What a perfect day for a race! A little warmer would have been perhaps better but overall the best conditions of the season so far. Great to see 15 boats on the start line, it is making for some interesting races and lovely for us to see that you are enjoying this side of the group.

The start gun went with no boats over the line, which was great. Don’t be afraid to push it a little closer though, you may get it wrong at times but being on the line, at speed, when the gun goes off really does give you an advantage. The most notable start went to Steve Farmer, well done. Best start we have ever seen from you and put you in a really good position going up the first beat. Mike Blatchford and David Mason continued their rivalry both nailing great starts to begin their dual up the first beat.

Peter Gregory then found a really nice line sailing himself to the front of the fleet, once again. He was not having it all his own way though with Mike and David not far behind. First to the windward mark within the Access fleet was Rachel Ibbott who sailed a fantastic first leg followed by Tom Phillips.

Once everyone was safely round the windward mark, attention could turn to the downwind leg which for this race had been layed much more downwind as opposed to the reach that it normally is. The idea being that there would be more opportunities to cover other boats and allow for more exciting racing. This was certainly the case. Peter Wagner sailed a storming leg overtaking 4 boats on his way to the third mark, getting up close to Peter G. Martin Newman took a similar line and again overtook a number of boats. Steve equally had a brilliant leg overtaking Tom but still leading the pack for the Access’ was Rachel who was sailing brilliantly.

Here are a couple of pictures from the day…

Looking at the statistics of the race, the most interesting thing to note is that after all the place changes at the start and on the first beat and downwind leg, there were no on the water place changes at all for the rest of the race. Lap times varied a bit, most notably for Fay Watson, after a difficult first lap, Fay sailed brilliantly for the 2nd lap improving her lap times by a minute and a half from lap 1 to 2 and then again from 2 to 3. Great sailing. Derek Green again improved by 2 minutes from Lap 1 to 2. What these statistics show on this race was how important the start and first 2 legs were. It can be daunting on a start line with so many boats around you but go for it, sometimes you may get it wrong but when you get it right, it will give you a massive advantage as well. The more times you practice this, the less times you are likely to get it wrong.

Overall a great race, great conditions and great racing. It’s lovely for us to see some of the ‘on the water’ rivalries that have developed, it makes the races really fun which is what is all about. Well done for coping with another more challenging course. From what we could see, everyone completed it no problem and for the first time this season, no-one missed the gate. Only one small point from this race, once you have finished the race, can you keep the line and the area leading up to it and just afterwards clear. It is only fair that every racer has space to decide where on the line they want to finish. It also means that we can clearly see the exact moment when each boat crosses the line. I know that after a race, you are keen to get in and the finish line was close to the shore but if you could keep it in mind, it would be much appreciated.

Have a great week. Look forward to seeing as many of you as possible next week.

The results for this race are:-

1. Rachel Ibbott
2. Fay Watson
3. Steve Farmer
4. Tom Philips
5. David Mason
6. Peter Gregory
7. Martin Newman
8. Peter Wagner
9. Mike Blatchford
10. Louise McSweeney
11. Kelly Tripp
12. Paul Hagan
13. Imogen Fletcher
14. Derek Green
15. Bob Fisher (retired

What a difference a week makes! Thank you to everyone for doing your wind dances during this week in preparation for this week’s race. Although a little gusty at times, conditions were pretty close to perfect with a good breeze and sun. This resulted in a much better prestart lead up with lots of jossling for position. Don’t be afraid to push closer to the line though. Whilst it was great that we had no-one over the line, the start is where you can really gain an advantage getting as close to it as possible. Sometimes that will mean you over cook it and are over but it will pay off for all the times that you get it just right. There were some real gains to be had today. Of particular note, Mike Blatchford and Fay Watson set themselves up with clear air and a good first beat with the flying starts that they pushed for.

The first leg saw some great racing. David Mason gave Peter Gregory a real race up the first beat and then round the rest of the lap trailing him by just 14 seconds at the gate. Kim also had a flyer of a first beat reaching the windward mark first of the 303s and also keeping up with the bigger boats. On the second lap, Peter Gregory started to stretch his lead but by no means had it his own way with David and Mike following behind. David and Mike really did fight it out on the second lap with 4 seconds separating them when they sailed through the gate. Fay Watson also had a flyer of a lap, overtaking 2 boats during the lap.

The third lap saw Mike Blatchford win his dual with David Mason overtaking him and maintaining this advantage until the end of the race although David was catching on the final lap. Kim increased her time advantage over the other 303s whilst also catching the bigger boats. Only the bigger boats completed a fourth lap with places remaining consistent from lap 3.

Here are some pictures from the day…..

Summing up, a big well done to everyone for getting the course right. It is much more complicated that we completed last year, I didn’t see any boats missing a mark. I was also impressed by collision avoidance, there were a couple of moments that could have been quite near misses but you skillfully avoided these. Again, where there was bunching at marks, plenty of space seemed to be given for boats to get round the mark. There were only a few misses of the gate today and everyone who was reminded did go back. We won’t keep doing this once all the cobwebs have been brushed off so please try and remember as missing the gate is a disqualification as we won’t have a lap time for you.

