Maiden sail

Pics or it didn't happen as they say. Here's the view from Troikka's cockpit on our maiden sail out of Ardrossan on Sunday. It was a much nicer day than Saturday (you may have noticed) when, due to it being howling and wet, the sailing part of the coaching day at Clyde Marina was cut short and the participants retreated indoors for some lecture type stuff. Anyway Troikka seemed to sail well enough though I haven't got the hang of the Ferris wheel at all and am still in the 'I miss my tiller' frame of mind. Maybe it's because my previous 2 boats have been such a delight to sail with their tillers. There are not so many 30 odd footers which have the tiller responsiveness and balance of the SJ or that old Humphries half tonner (which btw is back for sale again down in Grimsby).

Here's Mrs S getting a tutorial from Alan Macleod on how to drive upwind. Alan was telling us about Tanit's new mast, bigger pole and expanded non-porous spinnaker so expect some downwind excitement from the dark blue boat. Below is the new Salamander (I assumeXXI). It's an Elan 410 with a carbon rig and very nice it looks too. As I have previously indicated, Saturday was not a good morning to be going out for a set-up type sail and they were soon back in with backstay issues - unable to bend the mast enough (possibly some outhaul problem as well?). Participants on Sunday were limited to Argie, FTSE, HooHa, the Merson SJ30, and perhaps Airtricity? I wasn't paying too much attention but some serious mark rounding practice was, I think, the order of the day. The second episode of the coaching weekend on the 18/19th should be better attended and very much worth going to. Troikka will be there.

Clyde Yacht Clubs Association

Donald McLaren the Hon Sec of the CYCA writes to point out that the events calendar linked from here is the CYCA calendar on the CYCA website. I should perhaps have made that clearer. The CYCA website is not difficult to find and is a useful source of information, not just on CYCA handicaps. The CYCA puts in a lot of work on behalf of all of us to keep racing on the Clyde going and we appreciate their efforts. We also appreciate them giving us a link from their front page.

The CYCA has also been putting in work to standardise safety requirements as this caused no little confusion last season. The document the CYCA sent out to clubs on this subject is worth reading sooner rather than later.

New Troikka - GBR1037L

Here it is, finally afloat in Scotland and a reasonably handsome craft too I think. She's still not ready to sail - you don't want to see a picture of the inside but it shouldn't take too much longer. I still have to figure out where some of the string goes and there is a whole lot of annoying wee things to sort and a mainsail cover to come from Jessail. The graphics are by Fiona Houston at autographsigns.co.uk and I'm very pleased with them.

Here's the lift in. Peter and his boys at Clyde Marina are very well organised and carry out their work with a cheerful professionalism and a level of courtesy exceeding that which I have experienced elsewhere. Chris Dodgshon is seen on board as it was stilll pretty windy and I had no confidence in my ability to park the boat once launched and that was just as well as there was a last minute problem with the engine starting battery.

Come on out - I know you're in there! I haven't used VC Offshore Extra antifouling before and found it much less rewarding to apply than the Nautix A4 TSpeed I have used on the SJ but I'm told it'll come out ok once immersed. Rumour has it that black is the preferred colour at Kip but in Ardrossan thay think white works best. Many thanks to all those crew who lent a hand in the preparation - you know who you are and it is much appreciated.

It really was windy. From my spot in the yard I have had a good view of Arran (sometimes) and the comings and goings of the Caledonian Isles but I'm pleased to be able to leave that view behind. I have been impressed with the skills of the ferry crew slotting that huge bulk into a tight space in seriously windy conditions. On the morning that pic was taken it was gusting F8.

We'll stick around at Ardrossan for April and head up to Kip for May and the rest of the season.

IRC Training Weekends

Following all the discussion and rumour we are really pleased that Sunbird and Clyde Marina, Ardrossan are actually making this happen over the weekends 4/5th and 18/19th April. Chris Dodgshon of Sunbird says 'The main aim of these two weekends is to help get your boat and crew in shape before the race season on the Clyde. It will also be a good chance to sample one of the best patches of water in Scotland. To help us run the events we are enlisting some of the best coaching staff in Britain. Barry Dunning RYA Keelboat Coach, North Sails, Marc Turner RYA Northern Region Head Coach and John Highcock Saturn Sails Head designer.'

The first weekend on 4/5th April is strictly training, run by Barry Dunning with Marc Turner and John Highcock. Briefing at 9.30 and all boats - Class 1 with Barry and Class 2/3 with Marc and John on the water by 10.30 concentrating on crew postitions , mark rounding and starts with a debrief around 1600. Day 2 is a similar format with addition of sail and boat handling. Furthermore, electronics experts will be available for instrument advice and Chris will advise on rigging matters.
The programme is not fixed in stone and the organisers are keen to hear about requests and requirements in advance to see if they can be built in.

The second weekend on 18/19th April features the IRC Ice Breaker Regatta/ Training Weekend. This is to be run by North Sails and assisted again by Marc Turner and John Highcock. Briefing at 9am and the first start at 10.30 aiming for 4 races each day. There will be on the water coaching through the races with VHF start commentary broadcasts! Both days will run to the same format with a prizegiving for the Ice Breaker Trophy on the Sunday at 5pm.

Checchinis, the local restaurant and bar have agreed to run a small bar offering drinks, teas and coffees in the event tent.

The entry fee is £110 for both weekends or £60 for one. This looks like pretty decent value to us and it should be a great way to get sorted before the season proper starts.

To get the entry forms, notice of race and all the info email: chris.dodgshon at sunbirdyachts.eu

Deadline for entry is 2 weeks before each weekend. Also note that in the weekend between ie the 11th there is a chance to get IRC weighed at Clyde Marina.