the Newsletter of the Benfleet Yacht Club

Transcription

1 Spring 2003 the Newsletter of the Benfleet Yacht Club In this issue: Triumph at the prizegiving New RIB sees action. BYC s rich heritage. Overheard in the bar Pam and Alan go west Geoff Haynes Penlena More prize winners Bradley s Topper success Deben history Summer cruising snaps Trolleys new and old Paper boats and seagulls Engine talk. Ode. Dinghy news. Please name your boat. Dinghy racing programme Cruiser programme Dates for your diary Commodore Wendy Webster presents Bobby Phillips with the Walter Leigh Pot in recognition of her dinghy sailing achievements. New RIB is a real winner. Last year BYC gained a new RIB as a support boat. Part of the cost was borne by the club. There were also donations in memory of Jack Phillips and from local businesses. Our grateful thanks goes to all the sponsors. Richard & Gavin at the cold Formidable February race Already it has been put to good use supporting the dinghy racing and the new year will see it used for the Nore Race, Cadet Week and other locals events. Richard Brochen has been looking after the RIB and is a regular support boat driver. His contribution is greatly appreciated.

2 Heritage. This is my third Newsletter and I think I am beginning to get my eye in. We have a superb account by Paddy Marrison of Penlena, a boat built by Geoff Haynes, one of the club s earliest cadets. There is a fine report by cadet dinghy sailor Bradley Field as he shares with us his successes. The sailing programme for 2003 looks as full as ever. We have many happy memories of The warm summer cruise and BBQ s. The dinghy races. We also shared some sadness. George Baker was a past editor of the BYC newsletter as just one of his many contributions to the club. I had the pleasure of reading several old issues given to me by George a few months ago. I was struck by the good-hearted tone of the writing and a sense of continuity. BYC is no heritage site but we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who went before and made this club what it is today. Phil Bostock The 2002 AGM was an ordered and businesslike occasion. Sue Hancock was confirmed as Club Secretary and Alan Wright was elected Treasurer. The Finance Committee must be one of the most active teams in the club! It meets every Monday night and diligently churns through all the paperwork. Please let the club know if you or other family members change address. Give your partner or youngster a treat with associate membership! AGM Dec 2002 Overheard in the club bar: "You may use my berth, go in bow first" "What way round is that?" "I may come to the next club function. I am not sure if the blazer still fits but Finance Committee keeping the books straight. tie will!" the "I'm not going there, and if I was I would not start from here." " Website! !! This is the Benfleet Yacht Club you know!" John, Eileen & Jeff prop the bar.

3 Pam & Alan Go West On a sunny Sunday afternoon in November Pam and Alan Tovey with Sarah and Phil King loaded up their tenders and motored west from the BYC barge. Benfleet creek snakes for about five miles towards Pitsea, joining Vange creek. Vange creek joins Holehaven Creek and then the Thames at Holehaven. In times past this was an important trading access to Pitsea with several wharves along it s length. Only a small boat can make the journey now. Turn north at Vange Creek and you come to what is now a country park. This area was part of the Pitsea Hall estate until the 1880 s, then was used to store explosives and military equipment. In 1980 it became the Watt Tyler Country Park with a motor boat musem. It s well worth a visit. For about five years we had this idea to go for a picnic at Watt Tyler Country Park by dinghy. It took about an hour to get there. All very scenic cows and horses, an antique ambulance, jet skiers, rubbish dumps, sewage farm! But it was all very good to be just messing about on the river. Pam & Alan Tovey The problem was the tide. You get about two hours access. There was just time for a celebratory glass of wine on a little landing stage and then they headed back, arriving in twilight. Sarah & Phil King We had the barbecue at the club which made a lovely end to the day. Celebrating arrival at the small landing stage Map of local creeks

