Portavadie Pursuit Race and Muster

Out of the Blue, Camus Bosta and Exody all turned up expectantly to take part in the club's pursuit race to Colintraive. 

Off Kip it was blowing  27+knots and on Out of the Blue it became apparent that with the skipper recovering from a hernia operation and not being able to winch or steer, his crew of Catherine, Margaret and Lilias were a little light weight to control her in the gusts. So OOTB duly retired and headed back to Kip leaving Camus Bosta and Exody competing for honours. 

On Exody  with a  crew of 5,  including founder member Sheila Jennet, two 50 something lady day skippers and a 20 something dinghy sailor, the conditions were such that they also had trouble reefing down and a late start followed by two gear mishaps, (a bucket jammed in the genoa sheet turning block and the topping lift fouling on the new backstay insulators, then getting itself fully entwined in the wind generator) led them to put the engine on and retire while they sorted things out .  

Meanwhile on Camus Bosta Neil, Chris Garrigan and Don Gillies sailed on unaware of the carnage behind them and as the only boat to complete the race they were declared the winners.

Once inside the marina at Kip and after an empire biscuit or two the crew of OOTB rallied and as the wind had dropped, took heart and headed out to try again and under slightly better wind conditions,  managed to motor to Portavadie. 

Seamus  and Nick on Emma Louise had intended cruising up from Ardrossan but couldn't get out of the marina due to the high winds.  However they eventually sailed in later in the afternoon when the winds had moderated. 

Despite all these mishaps, four boats arrived safely at Portavadie, fully appreciating the warm showers and the drying room and 15 sat down to a truly enjoyable meal in the restaurant.

Sunday was by contrast light winds and wall to wall sunshine which was a sunbather's delight. We all motored home and Saturday's horrible weather was quickly forgotten.

No photographs regrettably.

Spring Muster Tarbert Race

Eight yachts gathered on the start line off Kip for the SYC opening event of 2013. The breeze was desperately light but with a forecast of heavy northwesterlies later in the day the decision was made to go for the shorter course through the Kyles.  Aquaholic and Troikka found a little band of breeze near the pin and scooted off on the button while the rest meandered about failing to find any drive and were eventually shoved back by the tide. After about 20 mins sailing this was the view from behind. We could imagine the frustration of those stuck on the start line but it was faintly amusing.

 Troikka with just 2 on board and Aquaholic with a full team continued to make fairly good progress towards Toward at which point the breeze died and even Aquaholic's spinnaker failed to offer much advantage.

An appeal for mercy from Troikka resulted in the race being shortened at the Ardmaleish buoy - a good decision by the Commodore/Race Officer on Out of the Blue as otherwise the slower boats would hardly have made it to Tarbert in time for dinner.  Aquaholic finished first and Troikka drifted over the line with the tide a few minutes later. Eventually, after a bit of motoring, the forecast wind did fill in and the fleet enjoyed a brisk beat up Loch Fyne. There was limited time for socialising on the pontoon but all convened in the Starfish restaurant for a convivial dinner at which time the results were read out.

 One of the remarkable features of the Serpent Yacht Club is the abundance of trophies - it means you have to sail really quite badly to avoid being saddled with tinware. Alas only the retirees have escaped pot-free.

Class 1 (spinnaker) - 1. Aquaholic
                                 2. Spirit
Class 2                   - 1. Troikka
                                 2.Exody
                                 Out of the Blue - retired due to being Committee boat also
Class 3                    -1. Kelpie D
                                 2. Emma Louise
                                 Camus Bosta - retired

The Ladies Race is perhaps the most fiercely contested event of the Serpent race programme and an intense bidding war breaks out during the dinner as all-male crews attempt to lure a Lady from some boat in which there is a surfeit of females. This was concluded successfully with the result that 8 yachts, helmed by ladies, appeared on the start line on Sunday morning for the white sails-only race to Kames with Martin Yule in Pondskater kindly agreeing to do committee boat duty.  With around 10 kts of breeze filling in from the south this was perhaps the most  intense start to a Serpent race for some time.  Once again Troikka and Aquaholic headed off the line into clear air but not before Marcus Stone as tactician on Emma Louise had Margaret Hamilton execute a nifty port approach and a daring tack close under Troikka's bow.  Alas once more the breeze failed, exactly as forecast, and those up in front were soon caught up by the back markers.  Being carried on the tide rather too close to the Ardlamont shore, Troikka, with the reluctant agreement of the skipper, retired and a few minutes later sufficient zephyr appeared to allow the rest to creep over to the finish line set off the Ardlamont buoy.  Aquaholic's lead was then to no avail under handicap and first place was taken by Ailsa Tyler on Spirit, the Sadler 32 of new member Crispin Best.  Results below. A good weekend all in and the hope is for a bit more wind for the Portavadie weekend on 15/16th June.      

