Saturday 15th March 2020
Still awaiting report but here are the results and the final table for the series.
DF65 2019/20 Winter series 5
14th March 2020
For the last event of our Winter Series, nine skippers turned out, on what was a mild fine day with a moderate wind, enabling us to adorn the A rig. What a change from recent weeks when we have been battling the storms.
A triangular shape course was set, with a long beat to the windward mark then a reach to a mid-point, then a run down to the leeward mark and beat to a finish, in very fluky conditions it must be said. Ten races were had in the time with four skippers taking bullets, Garry 4, Bob 4, Steve 1 and Chris 1. So it was Garry and Bob first and second, pushed hard by John who was a late starter and missed the first two races which he discarded, but with his six second places, he only finished up one point behind Bob and took third spot.
Many thanks to Ian Hawtin for being race officer for the day, allowing me to concentrate solely on my racing. It really is a big help
Garry’s win on the day confirmed his position at the top of the table for the series, by winning three events out of the five he couldn`t be caught. Johns third place pushed him up to runner up overall, with Steve in third respectively. Congratulations to them.
We now look forward to the start of our Saturday Series which begins on the 4th April, 1pm start.
Bob Jolly
DF65 Capt.
IOM Winter Series No. 4
Sunday, 8th March 2020
First and foremost, we are grateful to Bob Jolly for taking on the Race Officer duties, not to mention him gaining some good results when taking the helm in a couple of races.
On a personal level (and I am sure that amongst others) I am also grateful to Mike Parkington for his Britpop set-up expertise and to Derek for assisting us all with his input in getting various boats ship-shape and race worthy!
It seems that this winter is less than kind with the weather and although the sixteen races were not in rain and a storm, the direction and the gusts proved to be more than a challenge and the day ended with us all on a B rig.
As you will see from the results there were five different skippers taking a bullet and close racing throughout the fleet.
The final event of this series is this coming Sunday the 15th March – and don’t miss the IOM Mayoral Cup which is an Open event the following Sunday – both 10am starts.
Garry Benson
Yachting Section Secretary
Here are some piccies, on YouTube, supplied by (Flying) Tony Wilson
RC Bluenose for sale
The two boats pictured below are for sale. One is a 6ft long, radio controlled model of ‘Bluenose’.
The hull is plank on frame construction: the frames are marine ply and the planks are oak, cut from floorboards from an old school.
The rigging is spring-loaded and clips onto the right tension. Two thirds of the masts are made from old snooker cues.
The main wheelhouse can be lifted off to expose the servo for the rudder.
The deck is watertight.
The floorboards from the old school ensure that the oak is seasoned. The floorboards, in 6ft lengths and 5” wide, were cut on a small band saw to ensure it will flex but be strong.
It’s sailing abilities can be seen on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0GeZoeH1jc). This is obviously the lake at Fleetwood model boat club.
The boats are located in Reddish, Stockport and can be seen by arrangement with the seller, Mrs Jean Gilburt, tel 0161 429 6751, or 07771 860823.
Sensible offers please
Obituary
The Fleetwood Club is saddened to hear of the passing of Keith Partington and Trevor Claxton.
Keith a member of the Ashton Quays Club supported our club over many years competing in open events and assisting in the running of national championships. He was a Senior Measurer for the Northern District.
Trevor a member of the Gosport Club competed in the A Class Championships at Fleetwood many times and was well known to the vane sailing members of our club.
Our thoughts are with their families at this sad time.
DF65 2019/20 Winter series 4
8th February 2020
Eight skippers turned out, on a dry cold afternoon to contest part four of our Winter Series. The wind was good to begin with, although blowing from the worst direction, as it meant the start line being over in the corner by the bridge. Most of the fleet set out on A rig, but all ended up on B later on in the day, as the threat of Storm Ciara predicted for later that afternoon started to show its face.
Conditions were very awkward as lulls and gusts came through and directions changing all the time. A rectangular shape course was set to start, and changed to more of a zig zag after our half time cuppa, to add a little more interest.
Eight races were had before we called time, and it was Garry who easily came out on top mastering the challenging conditions better than us all, and he took five bullets in his final points tally of 7. A mention for Steve who continues to improve, and he took a well-deserved runner up place with some consistent sailing and six top three finishes.
It was good to get back on the water with the 65 after a lengthy lay off, but for some of us it was a day of hardship trying to get to grips with the unpredictable conditions, which amazed us at times.
Our next outing for the 65 is on Saturday 14th March, 12 noon start.
Bob Jolly
DF 65 Capt.
