooper | JubileeCup | IOM Overall |
| IOM | Curry Mug | Curry Mug | IOM 15th February | |
| IOM | Trinity Cup | Trinity Cup | IOM 13 th September | |
| IOM | Brothers Cup | Brothers Trophy | IOM 15th November | |
| RCL | Trojan Cup | Alec Powell | Trojan Cup | RCL 31st January |
| RCL | Winter Series 1st | Tim Davison | Munster Cup | RCL Winter Series 1st |
| RCL | Summer Series 1st | Alec Powell | Sally Irvine Cup | RCL Summer Series 1st |
| RCL | Spring Series 1st | Dennis Bookham | Rowe Bowl | RCL Spring Series 1st |
| RCL | Thursday Evening Series 1st | David Edwards | Corke Trophy | RCL Thursday Evening Series 1st |
| RCL | Autumn Series 1st | Chris Moore | Electric Cup | RCL Autumn Series 1st |
| RCL | Overall RC Lasers Champ 3rd | Chris Moore | Francis Cup | RCL Overall RC Lasers Champ 3rd |
| RCL | Overall RC Lasers Champ 2nd | Dennis Bookham | Sandford Cup | RCL Overall RC Lasers Champ 2nd |
| RCL | Overall RC Lasers Champ 1st | Alec Powell | Tamplin Cup | RCL Overall RC Lasers Champ 1st |
| VA | Club Champs | Graham Wyeth | Nyria Trophy | VA Club Champs |
| 36 | Club Champs | Jacque Cook | Bilmor Cup | 36” Club Champs |
| Vane | Vane Championship | Graham Wyeth | Six-a-Side Cup | Vane Championship |
| MH | Club Champion | Multihull Cup | MH Club Champion | |
| MH | Speed Event | Multihull Speed Trophy | MH Fastest Skipper | |
| All | Most Improved Skipper | Chris Moore | Taylor Trophy | Most Improved Skipper |
| Overall | Club RC Champion | Colin Cooper | Yachtmaster | Cup Club RC Champion |
| Overall | Services to Club | Arnie Peace | Astrape Cup | Services to Club |
| All | Photograph Competition | John Smith | India Plate & Medal | Photograph Competition |
The India Plate and Medal for 2008 was won by John Smith with the picture below.
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| For super pictures of yachts go to this link for Malcolm Donald’s phenomenal web site www.malcomdonald.com |
JOHN HAYSTON PROMOTES THE RA CLASS
| 2008 was a
pretty successful year for the Radio As, although race days seemed
almost exclusively to herald gale force winds and torrential rain. Everyone is to be congratulated on some good competitive racing – or those still on the water at the end of each meeting that is. The 1st Championship meeting on 8th. February was very light winds by contrast, and we hope for more equable conditions this year. That day saw a good fleet out, despite absences of several skippers through surgery/holiday etc. - looking forward to seeing recovered hospital cases on the water as soon as possible. Several new boats have arrived or are on the way so we can expect some high standard and close racing this year. For those who HAVE NOT succumbed to the lure of the delightful Radio As, do come and see what you are missing on a Championship Sunday or better still also pop down on the previous Thursday when people are often testing their As and may be able let you have a go. |
 Picture by Mike Clifton |
Spring 2009 P. 4
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| Sailing Programme. The question of who is to organise the sailing programme for next year was raised and it was agreed that we will try to retain the yearly Club calendar with only a few changes to suit the MYA programme and the shift that is necessary due to Easter. Robert is the Club contact for open events and John Smith has control of the web site for any additional questions and information. |
| RC Laser Nationals 2009 On the weekend of June 20th/21st GMBYC will host the RC Laser National Championships for the second time. The first occasion was back in 2003 when the event was run from the old wooden Clubhouse and the sailing took place on the small lake due to problems with the main pond. Both the Club and the Laser Class have come a long way since that event; this time around we are expecting about 60 skippers to take part, which will be double the number of boats that took to the water 6 years ago. As the Class has also grown internationally we expect a handful of entries from overseas, the first of which has already been received from Australia. Preparations for the event are well underway and with such superb facilities now at its disposal, the RC Laser Fleet is hoping to host a Championship which will add to the standing of the Club both at home and abroad. |
FREE SAILING with MERVYN COOK
| The coming
season for vane sailors should be an exciting one, with challenges for
all. We have no less than three championship events at the Club during
2009. District championships for both A's and 36's, and the two-day 36
national championship in October. We are also hosting one leg of the UK/USA 36 challenge trophy. With class racing for both A's and 36's every month, there is plenty of opportunity to get on the water and practice. Regular sailing on our own home waters, should give us some advantage over the opposition! A class members have no less than three new boats in build. In the 36 class there are five, from four different designers. With vane gears becoming more freely available, and there is a real buzz about this new fleet. Further, the Gosport fleet is dispelling the perhaps rather 'comfortable' image of the 36. |
 Mike Dann’s Superb new 36”vane yacht. The quality of the moulding and fittings, plus some novel ideas is a joy to behold. Just compare the hull shape with the wooden 1950’s 36” Lady Betty on the left. |
| Our boats are proving that they can race in any wind-strength, and
you definitely need to sprint to keep up when spinnakers are set in a
breeze.
The boats are becoming exciting and ultra-modern, and the freedom to experiment which the very simply framed rules allow, is making for a fascinating little boat. To help skippers who may be new to vane sailing, the 36's are sailing every Friday morning. This is an informal morning on the water, giving an opportunity to try out new ideas and settings against other boats. Informal races are held, with the usual rules of vane racing set aside to allow several boats to start together. You can see some footage of the fun on 'Malcolm Donald's Sailing Movies' website, go to Model Yachting, and then 'Freesailing 2009'. The remarkable thing about vane sailing is that there is as much challenge for the crew, (known as a mate) as for the skipper. Once you are separated from your skipper by the width of the lake, there is no option but to make your own decision about retrimming. And skippers have no option but to trust their crew. There is a shortage of crews in both fleets; why not come and try your hand at vane sailing one day. Broad smiles at the end of the day are guaranteed!! |
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Spring 2009 P. 6
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Ronnie Jurd’s A Class Seri Sail No K 466 Below Captain G J Lazell with A Class Defiance Sail No 9 Gosport 1926  |
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The photo on the
left shows Colin Cooper receiving his Green Caps for the IOM Club
Championship and for the overall Club Radio Championship. Well done
Colin. There have been comments concerning the need to continue the awarding of these Green Caps, they are seldom seen at the Lake during the year and although initially thought a good idea perhaps they have run their course. Let the Committee have your thoughts on this matter. The Club will award a greater number of cups for individual events during this racing year, rather than first, second and third for the overall results. We hope that this will encourage more skippers to win one of our magnificent trophies. |
Spring 2009 P. 7
MIKE TATTERSALL TROPHY RACES and SCORING| RC Laser Racing RC Laser Racing will be held on 24 Saturdays and 9 Thursday evenings. Saturday racing will be divided into 4 Series (Winter (6), Spring (6), Summer (6) and Autumn (6) rounds). Additionally the Winter Championship for the Trojan Cup will be raced on Saturday 31st January. For RC Laser trophies all races in each series are aggregated for the final results without regard to the individual rounds and then discards are identified. The RC Laser programme, scoring system and results may be found at the RC Laser page of the Club Website. However for the Club Radio Championship each round of Saturday racing will count the 8 races with 3 discards. The winner will score 20 (or number of competitors which ever is the greater) points with each subsequent place scoring one point less. Each round of Thursday racing will consist of 6 races with 2 discards. The winner will score 10 or (number of competitors which ever is the greater) points with each subsequent place scoring one point less. IOM Racing IOM Racing will be held on 9 Sundays with AM and PM Series run separately. Each Round of AM racing will consist of 10 races (weather permitting) allowing for 2 discards. The winner will score 20 (or number of competitors which ever is the greater) points with each subsequent place scoring one point less towards the IOM AM Series. Each competitor’s best 7 rounds will be counted to determine the overall Series positions. Each Round of PM racing will consist of 6 races (weather permitting) allowing for 1 discard. The winner will score 10 or (number of competitors which ever is the greater) points with each subsequent place scoring one point less towards the IOM PM Series. Each competitor’s best 7 rounds will be counted to determine the overall Series positions. IOM Cup Competitions will be held on 15th February, 15th March, 29th March, 26th April, 24th May, 16th August, 13th September and 15th November. These competitions will consist of 12 races (weather permitting) with no race starting after 1400. In addition points will be awarded as in the IOM AM Series towards the IOM Club Championship. The IOM Club Championship will consist of the 26 IOM competitions (9 AM & PM and 8 Cup). All events will count towards the final overall positions. Radio A Racing Radio A Racing will be held on 10 Sundays. Each Round of racing will consist of 12 races (weather permitting) with no race starting after 1400. The winner will score 20 (or number of competitors which ever is the greater) points with each subsequent place scoring one point less towards the RA Series. Each competitor’s best 7 rounds will be counted to determine the overall Series positions. The racing on 20th September will be combined with the Gosport Round of the PRACC but for the purposes of the RA Series GMYBC Members will be scored against each other to determine the award of Series points. RA Cup Competitions will be held on 2nd August and 8th November. These competitions will consist of 12 races (weather permitting) with no race starting after 1400. In addition points will be awarded as in the RA Series towards the RA Club Championship. The RA Club Championship will consist of the 12 RA competitions (10 Series and 2 Cup). All events will count towards the final overall positions. The Club Radio Championship The Championship will consist of the 72 Radio Sailing Events (34 Laser, 26 IOM and 12 RA (see above). All events will count towards the final overall positions. IOM and RA Results The results of IOM and RA racing may be found at the results page of the Club Website. URL http://gosportmybc.org.uk They are also available on the Radio Sailing Results page of Mike Tattersall’s Website. URL http://homepage.ntlworld.com/michael.tattersall2/Site%202/radiosailing.html |
Spring 2009 P. 8
Return to Table of Contents| Welcome to 2009, the year of the Multihulls at Gosport!! I’m thrilled with our brand new series running this season for our Class and at the expanding fleet of boats we have on the water. Interest is growing and skippers from other Classes have been great in ‘having a go’ and trying something different. Our racing will take on a very different format to other Classes. We run short fleet races in a traditional format, then open the stopwatches for an hour of speed racing. Who will get their Multihull running the fastest this year? |
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At the end of the
day we start the ‘Borrow a Boat’ race, an opportunity for
skippers to swap boats and try their hand with an unfamiliar craft! Although we are competitive our main emphasis is on having fun, sharing hints and tips and above all enjoying our sailing. We have a mixture of catamarans and trimarans all to the Mini 40 rules ready for the series, however on our Open Days we have seen a couple of other multihulls venturing onto the water. If you fancy having a go this year the dates are in the calendar, so feel free to come along and join in. |
CUSTOMISED CLUB CLOTHING
A NEW CLUB CLOTHING PRICE LIST WILL BE PLACED ON THE NOTICE BOARD IN THE CLUB HOUSE
In future will members order their choice of apparel direct from Swift UK, they have the Club Logo etc on their computer
system. The new prices will include postage to provide delivery direct to your home address. Payment with order please.
Swift UK, CHURCHERS YARD, PORTSMOUTH ROAD, FISHERS POND,( NEAR COLDEN COMMON), HANTS. Tel 02380 600500.
Your name embroidered on item £1.75. They can now add names to caps
Other items possible (Fleeces, Gilets, Rugby Shirts etc.) SEE CATALOGUE IN CLUB HOUSE
BE SMART AND HELP ADVERTISE GOSPORT MODEL YACHT& BOAT CLUB
Spring 2009 P. 9
| The start of this years
racing saw 14 hardy types braving arctic conditions in the first round
of the IOM series. Its very encouraging to see such enthusiasm at the
start of 2009. The subsequent rounds have also been well supported with
20+ competitors. New members have been prominent in the races. With
fleets of 20 boats on the water it can be quite taxing and so it has
been particularly pleasing to see racing carried out with good spirit
which helps to increase the enjoyment for all. Lets keep it up! With this level of entries we are probably nearing the limit using the present system of 10 races with 2 or 3 observers. A 2 fleet system is inclined to be cumbersome so I think we perhaps ought to try say 12 races with a quarter of the competitors off at one time if numbers reach 24 to 28. This gives 9 scoring races each. All comments and suggestions on this will be welcome. Finally two reminders , firstly the next IOM race on 26th April is a cup race and also be aware that keen sailors can use the small lake when the large lake is being used for other classes. I understand that there are 5 buoys available in the small lake so setting a good course is easy. Page 2 has the full listing of 2009 cup events. |
 Ken Shell’s Action picture of Brian Leighton’s Lintel leading my Italiko (ed.) |
BUOY MANAGEMENT AT THE LAKES
 One of the 8 new Buoys on the large lake. |
 The 5 buoys on the small lake for sailing every Sunday |
YACHTS FOR SALE
The following were for sale when this issue was compiled, please contact those below if you require further information
Martin Raishbrooke IOM Gadget Complete very good condition
Doug Genders Vane A Fibre Glass very good condition
Vane A Beautiful Wooden Yacht Built by John Gale
Graham Wyeth IOM
Derek Morland RA Sweet Recently refurbished and ready to win
John Smith, the web site manager, has added “A FOR SALE” section/page(s) to the website. Members wishing
to use this new service can send him details to include description, price, contact details and pictures if
they are available. A picture is worth a thousand words or could it just add pounds to the price.
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GMY&BC NEEDS THE HELP OF THE MEMBERSHIP
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With the Club activities developing and new members joining it is important to ensure that we maintain our enthusiasm and also involve the new skippers with some of our traditional and new tasks that help provide the high standard of services we all enjoy. First off we have four major open free sailing events at Gosport this year and our usual team will be quite stretched. We would be very grateful for any offers of assistance from any of the other fleets. In particular we need volunteers for starters, scorers and line-judges. If you haven't had experience of these roles before, training can be given, and a fun day is guaranteed! Please talk with the free sailing class captain, Mervyn Cook, if you are in a position to help. |
| Secondly we
need one or two volunteers to manage the racing buoys, this involves
removing and repositioning the buoys when major Vane events are taking
place. To look after the maintenance of the buoys and their mooring
systems and provide course changes at national events. You must be
fully comfortable in a dingy and at all times wear a buoyancy aid when
on the lakes. Thirdly the existing printer for the Club computer is becoming tired and we will be purchasing a laser colour printer, this printer will enable us to print this Newsletter, yearly Racing Schedule and the AGM correspondence. This will involve considerable time in printing and compiling we are therefore looking for a volunteer to be responsible for the Club printing. Fourthly as you are all aware we started 2009 without a Sailing Secretary, already it is proving difficult despite the best efforts of Mike Tattersall and the Class Captains. We really need a Sailing Secretary to keep an eye on the racing and the programme, especially for next year and to keep the Committee up-to-date on aspects of the sailing. |
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Photo’s above by Joyce’s toy boy Ken Shell.
