Good turnout for the Laser training. The wind wasn’t too cooperative, but a fun and useful couple of hours (with Duncan Skingley providing entertainment with his no-wind capsizing skills ).Many thanks to Keith Wilkins and Linda for running the session.
It’s looking like with the forecast for tomorrow’s dinghy racing (Thursday) and Sundays, we are going to have to cancel.
Especially as it is going to be wind against tide !
So next race is going to be Thursday evening 29th April and then some race training on the Sunday 2nd.
If any one can help with safety boats on any of these days or for other races please contact me.
Cheers Duncan 07817875706
Great sail today, even some planing at times. A few early season ‘technical hitches’ through the fleet!
So here is the results for today’s warm-up race.
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Here are this years Dinghy Racing Instructions and Entry form. If you can have a read and bring a signed Entry form that would be great, I will have some at the club tomorrow if you dont!!
We now have all the race marks out on the river, 2 safety boats on the pontoon and dinghies ready on the shore !! So looks like Sunday 18th April sailing/practice racing is ready to go ….. Let me know if you would like to use a club boat.
Cheers Duncan
So the results for this year’s dinghy racing are sorted!!
Well done everyone it has be quite a year and anything but normal!
The main thing is we got out sailing and had fun, so a big thankyou to everyone who has helped and taken part it has been quite a learning process for us all….
So the results
Summer series
1st Tim Laws
2nd Freya Skingley
3rd Duncan Skingley
Autumn series
1st Phil Philpott
2nd Duncan Skingley
3rd Lily Butler
And 2 special prizes
Lily Butler for being the only junior to win a race and in fact she won 2 in the end !! Well done!!
And Bob Shepherd for sticking with it despite not being in a great boat and often bringing up the rear but always with a smile, well done !!
Hi All
We’ll be racing most Thursday evenings and Sundays, subject to weather conditions. All will be welcome and there are club boats available subject to booking.
For this to happen we are going to need volunteers to crew the committee / support boats maybe in some form of rota so we can all get some racing in as well ! If you are interested please contact me.
There will I am afraid a few restrictions to help keep us all safe.
Boats can be ether single handed or crewed by a family group/bubble.
Club boats must have a 72 hour gap between use by different family groups/bubbles, unless the boat and gear has been disinfected by an approved method.
Wind conditions will be restricted to 20mph (force 4 touching 5) max, maybe using xcweather forecast for helford as cut off but final decision should take sea conditions, tides and squalls into account. Also the ability of the sailors should be considered (general we say level 3 standard or above) This is to minimize the need for sailors needing help and reducing the chance of the committee / support boat crew having to put them or others at risk.
The final decision should be made by the race officer taking the above into account and completing the new dinghies risk assessment sheet before each race session .
The towing should be done in a line from the stern of the committee boat if needed ( extra floating line has been put on the rib and fun yak)
Committee / support boat crew should be of the same family group / bubble and be required to sign a declaration to say the understand the risks of maybe having to come into close contact during a rescue situation and the the club has put measures in place to reduce that risk.
We must all keep gatherings below 30 people on land and in groups of no more than 6 people so please give each other space when rigging and launching keeping at least 2m apart.
Hope to see you all out sailing soon
Cheers
Duncan Skingley
07817875706
Freya (13) & Lilly (12) had a great day crossing to and competing at the Percuil Regatta Sunday, 25th – results to follow at St Mawes SC. Thanks to their Parents and Tom & Troy for escorting them across! More Pics on St Mawes Face Book Page. Percuil SC and its regatta have been merged into St Mawes SC.
At HRSC on the same day TJ Hart gambled on a full RIG and took first over a TopperTastic holiday maker.
HRSC Dinghy Race Results Sunday 11 8 2019
A gusty Laser 4.7 day with Lily Butler, Freya Skingley and Linda World taking the top 3 positions. Visitors Oscar & Jasper from Exeter took the double handed trophy trailing as they did behind the talented trois filles. Sophia Walker also on her first outing with HRSC soon got her wings soloing in her Laser Pico; improving in confidence and performance with every lap. A great day for all 7 young at heart ladies out sailing.
With an amazing demonstration of downwind speed & control, playing the angles with the spinnaker, Lymington racer Sam Webb and his mum Jenny zoomed around the course making the Feva XL do things it probably didn’t think it could. Its always a pleasure to be thrashed by sheer quality, and never more so than Team Webb’s 12 year old helm – we want his autograph!
A Humongous thank you to the entire team making this years regatta work and of course the racers themselves travelling all the way to the Lizard from Somers YC Melbourne AUS and indeed Port Navas YC CWL. A full report for download will be available soon.
HRSC Dinghy Race Reports Thursday 19 04 2018
Wafted by a gentle Northerly breeze on the hottest day of the year, HRSC was justly rewarded for its massive team effort in getting the club back on the water following Storm Emma’s attempt to wreck the club foreshore and pontoon.
If new to racing or want to get racing, download the Calendar, Entry Form, Map & Courses, & Dinghy Handicap Number (PN) below
HRSC Dinghy Racing Calendar 2018
HRSC Dinghy PN 2018
DONATE A LASER 2018
HRSC DINGHY COMBINED RACE ENTRY FORM 2018
HRSC DINGHY NOTICE OF RACES 2018
HRSC DINGHY SAILING INSTRUCTIONS 2018
HRSC DINGHY Sis AVERAGE LAP RACING 2018
HRSC DINGHY RACE MAP AND COURSES 2018
Full Club Membership entitles members to the use of Club Dinghies under supervision on Club Racing Thursday evening and Sundays and Cruising Tuesday evening & Saturdays.
The May Family Cup Race Report 2017
The May family & friends thanks HRSC for a wonderful, fun afternoon’s Dinghy sailing in celebration of holidays past and present.
A Huge thank you to all who made this happen!
From the youngest racer 11yr 7mo to the eldest in his 81st year
From Committee to Stewards and Catering who gave our visitors the very best of welcomes
Our Safety & Mark moving crews – & especially Tony Marsland recovering in Hospital
The Committee Boat & vast quantities of Hot Dogs kindly provided and cooked by John Bolitho and of course the gentle tutelage and guidance given to the Race Committee under Tom Smith & Steve Kestin
The Helford River Sailing Club is starting Adult Dinghy Sailing every Saturday during the summer season beginning at 2.00 pm on 8th July. The start time will alternate between 2.00pm and 10.00am depending on the tide. Our aim is to attract new members to the club by offering an opportunity to Try Sailing a Wayfarer or our new Drascombe Lugger with an experienced club sailor.
All existing club members with or without dinghy experience will be most welcome to join us. Most importantly we need to build up a list of experienced sailors and safety boat crews who are able to help.
This will be promoted in the West Briton as an opportunity to “Try Sailing” which, as you know, has taken place for many years and with great success on Tuesday nights.
