John Taylor

George, As a last resort, I am travelling from Portsmouth to Fleetwood. If there is no volunteers I could meet on route, but they will have to come across the M3 and meet me say at Basingstoke? Regards JT

Only 4 weeks left to the Joint Services (IOM) Regatta taking place at Gosport MYC. Despite one withdrawal we have 11 entries so far and we are looking for more. If you fit the criteria then why not join in for a full weekend of (IOM) racing, as I look forward to receiving your entry. JT

Regatta Update. I am pleased to have received 8 confirmed entries already, in the first few weeks for the Joint Services (IOM) Regatta. In addition, a couple of people have promised to enter but still I await their notification. Therefore, I am looking for the support of those people who meet the criteria within the NOR and have yet to enter. Its 2 days of sailing IOMs with friends and former service colleagues. What a great opportunity, so why not enter online via the MYA Calendar. JT

I’d like to thank the council for the amendment to the AGM notification and the inclusion of the Trade Show. It is an event worth coming to. I hope members of the MYA will come and support in November. JT

Evening All, Today I received notification about this year’s association AGM in November. Traditionally, the Trade Show is usually included with the AGM. I can only assume there doesn’t appear to be any appetite to host a Trade Show this year, because there was no additional information included. When a supplier pays for an article to appear within the year book, isn’t part of that fee to secure a stand within the Trade Show itself? I would be interested to read opinions from others on this subject, or the reasoning for perhaps not having a Trade Show? Personally, I think we as an association should have these important events. JT

Calling All Service Personnel, Just published within the MYA Calendar is an opportunity for all service personnel (Military, Veteran, Reserve Forces and Emergency Services), to compete in the above regatta. This event has not been run for 2 years but we are keen to re-establish, perhaps the friendliest regatta within the calendar. It is an opportunity to come along and take part in 2 days of (IOM) racing and a chance to reacquaint with service colleagues. Please enter online and read the Notice of Race. I look forward to meeting you at Gosport MYC on the 8/9th October. Regards, JT

Evening Eric I have consistently used the Kingsmax winch in my IOM, US1m and previous RG for the last 5 years. It is a great little winch, but I would not use the winch in anything bigger than an IOM. Admittedly, the Kingsmax is not as fast as an RMG, but you as the skipper would learn to manage the speed and timing, when operating the yacht’s sails during a race. As for the new spec winch, I can’t see me using that in a competitive Marblehead. However, I’m for being educated. JT

Hi Everyone, May a chip into this subject. I think club racing which forms the 'Grass Routes' part of Radio Sailing can provide a very important inclusion to a skipper's education. I am sure a good percentage of the (UK) MYA's membership does not have that Full Size or Dinghy sailing experience. If managed correctly club sailing can deliver the education required to make skippers more aware of themselves on the water and therefore raising the standard of the sailing we all see. I race a variety of classes across the country, one of the biggest aspects for skipper education is understanding distance between two boats or to the buoy on the course. For example, 4 boat lengths to a mark on the course will be at a much greater distance for an A - Class in comparison to an IOM, that's double the distance to the mark. I find this piece of information not always understood but should be an important inclusion to a Race Officer's briefing. Generally, I think the standard of sailing differs across the fleet. The top skippers who represent A and B Fleets in most Championships all sail very well. An example I've witnessed many times, is some skippers will communicate with each other whilst sailing, or will just dip the transom of another boat and continue. There is the few who once they have purchased a high performing yacht will race with a 'Gun Hoe' attitude, It is a term I've become familiar with these past years. Again, I think this is where club sailing can help in the education of skippers. Maybe in the future the MYA Race Calendar could be slim down to allow more opportunity for club sailing? JT

Mike, My experiences as described above both involved Umpires and not Observers. In both cases, I was not happy with the Umpire's call and in my first case, I decided to protest. I lost my appeal which included being personally reprimanded.

