Sailing News

Reports

YHYSA Travellers Series 2011

Saturday 9th July 2011 saw the Yorkshire and Humberside Youth Sailing Association Travellers series come to a close at Pennine Sailing Club and once again the youngsters from Rotherham Sailing Club did us proud.

Last year saw us bring home the team trophy and the youths taking part this year really did put in quite a performance, showing improvement both on the previous year and this year as the series progressed - a comment noted by the RYA Coaches.

All the hard work was rewarded with last years team trophy being increased to a 5 trophy haul in 2011 for Rotherham Sailing Club. A very closely contested Junior series (under 14's) was pushed right to the final day and the 2 in contention were both from Rotherham. Abi Cooper and Matt Chambers have had a friendly rivalry all season, pushing each other all the way. A feat which ended with them both contending the overall champions spot. In the end it was Abi that won through by the narrowest of margins to become the Junior Champion for the Yorkshire and Humberside region, and Matt was duly rewarded for his efforts by picking up the Oppo trophy - awarded to the highest placed Junior of the opposite sex to the overall winner. Congratulations go to both Abi and Matt.

Endevour trophies were awarded to Ed Bailey and, a newcomer to the Travellers series this year, Georgia Martin. Both for the battling spirit shown throughout the series and that never say die attitude. At times the conditions have simply been too much for Ed this year, having just stepped up into the Laser, but he never gave up and no amount of capsizes would make him retire! Georgia meanwhile has enjoyed her first series on the Travellers and despite a difficult start persevered. At Yorkshire Dales (which is a fair trek from Rotherham for those that haven't been) the weather was simply too much and Georgia was left on shore, whilst others went out and braved the elements (and it proved too much for some of them!). Georgia showed true team spirit though and despite her disappointment, could always been seen on the shore at the start and end of races (often up to her waist in water) helping all the competitors launch and land. Both sailors a credit to the club.

So that leaves just one trophy - last year RSC brought home the team trophy, and going into the final race of the season the smart money was on Beaver SC to scoop the prize. Much to our delight, and due reward for all the juniors/youths that have taken part this year, Rotherham Sailing Club were once again victorious and the trophy will be once again displayed proudly in the club house.

A big well done to all and thank you once again for portraying Rotherham Sailing Club in such a positive light.

Streaker Open 21st May 2011

Seven visitors and five Rotherham Streakers entered the latest event on the Streaker Northern Paddle circuit. Everyone enjoyed a day of fast racing the wind forecast SSW (over the wall, a good direction for the water) at 15mph, which increased to give everyone a challenging sail and cause some gear failure. Ollie Thompson was sailing the Streaker for the first time this year, and Paul Jago couldnt sail as his boat need a new stern deck. Garry Knott who was OOD, gave the fleet 3 different figure of 8 courses which produced good sailing and excitement for the spectators.

In the first race Alan Gillard (Sheffield Viking) and Nick Lovell (Ouse Amateur) were fast away followed by Denis Webster (Rotherham), Ollie Wright (Rotherham) and Peter Cogill (Rotherham). Alan sailed the first lap in 3 minutes which concerned the OODs because of a possible short race, fortunately for them the wind eased extending the 10 lap race to 45 minutes. Alan and Nick extended their lead leaving Ollie, Denis, Peter and John battling for the next places. Dave Smith (Welton) was working his way up the fleet. First Denis who was only sailing his second race of the season dropped back, then Peter who had a disastrous beat dropped from third to sixth. On the last lap John had a bad tack and let both Dave and Ollie through. The race was won by Alan Gillard, followed by Nick Lovell, Dave Smith and Ollie Wright.

During an excellent lunch organised by Kathryn Thompson, the wind increased significantly, and in the second race 3 helms including Denis, decided it was too windy to sail. Alan and Nick were again first round the mark. By the second lap Alan and Nick had opened up a lead followed by Peter and Ollie W. Ollie, John and Peter were battling for 3rd; everyone was struggling to stay upright. On lap 5 Ollie passed John and broke away, on the next lap Alan capsized at the gybe mark (from 1 to 6) and retired after outside assistance (the OODs shut their door). Peter passed John on the gybe at no 6 after both capsized but Peter using his righting lines, got going again more quickly. Ollie Wright lying a comfortable second broke his rudder fittings and had to retire, leaving Peter in second place. Nick Lovell, the only one not to capsize, won the race from Peter Cogill, John Hollis and Roger Wallis (South Yorkshire). Despite a number of capsizes Ollie Thompson and Janet Bell both survived to finish 5th and 6th. The rescue boat with Simon Crawford and Simon Fleetwood had plenty to do.