 Solent University 1st year students from the Marine Architects Course sailing their projects at Gosport in 2008. |
 Stephen Botes was the winner of the sailing. |
| Please can skippers taking advantage of the Tea & Coffee in the Club House remember to also contribute to the costs, lately the kitty tin is looking very slim. Clubhouse/Boathouse: (a) New Buoys: All new buoys are now in place. (b) First Aid Box. PL is to update the first aid box to ensure the contents are within the correct date. Contents up dated. (c) Fire extinguishers. The existing extinguishers are to be fased out for current dry dust units. One is to be placed in the Club house as well as the Boat House. New extinguishers now in place. (d) Lighting in the boat house. PL is to adjust the height of the lighting units over the test tank etc. This is to ensure that there is sufficient height that boats do not hit these units when being moved in and out of the measuring tank and the boat house. The height of the lights has now been adjusted. (e) Call Out List. The police are to be informed of the change in House Officer for call out purposes. The police have been contacted and the list has been changed to reflect the changes i.e. Pete Lawley, John Storey and Gary Cooper. (f) Shutters. The cttee felt at this time the problem is not that serious to renew all the shutters but agreed that some remedial work needs to be carried out. PL explained to the cttee the work that he recommends that should be carried out on the shutters. This will mean that a temporary steel shutter will be made by PL and inserted in place of the shutter that is going to be repainted etc. The method of dismantling is known and the important matter is that the security of the Club is not put at risk. This work will be carried out by PL and any willing volunteers that come forward. The work will commence when the weather is warmer and the days longer. PL explained that there are special coatings, paints and items required for this job and he knows were to obtain these items. (g) Maintenance. The House Officer has carried out work on the following items; the wheelbarrow, foot pump, refurbished the rakes and renewed the handles and destroyed some wood worm infested items. |
issue:
COMPETITION RESULTS
PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
LASER NEWS
AS IT WAS
IOM PROPOSALS
MARBLEHEAD NATS
CLUB DAY
CLUB CLOTHING
BUOY MANAGEMENT
YACHTS FOR SALE
VANE “A” NATS REPORT
NEWS FROM THE BOAT HOUSE
Welcome to the second issue of this years newsletter, one wonders where the time goes. Although we have enjoyed many Gosport sunny days and have faired better than most of the country the rain has effected one or two of our events, worst of all Vane A Nationals /Cowes week which is normally a scorcher.
The Laser fleet had better watch out next year because Penny Clark, a member of Team GB at the Olympics’ in China now has her very own rclaser. Many congratulations to Penny from all the Club members and what another splendid first for GMY&BC, a skipper in the Olympic Sailing Team. (more news on page 6)
The Club sailing programme, 90 events, has kept most skippers busy with their chosen class. The programme for next year is in draft form and under discussion with the Committee, should you have any thoughts on next years programme please let John Smith, Sailing Secretary, know as soon as possible.
Upwards of 30 skippers have attended the organised talks this year all thoroughly enjoying Mike Tattersall on Match Racing, Bill Green on Vane Sailing and its Rules and the most recent one Peter Wiles on Yacht Design and Sailing. Judging by the extremely favourable feed-back we will try to arrange further events during the coming year.
The recycled boat race involving Play Schemes and Gosport Council was once again a great success, the boat designs obviously benefiting from the crib sheets supplied by the Club. The Mayor and Mayoress Derek and Pat Kimber supported this event and presented the prizes.
Solent University held its annual, first year design course, sail off as usual. Tthe number of yachts competing being more than ever with a considerable improvement in their sea worthiness, with only one yacht lost. This event will feature in the December issue of Model Boats Magazine.
The Committee runs the Club on your behalf and recently there have been instances when members have chosen to go against the wishes of your Committee by trying to establish their short term desires over the continuing interests of the silent majority. The Committee’s decisions had caused some dissatisfaction with some members which has been successfully resolved.
Your Committee is dedicated to supporting all aspects of radio, vane and yacht sailing alike.
Despite strong resistance from Brian, our Treasurer, the Committee is continuing to spend your money on the repair of our trophies, new buoys, additional seating around the Lake and the improvement of storage in the Boat House.
Issues have been raised over the future of the A Class Nationals at Fleetwood and the possibility of Gosport taking it over. The Committee referred this to the MYA who have decided to continue the bi-annual event with Fleetwood until its centenary in 2022.
Our Club membership is continuing to grow with at the moment 134 members, which I am sure is down to the friendly welcome we give our visitors, the excellent facilities and the magnificent racing programme that runs throughout the year, the old adage that success breeds success still holds true.
I would like all members to really think about how we can best celebrate our Centenary in 2013.
Tight sheets and full sails Robert.
These are the results available at the 6th October and are not the final scores for events during 2008.
The results are from Alec Powell, Mervyn Cook and Mike Tattersall. Many thanks to all of you for your
diligent and hard work in collating the efforts of our skippers.
| Class | First | Second | Third | Fourth | Fifth |
| Vane A | Graham Wyeth 57.5 | Shaun Wyeth 45.5 | Anthony Warren 41.5 | Mervyn and Peter 39 | Derek Kitchener 25 |
| Vane 36 | Jacque Cook 45 | Mervyn Cook 32 | Martin Dovey 29 | Shaun Wyeth 27 | Graham Wyeth 25 |
| IOM a.m. | Colin Cooper 137 | Nigel Brown 129 | Mike Nichols 119 | Mike Tattersall 116 | Stan Nutchey 115 |
| IOM p.m. | Colin Cooper 72 | Mike Tattersall 64 | Stan Nutchey 61 | Nigel Brown 57 | Mike Nichols 53 |
| IOM Club | Mike Tattersall 247 | Colin Cooper 246 | Stan Nutchey 210 | Nigel Brown 198 | Mike Nichols 182 |
| RA Series | Mike Nichols 134 | Peter Fothergill 116 | Colin Cooper 115 | Brian Leighton 115 | John Smith 96 |
| RA Club | Mike Nichols 173 | Brian Leighton 164 | Peter Fothergill 155 | Colin Cooper 133 | John Smith 130 |
| Club Radio Championship | Colin Cooper 379 | Denis Bookham 357 | Mike Nichols 354 | Mike Tattersall 352 | Brian Leighton 307 |
| Laser Thursday Evenings | David Edwards | Russell Clark | Chris Moore | ||
| Laser Summer Series | Denis Bookham | Peter Marshall | David Edwards |
COMMITTEE CHANGES UNDER WAY
JOHN SMITH, our Sailing Secretary does not wish to stand for re election next year, although he will continue with the web site This is a big blow to the Club because of John’s experience in management and computers also he was one of the early committee members who were paramount in getting the Club on its feet and as we know it to day.
MIKE THOMAS, our House Officer has also decided to stand down which is another big blow because Mike has designed and made all the bespoke fittings in the Club and Boat House, kept the facility clean and tidy as well as managing all the domestic duties and providing the consumables that members all too easily take for granted.
We are looking for volunteers to fill these positions so please see who you can get, no broken arms please, to agree to have their name on the nomination forms.
Some of John’s duties could be shared with the Class Captains and Mike’s job could be divided and undertaken by 3 or 4 of you, however it would be desirable if the lead person lived in or near to Gosport to deal with the local issues that arise just due to us having the Club House.
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Do not forget to send in your pictures for the first year of this competition. The “INDIA TROPHY” is a splendid silver salver, presented by Dr Abhay More. This is your chance to have the first name engraved on the display plinth, so get snapping and send in your sailing related photo to the Committee. |
YOUR AGM SUNDAY 7th DECEMBER
The 2008 AGM will soon be with us, so if you have any items for discussion or submission please let the Committee have them ASAP so they can be prepared for the notification documents which must be issued two weeks before the AGM. The closing for the committee’s action is the next meeting on the 2nd November 2008. The AGM will be held in the Alverstoke Church Hall, the same venue as last year, at 2.00 pm
The MYA AGM is on the 29th November 2008 and if we as a Club have any issues we wish to raise please let the Committee know. There are two Motions from the MYA (a) To remove the Appeals Panel and direct such appeals to the RYA. and (b) To update the Executive and Non Executive list of the MYA Officers. Unless the GMY&BC Committee hear otherwise we will support these motions.
In way of advance information the Committee will be submitting proposals on Membership, Members Behaviour, Subscriptions and possibly the question of all members joining the MYA after all it is our National body.
36” YACHT of CHARACTER?
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Two new 36” yachts seen at the lakes recently. On the left Bruce Prole’s Lady Betty On the right is my Lady Betty called Lady Eva, well one has to get Brownie points where one can. Both of these 1950’s designs were finished this year and both sailed very well, we must get them on the water together next time. |
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Membership State: 134 members, this includes 7 life members.
The question was raised about the storage of members’ names, addresses and phone numbers in the minutes file in the Clubhouse. This is for contact purposes in the case of a medical or other emergency. It was felt to be sufficiently secure based in the Club room which is accessible only when key holders are on site.
Financial State: BL reported detailing the receipts and payments since the last meeting and that we are in a healthy financial state but there has been greater expense than in the previous year. Serious consideration was given to raising the subscription because we are now paying heavily for the utilities, alarm and insurances. The committee propose for 2009 a subscription of £35.00 with a £10.00 discount for payment made by the 31st December 2008 when renewing a membership. Late payers and new members will pay the full £35.00. Note to Keith Brewer thanking him for his services. Accounts need to be scrutinised. RH spoke to Ken Shell who is happy to undertake this role.
Trophies (a) A record of the winners of all the trophies is being compiled.
( b) Repairs to trophies. The Coronation Cup has been repaired and the Six a Side Trophy refurbished
(c) Spastics Cup This is to be renamed refurbished and allocated to a suitable class
(d)Auditing. A new auditor is required as K Brewer does not wish to continue.
Buoys and Vane events.
(a) New Buoys. Now eight buoys on the lake including one new one. Three further buoys will be in place shortly. The others are on order. Now have 4 buoys on winders for use when additional buoys are needed for the start and finish lines. The agreed positions are indicated on a map that will be on display in the Boat House. The map will also give health and safety instructions for their installation and removal
Clubhouse/Boathouse:
(a) PA Trolley. A new, smaller, PA Trolley has been built by Mike Thomas
(b) Sail Racks. Unauthorised use of the sail box rack is still continuing, this must be stopped.
(c) Vane poles. The storage place for the starting and finishing poles has been changed
(d) Ladder Rack. This is now relocated and is also a great improvement.
(e) Shutters. Discussion on the state of the paintwork on the shutters and the need to deal with blistering etc this winter. Due to the need to probably complete the job on site, it was agreed that the Council should be contacted re the short life of the equipment. We have obtained a budget quotation for powder coating the shutters of £6/700.00
(f) Keys. To control security no further keys will be issued, we believe there are enough in circulation.
2008/9 Sailing Programme:
(a) Marblehead National and Vintage Competition: It was agreed by the Committee because of the difficulties in the differences between the modern and vintage Marblehead vessels that there would not be a separate competition of the two types and that a special award would be given to the highest placed vintage boat in the event. However, the entries show that there are no vintage boats participating.
(b) Sailing Rules. First drafts of the illustrated book are being perused by two Committee members.
(c) Vane Nationals. This was a huge success with an excellent team and first class social events. In spite of the weather there was excellent sailing. Financially the books balanced. The Committee would like particular thanks to be sent to Martin Bandey for taking over at such short notice and running such a successful Regatta. Also thanks to Martin and Liz Bandey and Ray and Nora Baker for setting up the social events. The awards, “Friends of the A Class and Gosport” (FOG) in recognition of their support over the years for this event by the Club were purchased from “Marked and Sparkling” These were much appreciated by the four recipients.
(d)Flag Poles. The flag poles were purchased and looked very good at the A Nationals. Thanks to Pete and Julie Lawley for their sterling work ensuring they were erected with flags and put away each day.
(e) Laser Nationals. There has been a review concerning the date of the National Laser Competition to be held 13/14th June 2009 it is now scheduled for the weekend of 20/21st June 2009.
(f) Micro Magic Class. Series of e-mails since Class informed of Committee agreement that because of the busy sailing programme already in place the Club could not support such an event. Consideration would be given for inclusion next year if an application is received. We have informed them that any request for next year needs a liaison officer from within Gosport MY&BC.
(g) Next year’s Sailing Diary. We have applied for and offer to host the following competitions; 36 Vane Nationals, Laser Nationals, PRACC rounds, Met & Southern District competition, H M Services Nationals plus a MYA Workshop this latter event was allocated elsewhere .
(h) Recycled Boat Race. Tremendous success with many entries and provided excellent publicity for the Club. The schedules provided for children to work from were much appreciated. Thoughts on what should be awarded prizes next year to be considered perhaps a theme like Pirates or a prize for the best finished/prettiest.
Correspondence:
(a) Letter from Peter Whiteside re Gosport as venue for Vane A Championships next year instead of Fleetwood. Lengthy discussion followed with Committee agreeing that the selection of a venue is a matter for the MYA. RH will write to the MYA to ask that they investigate the issue, particularly as although the straw poll undertaken by Peter Whiteside showed that 37 skippers and crew said they would return to Gosport next year, 27 said they would go to Fleetwood. If Fleetwood cannot be encouraged to maintain the event could another Club be approached? Clearly Gosport is happy to stand by the present bi-annual arrangements. The MYA replied saying that the intention is for the event to be held at Fleetwood.
(b) E-mail from Martin Bandey who felt that other awards should have been made at the Vane A Championship from the Club. The awards made were for Friends of the A Class and Gosport (FOG). The presentations made clear that for two of the awards they were not associated with fifty years. After discussion, the Committee felt that it was not appropriate for an MYA team solely to run the event.
Council Business and Long Term Projects.
(a) Provision of new benches. Three new benches have been installed one we have contributed towards £400.00
(b) Notice Boards. The wording has been agreed and three notice boards will be installed in the near future. We have provided a draft of a display board concerning the Lakes and the Club placed in Walpole Park. This consisted of photographs and text explaining the history of the lakes.
(c) Sluice Gate. The sluice gate had a leak, due to an obstruction which has been repaired and is now under a yearly maintainance check by the contractors.
(d) Fendering. The Committee agreed a donation £150:00 to the GBC for the provision of the new fendering. See photo on page11
Safety Issues:
(a) Water testing by the Public Health Department is continuing to ensure the water is safe, particularly in the smaller lake. English Nature continue to monitor both lakes.
(b) RH dealt with Enforcement Officers who visited the club on Saturday 30th August with charges of fly tipping/littering offences. This was due to a complaint from two members of the public witnessing items removed from the large lake being placed into the corner of the small lake to await disposal as per the instructions of the contractors responsible for lake clearance. No further collection of rubbish to take place. A letter was written to the members of the public concerned apologising for upsetting them and explaining the actions to be taken. In future, unless it is desperate, we will only remove rubbish on a Thursday. This is prior to the weekly clean up by the GBC team. We will place trolleys etc on the hard standing at the West end of the small lake with small rubbish in a black bag for their collection. If there is a special problem we will contact GBC for a specific collection
Club Rules: A new Rule Book is being compiled covering small amendments being made to reflect the changes to be incorporated and submitted for ratification at the 2008 AGM. A public liability clause has be added to the rules in the light of an incident that happened at a local sailing event, the Club’s insurance company stated that the Club was fully covered in this matter
Archive. An 8mm film and scrapbooks of events at the Club before the war have been lent to MC. It was agreed that the Club would fund transferring the film to DVD and copying items from the scrapbooks
Members welfare. Ron Keiffer has volunteered to look out for missing members, in case they are unwell. "if you are hospitalised or suffer long term illness contact your welfare officer on 01329 665227 who will inform committee and keep you informed on Club activities. Ron has experience with this type of activity as he has looked after the members of Naval Fishing Association in a similar way for many years.
Club/Open Days The Committee propose to try and run “free sailing option” days on the Summer Bank Holidays, similar to the event shown on page 9. Skippers can champion their own favourite craft and also have a go on other classes, no organised racing just fun with yachts, boats and scale together with lots of tea and chat.
