Frostbite Race 26th October 2013

Seamus Lalor of Emma Louise contributes this report: 

  

With winds rising to Force 6, five intrepid yachts took part in a fast moving race around Cumbrae. Camus Bosta took up position as Committee Vessel and the race started with Troikka, Aquaholic and Emma Louise tight on the line on a starboard tack. Troikka started to leeward of Aquaholic until both tacked on to port, close to shore thereby allowing Troikka to get clear to windward and set the pace while Emma Louise, well to leeward was able to tack onto port and into clean air. Meanwhile, Out of the Blue was ambling down the channel from Kip post a leisurely breakfast fry up as Stewart thought the clocks had already gone back by one hour - arriving a tad late on the line just as Camus Bosta was starting!

In Class 1, Aquaholic got into the groove on the beat to Farland Point hot on the heels of Troikka while in Class 3 Camus Bosta was in pursuit of Class 3 Emma Louise and OOTB was making a valiant effort to close the gap. Troikka and Aquaholic set spinnakers at the Tan Spit Buoy but by the time they reached the top of Cumbrae, Aquaholic decided to make life more interesting by broaching spectacularly in order to give Charles, Anne and crew on Troikka a 'sporting chance'. Alas, this was to no avail and Aquaholic crossed the finish line less than a minute ahead of Troikka on corrected time. With the wind rising, Camus Bosta continued to make ground on Emma Louise and both simultaneously tacked over the finish line, but with Camus Bosta the clear winner on corrected time. 

 OOTB finished shortly thereafter having made up considerable ground.

Events were however to take an even more interesting turn. Troikka suffered engine failure in the Kip entry channel* and OOTB arrived in time to take the embarrassing photo of them under tow. However with all the excitement over and and safely tied up in the now driving rain, the Troikka crew gatecrashed OOTB where the Commodore kindly ‘spliced the mainbrace’ in characteristic generous style. 

 Meanwhile Emma Louise headed back towards Ardrossan in rough seas and wind gusting Force 7. After 3 hours motoring into a southerly, all were glad to surf into Ardrossan Harbour (as you do down there) in a darkening sky and the previously mentioned driving rain. Just as Emma Louise entered the inner harbour the Marina security shouted, "Is there anyone else out there" (clearly not – they were all sensibly in the pub) and immediately proceeded to close the storm gates! It was a blast of a day to end the season.

*subsequently it was found that the diesel tap had somehow been turned off

Autumn Muster 7th September

It's been a long wait but Stewart Toy has finally produced a report:

The day dawned. Shafts of light peeked through the curtains. The dulcet tones of the Commodore drifted mistily through the snug and safe place I was in---Get Up –you know we are the start boat!

Kip beckoned; the tension of the start line had both of us on edge.  What if we had to recall a mischievous participant sneaking over the line too early, what if we had to recall the entire fleet—was there a hint of panic in the air? If there was then that was the only thing in the air, as there was hardly any wind for a nail biting, boat-banging drift for the line. The forecast North 5 – 7, did not materialise but fortunately did fill in a bit, later in the race.

Camus Bosta had perfect start although they themselves couldn’t believe it and sought verbal reassurance that they had not inadvertently crossed the line before the gun/hooter. Close on their tail was Aquaholic followed by Exody with Pondskater, back from the Med, completing the fleet.

A thrilling start from Kip

 

Course 1 had been chosen to take the fleet around Cumbrae and back up into Rothesay Bay. Aquaholic, in his normal manner, pressed into the lead which he held till the end. So impressive was Tom’s lead that binoculars were used from the committee boat to ensure there was no hint of water dribbling from his exhaust.

A sight seen just north of the Largs Channel was hard to believe. A committee member renowned for his cutting racing prowess appeared to be cruising in what looked like a conservatory! Smiling from ear to ear, Marie by his side, he was caught cruising Emma Louise with his mainsail stowed and a pristine cockpit canopy fully erected. Should there be a fine – I ask?

Emma Louise with conservatory erected - and Pondskater

  

The wind filled in and then disappeared, the sun shone for a bit (I’ll not mention the r—n) but all crews appeared to enjoy the race, culminating with aperitifs on the Commodore’s boat prior to dinner. We were joined by Kelpie D, then Bertie the bus shuttled the party to Mount Stuart Visitor Centre for a sumptuous meal. With the help of Tom Hutchison the results were calculated. 

In Class 2, Aquaholic took 1^st place with Exody second and in Class 3, Camus Bosna won followed by Pondskater.

Out of the Blue was noticeable by its absence in the results but felt that, this year, by cruising , they had given the rest of the fleet a fighting chance of winning. 

Dinner at Mount Stuart

 

Sunday welcomed the fleet of five with a lovely Force 3 – 4 for the start of the Pursuit Race. Everybody watched the clock, though confusion reigned as they positioned themselves for the start across a new starting line. 

