Mainsheets 2020...             

   

Mainsheets 2021

 

MAINSHEET JULY 2021

After close on 4 weeks of no sailing at Filby, yesterday morning Gareth & myself paid the lake a visit for a pitch inspection, whilst there was still weed to be seen I am pleased to say thatcompetitive sailing at Filby will resume on Sunday 4th July with round 1 of the Whitbread Trophy for 6M.

Unfortunately, there may still be the odd bit of weed about but hopefully by then very little.

Whilst we have not been able to sail at Filby, and at the kind invitation of Richard Dell, we managed a couple of Wednesday's over at WOBYC on Oulton Broad. The first Wednesday we sailed with a fleet of 6 boats in a steady breeze of about 12mph with plenty of sunshine as an added bonus. After 12 races Raymond came out on top.

Our second week saw 8 boats arrive dockside but only 7 took to the water to race. Once again, we were greeted by warm sunshine but this time with the wind from general a northly direction be it with a few shifts at about 6mph for most of the time. We managed to fit in another 12 races with Mel coming out on top with Eric 2nd both on 15 points and Richard our host for the 2 days finishing 3rd. Today we also welcomed Alan and Beryl back to the fleet, welcome back both. My thanks go to Richard for arranging with WOBYC for us to use the club's facilities and I am sure after talking to the various club members that took advantage of the water, we will be back assuming we are invited.

What's On This Coming Month

Date	Day	Class	Trophy	Race Officer
4/7	Sunday	6M	Whitbread Trophy Round 1
7/7	Wednesday	IOM	Old Codgers Trophy Round 8
11/7	Sunday	IOM	Jubilee Plate Round 1	Barry Graver
14/7	Wednesday	RM	Porter Cup Round 2
18/7	Sunday	IOM	Jubilee Plate Round 2	Tony Garner
21/7	Wednesday	IOM	Vick Buck Trophy Round 1
25/7	Sunday	6M	Whitbread Trophy Round 2
28/7	Wednesday	IOM	Vick Buck Trophy Round 2
1/8	Sunday	IOM	Jubilee Plate Round 3	Bernie Guest

 

For those of you ear marked for the R/O duties these dates have changed from the old schedule and please find attached a revised sailing schedule as from the 27th June. Please check the new dates and if you cannot make your assigned day, please advise me ASAP so that I can arrange for a replacement to be found.

As regards to R/O for IOM sailing on Wednesday, with the size of the fleet increasing it is now proving impossible to score add hock so as from Wednesday 7th July, we will now each take turns during the days sailing to score a race unless we have a spare member available who is willing to take on the role.For the race that a skipper dose scoring he will be award average points for that race based on his days score.

Also, I will not be available to attend racing on the following dates during July due to other commitments, Sunday 4th, Sunday 11th and Wednesday 14th. I will leave the appropriate score sheets in the race folder in the shed and will pick the complete sheets up on my return.

I have now decided the time has come for me to step down as editor of the club's newsletter "Mainsheet" after this edition so for now this will be the last Mainsheet until a new editor in chief steps forward.

Race results will continue to be published as before both by email and on the club's web site. Also, as one of the duties as sailing sec ad hoc email's regards to sailing program will still be sent out as and when.

 

For Sale: Robot IOM, blue hull, white topside in very tidy condition with measurement certificate: Built: 2011 Hull No: 4301 Fitted with a RMG winch and power switch (deck mounted) Comes with a No 1 and No 2 rig both BG sails. No 1 used and No 2 unused. Also comes with a rig box and stand. Everything works as it should. £600 ono Spektrum Receiver available for an extra £20 No TX Contact Barry at the club for further information.

Nigel....... PS: CLICK HERE for revised sailing scheduled for the rest of 2021 issued 27/6/2021

 

MAINSHEET JUNE 2021

 

Welcome to the June edition of the club’s monthly newsletter. As I write this on the last day of May the sun is out and I hope this is a sign that the better weather has finally arrived.

