- Wayfarer race results and report for 14th December 2008
Sunday saw four boats disappear into the chilled gloom for a points
scoring exercise, Keith Cameron owner of the Silver Greyhound sniffed a
win and was rewarded. Steve Haley with a few spare second places was to
collect yet another runner-up score. Bruce and Terry first donned with
Wetsuits and ready exercised changing drills and were stood down on the
basis of "not much fun to be had". The Scores are on the results page
tab. Crystal Ball gazing now should see one of the best races of the
Winter Series this Sunday. A Good NW Stiff Breeze is predicted by the
Met office and this could lead to some serious planning conditions.
Milder conditions should ensure a maximum turnout and some Hot racing!
Trailers at the ready will see the fleet disappear inland for
hibernation and remedial works in preparation for the Easter 2009
series. Happy Christmas to our readers even friends in Oz.!
- Bruce Gridley, W6288 "Devon Pickle"
- Wayfarer race results and report for 30th November 2008
A cold day with Northerly F5-6 with a forecast to increase to Gale 8, rain
was the conditions for Race 7 in the 2008 winter series now living up to
it's name. Devon Pickle still ashore fixing the main Halyard with
Whaleshark in the pits also being helped by David Veal to free the twisted
main halyard. Wahleshark and Devon Pickle had a Le mans start off the
slipway to run south to the Box just in time for the Warning signal. As the
fleet eyed the course,57Z a couple of runs down the line and then away from
pin end Devon Pickle showed the way to go, only an Enterprise doing a "Port
flyer". Wide Buoy followed closely. The Run to Quality Residential saw Wide
Buoy looking bigger in Pickle's radar. It's called shadowing I think. It
works! Keith Cameron had gone afloat and started with Angela Garcia to
prove his Army Spirit and ensure his 50% attendance no doubt! only to retire
as the very cold conditions proved Dry suits and good clothing were needed.
A turn to Stan's mark for a one sided beat tested the crews ability to hike
out and then get in quick as the switching gusts swept through on approach
to Poole Quay! A short run to Wills mark was a warming up opportunity
(called rest bite) with the kite up for just a couple of minutes before a
two sail reach back east to Princecroft Willis (not much planning though)
and a beat to the Line for round one. Around again after a 35 minute
stretch in an artic test chamber to do it again, you must be joking! Almost
shivering at the John Pipe international mark (old bay post position) it was
a warm feeling to cruise slowly back south kite up see the old sandbanks
ferry acting as Sentinel for QR mark in the grey loom. Dodging the other
fleets of lasers, Fireballs and Flying Fifteens crossing ahead the gap was
widening throughout the fleet until disaster struck Wide Buoy on the run to
Wills with a capsize and urgent return to shore in retirement and a hot
shower! Philip Powell maintained an upright stance with his trusty steed
Half' n Half collecting the Silver with Whaleshark rewarded the bronze for
all that effort of untwisting the halyard. With just three possible races to
go it's a done job for Devon Pickle in the Series. But still a fight for
second and third places goes on.
1st W6288 Devon Pickle Bruce Gridley and Terry Berrett
2nd W8803 Half and Half Philip Powell and Paul Goodwin
3rd W6946 Whaleshark Richard Spencer and crew
- Bruce Gridley, W6288 "Devon Pickle"
- Wayfarer race report for the Sunday Winter Series race on 16th November 2008
A Force 3 Westerly looked stable and enticing, five boats turned out and
proceeded for tacking practice all the way to Hutchins mark, Keith Cameron
with navigator Heather Gurney made for the upper Wych channel and closed
Hutchins in second place. Steve Haley opting for the Box end and inshore
/middle route losing out. Half n half at the Pin end was well away before
running out of steam ( or something?) in the now increased 3-4 breeze. A
spinnaker reach to Piccadilly was very broad and in less wind was straight
forward enough for anyone in the Mild temperate conditions. A tighter
rounding of Pottery Pier with the kite up was ordered on Devon Pickle before
a beam reach escape to No. 26 Buoy and then onto visit the Royal Motor Yacht
Club (Ellis Jones mark) before returning to Poole YC (Oyster mark ) and then
back to Salterns marina (Drake Mark) before tacking home against the
increasing ebb tide. Remember this :- Course 29H , H is for hard meaning
long beating, At 1300hrs the first Wayfarer crosses the finish line. Guess
who that was! Boring!