1. Spirit - Ailsa Tyler
2. Aquaholic - Lilias Tennant
3. Emma Louise - Margaret Hamilton
4. Exody-  Marian Jennett
5. Out Of The Blue - Catherine Toy
6. Camus Bosta - Gill Robertson
7. Kelpie D - Pamela Yule
Retd - Troikka

AGM Hijacked by Pregnant Sheep

The 2013 Serpent YC AGM took place on Tues 12th February in a new venue, a seminar room of the City of Glasgow College, thanks to Peter Jennett who works there. Regrettably, the Commodore was unable to attend, being otherwise occupied with obstetric duties with one of her prize ewes which was about to deliver highly valuable triplets.  In her shoes, but not her underwear, as he was careful to emphasise, was Stuart Toy who conducted the meeting without obvious mishap.  And here are the said lambs.

According to standard practice, after the usual formalities, the commodore substitute presented a review of the year's activities which in general had been fairly successful.  There was a distinct lack of photographs from the events so members are reminded to get their cameras out, not just for the annual review but for the newletters and this blog.  The appointment of the existing committee members was approved but with the standing down of Alan McLeod, there is a place for another steward.
Thanks to Iain Sinclair's fancy financial footwork the Treasurer was able to present accounts which balanced perfectly and we are grateful to Iain for taking on the auditor's job once again. There was discussion about the raising of the membership fee from its present almost negligible level.  Iain Sinclair pointed out that such a change might lead to the standing orders of a number of now inactive members falling into abeyance and asked if that had that been calculated.  Any increase should be of a sufficient level to compensate for that and the chairman agreed that this would be reviewed by the Committee. There was a certain amount of discussion following Tom Hutchinson's proposal that the Club should consider following the CCC's action in converting to a limited company to protect the members from exposure to the effects of legal action against the club. Whilst this was considered a somewhat unlikely eventuality, it was agreed that the Committee should investigate this and report back.  Tom also noted some potential clashes in the sailing programme with with other  Clyde events and it was agreed that the sailing calendar would be reviewed. Marcus Stone, an experienced sailor who works in Medical Physics and who joined on the night was welcomed to the club and with that the floor was handed over to Steve Pickles, who, assisted by his wife Susan and crewman Trevor, gave a most interesting illustrated account of their ARC trip in 2011 on board a 20m Tarbert built classic yawl. 

Clearly no hardships were endured and there was undoubtedly no risk whatever of any dietary deficiencies. Seamanlike chores included loading the washing machine and hoovering the tartan carpet.

 
The meeting closed in good spirits and we look forward to the coming season and some good sailing.

A Message from the Commodore   (newsletter Jan-Feb 2013)
Happy New Year
I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year.
The last time we were together was for the Annual Dinner and Prize Giving at the Bythswood Hotel, a very enjoyable dinner, where we raised the healthy sum of £745 for Pancreatic Cancer Scotland.
Our next event is the AGM which has been arranged for Tuesday 12th Feb in Seminar Room B, City of Glasgow College, 60 North Hanover Street, Glasgow (formerly the College of Building and Printing)
Steve Pickles, one of our club member is going to talk about his experience of taking part in the ARC (the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), so I hope you will all manage to come. Tea and Biscuits will be provided.
I look forward to seeing you all at the AGM and wish you all the best for 2013.
Catherine Toy
Commodore

Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 12 February 2013
Our next event is the AGM on Tuesday 12th February 2013. We are using a new city centre venue, close to Queen Street Station. The AGM will be held in City of Glasgow College, Glasgow (formerly the College of Building and Printing). If you are interested in becoming involved in running the club's please speak to Catherine Toy before the AGM.

Tea and Biscuits will be served from 7pm with the AGM starting at 7.30pm and finishing before 9pm.
Steve Pickles, one of our club members (master of the summer barbeque) is going to talk about his experience of taking part in the ARC (the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) after the formal business.
We hope to see you there - if you are unable to attend please submit apologies to Roisin Harris - mrsrharris1@gmail.com - 07732018204.

