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Club News

WANTED WYC FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Posted: Saturday, 04 February, 2012

If interested, please contact Ian Hender 07714 237 031.

Cruiser & General Handicap Supper

Posted: Friday, 03 February, 2012

Saturday 10th March 1930hrs

Featuring the WYC houseband
Menu: Stuffed mushrooms, Boeuf en Croute, Spotted dick & custard
Vegetarian Menu also available
£15pp
Please book behind the bar

BLUES BROTHERS FILM NIGHT

Posted: Tuesday, 31 January, 2012

Saturday 18th Febraury from 1930hrs - Fancy Dress Optional More details to follow

Cadet Social Evenings

Posted: Tuesday, 31 January, 2012

Calling all WYC cadets and junior members. Please come along and try out our new social evenings designed for the younger members of the club. The pool table (50p a game) and Wii will be available for all. Any children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a parent. The social evenings will kick off on Friday 2nd March from 7pm to 9pm and thereafter every first Friday of the month. If any adults are able to help out, please contact the office, all help will be greatly appreciated.

2012 SAILING PROGRAMME

Posted: Monday, 30 January, 2012

The 2012 (provisional) sailing programme is now available to view on our website. The 2012 programmes will be issued in due course. Sailing Sec.

SATURDAY 17TH MARCH 10am - WORK PARTY

Posted: Wednesday, 25 January, 2012

WYC, are carrying out the annual clean up in and around the club. There are plenty of jobs to be done so we are asking for multi-skilled workers to help. A work schedule is to to be advised . If you can help please telephone the club office on 01227 272942 or email to let them know so that they can make the necessary arrangements. If you are able to bring your own tools, hoover, jet washers, buckets, that would be even better. A free lunch will be provided!

WANTED WYC Netball Team Players

Posted: Thursday, 19 January, 2012

If interested, please leave your details with Kellie behind the bar.

RACE OFFICER TRAINING SESSION

Posted: Tuesday, 17 January, 2012

If anyone is interested in attending a CRO course, please let the office know. One is being planned on a Friday evening and Saturday at Broadstairs Sailing Club in the near future. Sailing Sec.

MASTERBREW ON OFFER

Posted: Friday, 13 January, 2012

£1.90 a pint while stocks last!

Donations Of Washable Material Required Please

Posted: Thursday, 12 January, 2012

Required for club bunting - Minimum size of 30cm x 30cm needed Also, if you able to lend a hand sewing and have access to a sewing machine, please leave your details with the office. Thank You

WITNESSES URGENTLY REQUIRED

Posted: Wednesday, 11 January, 2012

If you witnessed the ramp incident on Sunday 4th Dec 2011, please could you email me your details (name, address & contact no) so I could pass them onto the insurance company - Thank You. The club email address is

FIRE ESCAPE OUT OF ORDER UFN

Posted: Wednesday, 11 January, 2012

The stairs are out of action. Please DO NOT USE thank you.

SUNDAY LUNCHES

Posted: Saturday, 07 January, 2012

To commence as from Sunday 15th January 12pm-2pm

Please make your booking with Kellie by Friday lunchtime.
Menu will include soup of the day (£2), roast dinner (£6) & a pudding (£2).

FEROCIOUS WINDS

Posted: Thursday, 05 January, 2012

Please check that your boats are securely tied down as we are being battered by ferocious winds this week. Sailing Sec.

Grease Night - Saturday 21st Jan

Posted: Wednesday, 04 January, 2012

From 1930hrs Prize for Best Male 'Danny Zuko' and 'Sandy' costumes. Pull into the WYC Diner for a menu of Chilli Dogs, Hand Made All American Burgers Fries and Shakes from £1:50

Cat Supper Saturday 28th January 2012 from 7.00pm

Posted: Wednesday, 04 January, 2012

Click here for more details..........

As usual the evening will commence with drinks and some nibbles, followed by a dinner and a dessert. After will come the annual amusement of grassing up our fellow competitors for any crimes against sailing or each other over the past season and parting with our change courtesy of the Judge.
Please e-mail me your stories/crimes to sailing early. If you don’t have any you’re more than welcome to bend the truth a little as all fines are donated to the wonderful people at the RNLI so the more the merrier.
Tickets will be on sale at the bar from this weekend for £15 per head, please bring along other halves/partners etc for what is always a fun evening.

Many thanks,

Laurie

Valentine’s Dinner

Posted: Wednesday, 04 January, 2012

Sat 11th Feb from 1930hrs - Menu TBC - £25 per couple - By Ticket Only- Pre order your champagne with Kellie - More details to follow....