1st W6288 Devon Pickle Bruce Gridley and Terry Berrett
2nd W9447 Silver Greyhound Keith Cameron and Heather Gurney
3rd W9536 Wide Buoy Steve Haley and Colin Clifford
- BruceGridley, W6288 "Devon Pickle"
- Winter Series - Sunday 2nd November
Winter has now arrived but we are still out there, four boats for a very cold
NNE forecast 5-6. Well it was 2-4 and the direction was variable between NW and
NE as the Land mass formed dead patches. To Bay Post first (now called John
Bull or something!) and the box end was favourite , only room this time for a
jar of Pickle and the rest followed on. More Fireballs than Wayfarers almost!
To Stans mark and the kite was used for the middle third of the leg by Bruce
and Terry in Devon Pickle. Third leg and it’s a three sail broad and then
beam reach, Steve Haley getting to grips with catching up. A sharp about turn
at Glovers and a fetch back to Quality Residential mark and then final leg of
the round to the Line, now a lope sided towards port tack. Spread out and stony
grey clouds above, cold toes below, heat loss was becoming the concern and the
course was shortened after two rounds of four!! Vola Vola was lying third
steaming along without kite and Half and Half chasing with kite up to Glovers
for the last time.
1st W6288 Devon Pickle - Bruce Gridley and Terry Berrett
2nd W9536 Wide Buoy - Steve Haley and Colin Clifford
- Winter Series - Sunday 26th October
Another successful outing for the winter series, not one cancelled yet! Race 5.
Only three boats and the wind is light? Must have been the Force 7 and rain
throughout the night put competitors off. Steve Haley executed a brilliant PORT
FLYER to surprise Bruce Gridley in Devon Pickle and the Enterprise and Fireball
fleet gathered around the PIN. Devon Pickle gathering speed continued across
the main channel only to be “HOOTED” by Barfluer, However this was
the way to go, rounding Morris lane well ahead of all the other starters who
opted for the baiter shore. The Westerly wind strengthened to a good Force 3
and oscillating for the Spinnaker broad run to Quality Residential and then a
good 3 sail beam reach to Sanders Sails and beat home to the shortened line.
1st W6288 Devon Pickle - Bruce Gridley and Terry Berrett
2nd W9536 Wide Buoy - Steve Haley and Colin Clifford
- Winter Series - Sunday 12th October
Six boats waited for the wind and after an hour’s postponement for fog and
lack of wind the fleet got away. Devon Pickle executed a port flyer from the
pin end as the wind had swung 45 degrees. Steve Haley from the box end hit the
Wych channel to close in and round Lathams second for the run to Stans mark in
a F2 breeze. After Bay Post (John Pipe mark) the wind filled in and
strengthened for the second sausage leg. Frank Westfield in Vola Vola was lying
third but lost his way enough for Silver Greyhound to be placed third. The race
was shortened after the two rounds.
1st W6288 Devon Pickle - Bruce Gridley and Terry Berrett
2nd W9536 Wide Buoy - Steve Haley and Colin Clifford
3rd W9447 Silver Greyhound- Keith Cameron and Angela Garcia
- Winter Series - Sunday 5th October
The Winter Series started in earnest with four competitors on the water, it was
a windy start with a good Force 4 from a small Low pressure system blowing
itself out, Devon Pickle lead away from the Pin end with Steve Haley close by
coming to the line with last minute change of Tiller, helming Wide Buoy.
Rounding Quality Residential mark W6288 was flying the kite on a reach to
Glovers somewhat in the shadow of Brownsea Is, the other Wayfarers behind being
shy, or perhaps hoping to take a place should Bruce have lost his touch keeping
the old jar up the right way. The wind was failing like a spinning top losing
its momentum! A fetch to “M “ mark was the last leg before another
turn round the course, Rig tensions were dropped, Chocs reinserted, Halyards
slackened, Fairleads re-positioned, bailers closed, Catering manger called up
to make some tea, you know the drill, the last bit is untrue. A procession and
maybe more of a race was going on for second place. As predicted the wind
veered NW and the sun came out! The course was then two fetches and a Run on
the third round. And yes we had to get across the main channel before the Ferry
mowed us down again!
