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Strand on the Green Sailing Club has a small but enthusiastic sailing membership. New members very welcome. New social members are also welcome.
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To see race results and read a brief race report, click the down arrow below and choose a date.

Our races provide entertainment for drinkers outside the Bull's Head and City Barge pubs. Currently sailed at Strand, in order of popularity: Enterprises, Lasers, Solos, plus one Leader and one Otter.

Choose a race date 9h May 25th April 18th April 11th April 28th March 21st March First race 2010

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Broads weekend -join us!

The club is organising a weekend on the Norfolk Broads for 28-31st May. We've hired 4 classic Broads day boats (no engines) from Hunter's yard near Ludham. There are still a few places available and anyone is welcome. You can camp aboard or in a tent, or arrange B&B. It should be a great weekend

Email the Commodore nigel.birch@btinternet.com and let him know if you'reinterested. Nigel will tell you more.

Annual Dinner Dance - 2010

This year's dance was on Saturday 6th March. It was a great success. Music was provided by the Craigievar Scottish Dance Band and the dancing was spirited and energetic if not always entirely coordinated ...

The Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club did us proud as ever with excellent organisation and provender. The roast beef was superb.
Thanks to Marian Armitage, who did most of the organising, to Joyce Willard who gives us access to the Golf Club, and to all the local pubs and restaurants who donated raffle prizes.

Remembering Bob Folkerd

Bob Folkerd, for many years a regular Strand sailor, died in February. His daughter (who once won the Ladies' Plate herself, and who with her partner also sailed across to the Isle of Wight from Gins with us in an inflatable dinghy) asked if we could contribute to a scrap book of memories about Bob, which she is compiling. Henry has sent the following.

Bob Folkerd and Strand on the Green Sailing Club

I have just browsed the Club's archives to find out when Bob joined. I think it was in 1968, for he certainly sailed in that season in a Firefly called St Crispin. It's possible he sailed some other craft before that date. It seems that he changed from a Firefly to a Miracle in 1979 but stayed faithful to St Crispin by continuing with his name. St Crispin, I learned from Bob, was appropriately the patron saint of cobblers. He sailed the Miraculous St Crispin for 20 years and finally changed to an Enterprise called Cream Rose in 1999. His last season with the Club was 2000, after suffering the fickle winds and wilful tides of Strand for 32 years, and moving on to calmer waters.He was in many ways the epitome of the Strand sailor. He was there not to win, which he was sometimes surprised and delighted to do, but to simply enjoy a Sunday on the river in congenial company. He was a crafty sailor who didn't push his luck in strong winds: his concession to such things was to wear a hard-hat and take it easy. I don't ever remember him capsizing, unlike the rest of us, in the 20-odd years I sailed alongside him.

I got the impression that he strongly preferred to sail alone but it was a mark of his generosity that he adopted at least two members as crew, and even traded up to the Enterprise to satisfy one of them.

He was always easy-going, cheerful and generous with time, help and advice. He served on the Committee for many years and did his turn as Commodore in a characteristically relaxed and informal manner.

We have missed him since he left us in 2000 but all those of us who knew him were very saddened to hear of his death. He will certainly live in our memories in the best possible way.

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Better late than never for this report ... Many thanks for producing it to Chris Greenwood and Nick Floyer

Gins weekend - 2009

A good fleet of dinghies and yachts, enthusiastic sailors and guests enjoyed a bracing weekend based around Gins over the August Bank Holiday. We were pleased to see some newcomers and also the veterans who have kept the traditions alive.

The start of the weekend was dominated by quite a strong westerly wind, significant enough to keep the yacht hired from the Hamble and skippered by Rachel on its mooring on Friday evening. Saturday dawned calm, and to those accustomed to London, idyllically quiet. After lengthy and detailed discussions, a trip to the Island was agreed and the four smaller craft set off for Newtown. Increasing wind meant that Chris and Mary turned back at the mouth of the Beaulieu. Nick and Sally Floyer in Alarc'h, and their daughter Biddy and friend Brek in their Tideway dinghy got to the island but came straight back, leaving David and Sheila in their new Albacore, who alone made it to the final destination.
Scorcher, skippered by Michael Kemlo and crewed by his own family plus four Broadhursts went cruising in the Solent, as did the hired yacht with a full compliment of Bergers, Enoch and Zina, Andy, Ian and a jet lagged Joel. Alex Jones and his family, whose yacht is based on the Hamble, had also been hoping to join us. Unfortunately they had some technical problems so weren't able to do so.

