BRISTOL SAILING ASSOCIATION

Newsletter December 2010

Contacts:Gordon Ogden (Commodore)01275 462473

Jock Playle (Secretary)0117 973 8855

Jane Jenkyn (Treasurer) 01275 880318

Future Trips

1.1Phil Steele was hoping to skipper the PYC yacht Firebird on the weekend of January 22/23, but Firebird is now up for sale. PYC still has Phil’s booking for this date, which we hope will take place with their new boat to replace Firebird, a Westerly Oceanquest “Quartette”. If this goes ahead, there may be one place still available.

1.2A two-boat midweek trip using both PYC yachts has been booked for Monday February 21st – Wednesday 23rd, skippered by Phil and Gordon. There are three places available for this. Will anyone who would like to go please contact me (Jock).

1.32011 Med charter. This is now confirmed as a charter from Kremik in Croatia, to be skippered by Phil Steele, on June 11-18, and is now fully booked. Bob Hayes has booked the boat from Sunsail and made the flight bookings. Those going should reimburse Bob for the deposit and flight; when the balance is due later payment should be made to BSA.

Announcements

2.1Membership renewal – LAST CALL

A membership renewal form was included with the October newsletter, posted to all members whose membership expired on October 31st. Some renewals are still outstanding. Will those who have not renewed, and wish to continue membership, please send your form with payment to the Treasurer, Mrs J R Jenkyn, Edgecliff, 12 Marine Parade, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21 7QS. It would be very helpful if those who do not wish to rejoin phone or email me to say so (0117 973 8855, jockplayle3@waitrose.com) Any member who has not renewed by the time of the meeting on January 10th will be assumed to have left BSA, and no further newsletters will be sent

January Social Evening Our meeting on Monday January 10th will be our annual social evening, with a buffet, music and a raffle – all free! After last year’s was cancelled following damage to Sabrina, and last week’s meal at the Priory in Portbury was also cancelled due to the snow and icy roads, let us hope for third time lucky with January 10th 2011.

2.3Lecture by Sir Chay Blyth. This year’s sailing lecture in the Wilderness Lectures series will be given by Sir Chay Blyth on Wednesday 9th February at 7.30 pm in the Chemistry Lecture Theatre, University of Bristol (doors open at 7.00). Tickets are £9.50 on the door, (concession £8.50) or £9.00 in advance from Stanfords book shop, 29 Corn Street, Bristol (available online at www.stanfords.co.uk/wilderness ) Advance booking is recommended as last year’s was sold out. Sir Chay’s talk will cover all his sailing, rowing and Virgin Atlantic record attempt adventures, as well as the Challenge Yacht business.

3.Recent Trips

A summary of all trips reported at meetings is given here, or a full report, if available. Members reporting at a meeting are reminded that a full version of the report should be provided, either written or emailed. If this isn’t available, then only a short summary will be given in the newsletter. Full reports will be included in the next newsletter following receipt.

At the December meeting we had an excellent number of reports for this time of year. Phil Watkin reported on a midweek sail on Spellbinder, skippered by Chris Watts, which was planned as a sail-handling training trip but had to be modified on account of the weather. We then had reports from Don Hirst and Kath Liddiard on the two-boat weekend from Plymouth skippered by Malcolm Price and Bill Thomas. There were two further midweek Spellbinder trips, skippered by Chris Watts and Gordon Ogden. Bernard Smyth reported the first and Mike Berry the second. The first crew included Bob Goff who is a member of both BSA and PYC, and former Rear Commodore of PYC. He reported this trip in the PYC newsletter “Smokescreen” (edited by another BSA/PYC member, Steve Hall) and I have included this report also. Finally Bob Buchanan gave an impromptu report of the “Xmas Lights” trip from Falmouth the previous weekend. All these reports follow.

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Trip on Spellbinder, skippered by Chris Watts

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Trip on Anodyne, skippered by Bill Thomas

Kat Liddiard, who sailed on “Gweilo” added the following:

Sailing report Gwelio Plymouth 19 November.

