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52nd Shearwater Nationals - 2008

Pevensey Bay S.C. 
 

51st Shearwater Nationals - 2007 
 

August 19th - 24th, Newhaven & Seaford S.C.
 

The 51^st Shearwater National Championships were hosted this year by Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club. 19 boats with crew and accompanying families attended the week long competition, which began on Sunday 19^th August 2007. 

A practice race is held before the competition proper. This took place on the Sunday at 12.45hrs, in a fresh South-Westerly. Shaun and Dion Allen on Take5 were first away, closely followed by Jamie Farnborough and Alex Flay on Genesis, and Alan Howland and Jenny Allen on Alley Cat. The lead order did not change until the penultimate lap, with Alley Cat overhauling Genesis on the upwind leg, and gybeing inside Take5 on the down-wind to take the Gun, and “Pevenesey Bay Trophy”.

 Race 1 of the Championships was started immediately after the conclusion of the Practice Race, in the same wind conditions and moderate sea.  Take5 was first away at the Gun, arriving on the line at speed assisted with establishing a commanding lead early on. Geoff and Amy Tindale on Dilligaf lead the pack early on, closely challenged by Genesis. Take5 were unassailable in their lead to secure the Lilliput Trophy, but the minor places were hotly contested. Genesis taking second place. Malcolm and Murray Greenhill on Sheargold, and Jack Tindale and Emma Taylor on Think Pink secured third and fourth respectively, having successfully worked their way free of the remaining fleet.

 Monday 20^th August brought a postponement of Races 2 and 3, because of a North Westerly Force 6 gusting 7, which blew long into the night. The hospitality and facilities at Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club doing much to compensate, and busy the day ashore.

 By Tuesday morning the wind had abated to a 10 knot North Westerly, with light showers. Race 4 began as scheduled, and Take5 repeated their performance of Race 1 from the start. Sacrificing position for speed at the start, and securing clear air quickly to consolidate an early lead. Genesis, and Greg and Alex Wilcox  on Foreigner maintained close pursuit through out, but were unable to assail Take5’s lead to the final gun, and Shearwater Association Trophy.

 The postponed Race 2 was run after a break for lunch in a freshening North Westerly. Again Take5 was first to the windward mark, quickly establishing a commanding lead with Genesis in close company. The pack began to close, with Diligaf , Alley Cat and Roger and Bonnie Crooks on Ruby, all overhauling Genesis, but unable to catch Take5 who secured the Marlow Rope Salver.

 Following on immediately was the previously postponed Race 3. From the start Genesis found the favoured side of the beat, and ws first to the windward mark, closely followed by Dilligaf and Alley Cat and Take5 leading the pack. Genesis consolidated the lead to win the Eagle Of Lubeck Trophy, despite constant challenges from the pursuing fleet.

 Wednesday dawned with bright sunshine, and not even a zephyr to break the seas oily surface. By midday it was apparent there would be little change, so the Race Officer cancelled racing for the day. Wetsuit and harness was swapped for buckets and spades, and fun at the sea-side. 

Thursday brought a steady Force 5 from the North West and the start of the scheduled Race 6. From the gun Genesis was clear away and first to the windward mark, followed in close company by Think Pink and Take 5, with Derek and Grace Williams on UFO leading the pack. Revelling in the gusty conditions Take5 closed down Genesis, leaving Think Pink, UFO and Ruby to fight over the minor places. On the second beat Take5 was able to force Genesis over the lay line on the final tack, forcing Genesis to sail free in the blustery conditions, which resulted in her capsize when chasing Take5 to the windward mark  Think Pink was able to defend second place despite being closed by Dilligaf, but neither could catch Take5, who secured the win and Founders Trophy. Despite the capsize, the crew of Genesis righted her quickly and still managed to finish in sixth place.

 With moderating conditions the Race Officer elected to hold the postponed Race 5 before breaking for lunch. It was readily apparent that if Take5 could win this race, her crew would have secured the Championship, but the pressure did not show with Take5 first to the windward mark. Genesis followed with Alley Cat and Foreigner in close pursuit. Dilligaf and Think Pink leading the pack. Take5 built a commanding lead to take the final gun, Largs Trophy,  and the Championships with two races to spare.

