Excellent Laser and Merlin Rocket fleets, along with some National 18s enjoyed better than expected conditions on Sunday morning which resulted in some close racing.
Thanks to Steve and Sue Katz for running that racing, and George Barber and Ian Wyatt in the patrol boat. Also to Jonathan Key for providing the following pictures:
Welcome to any new readers of Tammy Matters
Scroll to the end of this e-mail to see the News articles
Last Week 13th to 19th April
On Saturday, Andrew Harris continued with Junior Sailing taking advantage of the glorious weather on this though sombre day with the event at Windsor. As a mark of respect, the Ensign was flown at half-mast and Andrew led the minute of silence at 3 pm. Following that, the Junior fleet was out in force with some advancing to Lasers.
The second week of the Summer Series attracted large fleets in the Laser and Merlin Classes and two N18s ventured out from their temporary launch point down the main slip.
Sunday was also a sunny day with a fairly steady northerly wind. 11 Lasers started and the lead was hotly disputed throughout the race. Eventually Alister Banks ran out the winner with Stewart Colley in second place and Chris Taggart third. Two N18s took to the water with Charles Fox, crewed by Robert Blakebrough, getting the better of Henry Defries, crewed by Carolyne Vines. 11 Merlins came to the start line (some a little early) and, as the race developed, Richard Harris, crewed by Emma McDonald, stretched out a lead to win from Andrew Harris, crewed by Matty Key, in second and from Peter and Richard Mason in third.
My thanks to Sue and Steve Katz for running the races and thanks also to George Barber and Ian Wyatt for manning the Patrol Boat.
There was a further trial the electronic race sheet which Kaan is developing for use at the Club. More on this later.
The swans, which have taken up residence on the promontory, are still sitting on their eggs (most of the time) and trying to incorporate parts of The Goose’s cover tapes into their nest.
Looking Forward
The Changing Rooms are now open but with a limit of four persons in each at any one time. There is sanitising spray available which should be used to clean down the benches before and after use. We are trying to get a Veranda Bar working again but the Clubhouse veranda itself must be used only to collect pre-ordered drinks and drinks must only be consumed when seated on the lawn or by the waterfront.
On Saturdays, Andrew Harris will run Junior Sailing, starting at 2:30pm, and this will be a regular weekly session. There may be a break during the mid-summer period, of which Andrew will give participants due notice, depending on how the various stages of lockdown are released and summer holidays are allowed.
The Summer Points Series will continue, using our previously established pandemic format. This will mean that Lasers will launch first from about 10:10 for a start at 10:30. They will remain on the water until after the Merlin start at 11:30. The second wave to launch, from about 10:45 for a start at 11:00, will be Toppers, N18s and any boats intending to race in the Handicap Class. The Merlins will launch from about 11:10 for their start at 11:30. We have to wait and see how the emergence from Lockdown progresses to decide when we can revert to our normal Start sequence.
Tamesis Club’s two summer evening Series return from Thursday 6th May. The Club runs 20 races across the summer starting at 19:15 on Thursday evenings. The first ten races count towards the Saga Trophy and the second ten to the GW Smith Trophy. The racing is Portsmouth Yardstick handicap-based and all boats and sailors, including Juniors, are welcome. The races last about 50 minutes. So, why not put the evening of Thursday 6th May in your diary and come and enjoy some evening racing? Later in the year, when Covid guidelines permit, we should also be able to enjoy a dinner and a drink in the clubhouse after the racing.
Until the Covid social distancing rules are relaxed we will continue to mandate the use of masthead buoyancy and boats racing without masthead buoyancy will be disqualified for that race.
The Annual Laser Quiz Night
The Laser On-Line Quiz is happening on Saturday 24th April. Here are the details you need to know to be able to join in. I encourage everyone who can to zoom in on this event which will be our first post lockdown social event.
Exercise your grey matter in the Tamesis quiz! Register to participate in this on-line quiz comprising four rounds of ten questions. You can take part either as an individual or as a household. There will be Prizes! Registration before 12pm on Friday 23rd April is essential: click here to sign up. Zoom details will be sent to all registered participants on the day of the quiz.
