Race Report 4th October 2026

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Race Report  4th October 2026

A beautiful day but no wind. The Windguru forecast showed 4 knots of wind from the SW. Reluctance from potential entrants Kiran Biekarck (laser 5.7), Felicia Biekarck (Laser), Ben Chappell (laser), Keith Clarke (Laser), to drift to Hammersmith and back possibly a 3 hour trip. So as a compromise a low water B course was set using the rowing buoys as marks negating the use of heavy club marks. Optimistically the intention was to stem the outgoing tide to make the return leg of the laps. 

With Rob Adams substituted in the rescue boat by new SGSC member Robin Hunter-Coddington and Lenny Pronk a 5 boat fleet launched. Another innovation was the use of the lightweight rubber dinghy and the 2.3hp engine as the rescue boat. Much easier to launch and recover across the low water foreshore.

Heather as OOD started the race 20mins late with Felicia still launching. Not to worry, after a pleasant sail in the very light zephyr of a wind the fleet arrived at the downstream, mark Rob followed by Kiran, Ben, Keith and then Felicia. Unfortunately even with centre plate and rudder up little progress was made upstream. The fleet regrouped. Keith left the group who were using dagger boards to anchor and sailed off to Chiswick Bridge. Rob and Ben managed to round the mark and set off for the Middlesex bank to try their luck there but with no benefit. But all was not lost for the patient ones, Kiran and Ben having retired in frustration. The wind filled in a little bit and conveniently came from the south allowing a close fetch to the one-lap shortened course finish at No 1 SotG. By the time of the finish the tide had turned. A close finish with Rob, Felicia and Keith. Keith having done the longer course made up considerable ground.

Conclusion 

The lightweight dinghy as safety boat was a great success although tricky with two buoys on board. Take a can of petrol with you because the small engine does not have a big tank.

A low water B course is not a bad option but a time closer to the tide turning would be advisable.

Thanks to Lenny and Robin for volunteering to do the rescue boat.

Rob Adams

Race Results 26th September 2026

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Race Report 26th September 2026
OOD: Leona Shepherd/Andy Ross
South Bank Safety Boat: Chris SBSC & Lennart SGSC
Weather: Sunny, with fresh Southerly winds gusting from 15-20mph

Course: A – 80th Anniversary Celebration Race
Start: 14.45 HWKB:16.03 Wind Sth 10-20mph

8 boats launched: 5 from Strand on the Green Sailing Club – with Patrick Lane-Spollen in Ellie (Laser); Chris Greenwood and Felicia Biekarck in Distant Thunder (Leader); Tamir Gottfried in Tango (Solo); James Armitage and Xanthi/Keiran Biekarck in Zephyr (Enterprise); Rob Adams and Von in Big Polly (Enterprise). Our 3 guest boats were Alex from Ranalagh SC, in Snapper (laser); Eric Morgan and Ellie Osborne from South Bank SC, in Faith (GP14); Olivier Benech, South Bank SC, on Super Nova aka Fulham Pier (laser).

After a few last minute issues with the SGSC safety boat, notably its failure to start, the marker buoys were rapidly transferred to the SBSC safety boat, skippered by Chris, who was joined by Lenny. The race start was delayed by 15mins while the buoys were deployed (in hindsight slightly far apart) and all 8 boats were circling ready for the delayed start at 14.45.


As a (almost) founding member of the club we were honoured to have Paul Williamson sound the starting horn demonstrating his 79yrs & 6months of SGSC experience 😊.


With 8 boats vying for the best position and a gusty, southerly wind, the start was very tight. Distant Thunder immediately took an honourable penalty returning to the start, having been just overline as the gun was fired. Thereafter the race settled into a predictable rhythm. Thanks to the gusty winds Alex on Snapper was able to demonstrate his agility and skill by re-righting his laser on several occasions!
The Spring tide rising rapidly, the gusty winds and the quirky wind gullies of an A course made the downstream section particularly challenging. In the meantime James & Xanthi/Kieran on Zephyr maintained an early lead despite Alex, on Snapper, being a strong competitor throughout the race.
The lead boat, Zephyr, crossed the finish line after 4 laps (56mins 13s). Snapper also completed 4 laps (1h 4mins 53s). Distant Thunder, Tango and Big Polly completed 3 laps each. SuperNova/Fulham Pier, Faith and Ellie eventually escaped the downstream challenges, each completing 1 lap. Despite the course complexities everyone said they had really enjoyed the sailing, the race and the camaraderie. After handicaps, the ranking was Zephyr (1st), Snapper (2nd), Distant Thunder (3rd ) Tango (4th), Big Polly (5th), SuperNova/Fulham Pier (6th), Faith (7th), Ellie (8th).


Back at the club we were honoured to be joined by founding member Martha Armitage, some social members, as well as a number of young, hopefully future sailors.