Firstly, this month on behalf of the club I would like to thank John Hatton for coming to our rescue (no pun intended) for not only in being able to repair the clubs outboard but also donating the part required to do so. Thanks John.

Also, I have taken the decision to postpone the EGM scheduled for this coming Sunday 6th June until a later date when we have resumed normal sailing.

On the sailing front over the last month the weather has not been at its best, with both cold weather and fickle winds for most of the times. Race reports you will have already received over the course of the last month but as regards to the overall leader board in the various series the current standings for the top three positions are as follows:

IOM:

“Barry Gailer Trophy” (Sundays) after 6 heats, Eric is on top with 9 points, Vinnie in second with 12 and yours truly third on 17.
“Old Codgers Trophy” (Wednesdays) again after 6 heats, Mel and Vinnie are tied in first place on 10 points with Raymond tucked in behind them in third on 19 points.

As regards to both the RM and 6M both have only managed to get one heat under their belts to date so no overall position to report as of yet.

Full details can be found on the club’s web site which Eric keeps regularly updated as and when I forward the information to him. Thanks for all your hard work as regards to keeping the site up to date Eric.

Following yesterday’s racing it was decided that due to the level of weed increasing we would amend the planned schedule for the month of June as set out below. We will still sail this coming Wednesday IOMs as planned be it with weed breaks after every race to allow skippers to remove any weed they may have caught.

Also, I have rescheduled Round 3 of the RM Porter Cup from Wednesday the 9th to be run alongside the “The Whittingham Cup” for RM’s being held this coming Sunday the 6th by our neighbors Norwich. Please support this event. At the close of play I will extract our clubs’ members results from the overall days score to give a result for round 3 of “The Porter Cup”. Thus, giving us 2 series racing for the price of one.

 

JUNE SAILING SCHEDULE

Date	Day	Class	Event	Race Officer
2nd	Wednesday	IOM	Old Codgers Trophy Round 7
6th	Sunday	RM	To Be Sailed At Norwich as part of The Whittingham Cup & Round 3 of The Potter Cup
9/6	Wednesday	6M	Whitbread Trophy Round 1
13/6	Sunday	6M	Whitbread Trophy Round 2
16/6	Wednesday	6M	Whitbread Trophy Round 3
20/6	Sunday	6M	Whitbread Trophy Round 4
23/6	Wednesday	6M	Whitbread Trophy Round 5
27/6	Sunday	6M	Whitbread Trophy Round 6
30/6	Wednesday	6M	Whitbread Trophy Round 7
4/7	Sunday	RM	Lady Jane Trophy Round 2

It is also my intention that should the weed recede before the end of June to once again review the sailing schedule to try and get the IOM fleet back on the water ASAP.

I know they say that you can not get to much of a good thing but I am looking for a volunteer to take over the mantel of Mainsheet editor from myself. I am quite happy to continue doing the results service but it would be good for one and all if we had someone else’s prospective of the going ons within the club apart from mine. “ANY BODY UP FOR IT”

Just to finish off I am going to be a little conventional here, following on from last Wednesdays scheduled sailing of round 2 of the RM Porter Cup having to be called off on the morning of the event, when only 2 skippers turned out (4 required to make a series) that in future if an event is not cancelled by the sailing sec. and is cancelled on the day due to lack of numbers those attending will be giving equal first place on the day to go towards the overall series results. Thoughts please.

Until next time.

Nigel

 

 

 

MAY 2021

 

Skippers,

Well for the first mainsheet since our return to the water I thought that a quick resume of the sailing to date would be appropriate. We have squeezed in 9 race days starting with the “Rusty Fingers” for IOM’s on a barmy warm Wednesday at the end of March. The IOM’s have also sailed another 6 race days over 2 series with an average turnout not quite into double figures and a total of 10 different skippers taking to the water. Currant leaders in the two series are Mel in The Old Codgers and Eric in the Barry Gailer. Hopefully that by the next time we take to the water on Sunday, fingers crossed I should have my new boat on the water full stop. Both the 6M and RM have had just one race day each with 8 6M and 4 RM. Most of the sailing days during April were sailed in strong blustery cold winds mainly from the north. Let’s hope May brings a change in the weather.