In the final race the wind had eased a little, Nick had refitted a pintle which had nearly dropped off, and Pete Tyerman (Pennine) had repaired his forestay. Janet, despite two hard races and numerous capsizes, again was ready at the start. Alan Gillard needing to win to retain the trophy was again first to the windward mark followed by Nick and Peter. Alan and Nick extended their lead. Peter was battling with John Hollis and Pete Tyerman for a few laps. On lap 4 Ollie T who was lying 6th, was passed by Roger, and on the last lap by Steve Chilton (Yorkshire Ouse); he was followed home by Janet.

The overall results were first Alan Gillard 2pts who retained the Dolphin Trophy, second Nick Lovell 3pts, third Peter Cogill 5pts, and fourth John Hollis 7pts. Janet Bell was awarded a special prize for completing all the races in the demanding conditions.

Thanks to all helpers OODs, rescue and galley and the working party members who had filled the pot holes the previous evening, who all made it a very enjoyable but hard working day for the Streaker fleet and a great advert for Rotherham Sailing Club.

Thanks to Janet Knott and Peter Cogill for the report.

RNLI Pudding Meeting 2nd November 2010

The day was one of light winds from the North West, but this did not deter the enthusuastic sailors of RSC. The first two races had a course with two beats in them which gave people options on how to tackle the beats

In the first race Alan Gillard "Streaked away from the other boats", his boat speed being far in excess of the others. I think we should have Alan's boat checked for a very nicely concealed little motor the way he sailed away. Paul Jago was second with Peter Cogill in third place. After some discussion it was agreed that so as not to upset our editor we placed him infront of the "Grant King"

The second race was agian won by the boat speed master, Alan with Peter Cogill in second place and Paul Jago in third.

Some of our more senior members sat out the third race and went home muttering about prior committments, speed King Alan had done enough to win a large pudding, so he sat back to watch the fun for second place between Paul and Peter, who were on equal points

The third race had a change of course to give some off wind legs for the RS 200 Sailed by Josh Bennett with Joel and they took full advantage of it sailing well and crossing the line first, however the handicap system worked against them. Not being far enough in front of Peter and Paul

Peter and Paul knew it was all on the last race and on the beat to the first mark Paul caught Peter on "Starboard". Peter set off to do his turns and had a dry capsize. On climbing back into the boat it was noticed by the very observant OOD's that he had not completed his penalty turns, but the wiley old Peter was also aware and completed his penalty before rounding the mark with steam comming out of his ears. The chase was on!!!!

As the race progressed Peter was catching Paul on the Off Wind Legs and he eventually passed him, Peter stayed in front for the penultimate and ultimate lap.

The "Shortened Course Signal" was given to the RS200 as it rounded the last mark, Peter at this time was still in front of Paul.

It was all on the last beat to the finishing line, where neck and neck they approached it from slightly different angles,

Peter was lower down the line pinching up to get across the line, but unfortunately slowing down as he did, Paul was higher up the line with a little more speed.

Fortunately there were 3 OOD's watching the situation very closely and all agreed that Paul won the race with the narrowest of margins giving him second overall. What a race!!

Alan collected his large pudding, with Paul Second and Peter third. The fourth place went to Josh Bennett and Joel. Joel has only been a member for a few weeks and it was pleasing to see him in finishing so high, especially as he was just getting over a broken arm sustained in playing rugby, he would be better sticking to the more sophisticated sport of sailing

Thanks must go to Robin Wright, Michael Bell and some other old fuddy duddy for organising the courses, all the participants seemed to enjoy the day, Oh! and by the way those people who had to leave early, for what ever reason, your puddings are in the cool room with your name on.

Streaker Open 18th September 2010

Six Rotherham Streakers with three visitors boats entered the latest event on the Streaker Northern Paddle circuit. Everyone enjoyed a day of close racing in a light breeze which at times became fickle round one of the marks due to the wind shadow.

In the first race with all the boats contesting the start, Alan Gillard (Viking), was fast away followed by Ollie Wright (Rotherham) who was sailing an injured Paul Jago's boat, and Peter Cogill (Rotherham). Alan extended his lead and Robin Wright (Rotherham) was chasing Ollie and Peter with Robin chasing them. Ollie Thompson (Rotherham), David Hinks (Yeadon) and Josh Bennett (Rotherham) were contesting the next few places. The wind shifted left allowing the boats to split the beat. Ollie broke away from Peter, and Steve Chilton (Yorkshire Ouse) made up places. The race was won by Alan Gillard, followed by Ollie Wright, Peter Cogill and Steve Chilton.