Gents It is probably best to keep your rigs within a sail box. The box provides the best protection. However, if this is not possible, I hang my rigs vertically within a dry room. Always ease the tension on the sails to prevent stretching and lightly oil any ball race fittings. After all there is some value in the rigs we use. Regards JT

Gents I give thanks to you both for your comments and I will study the links above. Periodically, during regattas I do experience peer pressure from skippers and using my own experience, I thought it was a good subject to highlight. My understanding is that if an Umpire calls during a race, then there is no argument. In my first experience, I was generally not happy with the decision. The protest hearing turned into a ‘Dressing Down’, of why I was questioning the integrity of the Umpire. Although I put my case forward, I was still banished from the protest hearing and I remember feeling very disgruntled. JT

What are the options in this scenario. Skipper ‘A’ claims there has been a contact between 2 boats. Therefore, Skipper ‘A’ protests. Skipper ‘B’ does not agree and continues sailing. There is no immediate call by the umpire. Skipper ‘A’ continues to be vocal and requests for anyone within the fleet, if they saw the incident. No one comes forward. Skipper ‘A’ continues to be vocal during the race. In the end, the Umpire calls the incident and Skipper B is required to complete a penalty. Skipper ‘B’ still doesn’t believe there was a collision. He believes the Umpire hasn’t seen the incident either, but has reacted because of peer pressure. I was Skipper B, in my first experience, I refused the penalty and went to protest, to be disqualified. In my second experience, I did a penalty and was relegated from A-Fleet but felt disgruntled. Your thoughts??

Vane Marblehead Championships, Day 2 / Results A southerly breeze with heavy showers greeted the fleet today. Not a day for spinnakers. Right from the start both Lewis and Shaun Wyeth we’re taking points from the other challengers, whilst both Zac and Martin Roberts we’re serving their 'Bye' heats. The first round of racing was completed by lunchtime. The Race Officer then split the fleet, with the Vintage yachts sailing each other and the more modern Marblehead's in their own fleet. In the afternoon session the final round was completed before the bad weather set in over Fleetwood. Congratulations to Shaun Wyeth, winner of the 2021 Vane (M) Championship, sailing his Starkers design. 2nd place Lewis Wyeth and 3rd Martin Roberts. In the Vintage event Alan and David Bell came out on top, sailing their Witchcraft design. As for the TOTS Team, the winners were Martin Roberts and Lewis Wyeth with a combined score of 76 points. Overall this was a great family regatta. Thanks goes to my Race Team and the Fleetwood Club.

Vane Marblehead Championship Report, Day 1 A 9 boat fleet entered this traditional event which has a long history with Fleetwood. A good mix of yachts from the vintage era to some of the more modern designs such as David Creeds Starkers. The strong westerly breeze kept the boats mostly using C-rig and thankfully all didn’t have to many equipment issues during the day. To the racing then, the early pace setters have come from the Roberts and Wyeth families. Both Zac and Lewis have taken points from their fathers, the younger generation making their own marks in this regatta. However, Dave Geldard started well in the morning session before loosing momentum after lunch. In the Vintage group Alan and David Bell have taken the most points during the day and provided some close competition against the more modern marbleheads. At the halfway stage Shaun Wyeth leads with 27 points from a possible 30. Lewis Wyeth is in 2nd place with Zac and Martin Roberts close behind, but the Roberts family have sailed for 35 points and yet to have a ‘Bye’ heat. It’s all to play for tomorrow.

Day 3 Report /Results. Congratulations to Craig Richards (05) for winning the UK Championship, 2nd place was John Tushingham (51) and 3rd place Peter Baldwin (172). In total 15 rounds were completed in a wide range of wind conditions. There were 8 protest hearings during the regatta. Special thank you to Derek Priestley, Rob Walsh and the Fleetwood racing team, including the ladies in the canteen who fed us all during the 3 days. The windward gate worked very well and we may see this format more often? As for me (214), I’ve found results hard to come by lately, especially after the disappointment of the (IOM) Championship a few weeks ago. However, this results (6th) renews my confidence in my abilities and to find your ‘Mojo’ again is a great feeling. Also I’m grateful to Bob Jolly for the use of his boat.

Day 2 Report Today was the complete opposite from yesterday. A delayed start through the lack of wind on the course. Once the racing started and what little wind there was just changed direction continually. Providing a challenge for the race team to set a fair course. The first round started at lunchtime. The event leader John Tushingham (51), found himself in B-fleet and was frustrated when he missed out on promotion. Dave Potter (20) had equipment issues after the first round and he was relegated to C-fleet. As the afternoon session continued and with some of the skippers growing in frustration, all because on more than one occasion the wind would shift to other side of the course. Therefore, on the last leg and sailing to the finishing line, you would easily go from a safe position in the fleet to being relegated. That said, Peter Baldwin (172) and Jonas Samson (60) both produced good performances today, winning individual A-fleet races and closing the gap on the leader. However, on a funnier note, spare a thought for Tim Long (Snackers), he succumb to Mike Western’s Cream Pie attack at the lakeside. War may start later?