If you would like to take part or want to help, please email Angie Watson at [email protected]
Thank you
Results are final as of 16:43 on June 22, 2016
Feva Fleet
Sailed: 3, Discards: 0, To count: 3, Rating system: PY, Entries: 4, Scoring system: Appendix A
Rank
Fleet
Boat
Class
SailNo
Club
HelmName
CrewName
PY
R1
R2
R3
Total
Nett
1st
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5444
St Mawes SC
Henry Hallam
Ashley Hill
1235
1.0
1.0
2.0
4.0
4.0
2nd
Feva
RS FEVA XL
6112
St Mawes SC
Amy Boyle
Kit Gordon Brown
1235
2.0
2.0
1.0
5.0
5.0
3rd
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5443
St Mawes SC
Max Fisher
Tristan Young
1235
3.0
3.0
3.0
9.0
9.0
4th
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5452
St Mawes SC
Lottie Hack
Daniel Brigg
1235
4.0
4.0
4.0
12.0
12.0
Laser 4.7 Fleet
Sailed: 3, Discards: 0, To count: 3, Rating system: PY, Entries: 10, Scoring system: Appendix A
Rank
Fleet
Boat
Class
SailNo
Club
HelmName
CrewName
PY
R1
R2
R3
Total
Nett
1st
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
185336
St Mawes SC
Lawrence Calverley
1195
1.0
1.0
3.0
5.0
5.0
2nd
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
68927
St Mawes SC
Joe Pothecary
1195
3.0
6.0
1.0
10.0
10.0
3rd
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
108868
Helford River SC
Beks Hosking
1195
5.0
4.0
2.0
11.0
11.0
4th
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
208210
St Mawes SC
Kieran Andrews
1195
4.0
3.0
4.0
11.0
11.0
5th
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
20311
Helford River SC
Ollie Chamberlain
1195
6.0
2.0
5.0
13.0
13.0
6th
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
88716
St Mawes SC
Ollie Croft
1195
2.0
8.0
8.0
18.0
18.0
7th
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
179728
Helford River SC
Matthew Broad
1195
10.0
5.0
6.0
21.0
21.0
8th
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
58039
St Mawes SC
Stuart Freeth
1195
8.0
10.0
7.0
25.0
25.0
9th
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
133333x
Helford River SC
Ed Hosken
1195
9.0
7.0
9.0
25.0
25.0
10th
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
185655
St Mawes SC
Nyles Thomas-Horton
1195
7.0
9.0
10.0
26.0
26.0
PY Fleet Fleet
Sailed: 3, Discards: 0, To count: 3, Rating system: PY, Entries: 13, Scoring system: Appendix A
Rank
Fleet
Boat
Class
SailNo
Club
HelmName
CrewName
PY
R1
R2
R3
Total
Nett
1st
PY Fleet
LASER
201511
Helford River SC
Roger Macdonald
1095
1.0
4.0
1.0
6.0
6.0
2nd
PY Fleet
SOLO
4785
Helford River SC
Phil Samuel
1140
3.0
2.0
2.0
7.0
7.0
3rd
PY Fleet
RS 400
588
Helford River SC
Ollie Berryman
Ed Bolitho
943
7.0
1.0
6.0
14.0
14.0
4th
PY Fleet
LASER RADIAL
171278
Helford River SC
Beccy Kestin
1136
4.0
5.0
5.0
14.0
14.0
5th
PY Fleet
LASER
138471
Helford River SC
Andy Biggs
1095
2.0
3.0
10.0
15.0
15.0
6th
PY Fleet
LASER
179651
Helford River SC
Stephen Brooks
1095
6.0
6.0
3.0
15.0
15.0
7th
PY Fleet
BLAZE
604
Helford River SC
Phil Philpott
1021
9.0
7.0
4.0
20.0
20.0
8th
PY Fleet
LASER
133333
Helford River SC
Andrew Hosking
1095
5.0
8.0
7.0
20.0
20.0
9th
PY Fleet
COMET TRIO
412
Helford River SC
Anton Chamberlain
1086
10.0
10.0
8.0
28.0
28.0
10th
PY Fleet
SOLO
1360
Helford River SC
Dave Philpott
1140
12.0
9.0
9.0
30.0
30.0
11th
PY Fleet
BYTE CII
2621
Helford River SC
Fin Walsh Newton
1148
8.0
11.0
12.0
31.0
31.0
12th
PY Fleet
RS VAREO
252
Helford River SC
Chris Hosken
1071
11.0
12.0
11.0
34.0
34.0
13th
PY Fleet
WAYFARER
5
Helford River SC
Matt Palmer
Ben Clayphan
1107
14.0 DNC
14.0 DNC
14.0 DNC
42.0
42.0
R1 – Feva Fleet
Start: Start 1 – Fevas, Finishes: Place
Rank
Fleet
Boat
Class
SailNo
Club
HelmName
CrewName
PY
Place
Points
1
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5444
St Mawes SC
Henry Hallam
Ashley Hill
1235
1
1.0
2
Feva
RS FEVA XL
6112
St Mawes SC
Amy Boyle
Kit Gordon Brown
1235
2
2.0
3
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5443
St Mawes SC
Max Fisher
Tristan Young
1235
3
3.0
4
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5452
St Mawes SC
Lottie Hack
Daniel Brigg
1235
4
4.0
R2 – Feva Fleet
Start: Start 1 – Fevas, Finishes: Place
Rank
Fleet
Boat
Class
SailNo
Club
HelmName
CrewName
PY
Place
Points
1
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5444
St Mawes SC
Henry Hallam
Ashley Hill
1235
1
1.0
2
Feva
RS FEVA XL
6112
St Mawes SC
Amy Boyle
Kit Gordon Brown
1235
2
2.0
3
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5443
St Mawes SC
Max Fisher
Tristan Young
1235
3
3.0
4
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5452
St Mawes SC
Lottie Hack
Daniel Brigg
1235
4
4.0
R3 – Feva Fleet
Start: Start 1 – Fevas, Finishes: Place
Rank
Fleet
Boat
Class
SailNo
Club
HelmName
CrewName
PY
Place
Points
1
Feva
RS FEVA XL
6112
St Mawes SC
Amy Boyle
Kit Gordon Brown
1235
1
1.0
2
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5444
St Mawes SC
Henry Hallam
Ashley Hill
1235
2
2.0
3
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5443
St Mawes SC
Max Fisher
Tristan Young
1235
3
3.0
4
Feva
RS FEVA XL
5452
St Mawes SC
Lottie Hack
Daniel Brigg
1235
4
4.0
R1 – Laser 4.7 Fleet
Start: Start 2 – L47, Finishes: Place
Rank
Fleet
Boat
Class
SailNo
Club
HelmName
CrewName
PY
Place
Points
1
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
185336
St Mawes SC
Lawrence Calverley
1195
1
1.0
2
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
88716
St Mawes SC
Ollie Croft
1195
2
2.0
3
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
68927
St Mawes SC
Joe Pothecary
1195
3
3.0
4
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
208210
St Mawes SC
Kieran Andrews
1195
4
4.0
5
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
108868
Helford River SC
Beks Hosking
1195
5
5.0
6
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
20311
Helford River SC
Ollie Chamberlain
1195
6
6.0
7
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
185655
St Mawes SC
Nyles Thomas-Horton
1195
7
7.0
8
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
58039
St Mawes SC
Stuart Freeth
1195
8
8.0
9
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
133333x
Helford River SC
Ed Hosken
1195
9
9.0
10
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
179728
Helford River SC
Matthew Broad
1195
10
10.0
R2 – Laser 4.7 Fleet
Start: Start 2 – L47, Finishes: Place
Rank
Fleet
Boat
Class
SailNo
Club
HelmName
CrewName
PY
Place
Points
1
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
185336
St Mawes SC
Lawrence Calverley
1195
1
1.0
2
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
20311
Helford River SC
Ollie Chamberlain
1195
2
2.0
3
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
208210
St Mawes SC
Kieran Andrews
1195
3
3.0
4
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
108868
Helford River SC
Beks Hosking
1195
4
4.0
5
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
179728
Helford River SC
Matthew Broad
1195
5
5.0
6
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
68927
St Mawes SC
Joe Pothecary
1195
6
6.0
7
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
133333x
Helford River SC
Ed Hosken
1195
7
7.0
8
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
88716
St Mawes SC
Ollie Croft
1195
8
8.0
9
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
185655
St Mawes SC
Nyles Thomas-Horton
1195
9
9.0
10
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
58039
St Mawes SC
Stuart Freeth
1195
10
10.0
R3 – Laser 4.7 Fleet
Start: Start 2 – L47, Finishes: Place
Rank
Fleet
Boat
Class
SailNo
Club
HelmName
CrewName
PY
Place
Points
1
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
68927
St Mawes SC
Joe Pothecary
1195
1
1.0
2
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
108868
Helford River SC
Beks Hosking
1195
2
2.0
3
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
185336
St Mawes SC
Lawrence Calverley
1195
3
3.0
4
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
208210
St Mawes SC
Kieran Andrews
1195
4
4.0
5
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
20311
Helford River SC
Ollie Chamberlain
1195
5
5.0
6
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
179728
Helford River SC
Matthew Broad
1195
6
6.0
7
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
58039
St Mawes SC
Stuart Freeth
1195
7
7.0
8
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
88716
St Mawes SC
Ollie Croft
1195
8
8.0
9
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
133333x
Helford River SC
Ed Hosken
1195
9
9.0
10
Laser 4.7
LASER 4.7
185655
St Mawes SC
Nyles Thomas-Horton
1195
10
10.0
R1 – PY […]
The Dinghy Regatta was a great success and a big thank you goes to everyone who helped on the water, back at the Club providing great food and hospitality and above all, the sailors. … more
What a great 2015 year hosted by Team Captains Dinghies Andy and Karen Biggs. Writing this with 70 mph gusts outside we are reminded how generous the wind was with only one outright race cancellation. Andy gained huge support from the Committee for re-investment in 2016 dinghy racing.