The supper on Saturday evening was very well supported with around 30 guests, including Edmund Rutherfoord and Tony Smith who had made the trip from Chiswick just for the evening. Kurt's choice for the menu, the quality of food, the hunger of the guests and the attentive service from the staff made for an excellent dinner.
Camping proved an attractive option this year with 5 tents all securely anchored down against the wind. Breakfast on Sunday gave an opportunity for alfresco dining and a choice of full English, or porridge.

The weather on Sunday was again fairly windy, so a sail up to Buckler's Hard and a picnic was the chosen option. One of the highlights of the picnic was some appropriately themed red and green stuffed peppers. Unusually a pontoon mooring was available making it easy to visit the village where three ships were built that saw action in the Battle of Trafalgar (Euryalus, Swiftsure and Agamemnon). The Master Builder provided a glass or three of beer.

Monday provided the best weather for sailing at Gins for many years, warm and sunny with a steady SW breeze. However, the Tideway and the Enterprise had both returned home, and Scorcher did not sail, so only half the fleet was left. The other difficulty was that because the tide was low in the middle of the afternoon, there was nowhere easy to stop for lunch, and it would be late before we could take boats out of the water afterwards. Nick and Sally took Alarc'h out early, and with Dave and Sheila joined the Bergerboat for three hours out into the Solent. After returning to Gins, Rachel and crew left for the Hamble, the smaller boats were packed up, and everyone left in good time.

So it was a good conclusion to a somewhat frustrating weekend, though a pity that we could not exploit it more fully. We must try again next year!

CG and NF

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When you're on the river ...
Here we'll collect any safety/navigation items that come our way.

1. A reminder of the rules

Anyone sailing in our races must comply with three related sets of rules. The first is the current Racing Rules of Sailing, which are based on the international COLREGS, and which are modified by the PLA Byelaws for the Thames. A critical modification of the normal rules for the Thames (modification 15 (a)) is that "a vessel shall not cross or enter a fairway as to obstruct another vessel proceeding along the fairway". This means that if we are tacking across the fairway (defined as the central channel used for navigation up and down the river), or crossing it between buoys, we must keep out of the way of any power boats or rowing boats that are travelling up or down the river. This rule takes precedence over the normal rule of power giving way to sail. The rules for the Thames do not recognise racing dinghies as a special case.

We must also be aware that many power boats are much less manoeuvrable than a dinghy. In particular we have been told by the PLA that their new catamaran launches are particularly bad in a cross wind and are very restricted in their ability to stop or go astern - give them plenty of room.

In general we have a duty under the COLREGS and common sense to avoid a collision at all costs, and this means keeping out of everyone's way - even competing dinghies.
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2. Watch your speed when driving the safety boat

There is a speed limit of 8 knots on the river above Wandsworth. Rowing club launches are now required to seek approval from the PLA to exceed this limit when escorting rowing boats. If they are likely to carry more than two crew, their wash is to be tested by the PLA. We are OK if we only speed in response to emergencies, but shepherding the fleet on a B or C course is another matter. We do not need to be tested - yet - but if there are any complaints about our wash, that may be required.

So, watch your speed, especially near rowing boats, and don't carry more than two in the safety boat if you are going to go faster than 8 knots.

3. Sound signals

Rob Adams noticed this information on the web. Useful to know what the correct sound signals are, by which powered boats may announce their intentions ... occasionally ...
Click on this link then just scroll down the page a little way.

Link to a rowing webpage with info about sound signals

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Email addresses please!

