Editorial. Sandwich Bay Sailing & Water Ski Club May 2016

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1 Sandwich Bay Sailing & Water Ski Club May 2016 Editorial This is the best time of the year for our club, it s the start of the new season and everybody is full of enthusiasm and excitement for what is to come. All are hoping the weather will be kind to us so that we spend more time on the water than we did last season. As usual the year started with the Fitting-Out Party, where essential repairs have to be completed, making good what the winter has made a mess of. This year as usual, the main concern was the slipway, having suffered from storm damaged along with some fencing in the boat-yard compound, having been blown down. Kim Jeffrey tells me she has photos showing that a lot of the lower boards will need replacing soon as they are wearing thin, worn away by the sea and pebbles. Hopefully they have another season in them! 1

2 In fact as the day went on it was seen by everybody that the lower boards will need replacing, unfortunately the tide didn t allow us to do so this time as the lower boards were under water all the time. Earlier in the day the slipway team, because the tide was high had elected to start the day by repairing the fencing between the camping area and the Golf Course which had been blown over by a gale. The posts had rotted over a number of years and had snapped off. Twenty five posts and three rails were replaced and additional bracing was erected and rewired, all in very quick time, allowing plenty of time for a Hot Dog or two and the tide to drop giving access to the damaged slipway. Hopefully the lower section of the slipway can be sorted out before too long but a flat low tide will be needed, much lower than this weekend s tides. These were the larger jobs for the weekend but there were of course others including a thorough deep clean of the galley and bar areas, rubbing down and repainting the outside tables and seating (garden furniture) and replacing and re-fixing roof covering on the out-building. 2

3 The garage/storeroom under the Flag Hut has also had a clear out and tidy-up and the next tidy-up will be the Sail Hut. It will get the Bosun treatment, so make sure you have your gear, clearly marked. Our thanks have to go to those, the usual crew, that turned up on the day, namely, the Chaston s, the Morgan s, the Stokoe s, the Jeffrey s, the Woodman s, the Humphrey s, the Ling s, the Baird s, the Scrivener s and the Piggott s and their friends and families, who did a cracking job all-round. Thank you, one and all! News of Attainment from Amanda and Tony The proud parents, Amanda and Tony Drake, of Isabella, have been in touch to pass on the wonderful news that Izzy has gained her Yachtmasters Qualification, having done a 6 week intensive course in Tenerife (not a bad place to go to school). This follows 8 years of fabulous flotilla holidays where she has gained lots of experience. She passed her Day Skipper exam last November, then she was on the delivery trip of their new 46 foot Bavaria yacht, Lady Katerina, which she sailed from the boat yard in Slovenia to Greece in January with 3 others. 3

4 After a very difficult exam, both practical and theory, she passed her Yachtmasters with flying colours and now has a job in Greece as a Skipper, sailing yachts around Ionian for Activity Holidays Greece. Not bad for a 20 year old who already is a qualified and experienced Water Ski and Waterboard Instructor who also has her Advanced Diving and Rescue Certificates which she achieved on a trip to Thailand over the New Year. Well done Izzy, I think many of us would choose her way of life if we had the chance, over again and I m sure she was encouraged by her family, friends and her younger days at the Club. Amanda and Tony go on to say that Isabella works at, Get Active in Greece if anyone wants to look them up. Their own boat is on charter with Nisos Yacht Charters based in Nidri, on the island of Lefkada in the Ionian. You Never Know When it Might Happen Accidents happen when you least expect them! This was the case Sunday 17 th April, Fitting-Out weekend when Julian and Nichola Baird decided to launch their boat. On the Saturday before the incident Julian, Nichola their son and his friend had been helping with the jobs at the Club and knew that the slipway had been repaired, meaning that there were no boards missing and said they would put their boat in on the Sunday. On the Sunday, they arrived and hooked up the boat to take it to the slipway, they were asked if they needed help to launch the boat but declined it as there was 4 of them to do the launching. It s usually been said that if there are 3 people who have had winch/launch training then that s a good number to put a boat in the water, from the slipway, four would normally have been good. 4