Sailing on the small lake Several members have investigated the use of the small lake for racing when there is a competition on the large lake. This has proved possible for IOM use so IOM racing /sailing is possible at Gosport every Sunday if the skippers turn up.
Donation to our president’s charity (the Mayor). It has been suggested that the Club contributes to this fund each year, what do you, the Members, think?
For sale The Club has £31.00 in the form of a voucher for the Marine Super Store. The committee agreed that the voucher may be purchased by any Club member at a discount for £25-00 if they are interested
Sailing Rules Session. Chris Watts may be able to give a presentation on the rules, in the morning at the Club House prior to the AGM at the Church Hall, NB to be confirmed.
Information
Please note that the minutes of all the Committee Meetings are available in a blue folder in the Club House.
RC Laser Gosport Skippers at the Olympics. This year’s best excuse for missing a Thursday Evening event undoubtedly goes to Russ Clark; his excuse? he was in Qingdao supporting his wife Penny who was competing for team GBR in the Laser Radial class. Penny posted some very impressive results in the first five races, counting a 1st, 2nd and 3rd, but unfortunately her other two results were in the twenties which, with only one discard from the 10 races, left her needing top ten results in the final five races to keep her in the chase for the medals. Penny qualified for the medal race and finished an impressive 10th overall. Whilst Penny was training hard for China this summer, Russ bought an RC Laser for Penny to use when all the hard work was over, so we hope to see her at the lakeside sometime over the winter: although he also purchased a foiling moth dinghy for Penny, which might have more appeal!!! Well done to both Penny and Russ for representing the country and the region in such fine style.
WHERE WE ARE SPENDING YOUR MONEY?
The Committee are pressing ahead with the payment and reimbursement of travelling expenses for organised presentations at the Club. We had a super presentation by Peter Wiles last month where I was amazed that the yacht hull only contributed 7% to the overall efficiency and performance of our yachts . The massive 93% being derived from the sails, fin and ballast. This fact alone was well worth the fee.
You will have noticed the three new benches at the lakes, two on the North bank and one on the East end especially for the vane sailing. New Buoys are being set in the lake ,and additional flag poles have been purchased.
Brian Leighton has arranged for the trophies to be re valued and has started the repair programme of the silver ones with the revitalised Coronation Cup. The “Sixaside” cup presented by Graham Wyeth’s father has been replated and polished with half the refurbishment cost £110.00 being donated by Graham. The six a side relates to a 10 Rater hull that was built with six planks per side. Thanks Graham.
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Above the new twin bench configuration and the West end of the lake showing the additional bench Far left the repaired Coronation Cup Near left the re plated Sixaside Cup |
AS IT WAS !
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left Ronnie Jurd and Peter West With Calypso a Priest design 1956 sail no 748. right Crusader sail no 80 Sailing in 1925 |
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| V1
Sail
No
133
Gertrude Sail No
3
Astrape Sail No 234 F Berkett’s JG Feltwell design Ronnie Jurd’s D Thompson design Admiral A Turners own design Gosport 1934 or 36 Note the swimming pool in the background |
IOM FLEET SIZE AND CLUB RACING
| Some members have raised the
point of the size of the IOM fleet on some Sundays ( which is great to
see) causing some problems with collisions shorter tempers and
occasional chaos especially when there are 18 boats at one time? We could consider the following possibilities. Fleets of smaller numbers would be much more manageable for the skippers. Even the most experienced get into trouble with 18 and it does rather spoil things and - heaven forbid - might put people off. Suggestion include (a) Race 2 fleets as in District and Nats This has the effect of ranking the fleet with out actually giving each skipper a club rating. This would probably return IOM events to an all day competition (b) Race 2 courses either at each end of the lake or on the little one for one fleet, interchanging as necessary (c) Rank skippers and run two levels of event on alternate IOM Sundays. (No I do not wish to do the Ranking) (d) It is thought that over 15 boats require 2 fleets and over 22 boats will require 3 fleets to operate efficiently IOM Sailing every Sunday at GMY&BC if you wish! |
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MARBLEHEAD VANE NATIONALS GOSPORT 2008
This tri yearly event was sailed with us this year it then goes to Fleetwood and Bournville before returning to Gosport in 2011. Mervyn Cook reports a very friendly event with a smallish fleet. Chris Durant was an excellent RO, keeping to the letter of the rule, and communicating that he intended too. Jacque, Katie (Dann) and Julie Lawley did starting and finishing, and Pete and Julie did flags, poles, vandal watch, etc. John Smith, of course, did scoring. Perfect team! Results were completed within about half an hour of finishing the three rounds!
The following are the highlights from Chris Durant’s, the Race Officers Report.
The wind direction on both days was variable and generally gave close reaching legs both ways. Fortunately the wind filled in on Sunday and the fleet was presented with true runs and beats with competitors taking the opportunity to give their spinnakers an airing. The winner of the Model Maker Cup for novice Vane sailors was the joint entry of Mervyn Cook and Peter Fothergill. The most interesting design of the weekend was Anthony Warren’s highly varnished unique wooden design, variously referred to in unkind moments as a coffin, shoe box and aircraft carrier. Anthony was hampered by having only a B rig as his largest sail, yet the boat showed a turn of speed in light winds that surprised many, and indeed he had the last laugh on Sunday in a re-sail with Mike Harris when Anthony’s boat beat Mike’s decisively.
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| What a splendid flag display . Picture Ron Kiefer |
CLUB DAY 2008
This year we changed the concept of our open days to “Club Days” the idea being to have a laid back days sailing with no specific events organised just sailing of the classes you wished to sail. The result was a great success with skippers enjoying their sailing throughout the day. Yes several members of the public were accosted and yes we did attract a few new members but the overall intent of having a pleasurable days sailing and discussing yachting was accomplished as the pictures below show.
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| It was a relaxing day? | A beautiful Mirror Dinghy Sorry cannot remember the builders name(Ed) |
Sailing can be laid back |
| Katie’s tiny yacht dwarfed by an RA | Mike’s Multi hull chasing a rclaser | |
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VINTAGE VANE “A” AT THE “A” NATIONALS
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Not only did Roger Cole get Legend his superb Admiral Turner “MOONRAKER “ready for the vintage event prior to the A Class Nationals he went on to win the event with Arnie Peace as his mate with a full score sheet. This was another first for Gosport when six Vintage A Class took part in a competition on the Saturday evening before the Nationals bringing these beautiful yachts out of retirement for all to see.
BUOY MANAGEMENT AT THE LAKES
| We have reduced the number of buoys left in the lake and are installing eight, white, round, rotating buoys in the large lake. There will be a map of these semi permanent buoy positions in the boat house. Prior to major events, especially vane, the Committee will if at all possible arrange for the buoys to be removed and replaced. In some instances this may not be possible and the Competitors at an event can under the direction of the OOD move the buoys to the ends and corners of the lake, or remove them, on the strict understanding the buoys are replaced at the end of sailing as per the positions indicated on the map. The Vane skippers agreed that for all Club events the reduced number of buoys, eight, will remain in their respective places. We now have four, smaller, colourful buoys on lines attached to reels that can easily be positioned to create start or finish lines to suit the wind direction should this be necessary. The map also includes the Health and Safety procedures for the installation and removal of the buoys. |  |
BILL GREEN & MERVYN COOK on the VANE A NATS
The A class model yacht is an historic class, and this championship has been held every year since 1922. Trophies include the Scrutton Cup, for the overall points winner, and the magnificent Yachting Monthly Cup, presented by the Yachting Monthly magazine in 1923. This is contested in a separate day’s racing during the week’s championship, as is the ‘Prince of Wales’ trophy in the International 14 class. The event was held at the Gosport MYBC’s Cockle Pond lake. The club at Gosport has held the Open A Championship every other year since 1922, with odd years going to the Fleetwood MYC. A class yachts are designed to a rating formula, similar to the six and twelve metre full size yachts. A-boats in the 2008 championship were up to seven feet long, between 28 and 59lbs displacement, with commensurate variations in waterline length and sail area. Modern boats are built of carbon, with carbon rigs, mylar sails and ballast ratios of over 80%. For this event they are not radio controlled, they are steered in the traditional way by complex wind vane mechanisms. Racing for vane yachts is organised as match racing. 3 points are scored for the beat, at the end of which boats are taken out and rigged with spinnakers for the run, scoring 2 points to the winner. Each boat has a crew of at least two, as tacking is achieved by poling the boats round when they come in to the bank. Strict rules are upheld for this procedure, as well as any re-trimming required on the spinnaker run. The fleet comprised 19 yachts, plus an extra seven for the YM cup, held on the Wednesday. Fifteen of the competitors were past or present World, European or National champions, both in vane and radio. The first day, Saturday, was given over to scrutineering and practice sailing, followed by a vintage race in which six beautifully maintained yachts from the nineteen-fifties competed. The event proper started on the Sunday, opened by the Mayor of Gosport, who acted as official starter for the first race of the day. There was a good breeze, and at the end of a long day the Stollery ‘Robot’ design of Austin and Harris was leading from the John Simpson design of Roberts and McNulty. Third place was shared by the MYA president, Derek Priestley’s ‘VC2’, and Martin Dovey’s brand new lightweight ‘Sergeant Pepper’.
 Photo Martin Bandey |
The second day dawned damp and windy, which was how it continued. The fleet was split into heats, and by the end of the day, after some spectacular spinnaker runs, Priestley was just ahead of Roberts and McNulty, followed by Austin and Harris, with Peter Whiteside’s Simpson designed ‘Bluenote’ running a close fourth. Day three was very (very) wet and breezy, but by now skippers and crews were settling in to the physical demands of the week. An A boat with a spinnaker pulling in 15 knots of wind is a pretty fast outfit. If you don’t get to the end of the lake before the boat, it is a disaster; the only way of stopping the boat is to be there to catch it! Or as a last resort to jump into the water in front of the boat! By the end of Tuesday, the scores showed that Rob Vice’s Stollery designed ‘Lollipop’ design had moved in to the lead, followed by Roberts and McNulty. | Wednesday was scheduled for racing for the Yachting Monthly Cup. Ghosts of the international competitors of past challenges lured a fleet of 26 boats to the start lines, including Graham Reeves lovely 1950 vintage Yeoman, and Bruce Prole’s 1970’s past winner, ‘Daddy Long Pig’. The home club enjoyed the lighter winds, and the semi finals included three Gosport boats. The close-run final was between Martin Dovey’s ‘Sergeant Pepper’ and Shaun Wyeth’s magnificent long Dave Hollom design; Wyeth’s boat winning the beat and winning the cup for the second consecutive year. Both were new designs for 2008, demonstrating that ultra-modern development continues in this magnificent heritage class. |
| By the
Thursday, crews were feeling the pace, but the winds had moderated and
sailing was somewhat less physical for the rest of the meeting.
The championship series was on again. A long day of shifty winds
was ahead. The shifts made each board difficult to read, and by
the end of the day Austin and Harris had started to edge ahead of
Roberts and McNulty. The final day of racing was also a day of
light, fluky winds. Throughout the day Austin and Harris read the
shifts to perfection, and rarely put a foot wrong. When racing
was called to a halt the overall winner was Austin and Harris’s
‘Robot’, with 116 points; Roberts and McNulty’s
Simpson design second with 109, and in third place was
Priestley’s VC2 with 97. To put Austin and Harris’s mastery of the fleet into perspective, it is the tenth time that they had won the event. However, the future of the event looks to be assured; as there were two new designs and four new boats at this championship. |
 The Mayor and Mayoress receive a cheque from the Club Picture Ron Kiefer |
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| GMY&BC Web sites www.gosportmybc.org.uk www.rclasergosport.org.uk |
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Thank You MIKE |
| 54 Guildford Drive Chandlers Ford Hants SO 53 3PT Editor Phone:02380 255896 Email:roberto.hobbs@virgin.net |
Just two of the beautiful pieces of bespoke furniture that Mike Thomas has designed and built for the Club. Mike’s wood working and sign writing skills are second to none and he has provided the Club with facilities that will out live many of us and give joy and sterling service to future members of GMY&BC for many years. |
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| GOSPORT IS THE TRADITIONAL HOME OF THE “A” CLASS | Also a safe haven for rclaser, IOM, 36”, Marblehead, Multi hull, Scale Boats and Vintage Yachts |
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1 Only ONE yacht is to be kept in each berth, the Committee will not allow offenders, who regularly use other space, to renew their membership (Club rule 8) or berth at the end of the year. Please only use the space you have paid for.
2 Please note that yachts with allocated berths are the only ones allowed to be stored in the boat house this also applies to use of the sail box stand
3 RA skippers, who do not have a berth, please note that leaving your yacht rigged after a Thursdays practice ready for a Sundays event is not allowed. Problems are caused with access especially if there is a Laser or 36” event on the Saturday, also your yachts may become damaged with other yacht and skipper movements on the Saturday.
4 Mike Thomas has installed wall mounted racking for the ladder allowing better access around the tank for working when measuring yachts. He has also completed a splendid trolley for the PA system when we are operating eight semi permanent buoys not provide sensible start and finish lines there are four buoys on reels that can be easily positioned from the banks to create start or finish lines to suit the wind direction.
COMMODORE’S MESSAGE
RA SAILING
MATCH RACING
CLUB OPEN DAY
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
CONCERN FOR OUR LAKES
HOW TO SPEND YOUR MONEY ?
A SKIPPER'S VIEW
COMPUTER BOFFINS AND
WEB SITE MANAGEMENT
MYA FREE SAILING LEAGUE
VANE SAILING & 36” REPORT
CLUB CLOTHING
AS IT WAS
FINDING ZERLINA
LASER REPORT
VANE TUTORIAL
NEWS FROM THE BOAT HOUSE
Welcome to our first newsletter of 2008 this will be an exciting year for the Club with more members, most of whom take an active part in our sailing programme. This year we have 92 scheduled weekend events, this is by far the most comprehensive sailing programme of any Club in the UK, in fact its not far short of the MYA sailing programme itself. This success of course brings with it its own problems, although not very serious, as a Club we have to address them. Skippers have different levels of sailing skill and understanding of the Rules and although errors to do take place some Skippers are choosing to ignore even the simplest Rule of port gives way to a starboard yacht. Not only does this cause upset it actual ruins many peoples sailing. Our introduction of OOD’s for most events should help enforce the Rules.
One of the most important Rules of sailing is that skippers should sail fairly and we all know when we infringe and should therefore own up, take the penalty and get on with the race. It is fun, we are not sailing for the Crown Jewels so I suggest that all skippers aim for a higher understanding of the Rules and other skippers feelings. One useful test is how would I feel if this was done to me?
This year we are holding the Vane A Nationals, David Moody as well as being A Class Captain is looking after the social side of this event. We are also hosting the Vane Marblehead Nationals and to increase the entry level we are inviting Vintage yachts to compete with a supplementary prize for this Class of entry. Mervyn Cook is looking after this event. Both of these events will require a team of officials to spread the load and make them a success, so please let David and Mervyn have your support.
The Committee believe that training and education should form an important part of our future programme. Last year we held the very successful MYA Workshop and it is proposed that we host one of these in 2009, this year already we have had a very successful Vane tutorial given by Bill Green with assistance from Ray Baker and Graham Wyeth. Mike Tattersall delivered an excellent seminar on Match Racing to get Mike Nichols proposals for additional RA sailing underway, more of this later.
