The weekend saw 23 Sandhoppers compete in the East coasts event of the year. flukey conditions and light winds with a strong tide tested the boats to the max, postions changed from leg to leg with the helms not be allowed to lose concentration for a second.
Overall winners were Alan Burrell & Paul Beasley, ranked outsiders due to their weight (lots of pies and feta cheese on holiday the week before), they sailed superbly and were worthy winners, 2nd place went to Phil Crawford & Margaret Kennedy who had an excellent weekend of results to get pipped by just 1 point for the title. 3rd position went to Sue & Will Daly who were so far ahead on the first race we thought everyone else would be timed out..
A great weekend was had by all and a big thank you to all the race officers and support boat crew.
TBYC at its best, fantastic sailors, great facilities, volunteers, food and club house.
Our 7th RS Feva training / discussion session will take place this Thursday at 8.00pm upstairs.
We will base our session on the preparation for our Team Racing Championships on the 5th October,(which still has benefits for fleet racing) The Run and the Finish.
I am arranging ‘on water training’ for this Saturday which will be the last before the event. There is no club racing on Saturday, although I think there is enough light and tide for us to be on the beach ready to go at 4.30pm and have time for a worthwhile training session.
Nick
RS Feva Fleet Officer
Yes it is here. The East coast sailing event of the year starts tomorrow. The Sandhopper nationals kicks off early, breakfast at 900. Motivational speech from Sir Ben via video link, and then non stop sailing action for the weekend.
Amazing prizes, press coverage, world champion sailors, it’s all here at TBYC this weekend.
I would just like to introduce myself, I have been active in the sail training and cadet weeks for a number of years. I was asked to consider representing the TOPs in the coming year. It didn’t take me too long to decide that I would love the opportunity. The TOPs offers a great start for those wanting to get into racing, or those wanting to challenge themselves to sail better. I am really looking forward to the last 4 races of the season and the new season in 2014.
I want to thank Johnno for his work with the TOPs. My goal is to build on that great start and get more of the fleet participating regularly.
I would like to remind you that there is some great racing for the Teras, Optimists and Picos arranged for this Saturday 12.20.
The weather is going to be warm and a nice light breeze from the West.
If you have not managed to get to any of the TOPs races, please don’t let that put you off. The series offers a fun and relaxed entry into racing. We keep the course simple and the races short.
The sailing is best enjoyed in one of the main classes, however boats such as a Mirror are welcome to participate.
Remember this is not just for the kids, adults are always welcome.
If you would like to join in but do not have a crew/helm I am happy to start a register and get people sailing together, just contact me.
As Johnno stated earlier in the week, there will be a special course set from a start boat. We will try to give a briefing in good time for you to get afloat.
The America’s cup has inspired local press and national TV to feature the Sandhopper nationals this weekend for live prime time viewing, both Sky and channel 4 are currently bidding for exclusive rights.
The sandhopper press office is keeping very tight lipped as to the bidding war but huge sums are thought to be involved, the press officer who didn’t want to be named was commenting from his new house in Bermuda! ‘It’s always the highlight of the East coast sailing year, with so many world class sailors taking part this was going to happen at some stage’
The event starts midday Saturday and people are already setting up camp on the beaches of Thorpe Bay for the best view.
Our 6th RS Feva training / discussion session will take place this Thursday at 8.00pm upstairs.
Our main focus this week will be to look at the rules to tactically gain the advantage on a beat and a reach.
We will base our session on Team racing, which still has benefits for fleet racing – The upwind legs and reaches.
On Saturday, we wilI put into practice the tactics that we have learn in an ‘on water training’ session. You need to be prepared to leave the beach at 12.00 noon. For those who do not yet have a RS Feva, a similar boat will be OK.
Nick Alston
RS Feva Fleet Officer
The Sandhopper Nationals will be held at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September. NOR, SIs and entry form are attached. Please note that the briefing on Saturday has been put back from 10.00 to 10.30am.
Don’t forget, to compete in the National Championship the helm must be at least an associate member of the SCBA. If you have not joined this year, contact Janet Willsmer 07969 598309.
This Saturday, due to the tide times, the race is scheduled as a Supper Race starting at 17:30. Following on in similar prizes for the successful Breakfast Races, the winner of this Supper Race will be awarded with a voucher covering Supper for 2 at the club.
After racing the Commodores Bar will be serving drinks as the Main Bar is being used for Private event.
The Club kitchen will be open until 7.30 pm for after sailing meals. If you’d like Scott to keep something for you call him on 07717 027372.