Seminar Room B - on the First Floor
City of Glasgow College
City Campus North Hanover Street (formerly College of Building &Printing)
60 North Hanover Street
Glasgow, G1 2BP

The Tower building is just across the road from the east side entrance to Queen Street station. Nearest public parking - Buchanan Galleries

The programme for 2013 is as follows:

Annual General Meeting Tuesday 12 February 2013
Spring Muster 18th/19th May 2013 - Race Kip to Tarbert
Pursuit Race 15th/16th June 2013 – Race / Cruise to Portavadie
Summer Muster 20th/21st July 2013 - Craobh BBQ & Round Shuna Race
Autumn Muster 7th/8th September 2013 – Race / Cruise to Rothesay
Frostbite Race Saturday 26th 2013 October - Race Round Cumbrae
Annual Dinner Friday 6th December 2013 - Blythswood Square Hotel

Start Boats
We would like to thank all the members who agreed to start races during 2012, we simply could not have run the events without you. We will be seeking volunteers to start races 2013. Full instructions and training will be provided if you have never done this before. If you are also participating in the races you will receive an appropriate time correction. Please speak to Paul Harris - 07732111410 if you are interested.
New members
Roisin Harris is delighted to report that she recently sent out a few membership application forms. Prof Neil Spurway (our speaker at the annual dinner) and his wife have recently submitted an application and we look forward to welcoming them to the club. The Committee is keen to increase club membership and to also encourage all members to participate in the various events throughout the year. If you know anyone who would like to join the Club please contact Roisin - mrsrharris1@gmail.com 07732018204.

Member's cruising
A reminder that you are welcome to email in some of your cruising photos for inclusion on the Serpent blog. (please downsize them for emailing)
After the Croabh event,  Out of the Blue, Troikka and Kelpie D cruised north. As as been mentioned below, we did not enjoy the best of weather. Eventually OOTB and Troikka arrived in Plockton and you can see from the photo below that once again, the rain was not far away.

Despite having visited Rhum before, we had never toured the Castle so that, and surviving the midges made for an interesting afternoon. Stuart Toy is seen here attempting to sketch the castle as we waited for our tour.

Kinloch Castle gives a remarkable insight into how fantastically wealthy Victorian entrepreneurs could live and spend their fortunes. It is in a very fragile state of preservation and is well worth the tour while it still remains.  The portrait in the gallery is of Sir George Bullough whose project it was. You can read more about the castle here. 

 
On our way up the Sound of Mull we stopped off at the new pontoons in Lochaline where we were welcomed by the harbourmaster. OOTB and Kelpie D can be seen to the left of the image. We found it is an easy walk round to the hotel bar....

A message from the Commodore - Catherine Toy   (Aug-September newsletter)

With August coming to an end , what little summer we had is drawing to a close. Some who went sailing early will have enjoyed the fabulously warm dry weather that the west coast experienced in June and early July. It is not often that we have water restrictions on the islands or a hose pipe ban on Mull?

However, others, like ourselves, who didn’t get sailing until mid July when the jet stream moved north, experienced much wetter,  windier conditions. 

While we had great weather for the Craobh BBQ , on the following day  the Round Shuna race  was cancelled due to the Force 5-7 forecast.  However, unfazed, and with cups to be competed for, our  intrepid racers adjourned to the Lord of the Isles for a very enjoyable pub quiz. The questions were a challenging mix of sailing, medical and general knowledge,  with some cryptic catch phrases to decipher . It was  all washed down with a light refreshment and a bite of  lunch.

Results for the Alternative Pub Quiz were as follows:                 

1.       Tango Too -   Steve and Susan Pickles

2.       Kelpie D  - The Yule family

3.       Out of the Blue – the Toy family

Many thanks to Steve and Susan for the BBQ, for Tony Adgent and friends for the band and for David Toy and Robert Yule for preparing the quiz

Upcoming Events

8/9 September	Autumn Muster Rothesay	Race / Cruise to Rothesay
27 October	Frostbite Race  Cumbrae	Race Round Cumbrae
7 December	Annual Dinner	Blythswood Hotel, Glasgow

_________________________________________________________________________

 Autumn Muster - 8/9 September 2012

This year’s Autumn Muster is from Kip to Rothesay with a pursuit race back to Kip on the Sunday. As last year was such a success we have once again organised a special three course dinner at the stunning Mount Stuart Visitor Centre.  The cost will be £30.00 per person, which includes the meal and the bus there and back.  The bus will leave from Rothesay Pier at 7.30 p.m.  If you require a children’s menu, can you specify that on the form and we will organise it with Mount Stuart. Completed entry forms to be returned to Paul Harris by the 3rd September.  Race instructions are attached to this newsletter.

