When I arrived at Chipstead at 8.45 to help rig and launch all the boats which Steve had asked the volunteers to prepare, there was the same degree of wind as had been the case on Guanabara Bay in Rio on Wednesday! There was insufficient to hold the final Medal Races of the AMAZING SAILING OLYMPICS.  I wasn’t totally surprised since Wind Guru for the club had said 3 to 5 knots! So I was delighted that some wind started to blow by the time clients were arriving at 10am and got on the water, even though I was concerned  that there  might not be sufficient wind later in the morning for any WS Racers and their crews, who wanted to race, to get round the course more than once.

But the wind gods produced just enough of a NE blow by 11.25 to  get boats off the Start Line at Mark A,  for a beat up to Mark D, followed by run downwind  around Mark K, and a final run back down the lake to Mark A. We had a fantastic entry of 15 boats on the water ready to do battle: 1 Hansa 2.3, 6 double-handed 303s, 2 single-handed 303s, 2 Libertys, 2 2.4s and 2 Martins!! Despite my exhortations to each Class to get close to the Start Line in the minute before their start time, only a few of the boats managed to maximise their sailing time on the course. Too many boats did not cross the Start Line  for quite some time after their Class’ start whistle had been blasted! Even in light winds, a 303 can sail a few hundred yards in a minute and that is how much advantage you are giving to your competitors if you do not  work hard in the moments before your Class’ start. Lisa and her crew, Nick, managed to be first out of the starting blocks and were in hot pursuit of Ann as they rounded the windward Mark D, but then tried to slope off for a quick cuppa in the clubhouse before returning to do battle once half the 303 fleet had gone past Mark K. It was great to see her fight back to be second 303 at the finish!

I noticed that some of the Crews who had been asked to support WS Racing Helms were new to the current Race Series –  so here is a big welcome to  Mark’s crew, John, to Fay’s crew Alan , to Lisa’s crew, Nick, and to William’s crew, Bruce. And James and Tony were back to crew for John and Sam respectively. Thank you all, as always. Having said that, one “crew” I spoke to during the race told me in no uncertain terms that his objective was to “beat Bruce.” I assumed that was the Helm’s objective also?

The race saw lots of hard work put in by all the helms and crews in some tricky conditions with the wind not only varying in strength but also (as is normal for Chipstead) in its direction. The prevailing wind was NE but there were prolonged gusty shifts that had the wind backing to the North which (for those Helms who picked them up quickly) delivered nearly a straight line tack from Mark A to Mark D. I have put the record of each boat’s position during the race in the normal schematic at the end of this report. Well done to John Hancock and his crew James for holding on and eventually splitting Mike’s Martin and David’s 2.4. Brian Mac fought hard to gain a solid 4th place – and this probably accounted for me finding him on the lake in the afternoon, fast asleep at the tiller, with his boat going gently around and around! Exhausting stuff this racing! Ann’s performance, coming in 7th, was a notable improvement over her (unreported) 12th place last week. Apologies Ann, I will try to ensure your finishing place is prominently displayed in future! But trying to get in the way of bigger boats is tough!!

My final comment is to commend some of you for being so gentlemanly/womanly out on the water! I witnessed a number of collisions around Mark A and (I was told on the QT) some boats did not round Mark K on the downwind leg of the course, but these incidents did not result in shouting and official protests but rather(I surmise) a resigned – “It may be me in the wrong next time, so best to keep quiet”.  But, on a serious note, sailing cannot work without rules – two prime ones being not to hit other boats, and to sail the set course – so please don’t be shy about asking the question of your fellow Helms! In as nice a way as you wish… which is often determined about the attitude of the boat in the wrong!

Again I am indebted to that eagle-eyed stalwart of the WS Racing group, Bob Fisher, for sharing his  diary entry about what went on before, during and after, and on and off the water of Longford Lake, on race day!!

Bob’s journal records:

Today didn’t get off to a flier.   At 8.45 am I decided to have a quick nap while I awaited Steve’s arrival.  Two things occurred, my quick nap turned into a full blown snooze and Steve’s mobile phone decided it wasn’t going to work today.  We eventually managed to meet up, but by now we were running too late to visit the sweet shop. It had become apparent that Mars Bars were no longer the bribe of choice since several of the volunteers had said they did not like  them. So it seemed more exotic fare was required.  One volunteer, who shall remain nameless, had requested sultanas and although keen to please I wasn’t happy with the currant exchange rate (boom boom).