SPECIAL AWARDS

Posted: Wednesday, 21 December, 2011

The following members were awarded special prizes at last Sunday's prizegiving. Ruth Oliver - Most Deserving Lady & Cadet Participation in Club Racing Keith Robson - Good Sportsmanship & Highest Turnout prizes Anthony Keam - Perseverance Josh Clarke - Best all round Cadet David Figgis - Largest cat turnout for the year Phil Emery - Highest Merlin turnout & Merlin Helmsman of the Year Theresa Page - Best Merlin crew Donna Hender - Best Wanderer & General Purpose Dinghy Trophies For details of who won the Autumn & Winter Series, please see the results page. Well done to everyone who won a trophy. Sailing Sec.

WYC SAILORS TRIUMPH OVERSEAS

Posted: Tuesday, 20 December, 2011

Congratulations to Harvey and Mary Williams, sailing a Vago, won the closed General Handicap class at the Royal Port Dickson Yacht Club Annual Regatta in Malaysia over the weekend of 3/4 December. They completed 7 races over 2 days in perfect sailing weather. Sailing Sec.

BEWARE - RAMP DAMAGE

Posted: Friday, 16 December, 2011

The club ramp has been damaged and is unsafe. Please DO NOT use until further notice - Rear Commodore Sailing

A Big Thank You

Posted: Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

Thank you to Alex Grantham, Phil Emery, John Boorman, Richard, John Pollitt & Anthony Keam for all their hard work on the new urinals.

WHITSTABLE WINDSURFERS LEAD THE WAY - 20 YEARS ON

Posted: Tuesday, 13 December, 2011

Twenty years on and WYC member, Andy Gibson was again part of the winning team at this year's London Windsurfing Association's Icebreaker series. This time he was accompanied by his daughter Jenna, one of WYC's cadet members. Back in 1991, WYC windsurfers won this prestigious event with a team consisting of a couple of ex-Commodores, Andy and a number of other well known faces from the club! Well done to both Andy and Jenna for flying the flag for WYC once again. Sailing Sec.

WINTER GALES

Posted: Monday, 12 December, 2011

Please double-check that your boats are tied down securely as winter gales are forecast for all this week. Sailing Sec.

New Member of Staff

Posted: Wednesday, 23 November, 2011

Many of you have already met Kellie Litchfield, the latest addition to our staff. Kellie begins with us officially as Club Bar & Catering Supervisor on Monday 5th December. We’re pleased to have Kellie permanently on board!

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Posted: Tuesday, 15 November, 2011

Please remember that annual subscriptions were due on 31st October. If you have not renewed, can you do so as soon as possible please. Many thanks, Membership Secretary.

Galley Opening Times

Posted: Friday, 28 October, 2011

Shopping in Whitstable at the weekend? Why not pop in for lunch?

As from Saturday 5th November please note the following Galley Opening times:

Saturday 10am - 2pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Full menu available!

RACE OFFICER VACANCY - MEMBERSHIP OFFER

Posted: Tuesday, 18 October, 2011

After several years John Boorman has decided to give up his role as club race officer so he can do more sailing. There is therefore a vacancy for a volunteer to take over the role of club race officer. This involves a commitment to do at least 10 duties a year (often including major club events). Free membership will be offered to a suitable candidate. We also require race recorders to join the existing team who would also be willing to commit to no fewer than 10 duties and would be able to go on the Committee Boat. If you are interested please contact Sally in the office for more details.

IMAGES FROM THE FORTS RACE

Posted: Monday, 17 October, 2011

Images from the Forts Race can now be viewed at http://www.championmarinephotography.co.uk.

WYC at the Kent Schools Sailing Association Regatta

Posted: Monday, 19 September, 2011

Congratulations to Meia and Elin Harnett, sailing a 420, for finishing 2nd in the KSSA 50th Anniversary Regatta at Deal. They tied on points with the winner but lost on count back.

There were 45 competitors.  Mali Harnett and Sasha(crew from Kings College Canterbury) also in a 420 were 14th and Drystan Harnett in a Topper was 23rd.  Meia and Elin also won the trophy for the first “all girl” boat. Well done to all of them!

WINDY WEATHER!

Posted: Tuesday, 13 September, 2011

If you have a boat stored on the beach or on the West Quay, please ensure that it is securely tied down as the autumn gales appear to have arrived already! Sailing Sec.

WYC Honours Board - Help required

Posted: Friday, 02 September, 2011

We are about to update the honours board in the club bar as it only goes up to 2007. The criteria for entry on the board is to be a winner and a WYC member at the time (either as helm or crew), of a national, european or world championship. As the present board if full we are about to make a new one. Club records show the following are eligible for entry since 2007: 2008 - Christian Brewer (XOD) and Mel Rogers (Dart 18) 2009 - Mark Barnes (Australian B14 Nationals), Sophie Mackley (National 12) 2010 - Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper (Wanderer), Mel Rogers (Dutch Dart 18 Nationals), Chris Lewns & Tom Pygall (Cherub) 2011 - Tom Pygall (Merlin Rocket) If we have missed anyone please let the Sailing Secretary know.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Posted: Wednesday, 31 August, 2011

A big thank you to John Boorman and his team of helpers for running a very successful Club Championships last weekend. Also thanks to Ian Embry and his safety team. Without these volunteers it would not be possible to run events such as this. Thank you all very much indeed your efforts are very much appreciated. For a full list of results please see the results page on this website.

