Corona Virus

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The government has moved the country into a national lockdown position- Tier 5, for the foreseeable future.

As a result all organised and social activity is suspended until such time as the Tier 5 lockdown is lifted. At all times members are advised to follow the law/national guidance in order to comply with the lockdown requirements.

Fortunately from the Club point of view the lockdown will take place over the quietest period of our sailing year and hopefully by the time the weather improves and the days lengthen the restrictions will be eased and we can look forward to starting our sailing activities once again.

Further information for members will be posted as and when available.

The Club hope that all members and their families stay safe during the coming few months.

Sailing Update

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Following the latest restrictions imposed by the Government the Club can continue sailing for the foreseeable future. Sailing is restricted to members only and members are requested to adhere to the guidance on travel between tiers. The restrictions on gatherings in the clubhouse still apply. Members can continue to gain access to their boats and equipment as entry keys to the front door are held by class captains and club officials. This position will be kept under review.

Latest Guidance on Covid19 as at 6th November 2020

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1. Introduction of Lockdown in England

On the 31st October 2020, the UK Government announced the Introduction of a 4 week lockdown in England. This begins at 00:01 on Thursday 5th November and continues through to 23:59 on Wednesday 2nd December.

For this whole period everyone is requested to remain at home and only leave home for very specific reasons which are contained within the legislation available to read here.

One allowable reason to leave home is to take exercise outside alone, with members of their household or with one other person or do this by visiting a public outdoor place for “open air recreation”.

Having consulted with the RYA and reviewed the legislation, the MYA recommend that all MYA clubs should cease any organised activities and close their club and clubhouse. Club waters that are in public parks would be considered a “public outdoor place” and so the water could be used for sailing. This would allow members local to their (public park) club to potentially sail alone or with one other person, whilst following all social distancing measures by keeping at least 2m distance. It is advised that multiple groups of 2 members do not congregate at a clubs location to sail and potentially be seen as larger group.

All MYA Clubs should review the Legislation above and the National Restriction Guidance which is available here and advise their members what they are allowed to do, taking into account their location.

The Club will be adhering to the above guidance

36” Vane race for the LEVER CUP

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19th September 2020

A small but keen group of Vane 36” sailors gathered at the lake this morning to race for the LEVER CUP.

Competitors racing 4 boats enjoyed a great days racing in a 12/ 15 knot easterly wind blowing straight down the lake under the bridge, and brilliant sunshine.

John Taylor had travelled up from Portsmouth eager to see how his latest design the Digitaly (Plastic) Printed “Remix” owned by Bob Jolly,  would perform.

Also with us was John Sharman with the “Taxashun” he bought from Peter Jackson, Mick & Sue Parkinton with their “Taxashun”, and Robert Wheeler with his Martin Dovey designed boat.

We all enjoyed the racing and completed 5 heats when a broken boat ended the day with Bob Jolly & John Taylor in an unassailable position 10 points clear of the nearest competitor.

Final scores,

Bob Jolly & John Taylor                             22

Robert Wheeler & Derek P                       13

John Sharman & Eric Austwick                   8

Michael & Susan Parkinton                         7

We shared the lake with lots of families crabbing & generally enjoying the day.     

DF65 Series 3 Event 7

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3rd September 2020

For the last event in the Series, and our last evening event of the year, thirteen skippers turned out, and were greeted with a healthy blow more or less straight down the lake, so enabling us to set a long figure eight type course, starting from the bridge and beating all the way up to what we call the lollipop mark, from there it was back down in a zig zag around a couple of marks, taking us to the leeward mark, then a short reach to a spreader, then beat up to the finish mid lake.

It was B rigs all round and each race took about twelve minutes. Eight races were managed before the light faded. Unfortunately, three skippers Eric, Bob and Alan encountered boat failures during the event, and that spoilt their enjoyment on the night.

Victor on the night was John with Garry second, this win for John cemented his position at the top of the leader board for the series and he takes the Richard Walton Cup, with Chris as runner up.

So the first silverware awarded since lockdown, albeit a shortened series, but shows we are getting back to somewhere near normal. We wait now for the start of the Winter Series which kicks off in November.

Bob Jolly

DF65 Capt.   

DF95 Series 3 Event 7

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Tuesday 2 September 2020

10 skippers congregated for the final evening event of the 3rd Series. Fickle Mother Nature presented a warm evening and a clear blue sky. However she did insist on varying both the direction and strength of a light, mainly NNW air.

Accordingly the start once again ran adjacent to the bridge. Upwind to a trackside buoy, starboard to a far bank buoy. Once again to starboard and a broad reach taking another track side buoy to port. It was then just a case of a dead run to the finish.

A consensus of opinion resulted in a final upwind leg being added to future races. With the wind on the wane a total of 6 races were completed. With no one dominating proceedings several private duels emerged often producing varying interpretations of the regulations. Finally, may I thank not only the skippers but other members who have supported the Series during these trying times.

Mike Benson

DF95 Fleet Captain