Category: News

This has been devised in response to a request for some shorter races and to solve the problem of several series that, in the past few years, have not attracted enough support. The series will feature approximately once a month and will consist of four ‘points’ races each lasting about 25 to 30 minutes. The morning, starting as usual at 11.00am, will be two races back to back, so please stay on the water at the end of the first race as the second race will start as soon as possible after the first race has finished. The afternoon’s two races will follow a similar pattern. Trophies will be awarded to The 1st Double Hander, 1st Single hander, 1st Lady Helm, 1st Youth, 1st Master, 1st Grand Master, and the Best Improver. It is hoped that the maximum number of sailors will be eligible for each category.

Definitions : Youth: under 18, Master 18 to 55, Grand Master over 55 . (at the start of the season) Novices had been defined as those who have not won a trophy. This cup will now be awarded to the Best Improver from those with a ‘Slow’ rating. (The computer program gives a % slow or % fast rating for everyone as result of all races sailed . Roughly the bottom 1/3rd of finishers are ‘slow’ as they are sailing below their handicap) The person, from this group, who improves their rating most by the end of the series will be awarded the trophy – I can explain more!
The sailing committee will review any problems that may arise with this experimental series.

Chris Barlow and the sailing committee

Come along to one or both of our working parties, it’s a good way to get to know other members before the season starts. Working parties help maintain the clubhouse, start box, dinghy park and jetty. All members are invited to come and muck in. This year the working parties are planned for
Saturday 20th February and Sunday 28th February.
They generally last the morning only, from about 9:30 to 12:30, a light lunch eg soup and a roll will be provided.

The Fitting Out Supper will be held on Friday 26th February in the evening, at a local hostelry. There will be skittles and food. More information will be sent in an email.

The A.G.M will be held on Wednesday 9th December 2015, 7:30p.m. at the clubhouse.
Any member wishing to forward a proposal must do so before Wednesday 25th November 2015

Every two years SSC and BASC go head to head for the Gilmer Trophy which commemorates the twinning of the cities of Bath and Alkmaar in Holland. Whilst Alkmaar no longer travel the event marks the gratitude of the people of Alkmaar for the help that they received from Bath following World War 2.
Some have referred to this as an event where the first leg is sailed on a pond with the next round sailed on a ditch ! That said the competition is no less serious and with twenty boats on the water each venue was pretty busy.
Shearwater took full advantage of being at home for the first leg and over the three races pulled out a big lead. The Dayboat of Geoff Pell and Sandy Lavelles Albacore proved particularly strong on the day. It was also good to see both clubs fielding a number of juniors.
The return leg at Bristol Avon on the river is always interesting for those who have not sailed there before. Narrow Boats, shallows and Paddle Boards coupled with a fitful breeze were bound to provide an interesting day.
The Rooster 8.1s stormed away in the first race however a change in the breeze brought the slower boats into contention with the Lightnings of BASC showing how good they are on a river. With 50 points back in the bag the home club were on a roll and maintained the pressure into race 2 with the Roosters once again benefitting from their tall rigs above the river bank. Into Race 3 and with a BFD for one of the Roosters and the Moth retiring the results were in the balance.
With the final outcome closely guarded results were announced with Shearwater clinging on to the trophy by the finest of margins over a total of 6 races.
On behalf of Shearwater Chris Mulholland thanked all of those and in particular his opposite number Mick Parnell who had contributed to the event over the two legs. Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the event, there is no doubt that Bristol Avon will be plotting the return of the trophy to their clubhouse.