We have also welcomed 2 new members to the club during April, Richard Dell who has joined us to race his IOM mainly on Wednesday’s and Graham Nelson who is also a member of Norwich to boast the 6M fleet at the club.

Moving forward into May and with further restrictions on the Boris Road Map being lifted the way ahead is looking positive. Currently we have access to the restaurant only on Sundays for the use of the toilets and coffee being served outside only but as from Wednesday 19th May we will have use of the sites facilities on both race days be it under certain restrictions which will be confirmed nearer the time.

Also, we are finding that with the larger numbers of boats taking to the water for the IOM Wednesday series it will mean that we will now have to either appoint a race officer for the day or each take it a turn during the days sailing to do the duty for one race. If anyone wants to put themselves forward to do a Wednesday do let me know. You will not lose out as you will be awarded average points for that series on the day.

Hopefully now that the warmer weather is with us our thoughts turn to starting work on getting our new rescue boat ready for the water. The boat is going to need a fair amount of work to get her back on the water but with a fair wind, we hope to have it ready by the end of the month. Therefore, do not be surprised if the call goes out for volunteers during the month for help. The nature of the work means that large numbers will not be required at any one stage but help will be needed. Vinnie will be starting work replacing the rubbing straights as soon as the weather permits then we will need people (maybe 2 at a time) to help paint the outside of the boat and then again, a further party will be needed to finish the inside of the boat. Remember many hands will make light work.

Please find attached your sailing schedule for the month ahead. Please note that our 6M open this year is on Sunday 23rd May and will be sailed at Norwich. You will find notice of race attached to this newsletter. Please 6M skippers do not let your club down and make your way across to Norwich on the 23rd. Unfortunately saying that neither Gareth or myself will be able to attend due to some annual leave being taken.

Also due to family commitments I am unable to make Wednesday the 5th May so I have asked Raymond to do the scoring and let me have the results at close of play.
.

MAY SAILING SCHEDULE

Date	Day	Class	Event	Race Officer
2/5	Sunday	IOM	Barry Gailer Trophy Round 4	Raymond Crisp
5/5	Wednesday	IOM	Old Codgers Trophy Round 4
9/5	Sunday	RM	Lady Jane Trophy Round 1
12/5	Wednesday	IOM	Old Codgers Trophy Round 5
16/5	Sunday	IOM	Barry Gailer Trophy Round 5	John Carment
19/5	Wednesday	IOM	Old Codgers Trophy Round 6
23/5	Sunday	6M	Shearwater Trophy @ Norwich
26/5	Wednesday	RM	Porter Cup Round 2
30/5	Sunday	IOM	Barry Gailer Trophy Round 6	Michael Howard

Finally does anyone know of anybody who knows anything about electric outboards. Unfortunately, our Bison model will now only work in either forward or reverse. I have tried to find someone to look at it but with no success. Please let me know if you can help.

Think that’s about all for now and let’s look forward to fair winds and good sailing for the month ahead.

 

Regards,

Nigel

 

              

   

APRIL 2021

 

Gentlemen,

Well, here is the news we have all been waiting for. After sitting on the fence at the start of the month the MYA have now confirmed that we can return to racing as from the 29th March.

To this end our first meet of the year is now scheduled for Wednesday 31st March, and will be a pre-season series of races to iron out any boat/skipper problems that may have occurred during this recent lockdown for the “Rusty Fingers” award for IOM’s, and just in case one has forgotten the first start will be 10am. This will then be followed on Sunday 4th April again with a 10am start for round 1 of the “Barry Gailer” Trophy for IOM’s. I will be R/O for that day

Please bear in mind that the social distancing rule will apply up till no earlier that 21st June.

Then subject to any further lockdowns we will go full steam ahead into a full series for the rest of the 2021 season. If for any reason we have to make changes I will of course try and give you as much warning as possible.