Hope you all enjoyed this weeks installment of the race. We look forward to seeing you on the water next week.

The results for this race are:-

1. Kim Sparkes
2. David Mason
3. Mike Blatchford
4. Peter Wagner
5. Steve Farmer
6. Kelly Tripp
7. Fay Watson
8. Peter Gregory
9. Rachel Ibbottson
10. Paul Hagan
11. Derek Green

Martin Newman & Louise McSweeney Retired (RTD).

WELCOME BACK!! We were thrilled to be back in the race box today and even happier to see 16 boats on the start line. A few years ago, we could have only dreamed of this. Unfortunately though, no-one had done a wind dance and whilst there was more wind than last week, it was not the easiest of conditions but I guess at least there was no rain! The lack of wind however, did make the start particularly challenging with numerous boats over the line and also a number facing in the wrong direction! Patience and perseverance were key and shown in bucket loads for all those who made it to the first mark. The bigger boats seemed to fair better in the light conditions with Mike Blatchford, in the Martin, leading the way. Closely followed by Peter Gregory and David Mason.

Four minutes into the race and with no doubt a number of you wondering where your paddles were, the wind picked up. Watching from the race box, it was as though the wind machines had been turned on, the increases in speed were impressive. This resulted in a tight bunching of boats at the windward mark and some visible rafting after rounding the mark en route to buoy C. Where possible try to avoid bunching, particularly in light conditions, if another boat is taking your wind, you will go even slower.

Placings throughout the race remained pretty consistent largely due to the lack of wind. There was a good battle though between Peter Wagner and Martin Newman who changed places on each lap with Peter Wagner finally coming out on top, finishing ahead (on the water).

A couple of quick reminders for subsequent races now we have all brushed the cobwebs off;

• Rules – It is important that we keep in mind the rules of sailing whilst racing, particularly remembering that overriding all of them is to avoid a collision at all costs. A collision could damage a boat or more importantly, you, so please be careful. If you are new to racing or would like to recap, just let us know as we have a document we can send out.
• The gate – On every lap you need to go through the Start / Finish line so that we can record your time. There were a lot that missed it on the first lap today. We will be stricter next week!
• The finish – You will hear a ‘hoot’ when you finish the race. Once you have heard this, please sail round the end of the line, trying to avoid sailing back through it as this can hinder us accurately timing other boats going through the line.

Well done to everyone today. It was so great to see so many of you out there. Hopefully this is the start to a great 2018 of racing. Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask Peter, Mike or Fleur.

The results for the first race of the Spring Series are:-

1. Peter Gregory
2. David Mason
3. Mike Blatchford
4. Peter Wagner
5. Martin Newman
6. Steve Farmer
7. Bob Fisher
8. Tom Philips
9. Louise McSweeney
10. Imogen Fletcher
11. Lydia Thorne
12. Ann Frewer
13. Derek Green
14. Fay Watson
15. Tom Whiting
16. Sophie Absolon (RTD)

It certainly wasn’t the weather – overcast, low cloud, dull and zilch wind – but as volunteers and clients arrived at the lake there was an end-of-term feel in the air. The realisation that we wouldn’t be meeting again until the Spring put a tinge of sadness to the proceedings but mainly folk were reflecting on the successful culmination of another brilliant year for Wealden Sailability and (on Thursdays) for the WS Racers! A happy band that this year numbered 27 competitors. There was quite a throng assembled for the briefing who were happy to chat before sailing started, as can be seen here, and to hear David Mckee read out an lovely Letter of  Thanks from Fay Watson in which she expressed her heartfelt appreciation for all the efforts made by the volunteers …

There was just a ruffle of wind at 9am and we were all hoping for at least the promised 2 to 4 knots to arrive before the Race. So rigging and launching the boats was done it near still conditions…

Fortunately, the wind did gradually fill in and the final race of the 2017 season was started as scheduled at 11.30. Watching a sailing race for the uninitiated can be confusing since there are boats of various sizes and they seem to be heading in different directions, most of the time. And as often is the case,  and can be seen from this week’s photos, those leading the race had different ideas of where and how best to find the wind  to help them get to Mark A first! The resultant competitive beat up to to the first Mark A was amongst the 2.4s, Venture and Martins which managed to put a bit of clear water between themselves and the following Access 303s and Liberties.

The close quarter competition between the leaders and down through the fleet continued around the windward Mark A and on the downwind leg to Mark C where the fleet had to gybe and head for the Leeward Mark D, before tacking and heading back to the Start/Finish line.