5 On this occasion the trouble started when the trailer carrying the boat got stuck on the ramp because they were launching at low tide over the part of the ramp that could not be repaired the day before, because it was under water at low tide, which it was on this occasion. At the time the trailer came to a halt nobody told the winch operator to stop playing out the cable, thus causing a large amount of slack and not supporting the weight of the trailer and boat, the combined weight would probably have been about 2.5 tonne, a lot. This photo shows the ramp as low as the tide went and doesn t show the offending boards but lower tides are expected which should expose the very bottom of the ramp, allowing the necessary work to be done. Not realising what had happened to the cable, Julian went to the side to bump the wheel over the bowed up sub-merged board. Because the cable had so much slack, the trailer and boat swung violently sideways, knocking Julian to the ground, injuring him. Luckily, the First-Aid box had just been replenished and our Commodore Jim Chaston of Fire and Rescue fame was on hand to dress the wounds to Julian s lacerated arm and leg. He also had a bleeding 5

6 nose but said it didn t hurt but while Jim was completing the Accident Book, a large lump began to appear on Julian s head and only then did he say that he had hit his head. Jim examined him again and wasn t sure that his pupils reacting as they should. Not being sure Jim said he needed to go to A&E to get checked over. Having attended A&E, Nichola told Jim that the Hospital gave Julian, a thorough examination including CT scan, X-rays and gave him the all clear. We wish him well and if you see anyone launching their boats until the ramp can be repaired, give them a hand. Many hands make light work or at least safer. It should be remembered that the person at the winch cannot see or hear what is going on at the bottom of the ramp, you must raise your arm to indicate STOP winching. There is another problem, sometimes people walking along the sea-wall will stop to speak to the winch operator and you lose concentration and you might miss a signal. Coming soon There isn t any events planned for the next couple of months as we ll all be busy getting our boats and equipment ready for the season proper. July 2 nd Hog Roast: This event is usually well attended with a number of Members camping overnight. A chance to get out on the water and then an evening to let your hair down and relax to music, pulled pork and a drink or two. 6

7 July 9 th and 10 th Kent Schools Sailing Association Hosting this event has become a regular thing over the years which inspires both the kids and our membership to give the youngsters a chance to get on the water show us their skills. Aug 27 th, 28 th and 29 th Bank Holiday Camping Weekend and Regatta: Always a fun weekend and this year the Committee are working on extra activities, taking in sailing, ski-ing and power boating. Come and join in! September 17 th and 18 th Bart s Bash: For the Andrew Simpson Foundation, this event is held for the charity throughout the world in memory of the late Andrew Simpson, America s Cup sailor who was so tragically killer while training/testing for the race. October 22 nd AGM and Laying-up Supper: It s that time again, time to pack things away for the winter and find out how the year has gone for ourselves and fellow members at the Club. 7

8 November 12 th Bonfire Night: A great time was had by all last year. Fireworks, blazing fire, warming food and drink, what more would you want on a winter s night. All this for just 5.00 per adult and 3.50 per child. We need to know if you are coming, as this determines the amount of fireworks let off on the night! November Quiz Night: This well attended event is organised by Admiral Jim and Les. Being a very busy couple they will let us know about the details and when the Quiz will be held. Other years the refreshments consisted of Chilli and a bottle of wine on each table. More about this soon! December 11 th Christmas Party: A party for the whole family, this pre-christmas get together is a great way to start the festivities. As we did last year, bring along some food to add to the buffet table, from which we help ourselves. This American supper type buffet works well and there is always enough to go round. Father Christmas with his little helper will be on hand to give a small gift from you to your kids or whomsoever you wish to give a present. NB. Please note that it is best that you tell the organiser that you intend coming to these events so that you can be accommodated for! 8

9 Very High Frequency Navigation On the Monday after the Fitting-out weekend, several members came together for an evening of exchanging local knowledge of the navigational problems and radio do s and don ts concerning their use. None of this breaker, breaker on the one nine, come on, come on, good buddy. Enough of that, I ll be wanting to go back trucking. Attending the meeting were, Pete Watson, Jim Chaston, Richard Jeffrey, Brian Smith and Jamie Kember. After a very informative evening and knowledge being passed on, members reported that they had navigated their way home without mishap or indeed, diversion. Not sure when the next meeting is but I m sure they will find their way back to the venue without a hitch. 9