Anyone who is interested in reading the racing results each week should please give me their email address. I can't always put the results on the site at once - but I can easily email you to tell you when they are there - which would save you looking for them in vain. So please email me - just click on this link now - and I'll add you to the group to notify - mary@brownsox.co.uk
.

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Second hand boats etc for sale

• A very good Enterprise, sail number 21481 and appropriately named Starship is for sale. Contact us and we'll put you in touch with the owners.
• Hawk race wind indicator, suitable for Laser. In Force 4 catalogue they are £17.95. Available from Henry for £10 (or more if you like!) to go to Club funds.

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News archive:

Gins Weekend 2008

This years outing to Gins was a great success for all those who made it there; though slightly tempered by car/ditch interaction. In keeping with most of this summer there was plenty of wind, over 30 knots in the Solent, but equally unusually on Saturday morning the sky was clear and blue and the sun was warm. A fleet of four smaller boats two Enterprises an Albacore and the Floyer special French day boat were complimented by a Bavaria 36 hired by the Bergers.

The warm weather and a clement forecast inspired confidence in the small boats and a decision was made to explore Kings Quay a small inlet east of Osborne Bay on the Isle of Wight. The trip over was made in quick time with a good half wind and following tide. Nick and Sally Floyer with Henry and Mary Brown as crew arrived first followed by Chris and Mary Greenwood in an Enterprise. An attempt to anchor and wait for the tide to rise before entering the creek was defeated by the rising wind and when Dave and Sheila Berger in the Albacore and Hugh and Miranda Kemlo in their Enterprise arrived, all beached and had a picnic. After some debate the sea was deemed either too cold or too soupy and the annual swim was postponed. A rising tide invited the Kemlos to sail partly up the creek whilst the rest of the fleet departed for home. The wind, which was now swinging to the west and increasing, was in opposition to the tide and provoked the more unpredictable wave patterns for which the Solent is famous. The fleet had a somewhat wet return to the Beaulieu and helpful advice from the Kemlos saw the Greenwoods returning home on jib alone gaining increasing confidence in their boat and pondering on the need for better preparation.

The supper at the club in the evening was a great feast with around 20 people including Tony Smith and Edmund Rutherfoord who had driven down from Chiswick. The service from the club was first class and added to the convivial atmosphere.

On Sunday the overnight rain, clouds and forecast were altogether less inviting and the small boats elected to sail up-river for the swim and a picnic above Bucklers Hard followed by a trip to Beaulieu. This is a beautiful stretch of river, a little like our home stretch of the Thames in that the wind strength, the bendiness of the river and unexpected shallows make sailing very variable. The pay-off was an excellent cup of tea from the Montague Arms, secreted confidently from the tea room to the waters edge.

Monday promised stronger winds and the ever iron-shaded clouds. Two boats, the Floyers plus Bridget and Miranda and Hugh Kemlo plus Ann and Philip set off up river. The big boat under the command of Rachel set off for a cruise up to Bucklers Hard and then on a rising tide back out into the Solent. By this time the westerly wind was getting up to over 30 kts at times and the crew including Kurt, Alec, Gillie, Andy Ross, Enoch Rodrigues and Chris sailed to and from the island several times eventually making some headway to the west against wind and tide, their passage impeded by a stream of east bound yachts and marked by the eerie sound of the bell buoy north of Gurnard Bay.

Our thanks go to Kurt for his organisation, to RSYC for their hospitality and to everyone who participated for an excellent weekend.

Chris Greenwood
August 2008

Gins Weekend 2007

In the midst of a damp grey summer, Gins this year was sparkling seas, blue skies, HOT.
Early arrivals had supper at the clubhouse on Friday, and Newtown as Saturday's destination was, for once, decided early. In the morning the fleet began to set off and with only the Floyers' lovely French dayboat and Hugh and Miranda's Enterprise still to launch, a taxi screeched to a halt bearing the Browns, hotfoot from France via Bournemouth airport, and only having expected to arrive at Gins in time for the evening's supper. The Floyers took them aboard on Saturday and Monday, and on Sunday they joined Michael and Sarah Kemlo and Kurt and Margaret Berger in Scorcher. The Floyers had also hired a Wayfarer for Hugo,Toby, Biddy and friend Brec and with Dave and Sheila Berger's Enterprise, that was the total SGSC fleet. We were joined by Brock, a 32ft Westerley, skipper Jeremy Whiting, crew Liz and Beverley from LCSC.
A good sail in a north westerly across to Newtown was followed by lunch for most rafted up to Scorcher, and a most excellent swim. Beating back up the Beaulieu river in the evening light was a delight, as ever. The dinner that evening was very convivial with the party now extended to about 25, with Tony and Margaret and Andy Ross driving down from London for the evening.
On Sunday the plan was Hurst Castle or Yarmouth but in the event, with not much wind and lunch overdue, we stopped in the mouth of the Lymington river where despite gloopy mud only about 3 ft down, and some dire warnings about cleanliness, almost the whole party eventually braved the water. It was hard to resist on such a day.
That evening we all went to the Mayflower Inn at Lymington for an excellent (mostly) pub barbeque eaten either in darkness or by torchlight.
Monday as usual was a potter upriver to Beaulieu where we picnicked on a grassy bank, joined by Michael, Maggie, Sarah and Rebecca Kemlo who came by road. Then it was back to Gins slightly later than planned, to find just enough water left to allow the boats to be pulled out without too much difficulty and with most of the mud confined to feet and trailer wheels.
Sally Floyer magicked tea and lemon cake from their camper van in the carpark which enormously improved the packing up process, and sadly, it was all over for another year.
Not a huge turnout but pleasure is measured in quality not quantity and it was a fabulous weekend. And four open boats and two yachts with a complement of 19 happy sailors wasn't bad either.
Thanks as ever to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club for their hospitality and to Kurt for organising it all.

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Strand visit to LCSC, 14 / 15 July 2007

The two days could not have been a greater contrast in sailing conditions. Only James was towed down on the Saturday (thanks, Andy) to face two other Ents and two Lasers. It was a steady F4 westerly, with stronger gusts and lumpy conditions with wind against tide. The race resolved itself into a struggle between Rees and Hugh Kemlo (Lasers, both LCSC) in the lead and James and Beverley + ? at a discrete distance in the Ents. After a two-hour struggle Rees was ahead of Hugh, the lasers taking first and second places, and James was seconds ahead of Beverley in third place. Everyone capsized at some point but it was an excellent race.

The Browns, the Birches (in the Gull) and John Bull (in the Otter) were towed down on the Sunday, which was humid, still and threatening rain. They joined a similar number of LCSC boats. What wind there was was ENE to E, and very light. Several boats paddled or were towed to get the right side of the start line and the start was a collective drift with tide and a little help from above. The two upstream buoys were rounded without too much difficulty before the slow and painful business of beating up the bank began. Two Lasers and three Ents were making good progress until they had to leave the back-eddies along the bank and head into the current to round the LCSC pontoons. James made it, as did a couple of Lasers, but they then struggled to make the downstream mark. The Browns and Beverley struggled for an hour and a half without avail; Hugh got round the lower mark and gave up on the way back from the upstream marks; Rees never made it past the lower mark. And James (with Edward Broadhurst) lapped everyone, creeping without apparent effort along the bank, to complete three laps. To add to the delights we had a thunderstorm with lightning strikes uncomfortably close and a biblical deluge of rain.

So SGSC acquitted itself well: James got the silverware both for Sunday and for the combined event, leaving Rees (LCSC) with the cup for Saturday. Many thanks as usual to LCSC for their hospitality, and many thanks to Tony for his long wet day in the safety boat.

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LCSC visit 13 May 2007

We had been promised a contingent from the Southbank Sailing Club in Putney, as well as London Corinthian Sailing Club, but the weather forecast was so dire - wet and windless - that only three hardy boats came up from LCSC and none from Putney.

We had organised a C Course and trailed a line upstream of Kew Bridge for boats to hold on to before the start. In the event it was in a wind shadow and most boats made use of the Surrey-side moorings.