Our delayed start meant we arrived slightly later than usual and as we approached the car park, I glanced to  the pontoon just in time to see The Red Rocket and Kermit departing.  Both were double-handed and I wondered if that would have increased the bribe required.

I was interested to see a film crew on site, no doubt wanting to interview me following my dramatic 5th place the previous week and maybe offer a part in a new blockbuster?  But no, despite several attempts to photobomb the shoot, we were swiftly dispatched to the pontoon to select our chariots of water.   Steve got there first and decided he liked a boat called ‘Lover’. As he departed into a very gentle breeze his stern turned around and it became apparent that Lover was in fact Keelover.   Not known for being a winner, Steve had once again selected a lemon.  With no Mars Bars available, I was next in line and a yellow 303 was pulled into place by the two man pit crew both of who answered to ‘John’.  One of the John’s decided the yellow boat (never did get its name) needed some attention from the pit crew.   At Brands Hatch and Silverstone I have seen pit crews turn around vehicles in seconds.  Alas that was not the case with my yellow boat, which received a very prolonged, detailed attention from the two Johns.

Now I don’t wish to be called a ‘grass’ but….. during the boarding process, I noticed a number of very dubious items being smuggled aboard some boats.  E.G. Mike Blatchford had managed to stow a full size paddle up his trouser leg and Mark Cayzer was carrying what appeared to be a Kalashnikov.   Now I, more than most people, appreciate how important this racing has become to people, but surely this behaviour is a step too far?

I myself has stowed a wet sponge in case Peter W decided to return from his lengthy break in Cornwall and I might have to defend myself. Unfortunately, I forgot about this “special item” and sat on  it when I got into my lemon – it also added considerable weight to my craft and affected my streamlining and ultimately probably cost me victory. Plus I sailed the whole race in wet pants!!

As we circled around waiting to start at Mark A, James very kindly pointed out that my outrider (Ed. ??) was loose. Initial reaction was to check my jeans to ensure I wasn’t improperly dressed, but I eventually got his meaning and corrected it accordingly.    As the 15 craft  (great turnout) circled  near to Mark A, the usual game of coarse (sic) chinese whispers ensued.  Luckily no one listened to Farmer who was suggesting the Start was at the other end of the lake.  Confusion did occur when Captain Bligh appeared, shouting “water”‘ and “avast ye, ye swabs”. Personally I thought her reference to another boat’s helm and crew as “Bilge rats” was a little strong but there you go.   As we lined up at the Start it suddenly became a little breezy and Bligh and the good ship bathtub  (her Hansa 2.3) made full use of her 5 minute early starting handicap and hared up the lake towards the windward Mark D.  The fleet  of double-handed 303s weren’t so lucky and more than a number of them struggled over the line (I know, I was in the midst of them).  By the time the single-handed 303s started, the wind was negligible.   Having completed one unwanted 360, I found myself circling again and as I lined up to limp across the start, I found Steve in the ‘Lover’ stationary on the start line and bang slap in front of my boat.  By the time the wind filled in and we got away, the Liberties had joined the race.

Having already highlighted the use of engines in the 2.4s, there had been further calls for drugs testing.  One obvious target is Brian who has suddenly discovered very good form.   It has been suggested that dope testing dogs be utilised to identify performance enhancing drugs.   I was going to suggest using my Labrador “Oscar”  but he turned out  just to be a dopey dog rather than a dope dog.  Mike Blatchford’s very small puppy was declared too dangerous (viz. his attack on Mike reported last week) and Mike Coleman’s Beast of Bromley too scary.   I may have to interview Daisy or Gip for the position! Anyway with no dope testing available Brian got off to an excellent start and he overtook  nearly all the other 303s in front of him.

As last week, Bligh managed to maintain her lead for a good while. Most boats seemed to make good progress especially Mike Blatchford’s Martin which was making strange water slapping noises as it powered by me.   Next came the two 2.4 s .  Peter W gave me his usual smile  (which I read as ‘got you again’) and was rewarded by a broadside from the not-so-wet sponge.

A number of important personal battles were taking place around the course, but none more important than the battle for 10th and 11th place where Fisher and Farmer were nip and tuck.  As we passed Mark D for the second time, I was able to force the Lover wide to get past and subsequently claim victory.

As regards the final rankings, I understood that Brian had done well again.  I spoke with his pit team but was blanked with a ‘We know nothing’.   Mike “Paddle” Blatchford was rumoured to have won, but at what cost to his reputation, I ask you?   After last week feigning injury (viz. the reported dog attack), Mike must be flirting with disciplinary action in the not too distant future.   Not sure where Mark Cayzer finished but he looked very happy, shooting Sailability volunteers after the race with his water powered Kalashnikov (Ed. Did this happen?)