 Race 7 commenced after a break for lunch, and very restrained celebrations by the crew of Take5, hungry for more silverware. Alley Cat was first to the windward mark, closely followed by Genesis and Take5. Sheargold and Nigel and Sarah Stuart on Simsek leading the pack.  Alley Cat retained the lead, victory and Holyhead Trophy, despite constant pressure from Take5 and Genesis.

 Friday brought the concluding Race 8 of the Championships, and battle for the minor places. Bright sunshine was accompanied by a steady Force 2 from the North West. Despite having achieved overall success Take5 was first away from a crowded start, and leading at the first mark. Closely followed by Alley Cat and Dilligaf. These three rapidly pulled away from the pack, benefiting from clear air. By the third lap Dilligaf had taken the lead from Take5, and was able to defend it despite advances made by Alley Cat, until the finish. Thus securing victory and the Stokes Bay Trophy.

 A busy social schedule in the evenings accompanied the sailing, as well as the generous hospitality of the Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club members. Particularly thanks must go to Race Officer – Garry Hill and his ever cheerful assistant Josephine, as well as Class Chairman Greg Wilcox, for his co-coordinative skills and ever willing Shore Team.

 In conclusion, congratulations to Shaun and Dion Allen for winning the 2007 Shearwater National Championships. They displayed un-erring focus, despite disruptions to the sailing schedule, to deliver a comprehensive victory, and in some style.

50th Shearwater National Championships

Stone Sailing Club - August 2006.

The Fiftieth Shearwater Nationals began with much pomp and circumstance, thanks to the excellent facilities provided Stone Sailing Club. A Champagne Breakfast on Saturday heralded the start of proceedings, followed by scrutinizing of the 22 boat entry. The fizzy breakfast, combined with an unusually dry summer, combined for some interesting results at the weigh in. Many thanks to Geoff Tindale and Richard Hamblin for maintaining sanity, and completing an arduous task at the best of times.

Saturday evening saw the Fiftieth Anniversary Ball, held in giant Marquee on the lawn of the Sailing Club. Shearwater Sailors past and present enjoyed a glittering soiree in the presence of guest of honour, Francis Prout. His after dinner speech, filled with humours stories a plenty, provided a first hand account of the development of the Shearwater Catamaran.

The success of the design, and the subsequent multi-hull designs produced by Francis and Roland, continue to bare testament to the remarkable skill and ability of the two Brothers. The celebrations continued long into the night, with old friends and new, toasting the remarkable achievement that is the fiftieth anniversary of the Class. 

The following morning competition began in earnest with the infamous “Practice Race”, so called because tradition has dictated that the winner is unlikely to succeed in becoming a National Champion. Undaunted Alan Howland on “Alley Cat”, with trainee crew Shaun Allen, led the fleet for much of the race, held in a Force 2-3, at the mouth of the Blackwater. Challenged only by defending Champions, Daniel and Amy Tindale on “Think Pink”, they were able to defend their lead and take the Gun. 

Race 1 saw “Think Pink” quickly away from the Line, followed by Geoff and Jack Tindale on “Dilligaf” and Jamie Farnborough and Alex Flay on “Genesis”. A battle for first place ensued between the two Tindale boats, each eking out miniscule advantages provided by tide and wind variance in the fickle South Easterly Breeze. “Alley Cat” worked up the minor places defending third position from Genesis and Richard Hamblin and Roger Brown on “China Crisis” and Dion and Anna Allen on “Take5”. Think Pink taking the Gun from Dilligaf. A vibrant Commodores Reception marked the end of the day’s proceedings. 

Monday arrived with the same light to moderate South Easterly, and Races 2 and 3 of the Championship. China Crisis was first away from the Gun, with Think Pink and Dilligaf below the pack being pushed toward Brightlingsea. Roger and Bonnie Crooks on “Ruby” were a close second, followed by Take5 and Nigel and Sarah Stuart on “Simsek”.