Congratulations Tom Pygall - Merlin Rocket National Champion crew

Posted: Friday, 26 August, 2011

WYC member Tom Pygall, crewing for Andy "Taxi" Davis, won the Merlin championships at Hayling Island today. Well done Tom. Phil and Karen Emery and Rien Zilvold and Julie Nuttall finished 26th and 46th respectively in what was a very challenging week

WYC sailors fly the flag

Posted: Tuesday, 23 August, 2011

Whitstable sailors have been, and are, busy flying the flag at championships at home and abroad:

In the Cherubs Dean Ralph and Simon Jones finished 4th in an 18 boat fleet at Lee on the Solent.  42 Musto Skiffs attended their championships at Mounts Bay where Andrew Peake finished 4th, Rick Perkins 9th and Sergei Samus 23rd.  Abbey Ledger/Grant Forward and Richard Ledger/Tom Bruton finished 15th and 28th respectively in the 32 boat F18 nationals at Yaverland SC on the isle of Wight. Well done everyone.

This week Phil and Karen Emery and Rien Zilvold/Julie Nuttall are at Hayling Island for the Merlin nationals and further afield Charlie Campion and Max Hunt are in Brittany for the Laser Masters Europeans.  Good luck to them all. 

IMAGES FROM WHITSTABLE WEEK AND RNLI PURSUIT RACE

Posted: Monday, 22 August, 2011

Images may be viewed at http://www.championmarinephotography.co.uk.

Thanks to Bretts

Posted: Wednesday, 10 August, 2011

Vote of thanks to Brett Aggregates for their kind and timely provision of stones for the club patio and for those kindly souls who shovelled them! Place looks so much better!!

Congratulations Melanie

Posted: Friday, 29 July, 2011

Well done to our very own Melanie Rogers who, crewing for Dan Norman, finished second overall at the Dart 18 World Championships this week in Belgium.

Wanderer Open

Posted: Monday, 18 July, 2011

Congratulations to Whitstable Yacht Club members Steve Nation and crew, Liz North, for winning the Wanderer Open event hosted by WYC over the weekend. Five WYC Wanderers competed on Saturday with four WYC boats finishing in the top five. WYC Office.

Off The Water Events Updates

Posted: Sunday, 17 July, 2011

Please go to the Off The Water events for an update of upcoming social events not to be missed at WYC.

Book Club

Posted: Sunday, 17 July, 2011

The next WYC Book Club Meeting is 11 AUGUST 2011 at 8 PM. The book of the month is When God Was A Rabbit by Sarah Winman. The book for review Sept is Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson. Come along and join in. All newcomers welcome.

TRAILER PARKING

Posted: Tuesday, 12 July, 2011

Just a reminder that all trailers that are not stored underneath the boat should be stored in the Chalet Park and not on the beach or West Quay. Many thanks. WYC Office.

B14 Success

Posted: Tuesday, 12 July, 2011

Congratulations to Mark Barnes for finishing 2nd in the B14 Nationals at Porthpean Sailing Club.

505s Flying the flag for Whitstable Yacht Club

Posted: Tuesday, 12 July, 2011

Well done to Chris Lewns and Dan Parsons for finishing 9th out of 75 entries at the recent 505 French Nationals.

Rooster Laser Masters Nationals at Whitstable Yacht Club

Posted: Friday, 08 July, 2011

Event article on YachtsandYachting.com

http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/?article=158105

LASER MASTERS NATIONALS

Posted: Tuesday, 05 July, 2011

The recent Laser Masters Nationals hosted by WYC were a great success with 99 entrants. Unfortunately no racing could take place on the Friday due to a lack of wind, but thankfully a sea breeze materialised for Saturday and Sunday. Thank you to all those who helped make the weekend such a success. WYC

Level 3 Course

Posted: Wednesday, 29 June, 2011

The sailing school has a few places on its Level 3 course on Saturday and Sunday 9th and 10th July. This is a new course for which a variety of centreboarders will be used, to revise old skills, practise new ones, build confidence and develop technique. £160 (discount for WYC members). Please phone Jason on 01227 282800 to book.

