Done Leering?

David Branigan

Congratulations to the Bargies on taking Class Zero at Dun Laoghaire Regatta.

From the DL website: "On the final day, Saturday's gale force winds and rain gave way to sunshine with the 460-boat fleet sailing their last races in glorious conditions on Dublin Bay. All was still to play for in nearly all of the 21 classes and the overall prize for the Volvo trophy. Three contenders were identified going into the final day, with the leaders of the IRC1, IRC2 IRC3 all looking like they could take the top regatta prize. In Class IRC Zero Paul & Richard Harris's, Tanit, won the last race of the regatta, but the overall title went to Alan Hogg’s Mills 40, Argie Bargie with Richard Fildes Corby 37, Impetuous, second in class and Peter Rutter’s Corby 36, Quokka in third. Dave Kelly, tactician on Argie Bargie describes the tense finale to the big boat class, which also gave Argie Bargie the prize for best visiting boat: "Going into the last race, there were four boats that were still in with a shout and we had a poor start to the race, probably last on handicap but we remained steady. "The breeze on the other hand did not, it was all over the place and the top mark was right near the shore, making it difficult to judge the best approach, some boats hit a hard left and made some big gains. It was tense out there but we kept going and the team effort today was superb, especially changing gears as the wind veered and accelerated around the bay.”

Tanit pulled 5th in Class 0 while Animal were 4th in Class 1 with Carmen II 8th equal. In the 15 boat J109 class, overall BDSS winner Christie Cancer Care took top slot with the Sore Arses 7th equal.

East Patch

Hamish Forbes

I'm not sure what photographic trick Hamish Forbes has deployed to give the effect of Prime Suspect hurtling backwards into warp drive but the evening light last wednesday on the East Patch is atmospheric. In the next one you can just about smell the smoke curling up from the Esteemed Commodore's pipe. Well you could until I cropped and resized the picure. They say you can often smell Enigma coming before you hear them...

Hamish Forbes

Crinan Classics

VIC32 is very much a Crinan Classic even if she isn't made of wood. Plenty of other widden boats enjoying the near perfect conditions here last weekend. A good attendance at the event says John Douglas who kindly sent in the pics.

New Forum Sponsor

You'll see on the forum that we have a new sponsor - Kip Marina and the Chartroom. Thanks to Kevin Blamire of the Chartroom for setting that up for us. Clicking on the banner takes you to the Kip website. Been quiet on the forum lately. Usual suspects on their hols or off to Ireland?

The Sonar

There have been some rather derogatory asides about the aesthetics of the Sonar on this page and from the recent YL issue it is clear that oor Andi is not a fan. To even the balance somewhat we thank Neill Ross from RNCYC (he with the camera) who has written the following to update us on the Sonar scene. Whatever you may think of the boat, the ownership/financing model makes huge sense and I hope to get out from a trial ride on one before too long.

" There has been much chat on the forum about OD. You will have seen the Sonars doing the rounds -these are all associated with RNCYC and their shared ownership model is one that is worthy of consideration.

There is a fleet of 9 boats co-owned by the club and members. The club owns half (of each boat-ed)and members the other half. This half is in most cases further shared by two. The deal is that the club has entitlement to use the boat for up to 28 days a year, with a maximum of 5 weekends, for training and team / match racing events. The boat is available to the member owner at all other times. The member owners use their own sails and the Club have suits of general purpose sails and 8 matching suits for team racing.

The Club provides a mooring and insurance but the general upkeep is the co-owners responsibility. Initially, when the boats were bought, they required a bit of tlc but now they are generally in good order and the running costs, ex sails, are probably £500 - £600 a year. If you were to form a syndicate of four you could buy into the scheme for £1k each and have running costs of £150 - that, my friends is exceptional bang for your buck. A full suit of sails can be bought from as little as £2200.

In addition to the 9 club boats there are currently 4 privately owned ones with possibly one more coming in the not too distant future. The privately owned boats are newer but the difference in performance is not huge and class racing is very close. The class has attracted a very strong contingent of experienced and successful helms and crews. They have been more than willing to share their knowledge and on club nights the emphasis is on inclusion. The more hardened sailors have ample opportunity to slug it out at regattas and specially organised class racing days where the format is usually a large number of short races.

The Sonar is a fun but easy boat to sail and has provided a great platform for youth involvement, training and competitive one design racing. There has, of course, been some negative discourse because of its adoption for disabled sailing but it should be remembered that it was not designed as a disabled boat, but adopted as one because of its qualities as an easily handled boat with a large cockpit that could be adapted to include aids for the less able bodied sailors. The Sonar was designed by Bruce Kirby (of Laser fame amongst others) and he is on record as saying 'The Sonar may well be the best boat I've ever designed'

There are opportunities for whole or part shares in boats so if you are interested please contact RNCYC. The boats are also available to outside organisations for corporate events, team racing etc at very attractive rates. "

yes that's the venerable Saint Joan hoicking on the jib sheet - both photos Neill Ross

CCC Bangor Race

John McMurtrie sends a phonecam pic of Carmen II on her way to Bangor. Anyone like to say how it was or are they all carrying on to Dun Laoghaire?

You Can Help Disabled Sailing With Your Computer Mouse

able2sail (www.able2sail.org.uk) offers anyone affected by disability and their families the unique opportunity to sail on a specially adapted yacht. The charity plans to take over 200 people sailing this season, ensuring that each and every person onboard during one of its trips has the same opportunities to enjoy the open water.

able2sail operates from Kip Marina in Renfrewshire and offers its services to any disabled young person from any part of Scotland. Once onboard, everyone is supported and encouraged in helping in all aspects of the boat, from pulling up the sail and steering, to plotting the route. There is an electric hoist which ensures that everyone gets on board safely, and a newly installed chair and joystick steering control which allows people with limited strength to control the yacht.

able2sail has reached the semi-finals of the National Lottery Awards 2009 in the Best Sports Project category . They have made it through to the public voting stage which starts on 22nd June and finishes 10th July. able2sail is the only Scottish Charity and indeed the only sailing project, in this category.

Able2sail needs your votes - Click on the icon below to vote now - before 10th July. It's painless and takes seconds

Jane Campbell Morrison, Development Manager. RYA Scotland

And if you're ever in Helsinki......

We assume the bread with coldsmoked horse tartar is like tartare sauce with cold smoked horse in it..

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