1st W6288 Devon Pickle - Bruce Gridley and Terry Berrett
2nd W9536 Wide Buoy - Steve Haley and Colin Clifford
- Wayfarer Race Report - Saturday 27th
September
The last Wayfarer race of the season was held and included the "Up to
three" trophy award.This was won byPhil Powell, with super-crew Sue
Poulson. In a strong ebb tide and light Easterly wind and glorious sunshine the
race got underway with Dave Bishton showing a classic good start with a fast
full way-on approach clearing the line while Silver Greyhound and Devon Pickle
were bobbing about. Peter Smith in Boogie Woogie was clean away from the box
end on port tack and in good contention once in the full ebb tide of the main
channel. Slowly but surely Bruce Gridley steered Devon Pickle in to the lead
and rounded Glovers mark first. Keith Cameron was second on approach to Quality
Residential, showing some old wisdom on tidal racing no doubt. Stans mark
proved an obstacle as Devon Pickle did a penalty after rounding, having had
most wind taken away by a gang of X boats. Once clear of the menacing fleet
approaching, a light breeze powered Devon Pickle home to the shortened course
finish line. Maverick finished third after recovering from some team racing
tactics of Peter Smith at Glovers!
Next year promises an interesting season with the arrival of yet more Hartley
Boats!
1st Devon Pickle - Bruce Gridley and Terry Berrett
2nd Silver Greyhound - Keith Cameron and Pauline Synder
3rd Maverick - David and Sally Bishton
Bruce Gridley
- Twilight/Lamplight Series -
Wednesday 17th September
"PINBALL WIZARD"
Imagine a Pinball machine of the sixties, balls climbing the gradient to the
top of the display and then dropping back into the slots and holes and then
rebound back and forth changing course. Now imagine 50 balls in the machine at
once! Now turn the lights out slowly .....
Colin May climbed away first up to the first mark and spinnakered back to No26
with a collection of other boats already in close quarters. Jackie sailed
Karena high to windward to be inside boat (Big Boat experience I suppose)
rounded ahead of Blue Jay and Devon Pickle and reached with kite to 27 Buoy.
David and Anne Moss were in the mix also, Dave playing it careful, the low
water and so many boats in such a small space, minding his woodwork no doubt on
this Olympic style course. The tide now flooding fast and last rounding of 27
Buoy saw Dignity undignified clinging to no.27 buoy allowing Devon Pickle to
pass freely and shrewdly tacking into the tide and wind to move up from 5th to
2nd place for the finish. Having a mathematician on board has its advantage
after all! It was all too much for some and with only the lamplight of Poole
docks to see by a hasty retirement to the club with paddle in hand was the
order of the day!
1st W6330 Karena - Jackie Dobson and Terry Berrett.
2nd W6288 Devon Pickle - Bruce Gridley and Lin Roberts
3rd W7698 Blue Jay - Ray and Jill Scragg
Bruce "have you got a torch" Gridley
- Janette Lock trophy - Wednesday
10th September
The first twilight race was held and a couple of handfuls of Wayfarers were
greeted with warm evening sunshine and a welcome drop in the force 5-6 winds.
As the fleet headed away to the upper reaches of the harbour to meet the
requirement of the Trophy, Brittany Spears (THE X CHANNEL FERRY ) got in the
way and curtailed the fleet crossing the channel to Latham mark. After some
pirouettes by Nurdle and Devon Pickle in the wash and bad wind, Karena lead
away pursued by Bruce Gridley and new crew hand Lin (never sailed a Wayfarer
before ) in Devon Pickle. After the long reach to Hutchins, Devon Pickle missed
trick whilst training the new crew crossed close to Karena to make it a
competitive race. Spinnakers up after Balls Lake was a reach to Morris lane in
the Southerly Breeze. Rounding T2 and then Haven mark got the boats back to the
line and then clubhouse in plenty of time for a good beer and excellent sailor
supper. A very pleasant evening!
