News

For those of you who have not seen the Sunday Times of 29th August, and in particular the centre spread of the magazine on the British Paralympic sailors training for 2012, I will describe the image for you – a large, almost black and white shot of a very moody sky, some distant cliffs, a bit of sea, with the focal point being a Sonar sailing away from the camera. ‘So what’ you say – well clear and large on the transom of that Sonar you can read ‘CHIMERA CCYC’.

It is a superb image, and you can see it and more at www.skandiaexhibition.co.uk though on my screen it is far from clear and sadly you can’t read the ‘CCYC’. I am tempted to post the picture here but I won’t infringe the owners copyright so will put my copy on the Club notice board instead.

Good luck to Team GB from CCYC and well done Robert Wilson (photographer), Skandia, and the Sunday Times for a cracking photo!

jdAug2010

What did you do in Cowes Week 2010?

Did you race, did you watch from ashore or afloat? Email your news, results and photos to secretary@ccyc.org.uk so that we can share your experiences.

Zenobia at the ‘Black Group’ start line for Cowes Week 2010

Ian Lallows’ Zenobia was again at the pin end for Black Group Committee boat starts flying the CCYC burgee. The difference this year was that the boat rather than on orange buoy formed the end of the line so we anchored at the outer end of the line, with RCYC’s Twin Wakes at the other end making a clear transit between the flags on both boats for the competitors to aim for. CCYCs rib was also busy assisting with the line.

Different classes raced from this line each day so we saw many of the classes from the big Zeros down, often at very close quarters! Conditions varied from no wind and a postponement to plenty of wind and a requirement for crews to wear lifejackets – an order which was taken to heart on Zenobia with most of us bouncing around on deck looking at the line but putting safety first! We were sent almost to Portsmouth at one extreme, and way down the Western Solent at the other so we covered a fair few miles, and the anchor went up and down more times than I could count.

All went pretty smoothly in terms of getting the classes away with not too many recalls and information flashing between the two ends of the line by radio, mobile phone and rib. The man with least to do (fortunately as this meant all was well) was our radio officer who pronounced himself redundant and spent his time taking lots of photos. The team agreed that the week was a success for us and that we had enjoyed ourselves, though some of us might be pleading old age next year so, if you would like to donate a little of your time next August, get in touch with the office to find out what is involved.

For Andy’s photos please go to the gallery.

“And that’s Jazz”

What a great night of entertainment we had when the legend that is Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen played at the CCYC during Cowes week. Kenny entertained us all with humour, stories and some really great music, including some of his chart topping classics including Midnight in Moscow and So Do I.

Each member of the band played individual solos – including knock-out drummer Nick Millward, compared on the night to a young Buddy Rich – showing us just why they have all been in the music industry so successfully for so long, their individual talent was a joy to listen to.

After the show, we received very positive feedback thanking us for such a great night of entertainment.

Quotes from “that’s was the best entertainment I’ve ever seen” to “I wasn’t going to come but I’m so glad I did”

Jazz by the Water is definitely becoming one of the places to be during Cowes Week, so if you missed out this year keep watching this space for next year’s line up

Dragons at CCYC

Late June to early July saw an international Dragon fleet socializing at The Club during their South Coast Championship and the Edinburgh Cup.

Thirty-two boats were entered for the racing which was run by the Royal Corinthian YC, with assistance from some of our members, and which was a great success. The international fleet, with entries from Japan, Portugal, Russia, Ireland, Australia, Norway, France and of course the GBR boats, held their daily prize giving at CCYC on three of the days after racing and were welcomed on the other days for a relaxed drink before going off to a mix of social events in Cowes.

For the results please see the Royal Corinthian web site. For photos of the event please visit www.fionabrown.phanfare.com

Open day on Sunday 11 July

The Club threw open its gates on Sunday, inviting locals and visitors to come and see what we have to offer both ashore and afloat.

The weather was perfect with sunshine and a gentle wind – just right for the inexperienced to sample rib rides and trips in a Sonar. The barbeque was in action, as was the bar and with free pool, toad-in-the-hole, the British Grand Prix on the big screen and some light background music in the marquee, the Club was busy all afternoon.

The team running trips afloat was kept busy, and all those who went out reported favourably – some wanting to go out again! Some new members were signed up and several took away membership application forms or details of where to find them on the web site.

All in all a very good day, with thanks to those who helped in whatever capacity. See the gallery for Janet’s photos of the day.

2010 Corby Cup: Overall Winner David & Jackie Riley’s 33 No Retreat

The Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club kindly agreed to run the racing, and because the Solent was even busier than normal due to the Dragons and Farr 45s out in force, we opted for a committee boat start in the Daks area of Osborne bay. This meant light air beating into the tide but with the option of sailing into the bay for tide relief. [large image right img_0636.jpg]
Terry & Debbie Rowe’s 25 Drakes Drum was well suited for these conditions, having the only overlapping genoa in the entire fleet, and they took Race One by two seconds from the Riley’s 33 No Retreat. Once around the windward mark Cracklin’ Rosie really got into its stride with its massive bowsprit and asymmetric ideal for the pole-forward square run, however a navigation error had them gybing around the wrong mark from which they never recovered.

The Octon’s Njos made the best start in Race two when the wind decided to switch off in the final minute, and held on to their advantage to win the race by 20 seconds from No Retreat, again in very light airs which has never been Njos strong point.