Day 1 Report. Fleetwood welcomed 64 entries to the Dragon 95 Championship. The wind conditions were perfect gusting westerly upto 15mph. These yachts are part of a restricted class, equally built and rely on the skippers ability to manage the course. The Race Officer, Derek Priestley introduced a windward gate, perhaps not seen before in Radiosailing. This inclusion within the course was to limit any collisions when rounding the windward marks. After 6 races, John Tushingham (51) is leading from 2nd place Craig Richards (05) and 3rd place Jonas Samson (60) from Sweden. As for me, (214) I have made a strong start and I hope my good fortune continues. Also spare a thought for Ken Binks (83), his rudder servo and deck cover hatch melted during an A-Fleet race. Tomorrow we hope for more Champaign sailing and the local council not to administer parking tickets, within the club carpark.....Lol

UK (IOM) Championship, Day 3 Report and Results. Congratulations to Brad Gibson (Pop) who sailed to another (IOM) National Championship. A clear winner from 2nd place Graham Elliott (Britpop) and 3rd place Chris Harris (Britpop). 13 rounds of racing were completed, with 59 general recalls at the start line, 6 protest hearings and 1 man in the lake. Away from the racing, there were some interesting stories coming out of the fleet of skippers, who like to socialise too much. People sleeping in the streets or in hotel corridors, because for what ever reason they cannot find their appropriate accommodation. I’m sure those amusing stories will filter across the radio sailing world in the near future. However, the one thing you can say is that everyone enjoyed themselves and the regatta was a great success. Our thanks goes to Fleetwood Club, Derek Priestley, Peter Baldwin and their racing team for running such a good event. As for me (Sushi), I found the competition tough going, (competitively aswell as socially) but I’ve learnt more about my design. Sushi is a work in progress and I will make some changes before the next regatta in 4 weeks time. My highest achievement this weekend was promotion into B-Fleet briefly. Sushi handles differently than my previous design (Rubix), but this shows me I have to be adaptable. I will continue with this project because one regatta is not enough time to make a judgement.

UK (IOM) Championship, Day2 Report The wind slowly built from the east this time with the RO setting a course using the full length of the lake. There was a lot of competitive racing, but on many occasions a general recall would be shouted from the start line, as skippers manoeuvred to try and get the advantage. After 8 rounds of racing Brad Gibson remains top and extends his lead from yesterday. Craig Richards continues his challenge with Chris Harris. Further down the fleet, Shaun Priestley (Britpop) and John Sharman (Vision) have sailed consistently today, as they maintain their positions in the top half of the standings. Jen Hand (Britpop) the only female entrant, has a determined approach to her races, on occasions she will vent her delight as a result from her successes As for me, (Sushi) I’ve spent a lot of time in D-Fleet today, but I was encourage once the wind strength increased during the afternoon session. Two consecutive promotions which guided me to B-Fleet for the first time in this regatta. Unfortunately, disaster struck me again during the start line of the B-Fleet race, where I had to retire due to my jib pull down brealage. So the momentum ended and I was back in C-Fleet.

UK (IOM) Championship, Day 1 Report A variable light westerly wind built over the course of the day. Some of the more established skippers, Graham Bantock, John Tushingham and Darin Ballington all had bad starts to their regatta. However, fresh from winning the Marblehead Championships 2 weeks ago, Chris Harris (Britpop) carried on his good form. So too did Graham Elliott (Britpop) and Brad Gibson (Pop), both took first places in A-fleet during the day. After the first 4 rounds of racing, Brad Gibson is top of the fleet, but there is still along way to go. Elsewhere Craig Richards (Vanilla) has sailed consistently well and he won an A-Fleet race. Mark Rose (Britpop), a local skipper climbed through the fleets to compete with the best skippers. Unfortunately, in the same race an accident for Mick Chamberlain, who whilst racing fell into the lake. Thankfully only his pride was hurt. As for me, (Sushi) I’ve found today hard going. I spent most of the day in C-Fleet, but knocking on the door to promotion. Then disaster struck in my last race of the day, as I sailed myself into a relegation position. Therefore, I start tomorrow in D-Fleet. I will reflect on today’s performance with a beer.