The usual lively debrief followed, including laying out the pros and cons of  Liquorice-all-sorts  to replace Mars Bars.   No film offers were made, although I think I saw Fleur making an attempt at stardom.

In summary another great day at Chipstead.  Thanks to all the Sailability team for their care and attention and most importantly their great senses of humour.

Final Result: 1. Mike Blatchford; 2. John Hancock/James; 3. David Mason; 4. Brian Mac; 5. Peter W; 6. Lisa Holland/Nick; 7. Ann Frewer; 8. William/Bruce; 9. Sam / Tony; 10. Bob; 11. Steve; 12. Bill Garry; 13. Fay Watson/Alan; 14. Mark Cayzer/ John; 15. Andy Wallace

Many congratulations to our very own Spring Series Champion, Peter Gregory, on his achieving first place in the August 6/7 RYA Sailability Multi Class Regatta at Rutland Sailing Club in his 2.4mR ….otherwise known to us as the “Red Torpedo”!! Bravissimo Peter!!

The full results can be seen by clicking on this link.

Peter Gregory’s fantastic achievement was recognised after Race#2 of the Summer Series  when he was presented with a bottle of bubbly!!

The very impressive trophy which Peter won at the RYA Sailability Regatta was on show and admired by his fellow WS Racers, other Wealden Sailability clients and  the volunteers, who warmly applauded his success.

Peter responded by saying how much he was touched  by receiving some more spoils from his victory and he reiterated how much he enjoyed everybody’s company and the sailing at Wealden Sailability! 

What a great day (4 August) we had to kick-off the WS Racing Summer Series at the Chipstead Sailing Club. The sun was out, the wind was blowing and we had a great turn out, especially considering a number of our regulars are away on holiday or racing elsewhere (Good luck Peter Gregory who is competing on 6 and 7 August in the RYA’s multiclass regatta weekend at Rutland Sailing Club, where they are hosting the Hansa Grand Prix Series 2016 and Hansa (European) Nord CUP Series 2016 !!). Fortunately the Pirate lugger sailing around the lake during the time of the Race did not try to board any of the Racers’ dinghies but rather gave its passengers a close-up view of the exciting racing action. There was a good 12 knot WSW wind blowing, backing to the West, and with gusts up to 20 knots which at times came from the South through the trees at the windward Mark A.

Ann Frewer set off on her own in a Hansa 2.3  dinghy with a five-minute advantage over the two double-handed 303s, which had a one minute advantage over the two single-handed 303s, which had a two-minute advantage over the sole Liberty, being sailed by a recent newcomer to the racing series, Bill Garry, and eight minutes later the 2.4s and the Martin started. The race was the usual pursuit format and this week lasted 40 minutes. The schematic below shows how the race unfolded. A standout performance was that of Mark Cayzer, sailing in a 303 with his crew James (pictured), who overhauled Ann Frewer during the second lap and then managed to stay at the head of the fleet despite the presence of the faster (and chasing) 2.4s and Martin. However, Mark was still 150 m in front when the race finish-whistle sounded,  ahead of Mike Blatchford and David Mason, who had been playing cat and mouse with each other throughout the race and as they got ahead of the tailenders in Lap 2 and then started to sail through the rest of the fleet. Another battle on the water was between Bob and Steve, with Steve holding the advantage he gained from the start line through until the third Lap when Bob had a storming beat up to the windward mark, overtaking both Ann and Steve, and found himself in second place at the end of Lap 4. Although Bob managed to maintain his advantage over Steve until the finish of the race, they were both overhauled by the 2.4s during the fourth lap. Bill Garry sailed an excellent race and would have finished higher up the order if he had not crossed the start line five-minutes after the Liberty Start Whistle had sounded!! Ann, Andy and Fay, with her crew Di, were all on their fourth lap at the end of the race. All in all, it was an excellent race in good conditions.  Well done to all the Racers!!

Final Result: 1. Mark Cayzer/James; 2. Mike Blatchford; 3. David Mason; 4. Bob Fisher; 5. Steve Farmer; 6. Bill Garry; 7. Ann Frewer; 8. Andy Wallace; 9. Fay Watson/Diana

Being the final race of the Spring Series  2016, there were some positions at the top and in the middle of the rankings that would be decided dependent upon the results of this LAST race!! Tension and excitement was in the air as thirteen helms and three crews took to the water. It was great to welcome Cara for her first race of the season, who was helming a 303 with James as her crew.