Well done Whitstable sailors

Posted: Monday, 27 June, 2011

Chris Lewns/Dan Parsons and Tudor Owen/Nolan Forwood fnished 8th and 12th respectively at the 40 boat 5o5 Nationals at Rock SC in Cornwall at the weekend. Closer to home at the 30 boat Merlin open at the club, the three WYC boats that entered all finished in the top 10. WYC member Tom Pygall crewed the winning boat helmed by Andy "Taxi" Davis.

Wanderer National Championships

Posted: Tuesday, 21 June, 2011

Well sailed Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper who finished second in a very windy championship at Parkstone YC Poole over the weekend. The event was won by Gavin's son Tim, from Rio de Janeiro YC, sailing Gavin's old boat. Even though it was father's day no quarter was given! Liz North was third, crewing a WYC boat sailed by Paul Yeadon. Paul Cross and Jeff Leyshon finished 12th.

Rescheduled Races

Posted: Tuesday, 21 June, 2011

Please note that owing to adverse weather conditions the following races have been rescheduled: RNLI - now scheduled for Saturday 6 August (replacing Summer Saturdays Race 8) Club Championships - rescheduled over the weekend of 27/28/29 August (replacing August Regatta). Big Catamaran Long Distance Race - rescheduled for Sunday 17 July. (Sailing Secretary)

WYC BOOK CLUB

Posted: Sunday, 12 June, 2011

Come and join the next meeting of the WYC Book Club. Meeting - 7th JULY 8 PM. BOOK- Skippy Dies by Paul Murray. Booker Prize Long Listed. Definitely NOT what you think !!!!!! Come on give it a go!!!

Administrative Office Opening Hours

Posted: Wednesday, 01 June, 2011

The office hours are:

Monday - Friday 0830hrs-1430hrs
During school holidays they will be 0800hrs-1400hrs.

The Saturday’s (0800hrs-1400hrs) I will be working are:
3rd June
25th June
2nd July
16th July
6th August
27th August
10th Sept
24th Sept

October’s, November’s & Decembers Saturday working dates TBC.

Free WiFi at WYC

Posted: Wednesday, 01 June, 2011

WiFi hotspot has now been moved.

The free Whitstable Yacht Club WiFi hotspot has now been moved. This has lead to improved coverage throughout the club house and onto the deck. To access the free club WiFi, connect your laptop or smartphone to the network called “A Freerunner Hotspot”, open an Internet browser, and when the Freerunner page loads, sign up for a username and password. Any member or visitor can use the WiFi hotspot to connect to the Internet, and the connection will last for an hour before your username and password will need to be re-entered. Any questions, please contact

Club Championship - Update

Posted: Sunday, 29 May, 2011

As the first two days have been blown off, the Club Championship will be rescheduled to take place over the August Bank Holiday subject to confirmation by the sailing committee. On Monday 30 May there will be one race starting at 1100. This will not count towards the Club Championship. John Boorman, the race officer, may hold a briefing at 1000 hrs.

International success for WYC!

Posted: Tuesday, 10 May, 2011

Congratulations to Paul and Sonia McNally for winning the Sunsail Asymmetric Regatta race in an RS800 in Greece two weeks ago.

Congratulations Simon Jones and Dean Ralph

Posted: Tuesday, 08 March, 2011

The Cherub of Simon Jones and Dean Ralph won the Spitfire Premium Ale Concours d'Elegance at the Dinghy Show last weekend. This was awarded to the "stand out" boat on display. In view of the presence of a number of beautifully presented wooden boats this was an outstanding win. Well done.

Racing schedule for 2011 now online

Posted: Monday, 14 February, 2011

The 2011 race schedule is now online. The season opens on Sunday March 13 with the first of the April Shower series. To help make sure you don't miss out on any of the races the schedule is also available to import into Google Calendar, Outlook, iCal or iPhone/Android phones.

Slow Handicap Class Captain Needed

Posted: Tuesday, 02 November, 2010

Dan Harnett is standing down from the post of Slow Handicap class captain and is earnestly seeking a replacement. Toppers, Picos and Mirrors form the bulk of the class and there is a mix of adult and cadet owners, so the class captain will probably want to liaise with Siobhan and Alicia, the cadet class captains. It's not an onerous job - mostly, just keeping everyone in touch by e-mail and attending monthly sailing committee meetings as much as possible. Please let the club office know if you are interested.

Subscription Payments

Posted: Tuesday, 12 October, 2010

Members who have elected to pay their subs by bank transfer (BACS), please ensure you still send in your subs form indicating your payment. This assists with our payment checking procedure - it also keeps our data base up to date. You may email your form to the office if preferred. Many thanks. WYC office.

An Appeal to Members

Posted: Tuesday, 12 October, 2010

We are trying to have a clear up around the Club and wondered if any members would loan their car and trailer by way of assistance - big enough, to be able to hold a fridge and able to hold rubbish etc, chopped down foliage? There would be a free beer (that's one pint!) in it for anyone willing to assist. Many thanks. Melanie (01227 272942). PS: there will be help available for loading etc.