Race Management
My thanks to Jim Green for organising the Race Management teams coming out of Lockdown. The Dutyman lists for further into the season need to be filled and we need volunteers to carry out the duties for all sailing dates comprising the Sunday and Thursday evening Club races and Open events. If you can assist by volunteering for any of these dates for either OOD, Box, Launch Driver or Crew, or you would be prepared to shadow Members performing these tasks with a view to being able to do them in the future, please contact Jim by e-mail at jimgreenhcr@gmail.com. The Club racing is entirely dependent on having Race Management teams to run things.
The Resumption of Sailing
Please remember to check into the Club using the Covid QR code or signing in the book in the Undercroft.
On shore, we still have to comply with the rule of no more than 6 people in a group and the 1 metre distancing rule. This constraint is scheduled to be in operation until late June at the earliest. Mixed households in a boat are permitted with due observance of the rules. If in any doubt, masks should be worn. Take care to observe these rules whilst preparing, launching and recovering your boats. Members not sailing are asked to keep clear of the Dinghy Park while crews are active there.
For the present, Class racing will use the same starting pattern as we used during the Autumn period. While the Covid distancing rules remain in force, we will continue to mandate the use of masthead buoyancy and boats racing without masthead buoyancy will be disqualified for that race. We will try to fit in as much of the intended Summer programme as possible and some events may be moved from their normal place in the calendar to later dates and some which have normally been two day events may be compressed into one. We will launch the Thursday evening Saga Trophy races on 6th May.
The exact conditions under which we must operate at any time will be set out in Tammy Matters each week. The Changing Rooms and possibly Bar arrangements will be allowed from this coming Sunday but the Clubhouse remains closed. We must, for the present, comply with the Rule of 6 and 2 Households for all shoreside activity.
I will update the information on the Noticeboard and the Red Banner at each easement date to reflect the RYA interpretation of the current guidance which applies in England and to indicate the next date at which we can expect a further easing of the rules. Use this link to read the Tamesis Noticeboard.
Rear Commodore (House)
This Flag Office remains vacant. A description of what this Office entails is available and I would welcome an approach from anybody who might be prepared to take on this responsibility.
We are also looking for volunteers to assist with running the Veranda Bar and, later, with catering. If you can help in this please contact any member of the Management Committee.
Planning for the future
Jack’s Trip and Offshore Group Dinner. Saturday, 29th May 2021 on the Solent.
Daniel Gerber is actively trying to put together a reasonable fleet to partake in Tamesis’ offshore event and will be very pleased to hear from anyone interested in participating. Please do not hesitate to contact him.
We would like to advertise and assess Members’ interest for Jack’s Trip (traditional one day Offshore Group Rally on the Solent) followed by a three course set Offshore Group Dinner at an appropriate venue located on the mainland.
Could interested Members please indicate to Daniel Gerber (daniel@thegerbers.ch) by 14th April 2021 the following:
1) Whether they plan to participate in the Offshore Group Rally during the day on Saturday, 29th May, with their own boat (or to charter a boat) and if they have any space available for Members interested in crewing;
2) Whether they would be interested / available to crew on a boat;
3) Whether they plan to participate in the Offshore Group Dinner in the evening of 29th May.
A programme will be communicated in due time, depending on interest and feedback from Members.
Resumption of Watersports
Since none of us has been able to use our craft for some time, I should remind you that owners of all craft (including canoes and paddleboards) must have a river licence. Quoted from the EA website
‘If you’re paddling on the non tidal section of the river (Cricklade Bridge to Teddington) yes, you need either a non-powered pleasure craft licence available from the environment agency here or join the British Canoeing here. Either of these entitles you to paddle on the non-tidal section of the Thames.‘ You might want to check your insurance too.
Advice on casual sailing, for those who wish to go on the river when there is no organised racing, is on the Tamesis Noticeboard.
River conditions
For river flow and level readings at Kingston, which are relevant to our reach, use Gaugemap at
https://www.gaugemap.co.uk/#!Detail/1249. or the Environment Agency site at
River Thames Conditions – Environment Agency.
Links for both these sites are also available via ‘Smithy On-line’, on the Home page of the Tamesis website.
Changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing, effective 1st January 2021
World Sailing has recently published changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS). If you would like to learn more, Chris Simon from the RYA gave the following talk which provides a very clear explanation. This video runs just over 1 hour and can be viewed at 2021 racing rules explained by Chris Simon. Int judge & umpire. Member of RYA Racing Rules Committee.