Friday evening saw the two crews arrive and after settling the gear onto the two boats the social networking was put into full flow. An evening of entertainment soon commenced and as usual with the BSA anticipation of a good weekend ahead and high spirits carried us back to our beds. Saturday morning calm waters inside the breakwater and a plan to venture out to the lighthouse seemed a good idea. Indeed the sun was shining in a winter sky and the wind was blowing a 3-4. A reef was put in and after a backward glance to see where Bill and his crew were the sail out was underway.

A changing wind strength to a 6-7 north easterly soon made for a challenging sail. Malcolm, Alan and Xavier did a great job on the helm despite the hail stones and high waves, Xavier even found time for several photo opportunities. On looking back we could no longer see Anodyne who had returned to calmer waters. We too sailed back to the Yealm and up the estuary to Noss Mayo and the welcome haven of calmer waters, a shelter from the wind and the chance of holding a cup of something hot, (or was that a large glass of wine!) joining the pontoon alongside Gwelio.

Fortunately we had Googled the Ship at Noss Mayo and secured a table for the two crews for the evening. Dinghy to the shore in relays and a 'short' walk to the pub was followed by an excellent meal and excellent company. A nightcap back at the boat led to a peaceful night aboard.

Sunday dawned to calmer waters and a gentle sail out to the Mewstone, allowing us the opportunity to do some boat handling both inside and outside the breakwater before sailing up the Tamar to Saltash. Here some work on turning in restricted space and picking up buoys before some well earned bacon sandwiches.

Back to QAB by mid afternoon to make the most of unloading in daylight and setting off for the journeys home before the evening set in.

A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Company as always was excellent as was the patience of the skipper Malcolm. Every trip allows you to learn something new each time and look forward to the next one. Thank you

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Spellbinder of Wytch from Gosport, November 21-24 – report by Bernard Smyth

Skipper: Gordon Ogden, crew Phil Steele, John Wilson, Bob Goff and Bernard Smyth

We got down on the Sunday evening to prepare for an early start next day for Poole. In fact each morning we got up early to catch favourable tides, thanks to Gordon, and had some cracking sailing each day.

We sailed all the way to Poole, reaching 10 knots SOG at times in F4 northerly winds, and got there in 4hr 45mins after shooting out into Poole Bay like a cork out of a bottle. John was making his first trip with a BSA crew and Bob gave us the benefit of his knowledge of this yacht, having been its carer for years.

Meals ashore on this trip were not a highlight and a couple of us had gippy tummies after a meal in Poole in a pub which was like the Tardis - it went on and on out back to a restaurant.

After a night at Poole Quay yacht haven, we sailed down Poole harbour and across to Yarmouth in sunny but cold conditions in F3-4 NW-N. In Yarmouth we had some fun when a naked crew member had shower problems and a woman turned up to help. Again, the food in the Wheatsheaf was

nothing to write home about.

Next day we sailed for an hour on a flat sea in N F2 towards Gosport before the wind died as we breasted a pile driver we had seen in action in Yarmouth marina and we had to motor home. In all, we had only six hours of engine time and most of that was on the final leg.

John said he'd enjoyed his first BSA outing and hoped to sail with us again, but he should know that not all trips see such good sailing - or such poor pub meals!

And the same trip as reported by Bob Goff in the PYC newsletter…..

A Mid Week Sail with BSA by Bob Goff

Skipper, Gordon Ogden, Crew :- Phil Steele, Bernard Smyth, John Wilson and Bob Goff.

As a member of our affiliate club, Bristol Sailing Association, Gordon Ogden rang to invite me to join his crew for a mid-week sail on Spellbinder, I obviously could not refuse.

The crew joined SB from about 1800 on Sunday 21st November. After Gordon had completed the mandatory briefings, we sat around the saloon table in cosy conditions, (it was cold outside) to indulge in pre dinner snacks and drinks. Towards the end of this, Gordon, being a good Skipper was tiding up rubbish and while “stuffing” waste packaging into an empty cashew nut tin, gave a cry of pain after cutting the tip of an index finger on the half bent tin’s lid, that someone had already tidied away. Blood, lots of it, spouted from the wound which was held under the cold tap and pressure applied. Phil Steele became “nurse” and dressed the injury. Gordon was accused of trying to get out of washing up and warp/sheet duties.