After an excellent lunch, the wind was up to force 3, Peter Cogill was caught on the line by Alan Gillard; Ollie Wright nearly capsized to windward near the first mark allowing Alan to be first round it. By the second lap Alan had opened up a lead followed by Ollie & Robin Wright with Josh Bennett and Steve Chilton who were contesting the positions for most of the race. After his turns Peter Cogill was working his way through the fleet eventually passing Ollie Wright on the 4th lap. . Ollie & Robin Wright (Rotherham) were contesting third place. Alan Gillard won the race from Peter Cogill, Robin Wright and Ollie Wright.

In the final race Alan Gillard was again first to the windward mark followed by Peter Cogill. Alan extended his lead managing to retain some wind on throughout the race. Peter was caught by both Steve Chilton and Robin Wright but managed to retain second place. On the final lap in patchy wind Steve passed Peter, but confusion at the finishing line enabled Peter to regain second.

The overall results were first Alan Gillard 2pts, second Peter Cogill 4pts, third Ollie Wright 6pts and fourth Steve Chilton 8pts.

Southport 24 Hr race 2010

Rotherham Sailing Club once again entered a team in the Southport 24 hour race. Battling on in windy conditions the team managed a valiant 39th place finish. The full report can be found here

Enterprise Open 18th April 2010

Winds were very light and variable in direction for the Rotherham SC Enterprise Cock O North open meeting on Sunday 18th April, but the sun was shining and a welcome was extended to all.

The first race was postponed for half an hour whilst something resembling wind emerged over the club house. From a committee boat start Brian Garrison (E23135) from Hallamshire took an early lead. Helen Gray (E22934) Rotherham, caught and passed Brian taking advantage of a significant wind shift. Brian sailed well to regain the lead. At the finish Brian won with Helen 2nd and Dave Staniforth (E20687) Ulley/Sheff Viking 3rd.

After the break for lunch a northerly wind had started to fill in. To make up for the postponement earlier 2 races were run back to back. Brian won the 2nd race with Larry Gray (E22269) from Yorkshire Ouse 2nd and Dave making 3rd. Although Brian had won, it was still all to play for, for the places. 3 boats were tied on a count of 6 points going into this final race. Helen took the lead at the start, and with great tactical sailing around the 1st mark sailed off to win the last race. Brian came 2nd and Larry came 3rd to give him 3rd overall. Rotherham SC thank those visitors that came and enjoyed some close racing in rather light winds but in a very sociable atmosphere. (Volcanic dust free).
1st E23135 Brian Garrison Hallamshire SC
2nd E22934 Helen Gray Rotherham SC
3rd E22269 Larry Gray Yorkshire Ouse SC
4th E20687 Dave Staniforth Ulley/Sheffield Viking SC
5th E22934 Simon Fleetwood Rotherham SC

Easter Regatta Sunday 4th April 2010

The Easter regatta was sailed on the 4th April in a blustery on shore force 4 with some nice little gusts to keep those who ventured out on their toes!

Race 1 saw capsizes from all quarters of the fleet (and even a couple of retirements, something muttered about gardening being a more successful option, anyway no names!) including the leader Richard Rawson sailing a phantom who was the only visitor from Ogston SC. Jess Foster led the home fleet for the first half of the race but relinquished this to fellow Streaker sailor Peter Cogill who recovered well following a difficult start.

After lunch Race 2 started in slightly less wind on a modified course, Peter Cogill led the home boat pursuit of the Phantom, followed by a close grouping, which slowly spread as the race progressed. At the finish the corrected times were all much closer but it was the Phantom who came out in front.

Congratulations to all those who sailed and to the few who kept the sail the right side of the waterline in tricky conditions.

1st Phantom Richard Rawson
2nd Streaker Peter Cogill
3rd Streaker Paul Jago
4th Streaker Jess Foster (1st Lady)
5th Firefly Peter Owers
6th Laser Chris Cooper
7th Graduate Keith Bailey & Abbie Cooper (1st Junior)
8th Enterprise Helen Gray & Claire Bailey
9th Laser 4.7 Jane Morton
9th 405 Ed & John Bailey

Archive Newsletters

Click here for the March 2010 Newsletter (PDF 672kb).
Click here for the April 2010 Newsletter (PDF 286kb).
Click here for the May 2010 Newsletter (PDF 349kb).
Click here for the June 2010 Newsletter (PDF 513kb).
Click here for the July 2010 Newsletter (PDF 516kb).