WANDERER INLAND CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted: Tuesday, 05 October, 2010

Congratulations to Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper who won the Wanderer Inland National Championships at Bewl Valley over the weekend.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - Beach Thefts

Posted: Thursday, 30 September, 2010

We have had reports (over a period of several months) that somebody is tampering with, sleeping in and in some cases stealing from boats around our beach. This matter has been reported to the police who periodically patrol the area. We will be keeping in contact with the Police regularly but, in the meantime, please make sure you do not leave anything under your boat covers and report any incidents to the Club IMMEDIATELY - we do have access to Police CCTV so time really is of the essence. WYC

Photo Opportunity

Posted: Tuesday, 28 September, 2010

Do you have any photos which might make a good cover for the 2011 WYC programme? Something which captures the essence of sailing and racing at Whitstable? If so, please e-mail to the club office ().

More Congratulations

Posted: Monday, 20 September, 2010

Well done to Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper (current Wanderer National Champions) who won the Wanderers Open meeting at Salcombe on 11/12 September.

Website

Posted: Monday, 06 September, 2010

Appologies for the issues with the WYC website over the last few weeks. These have now been resolved. The data centre on which the club site is hosted changed their IP range. This started to cause a intermittent outage with the server on which the club’s site was hosted. Having identified the problem Tinderhouse migrated the club’s site to a newer, faster server. The change over, including DNS changes took around five days to complete during which time the site was intermittently unavailable online. As a consequence of the server change the site and web cam configuration needed to be updated. The migration and configuration is now complete. Robert Govier WYC IT Officer

Congratulations Chris and Tom - Cherub National Champions

Posted: Wednesday, 01 September, 2010

Congratulations to Chris Lewns and Tom Pygal who won the Cherub Nationals with a race to spare, from a fleet of 20 boats at Largo, Scotland

Newsletter

Posted: Friday, 13 August, 2010

There's a new newsletter - ready to download in the usual place on the front page of this website.

Whitstable Week Photos

Posted: Wednesday, 04 August, 2010

Nick Champion (local professional photographer) was around taking photos during Whitstable Week - anyone interested in ordering/viewing these photos should visit his website at http://www.championmarinephotography.co.uk. WYC

Weekday Hot and Cold Food Served at the Club

Posted: Tuesday, 03 August, 2010

Just a reminder that hot and cold food is now available at the Club between 12pm and 2pm, Monday to Friday. Food will be available until the end of the school holidays. WYC

WYC - Lets Look At Boats

Posted: Friday, 30 July, 2010

This week WYC had a chance to "strutt our stuff" at the Whitstable Oyster Festival by putting on a grand display of fully rigged boats from several classes. A big thank you to Alicia, Siobhian, Ed, Will, Matthew, Tom, Steve, Daniel, Kate, Alison and Wendy who gave up their time to chat to passers by and to Paul George who masterminded the event. WYC

WANDERER NATIONALS, WHITSTABLE YACHT CLUB, 10TH & 11TH JULY 2010 - Report by Gavin Barr

Posted: Monday, 19 July, 2010

A successful event was held on 10/11 July here at WYC. For full report, click on link (or return to main website if received via newsfeed - http://www.wyc.org.uk).

Saturday 10th July.

Race 1.
Wind North East force 2 to 3.  Tide just after high water, on the turn.  Race Officer John Boorman set a line slightly biased to committee boat end.  Tim Barr and Ali Nicolson in W1282 “Thistle” got a great start and reached the windward mark well ahead but dropped the spinnaker over the bow allowing Mike Hamilton and David Oats, W992 “Orinoco” to catch up.  Once the spinnaker problem was sorted Tim and Ali pulled away and were never headed.  Mike held second place throughout.  Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper had a poor start having fouled W1541, Philip and Jill Meadowcroft before the start.  We did our penalty turns and worked up through the fleet, struggling to pass Tim Robertson with his nano-crew Niamh in W1038 “Joshua Slocum”.  Tim R was going very well.  Paul Yeadon and Liz North in were also going well.  (N.B.  Paul was sailing Hamish Dunn’s boat “Giggle” with sail number 4626 - actual boat number W1561).  After a port and starboard incident on the run, with the Meadowcrofts again ("Black Pudding”? or something like that) we did another 720.  Aaaaargh! but managed to work back to third place behind Tim and Mike.  The Meadowcrofts in 1541 were not far behind with Tim Robertson 5th.  Tim Barr turned out to have been OCS by a few inches, or a full boat length depending on who you listen to, and was disqualified, so we were all promoted.