Compliments and much gratitude go to Mary Short who had masterminded (with Chris’s pre-race assistance) a fabulous BBQ and Keith who, though unable to join us, sportingly provided a delicious and much appreciated soup. Felicia handed out the awards for the first 3 boats and everyone promised to come back again next year. Many thanks also to the pre-start cake baker (?).


Great photos by Andy are already posted to the SGSC WhatsApp group.


Leona & Andy (OODs)

Race Report 13th September 2026

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Race Results 13th September 2026 (amended 19/09/2026)

OOD: Lenny Pronk, Safety boat: Joe Armitage, Wind light 8 knots from the W, some drizzle.

5 boats launched: James Armitage plus Ruth in Zephyr (Enterprise); Chris Greenwood and Felicia in Distant Thunder (Leader); Keith Clarke in Kaia (Laser); Tamir Gottfried in Tango (Solo); and Patrick Lane-Spollen in Ellie (Laser).

James (with Ruth) lead from the start followed by Chris and Felicia who were overtaken by Tamir in a Solo on the last lap.I was slightly off guard and cycled to Kew Pier to set up for a C-course. Fortunately, Joe reminded me just in time that I needed to get to the Crown and Bell pub for the 16:30 start.

James and Ruth led from the start and maintained the lead throughout the race. They even managed to complete six laps, with an average lap time of around eight minutes.

Felicia and Chris held second place until the fourth lap, but were overtaken by Tamir sailing the Solo on the final lap.

Patrick fought his way up to the stronger Keith and was even nine seconds ahead of him on the fourth lap, but lost considerable ground during the fifth lap.

I ended the race when Zephyr completed their sixth lap, as the tide was coming up quite quickly. By then, my bike was slightly submerged, and I had created a trail of chairs from the pub to help hold up the flag stand!

The whole scene reminded me of Bruce Springsteen. Interestingly, the surname Springsteen is said to have Dutch origins, referring to a “jump stone” or stepping stone. You can look it up with AI — apparently the name dates back as far as the 17th century.

That said, it was a lovely day, with typically English weather: a westerly of around 6–11 knots, white and dark-grey cumulus clouds, sunshine, and the occasional drizzle.

The next race is a D-course at 15:10 on 20th September.

Lenny Pronk (OOD)

Race Report 30th August 2026

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OOD: Lenny Pronk

Safety Boat: Enoch Rodriguez and Andy Ross

Three boats braved the gusty conditions: James Armitage with daughter Ruth as crew in Zephyr (Enterprise); Dave and Sheila Berger in Entre Nous (Enterprise); and Joseph Armitage in Punt (Laser).

The conditions were difficult with a southerly turning squally at the end. There were strong currents due to the spring tide and little river run-off to counter them. All three managed 2 laps of a long B-course, and that was enough. James led from the start followed by Joseph with the Bergers, all the way from Beverly bringing up the rear.

Thanks to Enoch and Andy in the safety boat and well done to all.

Lenny Pronk (OOD)

Race Report 16th August 2026

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We had a slow B-course with 2 laps in an hour and a half and four boats: Chris Greenwood and Felicia’s daughter in Distant Thunder (Leader); Sam Shemtob alone in his Wayfarer, SY2; Lenny Pronk in Tango, his Solo; and a fine first outing by Kiran Biekarck in his Laser 5.7.

I hope to have a report of the race from Olly before next Sunday, but the results as provided by Dave Jones (OOD) are below. Chris was the winner in 77 minutes (uncorrected time), followed by Sam (85 minutes); then Kiran (94 minutes); (on 2 laps); and finally Lenny (one lap) in 75 minutes.

Race Report 9th August 2026

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Race Report 9th August 2026

In yet another heat wave, in wind that varied from nothing to not much more, three valiant helms tried their luck on a C-course.  Ben Chappell as OOD joined Lenny Pronk in the safety boat and jointly wrestled with the increasing vagaries of the outboard.  Fortunately, thanks to Lenny the blocked cooling system responded to gentle proggling with a safety pin that proved to be the vital part of the emergency equipment.

The first obstacle on the C-course is Kew Bridge.  Chris Greenwood in Distant Thunder (Leader), with Mary Short as crew, were afloat and passed under the bridge before the tide got too high, as did Nicole Jeffery, with father, Nick Jeffery, as crew, in Eeyore (Duckling).  Sam Shemtob and crew Emma Diggle in SY2 (Wayfarer) had to lower and raise their mast before they could clear the bridge and start.  

Sam led at the start before being overtaken by Chris on the passage past Kew Gardens.  Chris rounded a virtual mark roughly opposite where the Surrey Bank footpath has been replaced by a concrete structure, as the flood tide ran out of steam.   On the way back downstream with the ebb he passed Sam on the way up, who decided he’d had enough for the day and had a fun race with Chris back down to Kew Bridge.  By this time Eeyore had also turned tail and headed back downstream to Strand.