4 Geoff s Story By Paddy Marrison In about 1946, our uncle, Geoff Haynes, who was one of the first Benfleet Yacht Club cadets in 1923, came out of the Navy with his gratuity and sold nearly everything he possessed to build a boat. He sold his ex-8 metre, "SPOSA", his house and his old s.s. Jaguar sports car and, with his wife Eileen and his daughter Penny, went to live in a large shed in his mother's garden. What sacrifices people will make for boats! At that time, just after the war, there was a great shortage of wood, so everybody who wanted to use wood had to apply for a licence from the Board of Trade, for the exact amount and the kind they needed, usually to build a house, or in this case, a boat. He managed to get it by emphasizing how he d fought for his country and sacrificed so much. Anybody who knew Geoff can just imagine him doing that. He built it on a narrow piece of land between the local builder s (ex club member) sheds and High cliff Road, off Essex Way. Another ex club member, John Dickens, was a small boy of about four years old at the time and was very impressed with the large wooden structure overhanging the footpath, with shavings blowing everywhere, just opposite where he lived. The boat was a Bermudan sloop, 40ft long, designed by Reg Freeman, Seadog designer. When it was finished it was put on a low loader and trundled down through the village to the creek. Here Geoff had coerced the cadets, and

5 anyone else strong and healthy, to dig out the three foot deep mud from the old Ferry slipway on the north side of the creek and to the west of the present bridge. These efforts uncovered a coarse shingle surface where carts, lorries, buses and cars crossed the creek at low tide. This was suitable to drive the low-loader down to the barge hard standing in the middle. When the tide came in round it enough for the boat to float, Eileen named it Penlena. The low-loader was later towed away. After some months, when it was rigged and fitted out, Geoff and his family went to live on it in Holehaven. They raced it with BYC crews locally and in some North Sea races from the East Coast Clubs for a few years, maintaining the good reputation acquired with SPOSA by winning several races to the continent. Then they sold it, in order to buy a boatyard, to an officer belonging to the Royal Engineers Yacht Club in the Medway, who used it to travel all round the UK and Europe, including the Baltic, as he told us when we met him in Stangate Creek. About four years ago John Dickens was taken out to a dinner party by friends he was visiting in Cornwall, and he realized that some people at the table were talking about a boat called Penlena, and his ears pricked up. What a coincidence! He found out that these people had friends who had

6 bought Penlena from the Medway, fitted it out very thoroughly for a year and then set off for the West Indies, with a teenage daughter and twins about eight years old. They enjoyed a successful trip to South America and the West Indies, but on their way home they met a violent storm in the Bay of Biscay. So near, after having travelled so far! Penlena was knocked down and the mast broken. She stayed afloat for a few days, with them pumping manfully and bailing. Then they were sighted and picked up by a Chinese ship, which took them to Europe somewhere. They told everybody that they survived because the boat was built so strongly. I remember the huge chunks of elm that the keel was made of. When John told us the story we realized that Penlena had sunk the week that Geoff died, aged 88, in New Zealand. Paddy Marrison. John and Paddy Marrison sail 'Kingdom Come'. Eric Kemp, long serving club member, sails a Drascombe longboat. Prizegiving Queenborough Link trophy received by Keran Riley, who was first there this year in Spindrift Dave Chamberlain receiving the Geoff Haynes Cup as best placed BYC boat in Combined Clubs Cruiser Series Petticoat Pot presented to Julia and Anne Holt Lucy Carty, sails Top Totty and won both the Underwood and Fisher Trophies.