Pilates
Joanne Zorian, who in normal times runs classes at Tamesis, has a new Zoom Pilates time-table. (The offer for 4 £10.00 classes at £35.00 remains).
Monday 10:30 60 mins General £10
Tuesday 8:00 45 mins Level 2 £10
Wednesday 10:00 35 mins General £5
Friday 10:00 35 mins Gentle & fun £5
Saturday 10:00 60 mins General £10
If anyone would like any more information they can contact Nicky Johnson on nickyjohnsontamesis@gmail.com or joanne@joannezorian.co.uk
Chris Pollard
Commodore
Hi hope you are well.By this stage you would be able to sail away from the wind, across the wind and by tacking, into the wind.Since there aren’t any other possibilities that means in theory you could sail to Australia.To practice these skills we would set you a triangular course.
I don’t think there is an audio on this video but it also revises points of sailing –Have a look at this video on You Tubehttps://youtu.be/sVBs0EfZpsEWe would actually use a course where the reach would be a steady broad reach and the downwind leg a training run
Assuming an offshore wind this is what we’d get you to do.
We’d try to get you to use what you learned about the five essentials.
We provide paddles in some boats and encourage students to use them to get out of difficulty like being lee shored.
We might even give you a chance to do a bit of rowing.
Last week we mentioned being towed , this comes in handy on our annual expedition to Hampton Court
Fun with boats
Sailors sayings
Dead beat relates to the compass and means the needle quickly settles down to its Correct position .
New one Hunky Dory.
Incompetent Crew
Every day there were various musical events on the Bremerhaven sea front and some exhibitions like this Tug Ballet
And always more boats to look at
Yachtmaster quiz
Answer 3.3 The ground speed is faster
Question 3.4 which international code flag indicate “I need medical assistance “ ?
See you next week
Stay safe
Eric Finlayson
Sailors had a cracking start to the summer season with a keen northerly. Thanks to Jonathan Key for the photos.
Cover photo shows Neville Upton who led the Laser Race
Fuller report in Tammy Matters.
Welcome to lesson 11, hope you are well
The club is taking tentative steps to Start Sailing again. At the moment this doesn’t include training but I’ll keep you informed of any developments.
I’ve always thought Man Overboard recovery is a very good test of sailing ability as well as being a pretty useful skill in an emergency .
The following clip also covers being towed which can be very useful on the river.
An RYA version is also worth a look
A important member of the team is Paul the bosun , as well as fixing boats he does a mean highland fling.
We keep a defects log by the phone in the clubhouse so if you notice something wrong on a boat you should make a note of it there. .
Sailors sayings
Mind your Ps and Qs relates to the slate used in pubs to keep a tally of each customers drinks ie number of Pints and Quarts .
Next week. Dead BeatFun with Boats
Another little project
Big Boat Stuff (Incompetent crew)
There is an extensive calendar of events planned around the Tall Ships event but it’s also fun just to wander around looking at the people.And lots and lots of boats.
Yachtmaster Quiz
Answer 3.2 A Gnomic Projection shows the great circle route as a straight line.Question 3.3 A motor cruiser has a heading of 90 degrees T and a logged speed of 12 knots. There is a north to south tidal stream of 3 knots. Is the ground speed faster than the log speed?
Welcome to any new readers of Tammy Matters
Scroll to the end of this e-mail to see the News articles
Last Week 6th to 12th April
The progression back to some sort of normality is continuing and this last week we were able to start the Summer Series on time, the Sunday after the Easter weekend.
On Saturday, Andrew Harris started Junior Sailing and there was a tremendous turn-out despite it being quite chilly. It seems clear that our younger Members have been missing their sailing as much as we all have. See the report by Tim Medcalf in News.
On Sunday it was a reasonably sunny day with a fairly steady, although crisp, northerly wind. Seven Lasers started and Neville Upton won convincingly with Stewart Colley second and Jim Hamilton a close third. Eight Merlins started and it became immediately clear that the conditions suited Andrew Harris, crewed by Matty Key, who was consistently about a minute a lap faster than anyone else. Richard Harris, crewed by Emma McDonald, was second and Matt P-J and Arthur third. The N18s were absent again.
