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Bowsprit 28 March 2021

by Tom Whittingham

Commodore's Note

It been a bit up and down this week especially for the Committee Boat. With a busy weekend ahead, I had not expected to get a message on Thursday to inform me that our infamous Scarlet Lady had sunk having taken on too much rainwater. Photo evidence showed just the masts visible indicating the hull was resting on the bottom still tethered to its mooring buoy. I was therefore amazed to see a photo the following day of Scarlet tethered to the jetty! Well done David Nunn who managed single-handedly to get the boat to the reeds, remove the engine (still underwater), get it floating and tow it back to safety. Absolutely amazing!

The next slice of excitement were the Laser and Byte Open meeting in what turned out to be brutal conditions. The 3 safety boats were hard pressed all day recovering exhausted and cold sailors and then their boats. I had to take some photos from Rescue Three but Simon and I did not have time to break out the camera. The Laser event was won by John Ling (Bartley SC) having been challenged by Charlie Sansom finishing 2nd overall and just ahead of Sarah Pickard. Then to the Byte fleet with an average age a third of that in the Laser fleet.

I was stunned by the determination and commitment throughout the fleet across all 3 races. There were hoots of excitement as boat exploded onto the plane downwind. Some only stopped due to utter exhaustion of fighting a rig all the way around the course and from some dramatic capsizes. If anyone wanted to see what the future of a Club looks like it was there to witness on Saturday. Charlotte Hitchmough made a sensible decision to opt for C1 rig and just pipped Esther Heathcote. It was all down to the last race with a 1st and 2nd apiece, but Charlotte swept through on the last leg for the win. Ellie Pickard secured and impressive 3rd place and the top travaller was Finlay Monks who was just a point behind on 4th place.

By Sunday we had lighter conditions and we ran a random pairs competition which meant the team did not know how they had done until the results were worked through. Toby Banbrook and Sarah Davies finished 1st overall with Rachel Jenkins and Will Morris 2nd just ahead of Buzz Keck and Jamie Fewings taking 3rd. It was ideal conditions for the Aeros who dominated the top places. But hats off to some of the Byte fleet who were back out on the water, undaunted by the exertions of the day before.

News and Events

Phantom Open - 1st April

The Phantom Opn meetin gis scheduled for Saturday 1st April. Please book tonight to guarantee food!

https://bowmoor.com/product/phantomopenmeeting2023/

Save the Date – 22nd April.

Our Spring Work Party Day is set for Saturday 22^nd April. Please save the day to help out. This is the day we sort out the Club facilities, boats and grounds after the ravages of winter and make sure we are ready for what could be a fabulous summer season. More detail is to follow but we can do with as much help as we can muster. There will be things everyone can turn their hands too and the more support we get, the more we can do and quicker we can complete the task list. More details to follow – watch this space.

Tidy Clubhouse

Please note that in the clubhouse there is a roll of black bags for the recycling bins in the bottom drawer in the bar area, alongside antibacterial wipes to wipe down the tables. If the bins get full please change them sooner rather than later, the metal/can recycling bin bag can rip easily.

Lost property

There is a video of lost property which has accumulated in the entryway and posted on Facebook here.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bowmoor/permalink/10159637845946094/?app=fbl

Please take any items which are yours and the rest will either be sent to charity or recycling on the 22nd April.

Bowmoor Otters

Saturday 15th April will see our first ever Bowmoor Otters group get together organised by our Youth Team.

Please come along in the morning for a 10:30 briefing. The name of the game is family friendly fun, for all ages 1-100. Whether you are sailing, kayaking or SUPing there will be fun activities for all members at all levels of experience.

A safety boat will be on the water as backup.

The activities are free, organised by members for members. Children will be required to be supervised at all times on the water by their parents or guardians. So grab your family boat, kayaks or SUPs and join us.

Normal club rules apply for club boats subscription and usage.

Sailors who have been in the Tera or Byte squads over the winter are encouraged to join us on the water to practise their skills before the afternoon’s sprint series sailing.

Squad sailors, particularly those with AI qualifications, will be on hand to answer any questions on the shore and on the water by our Bowmoor Otter families.

Any questions please contact youth@bowmoor.com

Training

Byte Association Training - 8th April

The Byte UK Class Association are pleased to announce that their annual April training will be held this year at Bowmoor Sailing club. Book here for the event and sign up to the class association to allow you to join other Byte events across the country (at a reduced entry fee).

https://bowmoor.com/product/byte-uk-association-training-day/