Once Gordon’s wound had stabilised we donned warm clothes and proceeded to the “Castle” for a hot meal.

Monday 22nd Nov

With a N – NE wind of F 3/4 we cast off at 0800 with the objective of sailing to Poole, and we nearly did. The engine was switched off as we were sailing out of the Swashway, we had a comfortable reaching sail; initially against the tide; making the Poole Bar buoys at 1330, then after tacking up the fairway we started the engine at the Chain ferry, arriving at Poole Marina in mid afternoon.

Those who had not been to Poole before went ashore whilst I prepared to place additional packing in the Stern Gland with water proof grease that Phil Steele purchased from Piplers chandlery.

Dinner ashore at the “Antelope” is not recommended, the food was not inspiring, but the service was quite good because the place was almost empty.

Tuesday 23rd Nov

Due to tidal conditions there was no rush to leave and therefore breakfast was taken casually on board, followed by walks along the harbour, not much activity, the weather was clear, but cold.

We departed at about 1040 with a wind N – NW at about F3, the engine was switched off almost immediately we were out of the marina, and we sailed smoothly on a broad reach, some times goose-winging. From the Chain ferry to the Poole Bar buoys, we goose-winged all the way, and then enjoyed a good reach across Christchurch Bay to the North Channel. Because we arrived earlier than expected, we had adverse tide and therefore needed the engine to pass through Hurst Narrows to arrive at Yarmouth at about 1530. There was plenty of room with a choice of berth.

Gordon proposed that we visit The Royal Solent Yacht Club for drinks before finding a pub for dinner. The barman made us very welcome and despite there being only one other person in the bar, he said that he would be open until 2100 if we wished a night cap later.

Dinner was taken at the “Wheatsheaf”, the place was almost empty, but the food was better than that of the “Antelope” in Poole.

Wednesday 23rd Nov.

We had an early start at 0730 to take advantage of the east going spring tide. Wind was NW F 3 – 4. Engine off immediately we were out of the harbour and on a reach until Cowes where the wind died. Therefore we motor-sailed to Haslar arriving just after 1100. After a picnic type lunch on board, the crew put the boat to bed making sure we left her much better than we found her.

We had three days of very good sailing; no rain; but cold clear conditions and Gordon did not do any washing up, his finger needed to recover.

Note: - Crews beware of dangerous rubbish.

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Spellbinder trip – 6th to 8th December 2010 – report by Mike Berry

Skipper Chris Watts and crew Sue Fowle, Don Hirst and Mike Berry boarded Spellbinder at Haslar Marina on Sunday, negotiating freezing fog on the drive down and avoiding getting involved in accidents on the M4.

Sarah Williamson, who was to join us took a late decision to cancel because of concern about the potentially very low temperatures that were forecast. Her place was taken by Jack Frost who contributed little to the trip and was a bit of a hazard on the first morning. He fortunately “jumped ship” mid-morning on Monday and was certainly not missed.

Sunday evening started with mulled wine and nibbles (a daily event) followed by a short walk to the Castle pub for an enjoyable home cooked meal.

We slipped the berth at 09.30 on Monday, treading very carefully around the slippery deck and cockpit. Having hoisted the main and jib we headed west via the Inner Swash with a northerly force 3 breeze and sailed comfortably down to East Cowes Marina where we moored on the outer pontoon at 12.15 to thaw out and to have lunch.

Thanks to the marvels of modern technology Chris was able to use his mobile phone with internet and, I suspect coffee making facilities included, to advise us throughout the three days that the temperature at the Bramble Bank never got above zero.

Feeling somewhat warmer we sailed at 13.20 and headed for Lymington in unchanged conditions, arriving at the Yacht Haven two hours later. The decision was taken to head for the “Fishermans Inn” for our evening meal which, I was assured was a 700 yard walk (Chris’s phone). It seemed to me to be somewhat further but the Christchurch Christmas lights were pretty and the food was good.

