Weather: Sunny and with light Easterly breeze blowing with the spring tide.
Course: A
Seven boats, supporting 10 sailors were rigged and launched by 15.00. At the 15.10 start all boats were holding steadily into the wind with James, Rob and Olly (with Billy) demonstrating a perfect line up (see photo): James Armitage with crew Ariel Biekarck on Zephyr (Enterprise), Rob Adams on Phoebe (Laser), Olly Adams with crew Billy Adams on Spinosaurus (Mirror), Chris Greenwood with crew Felicia Biekarck on Distant Thunder (Leader), Tim Young on Ait Knots (Wanderer), Ben Chappel on Envy (Laser), Keith Clarke on Kaia (Laser).
A challenging sailing day with clear, sunny weather, a light breeze and a strong flood tide on the A-course. James caught the wind best at the start and took an early lead rounding the buoy first. The other 6 boats competed hard to round the first buoy. The legs heading upstream were pacey with the tide and wind together making for exciting sailing. Rob demonstrated local skill at the end of lap 1 (and on several subsequent laps) by sailing close to the wall at the Bell and Crown and making a tight tack to pick up the best route back down river.
Half way through the 2nd and 3rd laps a mele of boats took their time rounding the downstream buoy. James, on his 4th lap, broke through first. Next was Rob. As Keith approached the end of his 2nd lap, he was a little too far out and, frustratingly, the tide caught him and pulled him back off the line. On the final lap most boats were taking a slow pass allowing the crowds at the Bell and Crown to cheer each finisher as they crossed the line. That said, Tim flew past with the style you only get from our commodore (see photo!).
Strong tide, light east wind, rain before the start and forecast, but did not happen during the race or the hour before.
OOD: Nick Floyer; Safety Boat: Keith Clarke.
Only Rob Adams (Phoebe, Laser) and James Armitage (Zephyr, Enterprise) with Felicia Biekarck turned up to sail, but were determined to race. Keith Clarke was ready to launch the safety boat, but James and Rob decided to go without.
The moored pontoon opposite the Zoffany House start line provided two buoys, one at each end, to make a very short A-course.
The racing was close to start with but soon James drew clear, completing 10 laps to Rob’s 8.
Nick Floyer, OOD
Next week it’s a D- Course (Hammersmith and back) starting at 15:20
We have been discussing methods of getting to and from the start of the C course through Kew Bridge recently and have trialed some ideas of Andrew Ross. This has been helpful and the Committee has agreed that it would be appropriate to publish these notes about the discussions:
The first thing to remember is that each sailing dinghy has a skipper who is responsible for the safety of his crew and boat. She/he should not do anything or ask anybody else to do anything which he/she is not confident is safe and prudent. The safety boat driver is responsible for the safety boat and if she/he is not comfortable to provide requested assistance he/she should refuse, and the club will support him /her.
For large vessels, travelling under Kew Bridge is awkward, because the current is quite strong the arch is narrow and the bridge is on a bend in the river with poor visibility. It is important therefore that the river is clear before setting up to enter the central arch.
In the old days Bermuda rigged boats set off early enough before high water so that they could get under the bridge without having to heel over. This is a good idea and should be routine! An Enterprise can get under the central arch until the water gets up to the top of the vertical part of bridge piers. We certainly need to get back to the habit of allowing extra time, say 30 minutes, to prepare and get to the start of a C course.
If a boat launches late and if the safety boat driver is prepared to help sailors under the bridge, it’s better if he has two competent people on board. If he has more, he can always put the surplus ashore and pick them up again later.
Heeling the dinghies over is easier if no one is aboard, so the helm and crew should transfer to the safety boat, having lifted both the centre board and rudder (this makes the dinghy much more manoeuvrable). Unless the wind is light it’s easier to take down the sails, in which case it is possible to wait for your turn for help by the ramp just downstream. If going through with the sails up the dinghy must be head to wind, so it might be taken through backwards. The safety boat driver must decide if he is happy to take the safety boat backwards or would prefer to go forwards with the dinghy facing backwards. The safety boat driver must be happy that there is enough time to get properly set up before the current takes the boats under the bridge.
After the race roughly the same applies to the return through the bridge! Or preferably wait for the tide to fall.
Another good turnout for an August Bank Holiday race. Time was when SGSC would have decamped down to the Solent for a Gins weekend.