My thanks to Peter and Pauline Fryer for running the races and thanks also to Mal Warner and Beatrice Russ for manning the Patrol Boat.
Kaan took the opportunity to trial the electronic race sheet which he is developing for use at the Club. More on this later.
The swans, which have taken up residence on the promontory, are still sitting on their eggs but we have enabled launching and recovering N18s from the main slip when needed.
Looking Forward
From this week the Changing Rooms will re-open but with a limit of four persons in each at any one time. There is sanitising spray available which should be used to clean down the benches before and after use.
On Saturdays, Andrew Harris will run Junior Sailing, starting at 2:30pm, and this will be a regular weekly session. There may be a break during the mid-summer period, of which Andrew will give participants due notice, depending on how the various stages of lockdown are released and summer holidays are allowed.
The Summer Points Series will continue, using our previously established pandemic format. This will mean that Lasers will launch first from about 10:10 for a start at 10:30. They will remain on the water until after the Merlin start at 11:30. The second wave to launch, from about 10:45 for a start at 11:00, will be Toppers, N18s and any boats intending to race in the Handicap Class. The Merlins will launch from about 11:10 for their start at 11:30. We have to wait and see how the emergence from Lockdown progresses to decide when we can revert to our normal Start sequence.
Tamesis Club’s two summer evening series return from Thursday 6th May. The Club runs 20 races across the summer starting at 19:15 on Thursday evenings. The first ten races count towards the Saga Trophy and the second ten to the GW Smith Trophy. The racing is Portsmouth Yardstick handicap-based so all boats and sailors, including Juniors, are welcome. The races last about 50 minutes. So, why not put the evening of Thursday 6th May in your diary and come and enjoy some evening racing? Later in the year, when Covid guidelines permit, we will be able to enjoy a dinner and a drink in the clubhouse after the racing as well.
Until the Covid social distancing rules are relaxed we will continue to mandate the use of masthead buoyancy and boats racing without masthead buoyancy will be disqualified for that race.
The Annual Laser Quiz Night
The Laser On-Line Quiz is happening on Saturday 24th April. Here are the details you need to know to be able to join in.
Exercise your grey matter in the Tamesis quiz! Register to participate in this online quiz comprising four rounds of ten questions. You can take part either as an individual or as a household. There will be Prizes ! Registration before 12pm on Friday 23rd April is essential: click here to sign up. Zoom details will be sent to all registered participants on the day of the quiz.
The resumption of sailing
For the present, Class racing will use the same starting pattern as we used during the Autumn period. While the Covid distancing rules remain in force, we will continue to mandate the use of masthead buoyancy and boats racing without masthead buoyancy will be disqualified for that race.
Please remember to check into the Club using the Covid QR code or signing in the book in the Undercroft.
On shore, we still have to comply with the rule of no more than 6 people in a group and the 1 metre distancing rule. This constraint is scheduled to be in operation until late June at the earliest. Mixed households in a boat are permitted with due observance of the rules. If in any doubt, masks should be worn. Take care to observe these rules whilst preparing, launching and recovering your boats. Members not sailing are asked to keep clear of the dinghy park while crews are active there.
We will try to fit in as much of the intended Summer programme as possible and some events may be moved from their normal place in the calendar to later dates and some which have normally been two day events may be compressed into one. We will launch the Thursday evening Saga Trophy races on 6th May.
My thanks to Jim Green for organising the Race Management teams for our first four race days; the Dutyman lists for further into the season will be published as soon as possible. He has duties confirmed for 18th April which are on the website but still needs to fill 25th April and beyond and is asking for volunteers to do duties for 25th April and all the May sailing dates including the Sunday and Thursday evening races. If you can assist by volunteering for any of these dates for either OOD, Box, Launch Driver or Crew, please contact Jim by e-mail at jimgreenhcr@gmail.com.
The exact conditions under which we must operate at any time will be set out in Tammy Matters each week. The Changing Rooms and possibly bar arrangements will be allowed from this coming Sunday but the Clubhouse remains closed for now. We must, for the present, comply with the Rule of 6 and 2 Households for all shoreside activity.