Two RS Visions – think Wayfarer with easy righting / crew recovery, naturally aspirated with huge Spinnaker and a 1134 Handicap to die for. The perfect introduction to club racing.
A dual purpose Safety / Committee boat with a robust construction we think will tempt more Safety Boaters out in all weathers.
We need to get on the water a little earlier for three equipment acquaint sessions starting 3rd April to hone our Safety and Asymmetric skills before racing starts on 14th April.
Andy on [email protected] is keen to take out new and adult Members for refresher race training in the Visions on Tuesday evenings or as convenient. If any juniors’ parents are kicking their heels on the quay, we hope to offer similar temptation on Friday evenings. The Club’s stock of lovingly maintained Wayfarers is also available for adult sailing / training on Tuesday evenings. Contact Dave Sumner on 01326 240350 or [email protected].
We are actively exploring ways HRSC and HRCST can encourage the flow of adults and juniors into racing and hope there are opportunities with RNAS Culdrose. The Club, founded in 1948 by many ex-RN members, naturally should exploit their “special relationship”.
Saturday 18th June 14:00 – HRSC Dinghy Regatta: we have the return of the Junior Feva Travellers , Laser 4.7ers, and let’s see if we can lure RNAS Culdrose to the friendly melee. We are delighted and proud to have secured Commodore Grafham Water – Tom Smith, to RO the day. Tom will require the generous loan of a Committee boat capable of comfortably holding 4-6 volunteer spotters and recorders under cover.
Saturday 23rd July 18:00 – Susanna May Memorial Cup: the perennially popular event for the May family and friends to joust with HRSC Dinghies. Congratulations to Captain Reginald ‘Fido’ Vivian-May for his British Empire Medal awarded last September!
Saturday 17th or Sunday 18th September – Bart’s Bash: www.bartsbash.com it is appropriate in an Olympic year to honour Sir Ben Ainslie’s late friend Bart Simpson by sailing for Bart on 18th September.
I look forward to meeting old and new rivals alike on the river for an exciting programme of Club racing, regattas, and even the odd expedition or two.
Stephen Brooks – Captain Dinghies [email protected]
Autumn Weekend Series Sunday 4th October 2015: SE Linestart Wind SE 4-6
Lazerette Lashing
Nick Glossop – ably assisted by a sleepy-eyed Ben Johns, rose to the challenge for his first Helford Race Officer duty, competently setting a delightful beat South East from Trebah out to Gew. With its back to the wind, trees and cliff’s protect the dinghy park, deceiving the unwary to what lies around the corner. Mid morning, the Met Office’s promise duly delivered 10-25kts of bliss. Bliss, that is, for Lazerettes Matt Broad and Beks Hosking comprehensively thrashing the seniors in both real and handicap time with a 1-2.
There is no secret to sailing the Laser into the wind in a good breeze; it has to be sailed flat and upright and that’s why there are four sizes of sail catering for all sizes of helm. Shadowing the leading Wayfarer, Matt & Beks relentlessly chased each other the entire race with Matt delivering the coup de grace in the final seconds at Bosahan
By contrast, in the over powered slow fleet, Brooks & Andrew Hosking fighting in the Heavyweight section (90+kg) could not stay on their feet under the sustained assault from Bantamweight Dave Philpott in the Solo class. Dave’s experience over many years at club and national level saw him able to coax and tempt his large sail to a mostly calm yet always dry canter.
Attempting to hide from the wind on the first beat to Gew in the Laser Two, Andrew Hosking battered the swell along the south shore; multitasked his way back into contention with the spinnaker on the reach back to Trebah. Second time round, Andrew was less lucky on the gybe under Toll, turning the Two turtle. Paul Greensmith in safety, handsomely & divinely crewed by son Sam & fiancé Amandine, attended the supine racer who seemed to take rather, and perhaps wistfully, longer than usual to return to the fray.
A few minutes later on an uncontrolled reach to Central, Brooks’ Laser tossed him in, a just reward for any gloating – concealed or otherwise over his rival’s demise.
Results: 1st M Broad, 2nd R Hosking, 3rd R Kestin & McD
Captain Dinghies: Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Committee: N Glossop, B Johns
Safety: P Greensmith, S Greensmith & Amandine
Photography: © D Flunder
Following: C Broa
Summer Weekend Series Sunday 20th September 2015: Triangular Ave Lap DCX Wind S2-4
At sunrise on Sunday, you could hear the bark of a dog across the river at Helford, but not see the village in the quiet Autumnal mist filling the valley. Knowing the river and putting his faith in the Met Office – Race Officer Andy Biggs had wisely chosen a 10.30am race start for Bart’s Bash – collectively the world’s largest charity fundraising event involving 62 countries & near 10,000 participants. See bartsbash.com
After a slow procession on the ebbing tide out to the course a gentle breeze greeted arrivals for the start of the first race; Phil Philpott expertly scooping up most of it with a large rigged Blaze – the Halo.
Refreshed from his holiday, Phil Samuel put in a fine performance in the Solo, leading a threesome behind the Blaze & coming 1 tiny second behind the Halo for a second. Andrew Hosking deployed his Laser Two’s spinnaker on the dogleg back to Durgan from Central, keeping ahead of Brooks in the Laser, but the legs were too short as the wind increased, and there was always the risk of a downhaul tangle for which his rival would show no mercy and came 4th.
Dominic Brandreth on his first competition racing a venerable laser showed promise keeping touch in the early laps with youth racers Beks Hosking and Matt Broad in Laser Radials and Dave Philpott in another Solo; holes in the wind were very unforgiving leaving the rearguard well of the pace.
The second race proved a much closer affair in a freshening breeze with all racers improving upon their individual handicap performances.
Phil Philpott’s first tack to Central was slower going east than those going west, but by the time he got to the end of the lap he knew where he wanted to go, and like a metronome produced 7 & under minute laps for the remainder.
Dave Philpott had an inspired second race giving his 15 years the junior sexagenarian Solo rival the tightest race yet. Both crossed the line in the same second on the first lap, Phil ahead by 1 second on the next and by hardly a boat length on the final lap to take third.