7 My year on the Southeast Topper Class Circuit by Bradley Field Having sailed my Topper at Benfleet YC for the previous four years, I wanted to gain more sailing experience outside of the creek. With the help of my parents, at the beginning of last year I started sailing on the Southeast Topper class open circuit. At the beginning of the year, I took part in a number of training events held at various yacht clubs in the London, Kent and Surrey areas. I felt that I learnt a great deal from these, especially race starts and boat handling techniques such as roll tacking. Throughout the year, I have competed in a number of 'open meetings'. These were great fun, often racing against 60 other boats. I achieved a real mixture of results, where on one race I would be at the front of the fleet and in the next I would be close to the back. My best moment was during one race at Bough Beach Sailing club, when I was holding 5 th place towards the finish line and at the same time covering one of the National squad guys on every tack to stop him getting past me. It was very frustrating for him, but a great feeling for me! In May, I took part in the Topper Inland Championships at Grafham Water. This was a two day event with four races each day. There were a total of 244 boats entered. Because of the high number of boats, the racing was split into two halves. On the first race, I was in 8 th place, when whilst halfway down the final run and gaining on the leaders, I over kited the boat causing it to capsize. This one mistake cost me 61 places: I finished in 69th out of 122. On the first race of day two, someone capsized onto me ripping my sail in the process. My spare sail got left at home. That was the end of my weekend s racing. My overall placing in the year s Traveller points series was 10 th place overall out of 52 boats qualifying. In November I received a letter from the RYA informing me that I had got a place in the RYA Topper fleet Southeast Zone Squad." The circuit is really good fun and I have enjoyed myself, plus I have made lots of new friends and have visited numerous other Yacht Clubs along the way. For 2003, my season has already started again (in the January snow) with number of Zone Squad training events before I start on the racing circuit again. In August, I will be going to Sunderland for one week to compete in the Topper Nationals. Happy Sailing, Bradley Field - Cadet Member Aged 14 The quickest way to the daggerboard!

8 Deben Deben (Old English deope or deep river) The King of East Anglia was dead. They pulled his royal boat for a mile up a hill to the brow where they filled it with precious jewellery, fine weapons, personal items and a carefully selected range of coins to represent his trading successes. And then they buried the boat. That was 625 AD. The mound of earth was reopened 1300 years later and Sutton Hoo hit the headlines as one of the greatest archaeological treasures of Britain. No body was found it may have dissolved away in the acid soil. The man was probably Raedwald and clearly considered a great man. His time capsule grave showed he traded widely in Europe and had military power from Kent to Northumberland. His line can from northern Germany and the language they brought became Old English with a dialect that can be traced to the Friesian Islands. The boat was 88 feet (27m) long and must have weighed over ten tons. It was clinker built from oak and the overlapping planks were clinched together with iron rivets. It had room for 40 oarsmen and probably carried a mast and sail that could be erected and rigged when the wind direction was favourable. It has a classic design that is echoed in local boats to the present day. Further along the brow of that same hill in August 2002 we looked down on the boats of the Benfleet Yacht Club in Woodbridge Tidemill marina. A thunderstorm raged around us as we raced down the track to the river, avoiding the tall trees that might attract the lightning. Guffs of rain spattered over us. The tide was returning and soon we were able to leave our temporary shelter in the wrecked hut that marked the old ferry crossing and pull the inflatable out of the long grass where we had hidden it. We carried it across patches of mud to the rising water and paddled unsteadily against the gentle, but quickening stream, exploring a few filling rills and pools. We had got quite a lot muddier by the time we paddled back to our boat near the mouth of the marina where we tied up, climbed out and hosed off. Not quite a regal homecoming for us! Phil Bostock

9 Ramshalt Beach BBQ at Ramshalt, on the Deben, August 2002 Summer cruise snaps BBQ on the barge at Queenborough Woodbridge Barbeque at the Higgs family home at Woodbridge, August We thank them for their hospitality

10 Ipswich Rob Scriven received a book from Jeff Cook on behalf of us all. Rob has been Cruiser Captain for four years and all his and Alison s hard work and hospitality is greatly appreciated. Ipswich August 2002 Trolleys Mike Cox Bob Mace and Mike Cox have spent many hours building a new trolley for Bob s newly acquired Moody 333 Steelaway. The name could almost be a reference to all the metal used for the trolley it certainly looks very solid. It got the full paint treatment and should last for a very long time. In this historic photo Bob still has a moustache, now removed after 30 years! Bob Mace Bosun Keith Cushing asked if all trolleys could have towing eyes welded on. There are several without eyes and the wire hawser must be wrapped around the frame for towing which is not a good practice. If members have welding skills and would be willing to fit tow hooks for members would they please let Keith know. Thanks. Paint that does not come off on hands and clothes would be very welcome. Also a bit of grease on the axles would be a good idea. Some trolleys seem reluctant to roll down the slipway despite the weight on board.

