Summer Regatta

The next sailing event in the calendar is the Summer Regatta. Every year, this 2-day event is coupled with a Laser>> open meeting, attracting a fair number of fine sailors and fearless drinkers! Last year, the bar sold out of almost all versions of alcoholic beverages, to the exception of a few skull-splitting spirits that would have wreaked havoc in the following morning races.

The Summer Regatta is a charity event and the entry fees are donated to the RNLI. Last November, Chris Bunby, Lifeboat Operations Manager from Shoreham Station, received the proceeds of the Summer Regatta 2006 during the Annual Dinner & Dance.
"The RNLI is a charity that provides a 24-hour lifesaving service around the UK and Republic of Ireland.
As a charity, the RNLI relies on our support to carry on saving lives at sea."
The number of watersports enthusiasts is growing fast and the RNLI services get stretched to the limit. Many of Lancing Sailing Club members belong to the association and we all acknowledge the invaluable service provided to all. The Summer Regatta might be only a modest way to contribute to the RNLI budget, but it's fun! Come and join the crowd on the 21st July.

Youth Regatta & Have-a-go Day

Now, there was a tricky little puzzle for weather forecast aficionados this weekend.

• over the last 3 years, the Youth Regatta has been cancelled due to force 6 winds,

• over the last few years, the Have-a-Go day has hardly managed to launch a few boats due to a persistent lack of wind,

.........
what could happen if we combined both events in one day?

That's what Stuart Hart and Jim Powell have tried to find out on Saturday 7th July, by organising the Youth regatta in the morning and the Have-a-Go day in the afternoon. After days of howling gales and cancelled racing, the mere sight of a boat on the water was a pleasure to the eye.
And there was more than one that one sail on the water that day! A couple of Lasers 4.7 and an array of Toppers followed Stuart's instructions and competed in a series of races with different formats. With a healthy force 5 south-westerly, it took a lot of courage from our young members to go afloat that morning but they were rewarded with long surfing waves, screaming reaches and good competition! Congratulations to all entrants.

The wind strength kept creeping up all morning and, when 2pm arrived, it was blowing a good force 5 to 6. Far from ideal conditions for having a go at a new sport. It was even more disappointing because many visitors were there, equipped with old trainers, wetsuits and plenty of enthusiasm, to try their hand at dinghy sailing. Jim and Stuart had to postpone the event until a time with more clement conditions; every visitor left contact details and will be advised of a new date.

June is usually one of the busiest months in the sailing season, with many warm water sailors emerging from their duvet to unwrap their dinghy for the first time of the year, realising how much fun it is (despite the sore legs on the Monday morning) and being adamant that, next year, they won't leave it so late. Well, this year, June felt like November and most sailing days ended up shortened or cancelled, much to the disappointment of many members who couldn't find any other valid excuse to escape gardening, shopping or a spot of DiY. Let's hope that the rest of July will not be quite so fierce and we'll manage a few races here and there.

The first Sunday of July almost got us believe it was summertime. A steady force 4-5 SW created exhilarating racing conditions and many participants came off the water with a big grin, even those who capsized!

The next social event is the barbecue on Saturday 21st July, part of the Summer Regatta (see poster above). It is usually a Pay-as-you-Go meal, so there's no need to book in advance.

After an interruption with the Midsummer series, the Class/AM Handicap starts again on the 8th July.

The afternoon race belongs to a shorter series, the Summer PM series, finishing at the end of September.

Wednesday 9th May was the first day of the Wednesday evening series, which entertain us every year with a rich collection of sunsets and suddenly dropping sea breezes. As usual, you can order your Fish&Chips or pizza before the race and enjoy a well-earned dinner analysing the race or propping the bar. A quick visit to the 2006 photo gallery will give you an idea.

Wednesday evening series

• A summer series using personal handicaps and the average lap time system for 60 minutes, on an offset outer loop trapezoidal course, start at 19:00. (18.30 start on 22nd Aug).
  Fish and chips or pizza at the club afterwards.

Canteen moan

Quick note from the canteen:

• Please could you make sure you pay your tab at the end of a sailing day. It is always difficult for people on duty to start chasing reluctant payers through the compounds and half-way up the changing rooms.
• Today, the microwave oven looked like Omaha Beach after D-Day. If you warm up food in it, could you please ensure the oven is clean after use?
• THANK YOU!
• Finally, we're off to the Contender Worlds on Friday 13th and we won't be around for 10 days to tidy up, stock up and clean.
  Be good!