Fleetwood is the host club for the 30th (IOM) Championships. A 76 boat entry which includes 4 previous class World Champions, many National Champions and an array of talent, that boasts some of the best skippers across the country. This is certainly a high class event and over the next 3 days we will certainly experience some champaign racing. The skippers who are favourite to win are many, but in my opinion: Robert Walsh, Brad Gibson, Martin Roberts, John Tushingham and Graham Bantock will all be staking their bids. The next wave: Tony Edwards, Graham Elliot, Chris Harris, Gavin Watson and Darin Ballington will all be in the mix. However, there are some other skippers you may not be familiar with, but equally talented: Craig Richards (112), Ian Dundas (38) and Brian Summers (07). All very capable and eager to start this regatta well. Let the show commence!!!!

Marblehead Championship Day 2 Report and Results. Wind conditions were still variable both in speed and direction. The top skippers continued to battle it out on the water, but Graham Bantock, Darin Ballington and Tony Edwards have all spent time in B-Fleet which probably finished their challenge in the early part of the afternoon. Plus it didn’t help that a protest stopped racing for nearly an hour during the morning session. This was between Chris Harris and Phil Haliday for an incident at the start line. The result was the protest was eventually thrown out with no impact on either skipper. Congratulations goes to Chris Harris after a close encounter, he takes the top spot for the first time in this class. His performance and careful sailing gradually pulled him through the fleet. 2nd place Peter Stollery , 3rd place Andrea Roberts. Some excellent performances also during the weekend, Craig Richards and CJ Vice both sailed consistently. As for me, my results slowly improved when the wind speed increased, I managed to sail in A-Fleet a couple of times but was relegated straight away. Frustratingly, on one occasion during the last leg of the course I sailed myself into a bottom 4 position. (Unforgivable). Thanks goes to Hugh McAdoo, his Racing Team and to Manor Park Sailing Club. An enjoyable regatta despite me sleeping in my car. 😂

Marblehead Championship, Day 1 Report Manor Park is the venue for this year’s UK Marblehead Championships. 31 skippers from all over the country, split into 2 fleets taking part. Throughout the day the wind conditions were a challenge both for the skippers and the Race Officer (RO). On more than one occasion the course had to be rotated nearly 180 degrees. In the racing, Martin Roberts, Chris Harris and Peter Stollery all have won during the day. However, Martin and Peter have also found themselves sailing in B-Fleet, proving no one is safe in A-fleet in these conditions. After day 1, Chris Harris tops the fleet, great performances also from Andrea Roberts (Starkers) and Rob Vice (Up). I think it will be more of the same tomorrow. As for myself, I found the day challenging both on and off the water. Unable to sail myself into a promotional position in B-Fleet, I often found myself sailing into no wind, or be on the wrong side of the course as the wind filled in again. However, more frustration was to come as I later found my accommodation for the night was cancelled. The land lady had double booked by mistake. This leaves me sleeping in the car for the night 😂🍺🍺

Vane A - Class Championships Day 5 Report / Results The final day of this regatta saw the wind conditions increase to a gusty 15 mph south westerly. 4 heats were sailed and suddenly points became a premium for the skippers. It didn't matter how messy your trim was, as long as you crossed the finishing line first. Chris Harris and Peter Fothergill tried to make up ground on the skippers above them and took heart as both Shaun Wyeth and Martin Roberts began to drop points, but in the end it was too late. Team Graham Wyeth and Mark Dicks maintained their 3rd position in the overall standings. So well-done to them. Shaun Wyeth had a re-sail with Peter Stollery which after 4 attempts was finally resolved, but Peter Stollery took the points. This pretty much ended Shaun Wyeth's challenge leaving Martin Roberts on top and claiming the 2021 Vane A - Class Championship. It has been a fantastic week and all of our thanks goes to Derek Priestley, Jacque and Mervyn Cook and the Race Team of Gosport MYC. Next year Fleetwood will become the hosts of this prestigious event and we hope to see some new faces? The main prize winners are listed below. Class Champion - Martin Robert Yachting Monthly Cup Winners - Peter Fothergill & Paul Edwards TOTS Team Winners - Peter Fothergill, Damian Ackroyd and Lewis Wyeth Little Portugal Cup - Lewis Wyeth Junior Trophy - Oliver Stollery Neptune Team Trophy - Gosport Short Film Link: