29/7/19
Sailing Update
Ladies What Launch
A nice breeze welcomed our ladies to the water on Saturday. It was wonderful to see the boats on the water and a mixture of abilities. Everyone was trying new things, from reaching, to beating, and even a bit spinnaker practice.
Following the sailing they were rewarded by cake and fizz (expertly guarded by Mona, who ensured only ladies received cake!). This is turning into a great event and I hope that we’ll be able to get back on the water again soon.
Wednesday Night
Good sunny conditions with a southerly breeze brought a few smiles to the 19 helms that went out on Wednesday night. A long first beat saw Tom take and early lead, but on the return downwind leg the wind filled in from behind bring all the fleet with him.
A cunning move by Dave & Lin saw them snake past the fleet, and cause a pile up at 1. Quite a few boats found themselves doing circles having been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The OD admitted to covering her eyes as the whole fleet converged in a small place.
Tom fought his way back to the front, but Abi was not going to let him get away so easily. Despite being in a Radial she gave Tom a run for his money, but as the wind lightened Tom escaped and Simon caught her up. She was rewarded with second place for her efforts.
Jonathan, who has not sailed all year, gave a great performance, challenging Andrew around the course, and making us wonder if he’s been away practicing. Andrew also tried to sneak into a mark on Port, only to be shut out, and forced to take around by his Tasar crew, Ed.
Sunday Sailing
A favourable north-westerly wind, mixed with rain, contrasted with the glorious weather that we had during the week, but training took place and racing too.
The wind allowed the learners to practice their moves, and also experience some of the infamous Olton Mere shifts, just to spice things up.
In the Triangle race, Stella & Eva continued their battle from last week, racing ahead of the fleet as they battled each other around the course. Although Eva managed to get line honours, Stella caught her on handicap, and Jan took the bronze place.
In the first of the afternoon races had a short first beat which allowed the Lasers to follow the shifts and for Tom to get an early lead which he would hold till the finish. Rob, Chris & Stella, and Simon swapped positions throughout the race, but it was Chris & Stella who eventually managed to break free and looked to reel in Tom, but it was too little too late.
Dean, in his Laser, showed that he was not fazed by the shifting conditions and relished the chance to show off his ability to pick the right side of the lake and make maximum advantage. Regardless of being in 5th place, he had a great race.
With a wind shift and a change of course the second race was underway. A technical first beat rewarded those who stuck to the wind, even though it seemed further away from the mark. Chris & Stella, got to the mark first and then managed to break away in the clear wind, but it wasn’t long till Tom was after them with Simon on their transoms.
The downwind legs proved tricky for the 2 handed boats, meaning that they had to sail further, gybing to the marks, while the Lasers managed to hold the line and cross the water with ease. With Tom chasing down Chris & Stella, and me & Eva battling with Dean and John, Simon was left in the middle. This has an advantage that he was in clear air, but is also a disadvantage as if things go wrong the following fleet know what not to do.
Simon found himself struggling to get into one of the final marks, which allowed me & Eva to catch up and, with the ability to go faster and point higher on the beat, get across the line just in front. However our 3rd place was just ceremonial as Simon, Dean, and Jon all beat us on handicap.
Even though we will not be able to race in the coming weeks, we are planning so shore-based activities – a.k.a Beery Theory – to keep us entertained, so watch this space!
Olton Mere on Tour
A few of the regular faces were absent from the club at the weekend, this is because they are flying the flag on tour.
First up, the sea cadets were racing at their Area competition to qualify for their national event. Cameron and his crew won in the RS Quest and so qualified. The other club members Dan & Mia came fourth. Dan Seaton just missed out qualifying in the Topper. Well done to all of those taking part.
The Sunderland Summer Sojourn is currently in week two having already raced in the Feva world championships in Italy. Arriving in Birmingham airport, at nearly midnight on Saturday, they bundled into a car and started the drive to Scotland for the Laser world championships in time for measuring at 8am Sunday morning. They will then travel to Sweden for the Tera world championships. 3 world championships in 3 weeks, that’s some going!
At the other end of the country Andrew and Ed will also be taking on the world in their Tasar. With competition from as far as New Zealand and Australia this is certainly a prestigious event for the Olton Mere sailors. It is their aim to finish within the top 100 boats in the championship, which is being held at Hayling Island.
Good luck to all, and keep us informed of your progress.
Work Party
In preparation for the west bank being out of action we will be having a work party on Saturday 10th August at 10am. We will be clearing the dead boat park of overgrowth and then moving boats to the cleared space. Please wear gloves, jeans, and suitable footwear.
Ray is willing to co-ordinate a weekday working party to start the clearing if people are available, please let myself or him know if you can help out.
What’s happening…
The club relies on volunteers to give up their personal time and help the success of the club. Whilst we as members need to ensure we contribute, we must always respect those officers who do run our races and keep us safe each week.
Week Beginning 29/7/19
31/7 – 7.15pm Wednesday Racing – G6 – R Jubb (OD), P French (AOD), A Ewing (S)
– 8pm Wednesday Evening Bar
3/8 – 2pm – 4pm Level 1 & 2
– 4.30pm Saturday Afternoon Bar
4/8 – 12:00 Sunday Racing – SUT7/B11/B12 P Gidley (OD), R Clarke (AOD), S Jellicoe (S)
– 2pm – Silver Fleet Race
– 4.30pm Sunday Afternoon Bar
Week Beginning 5/8/19
7/8 – 7.15pm Wednesday Racing – G7 – D Florence (OD), L Florence (AOD), T Hunter (S)
– 8pm Wednesday Evening Bar
10/8 – 2pm – 4pm Level 1 & 2
– 4.30pm Saturday Afternoon Bar
11/8 – 12:00 Sunday Racing – SUT8/B13/B14 P Gidley (OD), R Clarke (AOD), S Jellicoe (S)
– 2pm – Silver Fleet Race
– 4.30pm Sunday Afternoon Bar
Dutyman
All Duties are published online, and are also available in the clubhouse.
Olton Mere has invested in a system called ‘Dutyman’ which is an online tool for managing sailing duties. From here you’ll be able to request a duty swap or volunteer for a duty. Individual log in details are being sent out.
If you have not received your details, or want to find out more, please speak with one of the sailing committee