No significant change in the temperature on Tuesday and the day started overcast with a fog which initially reduced the visibility to about half a mile. By mid morning however the fog had cleared and the sun put in an appearance. Starting at 09.40 we had some difficulty getting off the pontoon due to the close proximity of a large yacht moored astern of us and a beam wind holding us on to the pontoon.

Using a long spring and going astern Chris managed to get our stern to swing clear so that we were eventually able to slip the mooring and proceed astern the length of the Marina before reaching sufficient space to turn and head out.

Sailing conditions were similar to the day before although the wind did come round to the North-East and pick up to force 4 later. Our original intention was to sail up Southampton water and pick up a buoy at lunch time but the tide worked against us to the point where a tack got us no further East. We decided to head for the Beaulieu River and were able to moor up to a buoy near the entrance to the channel at 13.00.

We left at 14.15 and sailed across to and beyond Cowes before turning back and going in under sail until we reached the chain ferry, finally mooring up at East Cowes Marina at 15.50. Had a very good meal again at the pub just outside the marina. (i.e. yet another call to the Lifeboat (ed.)

On Wednesday morning we left at 09.35 and briefly headed up-river before turning and hoisting the mainsail with two reefs. Having cleared the Cowes entrance we let out the genoa to two bands and headed east towards the forts with the wind N. North-East force 5 to 6 and occasionally 7. Having reached a point midway between the forts we tacked back to the Inner Swash and finally moored at Haslar Marina at 12.45.

As we came alongside the pontoon Don prepared to step off the yacht just as a gust of wind took her off. As he attempted to get onto the pontoon he missed his footing and finished up in the water. His life jacket inflated almost immediately and he was able to keep alongside so that I and a guy who was passing were able to grab him and pull him out without harm.

Having got Spellbinder properly moored Don removed his wet weather gear and we were surprised to discover that his clothes underneath were only wet around his ankles and the top of his shoulders. A hot shower and change of clothes enabled a quick recovery.

Despite the very cold weather and the light wind on the first two days we were able to get some very good sailing. Chris’s decision to keep our on-deck time down to reasonable periods meant that none of us got too cold during the day and the heating system on Spellbinder kept all of us except Sue comfortably warm at night, she kept her temperature up with the additional assistance of a hot water bottle and a duvet.

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“Xmas Lights” trip from Falmouth, skipper Phil Steele, December 11 – 12

Bob Buchanan gave this impromptu report at the meeting (it turned out to be the “not the Xmas lights” trip – see below):

Skipper: Phil Steele. Crew: Bob Buchanan, Andy Gordon, Becky Goddard, Liz Freeman.

The boat booked, a Bavaria 36 “Me-Go” was replaced by a sister ship “You-Go”.

Leaving Falmouth on the Saturday morning they were accompanied by dolphins for half an hour when passing Dodman Point on the way to Fowey. They arrived at Fowey in the dark – because it transpired that the Xmas lights weren’t due until the following week. They rafted alongside a crane at the Town Quay. After a very good meal at the Galleon they visited the Royal Fowey YC; a party was in progress and they were invited to join in. In conversation they discovered they had moored next the lifeboat and were promised a rude awakening in the event of a shout.

Next morning there was no battery power to start the engine. Bob discovered that the step to the adjacent crane contained a battery which they used to jump start. They sailed back towards Falmouth in a F6 under full sail, then discovered the engine again would not start. While passing Dodman Point Phil phoned Cornish Cruising and arranged a rendezvous at Black Rock beacon in the entrance to Falmouth. Their GPS ETA there was 1330, and they arrived at 1327, to be met By a RIB with jump leads to start their engine.

Back in the berth at Falmouth Marina Becky’s pies were cooking in the oven when there was a crash of breaking glass. Bob at first thought something had been thrown through the cabin window, then they found that the oven inner glass door had exploded – presumably an annealing stress problem just waiting to happen.

Bob added that Becky effectively skippered the trip, as well as being navigator and cook.

Congratulations are due to Becky as she has since gained her Coastal Skipper certificate in the Canaries during the week before Christmas.

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