Racing
CRUISER RACING 2004
The Colne Yacht Club is involved in three racing series,
two organised by the Club and one in which several Club boats take part.
COCK OF THE RIVER.
This might be regarded as the entry-level race series. Its
aim is to encourage as many Cruisers as possible to enter. RYA Portsmouth
Handicaps will apply to ensure that calculations are understood by all, but the
Handicaps will be reviewed after each race. This means that it is possible that
a boat will have a new handicap every race. Regular winners will see their
handicap made more severe whilst those who are still working their boats up,
will receive encouragement. After each race, a supper is planned in the Club at
which we hope all crews will come along for the social side of racing and where
the day’s events and mishaps can be discussed. It is here you will often pick
up tips on how to improve next time.
SERIES 2000.
This is the next step on. RYA Portsmouth Handicaps will
still be used, but only adjusted after each boat has completed three races. The
courses will often be a little longer and more testing. Often races are included
that are organised by another club, such as the “Wallet Shield” to offer a
different venue and wider experience.
SAIL EAST.
This is the Premier day racing series on the East Coast. It
is a five venue series with three races at each (two on Saturday and one on
Sunday). RYA Portsmouth Handicaps are not used and each boat must obtain an IRC
rating from the RORC. The Series starts at Felixstowe in May, then moves to
Burnham, onto the Medway and Ramsgate and finishes at
West Mersea
in September. The entry list is huge and competition strong and the Parties
something not to be missed! There is a trophy for Yacht Clubs entering teams of
3 boats.
Steve Heppell in “Cracker” and Mike Hempstead in
“Sigducer” entered in 2003 from the CYC and Steve Lightly in “Mackie II”
will be there this year. We hope that others may join them for 2004.
Mike Hempstead on 01206 842149 will help with further
information on the Regattas and David Chivers 01206 305107 will advise on
getting an IRC Rating for your boat.
PURSUIT RACES.
New for 2004 is a series of Pursuit Races organised by Mike
Hempstead. These will be open to all the Cruisers and will be either a morning
or afternoon start. Each boat will start at a given time relating to her
handicap. The slowest boats start first and each faster boat in turn. All boats
will sail the same course obviously and at the given finish time the leading
boat is the winner. It is a fun way of racing and offers something different.
CRUISERS: DON’T FORGET THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO COLLECT
AND DISPLAY ISSUED RACING NUMBERS FROM THE CLUB AND SIGN A RACING DECLARATION.
LOOK OUT FOR DETAILS.
THE OOD’S WILL BE VERY STRICT ABOUT THIS:
NO NUMBERS = NO RESULT!
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BRIGHTLINGSEA ONE DESIGN’S.
The Brightlingsea One Design is the oldest racing class on
the River Colne, having started fleet racing in the very early 1930’s. They
race regularly on Thursday evenings, Saturday evenings and Sunday Mornings. They
can be seen taking part in the local regattas at Wivenhoe, Rowhedge and
West Mersea
.
The boats vary in age from the late 1920’s to the latest
boat built in the late 1980’s. The boats are a challenge to race and require
much practice to win. However they can also be a wonderful dayboat to potter and
cruise the Estuary. They are a friendly class and are always keen to find new
crews. Racing a BOD is a very rewarding experience and will sharpen your skills
for other fleets. If you wish to own
a boat then there may be some for sale to race or restore.
Further information can be obtained from the Notice Board
in the Club Foyer or the Association Secretary, David Chivers 01206 305107.
CADET RACING.
The club has an active group of young Cadets racing a mixed
group of dinghies. They meet on Saturdays and Sundays under the direction of
Geoff Bloice.
They are always keen to attract new members to their group
and interested youngsters should contact …………………………. to find
out more details.
February
2004
Colne Yacht Club Sailing Committee.