Andrew Hosking, discarding his spinnaker, did what he likes doing best and beat Brooks in the final lap for a fourth place; the two continuing to race back to the clubhouse. Beks Hosking kept pace with the similarly handicapped Solos and ahead of Matt Broad for the first two laps, but the wind evaporated for her in the final. In the rear gunner’s seat, Dom Brandreth continued making progress, knocking a good 2 minutes from his earlier lap times and stayed dry & observant.
Results:
Race 1 1st P Philpott, 2nd P Samuel, 3rd S Brooks
Race 2 1st P Philpott, 2nd P Samuel, 3rd D Philpott
Captain Dinghies: Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Committee: Andy, […]
Summer Weekend Series Sunday 13th September 2015: Trapezoid Ave Lap UGDC Wind ESE4-6
Culdrose on Sunday recorded over 20-30 mph average and gusting for an original 3pm race start. Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs had made the correct decision to delay matters until 5pm – just in time for a welcome soft rain to soothe salt-stung eyes in a somewhat milder 15-30mph.
Race Officers Steve & Beccy Kestin found what little shelter there was near Trebah for the start – pointing the fleet into a short steep swell for the first long leg to Gew. Andrew Hoskin deceived by the sheltered nature of the calm under the clubhouse, on reaching Trebah in his Laser 2 decided discretion was the better part of valour, and was the first to retire.
Proving peri octogenarians can surf with a sail, Dave Philpott impressively survived the roller coaster ride to Durgan where others did not, and after a magnificent first lap in the Solo finished on a high. Dave’s son Phil in the fastest boat of the day found he could survive the downwind sections – just – by perching precariously at the end of the scaffolding that counts as Gunwales on his Blaze and was home 5 minutes before everyone else.
Biggs & Brooks battled through the surf together on their full rigged lasers the entire race whooping more in relief as the exhausting beat turned to exhilarating reach up river. Other than a little faux pas on the gybe round Durgan, Biggsey had the edge over his rival, driving himself and craft to the limits, such that his boom broke on a +30mph pirouette through the narrows after race end.
Youth sailors Beks Hosking & Matt Broad in Laser Radials heroically made their way around the course – more than keeping up with the adults – Matt dividing Brooks and Biggs for a third.
Roger McDonald, Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust Deputy Chief Instructor had been out on the river earlier in the day on one of a pair of Trust Laser Visions put up for sale, testing for the first time its qualities in a stiff breeze, and at the same time instructing a mature nephew crewing on his first sail. Deciding his charge could cope with more instruction McD returned to the club in a Wayfarer. Heading the field behind the Blaze, a failure in the Wayfarer’s running rigging on the first reach to Durgan denied the pair a podium position – but not an indifferent start, it could be said, to a Level 1 Dinghy qualification!
Results: 1st D Philpott, 2nd S Brooks, 3rd M Philpott
Captain Dinghies: Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Committee: Steve & Beccy Kestin
Safety: Nick Glossop & Ben Johns
Following: Chris & Emma Broad
Dave Philpott winner of HRSC Sunday race photographed earlier in the week
Summer Weekend Series Sunday 19th July : Pursuit, Wind SW3-4
Soothing Pursuits
A light to moderate south-westerly breeze with an occasional big gust made for lively sailing. Three Juniors in Laser Radials started together, chased a minute later by Andy & Karen Biggs in their N12. Ben Johns & Matt Broad went a toing and froing down the long run-reach to the mouth of the river until Matt pulled away on the beat back up to Trebah, in his own pursuit of the N12 which had just passed the trio off Grebe.
Starting exactly 7 minutes after the Radials in his Halo, Phil Philpott used his knowledge of the river’s flows & where its rocks were to keep out of the fully ebbing tide, hugging the shore whenever he could.
With the intention of getting the Laser 2 flat on the beat or the reach with spinnaker, Andrew Hosking boldly wore his trapeze harness, although for the most part there wasn’t quite enough puff to be tempted out on the wire. Trailing Ben Johns and Beks Hosking on the last run to Committee Andrew had his prayers answered & got the gust he had wanted all day. Cleating the mainsheet and sliding to the transom, Andrew got the hull near half out of the water, yet could steer and work the spinnaker guys for a 250 yard dash past Ben to his daughter in her Radial.
An unflappable Katie Sykes making a welcome return to the river, kept her photographer dry and the Rescue RIB steady enabling a video of Andrew’s meteoric progress to be made.
In stiffer winds on the final beat to Central, Beks rewarded her father’s earlier impertinence by nipping past him at the very finish.
Towards the front of those queuing in the hunt for Biggsey, Matt was still gamely hiking out as hard as he could but did not have the sail area to get closer to the see-sawing bath in British racing green. The Halo on the other hand did have enough cloth but not quite enough gusts to close a 10 second gap at the final mark.
Results
Overall 1st A&K Biggs, 2nd PJ Philpott, 3rd M Broad
Juniors 1st M Broad, 2nd R Hosking, 3rd B Johns
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat: Phil Samuel & Andrew Hosking, Chris Broad.
http://helfordriversc.co.uk/wp-content/movies/00001.m4v
Andrew Hosking is soloing his Laser 2 and catches a good gust on a broad reach to catch Ben Johns and Beks his daughter – watch her pony tail go back and forth in as lantern jawed Beks realises her father will catch her Radial Laser. Andrew was unable to maintain the momentum being pipped by Beks at the finish.
Summer Evening Series Thursday 16th July : Ave Lap, Wind SSE2-3
An Evening Nap
There was about half the southerly wind forecast on the river so the fleet did not so much gallop as plod around an otherwise perfect course for the conditions laid out by Matt & Emma Broad – their first Average Lap PY race; ably assisted by Karen Biggs – veteran of the scoreboard.
In the first race a proportion of the cortège prematurely slunk across the line – Andy Biggs Spars entangling with another forcing a penalty and came 8th. The Juniors were of as if tadpoles swimming in jelly, yet all bar Matt Broad suffered prolonged periods of enforced lassitude generally ascribed to the front of the fleet that had wind and the back which didn’t.
Team Kestin & McDonald’s citrus yellow spinnaker eventually filled but did not fulfil its usual promise as a bemused laser wafted curiously in tandem, until a little extra puff finally sent the lemon leopard languidly ahead to come second to the Lasers third.
In the second race: emerging rested from under the duvet in the king sized cockpit of his Blaze Phil, Philpott sped again to the head of the fleet; this time came 2nd. Young Beks Hosking saw of the challenge from both Andy & arch rival Matt to come third. Brooks had a late start, caught up with the radials and then went left at the windward mark whilst the rest of the fleet went right & came last. Dave Philpott had a consistently solid PY performance in both races and saw his grandson Sam in a 4.7 halve the margin to PN with a much improved 2nd race. Similarly, Ben Johns finding himself in a boat that could float had a much better 2nd race. Team McDonald & Kestin were in fine form – this time with Beccy trimming the spinnaker, and whilst not exactly zooming, glided to a good minute ahead of their closest threat – the Blaze. Saddle sore from 5 hours tending the HRCST Inter Schools Regatta and HRSC evening race, Andrew Hosking with equanimity, dutifully towed most of the smaller sailed dinghies home.
Results
Overall
1st R Kestin & R McDonald, 2nd M Broad, 3rd P Philpott 4th R Hosking
Juniors
1st M Broad. 2nd Beks Hosking, 3rd B Johns, 4th S Philpott
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Committee: Chris & Emma Broad, Karen Hemsley-Biggs
Safety Boat: Andrew Hosking
HRSC 67th Dinghy Regatta 2015 Saturday 11th July Wind WSW 4-6
67th Helford Regatta
Helford’s Senior racers were as delighted with the performance of their Junior section, as the Juniors themselves. In the combined Youth & Senior fleets, Youth Laser 4.7 sailors Olly Chamberlain and Beks Hosking relieved the seniors of their two largest pieces of silverware; Phil Philpot left content with a Bronze for his Blaze.