“Weedy Season” I have allocated the period as from the 13th June to the 30th June inclusive and during this period we will race 6M on both Wednesdays and Sundays as this seems to be the class least affected by the growth of the weed. As we all know this period of time can be a bit hit or miss so I will adjust the race schedule as and when necessary to accommodate the weed situation. For those who wish you may sail your IOM during this period as free sailing.

As regards to facilities lakeside, the restaurant is quite happy for us to start sailing again as from 31st March but point out that they will not be reopening fully to the 17th May so unfortunately till that date we will not have any facilities available lake side. They have agreed that we can during the period they are not open that we may bring our own refreshments.

So now is the time to bring your boats out of hibernation, check electrics etc. before returning to the water. Remember the old saying “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”

I will also be holding a short work party on Monday 29th March at 10.30. We need to prepare the clubs facilities prior to the start of our 2021 sailing season. It is only a few small jobs that need doing such as preparing the boat for launch, tidy shed, tidy control area and reset all electrics so should not take to long. You help with the labour would be apricated, I will supply the coffees, not a bad exchange.

Club EGM: As it stands at the present the club is short on numbers in various post that help  the club run on a day-to-day basis, therefore it is my intention to call an EGM to resolve these matters early July once all the legal limits on social contact have been lifted. If you have any matters which you wish to be discussed at this meeting please let me know.

APRIL SAILING SCHEDULE

Date	Day	Class	Event	Race Officer
31/3	Wednesday	IOM	“Rusty Fingers”
4/4	Sunday	IOM	Barry Gailer Trophy Round 1	Nigel Featherstone
7/4	Wednesday	IOM	Old Codgers Trophy Round 1
11/4	Sunday	IOM	Barry Gailer Trophy Round 2	Neil Cousins
14/4	Wednesday	RM	Porter Cup Round 1
18/4	Sunday	IOM	Barry Gailer Trophy Round 3	Mel Catchpole
21/4	Wednesday	IOM	Old Codgers Trophy Round 2
25/4	Sunday	6M	Little Audrey Trophy Round 1
28/4	Wednesday	IOM	Old Codgers Trophy Round 3

Think that’s about all for now and let’s look forward to fair winds and good sailing for the forthcoming sailing year.

Regards,

Nigel

 

MARCH 2021

Hi Skippers,

Welcome to the latest edition of Mainsheet. Hope you have all been keeping busy and well. I have just had my first vaccination well ahead of time so I hope that many of you will also have had yours by now.

Following on from my communication as regards to the post of temporary commodore to which I only received one reply it would seem to make sense to leave this post vacant until we can call a proper EGM to select a new commodore. The first likely date for this will be hopefully early July.

As regards to the latest Covid-19 announcement re the road map out of restrictions, I am delighted to see a route that should allow us to return to the water by the end of March. At present I await conformation from the MYA as regards to actual dates but suffice to say, once I have conformation, I will advise you all accordingly.

Before we can get back on the water, there are a few things that need attention lakeside before we return and I wish to thank Vinnie for volunteering to take on these jobs for us. I am sure if he requires any help he will only need to ask nearer the time and people will come forward.

I have now drafted a sailing Schedule with a start date from the 31st March. The schedule will be a little different as from previous years but hopefully restrictions permitting all club trophies will be raced for, be it some on a reduced number of rounds plus, I have added a third series to the IOM Wednesday calendar. As for the 6Meters I intend to run the "Whitbread Trophy Series" as a block of 6 race days both on Wednesdays and Sundays during the period set aside for the weedy season, conditions allowing. These dates could be subject to change due to as and when the weed arrives. Also, I have moved the venue for the 6M "Shearwater Trophy" on the 9th May across to Norwich, as we will still not have any facilities available to us at Filby. Please support this club event, even though it is being sailed at Norwich. No club racing will be held that day at Filby.