I will update the information on the Noticeboard and the Red Banner at each easement date to reflect the RYA interpretation of the current guidance which applies in England and to indicate the next date at which we can expect a further easing of the rules. Use this link to read the Tamesis Noticeboard.
Planning for the future
Jack’s Trip and Offshore Group Dinner. Saturday, 29th May 2021 on the Solent.
Daniel Gerber is actively trying to put together a reasonable fleet to partake in Tamesis’ offshore event and will be very pleased to hear from anyone interested in participating. Please do not hesitate to contact him.
We would like to advertise and assess Members’ interest for Jack’s Trip (traditional one day Offshore Group Rally on the Solent) followed by a three course set Offshore Group Dinner at an appropriate venue located on the mainland.
Could interested Members please indicate to Daniel Gerber (daniel@thegerbers.ch) by 14th April 2021 the following:
1) Whether they plan to participate in the Offshore Group Rally during the day on Saturday, 29th May, with their own boat (or to charter a boat) and if they have any space available for Members interested in crewing;
2) Whether they would be interested / available to crew on a boat;
3) Whether they plan to participate in the Offshore Group Dinner in the evening of 29th May.
A programme will be communicated in due time depending on interest and feedback from Members.
Rear Commodore (House)
This Flag Office remains vacant. A description of what this Office entails is available and I would welcome an approach from anybody who might be prepared to take on this responsibility.
Resumption of Watersports
Since none of us has been able to use our craft for some time I should remind you that owners of all craft (including canoes and paddleboards) must have a river licence. Quoted from the EA website
‘If you’re paddling on the non tidal section of the river (Cricklade Bridge to Teddington) yes, you need either a non powered pleasure craft licence available from the environment agency here or join the British Canoeing here. Either of these entitles you to paddle on the non tidal section of the Thames.‘ You might want to check your insurance too.
Advice on casual sailing, for those who wish to go on the river when there is no organised racing, is on the Tamesis Noticeboard.
River conditions
For river flow and level readings at Kingston, which are relevant to our reach, use Gaugemap at
https://www.gaugemap.co.uk/#!Detail/1249. or the Environment Agency site at
River Thames Conditions – Environment Agency.
Links for both these sites are also available via ‘Smithy On-line’, on the Home page of the Tamesis website.
Changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing, effective 1st January 2021
World Sailing has recently published changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS). If you would like to learn more, Chris Simon from the RYA gave the following talk which provides a very clear explanation. This video runs just over 1 hour and can be viewed at 2021 racing rules explained by Chris Simon. Int judge & umpire. Member of RYA Racing Rules Committee.
Pilates
Joanne Zorian, who in normal times runs classes at Tamesis, has a new Zoom Pilates time-table. (The offer for 4 £10.00 classes at £35.00 remains).
Monday 10:30 60 mins General £10
Tuesday 8:00 45 mins Level 2 £10
Wednesday 10:00 35 mins General £5
Friday 10:00 35 mins Gentle & fun £5
Saturday 10:00 60 mins General £10
If anyone would like any more information they can contact Nicky Johnson on nickyjohnsontamesis@gmail.com or joanne@joannezorian.co.uk
Chris Pollard
Commodore
Saturday 10 April saw almost 20 keen Juniors, including some new members, rig up and go sailing under the watchful eye of Andy Harris and his volunteer team of parents.
Undaunted by the autumnal feeling conditions it was good to see that the skills gained last year hadn’t diminished due to the enforced lockdown layoffs. A number of Juniors are really developing in terms of their sailing and it was apparent that the ability level across the group is on the up.
Matty and Maisie Key even took the opportunity to show off their capsize recovery skills in one of the club’s very smart looking, newly refurbished Laser 2000s. Real commitment, especially as the hot showers and changing rooms remain closed for the time being!
We’re looking forward to a glorious summer of Junior Sailing sessions and hope that this will feed through in to more Juniors coming back to race on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings too.
Thanks as ever to Andy for running the afternoon supported by Ken, Griff, Byron, Davesh, Sean, Nicola, Matthew, Matt P-J, and the rest of the ‘shoreside parents’, Nim and Helen for leading the provision of the all-important teas and cake, and to Chris Wade for taking the accompanying shots of the action.
Easter Sunday was beautiful, the northerly light to start with but increased nicely by the end of the merlin race.