The race was uneventful. A gentle and fitful easterly meant that we had a running sort of reach up to Isleworth and a beat back along the Middlesex bank. James got a lead on the way up which he extended on the way back. David Jones and the Browns were next around the top mark, almost together, and the rest of the fleet followed at not much greater pace than the tide. The return journey, initially against the tide, was a good exercise in bank-creeping, tree-dodging, and roll-tacking. Robin and Beverley from LCSC caught and overtook the Browns at Brentford Dock and clung on to their lead to finish second. The Browns were third followed by John Bull and David Jones, who lost position to the second LCSC Ent on the handicap calculation. The third LCSC Ent capsized and retired, perhaps trying too hard to roll-tack.

It rained gently much of the time but not enough to dampen the spirits. Colin, Tony and Edmund did very effective service in helping boats through Kew Bridge and Jenny withstood the elements to supervise the race.

The après-race was as good as ever: a very welcome tasty keg from Steve Newell, and food contributed by several members and masterminded by Marian. Strand retained the Challenge Trophy (a team prize).

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Gins weekend 2006

What a weekend it was! Well up to standard. There were three Strand Ents. (James Armitage, Dave and Sheila Berger, and Hugh and Miranda Kemlo); the Floyers in their beautiful new boat (a smaller version of Ratty the revenue cutter, built in France and called Swan in Breton); two Ents. from London Corinthians (Jeremy + friend and Beverley and Kirsten); and a Wanderer (Ben and Alan, we think). The fleet was shepherded by Michael Kemlo and crew in his yacht Scorcher and the Browns / Birches / Bergers (Snr.) in a 33ft Najad sloop called Tern IV, chartered for the weekend from the Hamble.

Saturday morning was passed in the traditional way: discussing where to go and when to set off. It was noon by the time everyone was launched and on the way to Newtown River (which is, of course, where we always go). The little blue sails were soon dispersed across the Solent: a beat down the mainland side in the slacker flood tide and a dashing reach across to the island. We on Tern IV saw them in the distance and followed into the mouth of the river where we rafted up with Scorcher and James for lunch. The other dinghies beached up towards Shalfleet to picnic or to visit the pub.

The sail back was exhilarating in a F3 - 4 westerly breeze and sunshine, and the dinghies left the big boats well behind. It gave everyone a healthy appetite for the evening meal in the RSYC: a large table-full of about 30 Strand and LCSC voyagers and friends.

The forecast next day was NW F3-4, increasing F5-7 later with rain then showers. Not the most inviting prospect. The consensus was to sail down the river, poke our noses into the Solent, and return up to Beaulieu or Bucklers Hard. Perhaps predictably, once the dinghies were out in the Solent, and it was bright, sunny and perfectly manageable, the fleet decided to head across to Cowes. From there we all went up the Medina to the Folly Inn for lunch. With the tide still at the stand we set off back down river, aware that the wind had indeed picked up. At the mouth we were confronted by a good F5, gusting more, with white horses all over the place, stirred into the notorious Solent chop by motor boats, and augmented by a power boat race that was taking place just to the west. All the dinghies bar one promptly dropped their mainsails and bounced their way back, white-knuckled, in clouds of spray. Exhilerating, to say the least.The forecast rain didn't materialise but the crews were just as wet as if it had. In the mouth of the Beaulieu mainsails were raised again for a slog against wind and tide, but in calm waters, back up to Gins.

Dave and Sheila, in an impressive display of boat handling, came back the whole way with the main up. Beverley and Kirsten had had enough when they reached the Beaulieu and accepted a tow from Tern IV back to Gins. That evening everyone found their way to the Kemlos' house in Lymington for a splendid and convivial meal in the garden.

More strong winds were forecast on Monday morning, so the remains of the fleet made its way upstream to Buckler's Hard. Tern IV picked up a spare mooring and was promptly joined by the Floyers, the Kemlos and the junior Bergers: fifteen people crammed cheerfully into the cockpit to consume the collective picnic leftovers.

Tern IV then had an urgent appointment in the Hamble, so we dropped Kurt and Margaret back at Gins and enjoyed a sizzling sail back, with two reefs, touching 7 knots on a beat.