11 Paper boats & seagulls Seagull Slaughter 1st Andy & Al Morgan 2nd Richard Lake 3rd Oliver Higgs Other makes Matthew Scriven Paper Boat Race st Jonathon Hann with Leigh Quay 2 2nd Rebecca Graham Boots 3rd Nick Webster Sea Wolf There were several radio controlled model sailing boats joining the fun on Sunday 2nd February. If there is interest maybe we could run a model boat sailing competition with a final this day next year. Who would like to organise this? Support boat: Keith and Carol Cushing Steve Cushing operates the new chair lift in the club house. It is surprising how much use this gets now it s available. A visit to Hyde sails Charles Candler, life member writes from New Zealand and was delighted to see Great Britain back in contention in the America s Cup. He was able to follow the racing more closely that we could as there is more public interest in sailing in NZ than in UK. This is reflected in coverage on TV.

12 Engine Talk In the bottom of most boats lies a mysterious lump of iron that can evoke a strong emotional reaction one way or another. Motor-boaters have given up flapping sails as a lost cause, while real sailors, with a certain crazy gleam in their eye, will hang on to the day s dying breathe rather than start the engine. For most the balance between the fun of sailing and the convenience of motoring is easily found, but when we want the engine to start, then we really do need it NOW. I asked around the club and got good advice specifically about boat engines. Most people worry about the batteries. I talked to Mike Blatcher, who makes batteries for a living so should know a thing or two. Keep the battery fully charged and it will last a long time. When you lay up the boat charge the batteries, then repeat this a couple of times through the winter to top them up. Marine batteries have more robust plates than car batteries with more space between plates for the debris. Marine diesel used to be just the same as ordinary diesel but with red dye. The problem is that sulphur in the fuel burns to sulphuric acid and condenses out inside the engine. This can rot bearings and eat away at fuel injectors. Ultra low sulphur fuel is available that has only one tenth the sulphur and it doesn t smell! But it does attract more tax. Red diesel for boats will be available until 2007 when it might be phased out. Cooling systems always seem to give trouble. Paul Field had leaks and no access for repairs so he has had to take out his Volvo engine, which has indirect, fresh water cooling, replace the water hose seals and re-install it. Ian Campen has stories about his old diesel engine that would read like a Norse saga. Enough to say his new engine, a Yanmar 2GM20 is running very well. The new unit with fresh water cooling runs like a dream. We are now adding a hot water system to our "wish list" - I know how to show a girl a good time! Yanmar 2GM20 Roger and Peter on Blue Kent are rebuilding their Perkins 4/108. It weighed about 7cwt (350 kg) but it came out through the hatch very cleanly. The engine is being extensively overhauled. I hope it is a bit less smoky this next year! An Ode To The Old Green Buoy. Where the old green buoy used to lay Southend bound to show the way, Now lies a screw eye standing bare To strike our hulls if not aware. There is also a large concrete block Against which of course you shouldn t knock Because, my friend, your boat will sink Faster than your eye can blink. So if you don t have to use the creek It s best, my friend, to miss this week While Ivor and his mates will simply try To remove the lump and offending eye. (the Sundance Kid)

13 Dinghy News Part of the winning team. BYC took first place in the single-handed class of the inter club trophy races sponsored by Leigh SC. The other classes were also well represented and we had a great day s sailing. Martyn Garnsey holds a trophy, one of several, presented at the Interclub awards evening at the Island YC. Another very good night celebrating BYC achievements. Presenting the Fisher s Green Challenge Trophy, a golden rudder, to Fisher s Green to keep it safe for a short while. We meet again at BYC on 18th May. Smiling faces at a Winter Series Race Cadet week The Leigh to Benfleet race was a great sail, as always. Thanks to LSC for organising and Sue Hancock as lone Race officer at the finishing line!