Gosport Model Yacht and Boat Club as we know it was formed in 1913, although there had been regular sailing on the Cockle Pond from the late 1800’s. This is the third century of sailing on the Walpole Lakes and 2013 will be our Centenary. We would like members thoughts on how best to celebrate this anniversary. It is essential that if we are to make this a success we set up a sub-committee to plan the event and register our desire to run a World or National event if that is deemed applicable. We have an excellent long term planning model developed by Chris Chandler and his team when we hosted the RA Worlds in 2005.
This is my second stint as your Commodore and the Club has changed considerably over the last 8 years, I believe it is my responsibility to keep taking the Club forward building on the success that we created together, rather than just resting on our laurels and let things tick over, this means some of the established and accepted procedures will change, hopefully for the benefit of us all.
Your Committee have adopted a procedure for accepting and answering members proposals and comments that involves more time being taken before an answer can be given. In some instances where the membership has to be consulted it may take a few months. This is essential when we have over 110 members.
GMY&BC
Web sites
www.gosportmybc.org.uk
www.rclasergosport.org.uk
Towards the end of last year RA fleet sailing fell off on Sunday afternoons, perhaps due to the wet and windy weather. Mike Nicols together with John Hayston put together proposals to match race RA’s on Sunday afternoons. Match racing consists of two yachts racing against each other normally best of 3 or 5 races to determine a winner. It requires a umpire/observer for each pair of yachts. Below is a copy of Mike Nichols proposal. The Committee decided to have 2 trial days and to ensure a good understanding Mike Tattersall gave an excellent tutorial on match racing for those skippers who were interested in taking part.
The proposal has been modified to ensure that RA Cup events remain as full day sailing ie to include coffee, lunch and tea breaks throughout the day. It is thought that skippers would not travel from very far for just a morning sailing, although this is the case in some instances with the IOM skippers. Personally I would like to see RA Fleet sailing remain as all day events,
however it is up to you the members to make your wishes known to the Committee. Match racing can be run just like a squash ladder with skippers agreeing to sail at any time that suits.
MATCH RACING
A PROPOSAL TO USE THE AFTERNOON S FOLLOWING A.M. RADIO A CHAMPIONSHIP RACING TO TRIAL AND HOPEFULLY RUN A MATCH RACING SERIES.
BACKGROUND
Radio A sailing and racing has experienced a considerable surge in popularity in recent years.
As we understand it this is due to a number of factors:-
~ The activity by the Club, Committee and individuals to promote the class.
~The successful growth in Club membership.
~The national efforts of the MYA to run National Championships PRACC and, in 2005, the World Championships.
All these were designed to raise the profile and interest level.
This appears to have been particularly successful at G.M.Y.&. B.C., and Club ownership is over 30 Skippers, and in all 29 boats raced during the 2007 season.
CURRENT SITUATION
Momentum from individual Skippers wanting to have more opportunity to sail their RAs lead to the introduction of RA Thursdays. This has been reasonably successful with up to 10 boats, but occasionally only 3, and after consultation with skippers we would like these to continue. At the same time the sailing of RAs seems to have reached a plateau at a successful, but even, level. Last autumn we asked RA Skippers if they had any ideas to help continue the interest in and the development of the class. One key suggestion was the proposal to have match racing on RA Sunday afternoons.
THE PROPOSAL
To trial Match Racing on Sunday afternoons after RA Championship racing in the morning (currently there is no organised activity for RAs - cf. IOM p.m. series).
THE REASONING
~ Activity finishes after am racing – some people don’t want to go home!
~ A number of Skippers would like to continue sailing their boats having got them rigged and racing.
~ The boats are in race trim ready for further competition – and have taken some time to rig ~ It is another opportunity to sail these lovely boats.
~ Why Match racing?
~ It is another form of racing currently not experienced in the Club.
~ It is a means of improving competitors’ expertise, knowledge of tactics, and racing skills - and enjoyment.
~ Whilst up to 6 boats could possibly be on the water at any one time – 3 races - it reduces racing congestion at buoys and hopefully encourages less experienced skippers to familiarise themselves with the class.
HOW WOULD IT OPERATE?
Mike Tattersall has considerable match racing experience in big boats and has kindly offered to ‘take the lead’, possibly helped by others as he deems necessary.
We propose to trial first and see if there is sufficient interest (we believe there is), and to establish the best method of operation. If that is successful after – say – a couple of Sundays of tuition and experiment we would propose a competition series.
Operational details
~ We should sail to normal racing rules.
~ Match racing starts will be necessary.
~ The course :
~Should be simple with a fair start line with a windward and leeward mark, rounding the windward mark twice and finishing on a run. It may require rearrangement of buoys with the dinghy.
~ Probably half the length of the lake would be enough. They don’t want to be too prolonged with 5~10 minutes per race being sufficient.
~ Races could be started at intervals so that quite a few could be completed and more people would be involved.
~ Observers will be important to keep abreast of penalty turn situations.
~ Scoring ~ some form of competition “Ladder” would be required (this to be worked on), in order to arrive at a victor at the end of a series of Sundays – hence the suggestion for a Trophy if a series gets off the ground.
~ Timing
We would like to start on the 1st. RA Sunday – 10th February. If the lake is not ready it is an ideal time to engage as many RA Skippers as we can in the morning. If it is ready then we would propose an inside tutorial followed by an exhibition on the lake to introduce the subject.
The following event – March 9th. Would be an opportunity to trial without it being part of a series. By then we would be able to judge level of interest and operational problems, and decide the way forward from there.
Mike Nichols,
Radio A Class Vice Captain
We are holding our Open Day on May 11th.
What events do you wish to organise to encourage visitors to have a go or to attract other skippers to your favourite activity at GMY&BC?
Volunteersrequired to: Erect flag poles and bunting; Place Banners on the Main Road; Set out courses, TugTowing, Match Racing, Steering
Fleet Racing etc etc. Have their yacht/boat available for visitors use
Generally promote the Club to all visitors
Help tidy up at the end of the event
DO NOT FORGETCLUB DAY27th JULY2008
Membership State: 116 members, this includes 7 life members. Two new applications this month approved; Benjamin Nesbitt and Brian Harris.
Financial State: Brian Leighton reported on the state of the Club’s finances, detailing the receipts and payments since the last meeting. Overall, the Club continues to be in a healthy financial state.
(a) Insurance; The Club’s insurance has been renewal until 22.3.09. The trophies will be valued for insurance purposes on 17.4.08. Once the valuation has been completed the insurance company will be inform.
(b) Clothing. The cttee agreed that in future members requiring items that carry the club’s logo should deal directly with the company concerned – Swift Clothing. A catalogue will be available in the club house for reference and ordering purposes.
The cttee wishes to thank John Hayston for the hard work that he has carried out on behalf of the club in ordering the clothing in the past.
Sailing Tuition. The need for sailing tuition is to be raised in the next edition of the club newsletter. Members will be asked for their views on the subject and their opinion on expenses that could be incurred.
Clubhouse/Boathouse:
(a) Anemometer
The flagpole has been reinstated with the wind direction apparatus fitted. The electronic equipment will be housed on the bracket that has been provided in the club house.
(b) Berthing issues. In the course of reviewing the PA Trolley repairs, it was hoped that a much smaller version could be built, it will not release more available the space as reported in the last minutes but will allow extra room for access to the measuring tank etc.
(c ) Rescue Boat. Shaun Wyeth kindly informed the cttee that he knew where there were inflatable rescue boats for sale and asked the cttee if the club would be interested. The cttee discussed the offer and decided that at present the two boats already in the boat house are sufficient to cover the club’s needs.
(d) Name Board for Life Members: Mike Mizzen made a suggestion to the cttee regarding the provision of a name board to be placed in the Cub House detailing the names of Life Members. The reason was that the award of a Life Membership is given to members who have given their time, skill and support in ensuring that the club commands a high reputation within the model yachting world. The names that are too be placed on this board are as follows; R. Jurd; Billy Williams; Bill Long; David Lee; Roy Gardner; Peter West; Eric Roberts; Eric Crockford; Frank Pankhurst; Graham Wyeth; Michael Thomas; Kenneth Shell; John Storey; Robert Hobbs; and Arthur Lancaster.
(e) Battery Chargers. A new charger for the outboard motor has been purchased. The old charger is for sale for £10:00 to anybody who would like to purchase it – please see Brian Leighton for details.. The batteries for the outboard are to be “load tested” to check for their status. Ken Shell is to decide on whether the club should buy a new charger for charging model yacht batteries
(f) Sail Racks. It has been brought to the notice of the cttee that some members are using the sail rack incorrectly. Please note that only IOM berth holders are entitled to use this rack.
(g) “A” Boat Storage. Would all members please note that the storage of “A” boats in the non allocated areas within the boat house between Thursday and the following Sunday is not allowed.
2007/08 Sailing Programme:
(a) Marblehead Vintage: This class will be included in the National Meeting in September. The cttee agreed the proposal and MC to proceed with actions concerning the event. Official approval from the MYA is awaited. This approval has now been received verbally from the MYA.
(b) Currey Mug: It has been pointed out that the Currey Mug Competition is not in being sailed for in this year’s sailing calendar. The year is already fully booked with competitions for all classes of yachts with at least 17 for IOM’s. The Class and Vice Captains were all consulted and full agreement was reached concerning the fixtures for this year. Therefore the Currey Mug will be rested for this year
It should be noted that IOM’s are encouraged to race on the smaller lake every Sunday this adds a further 50 slots for the IOM’s. This may well develop in 2008 especially due to the fresh water in both lakes and most of the rubbish removed
(c )Vane Sailing: The points system as used at the GMY&BC has been forwarded to the MYA for review and a request that the free sailing SSI & rules be revised.
(d) Vane Sailing - Joint Skippers. It has been suggested that there is a points sharing scheme for the Vane skippers. The cttee have decided that as this contravenes the MYA rules on this subject the club would not support the suggestion.
(e) Non Club Members sailing.
The cttee have agreed that the entry fees for people wishing to sail at the lake during one of our sessions and who are MYA but not a club member will be £3:00. The maximum number of sailing sessions allowed per year will be 3.
(f) Sailing Rules. John Smith has kindly agreed to produce a illustrated book concerning the Club and explaining the basic rules of sailing. This is in response to some of the difficulties during racing that have been experienced already this year. The cttee trusts that this will help all skippers to enjoy their sailing and ensure that disputed are kept to a minimum
Correspondence:
(a) A letter has been received from the Scale Warship Enthusiasts inviting the club to participate in their events. The cttee decided that the club would not take part but would advertise the events on the notice board.
(b) Arnie Peace. The cttee have decided to co-opt Arnie as a non executive House Officer. Arnie carries out the arduous duties ensuring the water in the ponds are at the correct level as well as the up keep of all the markers among a list of other such duties.
MYA Business: The MYA are to consider the amendments to the rules to Vane sailing that have been suggested by the GMY&BC.
Council Business and Long Term Projects.
a) Provision of new bench. It was proposed and accepted by the AGM for the provision of an extra bench to be provided at the club’s expense. This will be situated along side the one already on the north side of the pond nearest the club. GBC have agreed to install another bench as requested
b) Notice Boards. The wording has been agreed and three notice boards will be installed in the near future. The GBC have been reminded of the situation they have also requested a display board to be produced concerning the lakes.
(c ) Fenders: The pond was been drained to allow work on 50 metres of new fendering. The fendering that has just been installed has not been paid for by the Club. The GBC are not satisfied with the quality of the work and are in consultation with the contractors concerned.
(d) Weed Cutting. The cttee agreed that the club would increase its contribution to the GBC regarding the cost of weed cutting. The actual amount will be decided once this year’s cost is known.
Club Security:
(a) The current list of people who are on the security list is to be reviewed.
The police are to be informed of the following names of members who have agreed to be on a call out list for the club house in the case of an emergency - Mick Thomas; John Storey; John Smith and Gary Cooper.
(b) The Treasurer is to rewrite the rules concerning the issue and use of the keys to the boathouse. New form has been issued.
(c ) The Treasurer has purchased a set of number stamps to identify the number of keys that are being issued to club members.
Club Rule Book: The rules were changed at the last AGM and a new Rule Book is to be compiled and distributed to all members. JC is to amend the present copy to reflect these changes and forward to JS for printing. These will be adopted now for ratification at the AGM
Complaint from a member of the public. A complaint has been received from a member of the public concerning bad language used during one of our racing sessions. The cttee appreciates that passions run high whilst racing, however there is no place to cause offence to either members of the public or other club members. The policy of the club is to ensure that everybody enjoys their racing and that members of the public are not offended by our presence.
Please remember that we do sail in a public area.
Class Tutorial. Bill Green gave an excellent tutorial on Vane sailing. The event was a success and everybody concerned enjoyed the occasion. The cttee wishes to thank Bill Green for his help and commitment t this event.
MYA Workshop. JS suggested that another MYA workshop be held at the club next year. Action ongoing JS.
Result Board. Jacque Cook requested that the 36R racing results are to be displayed on the existing “Results Board”. Mike Tattersall is to be asked to rearrange if possible the existing board to accommodate these results.
Press Article. In a future issue of Model Boats there will be an article about GMY&BC.
Joining and renewal Forms. The wording is to be changed on the joining and renewal forms stating that members agree to abide by the club rules.
Club Procedures. Significant proposals raised by members will be acknowledged and brought to the next council meeting for consideration. If necessary details will be circulated to the Membership for comments before any final decisions are made. This may take a little time however it is thought necessary. The member may be asked to give a presentation on their idea to the cttee.
Skippers and club members should be concerned about our lakes, in the last issue we highlighted the history and the controlling factors for the operation and management of these lakes. Last year we managed to negotiate the control of the water levels with Gosport Borough Council. This is not a simple task of letting the water in and out, the lakes can only be
topped up on certain high tides and the valve has to be opened, monitored and closed over a period of hours. Surprising enough this does not happen between 2 and 4 in the afternoon on a sunny Sunday, it takes place at many inconvenient hours. John Smith and Arnie, picture opposite, spent many hours in December and January controlling the water level, especially
when draining down for the contractors to fit the new edging.
Whilst the lakes were drained Arnie spent many hours unblocking the link pipes between the small and large lake searching for leads and removing incredible amounts of rubbish. Arnie also acts as Buoy Manager and keeps these up to scratch. Arnie acts as our outside House Officer with exactly the same spirit with which Mike Thomas tackles the internal projects
for the Boat and Club House.
Gosport Model Yacht and Boat Club is extremely fortunate in having two such hard working members, who contribute so much to the enjoyment of our sport and membership.
The Committee will continue to fund projects around Walpole Lakes, such as the provision of additional bench seating and improvements to the pond edge fendering. The last section installed was unsatisfactory and will be removed by the contractors and replaced with heavier duty boarding. Having control of the sluice has entailed certain health and safety measures for which we have contributed. The weed cutting and debris removal that is sometimes necessary during the season has increased considerably and although we do not fund the full amount we will increase our contribution to the Council for this important service. New lids have been made for the measuring tank, and a battery charger purchased for the Boat House. Brian Leighton is arranging to revalue our Silver Cups and obtain quotations for the repair of some of these magnificent trophies.
When we run training or workshops it is unrealistic for us to expect the presenters to keep undertaking these activities at their own expense especially with the rising cost of fuel and the demands on the weekend of people who are in employment. In future when we host a training session we would like to pay reasonable travelling expenses and perhaps a daily rate if necessary. Earlier this year we had the opportunity to have an RYA Olympic tactician give us a presentation, however the Committee declined on the basis of cost not having a mandate from the membership. The Committee would like your opinion on travelling expenses and a maximum day rate for any future events.