Six boats launched: James Armitage with a novice crew (sorry, I forgot to note his name) in Zephyr (Enterprise); Chris Greenwood and Felicia Biekark in Distant Thunder (Leader); Nick Floyer in flo (Gull); newcomer Tamir Gottfried in a Laser; Tim Young in Ait Knots (Wanderer); and at last – after many repairs, Andy Ross and Enoch Rodriguez in Comma (Enterprise).
We chose a B-course because of a light but steady northerly breeze urging the fleet against a weak neap tide down to Chiswick Staithe. There was plenty of holiday river traffic to contend with: not so many rowers as usual but all other varieties from paddle boards up. At the start all but Tamir went for the Surrey bank hoping for weaker tide flow than in midstream. It was the wrong choice and Tamir gained a substantial lead by sailing in the freer midstream wind. So we had the unusual sight of James a full minute behind the lead at the first lap. He was followed 2 minutes later by Chris, then Nick, and then Andy and Tim.
James gradually crept up on Tamir over the next three laps, which were completed in about 15 minutes each, but he was still 7 seconds behind at the finish. Chris maintained third position and finished about 7 minutes later, followed in 5 minutes by Andy, then Nick in another 5 minutes and finally Tim, who got delayed by a doldrum at the last mark.
The Strand handicap sums (Handicap Cup) gave the race to Tamir, then Andy, then Nick. The regular yardstick sums (Polly Prize) gave the race to James, then Tamir, then Nick. The Big Boats points went to James, then Tamir, then Chris, and Nick took the Little Boats points.
Thanks to Nick and Nicky in the safety boat for unobtrusive reassurance, and Mary for time-keeping.
Next week it’s an A-course at 16:15 following a working party at 10:30.
The lovely sunny afternoon brought out 8 boats – the best turn-out so far this season. The wind, nominally SW but very variable both in strength and direction, was channelled roughly down Strand and the downstream mark of the A course was set, somewhat optimistically, almost at the City Barge.
From the start James in Zephyr (Enterprise), with Tamina as crew took a lead which increased steadily throughout the race. He caught a nice gust around the downstream mark when the others were struggling past the slip-dock (occupied by a large barge). His first lap took 10 minutes whereas the following pack took around 18minutes, led by Lev (Porpoise, Enterprise), then Chris Greenwood (Distant Thunder, Enterprise) crewed by Felicia Bierkark, then Henry Brown (solo in Big Polly, Enterprise), then Ben Chappell (Envy, Laser). Tim Young (Ait Knots, Wanderer) was next followed by Nick Jeffery and daughter in the colourful Duckling, and finally Frankie Skrzezewski, still determinedly learning the habits of his Solo.
James, with his usual combination of skill and good luck with the gusts, completed his second and third laps in 6 and 9 minutes respectively, by which time he’d lapped everyone. He went on to finish five laps before the OOD called time. Lev did well to complete 4 laps and was a lap ahead of the following pack, each of whom did three laps: Ben, Chris, Henry and Tim who finished in that order within a minute of each other. Nick retired gracefully after his first lap and Frankie hung on to the end and finished two laps.
After the handicap sums were done Tim emerged third in the Handicap Cup (after Lev) but on the way back to the Club caught his mainsheet on a moored boat and capsized. This gave Enoch and Andy the opportunity to exercise their safety boat skills. Many thanks to them and to Tom and Jo who risked wet feet outside the Bell and Crown.
Next week it’s a C-course on Bank Holiday Monday (not Sunday) – a C-course at 10:50.
Weather: Sunny and breezy. NW 7kts with gusts up to 20kts
Course: A
In gusty conditions by the boat arch, six boats were rigged and launched by 16.50. However, out on the course, the wind settled down to a steady breeze of 7-12kts. Due to technical issues Sam withdrew before the 6minute horn. This left 5 boats jostling for position at the start of the race: Chris Greenwood with crew Felicia Biekarck on Distant Thunder, Lev Kolobov on Porpoise, Frankie Skrzeszewski on Tango, James Armitage with crew Ariel Biekarck on Zephyr (Enterprise), Joseph Armitage on Punt. Tim Young on the safety boat.
A beautiful sailing day with clear, sunny weather and a steady breeze. The A-course was made more challenging by a strong spring tide and a keen audience outside the Bell & Crown. The wind died momentarily on the start horn and picked up again just as suddenly. James led at the beginning however with Joseph in hot pursuit both boats finished the first lap simultaneously. This neck and neck ranking lasted into lap 3 when James started to pull ahead (ever so slightly).