Sunday was a glorious day and a very good turn out, particularly by the Merlins, produced some excellent racing. The Laser race was won convincingly by Ros Warwick-Haller with Stewart Colley second and Chris Taggart third.
The Merlins had a very tight battle at the front of the fleet of 14 boats with the lead being swapped about frequently. Richard Harris , crewed by Emma McDonald, ultimately won with Peter and Richard Mason second and Joe McLaughlin and Sean Roberts third. Sadly the N18s were unable to participate.
Monday was much colder, the wind stronger blowing straight up the reach.
Monday, by contrast, was very chilly and windy with the occasional desultory micro-flurry of snow! Four Lasers turned out and Kaan, seemingly relishing the strong conditions, was a convincing winner with Jim Hamilton second and John Edmondson third.
Five Merlins took on the blustery conditions and again there was a tight battle for the lead. Andrew Harris, crewed by Matty Key, won with Joe McLaughlin with Sean Roberts second and Richard and Maddy Harris in third place.
Hi, hope you are well.Welcome to lesson 10In previous sessions I have mentioned that every Sunday I do a risk assessment covering wind current traffic etc.I’ve started to look again at a risk assessment for when we eventually start training but think this may still be a bit awayObviously we’ll watch what happens in schools and expect guidance from the RYA but I want to make sure students, instructors and others are fully involved and informed .The object of these lessons is to minimise class room time but we can also lecture on the lawn , under the veranda and maybe even in the clubhouse .We need to think how to man and use the safety boat whilst distancing this probably means we need the ladder to allow people in the water to get onboard unaided .We always encourage parents to help youngster rig launch and land and we’ll probably encourage families to stick together and adults buddying up .Need to clean buoyancy aids and boats after use etc.Please let me have any ideas queries etcAnyway this week we want to talk about what we call the five essentialsSubject: Five Essentialshttp://www.ukmirrorsailing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=384&Itemid=221
Balance is fairly obvious and in a two person boat communication is vitalTrim is hard to spot yourself but if you are too far astern you will see turbulence at the transom .For centre board try swishing a knife through water you’ll see it’s easier backwards and forward than sideways.Sail setting deserves more time.Once you have the boom in about the right position, half way between too far out and too far in, you need to fine tune it by pulling the sail in gently till the Front of the sail just stops fluttering.Course made good is about putting it all together to get where you want to go as quickly as possible ie going upstream keep closer to the bank where the current is least, here’s a diagram
Going back to sail setting we use soft sails on the 2ks as the proper sail is too thick to “read” properly
Stewart one of our Assistants is a keen racer but helps out when he can .Ps note the trim is wrong , which way ?Sailors sayingsThe bitter end is the part of the anchor line that is fixed to the boat through “bits”I read of a boat where the anchor was fouled on a rising tide and the shackle fixing it to the bits was rusted stuck so the anchor pulled the bow under waterNext week – Mind your Ps & QsYoungsters might enjoy making model boats like theseI used to use corks and even walnut shells, plastic might be easier these days.While working on a building contract near the village of Dunmow I was mooching about one evening and made a boat out of a Benson &Hedges packet to sail on the duck pondWhilst rescuing it from the reeds on a lee shore I found a plaque commemorating the invention of the unsinkable lifeboat on the pond.Yachtmaster quizA 3.1 Going aground on the top of a high tide is getting neapedQ 3.2 on what type of ocean chart is a straight line the great circle route.Incompetent CrewBecause Lady in Blue ‘s home port is Grimsby which is “twinned” with Bremerhaven we get to count as an honorary tall ship so we’re given badges tee shirts and other goodies including free bus travel and entry to many venues.It was great just to wander around the sea front area looking at boats.This seems to be an early foiling prototypeMany of the real tall ships were open for tours to raise funds, you could even climb some mastsStay safe and see you next weekEric Finlayson
Welcome to any new readers of Tammy Matters
Scroll to the end of this e-mail to see the News articles
Last Week 30th March to 5th April
We were able to restart racing on Easter Sunday and to run more racing on Easter Monday.