Please send your comments ASAP to Gary Cooper the Hon Secretary or the Commodore for discussion at the next Committee meeting.
Reference 1 Metre Sailing at GMBYC on 24th February. Dear Neil & Mike,
I am sorry to say that I feel compelled to write to you in your capacities as class captain and vice captain to express my disappointment at what appeared to be flagrant abuse of the fundamental racing rules by several of the competitors taking part in the 1 Metre racing on Sunday morning. Out of the 10 races that I started, I was hit by port tack boats in 6 races whilst approaching the windward mark on starboard. On a seventh occasion, whilst running downwind on starboard gybe, a windward boat above me was unable to keep clear because of a port tack boat, also running downwind who seemed completely oblivious to the situation. In addition to my finishing position in these races being severely compromised, my boat also incurred some damage which although fairly minor will nonetheless require time and money to put right. It is not the damage that I have a problem with, sometimes that is an unfortunate
aspect of boat racing; what I have a problem with is the manner by which it was caused.
I would like to believe that this apparent disregard of the rules was actually more a case of poor judgement, but it seems to be the same few boats time and time again. The onus is on the non right of way boat to keep clear, and if there is any doubt then the non right of way boat should err on the side of caution. Many of the problems at the approach to the windward mark were caused by starboard tack boats that were not on the layline simply tacking on to port when they were in a hopeless position, i.e. trapped by other starboard tack boats in a more windward position. It is not my position to offer coaching or advice but I would encourage competitors to be more aware of the situations that are developing. If they find themselves in a poor position then it’s too bad, you simply can’t just go piling in and hope for the best which I think is what was happening. The rules don’t require a sailor to anticipate what is going to
happen next but you don’t have to be very bright to understand that thinking ahead, particularly at crowded mark roundings can save an awful lot of trouble.
Sailing is a self policing sport and one of its fundamental principles is that sailors agree to sail fairly by the rules and if a rule is infringed then they have to take a penalty. What I witnessed on Sunday was the valuable integrity of the sport being undermined either by abuse of the rules, plain carelessness or a reluctance to take penalty turns. If sailors are either not prepared to accept these principles or are not capable of sailing within the rules then they should think twice about taking part.
I am fairly new to radio sailing, having only joined the Gosport club in June last year. I chose the GMBYC firstly because it is reasonably local to me but also because I understood that the club was well established and was held in high regard amongst the RC world. Right now I don’t feel that I made the right decision, perhaps next time things will be a little better?
Yours Sincerely
Ian Brown
GBR 2754
COMMODORE’S COMMENTS
Thank you Ian for the above letter however this is not what sailing at Gosport is ALL about. Sailing should be fun and enjoyable although we all like the thrill of the competition. Mike submitted a comprehensive race report to the Committee and there were other problems due to the wind direction and skippers tacking late at the marks. Hopefully including your letter in the news letter will cause some of the skippers to think again.
Robert
I hope all of you will take the opportunity to look at our websites, Alec Powell posts a great deal of information concerning the RC Lasers, with their sailing programme, results, photos, for sale and their trophy cabinet. This allows Laser skippers to see at a glance see where they are in the current series, check out www.rclasersgosport.org.uk for yourself. Members should have also noted by now how our other website www.gosportmybc.org.uk has been developing over recent months. Its brightly coloured format certainly welcomes you to our Club, just like Alec with the Lasers John Smith is posting the racing results for both radio and vane on this site, including the overall Club championship. Mike Tattersall as Vice Class Captain for IOM’s is continuing his sterling job of race results on the Club notice board. Mervyn Cook is also feeding John the results of Vane competitions.
Not only is John the wizard of the website but his banking background has enabled him to produce superb spread sheets, for membership, race results, vane sailing cards and measurement certificates. The latter including a what if calculation for the extremely complicated A Class Measurement. We are very fortunate to have members who can contribute these skills to our Club and allow it to move forward in keeping with modern technology.
GOSPORT WINS MYA FREE SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS
In the Club House you may have noticed a large wooden shield on top of the display cabinet this is the MYA Free Sailing Championship Trophy. We won this for the first time in 2007, the trophy has tended to spend its life between Fleetwood, Bourneville and Birkenhead. Hopefully with our increased activity in Vane sailing we can retain the trophy next year. So come on you vane skippers pick up your pole and shove off for a superb 2008.
| The first two race-days of the
2008 provided some interesting sailing. The first was sailed in
weather balmy enough for Cannes. Graham Wyeth's stretched Privateer
dominated, with Derek Kitchener's VC2 in second place, but the racing
was close enough to see some close and even overlapped finishes.
March's race-day was the very opposite, with boisterous and building
breezes. Only one full heat was sailed, with reduced rigs, until sense
prevailed and racing was halted for the day. But it was un-missable sailing! This is going to be an exciting year for Gosport's vane A's. In August we are holding the 82nd national championships, 38 of which have taken place over the decades at the Walpole Lakes. Work is already in hand to ensure the week will be one to remember. But be warned that check measurements will be undertaken on each boat entered. Any member whose boat might need to be checked should make contact with one of the club measurers and arrange an appointment. Don't leave it until the last moment, it is possible that you may need to make alterations, and this could take time! |
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| The
complex and fascinating nature of the A class rule ensures that a new
vane A is always an event! We have already been privileged to see the
hull of Shaun Wyeth's beautiful new Hollom designed boat, built by John
Gale. She is so long that she looks fast even when sitting in the
measurers tank! There are also rumours that at least one more new boat
is in build, and will be sailing at the championship. And yet it is the
rating rule is so effective that even vintage boats may well have their
moment of glory during the week. The next Sunday racing for Vane A's is on Sunday April 13th. VANE SKIPPERS PLEASE NOTE GMY&BC WILL NOT ACCEPT JOINT SKIPPERS IN CLUB EVENTS |
|
36” VANE RACING AT GOSPORT
 |
Racing for our newly
established 36” fleet has started the new season with a couple of
excellent day's racing. Both took place in good breezes, and clearly
demonstrated that 36” sail very well in quite strong winds. And
that spinnakers help! A strong contingent of visiting helms from
Bournville brought their 36” for the second event, and generally
showed the locals the way down the lake. In our defence, Bournville has
been the home to 36” for many decades and among their skippers
were the current A Class champion, and a past A and 36” champion.
However, it should serve as an incentive for our fleet to learn more
about our boats, and to try to ensure that the next time we have visiting helms, we give them a better run for their money! |
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Mike Dann has been sailing a prototype carbon fibre flyer, rigged with powerful multi-hull style sails and a very simple and effective asymmetric spinnaker. She has the sleek appearance of a miniature Open 60, and is a fresh interpretation of the 36” rule. Also, Robert Hobbs has now completed his beautifully planked vintage 36”, to the Lady Betty design. She will be braine steered.
One of the charms of the 36” class is that, given the right conditions, a vintage boat can be very competitive. Bruce Prole's famous boat 'The Spider' has already demonstrated this in the Gosport fleet with some strong performances. Spider was designed and built by Bill Sykes some fifty years ago, and won the 36r nationals three times, in 1967, 68 and 70. She has a very deep V hull, with a 'duck' bow developed from the earlier 'Tucker Duck' bowed boats designed by H.B.Tucker. Spider's illustrious career has also endured periods of controversy, when she was ruled illegal by the MYA committee in 1983 for having a carbon mast and grp booms. These had been allowed by the original rule, but were outlawed by the MYA's 1980's revision. Sykes changed the mast, but refused to change the booms, arguing for a 'grandfather dispensation' for his twenty year old boat. The Committee stood firm, and Spider lost her certificate after three years of sometimes bitter wrangling. However, there is a happy ending to the story, as The Spider is now fitted with wooden booms, and has been successfully measured.
As the we move into the summer weather, we are planning to hold some 'off the cuff' 36” sailing and training sessions on certain Fridays. All are welcome. Please check the Club notice-board for details.
VANE SKIPPERS PLEASE NOTE GMY&BC WILL NOT ACCEPT JOINT SKIPPERS IN CLUB EVENTS
David Parkinson is trying to find out what happened to Arthur Levison’s last A class yacht Zerlina K875. The last he heard of her she was at Gosport with Roy Fogarty who had teamed up with Arthur after David had got married and returned to Fleetwood to live prior to him emigrating to Canada. Records do show she remained in Gosport.
He would be very interested to find out if Zerlina still exists. She was in fact built for David by Arthur and he had a lot of input into her design.
Thanks David Bell tel 02083992955, email david.j3.bell@bt.com
.
AS IT WAS
Norman Hatfield’s Pictures at Gosport
David Bell has written a biography of Norman Hatfield for the VMYG Turning Pole magazine and has sent us some of Norman’s pictures (shown below) for our AS IT WAS feature.
356 Fantasy, 530 Scamp, 679 Aquila, 714 Samoena
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The first weekend of February is Trojan Cup weekend for the RC Laser Fleet at Gosport. The event consists of 12 races with 3 discards and is the only one-day event in the rclasergosport calendar. The event is not only a competitive affair but is also a good place to pick up a mid-winter tan if the weather for the past two years is anything to go by! This year 17 boats took to the water and, thanks to a consistent wind direction, sailed all 12 races on the same windward/leeward course. After the first four races, which were sailed on the A-rig, the top two positions were the same as the final standings in the 2007 event with Alec Powell in first followed by Darren Marston in second. The second group of four races saw skippers reach for their B rigs to cope with a strengthening breeze. After eight races Alec Powell had strengthened his lead, but was now followed in second place by someone who was as close in name as he was on the water – Alex Powell. By this stage Tim Davison had climbed above both Darren Marston and Chris Treagust to take third.
Following a break for lunch the final quartet of races were held and saw Denis Bookham hit championship-winning form with two firsts, a second and a fourth. Although it was too late to catch the leader he nevertheless took second place overall, which knocked Alex Powell back into third.
Trojan Cup 2008 Results
1st . Alec Powell 2nd Denis Bookham 3rd Alex Powell
4th Tim Davison 5th Darren Marston
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO RACING CALENDAR
Please note that the RC Laser meeting on 19 July has been cancelled as this clashes with a National Round at Poole on the same
weekend. Also the RC Laser round scheduled for 15th November has been changed to 22nd November.
VANE TUTORIAL by BILL GREEN
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When looking around for a suitable Class it became apparent that there were several 36R’s in the Club and Mervyn Cook, Vane 36R Class Captain, set up a few trial events which were very popular and successful. To start the 2008 season and to ensure that all skippers understood the Rules and the spirit of Vane sailing a Vane tutorial was arranged.
We were extremely fortunate that Bill Green from Bourneville was prepared to come down and hold a tutorial in the Club House followed by demonstrations on the lake in the afternoon. Bill went through the Rules answered questions and left us with his 5 “P” manta. Poor Preparation Produces P… Poor Performance. Ray Baker and Graham Wyeth spent the afternoon setting their yachts up to Bills’ instructions and then watching the result proving a very positive demonstration of what could and could not be achieved with a little skill and a very very great deal of knowledge from Bill, Graham and Ray.
| GMY&BC Web sites www.gosportmybc.org. uk www.rclaser gosp ort.org.uk 54 Guildford Drive Chandlers Ford Hants SO 53 3PT Phone:02380 255896 Email:roberto.hobbs@virgin.net |
GOSPORT IS THE TRADITIONAL HOME OF THE A CLASS And a safe haven for rclaser,IOM, 36”, Marblehead, Scale and Vintage Yachts and Boats |
 Just to keep the continuity going we include a picture of Graham Wyeth on the rear page this time together with Ray Baker. Taken at Bill Green's Vane Tutorial |
NEWS FROM THE BOAT HOUSE
1 The Committee is still investigating how to improve the storage space in the Boat House.
2 Skippers please note that ONLY IOM’S with a berth may be left in the boat house.
3 RA skippers, who do not have a berth, please note that leaving your yacht rigged after a Thursdays practise ready for a Sundays event is not allowed. Problems are caused with access especially if there is a Laser or 36” event on the Saturday, also your yachts may become damaged with other yacht and skipper movements on the Saturday.
4 We have installed a new battery charger
5 We have a certified measuring box for the 36”
6 Mike has made two new lids for the measuring tank, these look elegant and are easier and safer to lift than the old one piece lid
7 The waste pumps have been blocking recently (smelly ) and new fat traps are to be fitted by the Council to remove the problem
8 The weather station has been re-installed by Arnie and John Smith.
2.4 GHz ‘ers BEWARE!!! Or at least be careful
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that 2.4 isn’t the best thing since sliced bread, although I do like my slice of bread! BUT!!!
One of our members received some interesting information about 2.4 being used elsewhere, especially Futaba. There may have been a rogue batch or simply an odd few that didn’t seem to have been correctly factory programmed such that more than one transmitter would try to control one receiver/model. I am not sure of the extent of the problem but this is more of a warning that if you are using 2.4 and you think you are going potty because you seem to be getting interference when the theory is that you can’t get interference, just bear this in mind. The solution as I understand it was that the offending transmitters were returned to Ripmax who got them properly programmed – problem solved. John Smith.
MYA President Derek Priestely, discusses the black art of vane setting at the MYA Workshop
GOSPORT MODEL
YACHT & BOAT
CLUB. Web sites
www.gosportmybc.org.uk
www.rclasergosport.org.uk
Inside this Issue
COMMODORE’S MESSAGE
FRANK PANKHURST - A TRIBUTE
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
AGM and HOW TO GET THERE
THE LAKE MAINTAINANCE
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY ??
36” ALIVE & SAILING
RA PRACC REPORT
FOOTY REPORT
LASER UPDATE
MYA WORKSHOP
PUBLICITY OFFICERS COMMENTS
Unfortunately, I must start my comments with some sad
news. One of our dear longstanding life
members, Frank Pankhurst recently passed away. See Tribute to Frank Pankhurst. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Frank’s family as well as to
Denis Bookham following the tragic death of his son.
We were handed a started model of HMS Bulldog by the widow
of a prolific modeller recently with a
number of back issue of Model Boats magazine.
HMS Bulldog is, I believe, a 1:48 scale comprising hull, a variety of
fittings and what would certainly look to be a full set of plans. Whilst the lady in question is not looking
for any proceeds of sale for herself, she would like us to try and sell the
model and send the proceeds to a suitable charity. So if you want to see it, take a look in the boatstore and if you
are interested in buying, please let a committee member know of your interest
and bear in mind that the funds will be going to a good cause.
There will inevitably be some further mention within this
newsletter about the club’s forthcoming AGM.
Please make a note in your diaries to attend as we are booking a venue
which should be more than big enough to handle a large number. Also please start to consider in readiness
for proposing successors to Ken Shell as Vice Commodore and John Storey as
Treasurer. Both Ken and John have given
massive service to the club but feel that they need to look after themselves a
little more, hence their not being able to make themselves available for
nomination this year.
Whilst we have tried to respond to a variety of comments,
and especially where complaints have been addressed to the committee, we hope
to have taken these on board for future consideration. These especially surround the publicity of
the Recycled Boat Race in August, essentially organised by the council and for
which the date was agreed at short notice.
We will be trying to get a date agreed for next year so that it can be
known to be a part of our club calendar.
Also, we have learned some lessons from trying to amalgamate, in this
case, the Footy event with an open day.
We would not intend to let that happen again. Sorry.
Despite the fact that I believe that what we have tried to
achieve has been in both the club’s and our sport’s interests, that might not
have been fully shared and appreciated by everyone, so additionally you should
please consider who you wish to nominate and appoint as club commodore for 2008
as I shall not be seeking re-election.