Race 2.
The line was now pretty well square, the tide ebbing with gathering speed.  The wind was still north-easterly but weakening.  Most of the fleet went left, but Steve and Craig Searle in W1624 “Toerag” went right after the start, found more pressure and reached the windward mark first.  The Searles did not fly their spinnaker and were overtaken on the reach by several spinnaker boats.  Gavin and Mark, having gone deep, took the lead at the leeward mark and held it up the beat and down the next run.  At this point the wind died from the front of the fleet.  Paul Yeadon, Mike Hamilton and Tim Barr, carrying the last of the dying sea breeze, swiftly closed the gap, and Paul managed to cut inside at the mark and creep past to take the gun on a shortened course.  The next three boats, Barr senior, Mike H and Barr junior crossed the line in very close order, with Tim Robertson close behind.  The wind died altogether but then came in from the south - a shift of some 130 degrees as the gradient south westerly overcame the north east sea breeze, so the late finisher were beating to the line.

Race 3.
After a delay while the course was re-laid for the new wind, we were off once more.  There was some confusion over the new start line, and several boats including Tim Barr were over the line and had to return.  Mike Hamilton got a flying start and went right, as did some others including Paul Yeadon and the Meadowcrofts.  Tim Barr having re-crossed went left hoping for more breeze inshore.  He then played the shifts up the beat and reached the windward mark at almost the same time as Mike Hamilton.  Tim slowly overtook Mike and finished first with Mike second and Paul Yeadon and Liz North 3rd.  A close tussle took place down the run for 4th and 5th, with the Meadowcrofts making it just ahead of Gavin and Mark.  And so ended the first day.

After an excellent evening meal, Frogmaster-General Philip Meadowcroft conducted the East of England frog racing championship on the Whitstable Yacht Club verandah.  The convincing winner of the final was Claire Skipper, whose determination and skillful technique was faultless.  She received the coveted “Ribbit-Ribbit” trophy, presented to tumultuous applause by Caroline Barr.

Sunday 11th July.

Two Passage races were planned for this day, and after considering the forecast the race officer decided to go ahead.  The wind was south-westerly force 4 with a significant chop against the flooding tide.  Some competitors tested the conditions and decided that discretion was the better part of valour.  The rest of the fleet got off to a cracking start on the short windward leg before heading off to a turning mark half way to the Pollard Spit.  Tim Barr and Ali Nicolson followed by Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper were first round, closely followed by Paul Yeadon and Liz North.  Paul and Liz suffered a major upset when their highfield lever slipped down the mast leaving them with no rig tension and consequently no ability to point.  Mark Fagg and Ian Hender in W989 “Seal” were also close behind.  Tim and Ali sailed a faultless race, keeping the boat bolt upright and powering away from Gavin and Mark.  On reaching the Swale, conditions worsened, with the flooding tide funnelling into the channel, and the wind speed increasing.  This created an angry choppy sea.  Tim and Ali held their form and crossed the line off the entrance to Faversham Creek a good 800 yards ahead of Gavin and Mark, with Mark Fagg and Ian Hender a very creditable 3rd, followed by Paul and Liz. 
Steve and Craig Searle put in a gritty performance to take 5th place.  Some boats turned back due to capsize or exhaustion, but congratulations to all who made it to Faversham Creek.

Race 5
After a picnic lunch ashore by the Shipwrights Arms pub (yes, maybe a couple of pints were swallowed) the fleet re-launched for the final race of the series.  At this point three boats, Mike Hamilton and David Oats, Tim Barr and Ali Nicolson, and Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper were tied on 6 points each, with Paul Yeadon and Liz North one point behind on 7.  So any of these 4 could win the championship on the last race. 

The apparent wind had dropped slightly with the turn of the tide, which was now ebbing strongly.  Race Officer John Boorman operating from Alex Grantham’s powerful RIB “Aquaholic” positioned the start down tide from the starboard hand green conical navigation buoy “Receptive” off Faversham Creek, holding the line position under power against the ebb.  Philip and Jill Meadowcroft got a great start and reached the windward mark first, closely followed by Tim and Ali.  Mike Hamilton and David Oats, and Steve and Graig Searle were also in close attendance.  Gavin and Mark after a poor start rounded in 6th place.  Once round, spinnakers were hoisted and the fleet headed home past the Sand End buoy, spreading out as each selected their course for the turning mark, which was difficult to pick out against the horizon.  Tim and Ali sailed deep and to the right.  Gavin and Mark and Mike and David took a line more to port and further out to sea.  As the fleet drew further from the lee of Sheppey, the wind strength steadily increased until on approaching the turning mark for home it had risen to a gusty force 4.  Mike had headed too far left and was overtaken by Gavin and Mark, who slowly worked their way to the front.  At the mark they had a hotter angle and managed to cut inside Tim and Ali onto the tight spinnaker reach home.  Having got clear, Gavin and Mark managed to hang onto the lead on the final white-knuckle ride, amid clouds of spray as both boats careered to the line.  Tim and Ali crossed second.  Behind these two Mark Fagg and Ian Hender had been in 3rd place but suffered a dramatic capsize under spinnaker, as did Paul Yeadon and Liz North.  This allowed Steve and Craig Searle to take 3rd place.  Mike Hamilton recovered to 4th and the Meadowcrofts 5th.