Congratulations go to Frankie on Tango, who after a steady start picked up momentum and completed 2 strong laps before taking a capsize and deciding to retire after 40mins. His stated aim, to complete a full lap, achieved.
Sam, made a surprising re-appearance after more than an hour having decided to enjoy the conditions and enter into the spirit of the club, if not the actual race.
After 1hr 6mins the James was the first of the four boats to complete the course in 9 laps, closely followed by Joseph, Chris and Lev. Very enjoyable sailing by all accounts.
Weather: Everything except hail or snow. 0-6kts with gusts >11kts.
Course: D
Four boats were launched by 15.00, however the balmy weather at 3pm became quite exciting winds by 3:15 and 2 boats (Nick Floyer in flo , and Andy Ross with Keith Clarke in Comma) took the sensible decision to retire before the race started at 15.21. This decision was affirmed as the stormy afternoon progressed and the ‘retired’ sailors and OOD huddled in the arch with hot cups of tea.
The audacious sailors were: James Armitage with crew Felicia Biekarck on Zephyr(Enterprise) and Olly Adams with crew Billy on Spinnasaurus (Mirror)
To be honest it was all about the weather which started with fresh winds allowing the boats to head off down river at good speed. It then deteriorated to wet and gusty with winds from all directions as the squall passed over our stretch from Strand to Hammersmith bringing with it thunder and lightning. The eye of the storm was peaceful but didn’t last long as the winds picked up again and the second half of the storm passed overhead.
Once the boats rounded the buoy, the safety boat, after sheltering under a canopy near Corinthians, returned to Strand for warm jumpers, hats and waterproofs for the soaking sailors. Thanks to Marian Armitage. Hypothermia avoided, the boats gradually drifted back up river aided by a gentle tide. Emerging from under Chiswick bridge their red and blue sails reflected peacefully on the water. James demonstrated good sail technique, maximising his forward motion, as the race ended in a fine and still evening. Thanks to Andy and Henry for coming back out to help recover the safety boat and dinghys.
Special commendation to Billy who contributed heroically throughout the race and despite the chill, still had a brave smile as he helped pack the boat away at the end. And Spinosaurus triumphed over Zephyr on Handicap.
Leona Shepherd (OOD)
An outing for the Kayaks
The club’s kayak trip on the same day saw us launching 6 kayaks with 7 paddlers and heading up river to Richmond in fine weather. Very light winds, clear skies and a comfortable 20oC. Fish were leaping, ducklings and goslings were exploring and the rowers were busy! A fresh coffee and fine croissant were enjoyed before topping up the suncream, donning the sun-glasses for the return.
It is hard to believe it was the same day as the race!
OOD: Tim Wellburn, with the very welcome assistance of Francis Skrzezewski. Safety Boat: Ben Chappell, assisted by Leona Shepherd & Keith Clarke. Wind: NNE, light but variable with lulls & gusts. ‘A’ Course, with two buoys laid. Start time 14:15.
6 boats racing, with visitor, David, cruising to try out Leona’s boat.
The start was immediately marked by an inter-mingling of some of the boats jockeying for position on different tacks and/or headings. Eeyore having been retrieved from a considerable way upstream, never made it to the start, but later rowed past with some dignity.
Joe established an early lead in his Laser (Punt), completing the first lap in just under 6.1/2 minutes, followed by the Enterprises of James (Zephyr) and Lev (Porpoise), either side of 9 minute. The other boats, becalmed at various points, took between 17-20 minutes to do so.
Joe held the lead until the 4th lap when James pipped him by a mere 16 seconds and then retained the lead to the end, completing 7 laps in just under 50 minutes.
Chris (Distant Thunder, Leader) almost caught up with Lev, sailing increasingly quicker lap times until the 5th (& final one for both of them) when, just short of the line, he fell victim of a lull in the wind, completing the race just 30 seconds over the hour.
Nick (flo, Gull) and Ollie (Spinosaurus, Mirror), sailing the two remaining smaller boats, were more challenged by the conditions, both completing 3 laps in just over 50 minutes, Ollie pipping Nick to the post by just 1.1/4 minutes.
