Messages

Sorry for the late advice, but we have been preoccupied with other far less enjoyable events recently.

The arrangements for Grafham this Saturday are as follows:

1st race 11.00, lunch break, races 2 & 3 back to back, early dinner followed by prizegiving.

I was informed earlier this week that the Optimists have moved their meeting from Datchet (no water) to Grafham at short notice so we will be sharing some facilities. However we will have our own separate race area and most of the Oppie activity will be in a marquee leaving us with most of the clubhouse. Because this will stretch the catering, the evening meal will only consist of only one course but there will be a choice as well as a vegetarian option and the price has been reduced too. We will be served after the Optimists ( i.e. about 5.30 - 5.45) and are able to take our meals to the more pleasurable atmosphere of the upstairs bar area.

I look forward to seeing a bumper turnout.

Kevin

Like I said, Graham/Zoe & Tom/Liz still win!

Anonymous posters are the subversive scum of the earth.

Kevin

I never did get my head around the arguments for a minimum mast weight. So far as I can remember there were two justifications put forward: one was that having a minimum weight would stop people building them too light and having them constantly breaking; two was it would prevent people spending zillions of pounds in developing a super light section that would be unstoppable.

The first is clearly not a valid point. Anyone who constantly breaks masts doesn't win races too often. The current rules did not stop builders leading the pole elastic through the mast walls and causing a weak spot where they kept breaking until people realised this was not good. Now no-one builds them like that. The point of this is that it is possible to build a mast under the current rules that will break when it shouldn't. Rules do not and should not try to prevent this as they then can and do have unintended side effects.

In my opinion, the second reason is also invalid because a) the money would be better spent on the hull; b) the all up weight still applies so it would only reduce the pitching/heeling moment, which is not a hugely significant factor in 12 sailing; c) Graham/Zoe or Tom/Liz would still beat them anyway; d) we don't have any rich saddo's in the class.

I too have a Chipstow mast and I have a premanently fitted compass and a lump of lead right at the foot to get it down to weight. The C of G is still above minimum height.

If the minimum mast weight is viewed as a problem per se, then it would be set at the weight of a metal mast, which it isn't. Let's get rid of the minimum weight and the C of G and rid ourselves of one of the areas of expense from adding unnecessary bits onto perfectly servicable bits of equipment.

Kevin

Congratulations to Graham & Zoe, Silver National and Burton Cup winners 2005.

Kevin

I would put money on Graham. Tom has to finish either 1st or 2nd AND ahead of Graham to win. It should be easy enough for Graham to seek him out before the start and make sure that does not happen.

Kevin

You like living dangerously Bim.

I think those of us sitting in our air-conditioned ofices rather than supporting the class at it's main event of the year should be grateful for the fact that anyone can be bothered at all to sit on a beach early each morning with a laptop and write reports for the benefit of us armchair sailors.

Rant over! Are we going to see you back in a twelve this year Bim?

Kevin

Recommended PY numbers are on page 10 of the current handbook booklet.

Kevin

Hi James,

Most of the front end of the fleet is currently at Burton week, which would explain why you have yet to receive a reply to your very valid question.

The basic answer is yes, you need more rig tension. This may be applied either throught shrouds as you suggest, or if you have an adjustable jib halyard through that. However, given that more rake is needed as the wind increases, and you were sailing in a force 4-5, the shrouds would seem to be the best option.

The next question is obviously how much more tension is required. Most people seem to go for just enough to stop the leeward shoud flopping around and this seems a sensible place for you to start. however, beware of pullin on just one shroud as the mast will then be bent to one side. If the wind is too strong for you to pull on the windward shroud, then pull on the leeward shroud first, then tack and pull on the other shroud byt the same amount.

Glad you enjoyed the breeze, that's when our boats come alive and get exciting to sail.

Kevin

I see Mr First Beat is starting where he left off last year. First at the first mark and 6th at the finish, Groundhog day or what?

Kevin

Form Guide - how about Fran and Sophie becomming the first all female crew to win the week?

Kevin

I know of about 15 boats who have indicated their intention to be there and hopefully there will be a few more who don't do the internet too.

Kevin

What a fantastic venue. It's difficult to think of anywhere more family friendly but offering great sailing water at the same time. My thanks to Bernard Clark for suggesting it and to Jennie Clark for all the help in organising this weekend.

Well worth the trip "Up North"!

Kevin

P.S. Results & report should be posted on this site sometime this evening.

THIS IS A REMINDERTHAT THE DATES FOR THE GILL SERIES EVENT AT FILEY ARE

16/17 JULY

AND NOT AS SHOWN ON THE PRINTED FIXTURE LIST.

Start time on Saturday is 13.30 with a briefing at noon, but you are advised to get there as early as possible in order to get onto the beach easily.

DO NOT PAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE OTHER THAN THE N12 ENTRY DESK (LOOK FOR THE GILL FLAG) AS DISCOUNTS HAVE BEEN NEGOTIATED WITH THE COUNTRY PARK FOR PARKING, CAMPING, ETC.

For further information, directions, accomodation, etc, check out the Gill pages on this web-site, the information in the Gill Series packs sent to all full NTOA members earlier this year, or call or e-mail myself or Bernard & Jennie Clark.

It would be appreciated if everyone intending to participate would post a message here or email me on kiles1uk@yahoo.co.uk.

Kevin Iles

Give Janet Bloor a call, she will sort you out.

Kevin

Probably time for some observations on some of the comments made so far:

First, the suggested entry of only 6 boats has come from the club. I don't know where they got that idea from but I believe we had about 20 boats attend last year and I have consistently reminded the various club reps I have been dealing with of this. If you count up the people in the earlier postings who have said they will attend and add in the two who have confirmed the same to me privately the total is about 10 so far. That means we are nearly covering the cost of the weekend based on Martin's figures but not allowing anything for prizes, profit, etc.

Next, Gill series status. About 13 months ago when we started planning for this year (yes, we do start that early!) it was suggested Pevensey should be given Gill series status. However, once I eventually got hold of the correct contact details, the club made it clear it would not entertain an open meeting for less that 35 boats and was really looking for 40. It was the opinion of the class that we are unlikely to reach 35 boats even with Gill series status. With the Larks having dropped it from their calendar we had to look for another class to partner with. Unfortunately, as explained above, one was not forthcoming until the last minute and certainly the Gill series was fully scheduled by then.

I hope that helps clear up a few misconceptions. Please continue posting comments, especially if it is to confirm you intend to go to Pevensey.

Kevin