In the light airs Take5 soon worked into the lead, despite an awkward tide, while Think Pink was able to take advantage of clear air to work quickly around the pack, and challenge Take5. Eventually taking the lead from Take5 on the penultimate lap, and victory. 

Race 3 saw an emboldened Take5 tack of early from the start, and arrive at the windward mark first. Think Pink, Dilligaf, China Crisis, and Catherine Howland and Kate Bowden-Smith on “Cajensa et al” battled for the minor places, while Take5 acquired an unassailable lead to take the Gun. The evenings entertainment comprised a Fancy Dress Party, the theme in keeping with the fiftieth anniversary, being a “1950’s night” with music to match. 

Tuesday brought Race 4, and fittingly a Force 4, once again from the South East. Malcolm and Murray Greenhill in “Sheregold” were first away from the line, in their brand new Andy Web built Shearwater III. But Genesis, revelling in the heavier weather, was able to gain the lead at the windward mark. This while being pressed by Think Pink, Alley Cat and Dilligaf. Despite constant challenges, Genesis was able to consolidate their lead, and eventually take the Gun. The evening brought balmy weather, large outdoor B-B-Q, and quiz night on all things “Shearwater” over the last fifty years. 

Wednesday was the half way point in the competition, and defending Champions Daniel and Amy Tindale, narrowly held overall lead, but insufficient to guarantee success. A light breeze heralded the start to Race 5, and Alley Cat first away from the pack Think Pink, Sheregold and China Crisis in close company. A changing tide and variable breeze provided difficult conditions that Cajensa et al revelled in. Picking their way carefully through the pack, they were able to overhaul Alley Cat and Think Pink to take the lead. Leaving them to fight for the minor places, while taking the final Gun. A Live Band was rewarded by energetic celebrations from the crew of Cajensa et al, during the evening festivities. 

Thursday provided for excellent sailing in a constant Force 4. The beginning of Race 6 saw Think Pink, still defending a slender over-all lead, first away from the Line. Closely followed by Dilligaf and Alley Cat. The leaders order remained unchanged, while numerous battles took place in the pack. Richard Hill and Jason Quinn in “Orwell” defending a slim lead over John and Clifford Hill in “Space Odyssey”, Clair Robinson and Emma Taylor on “Frantic” and Greg and Alex Wilcox in “Foreigner”. Orwell eventually getting the better position to lead the pack to the finish line. 

The penultimate race of the series still required Think Pink to achieve a fourth position or better to secure the Championship. The strengthening breeze favoured the heavier crews of Genesis, and Elliot and Kent Mathews on “Water Lotus”, all capitalising on the advantage in the first beat. A capsize put paid to Genesis early lead, and clearer air saw Waterlotus overhauled by Judith Joplin and Gary Hill on “Fleur de leys”, and Joe McLewin and Fiona Freud on “Matisse”. Despite the place changes it was Derek and Grace Williams on “UFO”, and Chris and Vanessa Jones on “Airflow” who let the pack. Alley Cat struck out in front of the leaders by the second lap, maintaining the advantage until the final gun, despite strong challenges from Dilligaf, Take5, Ruby and Think Pink. Daniel and Amy Tindale securing the required fourth position to secure the Championship. The traditional high jinks of the Shearwater Games night were accentuated by general admiration for the level of skill and consistency displayed “Team Tindale” on Think Pink. 

Friday marked the final day of the competition, and Race 8 to decide the minor places. The close fought racing through out the week had brought no clear order to these positions. The fresh south westerly was used to the full by Genesis to acquire an early lead, closely followed by Alley Cat, China Crisis, Take5, Simsek and Sheregold. The lead was briefly lost to China Crisis, but recovered on the third Spinnaker leg, and maintained to the Gun. Clint Foreman and Charlotte Duck on “New Dawn” led the pack in the initial laps, exchanging it with Foreigner and Barry Duck and Daniel Stone on “New Flame”, the latter enjoying the ever-increasing wind strength and short sea. But it was Ruby in the final lap who led the pack to the finish gun. 