Please note that whilst formal dates have not yet been
agreed with the council, there will be some work being done in relation to
fendering which will necessitate the water level being lowered. We are hoping that it will start around the
middle of October but please keep alert to any notices issued as soon as we
have any detail. I will post information
on the club website also.
It remains only for me at this stage to thank all members for their continued support and to thank your committee members for all of their efforts on your behalf.
| The yacht Blue Cerentiy in Canada and a few of Frank's photographs |  |
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Membership State:
It is with great regret that the club announce the death of Frank Pankhurst. His funeral was at Eltham on Tuesday 4.9.07. John Storey represent the Club. A donation will be made by the Club to a preferred charity of Frank’s family. It is only just recently that Frank has been unable to attend the Club’s AGMs and he was most generous in contributions to the Club – the Club has lost a valued member.
Jacquie Cook circulated the latest superb membership spread sheet she has produced. This spread sheet will work in conjunction with the latest renewal of membership form that was also produced to the cttee. The cttee wishes to thank Jacque on the production of such useful forms.
Application for Membership. The following membership has been ratified: David James; John Gayler; Frank Muscroft.
Financial State: JSt reported on the state of the Club’s finances, detailing the receipts and payments since the last meeting. Overall, the Club continues to be in a healthy financial state.
Committee’s Roles and Responsibilities. A Master Set of R&R is held by the Secretary.
Clubhouse/Boathouse: Anemometer JSm reported on his enquiries at Eastbourne’s meteorological shop and recommended a wired Anemometer,
as the wire-less versions are reported to be just as liable to maintenance problems, if not more so. It was agreed to earmark £ 200.00 towards a replacement Anemometer.
Berthing issues. In the course of reviewing the PA Trolley repairs, it was hoped that a much smaller version could be built, thus releasing the space currently occupied by the PA trolley to make a further A Berth.
Graham Wyeth has made a special request to the cttee to obtain a berth for his yacht. The cttee recognises the huge amount of support that Graham has given to the Club over the years in monetary and sailing terms and this is very much appreciated. However the whole cttee were in agreement that no special request could be made in the circumstances and that Graham’s name would be entered on the berthing waiting list along side the rest of the Club Members.
2007/08 Sailing Programme:
The cttee has received several letters of complaint and members have voiced their opinion that this year’s Open Day was not as successful as was wished for. The cttee have reconsidered the action of holding a competition on the same day as an Open Day and have decided that in future no such competitions will be organised. The cttee wishes to apologise for any upset this may have caused members this year. Letters will be sent to the members who wrote in. It was agreed that we would host the Re-cycled Boat Race again this year, on Thurs 9 Aug 07 at 2.00 pm. Further agreed that JSt would obtain 3 prizes for this event, within a total of £ 30:00. This event again was a great success. In future any extra events that have not been printed in the Club Sailing Diary, such as the Re- cycled Boat race, will be announced on the notice board prior to the date of the event.
WEED CUT, This was successfully completed this month after a tremendous spate of weed growth, two skips were required to take away the debris. many thanks to all who took part,it was a 08-00 to 18-00 hours job. The buoys had been removed earlier by Arnie Pease, who replaced them a few days later.
MYA Business:
(a) The club advert will be placed in the MYA Year Book as well as the information that the club sails class “36” yachts.
(b) MYA AGM details to be placed in the next edition of the Club Newsletter
(c ) JS contacted J.Mayle re Met and Southern fixtures.
(d) Richard Rowan has been recommended by the cttee to be nominated for the Syan Trophy.
. Council Business and Long Term Projects.
(a) Notice Boards. The wording has been agreed and three notice boards will be installed in the near future. The GBC have
been reminded of the situation.
(b) Fenders: Alan Gibson has advised us there is to be an on site meeting with contractors for the installation of more fendering.
A lower water level is required by the contractor to enable them to carry out this work. The drop in water level will affect the sailing that takes place on the pond and members are asked to note the dates that have been recommended for the proposed work. October 15th – 28th are the days that have been suggested and Alan Gibson is to be advised of this by JS.
Safety Issues:
First Aid Box It was agreed that we would purchase a clearly labelled First Aid box and contents, to be placed on the Toilet wall, so that it is accessible whenever the Boat House is open. A First Aid Box is now in place.
IOM Class Captain: Discussion took place concerning the possibility of nominating Class Vice Captains to assist Class Captains. This idea has been adopted by the Laser Class successfully. Mervyn Cook has taken on the post of Class Captain for the 36” Vane Class.
Club Rules: JSt suggested several changes in the Club rules to bring them up to date with our present situation.
AGM Venue: JSt had enquired the cost of hiring Alverstoke Parish Centre for the AGM and reported that it would cost £ 40.00, with a small additional charge if we wanted the kitchen facilities too. He has made a no-cost provisional booking for the Centre. RH has visited this facility and agreed it would be very suitable for our AGM. Various other possible venues had been suggested by members, and after a short discussion, it was agreed that JSt would confirm the booking, and provide directions on how to get there, nearer the date.
JSt has produced the directions to enable members to find their way to the AGM venue.
Notice of Date of Next Cttee Meeting. GC had posted a notice on the Boat House lockers advising Members of the next Cttee Meeting, but it had not attracted any comment. Nevertheless, it was thought to be worth continuing.
India Trophy JSt had been in contact with Abhay More about his suggestion to present a cup to be raced for by juniors. JSt had explained that we very much appreciated his offer, but we are not short of Trophies and presently do not have any junior members. However, Abhay will be retiring in the not-too-distant future and returning to India. He would like to make a presentation of some sort to the Club. Abhay has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Club and wishes to mark that with a Trophy, which hopefully will be for members' photos, to be presented for the first time in 2008.
.JC suggested that a trophy be awarded for the best photograph taken by a Club member of items of interest within the Club’s confines.
New Proposals for the AGM. Any new proposals are to be submitted by 18.11.07.
St Mary’s Parish Centre
Green Road, Alverstoke, Gosport
PO12 2ET Click on the PostCode for a map
Those of you who usually come into Gosport via Lee-on-the Solent:
At the Cocked Hat Public House roundabout, turn right (3 o’clock) into Gomer Lane
(Finsbury Garage should be on your right)
Those of you who usually come into Gosport via the A.32 and Military Road :
At the Cocked Hat Public House roundabout, go ahead (12 o’clock) into Gomer Lane
(Finsbury Garage should be on your right)
Then take the 2nd Left into Western Way. Carry on until you come to a crossroads.
Go straight over (having looked both ways) into Village Road. Carry on until you reach a T junction (facing side of building
with white wall), turn Left, then a very short distance further, turn Right into Green Road.
The Parish Centre is on the left; recommend you park where you can in that vicinity.
Recommend taking this route; there appear to be shorter routes on the map, but these could lead into difficulty with one-way
streets, no right turns, etc.
Those of you who wish to come direct from the Model Yacht Club
On leaving South Street Car Park, turn left onto South Street.
After the “Give Way” junction (into Foster Road), take 3rd Left into Anglesey Road.
Take 6th Right into Green Road, leaving the Church to your left.
The Parish Centre is on the right, opposite the Church; recommend you park where you can in that vicinity.
Thanks to John Storey for the directions.
This section has been included because with so many new members some of you will not be aware of how fortunate we are with the facilities and the help the Club receives from the Gosport Borough Council.
The lakes at Walpole Park are unique having a flat concrete path on all sides; the large lake is 230m long and 54m wide the smaller one being 110m long and 55m wide and typically 1/1 .5m deep holding approximately 3.5 million gallons or 15000 Tons of salt water in total. The salt water is provided by Haslar Creek and the lakes water level can be controlled by a valve, however topping up the lakes require high tides, generally over 4.0 combined with a low barometric pressure.
The lakes are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Ramsar site ( SSSI, SPA ) Wetlands of International Importance water fowl habitat convention
at Ramsar Iran 1971. The shrimps colonising the pond have secured its future use as a model yachting lake. English Nature monitor the water and together with Gosport Borough Council and the Club manage the Walpole Lakes.
Weed is sometimes a problem, the lake can be dragged or harvested but cannot be treated. Keeping out the sunlight has worked well in recent years. A full weed cut requires the Club to marshal the lake area and erect barriers on all pathways. The Council provide the Weed Cutting Boat the skips and the Contractors at considerable cost. We make a donation to help.
The picture below shows the extent of the equipment necessary to manage the lake when we have a surge in weed growth.
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The Committee wish to thank all the skippers who turned out to help with the weed cut and the removal /replacement of the buoys. It was a long day for the volunteers and all the Club members should be aware of what efforts are sometimes needed to keep our Club functioning. |
Have I got your attention yet ,or perhaps no one is bothering to read this?
This is your Treasure typing – the AGM is not too far off (Sunday 9th December for those who have forgotten), when we shall decide on how much next year’s Subs will be - amongst other things. One of the “other things” will be my proposal that the discount on Subs under Rule 9 (d) will only be allowed to those who pay their subs in advance, ie by 31st December. Rule 9 (a) says that subs become due on 1st January, so why have we always allowed a discount to those who pay a month late??
You will have to decide whether or not to approve this particular rule change at the AGM.
I haven’t discussed 2008s Subs figures with the Committee yet, and these are only my ideas, but I am thinking on the lines of recommending that Subs remain the same (ie £ 30 pa) with a £ 10 discount (making it £ 20) for those who pay in advance (ie by 31st December 2007).
We have 124 paying members at present; if 75% of them take advantage of this generous discount (assuming all the above is approved) and 25% miss the boat and pay full whack, that will give us more than sufficient income to run our Club’s business for 2008.
But, if you think this is a good idea – or even don’t think much of it – you’ll need to come and vote on the subject on 9 Dec.
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For the first time for some years, free sailed 36r’s are racing at Gosport again. On a perfect early Autumn day, six boats assembled for a club practice day, prior to the three day race series later in the year. The fleet included two Alex Austin designs, ‘Deductshun’ and ‘Extenshun’; Bruce Prole’s historic ‘Spider’, three times winner of the 36r championship in the sixties; and Shaun Wyeth brought his beautiful John Gale built, mahogany planked ‘Realistic’. Seven races were sailed. The racing was leisurely, but correct, and we even stopped for a morning coffee break. The ‘Realistic’ showed the fleet a clean pair of heels in most races, slicing up to windward, and sailed to perfection by Shaun and his son, Lewis. The Alex Austin boats of Jacque Cook and Robert Hobbs carried their sail well, giving them an advantage at times on the stronger wind legs. And the elegant Sykes designed ‘Spider’ showed her class with some stunning downwind legs, straight as a dye and avoiding either bank. Despite being the oldest boat sailing, with a more user-friendly vane gear she could also have been a force to contend with to windward. The Vane 36r series will take place on Saturday 17th November, and Saturday 1st December. Even if you haven’t got a boat do come along and join us. We guarantee it’ll be fun, and there is always plenty for everyone to do at a vane sailing event. |
| Following the first successful Club Day earlier in the month, six boats found themselves racing on the 29th September in the introductory series. This time, the weather was less than kind, with an almost non-existent, faltering wind, and steady rain setting in. Motorway glitches also prevented Anthony Warren and Max Buttimer from arriving in time for the first starts. Among the six boats were Derek Kitcheners newly acquired ‘Batman 2’ design, John Gale bought his lovely and very fast Peter Dunkling ‘Genie’, and Graham Wyeth raced his exquisitely built mahogany planked ‘Realistic’. Racing continued until the wind died completely during the ninth board, leaving boats rotating gently in the middle of the lake. However, by general consensus the results will count towards the series. Graham won by a single point from John Gale, with vane ‘rookie’ Peter Fothergill in a creditable third place with John’s Peter Dunkling design boat. The next 36r race day will be on the 17th November, when we are all looking forward to a more tangible breeze! Mervyn |
 Al, Robert, Jacquie, Mervyn & Bruce, Shaun took the photo |
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Lynda (centre) and David Munro enjoy the Gosport weather. Lynda & David set up the PRACC in memory of Lynda’s father. Trish Raishbrooke (left) studies the form in the press. |
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Mike Tattersall and John Smith did us all proud at the recent event. The sailing of 3 fleets went like clockwork with the results appearing as if by magic. Gosport certainly knows how to run an event and it is this quality of work that keeps skippers returning to Gosport to sail with us over and over again. |
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29 skippers attended the first UK Championships for this exciting new low cost Class. The size or the value certainly did not stop the racing from being very exciting. The two photographs show the skippers and their support crews in attendance with sippers ages ranging from 7 to 77, how’s that for a new starter Class in the UK. Yet another first for Gosport Model Yacht and Boat Club |
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The Gosport RC Laser fleet continues to go from strength to strength with new boats appearing on the water all the time. The Thursday evening series was particularly well supported this year with up to 14 boats on the water enjoying some great racing. A last minute invitation from the Bursledon Regatta race committee attracted 10 Gosport boats to race on the river Hamble as part of the regatta celebrations. Despite a certain amount of chaos, 6 fun and rather informal races ensued with the skippers all standing on the end of the Jolly Sailor public house pontoon (no-one worked out how to hold a pint and a transmitter at the same time!) On the national circuit Gosport boats have achieved some very creditable results with Dennis Bookham and Stuart Willes achieving 10th and 16th respectively at the Nationals in Eastbourne. In the ‘Marine Modelling International’ sponsored Travellers Trophy, 3 Gosport skippers managed to fill 3rd, 4th , and 5th places at the Poole event – well done to Chris Treagust, Dennis Bookham and Stuart Willes.
| As we go to press, the first meetings of the autumn series have already been sailed with the fleets starting to get bigger and more competitive. Hopefully this trend will continue and we will be enjoying the 20+ boat fleets that we had last winter. |  |
MYA WORKSHOP at GOSPORT 40 Skippers attend
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Roger Stollery ,left, demonstrates moulding and wire bending techniques throughout the day in the boat house. Peter Stollery, right, MYA Chairman, leads the outside sessions of setting up the yacht before racing and practising the start, probably the most important part of a race. |
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| Brad Gibson talks us through the concepts of sail shape prior to demonstrating how he makes the all important power house of our yachts. |
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Tony Edwards , MYA Vice Chairman, outlines the importance of the standing rigging before discussing how to get the sail shape right for differing wind conditions. |
| It is becoming a regular feature to have a picture of a “Wyeth” on this page. In th is issue we must congratulate Shaun with a little help from Graham on winning the Yachting Monthly Cup during the A Class Nationals at Fleetwood this year. This is the second time that Shaun has managed to win this splendid trophy . |  |
Publicity Officer’s Comments
Hi all, this is the last Newsletter before our AGM and you should be looking to find new Officers for your Committee, I will not be standing for Radio Sailing Secretary next year. Mike Tattersall has taken to the results section like a duck to water and although I have staggered on trying to keep up with him I am a long way behind. Unfortunately this type of activity, spreadsheets, lists of numbers or even accounts do not interest me at all, I am happy to carry on with the Newsletters if there are no other offers for this post, I will carry on with the Council liaison until told otherwise.
The Club advert has been placed in the MYA Year Book Diary to encourage skippers to visit and sail with us. We have accepted a number of National Events for 2008, these will appear shortly in our ever expanding Sailing Programme. The success of this Programme is attracting additional members and visitors who wish to enjoy our facilities and friendly but very competitive sailing. There is only one thing better than sailing model yachts with like minded people and that is sailing competitively to the Rules with everyone doing their turns.
Talking about turns how about a regular supply of articles that I can put into the new folder on my email system, called Gosport Newsletter Items, a few photographs would also help. Your input will make the Newsletter more interesting and will save me scratching around looking for content.