So ended another unforgettable Gins weekend. Many thanks, as usual, to Kurt for the organising, and to both the RSYC and the Lymington Kemlos for their hospitality. And how nice to have some Corinthians along. Let's hope it's the start of another tradition.

(By the way, Gins reports from 2005 and 2004 and lower down on this page, in the archive.)

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Ladies' Plate & Summer Party 2006

Three fairly apprehensive helms contested the Ladies' Plate this year and were rewarded with a light wind which was fortunately not a total drifter. So progress round the course could be made, give or take some running aground.
The winner was Mary Brown, crewed by Henry. Second Jo Broadhurst crewed by Sam, and third Mary Greenwood crewed by Chris.

In the evening it was the summer party, held in Kurt and Margaret Berger's lovely garden. As usual Marian did a wonderful job of organising a great meal (wow that pudding!), and the evening was enjoyed by all.

Gins Farm trip 2005

Gins Farm is the Royal Southampton Yacht Club's outpost on the Beaulieu River. It's a Strand club tradition to have a weekend trip there, and to sail the dinghies aand usually some bigger boats across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
Thanks to Nick Floyer for this report:

The expedition to Gins was a more intimate affair than in past years, though kind organiser Kurt Berger had done his best. The RSYC, in their splendidly refurbished clubhouse on the Beaulieu River, was welcoming as ever, and allowed the seven-strong Floyer contingent to create a tent city on the yacht club lawn.
Saturday gave us sunshine, high tide at mid-day, and a strong SE wind. Four boats sailed for Newtown harbour: Hugh and Miranda Kemlo in their Enterprise, Michael and Maggie Kemlo with family and friends in their 35ft cruiser Scorcher, Kurt and Margaret Berger with local Alan in his Hawk dayboat, and the Floyers in their 18ft cutter. While most made a fast passage and picnicked in Shalfleet creek, a phone call from Miranda, saying that the prospect of having to return against wind and tide and a temperamental centreboard had limited them to Gurnard, caused some consternation, as did the Floyers' late return, having stopped to swim. The larger boats close-reached home, slowly and wetly against the ebb; all survived squally conditions at the mouth of the river, and had a quick run upstream.
The dinner in the evening was the usual cheerful affair, with twenty present, including commodore Tony Smith and a good balance of ages.
Sunday gave us more sunshine and an even stronger SE wind. Only the Hugh Kemlos and the Floyers had remained to sail, and we went upstream to find an unoccupied jetty half a mile above Buckler's Hard. Unusually, there were no forbidding notices except for No Fishing, a prohibition which a number of large fish were taking full advantage of. We swam and had lunch in the sun before returning, the Floyers under engine but no faster than the quick-tacking Enterprise, to take the boats ashore before the tide dropped.
The weekend was much enjoyed by those who were there, and but for the strength of the wind, conditions were ideal. Next year, we hope to have the three-day August Bank Holiday weekend again, and to be joined by lots more Strand sailors.