14 Dinghies at BYC There are 134 dinghies at BYC and, perhaps predictably, Toppers, Lasers and Mirrors are the most popular. But there are a large number of boats with only one or two of each represented. That s what you get with a club full of enthusiasts and sailing nuts every boat bargain imaginable. Most are in good condition, some are waiting for that second burst of enthusiasm to get them shipshape. Thanks to the owners who allowed their boats to relocated in a repair area which eased congestion in the main park. Naming boats seems to be a problem. Surprisingly most boats, over 70, are not named at all and this makes it very difficult to keep track. PLEASE NAME YOUR BOAT! Any really great names on boats added this next year will probably get an honourable mention next newsletter. Must be hard to resist an offer like that! Races: Starts will continue to be Go. Fast handicap 1155 and less. Slow handicap 1156 and over. Winter Series near Christmas BYC dinghy park

15 Dinghy Racing Programme Race Date Nominal start time ** First Spring Series Sun 16th March 09:35 Second Spring Series Sun 30th March 10:55 Third Spring Series Sun 13th April 09:00 Fourth Spring Series Fifth Spring Series Fri 18th April Good Friday Mon 21st April Easter Monday 13:00 15:10 Rear Commodore s Cup Sun 27th April 09:35 Sixth Spring Series and Fisher s Green Challenge Trophy Sun 18th May 13:30 Vice Commodore s Trophy Sun 1st June 12:40 Commodore s Trophy Sun 15th June 12:30 Nore Race Sun 22nd June *** HW = 07:25 Frye Trophy (Race to the Ray) Sun 29th June 11:45 Leigh Open #1 Sat 12th July 10:00 *** Leigh to Benfleet = Leigh Open #2 Sun 13th July 11:00 *** Kerry Cup Sun 27th July 10:45 Cadet Week Regatta Sat 2nd August 14:30*** Peter Cotgrove Memorial Trophy Leigh Open #3 & Leigh Open #4 Sun 10th August 10:00 *** Sat 16th August Sun 17th August 14:00 *** 15:00 *** BYC visit Fisher s Green Sun 21st Sept 11:00 *** Inter Club Team Race Sun 12th Oct 12:30 *** ** BYC races usually start 1 hr 30 mins before high water at the discretion of the Race Officer. *** Times are for guidance. Actual start times will be the responsibility of the local organising club.

16 Yacht Races & Cruising Programme Event Destination Date High Water Shakedown cruise Queenborough Sat 26th April 10: m Warm up race / cruise Chatham Sat 3rd May 14: m Upnor race & cruise * Medway, Upnor Sat 10th May 07: m Calais Rally Vive la France Sat 24th May 08: m McCarthy Trophy race London, Limehouse Sat 7th June 06: m Boatacs Trophy Stangate creek Sat 14th June 13: m Nore Race (note: Start 10-5-Go) Harty Ferry race & cruise Thames Estuary s Premier Race Sun 22nd June 07: m Swale, Harty Ferry, Conyer Sat 28th June 12: m Wilson Trophy Queenborough, BBQ on barge Sat 12th July 12: m Blackwater race & cruise Petticoat Pot Ladies race Brightlingsea, to be confirmed. Sat 19th July 05: m Stangate wine & cheese Sat 26th July 11: m Yetton Trophy race Stangate to the Ray Sun 27th July 12: m Southend Town Cup To be announced Sat 9th Aug 10: m Peter Cotgrove Memorial Trophy Southend seafront or similar. Suitable boats only. Sun 10th Aug 11: m Bank Holiday Cruise Watch the notice boards. Sat 23rd Aug 09: m Inter Club Cruiser Race To be announced Sun 7th Sept 10: m Queenborough race * Have a wild guess Sat 27th Sept 14: m Dates for your diary * Note change from handbook Event Date Time Spring Work Party Sat 5th & Sun 6th April 08:00 Calais Rally briefing Fri 16th May 20:00 Benfleet YC At Home evening Fri 13th June Evening Nore Race Prizegiving Fri 27th June Evening Cadet week From Mon 28th July Commodore s Tea Day Sun 14th Sept Midday onwards Autumn Work Party Sat 18th & Sun 19th Oct 08:00