The traditional Solent seabreeze kicked in on time and we moved the start for the 3rd and final race up to Gales HSB, which is just off the most northern tip of East Cowes, for a running start down to Norris. The conventionally poled No Retreat wisely decided to dip the bowspritted Njos and run straight down to the mark. Banshee probably wished they had also dipped but instead ended up in a luffing match with Njos who happily took them off to Norris Castle. A reach out to the Ryde Middle area for a short windward leeward circuit saw the toughest conditions of the day but further problems for Banshee when their jib feeder jammed. A beat up to Cowes harbour entrance and reach to a finish off Corby’s house by the Red Jet terminal completed the racing for the day. No Retreat reversed the first race result to beat Drakes Drum by a split second and take the overall Trophy, however because of the closeness in the corrected timings we presented the Wight Vodka trophy to Drakes Drum.

The Prince Philip’s Cup will take place in the Mermaids off Seaview on Saturday 11th September 2010. It will follow its usual format with three races in the morning followed by another three in the afternoon. The helm will be required to switch after each race so that, provided all races are sailed, each team member will have two races on the tiller.

The trophy for which we race was presented by His Royal Highness back in 1956 and the purpose was to ensure good relations between all clubs who use the Solent. His Royal Highness still takes a keen interest in the event and every year makes comments to us about the Clubs that have taken part and the results.

Teams from all the Solent Yacht Clubs are welcome and encouraged to participate in this great fun event.

6 Weekends – 24 races for
Red Funnel Challenge Trophies

Sponsor’s Prizegiving on Friday 7th January 2011
1830 at the Royal Thames Yacht Club

Solent Series

Participating clubs invite boat owners of the Daring Class, International Dragon Class, and other keelboat classes by arrangement, to enter the Solent Series of Regattas at Cowes to be held on the dates shown below:

Organising Authorities Host Club Solent Series Fixtures Fixed Shore Line

Royal London YC 1/2/3 May, 9/10 Oct RLYC
Cowes Corinthian YC 15/16 May, 2/3 Oct RCYC
Island Sailing Club 29/30/31 May, 16/17 Oct ISC
Royal Thames Yacht Club 12/13 June, 11/12 Sept RLYC
Royal Yacht Squadron 26/27 June, 25 July, 25/26 Sept RYS
Royal Corinthian YC 10/11July, 17/18 July RCYC
Household Division YC 24 July RYS

Clare Lallow of Cowes are close to signing contracts to build two new new X One Design boats. The XOD has proved one of the most popular fleet sailed one design day boats on the south coast with over 80 boats racing at Cowes Week this year. The class is close to its centenary year and is currently undergoing renewed interest due to the highly competitive racing at a relatively low cost. The new boats will have mahogany planking, iroko deadwood and stem and horn timber in oak. The boats are not cheap, at £42,500 + vat, but with some of the early boats now nearly a hundred years old a very good long term investment!

<a href=“http://www.xonedesign.org.uk/” target=“_blank”>www.xonedesign.org.uk</a>

This was held at the CCYC this year and a busy event it turned out to be. Not only was the club full of visitors, but also it was very gratifying to see several CCYC members winning prizes.

Rosy Jones took first place in the Dragons with Dave Ross coming third. Graham Bailey was third prizewinner of the Etchells class. And in the X One Designs Jonathan Nash was first in ‘Rachal’, Sarah Ross collected the second prize for ‘Sapphire’ and Neil Clifford was third in ‘Curlew’.

Well done to all who took part in this year’s series.

Once again RORC have relaxed the rules on outside assistance to allow on-the-water coaching which will be organised by Jim Saltonstall and his coaching team, including Cathy Foster, Barry Dunning and RORC Chief Executive Eddie Warden Owen.

“It is an initiative RORC introduced some years ago to give competitors the opportunity to brush off the winter rust and get some useful coaching input whilst racing.” commented Eddie.

The event has always attracted a highly diverse fleet of yachts and competitors and this year is no exception. An international fleet of custom and production yachts will be racing on tight Solent Courses designed to emphasise crew work and boat handling. Entries are still coming in but already there is a fleet boasting over 20 different designs.

Rolex Commodores’ Cup competitors, Nick and Annie Haigh will be competing in their sixth Red Funnel Easter Challenge with their DK46, Dark and Steamy: “It is the premier regatta to start off the season and shake off the cobwebs.” Commented Nick. “We have a big squad this year and the Red Funnel Easter Challenge is a great way to get everybody together and start our Rolex Fastnet campaign.”

The Royal Engineer Yacht Club is entering three boats with a mixture of serving officers, retired officers and civilians. Bridget Forster is sailing on X-332, Ilex of Upnor, this will be her third Red Funnel Easter Challenge: “It’s a fantastic introduction to racing for people who have expressed an interest. It’s a very sociable regatta for sailors who enjoy yachting for the fun of it and there’s always something to learn from the coaches, no matter how experienced you are.”

All competitors will be welcome at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club; the Island Sailing Club’ the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club and the Royal London Yacht Club. For details of accommodation and dining facilities please contact the individual Club.

“The Red Funnel Easter Challenge is not restricted to RORC yachts. Any yacht which meets the requirements of the Notice of Race (see http://www.rorc.org/content/view/398/343/ ) is most welcome and the owners and their crew will benefit from the superb coaching and the friendly atmosphere. It is an ideal opportunity at the start of the season, to have a really good look at how to improve your sailing and ultimately get the most out of your sport.” Commented RORC Racing Manager, Ian Loffhagen.

Enter for the Red Funnel Easter Challenge online via the RORC website: www.rorc.org

The book traces the origins of the Club, its development, the sailing activities, some of the achievements, the social events, how things are organised, and members’ comments.

Available now, over the bar, from the office, at some events, or by post.

See if your name, boat or photo is in the book and read the anecdotes.

A lasting memory of the CCYC.

Limited edition.

Cost £7.95 ( + p&p £1.10 or £1.30 for 2 books )

All profits go to the Club.