Sunday was a glorious day and a very good turn out, particularly by the Merlins, produced some excellent racing. The Laser race was won convincingly by Ros Warwick-Haller with Stewart Colley second and Chris Taggart third. The Merlins had a very tight battle at the front of the fleet of 14 boats with the lead being swapped about frequently. Richard Harris , crewed by Emma McDonald, ultimately won with Peter and Richard Mason second and Joe McLaughlin and Sean Roberts third. Sadly the N18s were unable to participate.
Monday, by contrast, was very chilly and windy with the occasional desultory micro-flurry of snow! Four Lasers turned out and Kaan, seemingly relishing the strong conditions, was a convincing winner with Jim Hamilton second and John Edmondson third. Five Merlins took on the blustery conditions and again there was a tight battle for the lead. Andrew Harris, crewed by Matty Key, with Joe McLaughlin with Sean Roberts second and Richard and Maddy Harris in third place. See the photos in News.
It was arranged that Easter Eggs were to be distributed to all competitors on both days. Victor Ludorum for the weekend was Richard Harris with a 1st and a 3rd. In second place was Andrew Harris with a 4th and a 1st and in 3rd Joe McLaughlin with a 3rd and a 2nd.
My thanks to John and Jean Meredith for running the racing on Easter Sunday and Peter and Pauline Fryer for running the Monday races. Thanks also to Clive Mence and Onursal Soyer for manning the Patrol Boat on Sunday and to Mark Gardner and Alan Hall for manning it on Monday.
The swans, which have taken up residence on the promontory, are likely to be sitting on their clutch of 8 eggs for a while. We understand that disturbing them to the point that they desert the nest constitutes an offence, which we do not want to perpetrate We are looking at ways of launching and recovering N18s without the risk of alarming the swans or of being attacked.
The missing section of campshedding by the (Gold)Smithy has been replaced and the rotted N18 pier has been fitted with new, wider planking.
Looking Forward
Andrew Harris will be starting Junior Sailing on Saturday 10th April and is looking forward to a good turn-out. This will be a regular weekly session which, depending on how the various stages of lockdown are released and summer holidays are allowed, may have a break of which Andrew will give participants due notice.
We will be starting the Summer Points Series next Sunday, 11th April, when we will continue to use our previously established pandemic format. This will mean that Lasers will launch first from about 10:10 for a start at 10:30. They will remain on the water until after the Merlin start at 11:30. The second wave to launch, from about 10:45 for a start at 11:00, will be Toppers, N18s and any boats intending to race in the Handicap Class. The Merlins will launch from about 11:10 for their start at 11:30. We have to wait and see how the emergence from Lockdown progresses to decide when we can revert to our normal Start sequence.
The presence of the nesting swans on the promontory is causing difficulty for the launching and recovery of the N18s and we are looking at ways of recovering up the main slip in a Covid compliant way.
Until the Covid social distancing rules are relaxed we will continue to require masthead buoyancy to be attached and any boat racing without it will have its result for that race in the Series voided.
The Annual Laser Quiz Night
On Saturday 24th April, at 7:30 pm, the Laser Quiz is scheduled to take place as a Zoom event. Peter Johnson has put out an alert on the Tamesis Sailing WhatsApp group to establish how many would join in the event and has asked people to respond on the WhatsApp group or, if you are not on that, please let him know by e-mail or phone by the end of this week so that the organisation can be put in place.
The resumption of sailing
For the present, Class racing will use the same starting pattern as we used during the Autumn period. While the Covid distancing rules remain in force, we will continue to mandate the use of masthead buoyancy and boats racing without masthead buoyancy will be disqualified for that race.
On shore, we still have to comply with the rule of no more than 6 people in a group and the 1 metre distancing rule. Mixed households in a boat are permitted with due observance of the rules. If in any doubt, masks should be worn. Take care to observe these rules whilst preparing, launching and recovering your boats. Members not sailing are asked to keep clear of the dinghy park while crews are active there.
We will try to fit in as much of the intended Summer programme as possible and some events may be moved from their normal place in the calendar to later dates and some which have normally been two day events may be compressed into one. Andrew Harris will be starting Junior Sailing on Saturday, 10th April and is looking forward to a good turn-out. We will launch the Summer Points Series on Sunday, 11th April and the Saga Trophy races on Thursday evenings will start on 6th May.