10 Club Shirts and Hoodies Much interest has been shown in Club clothing, to this effect Francesca Pierson has made some enquiries and has come up with these prices:- TYPE KIDS ADULTS Printed Tee Shirts Printed Polo Shirt Printed Hoodie These are estimated prices and are to be printed with the Sandwich Bay Sailing & Water Ski Club logo. To pre-order your shirts contact Francesca by ing (remember there is an underline dash _ between francesca_drake) who will be able to confirm the prices, colours and sizes. Bungle s Boat Make-over Taking a little longer than 60 minutes, Bosun Bungle has done a bit of a job on his fishing boat. Converting the steering from tiller to wheel and the addition of seating and a cosier, out of the weather cabin, just right for the girls to shelter from the elements while Dad carries on fighting the cruel sea. While there is still some work to be done, it s hoped that all will be ready by mid-may. The whole family are looking forward to loads of fish this year 10

11 Wednesday Night Sailing May 4 th and the sailors are arriving, all smiles and happy that the season of races have started. Sadly, Brian Smith, a regular competitor couldn t make it for personal reasons and the Drakes and Gambrills are away on holiday. Nevertheless, we have a couple of extra novice sailors, namely, Bob Griffin and Jamie Kember. Jade Jeffrey has put her name down this year and having a little sailing experience could be one to watch. Two are using the Clubs Toppers, Jade and Jamie while Bob has bought his own Topper which he collected on his way this afternoon. Cath Marchbanks and Rob Pierson completed the line-up. Bungle and John Piggott are manning the safety-boat as Tony Drake and Mick Gambrill are away. First job, set the marker buoy and todays course. Bungle as Bosun has set the course and will take on the race management. and the boats were ready to go. The weather was as near perfect as could be expected for the novice sailors and with an on-shore wind from the south east, getting off the seashore was a problem for some. Once on the water all our jolly sailors struck out for deep water and lining themselves up, to start. Meanwhile the sailors were making last minute adjustments to their crafts. It was only a short time 11

12 Having forgotten any sort of flag, gun, horn or loud-hailer, Bungle screamed GO! and the race was on. While the breeze was a little chilly, the sun was warm, the wind was light and the sea barely choppy, you could say perfect! Helping each other the Competitors soon overcoming a few niggles with their equipment and that onshore wind. Bob did however have to chase his Topper towards the river estuary but nimble footed he soon got control and was on his way with the help of father-in-law, John. Now they were all afloat the race was on. Rob soon got the lead and didn t give it up for the rest of the evening. Jade did her best to catch up to Rob and Cath, although last on the water was soon making up the distance. Bob and Jamie, both had minor problems with equipment on their boats which caused them to finish racing and make their way back to shore. This caused a further problem when their boats came close to the fishing lines, causing a fisherman to complain to our sailors who pointed out that he was fishing to close to the launching area of the beach. Still complaining he was shown the sign on the sea-wall gate, notifiying fishermen to stay 200 metres away from the ramp. 12

13 Race over, the positions were as follows, Rob was declared the winner with Jade coming a close second, Cath third, Bob fourth and Jamie fifth. All contestants did very well with nobody capsizing but with the couple of breakages of equipment this meant that Bob and Jamie did fewer laps, near mind lads, there s always next time. 13

14 Boats packed away, all showered and changed, we all sat down to a beer, paste, spuds and beans. Great evening, all are welcome, remember, only two of the Club s Toppers were used so if you would to give it a go, pop along on a Wednesday evening, between 6 to 6.30pm and claim that Topper. Special thanks go to Pat Piggott, Barbara Griffin and others for working hard to get the evening meal cooked, washed up and put away. 14

15 It was mentioned that we are very lucky this year because last season we didn t get to race for 4 or 5 weeks after the start date for sailing, due to the high wind or lack of it, we had both! NOTES 15

16 Officers and Committee 2015 Commodore Jim Chaston Vice Commodore John Piggott Hon Treasurer James Stokoe Hon Secretary Cath Marchbanks Bosun Richard Jeffrey House Chair Francesca Pierson Bar Manager Dave Humphreys Rear Commodore Ski-ing Peter Watson Other Committee Members Brian Morgan Bob Stokoe Dave Luck Derek Piggott Jason Morgan Admiral Jim Jeffery Club Website The Foghorn Sandwich Bay Security NB. If for any reason the above details change or you wish to revise them at any time, please contact me so that your details can be updated. Derek on 16