Frostbite Race 27 October 2012

This will take place from Largs and will be a race round Greater Cumbrae. This year’s socialising will be left up to the participants on the day. Race instructions are enclosed with this newsletter.

Annual Dinner and Prize giving - Friday 7th December 2012 - Blythswood Hotel, Glasgow

This year we have a new venue for the annual prize givingdinner.  It will be held in the Monte Carlo Suite in the Blythswood Hotel, Glasgow (formerly the RAC Club) on Friday 7th December 2012.  We are pleased that the suite and conveniences are on the same level and all fully accessible.  The Committee is very excited about the new venue and I hope you will all join us to make it a successful evening.  More details in the November newsletter

 

Log Competition 

Please remember the club has a Log Competition. For those of you who travelled far or even not so far this summer, entries should be forwarded to Roisin Harris, by the 31^st October 2012.

Photographic Competition

The theme for the photographic competition this year is “rain or shine”. Again entries to Roisin Harris by 31^st October 2012. These will be displayed and judged at the dinner. 

Returning Cups

Finally could all members who won cups last year please return them to Seamus Lalor (10 Arranview Gardens, Seamill, Ayrshire, KA23 9NR) or any Committee Member no later than Wednesday 31st  October 2012.

___________________________________________________________________________

Pamela Sinclair 

 Members will be saddened by the death of Pamela Sinclair after a long brave fight against cancer.

Pamela was a past Commodore of the Serpent Yacht Club and was a loyal supporter and a good friend to many of us. She loved nothing better that a weekend away in Black Pepper, sharing her enjoyment of sailing with Iain and friends.  Even during her treatments,  when she wasn’t feeling great, she made a huge effort, smiled and continued to support club events.

In the last few years she has helped to establish a charity called Pancreatic Cancer Scotland. The club will be supporting it at the Annual Dinner. 

Pamela is and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts go out to Iain at this sad time
 

Portavadie Weekend and pursuit race

Catherine Toy writes:

Setting off from Kip in the pouring rain with a north easterly force 5 was not the most enjoyable start to Saturday's Pursuit Race to Portavavadie. Covered from head to toe in wet weather gear, wearing plenty layers of warm clothing and unaware that the IRC race event at Largs had been postponed, the intrepid fleet of Camus Bosta, Out of the Blue and Exody started the race at timed intervals. Because the winds were so strong the theory that the faster boats would catch up with the slower boats never materialised and Camus Bosta with her 20min handicap being the first to start, stormed off and led all the way to the finish line. Winds were around force 5 /6  gusting up to 38 -40 knots so crews were well practised in reefing and shaking out mains and gennies by the time they got to Colintraive and then onwards to Portavadie.

Troikka, opting to save the entry fee, left shortly after Camus Bosta and was able to watch her pull away.  The 38kt gusts being emitted from Loch Striven caused a somewhat tense few minutes and a pit stop on a Colintraive Hotel mooring was needed to restore order and a properly reefed mainsail. Aquaholic cruised behind in a more restrained motoring fashion watching the antics unfold. 

Camus Bosta reported that they were surfing along at over 9 knots. Out of the Blue was one man down or rather one women down as the Commodore had slipped between the  boat and the pontoon in the marina and damaged her leg , so she was down below with an ice pack on her knee, having first made sure that there was ice left over for the post-race G and T's.  However the remainder of Stewart's all female crew ably sailed OOTB and with a mainsail the size of a reefed Topper, she was racing along averaging about 7 knots and only rounding up in the very strongest gusts.

Exody brought up the rear unable to catch up in such strong wind. She was  crewed by three generations of the Jennet family , including Peter's brother Martin who was home on holiday from the Carribean.

Camus Bosta was a well deserved winner. The rest of us enjoyed the challenge and were just happy that we had survived the gusty conditions without damage. The crews of Emma Louise, and Pond Skater drove up and booked in overnight to the marina's comfortable accommodation. Kelpie D came over from their base in Loch Riddon and Marie and Eilidh drove up, joined us  and stayed in the Kames Hotel.

In the evening after almost everyone had popped on to OOTB for a drink or two, 29 sat down to a well presented three course/three choice dinner upstairs in the marina restaurant.

(we don't have any photos of the weekend so here's one of the Waverley as seen on the return trip)

Sunday by contrast arrived calm with blue skies and sunshine and all memories of the previous day's chaos were quickly forgotten as we all cruised back, relaxed, happy and in company - a fitting end to a great weekend.

The next club event will be the Craobh BBQ and ceilidh and the Round Shuna race on the 21st/22nd July.  I hope that if you are cruising on the west coast you will come and join us.