Daniel and Amy Tindale secured the 50^th National Championships despite a closely contested eight race series. The skill displayed by them both was exceptional and fitting for such an auspicious National Championships. 

The organisation provided by Stone sailing Club was genuinely faultless, and particular thanks must go to Jan Tindale for all her efforts in providing a rich social schedule to compliment the weeks racing. Here’s to another fifty years!!

Magazine Issue

Derek and Claire are responsible for the new look magazine this year. To assist them in compiling each issue, please send all articles, factual, amusing or otherwise to;

                                                            delandclaire@aol.com

The 49th Shearwater Nationals - 2005

The 49th Shearwater Nationals were hosted by Netley Sailing Club, from Sunday 31st July to Friday 5th August. Twenty Two boats travelled to Victoria Country Park, to find the Club nestled within, and excellent sailing on Southampton Water.

The competition traditionally begins with a Practice Rate on the Sunday, and the Fleet were met with sunshine and a light South-Westerly. The defending National Champions, Alan Howland and Jenny Allen on "Alley Cat", followed Nigel Stuart and Bonnie Crooks on "Simsek" away from a busy line. Closely followed by Daniel and Amy Tindale on "Think Pink" and Greg and Alex Wilcox on "Foreigner". By the first leeward mark "Alley Cat" had overhauled "Simsek", the latter having then to defend their position against "Think Pink". The second beat favoured staying close to the shore, and "Think Pink" capitalised on this, going into second place at the end of the second lap. "Alley Cat" and "Think Pink" pulled slowly away from the fleet, battling with each other until the final gun, "Alley Cat" winning with a fifty second margin.

The first Championship Race began after a short break ashore. The breeze maintained its direction and strength, and Roger Crooks and Anna Allen on "Ruby" were first away from the Line, and lead the Fleet for the first lap. "Alley Cat" and "Think Pink" guided the rest of the Fleet to a busy windward mark rounding. Beginning the downwind leg "Ruby" had fallen back to fifth with "Think Pink" showing superior speed off the wind, closely followed by "Alley Cat", Geoff and Jack Tindale in "Dilligaf" and the Allen Brothers, Shaun and Dion on "Take5". The second beat favoured staying away from the shore, and "Alley Cat" led around the windward mark. "Think Pink" found a lifting breeze on the third lap to recover first position, and develop a one minute lead over the subsequent three laps to take the gun.

Monday dawned with watery sunshine, and little else. As with the nearby Cowes Week Competition, sailing was eventually cancelled for the day, thus allowing the social proceedings an early start and lively evening. The second Championship Race was postponed until the Wednesday, and the schedule resumed on Tuesday. Race three began in a very light South-Westerly, and strong ebb tide. "Think Pink" was first away, with "Dilligaf" and "Simsek" tacking quickly to the shore, "Think Pink" covering but in tide, narrowly leading around the first windward mark. "Ruby" followed "Simsek" into the leeward mark and had taken third place by the end of the beat. This order remained at the front of the Fleet, "Think Pink" securing victory over "Dilligaf" by 36 seconds.

Race Four commenced after lunch, and in a slightly increasing breeze. First of the line was "Dilligaf" with "Think Pink", "Alley Cat" and Roger Brown and Derek Clark on "New Dawn" in close company. The variable breeze and strengthening tide allowed for many minor place changes, but "Think Pink" followed by "Dilligaf" and then "Alley Cat" maintained their order until the final gun.

Wednesday brought the anticipated increase in wind strength, and Race Five began in a steady Force Three. "Dilligaf" took an early lead from the line, chased by "Think Pink" and "Take5" in to a very busy windward mark. "Think Pink" taking the lead on the first reach. Many hoisted spinnakers on this leg to be caught by powerful gusts, "Alley Cat" and "Ruby" both taking a swim each side of the Wing Mark. With the increasing wind strength and ebbing tide the majority of the fleet could be found "rock-hoping" on the beat, with some unfortunate results! "Think Pink" and "Take5" exchanged positions through out the race, and pulled further away form the pack. "Think Pink" eventually achieving victory by two minutes.