My thanks to Jim Green for organising the Race Management teams for our first four race days; the Dutyman lists for further into the season will be published as soon as possible. He has duties confirmed as filled for 4th, 5th, 11th and 18th April which are on the website. However, he still needs to fill 25th April and beyond and is asking for volunteers to do duties for 25th April and all the May sailing dates including the Sunday and Thursday evening races. If you can assist by volunteering for any of these dates for either OOD, Box, Launch Driver or Crew, please contact Jim by e-mail at jimgreenhcr@gmail.com.
The exact conditions under which we must operate at any time will be set out in Tammy Matters each week. From Easter Day the toilets in the Changing Rooms will be available but the showers and changing spaces will not. We will be opening up the Changing Rooms and starting what catering and bar arrangements we are allowed as soon as it is permissible and we can arrange it but we must, for the present, comply with the Rule of 6 and 2 Households for all shoreside activity.
I will update the information on the Noticeboard and the Red Banner at each easement date to reflect the RYA interpretation of the current guidance which applies in England and to indicate the next date at which we can expect a further easing of the rules. Use this link to read the Tamesis Noticeboard.
Planning for the future
Jack’s Trip and Offshore Group Dinner. Saturday, 29th May 2021 on the Solent.
Daniel Gerber is actively trying to put together a reasonable fleet to partake in Tamesis’ offshore event and will be very pleased to hear from anyone interested in joining in. Please do not hesitate to contact him.
We would like to advertise and assess Members’ interest for Jack’s Trip (traditional one day Offshore Group Rally on the Solent) followed by a three course set Offshore Group Dinner at an appropriate venue located on the mainland.
Could interested Members please indicate to Daniel Gerber (daniel@thegerbers.ch) by 14th April 2021 the following:
1) whether they plan to participate in the Offshore Group Rally during the day on Saturday, 29th May, with their own boat (or to charter a boat) and if they have any space available for Members interested in crewing;
2) whether they would be interested / available to crew on a boat;
3) whether they plan to participate in the Offshore Group Dinner in the evening of 29th May.
A programme will be communicated in due time depending on interest and feedback from Members.
Notices
Rear Commodore (House)
This Flag Office remains vacant. A description of what this Office entails is available and I would welcome an approach from anybody who might be prepared to take on this responsibility.
Tammy Natters
Tammy Natters has, for the time being, served its purpose of keeping the Club’s social contacts going. My thanks to Zoe Adams for instigating and running this enjoyable forum – one that we can restore should we ever again need it.
Resumption of Watersports
Since none of us has been able to use our craft for some time I should remind you that owners of all craft (including canoes and paddleboards) must have a river licence. Quoted from the EA website
‘If you’re paddling on the non tidal section of the river (Cricklade Bridge to Teddington) yes, you need either a non powered pleasure craft licence available from the environment agency here or join the British Canoeing here. Either of these entitles you to paddle on the non tidal section of the Thames.‘ You might want to check your insurance too.
Advice on casual sailing, for those who wish to go on the river when there is no organised racing, is on the Tamesis Noticeboard.
River conditions
For river flow and level readings at Kingston, which are relevant to our reach, use Gaugemap at
https://www.gaugemap.co.uk/#!Detail/1249. or the Environment Agency site at
River Thames Conditions – Environment Agency.
Links for both these sites are also available via ‘Smithy On-line’, on the Home page of the Tamesis website.
Changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing, effective 1st January 2021
World Sailing has recently published changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS). If you would like to learn more, Chris Simon from the RYA gave the following talk which provides a very clear explanation. This video runs just over 1 hour and can be viewed at 2021 racing rules explained by Chris Simon. Int judge & umpire. Member of RYA Racing Rules Committee.
Pilates
Joanne Zorian, who in normal times runs classes at Tamesis, has a new Zoom Pilates time-table. (The offer for 4 £10.00 classes at £35.00 remains).
Monday 10:30 60 mins General £10
Tuesday 8:00 45 mins Level 2 £10
Wednesday 10:00 35 mins General £5
Friday 10:00 35 mins Gentle & fun £5
Saturday 10:00 60 mins General £10
If anyone would like any more information they can contact Nicky Johnson on nickyjohnsontamesis@gmail.com or joanne@joannezorian.co.uk
Chris Pollard
Commodore