Nick Floyer

Gins Farm weekend - 2004

The Gins weekend is when we take our dinghies down to the Solent, launching from the Royal Southampton Yacht Club's clubhouse at Gins on the Beaulieu River.
Dinghies taking part this year - James and Joseph Armitage in Porpoise, Dave and Sheila Berger in their smart new Enterprise, Stafford Craig and friend in Wayfarer. Also the splendid Revenue Cutter, Water Rat, belonging to Sally and Nick Floyer and family, this year Biddy, Hugo and Phoebe. They were joined, as last year, by a Hawk 20 which took Ruth Narain over the waters on the Saturday. And this year the debut of Jessie - Henry and Mary and Brown's new trailer sailer, a Trapper TS240. The fleet assembled about 11am and set sail for Newtown Creek in a nice westerly breeze. Kurt and Margaret made the crossing in Jessie with the Browns. Most of the fleet moored at Shalfleet jetty and some went off to the not-so-nearby pub. As the tide started to ebb those that could set sail for home. The pub contingent had to do a bit of mud wrestling to relaunch, and Jessie made good use of her lifting keel ... and rudder. Another lovely sail across to the Beaulieu and a splendid beat back up the river to Gins. There were 27 at the evening feast in the Gins clubhouse, as the sailers were joined by, among others, a contingent of (Michael) Kemlos, and Tony and Margaret Smith.
Sunday was cold and too windy to contemplate another crossing to the island. So the dinghies made their way up to Beaulieu for a picnic on the green. The Browns and Ruth Narain hitched a lift with Dave Jones in the safety boat. Most of the fleet stopped for tea at Bucklers Hard on the way back. Jessie then set off on a breezy jolly down river with Dave and Sheila aboard and explored some ways of hoisting twisted sails and again, discovered the virtues of a lifting keel.
Kurt had arranged an evening meal at the Turfcutters' Arms in East Boldre for all who could attend.
Monday was a better day for wind but, running short of time, sailing activities were restricted. James and Joseph joined Kurt and the Browns on Jessie and, followed by Dave Jones and Margaret in the safety boat, and the Floyers in Water Rat, went on a brisk spin down the river and out into the Solent. As on the Saturday, Jessie did the right SGSC thing and beat all the way back up the river as though she were a dinghy.
Another very enjoyable weekend. Many thanks to Kurt for the organisation, Dave Jones for the comforting presence of the safety boat, and the RSYC for their hospitality.

News from the north (from Dave and Sheila Berger who no longer sail regularly at Strand - only because it's just a bit too far to commute from East Yorkshire every Sunday)

As I write this the day time temperature has not crept above freezing out of the sun for a full three days. I have been idly looking at the excellent SGSC website to remind myself what we're awaiting before the new season gets underway.

The news from Yorkshire is that - horror of horrors - the Bergers have bought a different boat! I would have said new, but it's actually almost 30 years old - a nice wooden Albacore: "By Jingo". Dave decided that as we were the lone Ent at Hornsea SC we might as well get a boat that at least one other sailor was sailing so we could have some boat-for-boat comparisons on the water. This Albacore has had little use in the past 8 years or so - it's previous owner having spent much time coaching and taxi-ing his son in a Topper to some very useful effect (like the National squad).

To date we have not yet launched the boat - so don't even know if it floats! - however to ease the transition Dave has been tinkering with fittings so that at least the usual Kicker, outhaul and cunningham will fall easily to hand.

Albacores have a few more bits of string - like a fly-away jib stick (one pull and it's set) which should cause fewer inadvertent dunkings on those windy runs when previously someone had to go forward to set/retrieve the stick. Also they have adjustable shrouds - so the trick is to let the rig right forward on the run. This sounds good till you think about what may be involved in a gybe - do you gybe with no rig tension? old windward shroud on/leeward shroud off (or vice versa) and what about those frenetic roundings back onto the beat when you completely forget to put the tension on again and find yourself sliding back down the fleet even though you have checked for weed round the rudder and have remembered to put the centreboard down!

The Albacore has no spinnaker, but at 15 foot, though relatively heavy (240 pounds or so in sailing trim) it is an excellent sea boat (can't wait for Gin's Farm 2008!) and quirkily recently became the fastest mono-hull!! - in Canada ( see: http://www.albacore.org.uk) it was in loads of wind and for a very short burst of speed - there was a weblink - seems to have disappeared).

Another former SGSC member - David Sibthorp did sail an Albacore with his wife Jenny - I think in the distant past they even joined us at Gin's as they were based in Portsmouth - I have guilty memory of pulling his Albacore into the car park at Royal Southampton and shorting out the main 3 phase power lines - bowing a hole in his mast and causing the lights (and galley, showers etc) to be out of action for a couple of hours!

Dave and Sheila look forward to joining some of the Strand sailing this year - we're holding on to the Ent just in case we don't get on with the "old man's boat" that the Albacore has a reputation for being!

Dave & Sheila Berger
18/2/2008
E 22807 & A 76836

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Site launched 16/10/02
Last amended 28/3/10

website contact: mary@brownsox.co.uk