The Gosport Club is probably, no really is, the best venue for model sailing in the UK, we have a full radio programme for many classes, we have scale and also our Heritage events for the A Class, Vintage and 36” which will maintain Gosport’s rightful position on the UK model yachting scene for many years to come. There are very few lakes in the UK where free sailing can take place and ours was the first built and remains the best. To help spread the load the Class Captain concept has worked well and the proposed introduction of Vice Captains for the Classes will spread this load further, so please let the Committee know who you would like to promote your Class. P.S. Please ensure that you get their agreement before submitting their name.
As many of you will know I am giving up the Publicity Officer post on the MYA Council after many enjoyable years service, I encourage you all to support the MYA by taking out affiliation and hopefully a subscription for The Acquaint. My own belief is that all Gosport members should support the MYA. The MYA AGM is at Dickens Heath Primary School on 24th November at 10.00 a.m. in the morning there will be a Trade Fair with many major suppliers in attendance, a workshop on setting-up your yacht and the now famous MYA free lunch.
Robert
Welcome
to the latest edition of the Club Newsletter.
Our aim is that this should have been distributed to you in accordance
with the method you have indicated a preference for. I shall also be looking to publish a version on the Newsletters
page of the club website ( www.gosportmybc.org.uk ) so that those of you with
access to the internet can feed back views and opinions. For those of you without such access, please
don’t be shy, although your committee naturally much prefer constructive
comment.
Committee Business
Boat House Review
RA News & As It Was
Club Clothing
Footy Championships
AGM News & Vane Reports
Well Done Graham!
Special points of Interest
Children & Safety at The Lakes
Candid camera
We
have now agreed a framework with the council to enable us to control and
operate the sluice valve for topping up the water levels. There is a laid down process so if you want
to become involved, please indicate your willingness so that you can be made
aware of the specific requirements as it is not just a question of opening and
closing the valve whenever we want to.
There
will be more detailed comment about frequency control and hopefully you will
have noticed recently the introduction of putting your own peg on the board as
a TEMPORARY (on the day it is being used) exchange/replacement for the
frequency peg. One of the aims of this
is to enable anyone turning up to establish who might be on certain frequencies
if there becomes a need to request possible changes. Whilst I would encourage all members to try and have a selection
of crystals, there will still be occasions when all yours seem to be in use but
hopefully a spirit of co-operation will exist such that if you are asked if you
have any others available you might change to one that is not in use at the
time, thus freeing up a slot for someone else.
Membership
numbers continue to increase and I would welcome more feedback from members,
old and new, about their views on this matter. I have received comments from two members who feel that the number of
members is too large and whilst I do not contend that this means there are
around 120 or so who don’t think the number is too large, there are a number of
factors that need to be taken into consideration.
My
final comments in this issue are addressed both to committee members for their
support and efforts and club members alike. These are to thank everyone for their continued support and spirit of
encouragement such that we are still commented upon as a friendly club.
DO READ ON.
Return to Table of Contents
Membership
State:
Jacque Cook forwarded an up dated version of the spreadsheet detailing relevant
information of all our members. This information will only be used for the
efficient running of the club and the Data Protection requirements will be
strictly adhered too. There are 125 members of whom 7 are Life Members.
The
total membership number was again considered and the cttee agreed that there
was no problem with the present total. The Commodore commented that it was
better to welcome new members into the club rather than having individuals
sailing on the ponds who were not members and perhaps causing problems that we
could not address. This item of membership numbers will be discussed at every
meeting.
Clubhouse/Boathouse:
The cttee wishes to thank
both Arnie Peace and Ken Shell for the considerable amount of work they have
undertaken in trying to repair the wind vane and the cttee decided that because
of the constant break down of the wind vane and the safety issues in trying to
mend it, it was the time to purchase a modern electronic equivalent.
The cttee decided the
following process for the berthing fees and allocation: The fees for berthing
will be paid directly to the Treasurer John Storey. The maintenance of the
berthing facilities will be carried out by the House Officer Mick Thomas. Any
issues or problems if they arise, concerning allocation of berths etc will be
considered and a decision made by the whole cttee. “A/ RA” Berth Waiting List In Order of Application (As
at 20 May 2007)
David Moody, Bruce Prole, Derek Kitchener, Mike Tattersall, Graham Wyeth, and Arthur Lancaster
Note:
When a Berth becomes available, it will be offered strictly in the order in
which applications were made. Please
do not assume a space is available until you have been so advised by the Hon
Treasurer.
Club
chairs Brian
Leighton has kindly supplied some plastic chairs to replace the existing old
rusty items that are stored in the Boat house. Brian has also kindly agreed to dispose the rusty chairs.
Maintainance
The alarm
will have its yearly maintenance carried out 25.5.07. The sewage pump maintenance will be carried out 21.5.07
MYA Business: The MYA Workshop on Saturday 31.3.07 was a resounding success at the
club. MYA members took full advantage of the expert advice given in the areas
of sailing making; boat electronics; construction; setting a boat up for
sailing; start line techniques; and Vane sailing just to name a few. The cttee
wishes to thank all the experts who helped
make it an event to remember.
Council Business and Long Term Projects. The sluice gate is now in full working condition and all the
necessary protective railings and new means of access to the sluice valve are
in place. The total cost of this work was £1688:00, at the next meeting with
the GBC the Club is to offer a donation
of £400:00 to cover some of the cost involved in the work carried out on
the sluice gate. Notice Boards. The wording has been agreed and three notice boards will be
installed in the near future. Fenders.
The further fenders around the sides of the pond are to be installed. This will
be an ongoing job depending on the materials available. The cttee would prefer
the north side of the large lake to be treated first.
Safety
Issues. As there have been reports of members slipping on the grass
bank that leads in towards the Boat House
GBC have been approached to see whether a set of steps could be provide.
The answer was that this was not possible as it would mean a ramp, which would
be too steep to satisfy the legal requirements for access for disadvantage
people. Another possible solution would be to put a barrier around the area and
thereby make people take the safer route via the existing pathway.
Tug /Sailing Events at Gosport.
John Storey suggested that the club host an event
that would be for Model Thames Barges and as there was a list in the Club House
that contained names of people who were interested in scale models the cttee
felt the time was right to try and restart the Scale Section. To date we are
looking for a Scale Secretary as the post has been vacant for the last two
years.
Tony
Skraga will be asked if he would be interested in taking up this post as his
name appeared on top of the list. Several Club members have Tugs and are
interested in towing or steering events.
2008
Sailing Programme. Fleetwood Club will possibly
not hold any Vane A events in the future and the cttee agreed that Gosport
would support any Vintage and Vane events to ensure that the classes are still
represented in the racing calendar.
Gosport
will also host the following events; National Vane, Marble Head, Vane A,
Met/Southern, PRACC, Laser T/T and Forces IOM. as well as the usual programme
for our own club events.
Frequency
Pegs.
There has been an increase in a clash of frequencies, the cttee has considered
the following procedure to help ease the problem. Every member will have there
own name peg. This is to be placed on the peg board once the frequency peg has
been removed. After sailing the frequency peg is to be re exchange for the name
peg. This action will show if any member has taken the frequency peg away and
not returned it to the peg board.
The
cttee also wishes to reminded members that personal frequency crystals are not
an automatic right for that skipper to use that particular frequency - there
are too many skippers now sailing to have that luxury. All skippers are
recommended to have several sets of crystals if they wish to be able to sail at
any time.
Sailing
on a Thursday morning. Sailing on a Thursday morning
is for all classes and all skippers. If any particular class wishes to organise
a particular class sailing morning it is up to the Class Captain to organise.
The
cttee wish to thank the Class Captains for their efforts and in assuring that
if there are two classes sailing there are no interference between them.
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Gosport Model Yacht & Boat Club
Club Radio Championship 2007 Rank Name Total 1st Colin
Cooper 258
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This
table represents the relative scores of skippers in all the radio control
classes that we sail up to the 27th
May. So skippers, you have plenty of opportunities to improve your placing. We have over 70 skippers taking
part in our events, some who race almost every week and some that just turn
up occasionally, however they all enjoy the participation. We are very
fortunate with our full race programme and having willing skippers to
undertake Race Officer duties to enable the races to proceed in such a
professional way. Mike
Tattersall has worked very hard this year to publish the results after each
event and keep the results board up
to date and very informative. Thanks Mike. Congratulations to Colin Cooper for leading
the field at this stage. The
other competitions running/ continuing this year are as follows AM
IOM Throughout the year there are individual Cup /Trophy events that stand alone but also count in the over all championships .
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We are so fortunate to have a house officer with so much skill and enthusiasm. Mike Thomas is a splendid chippy and is responsible for manufacturing the weighing frame, the sail box racks, the A class trolleys and the intervening IOM support systems. This has radically improved our boat storage and shows off our yachts in a safe and secure manner. It’s no wonder other clubs are looking to copy our efforts. Thanks Mike for the hard work and also to Ken Shell for dreaming up and producing the prototype for the IOM support system. The two pictures below show a
IOM moved out on the frame for access and rigging and in the safely stowed
position between the A Class. |
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Radio
A Thursdays
Monday 21st.May 2007
Confirmation
of dates 2007
From
the suggestion at the AGM that a couple of Thursdays a month should be
nominated for Radio A sailing, there has been continuing evolution and support.
The practice of fleets sailing at opposite ends of the lake seems to work well.
Last
Thursday exposed a slight hiccup when 2 or 3 sailors needed to tune (!) their
IOM’s prior to Sunday’s IOM Championship racing, and at the same time we
identified that the general concensus was that it would be good to sail RAs on
those Thursdays prior to RA Championship Sundays.
So I
have gone through the calendar and these are the dates for the rest of the
year- not many have changed.
Please
make a note in your diaries, and I will put a notice up in the Club house.
THURSDAY
SUNDAY
RA EVENT
MAY
24th.
27th. Easter Cup
JUNE
14th.
(RA
Nationals 16/17th.)
21st.
24th.Coronation Cup
JULY 5th.
8th. RA (5).
19th.
AUGUST 9th.
12th. RA (6).
30th.
2nd RA (7).
SEPTEMBER 6th.
20th.
23rd. RA (8) & PRACC.
OCTOBER 4th.
18th.
21st. RA (9)
NOVEMBER 8th.
11th. RA (10)
22nd.
25th. RA (11)
DECEMBER 6th.
20th.
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Gosport 1950/60? Please can any one identify the members of this group. The man with the hat is Arthur Levison.? |
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 A good turn out for a vane A event 1990’s ? |
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Peter
Nicholls latest concept for radio control, a very nice Mallard and two
ducklings. Has
Gosport gone |
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The
pictures show a 1930’s 6 Metre that I have been working on for the
last few months. Originally sailed at
Gosport & Portsmouth in the 30’s and last sailed just after the 2nd WW.
Most fittings are as was and the deck has been re lined. “Rayic” was named after Ray,the son , and Vic Withers
who purchased her pre war. |
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There is a renewed interest in scale model boats at the Club, with the main interest being centred on Tugs or Warships. Would any skippers interested in taking part please let the Committee know. |
| The RC Laser fleet continues to grow with probably the largest number of lasers competitively sailing in the UK. This is extremely encouraging and bodes well for the well being of GMY&BC. |  |
FOOTY CHAMPIONSHIP GOSPORT 29th JULY
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We are hosting the Footy Championship on our OPEN DAY this year so please come along and make it a real festival. Get building your FOOTY and enter now, there will be a Notice of Race and entry form on the Gosport web site. There should be events for juniors and seniors, both in fun and professional classes. There will also be a prize for the best presented Footy that also sails. Rules as per MYA data sheet , two standard servos, fit in the box, other wise all else is legal. Who knows we could even have a free sailing, vane,braine, or radio control FOOTY’s in action. |
Return to Table of Contents
A CLASS CAPTAIN MARTIN BANDEY Reports
We
could hardly have had a better or more encouraging start to the 2007 season
with an incredible turnout of 12 boats, all with skippers and many with mates!
A very pleasant, albeit slightly grey but mild day for the middle of February
with light airs or at best, a very light breeze. None the less conditions with
a brief lunch break allowed us to sail 5 heats in the first round of our nine
round competition for which last year the NYRIA Cup was won by Gosport member
Brian Smith with his yacht Sian.
Whilst
setting up in readiness for the start, soon after 10.00hrs, the
comment was heard, "this is like the "A" Nationals, .... such
was the excitement and appreciation of everyone for an excellent turnout which
so much enlivened the days competitive but most enjoyable sailing. Thanks to
all and especially those crew who journeyed from the Midlands and London area
to sail with the Gosport Club.
Our congratulations must go to Ray Baker and Martin Dovey who jointly took the top score with 23 points, a mere run from a full score. The result must have been a very gratifying reward for the modifications Ray had carried out this winter to Aggreshun which showed a relatively disappointing performance during last years Nationals. Bill Green and Lisa McKerchar also showed just what can be done with a sunken hulk (when so expertly rebuilt of course) and John Gale having excited Graham Wyeth back to the pond side must both have been especially pleased with the performance of Twister in her maiden race. A most interesting extended "Sword" design of cedar construction from John's Chessington yard.
See the latest table of Scores on the Vane sailing PageReturn to Table of Contents
Those
members who came to last year’s AGM in the Clubhouse will remember it was a
tight squeeze, and your Committee are wondering whether we should find a larger
venue for this year’s AGM in Gosport and near the lakes. But and a big but, would the members come to
their AGM if it were held somewhere
other than the Clubhouse? If you have any thoughts on this topic, please
contact the Club Secretary, Gary Cooper by note in his Pigeon Hole in the
Clubhouse, by phone (023 92550084 or by e-mail to gary.c.cooper@btinternet.com.
Return to Table of Contents
54
Guildford Drive
Chandlers
Ford
Hants
SO
53 3PT
Editor
Phone:02380
255896
Email:roberto.hobbs@virgin.net
Don’t
FORGET
GOSPORT
IS THE
HOME
OF THE A CLASS
Met & Southern A Class 2007
How good it was to see Graham Wyeth in operation at Gosport once again. With his
boy John Gale they are almost invincible??
Congratulations Graham & John.
Also worthy of note a smiling and happy Kenneth
Shell after setting up the cards and acting as OOD.
Return to Table of Contents
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Lewis Wyeth was seen
recently at a National event wearing a
fetching life jacket. He just slipped it on for the photo, during the day it
was zipped up, the buckle closed and the tapes tied. The sensible approach
enabled Shaun, his father, to enjoy his days sailing with out fear for the
safety of Lewis, whilst he Lewis also enjoyed his freedom around the Gosport
Lake.. Also note the excellent storage system for A Class and IOM installed in the Gosport boat house. |
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Photos sent in by Mick
Chelmick On the right |
 |
Return to Table of Contents
Commodore's Message
My message for this issue of the newsletter is a mixture.
Some good news, some sad news, some requests and some (hopefully)
advice.
However, I will start with the sad for,
since the last newsletter, we have lost two members and a dear old
friend of the club. Sadly Rex Jennings and John Perrin passed away,
both prolific boatbuilders. Another sad death notified to us was that
of Gordon Wood, a keen modeller and who generously gave us our
inflatable dinghy. Our thoughts go to their families.
SKIPPERS
The Lakes will be drained for Maintainance All December refilling expected January 2007
One of the difficulties that comes with such success and growth is the issue of frequency management and control. There have been times in the past when the number of members meant that each person almost had their own radio frequency for regular use. THOSE DAYS ARE GONE. As we approach the 120 member mark, and Yes, I know that they are not all Radio Skippers, and they don’t all come down at the same time, there is a need for FULL CO-OPERATION and UNDERSTANDING to be shown by EVERYONE.