Last but not least we held a short club Zoom meeting on Wednesday 24th which was attended by 6 members and the general feeling of those who took part was that we should arrange one more before we return to the water. So, with this in mind I will arrange the second BRYC Zoom meeting for Wednesday 17th March again at 10am. Please let me know if you wish to attend.

That's about it for now but hope to be able to circulate the clubs sailing schedule to you all sometime early in March. In the meantime, with the return to water looking likely soon, maybe now is the time to dig your boats out and check all is working and not leave it to the last moment.

Nigel

 

FEBURARY 2021

Firstly, I would like to start this latest offering by saying that I hope you and yours are all keeping well in these difficult times. By now I am sure that some of you have had your vaccinations and hopefully a few more of us should receive ours by the end of February.

Unfortunately, not much to say this time round as we entered 2021 under a tier 4 lockdown which was then quickly replaced by a total lockdown on the 5th January which put a kibosh on any hope of sailing during the early part of the year.

After a very wet Christmas period we did manage to get a small work party of Mike, Vinnie, Derek, Gareth and myself down to the club on the Wednesday between Christmas and the New Year to lift the club boat ashore. Thanks team, because if we had left it any longer the boat would have filled up with rain water. A cover has now been purchased which hopefully should reduce the amount of rain water that gets into the boat when left standing for any length of time and will be fitted once the boat can be refloated. It may need some adjustment but I am sure that will not be a problem.

Following a discussion between ourselves and our friends at Norwich we have decided to switch venues for this year 6M Shearwater Trophy away from Filby to Norwich for 2021. The date chosen is Sunday the 9th May. The reasoning for the switch was twofold, firstly with COVID-19 the chances of the restaurant at Filby being fully operational by then is low and secondly with Norwich holding the 6M nationals later on in the year it would give potential competitors from outside the area coming to the Nationals a chance to sail on the waters prior to the Nationals and also giving the Norwich race team a practice event as regards to 6M.

As regards to commencement of sailing for this year, there is not much that can be done until Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and we see what is left of the year before compiling a race calendar of sorts.

So as arms are duly vaccinated, our lives are newly injected with a fresh sense of optimism for a sunlit spring with plenty of sailing opportunities ahead....................................( beautifully expressed )

Nigel

 

       

 

JANUARY 2021

 

This past year has been difficult for us all no matter where in the world you may live but I hope our sport has given us some welcome relief from some of the restrictions and social distancing imposed. After a good end to 2020 we enter 2021 under a tier 4 lockdown which means that until further notice we are not able to take to the water. After all that went on over the last 9 months or so let’s hope for a less stressful year ahead, be it that maybe the first two / three months may well still be disrupted by Covid-19.

The clubs sailing season drew to a close on a high with 10 one meters (would have been eleven but Vinnie volunteered to do race officer instead of racing) taking to the water on the 19th December, long may it continue. Also, both the 6M and R6M have seen an increase in numbers towards the end of the year so all fleets are looking heathy going into 2021.

Club Membership has also increased for 2021 and I welcome all the new members to the club and hope you enjoy the season ahead.

Please find attached a separate sheet with the overall results for the 2020 season. Hopefully we be able to hold a prize giving of sorts once the tier 4 restrictions are lifted.

I am sure you would also like to join me in thanking Geoff for taking the time out to creosote the shed for us during the period prior to the Christmas holidays. Things people will do to get out of the Christmas shopping. Next projects on the list are a) replacement of the window covers on the main shed and b) is the new rescue boat once the fine weather returns. This will need a fair amount of work as all the gunnels will need replacing. If anyone has any wood that might be appropriate do let the club know as we need to keep the refurbishment cost to a minable level.

As regards to sailing I do not intend to start the 2021 season till at the earliest the first Wednesday in March, thus allowing the currant Covid-19 to take its course over the next two months. I am also proposing some radical changes to our schedule but more of that at a later date once I have spoken to the other committee members about the proposed changes. I will then circulate them round all the members for your thoughts.

That’s all for now folks, I will keep you posed as and when I have further news re sailing and in the meantime can I wish you all  “Happy New Year” and stay safe.

Nigel

 

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