The course had been set and was up on the Black Board down on the Foreshore by 10.00. With the prevailing wind from the West, the Start line was between the Race Boat and Mark K, with the first leg requiring a lengthy beat upwind and rounding the windward Mark B to starboard, followed by a run downwind rounding Mark C to starboard before a reach across the lake back to Mark K to complete the lap. The wind’s strength varied during the race between 15 knot gusts to a bare 2 knot puff!! The timing of the stronger wind effected the outcome of this race…since it didn’t appear until 15 minutes after the first boat (Ann Frewer’s 2.3) had started . That meant the faster boats (the 2.4s and Martins) started sailing with a very decent 10 knot breeze to help them catch up with the Liberty’s and 303s which had been struggling for most of the 15 minutes they had been racing! You can see from the schematic below the result of this effect, nevertheless it is to the 2.3 and 303 helms’ credits that they managed to keep their lead over the 2.4s and Martins for so long into the race :)!

THE FINAL RACE OF THE SPRING SERIES and SOME BEAUTIFUL CLOUD FORMATIONS at Chipstead

RACE LEADER (Ann Frewer) BEING HAULED IN BY CHASING 303s

DAVID MASON WORKING HARD TO MAKE THE MOST OF HIS SPEEDY 2.4

Final Result 1. Kim; 2. Cara/James; 3. Peter W; 4. David Mason; 5. Mike B; 6. Steve; 7. Mark Cayzer/John; 8. Ann Frewer; 9. Andy Wallace; 10. Bob; 11. Fay Watson/Diana; 12. Brain Mac; 13. Bill Garry

Everything looked perfect when the WS volunteers turned up at Chipstead Lake between 8am and 9am to get all the boats ready for what turned out to be a very busy day.  The sun was plentiful and there was a nice breeze which ruffled the sails as we unfurled them and attached them to their booms. With this reasonable breeze coming from the N / NNW, Bob Marsh set a simple course with an initial Beat from the Start Line at Mark K to the windward Mark C – which had been dragged 50 yards into the lake to avoid the possibility of it being affected by any wind-shadow – and then a Reach across to Mark A, followed by a Run downwind back to complete the Course at Mark K.  Also (ever thoughtful) Bob had set a Starboard Hand Marker between Marks A and K to keep boats out of an area of the lake where the weed has got thick and is not far below the water surface.  

So all was ready for the Race and a good-sized fleet of WS Racers, in 303s, Libertys, Martins and a 2.4, were on the water around 11am BUT……the wind had already started to show some signs of wanting to challenge the Racers!! The wind became very variable, both in direction (trying out all points of the compass!) and strength (from an acceptable 5 knots to absolutely zilch). So Bob and I went around the lake collecting a few boats to ensure that they would be close to the Start Line rather than bobbing about 500 yards away when the Race started. The start sequence ran smoothly and everybody, except Peter W, managed to start racing soon after their Start Whistle was blasted. Peter was clearly in a very generous mood and was being very cool, as he was going round in circles for 5 minutes, before starting!!

The schematic below shows how little wind blew during the Race (just over a solitary Lap was sailed). So….many many congratulations to all ten helms and four crews who managed to control any frustrations they may have had as a result of the wind gods deciding not to play with them! Sitting in the Race Boat, Bob and I could see how powerless most of you were, but whenever there was any puff of breeze, Peter Gregory’s red torpedo impressed as it got moving and accelerated up through the fleet and then away into a far distant lead – or at least 600 yards – by the time the race ended at 12.05! We determined  the Race finishing order by going backwards down the fleet and hoping that none of you had managed to overtake before we got to you.

Sometimes you find a really honest person who just refuses to accept a reward not due to them  –  and as I was having my lunch just such someone came and told me that they had interfered inadvertently with another boat during the race which had stopped that boat being in front of them when the Race Finish whistle blast sounded!! I was pleased to correct the official Race record!!

I cannot conclude my report without mentioning the absence of Bob and Steve (probably still chasing after that Beast in the forest!), however, it would not surprise me if Bob had a word or two to say about what happened out on the lake today.  I thought I noticed a Spitfire – or maybe a Hurricane – buzzing around above us… was it an eye in the sky?

Final Result 1. Peter G; 2. Mark Cayzer/James; 3. Brian Mac; 4. Katriona/Maggie; 5. Fay/John Douglas; 6. Kim Sparkes; 7. Mike B; 8. Lisa/Tony; 9. David Mason; 10. Peter W