As it Was
Committee Business
Meet Mike Dann
A Class Nationals
Laser review
A Class News
Subs & AGM
Members Comments
A New Radio ???
Round the World
Re-Application Form
That means being willing
to change frequency sometimes from a personal preference. It
means looking out for members who don’t appear to be able to sail
although probably are by the lakeside with their boats. Often
that is because the pegs, for which they have crystals, have already
been taken. Being in possession of the appropriate peg is a
control measure, but doesn’t mean that nobody else is entitled to
consider using that frequency. It does mean that nobody else
should consider switching their equipment on until crystals have been
changed so that they can switch on safely. Safely for themselves
AND safely for others. I am aware that there are frequently
offers made to lend crystals to help people get on the water. I
am delighted that this happens as that is an indication of the level of
co-operation and helpfulness that does exist.
Regular lakeside attendees cannot help having noticed that Mick Thomas recently painted up a complete new set of 40 MHz frequency pegs. Despite the fact that he painted them a vivid fluorescent orange, for which Mick, many thanks, but still pegs don’t get replaced at the end of a sailing day. Do PLEASE remember to replace the peg you have been using after you have finished sailing as otherwise when someone else checks the pegboard and 40.xxx isn’t there, it should mean that it’s in use NOT that the peg has gone missing. Hanging on to pegs makes control more difficult, makes less frequencies apparently available for use and conveys the impression that someone is simply being greedy!
That leads me onto a little advice, perhaps especially more
so for the less experienced among us in relation to Radio Control
matters. I do not propose to recommend or extol the virtues of
particular manufacturers but there are a few golden rules that are
useful to bear in mind. Whilst some equipment produced by different
manufacturers can be compatible with some others, that is not always
the case and there are some combinations that just don’t work. I
therefore suggest that wherever possible, stick with the same
manufacturer. This is especially the case with transmitters, receivers
and crystals.
Also try to be sure what type of transmitter and
receiver you are using. I refer here to the 2 main types AM and FM.
Whilst they will not permit you to control your model if you mix the
combination, they will if someone else is on the same frequency, cause
interference. This knowledge about your equipment is essential when
crystals are being offered to be lent. FM crystals are no more good
with AM transmitters and receivers than AM crystals are with FM
transmitters and receivers. Not just no more good – no good atall!
Don’t forget also that both 40 MHz and 27 MHz equipment is available in
both AM and FM.
A few final points before I let you get on with reading the remainder of this newsletter.
Firstly my thanks – to your committee members, to your class
captains, to you the members and especially to those of you involved in
assisting with running races and the many other things that need to be
maintained for us to remain successful.
Secondly, and maybe I do sound just like Oliver! But more of the same please, especially the offers of help with organising racing etc. Even if you’re not sure what to do, please offer to assist. Equally, and especially if you’re not sure, whether its about running a race meeting or because your boat isn’t going as well as some others – please ASK for help.
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RADIO SAILING and RACING at GOSPORT
Please can we have volunteers to run races and act as Officer of the Day OOD for our racing schedule.A well run race provides an excellent days sailing and with our full calendar it is important to provide good racing for our members as well as our guests and visitors. The quality of the event is also improved when observers are taking part. We all know that policing is not really necessary because we are all good eggs and do our turns when we infringe????
The standard of our skippers is improving all the time and this increase in ability encourages competitive sailing so we may expect an increase in incidents on the water but not at expense to the rules. Peter Wiles has a rather novel out look on when yachts meet. See John Hayston’s A class section
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| · Clubhouse/Boathouse: · · (a)Bills. The water bill will be paid when due. ( b) The wind vane is being repaired by Ken Shell and a new feather was supplied by Ray Baker. Arnie Peace will reinstate the top section. (c ) Club Cups. The club have sufficient cups to ensure that both Laser and Vane championships can be awarded an appropriate trophy. (d) Scales The cttee have agreed to break the old scales up and take the parts to the local tip for disposal. It was also agreed that a spring balance would be purchased so that members can have the facility to weigh their own boats etc. This would in no means replace the accurate measuring facilities carried out by KS. (e). Out Board A new outboard engine bracket will be purchased for the clubs dinghy, as the present one belongs to Andy Fernie who has to date loaned the item to us. (f). Boat House Decoration Mike Thomas has kindly painted the ceiling in the boathouse white he worked so professionally and quickly we have requested a quote for the sitting room. Council Business and Long Term Projects. (a) Notice Boards. Alan Gibson (GBC) is to decide on the type and use of notice boards around the ponds (b) Provision of new bench. We have requested the GBC to provide a new bench to be situated at the south side of the pond. The bench will be funded by the club and should be in place soon. (c) Projects. We are liaising with GBC re the funding of new fenders, repair to the sluice gate or an alternative means of keeping the pond water level at a reasonable level, an offer of funding from the club is available to assist in financing the above requirements. We appreciate the support and help that the GBC gives to the club and we wish to help in any way that we can to maintain or improve our facilities. Gosport is probably the premier model yacht club in the UK. (d) Water Levels. The sluice gate has been operated to take advantage of the high spring tides. This has increased the level of water in the ponds. There has been some concern that the level fell soon after the gate was closed, a close watch will be kept to see if there are any leaks etc that are affecting water levels. Return to Top of Page Table of Contents |
Recent discussions have revealed that the Council will
run a maintainance programme on the sluice and could be prepared to
allow the Club to operate it subject to risk assessments, training, and
satisfactory undertakings with insurance in place. There are also
future plans to change the filling system. Club Trustee The appointment of a fourth trustee is being actioned by the club’s solicitor. The signing will be completed when you read this news letter. Auction of Rex Jennings sailing boats and other items There was a response for all the items and we are waiting the final monies to be submitted before giving a cheque of £654 to the Rocky Appeal. In addition to the proceeds raised by the auction the Frank Pankhurst sent a personal donation to the Rocky Appeal. Club Measurer. Mervyn Cook one of our new members is interested in becoming a measurer for the club. Class Captains. This concept is working very well and will be reviewed at the AGM on December the 10th at 2 pm in the Club House. CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE WITH ITS NEW ADDRESS www.gosportmybc.org.uk Alec Powell of RC Laser fame sorted this out for the Club, we have purchased this address which is so much easier than the Communigate one. We are still using the Echo Communigate site because of its easy use, John’s words not mine, and it is free, the other John likes this aspect. The new address links direct to the existing site so both work, however I am sure you will all agree that this is a more favourable address for the club. Please keep an eye on the web site because over the next few months some of our members are producing new formats for consideration by the Committee. Some of the limiting factors to our future plans are: Speed of loading
User friendly for up dating etc Finding a teche who will run the site Ensuring the Club can retain site control Using a provider that the Club can afford Size of site so as not to prohibit use by dial up |
Over the past few years you may have seen strange craft, sporting more than one hull, tearing around the lake.
For those who have not seen me at the pond my name is Mike Dann and I have been asked to be the Multihull Class Captain. I have been designing, building and sailing model mutlihulls for the past 15 years and have been a member of the British Model Multihull Association since 1990.
These craft can only be described as energetic. I can often be seen running around the pond to retrieve my boat after capsizing it. That said, a few of the Gosport members sailed my new boat at this years open day and had a lot of fun balancing it on one hull whilst trying to avoid other craft on the lake. With a top speed of around 9 knots, these boats require a slightly different approach to the way we sail compared to the usual models sailed at the club however, most skippers adjust easily!
I’m hoping I will be able to encourage a few more sailors to give this relatively unknown side of our sport a go. There is no better sight than 10 multihulls hitting the line at full speed.
If anyone would like to have a chat about the models, or just fancy having a sail then please contact me at m.dann@talk21.com. We are also holding a BMMA meeting at Gosport on the 14th October 2006, so we would welcome anyone to join us.
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(Take Care Of Those Crystals)
And I don’t mean just look after the pins because if you
damage them the crystal becomes virtually useless. I have noticed that some of the more recent crystals I have
bought, although clearly marked as to their frequency with paper tags, after
some time of use, the paper separates and may become detached from the actual
crystal. The older ones are marked on
the case of the crystals themselves both as to frequency and if they are
transmitter or receiver crystals. More
recent ones don’t seem to be marked so if you lose the tag, you don’t know what
frequency they are and whether for tranny or receiver.
My solution is to remove the paper tags before they wear and
replace them with an equivalent size piece of deck patch. Write the details with a permanent pen on
the new tag and you shouldn’t have problems of separation as the two self
adhesive faces stick together like you know what.
Cut piece to sufficient length and width, say, 60mm x 8mm.
Cut off the corners of the folded end so that they make V
inserts.
Remove the backing paper and stick to crystals inserting the pins either side of the V inserts. Ensure the spare ends stick to each other nice and square. Mark up the tags with frequency and R or T.
Return to Top of Page Table of ContentsMARTIN BANDEY reports on the event :- Twenty two boats started the Championship on Sunday 30 July, with the Deputy Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Keith Gill, getting the racing underway, supervised by the Race Officer, Bill Green.
The fleet was of mainly modern boats with Alan Bell sailing John Simpson’s new 28 lb design. The light displacement meant that sail area had to be reduced to cope with the stronger gusts and Alan experimented with various combinations of jib and mainsail areas to get the best out of his boat, named Weightwatcher. In recognition of this being the 80th Anniversary year of the Perpetual YACHTING MONTHLY Cup, a special effort was made to encourage an entry of “vintage” boats. The notable entries were Munin, winner of the National Championship in 1962 and Highlander, winner several times in the 1950's. This was the first time entry for the National Championship by Munin's new owner, Martin Bandey. Another first time entrant was Anthony Warren, sailing a stretched John Lewis, Cream Cracker design. By the end of the week, both Martin and Anthony had improved the trim and sailing of their boats markedly. Anthony commented about the friendly welcome he had received from all the skippers and in particular, the help other skippers had given when his boat was damaged.
With a wind force of 10-15 knots and gusts approaching 20knots from the south west for the first two days, the boats could beat up the lake on a long leg, with one or two guys to reach the finishing line. The wind straightened during Tuesday allowing boats to tack to windward, and the opportunity for the skippers’ skill to be tested under brisk top suit conditions. The majority of boats set spinnakers for the run downwind and as the wind increased in the afternoons some of the boats were able to plane for short periods.
Leading boats at the end of the first three days were Martin Roberts sailing Torchlight and Mike Harris/Brian Jones sailing Simpsonite both with 51 points, followed by Alex Austin and Chris Harris joint skippers of 22U2 with 46 points and Peter Whiteside with Blue Note on 45 points.
Wednesday was set aside for the Yachting Monthly Cup, eighty years old this year. Racing was started by Yachting Monthly Editor, Paul Gelder, and followed a revised format. The fleet was split into five pools, with each yacht sailing the other boats in its pool. At the completion of this, the eight highest scoring yachts went into a knockout competition to decide the winner. The eight finalists were Alex Austin/Chris Harris with 22U2, Richard and Terry Costigan with Deliverance, Derek and Shaun Priestley with Corsario, Mark Dicks and his young son Joshua with Nexus, Peter Whiteside and Steve Poole with Blue Note, John Smith and John Storey with Alba, Sean Wyeth and Mike Parkinson with Mo and Robert Walsh with Eager Beaver. The first sail off left 22U2 to sail Nexus and Blue Note to sail Corsario. Both sail offs were decided by a final run leaving Alex Austin/Chris Harris to face Derek and Shaun Priestley in the final. Each boat won a beat so the competition was decided by a single run which was won convincingly by Derek and Shaun Priestley – Derek’s first success in this competition and a most spectacular close to an exceptional days racing.
National Championship racing restarted on the Thursday with the wind having changed to north to north west, force 2 to 3, giving a reach in both directions. This day’s racing made interesting sailing under the tricky conditions and all the leading boats lost and gained points making the National Championship much closer. At the end of the seven heats of racing, the leading boats were Martin Roberts with Torchlight on 73 points, Nexus with 67, Blue Note, sailed by Peter Whiteside with 66, Kronenbourg (David and Robert Bell) with 63 and 22U2 with 62.
| The
final days racing was run in light north to north west, fickle breezes
providing a final test for the skippers and mates, a “typical Gosport wind” as
many competitors commented. Some yachts would beat for 2 points and run back for 3 as the wind swung. Scoring changed in the second heat of the day, but the wind was still unsettled, and it was very hot again. It took nearly four hours to complete the final three heats. With the wind swinging markedly boats could head to either bank and skill was required to retrim to get off the bank. Several boats completed circles after re-trimming as they followed swirling gusts off the bank and passing the Clubhouse. |
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It was reassuring to see young mates helping their fathers, hopefully they will continue their interest and sail their own “A” Class yachts in the future. Hughie Shields announced that he was retiring this year (he has competed since 1961) but later announced at the prize giving that next year his mate, David Moody, will be the skipper, and Hughie the Mate. Three social evening were held during the week with 96 competitors, families and friends attending an excellent prize giving dinner to close the regatta. It will be remembered as an exciting, successful and most enjoyable week.
Thanks must be given to the Officials; Bill Green, OOD; Janet Harris and Joyce Roberts, scorers; Ken Shell, results co-coordinator; Jim Jakes, starter. Without their commitment we would not have had such an enjoyable and memorable week.
Our thanks go to Martin and Liz for making this event so successful and enjoyable
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2006 has seen the RC Laser fleet at Gosport
establish itself as the leading force on the national scene. At this year’s
National Championships, held at Poole over the weekend of the 24th
and 25th June, Gosport boats accounted for one third of the first
dozen boats in a fleet of 44: Alec Powell 5th; David Edwards 9th;
Chris Treagust 11th: Alex Powell 12th. Meanwhile in the
National Travellers’ Trophy competition Gosport are currently 3rd (David
Edwards) and 4th (Chris Treagust) with two events to go. Closer to
home, Gosport’s top woman skipper, Jane Edwards, has put her marker down in her
first year of racing with podium finishes in both the Summer and Thursday
Evening Series.
With more and more RC Laser skippers joining the fleet with every series, 2007 looks set to build on the successes of 2006. One new event to look forward to will be the ‘RC Laser Gosport - Winter Championship’, this will be a 12 race event held on Saturday 3rd February 2007. The numbers of boats allowed to enter the event will be 24 and entries need to be registered in advance via e-mail to alec@rclasergosport.org.uk.
Summer Series Thursday Evening Series
1st.
David Edwards
1st
Terry Mason
2nd
Jane Edwards 2nd Denis Bookham
3rd
Fred Body
3rd Jane Edwards
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RA
fleet still growing - or gaining new members and boats with Mervyn Cook and
Derek Kitchener both putting boats on the water and joining in the very
successful PRACC.
Brian
Leighton has discovered the crumple zone built in to the bow of his new ARGO
and it is back to it's pristine condition. Mike
Nicholls is assembling his new Sweet and we look forward to that arrival. On
quizzing Peter Wiles for advice on a Port/Starboard interpretation he gave a
very good thought for the day.... |
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| Not only are we one of, if not, the best club in the MYA but we are now becoming the club with the best dressed membership. John Hayston is fitting out more and more of us, and don’t we look grand. Christmas will soon be with us and a new jumper, shirt or hat could be just the thing so make your preferences known to the family and allow them to get your order in early. A catalogue is available in the clubhouse so that members can make their choice and obtain items diurect from Swift Embroifdery |  |
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