Gradually Peter Gregory got the better of David Mason and the Red Torpedo set off in pursuit of the back markers ahead…and indeed devoured them as it somehow made light of the light wind and slipped by one, two, three and many boats. David Mason, newcomers Jessica and Leonard sharing the helm of a Stratos (under Douglas’ very experienced and watchful eye) and Martin Norman and his nephew in their Martin followed suit. But appearances can be deceiving especially when you have to factor handicapping into a sailing race. Kim Sparkes and Lisa Holland (with her trusty crew Steve Thomas) in their 303s may have appeared to be some distance off the pace but, by maintaining their concentration and sailing well, Kim finished just ahead of Peter Gregory and Lisa was third, just behind Peter. A special mention must go to the WS Racing Trustee, Mike Coleman, who was sailing  Ann Frewer’s 2.4 (by far the smallest dinghy in the fleet). Mike came in ahead of a Martin, a Liberty, a Stratos, a Venture and many 303s!! Bravo.  But all good things eventually come to an end and Race # 13 was brought to a close as each helm crossed the Finish Line for the last time in 2017. After the race, the WS Racers’ achievements were recognised at an informal Awards Ceremony in the clubhouse.

As we sign off, here is a big thank you to all the Racers and their supporters and the volunteers who have been racing crews throughout the year and to all the volunteers who have ensured the races have run smoothly.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2018!!

Final Result of Summer Series Race #13

1. Kim Sparkes – in Access 303 Single handed
2. Peter Gregory – 2.4m
3. Lisa Holland (and her crew Steve Thomas) – 303D
4. Fay Watson (James Thomas) – 303D
5. David Mason – 2.4m
6. Martin Norman (with his nephew) – Martin
7. Peter Wagner – 2.4m
8. Mike Blatchford – Martin
9. Derek Green – 303S
10. Tom Phillips (Di) – 303D
11. Louise Fisher – 303S
12. Brian Mac (Bruce Hebbert) – Venture
13. Katie (Claire Pearson) – 303D
14. Chris (Colin) – 303D
15. Kelly Tripp (Sue Raynes) – 303D
16. Keith Eeles – Liberty

What a great season you have all had. Two closely fought series, totaling 26 Races sailed (out of 28 scheduled) with 27 entrants who entered 316 times over the year. Brilliant!! Great effort all round.

A check on the weather forecast for Thursday at Chipstead Lake sent me to bed on Wednesday night very happy that  Race # 12 was going to be another fast moving affair. I had read that there would be a SSE wind of 12/14 knots, gusting to 20 knots! What a prospect, I thought…..but after arriving at the lake to help rig and launch the fleet, I waited and waited  for some wind to warrant my expectations. Any wind would have helped and I was willing it to arrive. Mike Coleman and John King – our sailing brains trust – felt that they would set up the Start Line to the north of the usual Outer Distance Marker at angle set by Buoy D which would at least give the racers a Beat up to Mark J (in the narrows). But then we decided to wait until the wind showed its hand, before deciding whether to set a course which would get the racers to sail clockwise or anti-clockwise around the perimeter of the lake. We waited as long as we could (until 11.15am!!) before making our decision and telling the racers (over the Tannoy) that the course would be Start to the windward Mark J (SH), then running to Mark K (SH) just off the pontoons, and  then a broad reach across the lake to a repositioned Mark C (SH) before beating back to Mark J (crossing the Start line).

Considering they had so little breeze to help them steer their dinghies, all the helms managed to  stay clear of each other on the Start Line (between the flagged Distance Marker in the middle of the lake to Buoy D – which was being dragged into position even as the start sequence was counting down!).   The two light air specialist 2.4s were the first to get clear air, followed by Kim Sparkes (303 sail #9) and Steve Farmer (303 #2) who were heading the much larger Martins, helmed by Martin Norman (#125) and Mike Blatchford (#126).  The picture gallery below shows how David Mason’s initial lead was short-lived and  the bulk of the fleet had to sail at close quarters for some time until the Martins gradually used their greater sail area to move away from Kim and the pack.

After the smooth start, the 2.4s and Martins made their inexorable move to the front of the fleet and gradually the rest of the fleet increased its coverage over the lake.  As can be seen from the pictures below, it wasn’t a surprise that only the two 2.4s and Mike Blatchford’s  Martin managed to sail more than one lap of the course in the 30 minute duration of the race. In a way this was to their advantage since the wind did pick up a bit about 20 minutes into the race. That meant that Peter Gregory’s first lap was 16 minutes and his second lap was 12 minutes! The scoring system we have used this year meant that Peter’s average was 14 minutes – two  inutes quicker than his first lap.  All in all the race was one requiring patience by the helm and progress was not just due to skill but also to the luck of whether the wind blew across the part of the lake on which a helm happened to be!

Well done to you all…and onward.  With the closeness between some of the qualifiers, there is much to play for  in the final race of the season next Thursday.

Full results were:

1. David Mason in his 2.4m
2. Peter Gregory 2.4
3. Kim Sparkes 303
4. Derek Green 303
5. Mike Blatchford Martin
6. Rachel Ibbotson (with her crew Claire Pearson) 303
7. Steve Famer 303
8. Fay Watson (John Douglas) 303
9. Tom Phillips  (Di) 303
10. Keith Eeles Liberty
11. Martin Norman Martin
12. Brian Mac (Bob Marsh) Venture
13. Louise Fisher Liberty
14. DNF Lisa Holland (Sandra) 303