1st W6330 Karena - Jackie Dobson and Terry Berrett.
2nd W6288 Devon Pickle - Bruce Gridley and Lin Roberts
3rd W1019 Nurdle - David Thompson and crew
Bruce Gridley
- Wayfarer Race Report - Wednesday
30th July
Best turnout of 2008 so far saw thirteen boats vying for a place on the heavily
biased line where tide was flooding and the wind only light SE Force 2-3.
Jackie Dobson equipped with new sails and super crew Terry Berrett set off with
a clean pair of heels into the X boat moorings to cheat the tide. Blue Jay was
following and after a couple of clearing tacks Lucky Dip made best use of the
wind shifts to keep up, with the old dog, Bruce Gridley, pressed into action in
the crew seat. From further down the line Wizzard and Dignity made good ground
and were in the mix off Salterns before splitting away to seek out NC2 Buoy.
Local knowledge some inherited I’m sure from her father, Basil Hodder, saw
Jackie in W6330 taking the long way round via Evening Hill to come in first at
the windward mark. Blue Jay was stalking her and rounded second. Lucky Dip was
third round and that set the order of finish after rounding MDL Youth and Chris
Somner mark and the final Moveable mark in Parkstone bay as the warm wind
slowly faded in the warm July evening.
As the Olympics start next week the Gold, Silver, Bronze were handed out with
Colin May in dignity getting the Brass-ed off trophy for fourth place. Jackie
was no longer the bridesmaid in this series with this win! Well done and good
luck to all the competitors for Poole week and National Championships in three
weeks time.
1st W6330 Karena - Jackie Dobson and Terry Berrett.
2nd W7698 Blue Jay - Ray and Jill Scragg
3rd W8181 Lucky Dip - David Moss and Bruce Gridley
Gruce Bridley
- Wayfarer Race Report - Saturday
19th July
A blustery day again with two races to test our stamina. Eight Wayfarers set
out for the first of two Olympic course races, which proved to be strenuous and
very wet. Solent Scenes was asking loudly what our intentions were as she
suddenly loomed on our windward side after rounding the first mark and Phil in
Half 'n' Half behind us decided to give way to her after a brief attempt at
passing her bow. He courageously went for the gybe at Chris Somner and gave his
new crew some swimming practice. They were quickly back upright and heading
back for the shelter of the club. Despite the excellent spinnaker training
given by Dr May in the morning we decided to take the wimpy but safe option of
leaving it in the bag, but had the usual view of the braver sailors
disappearing downwind at a rapid rate under kite power.
The second race began with a few less of us, some deciding that chickening out
to be the wiser option and heading for the slipway. This race proved to be just
as eventful with lightweights Mindy and Sarah in Virginia Plain going for a dip
in the main channel in front of us on the last lap (I knew I was right about
the spinnaker!) and Barrie and Mark in Expeditious having a swim themselves on
the beat back to the finish line. One crew member (not me) in a tense moment
during the race found out that the F Word is a nautical term and not reserved
for Gordon Ramsay's kitchen! Helm will remain nameless.
Sally Bishton W9738 Maverick
- Jennie Allen Virgins (our first Bay
Race!) - Saturday July 14th
Being as well organized as we are, the Blue Jay team arrived for a regular
harbour race only to hear from our esteemed deputy class captain (EDCC) that
'it's an outside race today and there is a special notice of race'! (Check
the sailing calendar and website from time to time - Ed) If there were any
doubts, the latter document confirmed them - 'this is a test of navigation and
stamina' it read -'anyone in doubt should not go'. There were doubts in our
boat a-plenty. But as compass and anchor were acquired - thanks to Richard and
Lynaire - and victuals were frantically gathered, the number of excuses for not
going diminished rapidly.
The course was N28 (P), North Haven Beacon (P), then the following three in any
direction (!) - BP Wych Farm (out in the bay), Pollittbureau (near Studland)
and Bournemouth. EDCC again came up trumps with a bearing sheet gleaned from
the cruisers. According to Dave Bishton, the most challenging mark to find
would be BP Wych and the "easiest" way to find it would be to head
off at right angles from Bournemouth Pier more or less south a couple of miles.