Race organiser Andy Biggs had been promised a breezy days sailing all week by Culdrose, and he wasn’t disappointed with an average of 12 knots and double again in the gusts. Four racers and three generations of the Philpott family were out on the water, proving dinghy sailing is for all ages, taking prizes in youth, senior and overall categories.
There were thrills and multiple spills for most, yet peri octogenarian, Grandfather Dave Philpott kept his immaculate middle aged wooden Solo upright and raced all five races with panache – to the envy of everyone. Phil Samuel had a promising morning with a modern Solo, and with 3 good races under his belt had rightly every expectation of a podium finish had not Aeolus tripped him up. Getting the Solo out of an inversion & going again is an exhausting exercise, given a cockpit as large as a double bath.
With room to bath a rugby scrum, three conventional double handers out racing would try at all costs to avoid capsize.
Roger Philpott and his young crew Gabriel in a Graduate were holding nicely to middle orders; nevertheless it was too gusty for their large sail area and retired. Team Kestin & McDonald on a second outing racing Beccy’s Wayfarer decided there was no profit to be had flying a big yellow kite on the short downwind course and shorter reaches; a wise choice as they stayed dryish and medalled. Anton Chamberlain’s Comet Trio needed a crew and reef both, which he finally got after lunch, when a brave Jack Lawrence joined him after abandoning an exhausting wrestle with his over powered Laser in the morning. Jack gave the Comet just the edge needed in the battle royal that had being going on all day with Andrew Hosking’s Laser. Just as Andrew was really showing superiority over Brooks and Anton in the stiffer winds of the afternoon, he threw it all away with a moment’s indiscretion on the penultimate gybe.
Chris Hosken boldly went where he had never been before, into an RS Vareo, and probably wished he hadn’t on this particular day, but made sure he gave it a wash – in fact several – out of gratitude to Tom Smith, its owner.
Phil Philpott’s Blaze, a veritable aquatic version of his Ducati, roared ahead of the fleet, yet did on occasion, skid on gravel around the leeward bend; there being no ABS on the big red beautiful beast, still at least the landing was soft.
In the first race Phil’s nephew Sam was third in a 1, 2, 3 triumvirate of youth Laser 4.7’s. For the first 3 races it was Olly Chamberlain […]
Summer Weekend Series Sunday 5th July : Pursuit, Wind SW 4-6
Hasty Pursuit
With no Lasers out Sunday the PY handicap fleet had the morning to themselves. With the Hooter Blown at 9.30 under large black clouds, a clap of thunder in the distance, and flat calm at the clubhouse was the usually reliable Met Office forecast for Culdrose going to deliver? 25 minutes later as a Wayfarer and National 12 crossed the startline, gone was the mill pond, to be replaced by streaks of foam as gusts +25knots propelling racers through the narrows and into the main racing area. Beccy Kestin helming and racing her new Wayfarer for the first time, enjoyed the shove in the back as her craft nosed ahead of Andy & Karen Biggs’ sea sawing N12 – but not for long as the Wayfarer needed its Lemon coloured spinnaker to stay ahead. Nothing like sorting a vessel out in the last race before Saturday 11th July Open Regatta at Helford.
As the sun broke out fully on the beat back up river to Trebah the force of the gusts soon became apparent as the double handers showed excessive hull and even a hint of centreboard – useful if checking for seaweed fouling the foils. Needing a winch to haul in the ropes Beccy gave the helm to her crew Roger McDonald as Trebah beach drew a little close for comfort. With a look of intense concentration on their faces Andy & Karen planed on the bareaway around Trebah mark; looking back to see the Wayfarer about ½, and Roger Philpott’s Halo hardly a minute away. By the time the N12 reached the mouth of the river, it was well and truly in the Halo’s gaze, and from this point on – apart from an unplanned dismount to free up the Cunningham of Toll it was Phil’s race to sail at the edge of the crafts stability.
Stretched over the bow Beccy managed to free the launch of her spinnaker and began to make inroads on the N12’s lead. Racing became a lot closer as a double gybe and pirouette around the leeward mark saw Karen bailing the N12 furiously. Staying together the two similarly handicapped boats close raced until the 90th minute with N12 just ahead for 2nd.
Results 1st R Philpott, 2nd A&K Biggs, 3rd R McDonald
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety & Photography: Stephen Brooks.
Andy & Karen Biggs in their N12 round the Leeward mark as Phil Philpott in the Halo prepares to overtake
Andy & Karen Biggs in their N12 overtaken by Phil Philpott in the Halo
Spring Evening Series Thursday 2nd July : Average LapW/L, Wind SSW 2-4
Dave & Phil Philpott found the best course for a sloppy southerly on Thursday. Rather than race, Beks Hosking preferred to revise for a Spanish final exam with Ben Johns in the rescue boat – guessing there wouldn’t be much call for their services until the tow home as the wind faded.
The trick for the evening was to catch or rather anticipate where a fickle wind might be. Brooks caught a buoy just before the 1st race and came last behind Andrew Hosking. Hugo, our gallant Gallic guest for the week pipped Beccy Kestin by one fine second per lap but could not quite emulate the grace of Andy & Karen Biggs in their National 12, 2nd behind McD who had all his gyros spinning in the right direction
Sandwiched between an Aeronaut and Hugonaut at the Pin end at the start of the second race Brooks remembered that sticking his craft amidships onto the nose of Ginnie’s laser wouldn’t do the entente cordial much good either in France or Falmouth and aborted the manoeuvre. Meeting at the Windward mark the Naut’s continued their congenial tour and went left while Andy & Karen N12’s slippery hull sent them gliding like a swan to victory. Andrew found wind & form moving to within 5 seconds of McD but after another great sail Beccy snuck in front of McD for 2nd
Results
Race 1 1st R McDonald, 2nd A Biggs, 3rd le Hugonaut
Race 2 1st A Biggs, 2nd R Kestin, 3rd R McDonald
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat: Phil Samuel & Andrew Hosking, Chris Broad.
Spring Weekend Series Sunday 28th June 2015 : Pursuit SW, Wind S-W 4-6
In Pursuit of Happiness
Andy Biggs had a huge grin on his face as he had been just been thrashed by the 4.7s, and taken part in one of Helford’s best pursuit races of the season. Deciding his relative – the garrulous Gallic Hugonaut – should have a good workout before Sunday lunch, race officer Roger McDonald set a course that ran and reached in the odd 25+knot shifty gusts down river; strained sinew and shrouds on the gallop upriver.
First off, Beccy Kestin and Beks Hosking popped out of the Narrows in their 4.7’s planeing downwind in the big gusts; by the time they both rounded Toll Beccy was clearly well ahead. It wasn’t until a gust caught Beccy between Committee & Toll turtling the 4.7 that young Beks Hosking finally pounced and stayed at the head of fleet with Beccy snapping at her ankles to the end of the race for their 1-2.
A little stumble at the first hurdle and our chatty Hugonaut chum slipped to the back of the Laser queue; where, despite huge efforts, his loaned Laser scooped up water as if a Canadair. This flightless canard however was for sinking – and came last; not by much as the entire fleet were within seconds of each other.
So it was for the remaining Lasers to wait for the slightest error or favourable gust to gain advantage. Phil Philpott’s slowish start on his third Laser outing soon turned into a display of confident seamanship; the throttle opened 110% when Biggsey cuffed Central and turned a 360 penalty into a pirouette.
