In this issue

 Great turnout for Open meetings

Saturday 22nd May was a perfect day for the Topper open. A light breeze and tons of sunshine greeted visitors and club members, inviting 25 boats to take part in the event. It was close racing through the day but more so in the morning, when the wind was at its best. In the afternoon, the wind dropped to almost nothing and RO Pete Matthews decided to abandon the fourth race. All cheered...

The following day, it was the turn of the Lasers. With a record number of entries, it was supposed to be a great show. Unfortunately, the wind gradually dropped and the competitors were only able to complete 2 laps of the first race before racing was abandoned. After lunch RO Barry Goacher went out to assess the conditions and decided, with regret, that there wouldn't be any more racing that day.

Despite the lack of wind, the weekend was excellent with plenty of club members coming to enjoy the sunshine, go for a swim or a pleasure sail. More to come this year, I hope!

Results for both days are on this site, in the Results 2010 page. A photo-gallery of the Topper Open is also on our dedicated page for the event.

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 A great weekend for Lancing Ladies

News Update

To help remembering what there is to do before going sailing, here are two short videos of rigging and launching a Topper. Later in the year, we'll add other steps such as and coming back to the beach.

These two videos are also available in the Training page.

If you can't see the video on this page, please use the link www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4uA8VaivUk to view the video on YouTube in another window.

If you can't see the video on this page, please use the link www.youtube.com/watch?v=vchyktUs668 to view the video on YouTube in another window.

It all started with an email from Hermione Garner, from the RYA, stating that the association was keen on encouraging adult participation in the sport. After an initial meeting, we decided that we could encourage the mums and wives and partners to come and see by themselves what drove part of their families to the water every week.

These efforts paid off last weekend (4th and 5th June) when a group of keen ladies talked about their previous experience over a yummy curry on the Friday night. With gorgeous sunset and good company, it was a perfect way to start the weekend!

On Saturday morning, a group of us were ready for action and many were very relieved to see glorious sunshine and light wind. Coaches Hermione, Ben and Georgi, as well as Gary, Elodie and Alan (in the RIB, thanks Alan!) enjoyed helping us getting to grips with tacking and reaching and doing all sorts of capsize practice, just for the fun of it.

The feedback was excellent, with everyone appreciating the lack of pressure, with all coaches taking their time, making sure that no one was worried, providing one-to-one tuition in many cases. "Really good confidence boosting day for the reluctant and scared sailor!" says Pam. Got to do it again!

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 Current 2010 Topper league results

The Topper league is regularly updated in the Results page, with a breakdown of points for each helm. Click on the graph to view the details. In the Topper league, helms in blue are competing for the Topper Novice Trophy.

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 Have-a-Go day and Youth Regatta

Coming very soon! On Saturday 19th June, our younger helms will be able to compete in a series of fun races and games during the Youth Regatta, starting at 1pm. At the same time, visitors are welcome for tasters sessions, joyrides and fun on the water. Club members are also invited to take part, help for a while, bring friends!

The Have-a-Go day starts at 12 noon. Please bring clothes and trainers you don't mind getting wet (shoes will be soaked, clothes a bit splashed if it's windy). We have showers so bring a towel too.

Starting at 6pm, our members are also invited to take part in a pursuit race, with the slowest boats starting first. If you fancy a long sail, get a Topper! The race will be followed by a barbecue. See you all there!

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 Family weekend and 50th anniversary social

By now, you have probably received a fridge magnet and an invitation to the 50th anniversary barbecue on 17th July. John Taylor, Derek Savidge and Jim Powell are actively preparing this event and would like to encourage as many people as possible to join in the fun. The barbecue will start at about 5pm so families with young children don't have too long to wait. The bar will be open too, so people can work up an appetite before going for seconds.

This social event is only the half-way point of a very busy weekend, all dedicated to the backbone of our club: families. On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July, there will be no formal racing but a extensive collection of fun races, games and other competitions, from sandcastles to kayak races, coaching with RYA James Davies... and loads of sailing, of course!

Even if the weather isn't as good as it could be, we'll have lots to do and plenty of entertainment. So, write those dates in your diary, book tickets for the barbecue, bring friends and join the fun!

To reply to the invitation and book tickets for the barbecue, try John Taylor on john2910@talktalk.net, Jim Powell on simplyjim@india.com and Derek Savidge on derek.savidge@live.co.uk.

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 Lancing Sailing Club on Facebook

If you are a member of the social networking website Facebook, you can join the Lancing Sailing Club group. You don't need to be a LSC member to join the group, it's open to everyone. You get invites to parties and social events.
You can also upload your sailing photos for everyone to see. Scroll the list of group members and add them as your friends!

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