That indicated the clockwise route for Blue Jay. So after an easy broad reach
passage past the ferry in the company of one of the larger of the Sunseeker
brethren, decision time came first for Dignity in the lead - the onboard
computer on that boat was working overtime.
After some delay (Colin is rumoured to have changed his mind - Ed!), the
gybe to Bournemouth ensued. Blue Jay gybed too, as planned (we also didn't
fancy the beat back up the Bournemouth shore). Any doubts about this route were
confirmed by Barrie and Mark behind deciding to stand on to Polittbureau - this
anticlockwise route being picked up by Evenstar too. But Maverick and Half
& Half also fancied the quick way to Bournemouth pier. Dignity took off
ahead of us and a few seconds later Blue Jay too was on a full force four
spinnaker plane down to Bournemouth in dead smooth water but having to bear off
all the time - what a playground Poole Bay can be in a north westerly! Watery
Moments set spinnaker from Bournemouth to BP Wych but his course looked far too
southeasterly and Blue Jay sans spinnaker headed on a closer reach seeking out
the buoy. Suddenly we saw Expeditious evidently on-route from BP Wych to
Bournemouth well to the west! (Maybe this bi-directional course has its
advantages!) We later saw Evenstar well to the south of BP Wych (they almost
missed seeing the mark -Ed)!
The route to Pollittbureau was a starboard fetch but again Dignity sailed very
free and fast as if heading for Swanage. Blue Jay headed more directly, but
could we believe it - Dignity picked up a wind bend on approaching Studland and
pulled well ahead. The route back into the Haven from Polittbureau was made on
one undulating port reach/ beat with an easy sail past the ferry. But where was
Expeditious? Which route had paid off? Eventually we saw a pale-coloured
Wayfarer some way behind - but was it the newly gleaming Persil-white hull of
Evenstar (EDCC) or Expeditious? Eventually, Jill confirmed that the sail number
appeared to have similar numbers to our own but in a different order!
Expeditious 9768 was behind! The clockwise route had paid. (Note to ourselves
for next time = take binoculars!)
Ray and Jill Scragg
- Wareham Race Saturday 21
June
Just 4 boats ventured out on Saturday for the Wareham race. This was due to
various reasons including the blustery conditions. Ray and Jill the defending
champions turned out to sail virtually to their back door! Colin and "mad
for it" Sue raced in Dignity. Dave and Sally are ever present on Saturdays
and took Maverick up the river. The final pairing was Dave Moss and his
specialist heavy weather crew, Glynne, in Dave's very shiny boat!
This final pairing got a reasonable start and began to eke out a lead on the
beat up the harbour. This lead might have increased had it not been for Dave's
un familiarity with the marks resulting in the boat having to go back two
hundred yards to Wytch! This left Dignity, Blue Jay and Maverick in that order
and in close proximity to sail off towards Rockley. Spinnakers were raised for
the reach towards WH5/7 except for a cautious Dave and Sally, who's boat seems
to go just as quickly without. It was here that Glynne's weight began to pay as
the chasing wayfarer screamed along on a 3 sail planing reach! Weight, muscles
and spinnaker flying expertise were all needed as Maverick was overhauled and
the leaders caught (they had weight anyway - Ed).
Up into the channel then where the chase continued. The Bishton's showed that
not only can they sail fast downwind but can sail closer to the wind than even
Colin's sense of humour! The river was not as busy as previous years which
helped as the tacking commenced. A few strange and bemused looks were seen from
G & T sipping boat owners moored in the river as four mad dinghy crews
tacked frantically up stream, only to gain, in some places, a few feet towards
the finish! Colin and Sue held on to take the title from Ray and Jill who were
gradually reeled in (mainly by some deft genoa flying) by the ace crew in the
very shiny boat. A tacking duel in the very tight confines of the river was to
decide the final placings and Blue Jay was passed feet from the finish!
Mark and Mindy were on hand to officiate and supply much needed refreshment.
The crews reward came in the form of cake, doughnuts and cookies. Colin chose
all three and told Sue to get another cookie and tell everyone that it was for
her, but he was caught out.