Team Hosking & Brooks were out on their first date. Despite loose head prop Brook’s fight with the wet spaghetti in the front of the Laser 2 there was enough ballast & brains in the rear to hold the craft flat on the long beats and upright on the reaches to tease a third within seconds of the finish.
Results 1st R Hosking, 2nd R Kestin, 3rd A Hosking
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat: R McDonald
Spring Evening Laser Plate Mini Series 1 of 3 Thursday 25th June : Olympic TSL, Wind SSW 3-4
Laser Plate Race 1
Veteran race officer Phil Samuel tasked his stewards with forming an old style Olympic Triangle course in a breeze that blew variously south to north, if not at all on Thursday
Hugo the Hugonaut – so called for his nautical adventures, took the opportunity at Helford’s 2015 Laser Plate miniseries to reprise his performance as a youthful Laser racer on the opposite side of the Channel some 17 years past. When it comes to beating his relation McD, on his own turf, it would not be a piece of cake; so it proved in a fluky evening’s breeze on Thursday.
Our garrulous Gallic guest took great care of Ginnie Sykes sleek Black craft, but of Hugo’s disarming chatter, it was wise to ignore as he scampered after McD; leaving all else behind. Biggsey was performing in fine style as he dinged his way about the Radials to finish fourth behind the Hugonaut.
Of the Juniors, Harry Broad eventually led the radials of his brother Matt Broad, Ben Johns, and Beks Hosking – with only1½ minutes separating them all after near an hour’s close racing. Despite his best efforts, Sam Philpott couldn’t go any faster than his 4.7 would let him. Sam’ s Uncle, Phil, had only got one sail, the right, one and gradually moved up to middle orders.
Beccy Kestin was the distant beacon to which the Radial racers aspired as she increased her lead to near 1½ minutes by the finish of this class. At the final accounting McD led by 22 seconds per lap over Beccy and 27 seconds over Hugo to win overall the first stage of 3.
Results
Overall 1st R McDonald, 2nd R Kestin, 3rd le Hugonaut
Juniors 1st H Broad, 2nd M Broad, 3rd B Johns
Laser Fleet 1st R McDonald, 2nd le Hugonaut, 3rd A Biggs
Radial Fleet 1st R Kestin, 2nd H Broad, 3rd M Broad
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Committee & Safety: Phil Samuel, Andrew Hosking, Chris Broad.
Spring Weekend Series Sunday 21st June 2015 : Linestart NW, Wind 4-5
Beccy Bests the Bunch
Walking and talking the dogs at 5am, is how Laser specialist Beccy Kestin starts her preparation on race days, and gets in two Sunday breakfasts before the farmers. To give the reader some indication of what Beccy does to win her races, do a search on You Tube for Hiking Tips from GB’s Nick Thompson 2016 Olympic hopeful or click here
youtube.com/watch?v=1fKYrWw6UNE
Race Officers Beks Hosking & Jim Lea set a superb course with a huge beat West up river that would test or rather remind racers they had abs and quads and needed to use them. Starting in the middle of the river off Grebe, the handicap fleet ran out of wind near the committee boat; on the opposite side 50 yards away Brooks was on a planeing reach to the Pin, but couldn’t quite make out the numbers on his stopwatch. Phil Philpott new exactly where and when he was going in the Blaze and the rest of the fleet followed, although Andrew Hosking did take pause to reconsider his options – twice – and came last.
Bionic man Andy Biggs knows how to keep a Laser flat, swapping the lead with a glistening Blaze in the unpredictable wind of the first Lap to eventually to come second. Phil Samuel a former exponent of the physical Laser seemed effortlessly to guide his Solo about the course but was denied a podium position by just one fine second.
With the wind shifting in the Blazes favour for the remaining laps Philpott together with Biggs stretched their lead, but were trumped by Beccy’s 4.7 at the final accounting
Results 1st R Kestin, 2nd A Biggs 3rd S Brooks
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Committee: R Hosking & J Lea
Spring Evening Thursday 18th June : Average Lap
Results
Race 1
Overall: 1st P Samuel, 2nd P Philpott, 3rd D Philpott,
Juniors: 1st R Hosking 2nd S Philpott
Race 2
Overall 1st P Samuel, 2nd R Hosking, 3rd P Philpott
Juniors 1st R Hosking, 2nd S Philpott
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety & Comittee Boat: A&K Biggs
Spring Weekend Series Sunday 14th June 2015 : Pursuit North N-NW 3-4
Matt’s Double First
Perfect racing conditions allowed a good laser fleet to closely race in Sunday’s Pursuit. There are four laser classes with representatives in each at Helford. Setting of first was under 18’s Beks Hosking and Sam Philpot in 4.7s, the smallest rigged of the Laser class, relentlessly battled it out with each other throughout, but a tad underpowered for the day being caught by everyone except their parents.
Had Beks & Sam powered up with the larger Radial rigs of Matt Broad and Beccy Kestin, then the entire parent and senior’s fleet would have been routed by the Junior section. Matt & Beccy gave each other no quarter and fought to the head of the fleet where they stayed for the best part of the race – only seriously threatened at the final mark by Roger McDonald – otherwise distracted by extraordinarily interesting varieties of seaweed wrapped around his foils.
Starting at the pace of a Broccoli planter, team Hosken & Hosking were a little late to the line in their Laser 2 ; occasionally able to show their potential with spinnaker hoisted on the shifty reach’s; not enough consistent wind for the trapeze artist Chris to get parallel in his harness.
Biggs and Brooks went a toing and froing with each other, McD teasingly wandering into and out of their sights as they fell into the Doldrums especially around the melee at Voose. Beaming parents Chris & Emma Broad in Safety boat were delighted to see Matt cross the line to take a double first – Overall and of the Juniors
Results
Overall: 1st M Broad, 2nd R Kestin, 3rd R McDonald,
Juniors: 1st M Broad, 2nd R Hosking, 3rd S Philpott.
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat & Photography: Chris & Emma Broad
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Spring Weekend Series Sunday 31st May : Pursuit, Wind NW 4-6
Communal Capsize
Phil Samuels reports “The wind was pretty lively and all five lasers capsized. McD won from Andy Biggs with Phil Philpott in third, on his first laser outing. The two 4.7s had a close tussle with Matt Broad in 4th just ahead of Beks Hosking”
Results 1st R McDonald, 2nd A Biggs, 3rd P Philpott
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat: Phil Samuel & Andrew Hosking, Chris Broad.
Spring Evening Series Thursday 28th May 2015 : Linestart W, Wind 3-5
Turtles on the Helford
Three generations and four members of the Philpott family, together with 5 of their current and former racing dinghies were out on the River in brilliant sunshine. In an otherwise flawless performance an uncharacteristic turning turtle on the Gybe before the committee probably denied Beks Hosking a podium position in Thursday’s Gusty conditions. Beks was leading her fellow youth & 4.7 sailor Sam Philpott, himself only 10 seconds behind Andy Biggs at third.
Phil Philpott made a wise choice in the slightly smaller Blaze rig but could not get sufficiently far ahead of an inspired Phil Samuel’s Solo, leaving ¾’s of a minute in hand by the finish in Dave Philpott’s former craft. There’s probably no better recommendation if purchasing a second hand boat to go racing, than if it comes direct from, & fully race prepared by the Philpott family. Ben John’s first outing in his recently acquired Laser was not to be as he had hoped, poorly repaired by previous owners the craft leaked like a sieve and was retired.
On its second outing, Dave’s OK – the next biggest rig out for the evening, proved a little too powerful for the fluky conditions, and was retired early after an inversion. Roger Philpot racing for the first time this season in his brothers restored vintage Laser sailed a conservative race; wisely chose a full wetsuit which came into full splendid much appreciated by spectators at the Clubhouse.