Thanks to Whitstable Yacht Club, especially Event Organiser Mark Fagg and his team, Race Officer John Boorman, recorders Coral France and Jill Fagg and Ian Embry and the rescue boat crews for a great event

Overall results:
1st W1626, “Surprise”, Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper, Whitstable YC; 2nd W1282 “Thistle”, Tim Barr, Yacht Club of Rio de Janeiro and Ali Nicolson, WYC; 3rd W992 “Orinoco”, Mike Hamilton and David Oats, Netley Cliff SC; 4th W1561 “Giggle”, Paul Yeadon, Papercourt SC and Liz North, WYC; 5th W1541 “Black Mischief”, Philip and Jill Meadowcroft.

Other prizes outside top 5:

First WYC boat W989 “Seal”, Mark Fagg and Ian Hender
First non-spinnaker boat W1318 “Airhairlair”, Stephen Clampin, Harwich Town SC and Jack Skipper
Ted Shepherd Trophy, most improved boat on day two from day one, W1624 “Toerag”, Steve and Craig Searle, Sussex YC.

Congratulations to Gavin and Mark - our Wanderer National Champions 2010

Posted: Tuesday, 13 July, 2010

Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper won the Wanderer National Championship at the club at the weekend from a fleet of 19 boats. The racing could not have been closer, and the icing on Gavin's cake was that he beat his son Tim into second place! This is the fourth time Gavin has been Wanderer national champion. Well done Gavin and Mark

Wanderer Nationals

Posted: Tuesday, 13 July, 2010

Thanks to all club members who helped us out with last weekend's Wanderer Nationals. It is not possible to run any open event without volunteers and we really appreciate those who gave up their valuable time to help us have a great event. Mark Fagg, event organiser.

Thank you from the Merlin Rocket Class

Posted: Sunday, 27 June, 2010

A big thank you to all the club members, and some who were not members, who worked so hard to make the Merlin open meeting such a success at the weekend. It was a fantastic weekend's racing and the club effort was much appreciated by all the competitors, and confirmed Whitstable's position on the Merlin map. Thank you all very much indeed. John Cooper - Merlin class captain

Summer Holiday Food at WYC

Posted: Friday, 25 June, 2010

The Club will be providing food at the Yacht Club during the school summer holiday period. Food will be served between 12 and 2pm.....so you can stay down here ALL day! WYC

I can see clearly now

Posted: Wednesday, 23 June, 2010

If you have been wondering about the UFO on the webcam for the past couple of days, you will be pleased to know that we've tracked it down and exterminated it. It was a humble blob of paint. Which reminds us to say thank you to all our volunteers who just quietly get things done in the background.

Whitstable Week - Rescue Crew/Race Recorders

Posted: Wednesday, 23 June, 2010

Just a further reminder that we are in need of helpers for Whitstable Week. We need some rescue boat crews and also a couple of recorders for the committee boat The Rescue boats will have drivers but each boat needs a helper. Good fun way of getting involved if you are not sailing. The Recorder is on the committees boat with a very close view of the sailing while in a comfy chair (what a nice way to spend a sunny day). If you can do this for a day or for the whole week let Andy Clarke or the office know (/office@wyc.org.uk). Many thanks. Melanie

CADET SAILING

Posted: Tuesday, 22 June, 2010

Members have initiated a programme to encourage cadets to go sailing. Cadets must be accompanied by an adult and provide their own equipment. It is being led by Annabelle Filer and details are as follows:

WYC CADET SAILING DATES

Please note that on these dates, weather permitting, Ian Embry (Hon Bosun) has volunteered to provide safety cover on the water for any cadets that want to go sailing. 

Sunday 4 July - 10am for 10.30am on the water

Saturday 17 July - 10am for 10.30am on the water

Whit Week (Wed 28 July) - 11am for 11.30am on the water

Saturday 31 July - 10am for 10.30am on the water

Sunday 15 August - 10am for 10.30am on the water

Sunday 5th September - 1.30pm for 2pm on the water

For any further information regarding cadet sailing, please contact, Annabelle Filer at .

Whitstable Week - Safety Crew/Race Recorders Required

Posted: Tuesday, 22 June, 2010

Hi everyone, we are in need of safety crew and race recorders for Whitstable Week. If anyone is interested in helping out, please could you contact the office (in advance of Whitstable Week - as we need definite numbers). Many thanks. WYC

Swale Regatta Report - By John Pollitt

Posted: Monday, 21 June, 2010

Twenty seven cruisers took part in what was the best Swale Regatta I can recollect in years. click on the link to read report.