The postponed second Championship race was run in the afternoon, after some light refreshment ashore. The wind, with increasing strength, veered shortly before the start to create a considerable Port biased. "Dilligaf" and "Simsek" anticipated the change, and cleared the Line on Port, while the rest of the Pack struggled to cross on Starboard. "Take5" emerged from the ensuing melee, and made use of a slackening tide and greater wind strength off-shore. By the windward mark "Dilligaf" rounded first, closely followed by "Take5", "Think Pink" and then "Simsek". "Dilligaf" held the lead on the two down-wind reaches, before being overhauled by "Take5" on the second beat, the latter revelling in the heavier wind conditions, and establishing a two minute lead over "Dilligaf" to eventually win the race.

Thursday brought a moderation to the wind strength, despite a night spent re-securing canvas in the Camp site! Race Six began in gentle conditions and no clear leader from the start line. By the windward mark "Think Pink" had established a two boat lead over "Alley Cat", who was closely pursued by "New Dawn" and "Take5". The two lead boats quickly consolidated their positions, while "New Dawn" and "Take5" vied for third position. "Simsek" led the pack battling with "Dilligaf" and Derek and Grace Williams on "UFO", followed by "Ruby" and Judith Joplin and Jo Hill on 1985. "Think Pink" maintained an impressive lead to take first position at the gun from "Alley Cat" by just over two minutes. "Take5" narrowly beating "New Dawn" for third position.

After the now traditional, and very civilised break for lunch, Race Severn was conducted in a similar but consistent South-Westerly breeze. A busy start line saw "Think Pink" marginally ahead of "Alley Cat" and "Simsek". These two continued to battle with "Dilligaf", "UFO" and "Take5" for the minor placings, while "Think Pink" built an increasing lead. By the final lap "Simsek" had slipped to fourth, just behind "Dilligaf". "Alley Cat" eventually took second place, being just over four minutes behind the winner

Friday brought the final Championship Race, and a return to Wednesday's strong wind conditions. "Take5" emerged quickly from the start closely followed by "Think Pink". The two boats made efficient use of wind and tide to develop an impressive lead at the end of the first beat. "Think Pink" capitalised in the gusty down-wind reaches to turn first at the leeward mark. "Take5" in pursuit broke a bridal wire and was forced to retire, being quickly overtaken by "Dilligaf" and "New Dawn" both fighting for second place. As the wind diminished during the third and penultimate lap "Dilligaf" was able to pull away and secure second place behind "Think Pink".

The "Shearwater Spirit" prevailed through out the week, with assistance, equipment and advice provided to all, by fellow competitors. Despite the battles at the front of the Fleet, there were no lesser competitions through out the running order. The enthusiasm showed  extended beyond the water, to an equally busy social schedule, Shearwaters and Organisers alike. An extremely hospitable Sailing Club, and equally professional Race Officer provided for a memorable UK Championships. Daniel and Amy Tindale were worthy victors, showing consistent ability through out the week, against stiff competition and a variety of conditions.

Final Results;

1.      Danial Tindale, Amy Tindale.    "Think Pink"    Stone S.C.
2.      Geoff Tindale, Jack Tindale.      "Dilligaf"         Stone S.C.
3.      Alan Howland, Jenny Allen.       "Alley Cat"     RYA.
4.      Shaun Allen, Dion Allen.           "Take5"          Felixstowe Ferry S.C.
5.      Nigel Stuart, Bonnie Crooks.     "Simsek"        RYA.

  New "Cats" on the Block

Keep checking the  Gallery Page!! Set up by Nigel Stewart , the Gallery page is updated regularly, and comprise a series of "Photo Albums". These can be specific to TT events, or any relevant occasion. You are free to add comments to the photographs, which can then be seen by all. Legalised Graffiti!!

Keep a close eye in case you've been caught in a compromising position. The boy has no morals!!!!!

 When you're in the Gallery Page, just click on the Photo's to open an Album.