Results 1st P Samuel. 2nd P Philpott 3rd A Biggs
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat:
Zodiac: Chris Hosken & Andrew Hosking
FunYak: Nick Glossop & Ed Hosken
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Spring Weekend Series Sunday 24th May 10:30am : Pursuit W, Wind WSW-W3-4
Youth Sailor Rebekah Hosking Wins All
Beks Hosking made the right choice in Sunday mornings freshening westerly with her 4.7 rigged Laser, setting of 3 minutes ahead of Phil Samuel’s Solo and Beccy Kestin’s Radial on the long run out to the mouth of the Helford river. Beks stayed at the head of the fleet the entire race despite a superb effort by both Beccy & Phil to close the gap – Beccy within inches – for a one two three finish.
Phil Philpott – bosun to the Philpott family fleet – had his work cut out. Alison, his daughter visiting from Oxford, was out for the first time in a renovated vintage ’78 Laser; his father Dave out for the first time racing in two years in a refurbished ‘85 International OK; all required his attention whilst trying to rig his Blaze. Without apparent fluster all three made it in time to the club pursuit start line.
Assuming the mantle of Grandfather of the Fleet from Phil Samuel, Dave Philpott was next of, sailing confidently a conservative first race in the powerful 1956 designed Knud Olsen OK, a smaller version of the Olympic Finn class. Without putting the pedal all the way to the metal on the 2000m run to Toll, Dave was met for the gybe by Andrew Hosking’s Laser 2 and Stephen Brooks’ Laser, both continuing their tussle for middle orders until race end.
Tendered good fatherly advice, Allison Philpott took the opposite tack suggested at the start, and got her first capsize drill out of the way before sailing in the right direction for the remainder. A saintly Phil Philpott tenderly stood by before Andy & Karen Biggs in the safety boat arrived. Ensuring Allison was fully settled on the run to Toll, Phil had delayed his own charge for victory; nevertheless catching Books on the first reach to Voose, but could not quite make it past the Solo for a podium finish.
Results 1st R Hosking 2nd R Kestin 3rd P Samuel
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Spring Evening Series Thursday 21st May 2015 : Linestart NW, Wind W-NW 3-4
A Hot Line
Starting in the middle of the river between Bosahan and Durgan HRSC’s PY fleet set of on Thursday evening’s NW course into variously a W-NW moderate breeze and a perfect flooding tide. Just back from an Italian job, a thirsty McD executed a perfect manoeuvre to get to the head of the Bosahan cream tea queue; except this was race night and the rest of the fleet had gone to Trebah, the short way.
Phil Philpott’s Blaze with its 125sq ft Halo was the first to elegantly round Trebah before the gentle run out to the Gew. Luring no one with him, McD’s Laser rejoined the main peloton at the rear, chattily working his way through its congenial ranks to within 30 seconds of Andy Biggs’ Laser, himself 30 exhausting seconds behind the understated gentleman on the Blaze.
Out racing for the first time this season, Andrew Hosking anticipating a forecast gentle breeze soloed his immaculate Laser 2 against the refurbished Radial rig of his daughter Beks. Both found themselves performing limbo dance like as the shifty gusts on the beat over powered their sails; the more supple Beks finally chalking up a good two minutes ahead of her father.
Phil Samuel’s Solo and Beccy Kestin’s Radial stuck glue like to the Peloton the entire race; their dogged persistence & skilful navigation paid off at the final accounting – Beccy piping the Solo for first by 3 small seconds, and the Blaze with Bronze a further minute behind.
Results 1st R Kestin. 2nd P Samuel 3rd P Philpott
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat & Photography: Stephen Brooks
Spring Weekend Series Sunday 4pm 17th May 2015 : Pursuit S Wind SW3-5
Beccy’s Breeze
There’s nothing that Beccy Kestin likes more than a good breeze in a 4.7 Laser on the Helford and to prove the point sat at the head of the Helford PY fleet the entire race. Sitting is perhaps not an accurate description of what Beccy does on her sleek craft as she uses all are her skill and agility to keep it upright and pointing in the right direction. Setting of with Beccy were the two other 4.7’s of Beks Hosking, and on his first race of the season, Sam Philpott. Sam made the correct rounding of the Leeward mark at Toll without his mainsheet wrapped around the Laser’s stern. Unfortunately the race camera’s battery had already expired and thus DO Andrew Hosking was unable to capture the tender moment. Steam rose as Beks pulled her sail out of the water and spent the rest of the race chasing down Sam’s superbly prepared hull.
Phil Samuel having mastered a good breeze the previous weekend was well prepared for the gusts in his Solo but despite a sail near double that of the 4.7 at 90 sq ft was unable to quite catch Beccy on her breeze-around. Always putting every ounce of effort into his racing, Andy Biggs can and did catch Kestin at the final can; had he stayed on the same tack, his full rigged laser might have worn Gold. Phil Philpott’s Blaze wasn’t wearing its Halo – possibly needed if Phil could have wrestled the larger 124sq ft rig round the circuit but had nearly made it to the Solo.
Then came a threesome of double handers. Anton in the Comet Trio and Ben Johns in a Feva, risking it without crew, but definitely not risking their spinnakers. Both valiantly made it all the way round to the back of the fleet – but stayed dry. Brooks wisely had a crew, the very trusting novice Vinod Ghantiwala, on his first ever sail & race and was promptly tipped in on the first gybe at Toll. Much to his credit Vinod calmly did whatever he was told and thanked his helm for the experience of racing – keenly observed from the rear of the fleet.
Results 1st R Kestin 2nd A Biggs 3rd Phil Samuel
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat & Photography: A Hosking, N Glossop
Spring Weekend Series Sunday 9.45am 10th May 2015 : Pursuit S Wind S3-5
It’s a Breeze
Encouraged by a wind forecast set to be strengthening later, Helford’s PY dinghy fleet sleepily set of a little earlier than is usual for a Sunday morning. Chris Broad armed with camera took the family’s RIB out for a rescue duty but was not placed to record the pre race entertainment provided by Andy Biggs’ dunking and Stephen Brooks’ close inspection of Avocets mooring buoy. In complete contrast youth sailors Beks Hosking and Matt Broad set out very impressively in gusty conditions with Beccy Kestin in the 4.7 Laser fleet.
Revelling a breeze, Beccy could not quite find enough of it to hold of Phil Philpott’s charge on the Blaze or the seemingly nonchalant approach of McD’s full rigged laser. Phil Samuel’s reinvigorated sailing with the Solo almost got him to the 4.7, and had there been pedals attached would have made it.
Everyone enjoyed the planeing reaches between Toll and Durgan. Sailing high Brooks was favoured by the gusts and would catch up with Biggsey on the reach but a dipette at Durgan and slothfulness on the beat allowed his quarry to escape. Beks and Matt slogged it out all the race and were only devoured on the penultimate leg with Beks achieving family honours
Results 1st R McDonald 2nd P Philpott 3rd R Kestin Youth 1st R Hosking, 2nd Matt Broad
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day Safety Boat & Photography: Chris Broad
Spring Evening Series Thursday 7th May 2015 : Ave Lap UXCx2, Wind 2
Beccy Wins Her Halo
A tranquil evening on the Helford was perhaps relished by those who’d ignored DO Andrew Hosking’s good advice at Sunday’s attempt at racing in 30+kts. Anticipating light airs, Beccy Kestin went for max power to weight ratio as did Phil Philpott with a shiny new 11.4 M Halo, navigated to where there was most wind and least tide and came first & second. Phil Samuel had a great start leading the fleet but it was Aeolus who favoured Andy Biggs; despite a modest beginning, slipped past Ben Johns and Samuel by 1 & 3 tiny seconds for a Bronze.