Thanks to all for turning out and to the Fisher's for manning the safety boat
and floating cafe! This race is different from our normal round the cans races
but I think that all this year's crews will agree it is very good fun!
Glynne Marples
- Wednesday 11th June
A fresh NW west breeze climbing into good Force 4 gusts and sunshine set the
scene for ten Wayfarers on a three times round course. The line was well set
and the fleet spread along it. Boogie Woogie got a good start to clear the line
closely followed by Lucky Dip, Wizzard and Virgina Plain. As the fleet
converged on Stan’s mark along with the Albacore fleet Wizzard arrived
first, Virginia Plain close behind. The next leg was a very broad reach/run and
spinnakers were up on most boats. Mindy Fisher was closing Quality Residential
Mark with some Albacores and Boogie Woogie dancing off the starboard side. The
next leg was a reach with some opportunities to get planing making it an
excellent evening! The Albacores forced the transit high; don’t they know
where Sandemans mark is? The fleet spread out with Colin May playing catch up
after somehow detaching his rudder for a while and a near collision with
starting platform. At the finish Virginia Plain had established a good lead
over the rest of the fleet, once again! A good time was had by all! Except
Colin:?
1st Virginia Plain Mindy and Mark Fisher
2nd Boogie Woogie Bruce Gridley and Pete Smith
3rd Dignity Colin May and Sue Poulson
Bruce Gridley and friends
- Single Handed Race 17th May
In 10 knots of SE wind the Wayfarer brave (or stupid) headed out for the annual
single-handed race. Bruce Gridley PRO and roving reporter set them off to NC12
for the beat, Peter Smith in Boogie Woogie was nearest the pin and got away
with Glynn Marples tacking late in Evenstar - it’s not as easy on your own
with super crew Pauline Synder on the Race platform as ARO. The wind now up
above 12knots, it’s getting tougher. The fleet head down the reach to
Haven but wait where are those spinnakers? On to Hamish the wind drops off and
the new flood is problematic on the rounding. PRO and ARO have been despatched
as the Cross Channel ferry wants to join in. Safely round and the RIB returns
to the platform for tea only to be despatched again (not even a sip for Bruce).
Simon Nightingale has done his annual keel inspection. Well the tea got drunk
eventually! So on the last beat to the line Peter Smith is looking good for a
win, oh dear Glynne has gotten used to this lone sport and has just tacked to
finish a boat ahead on the shortened course of just under the hour race. Well
done Bruce - one start, two rescues, a cup of tea and a finish, all in less
than one hour!
Bruce Gridley
- Wednesday 7th May
Summer had finally arrived and seven Wayfarers slid out across the mud at low
tide to the postponed start. Colin May and Sue Poulson had a good start and
diced with Mindy and Mark Fisher for a while, beating down the North Channel
against the incoming tide. Mark and Mindy's superior boat speed enabled them to
establish a commanding lead by the end of the first round. Although the sun was
beginning to set the Race Officer declined to shorten the course at that point,
which wrong-footed the leaders who found themselves on the wrong side of the
North Channel. Team Wizzard took advantage of this to sneak past Mark and Mindy
to snatch the lead and hold it until the finish at Bell.
Richard Readings
- Saturday Series 26th April
A lovely sunny day and enough wind to make the Round the Island race
interesting. Tom Lock and Mindy Fisher in Virginia Plain were first away at the
line and remained in that position for the entire race to score a convincing
win. Dave and Sally Bishton were in second place until negotiating Green Island
when they foolishly let Colin May and Sarah Wallis get by them in the mayhem of
tacking amongst the other classes of boat and didn't manage to catch them after
that. Colin, in borrowed boat Dignity, was hard on the heels of Tom as the line
loomed.
Sally Bishton
- Easter Series
22nd - 24th March
Racing was cancelled on Saturday due to strong winds. Glynne Marples won both
races on each of Sunday and Monday to convincingly win the series! Richard
Spencer challenged Glynnes' supremacy in race 3 on Monday, but the blustery
north westerly led him to take a swim and retire. Will Glynne be able to
continue his winning form when the series racing starts in April?
Results
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