All boats suffered to a greater or lesser degree from the frustrating conditions, especially around the upstream mark which, although it was laid very close to the start line, was felt by some to be a little too close to the shore. However, wind & tide conditions further out into the stream in this reach were equally challenging, with many practicing backward sailing, keeping the two timekeepers on their toes as to which boat had already crossed the line on any given lap, and which had still to do so.
As it was a warm, sunny day, both Armitages washed their boats in the course of the race, but only Joe elected to do so rounding the downwind mark, to earn an ovation from our Bell & Crown audience for his very swift recovery.
Crowded out from our usual Sunday by multiple rowers ‘Bumps’ racing, and onto an empty river and under an empty blue sky, 5 boats came out to enjoy the Bank Holiday Monday. But it offered no relaxing rest and recreation. A stiff breeze topping 15mph banged the sails about; presaging a rough and tumble ‘D’ course.
James and Tamina [Zephyr, Ent], with Chris and Felicia [Distant Thunder, Leader], and Andrew and Enoch [Comma, Ent], were joined by Sam and Catherine [SY2, Wayfarer] while Joe, as OOD replacing Lev, firstly thought to get on board the Safety Boat with Frank and Kieran – but then decided to quickly go home where he managed to press-gang Marian as OOD; so he could sail his Laser (Punt). Jilling-about the start line revealed that multiple wind twists and turns were to be expected; the Union Jack pointing fully and horizontally across the river.
James led across the line, followed by everyone on a broad reach – with Joe clambering onboard his Laser to catch up. So far, so fast, down to Chiswick Bridge. It seemed it was going to be manageable: just.
In particular, ‘Comma’ was put to the test. As the oldest boat in SGSC with an ownership history dating back to Peter Hatton, who first won an SGSC Cup in 1966, she had been showing her age. Subsequently sailed by James Armitage until 1986, then Peter Osbourne until 1995, she was taken over by Andy Ross in 1999 (having previously sailed the small boat ‘Bumblebee’), ’Comma’ must now be approaching 60 years old. Two years of restoration work, repeatedly discovering soft areas of wood requiring one repair after another, and determined to stick to the original wood glue and timber, with no plastic or fibreglass, and freshly-painted, she appeared to be truly sturdy, and with no leaks detected, she shone – and she flew with the wind. The original Scots pine wooden mast, that often defined for itself whether it was acting as heavy ballast keeping the boat upright – or was going to swing about with the wind and let momentum decide, has been replaced with an aluminium mast; with a pivot bolt in a tabernacle foot to lower the mast to get under the railway bridge. A tensioning lever now held the new mast rigging bar-tight.
All still together, the fleet sauntered gently in a sudden near total calm under Chiswick Bridge. Ah! The warm sun! How very pleasant this Bank Holiday journey was actually going to be! But as we rounded the bend to Barnes Bridge, the North-East wind sucked in deep and blew its cheeks out. Off we galloped! But at the rear of the fleet the suddenness of this great blast hit Sam really hard, producing a spectacular capsize.
Looking back from ‘Comma’ we saw Sam and Catherine were now both just heads in the water – and they were drifting far away from their boat. There was no sign of the Safety Boat. So we decided to turn back and offer help. Coming back around from the rear we seized the bow and, broadside on, enabled Sam and Catherine to grab their hull. Sam then swam back off again to pick up pieces of gear floating away while Catherine, totally unperturbed, and astonishingly glamorous, confidently made-up and ready for her leading actress role, simply asked if her handbag (that she had shrewdly stowed very tightly onboard), was still there? A handbag! It was a truly Lacy Bracknell moment worthy of Oscar Wilde. Funny and wonderful! But their mobile phones were another matter.
The Safety Boat then re-appeared and with Catherine transferred onboard the boat sped off back downriver to re-find the fleet, while the Wayfarer was brought ashore for a ton of bailing-out.
The pre-agreed plan was that the fleet (those who got there) would turn themselves at Corinthians, which is what had indeed happened, as James soon came back under Barnes Bridge – and the Wayfarer was then taken in tow by Frankie in the Safety Boat back to the Club.
Comma set sail back under jib alone as the rest of the fleet caught up and with varying rough gusts (Joe performing two ‘death role’ capsizes, including one after he had finished!) and yet still with frequent dead calm spots – and still against a strongly ebbing tide, we all made our way back.
Never has tea and biscuits been more welcome! What a very unrelaxing, but very memorable, Bank Holiday Monday.