McD did not ask for, nor was given any favours when wafted around the course, but managed to avoid the trap of tide against wind at Bosahan that befell Beks Hosking in similarly clothed Laser. Keen youth sailor Jim Lea earlier leading the other soloed Feva of Ben Johns on his first race of the season, could not, capitalise on the advantage, and in hindsight was retired a little early by DO Stephen Brooks, but not before piping Beks.
Results 1st R Kestin. 2nd P Philpott 3rd A Biggs
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat & Photography: Stephen Brooks
Spring Evening Series Thursday 30th April 2015 : Linestart NE, Wind 2-3
A Fine Line – By Chris Hosken
A NE line start at Voose was agreed as fitting for the evening’s handicap race, & with no hooter or whistle DO Chris Hosken conducted the countdown by loud shouting. With the usual jostling for pole position, Phil Samuel in his Solo, closely followed by Roger McDonald in his Laser were first off as the rest of the fleet ventured over the line in a close huddle. Ginnie Sykes, taking a dislike to the argy-bargy chose to follow the rest in a neat and tidy way. Ginnie’s first outing for a couple of years; good to see her back racing.
The fleet split for the first mark at Central; Samuel chased by McD opted for mid channel, while a majority took a tip from Phil Philpott, and sailed the southern shore. Andy Biggs decided a happy medium was best sailed between the two groups. It was the Solo that reached Central first, followed by Philpott, McD, and Biggs, while Brooks and Sykes brought up the rear.
The Solo and Blaze kept close on the run to Bosahan, the Lasers following looking for any advantage. Again the Solo rounded first, followed closely by the Blaze; the lasers of Biggs, McD, Brooks, and Sykes nearby.
Philpott’s Blaze also on its first outing soon moved away from Samuel’s Solo heading for Toll on the North shore. This mark was misjudged by all, apart from Philpott, & without the extra tack he gained the space needed to get a good lead. Gunnel to gunnel, Samuel and Biggs were next around Toll, McD, and Brooks following. Sykes sailed with thought and clarity and rounded each mark in a very seaman like manner, regaining her confidence on the water.
His lead growing, Philpott blazed ahead to Trebah, rounding at half time. Behind, two schools of thought were evident in the rest of the fleet. Samuel and Biggs decided centre of the river was the place to be, McD and Brooks were convinced the north side might gain them some time. With all apart from the Blaze closing in on each other, it was McD’s mature Laser that took the mark followed by Samuel’s highly polished Solo – Biggs and Brooks next.
In lighter airs, Sykes decided a graceful retirement was her goal, and sailed impeccably back to the club house.
Heading to the mouth of the river on the final downward leg, the Blaze with its new larger sail continued to stretch the lead. McD with a never say die attitude had put some distance between himself and Samuel – but would it be enough to beat the Solo’s handicap? Philpott crossed the finishing line back at Voose in 59m10s, in the same calm and understated manner he had competed all evening. McD followed 4 minutes later with Samuel at 65.44, the lasers of Biggs and Brooks battling it out to the end with 67.25 and 67.53. At the final accounting […]
Spring Weekend Series Sunday 26th April 2015 :
Triangular Average Lap x 2 BCX Wind N3-4
A Pin Tale
A faultless Met Office forecast for Thursday’s racing gave way to one that lost 15 & 35mph gusts over 36hrs for Sunday. Culdrose recorded a sun blessed 11-14MPH during the race – perfect for a spring’s first outing. Thus a cosy little fleet set of from Bosahan without the un-persuaded – usually attired in wetsuit shorties, or indeed shorts of the red kind. The Met Office is still working with their old 2009 £33 million computer – before a new 140 tonne £97 million replacement begins service in September 2015, reaching full capacity by 2017. In the Interim, keep wetting the forefinger.
Each race was decided almost from the start, with Roger McDonald taking a 30 yard advantage the Pin end offered in shifty conditions of the lee shore. It took the first race to loosen the rust from Andy Biggs navigational gyros – giving away, as he did, near 50 seconds per lap. Despite voluntarily acknowledging the error of his starting ways, Biggsey was again lured to the Committee boat for the start of the second race. Giving himself a stiff and unrepeatable talking to, and a kick to the gyros, Andy’s resolve returned and caught McD half way to Central.
Whispering in his old & faithful Laser’s ear with a promise both: to polish her bottom, and buy a shiny new mast before the next race; McD encouraged his charge to victory by 7 small seconds.
Results 1st R McDonald 2nd A Biggs
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat: Stephen Brooks
Spring Series Thursday 23rd April 2015 : Triangular Average Lap x 2 UCD Wind ESE3
First Race
It’s always best to get the first race done discretely, particularly if the boat or brain were left in a metaphorical compost heap for the winter. In what could only be described as blatant trolley neglect McD spent most of Thursday evening swapping boats, sails, trolleys, & banter – in quite possibly a novel attempt to distract the opposition. Andy & Hamish Biggs in Committee boat – blissfully unaware of the protracted comings & goings at the dinghy park – had plenty of time to lay a delightful triangular course, and for a quick nap before the fleet’s tardy arrival.
For most of the week an easterly wind had piled surf and sunshine into the Helford, but abated as per forecast to a gentle ESE breeze & swell. Indistinct in the haze, the first mark at Central proved elusive as racers, dressed for Armageddon, sweated, and toiled on the beat to a fuzzy memory of where the mark should be. McD’s memory and strategy proved correct as he first rounded central for the reach to Durgan. Aided by a gentle swell on the shifty run to Trebah, Brooks was clearly overwhelmed by the idea of getting closer to the front of the fleet and went off in the wrong direction at the leeward mark. Phil Samuel’s immaculate boat preparation and bicycling throughout winter led to his seemingly effortless performance in a gleaming Solo as he elegantly cruised to a third, 5 close seconds behind the Lasers.
With a combined age in the region of 180 the top 3 helms on the day prove that competitive dinghy racing is suitable to all. Newcomers, are always welcome at HRSC so if simply dipping your toes in or ready to challenge our teenage hotshots contact Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs via 01326 231006
Results 1st R McDonald 2nd S Brooks, 3rd P Samuel
Captain Dinghies Andy Biggs thanks all those in support of the fleet on the day
Safety Boat: Andy & Hamish Biggs
After the success of the 2014 season I think we are all looking forward to another fantastic fun and competitive season of dinghy racing on the Helford. This season will again be a mix of line start courses, average lap racing and pursuit races. With the number of racers increasing we should be able to increase the use of the Q20 committee boat and have more line starts. Committee boat duties will be requested of racers during the season.
There will be a pre-season briefing on Thursday 16th April at 7.00pm. The weekend races are mainly on Sundays and I hope to organise several fun Saturday events to encourage new sailors and progressing juniors to join the fleet. The formal racing starts on Thursday 23rd April but depending on weather and enthusiasm there may be some informal practice races earlier in April. These events will be notified by email circulation. The Dinghy Regatta Day will be on Saturday 11th July, with the first race at 10.30am. This will be a day of 5 average lap races allowing all standards of sailing ability and speed of dinghy to compete in fun exciting races.
The Susanna May Cup will be held on Saturday 8th August at 3pm. The May family are again hosting this fun race afternoon and party/prize giving event, and everyone is welcome. My thanks to everyone who helped make the 2014 season such a success and I hope 2015 is as enjoyable for everyone.
If you would like to try dinghy sailing, experience racing or join the adult sailors in the Club fleet of Wayfarers on a Tuesday evening, then please get in touch. Email me on [email protected].
Andy Biggs – Captain Dinghies