Back at the Arch all was made well by a delicious cake provided by Tara Chappell.

Next week is an A/B course at 16:40.

Ben Chappell (OOD) and HB

Race Report, 2nd August 2026

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Race Report 2nd  August 2026

It was lovely afternoon for a sail but only a minimum of sailors were available for a 16:30 start.  Nevertheless we had a quorum: James Armitage and daughter Ruth in Zephyr (Enterprise); Chris Greenwood and Felicia Biekark in Distant Thunder (Leader); and Ariel and Kiran Biekarck, slightly overloading Joe Armitages’s Punt (Laser).  And we had a full team of Nick Jeffery and family in the Safety Boat.

The wind was East, F1-3 bft. and locally unpredictable as usual.  We set a short A-course with a turn just upstream of the grid.

James took the lead from the start, followed by Chris.  Ariel found it difficult to make headway against the tide and off-loaded his young crew onto the SB.

On the third lap Chris found better wind on the Surrey side of the PLA boat moorings and made some ground on James’ lead.  Unfortunately for him James did the same on subsequent laps and established a lead of a clear lap on his eighth circuit of the marks.

Ariel didn’t try too hard to catch up but put on an athletic display of Laser sailing to the  edification of drinkers along the footpath.

Next week is an upstream C-course, starting at 11:00 (turn up early to get under Kew Bridge).

Mary Brown (OOD) and Henry

Race Report 26th July 2026

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Race Report 26th July 2026

It was a fine day, sun and clouds, but in view of the blustery W wind, and the fact that sailors were recovering from the sumptuous feast of the SGSC Summer Party the evening before, the course was switched from a C (for which some had arrived early) to an A (for which some arrived late).

Three Enterprises started: James Armitage and Ella Hayes in Zephyr; Lev and Inna Kolobov in Porpoise; Joe Armitage and Paul in Big Polly;  Felicia Biekark and Aerial in the Leader, Distant Thunder; and Nick Jeffery and daughter in his Duckling, Eeyore.  Rebecca Hayes rigged her Mirror, but did not start.  Sam Shemtob and Emma in the Wayfarer, SY2, turned up 20 minutes after the start.

Lev was first round the first mark, but James overtook and worked out a long lead by the end of his eight laps.  Joe had to retire with a broken forestay.  Lev and Felicia battled around together and were close until the last lap, when the Leader shipped a lot of water.  Nick Jeffery went steadily round and completed a very creditable 5 laps, and Sam did 4 once he got started.  All crews did well to stay upright.

Thanks to Tim Young, supported by Bob and Christina Hayes, for safety boat duty.

The corrected times show that Nick was the winner, by the finest of margins, over James in the Handicap Cup points.

Nick Floyer, OOD.

Next week is a 1630 start for an A or B Course.

Race Report 19th July 2026

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OOD: Mary Brown.     Sunday’s race took place in the continuation of the heat wave that we have enjoyed or endured for many weeks – an evening race with a 17:40 start, and a F2-3 N wind perfect for a B course.

This is a corrected version with Rob in second place. The Master of Sums apologises for his previous error.

7 boats launched through the slimy mud that has accumulated on the foreshore in the warm and rainless weather.  Three Enterprises: (James Armitage in Zephyr with daughter Ruth; Rob Adams with Ella Hayes in Big Polly; Lev and Inna Kolobov in Porpoise);  Chris Greenwood and Felicia Biekarck in Distant Thunder, Leader; Joe Armitage in his Laser, Punt; and two Mirrors (Olly Adams and daughter Felicity in Spinosaurus; and Rebecca Hayes in Wagtail).  All got away promptly on a running start from the OOD’s position at No.1 Strand and quickly disappeared from the OOD’s view behind vegetation on the Middlesex shore.

Andy Ross, after a struggle to prepare a safety boat swamped by the wake of a passing boat, and having recovered the engine from a dip in the river, set a long B-course with a buoy down towards Chiswick Staithe. 

The leader of the fleet, James, hove back into sight about 12mins after the start, beating elegantly to windward with the flood tide to turn and cross the start line after a lap of about 18 mins.  He was followed closely by Lev, then Joe, then Rob, then Chris.  They all chose to run down the Surrey side where the wind and tide were most helpful.  The second lap was a variation on the pattern with following group being Rob -Lev- Joe – Chris.  Lev experimented with the Middlesex side on his third and final lap and suffered for it.  James finished just before the hour followed by Rob, then Chris, then Joe with Lev about 10 mins behind.

The Mirrors had a harder time of it with the flood tide competing hard with the variable  north wind.  Olly finished his second lap just after James finished his third but decided he would continue for a third lap anyway.  He said It was such a lovely day to be out on the river.  Becky persisted heroically on her own to finish her second lap in about an hour and a half.  

Next week is the famous SGSC Summer Party on Saturday and a C-course on Sunday at 12:30. 

Mary Brown, OOD, and Henry