Aquaholic, Pondskater and Camus Bosta, the first three finishers prepare to start.(you can click on these photos by Seamus for a bigger view)

Exody prepares to start off Rothesay. No prizes but certainly the best looking boat

Out Of The Blue gets going

No cheating was reported. Sun and wind, with a broad, close and sometimes very close reach, saw the fleet make record times back to Kip. Camus Bosna crossed the finish line first with pursuing Aquaholic second and Pondskater third.

Well done everybody.         photos by Stewart Toy and Seamus Lalor

News September

Autumn muster Rothesay 7/8 September

This year’s Autumn Muster is from Kip to Rothesay with a pursuit race back to Kip on the Sunday. We have once again organised a special three course Dinner at the stunning Mount Stuart Visitor Centre.  The cost will be £30 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 31 August.  Race instructions are attached to this newsletter.

Frostbite Race around Cumbrae 26 October

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 6th December

After the success of last year we are delighted to be returning to the Blythswood Hotel, Glasgow on Friday 6 December 2013.  More details will follow in the next newsletter, in the meantime keep the date free and invite lots of friends. 

Returning Cups

If you were successful last year and collected a cup it is now time to return it so we can check them and have them engraved for the prize giving . We would be very grateful if you can polish your cup please and then return it to Seamus Lalor (10 Arranview Gardens, Seamill, Ayrshire, KA23 9NR) or any Committee Member by 15 October 2013.  Seamus will be at the Autumn Muster so you can pass your cups over then. 

Craobh Muster and Shuna Race

The magnificent weather held for the annual Craobh gathering and the photo shows generations of Serpents in the evening sunshine and with an unmistakable boatyard backdrop.  

The absence of a band did not seem to dampen spirits and Steve Pickles and his team delivered their usual high standard of barbequeing with no apparent dangers.

I don't think it's known as a regular Serpent activity but the weather was such that some of the BBQ team opted to cool off even before the fire was lit.

 

 Despite there being no band, Stewart Toy provided recorded music and dancing continued until late although the present writer, having been designated Race Office for the next day, retired to his bunk. Similar sunshine and light fickle breezes were once again the feature of Sunday morning. Out of The Blue with a crowd of novices on board appeared late from the marina and took what they regarded as a cautious start although there was suspicion that fishing was their priority. Here the Troikka sheep mascot gives a knowing leer as OOTB goes past with the appearance of no hand on the wheel.

On Troikka we were quite pleased to be able to offer both flag and sound signals then gybe round and cross second boat over the line. Alas the sub 10kt breeze did not suit Camus Bosta but at least they were not fishing intentionally.

It was an easy fetch to the South end of Shuna and Troikka had to work quite hard to fend off Ataraxia.

Although the southbound leg was a very pleasant sail, at least for those of us who were not hopelessly undercanvassed, the wind began to fail as the front runners reached the downwind turning island. It became apparent that the slower boats were becoming becalmed and the course was then shortened at the north end of Shuna. Unfortunately, by this time the wind had failed altogether and there was at least a 30 minute delay before Ataraxia drifted over the line. Camus Bosta exhibited one of the disadvantages of having two rudders by hooking a lobster pot line on one of them but despite this delay managed to beat OOTB by 30 secs on corrected time. As far as the preliminary calculations go, and assuming Troikka is a legitimate finisher the placings are 1. Troikka, 2. Ataraxia, 3 Camus Bosta, 4. Out of the Blue.  The times however will be passed on to the Club Race Secretary for the proper calculations to be made using checked handicap figures.
Once all had finished, Troikka rafted on to Ataraxia, anchored in the middle of the Shuna Sound, to join in their lavish lunch activities. Serpent days out do not get much better.

As a footnote, much missed were the cheery figures of Iain and Pamela Sinclair who as Craobh berthholders were always a sure presence and usual high scorers in the race. It transpires however that their boat 'Black Pepper' has been left to Don Gillies and should he continue to turn it out in Serpent events as we hope he will, there could be no better tribute. 

Croabh Muster and Shuna Race

The annual muster at Croabh Marina followed by the Round Shuna race is on Sat 20th/Sun 21st July.  With club masterchef Steve Pickles at the barbeque, ably assisted by Susan, the standard of catering is high and a convial evening in and around the Croabh boatshed is expected. For catering numbers please let Steve know by 12th July if you intend to come.  (07981443362  steveDOTpicklesATbtinternetDOTcom)

There will undoubtedly be spaces on various yachts so if your boat is still on the Clyde and you would like a weekend in Argyll, get in touch and come and make up the numbers. Hopefully the weather for the Shuna race will be back to normal form and not like it was last year.   

Iain Sinclair

The club mourns the unexpected and untimely loss of Iain Sinclair, a much loved member and former Commodore.  His final illness was disclosed only a few weeks before his death - he had just been to Switzerland to visit his sister for his 70th birthday -and comes only a year after the loss of his dear wife Pamela, also a true friend of the Club.  It was said that his only complaint was that he had hoped that he might have a little longer.  Those who met him only through the club would recognise him as a welcoming, kindly and thoughtful man with a keen sense of fun. He was also a telented artist and had numerous other interests besides.  He was a first class Commodore and his wise advice continued to be valued by the present Committee. He will be greatly missed.

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.