It would be great to see more boats taking part next year and I am hoping to rustle up crews for those who need them. 

Many first timers followed the fleet round the course, keepting away from the start.  The first race took place in light conditions and sailed round the buoys in the Medway.  Queenborough Yacht Club were excellent hosts for the evening meal.

Saturdays race started from the Tripod and finished in the Swale. This involved some very close racing in a decent breeze with a good spinnaker run.The Harty Ferry Inn was our evening venue with the Whitstable Sea Scouts as our trot boat.

A short race was held on Sunday in a light breeze around the buoys in Whitstable Bay.  Again, close racing was had by all.

I wholeheartedly recommend this event - the racing was enjoyed by everyone, in good spirit, and a lot of fun.  The prize giving took place at Conyer Cruising club. 

I look forward to seeing more familiar faces next year!  John Pollitt, Cruiser Captain

“The Figgis Classic” - News Report

Posted: Tuesday, 15 June, 2010

The second running of the Figgis Classic took place on Sunday 13th June in perfect catamaran sailing conditions for the 13 Big Cats that competed. The course was slightly altered this year to take in a gate of Pollard/Ham Gat to keep the boats in deeper water whilst the tide was flooding. Once through the Gate it was straight to the turning mark, a Cardinal buoy "Lillies" at the western end of the Swale, beating all the way. Once round the turning mark it was a fast fetch back into Whitstable Bay and a kite reach back to the Club for the last couple of miles. Line honours went to the Tornado of Davidson/Forward (by 2 seconds) and the winner was the F18 of Reynolds/France in a winning time of 2 hours 37 minutes with the F18 of Ledger/Figgis in second place and the Tornado team of Davidson/Forward finishing third overall. Special thanks go to Paul Clifford who provided support in his RIB and Ian Embury for providing a dedicated RIB for the fleet.

Disposal of Boats

Posted: Tuesday, 15 June, 2010

There are a number of boats in the Chalet Park for which dues have not been paid and the original owners cannot be traced. It is the intention of the Sailing Committee to dispose of these boats in accordance with the procedures laid down by the Royal Yachting Association. Sealed bids for any of the equipment listed, which are as seen, are invited. Bids will be opened on 20 July 2010. Please send to: Sally Gostelow, Whitstable Yacht Club, 3-4 Sea Wall, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BX. Successful bidders will be notified in writing.

The following equipment is to be sold to offset outstanding boat parking charges:
Windsurfers
Lot 9 – Sputnik 285 World Cup Board + board bag
Lot 11 – Lightwave Windsurf Board
Lot 12 – Tiga Swift Board
Lot 6 – F2 Comet Slalom 315
Lot 15 – Fanatic Fox Race Board
Lot 16 – Bic Race Tech Board
Dinghies
Lot 35 – 505
Lot 38 – Topper Hull
Lot 39 – Fireball Hull
Lot 37 – Tender
Trailers
Lot 42 – Road Trailer (suitable for Wanderer)
Lot 44 – Road Trailer (catamaran)
Lot 45 – Road Trailer (catamaran)
Lot 46 – Road Trailer (catamaran)
Lot 47 – Road Trailer
Lot 48 – Road Trailer (RS400)
Lot 49 – Road Trailer
Lot 52 – Road Trailer
Lot 56 – Road trailer (catamaran)
Lot 57 – Road Trailer (catamaran)
Lot 58 – Road Base Trailer
Lot 59 – Road Trailer

England vs Algeria Friday 18th JUNE

Posted: Tuesday, 15 June, 2010

England will play Algeria in their next World Cup Qualifying match on Friday 18th JUNE. Kick off is 7:30. Chef David and team will be there to dish up an Albanian favourite of Lamb Tiarna-spicy lamb- with pitta bread, salad and lemon and sage potatoes. £5 per person. Don't miss out !!!! Food will be served from 6:30 to kick-off.

Race Coach Training - 19/20th June

Posted: Monday, 14 June, 2010

Unfortunately, due to lack of interest, this has now been cancelled. Thanks should go to Tom Baily for all the time and effort he has spent in organising this. WYC

WYC Fantasy Football League

Posted: Monday, 14 June, 2010

Following on from my forum posting, our WYC league is well and truly up and running with expert team managers Don Sims and Larry Lamberton (Team Lardon aka The Coffee Club) at the top, followed (not that closely) by Wild Times (managed by the Commodore himself). It's not too late to join our league - our league is registered as Whitstable YC - email me at the office for the passcode. If you can't avoid it.....you may as well join in!! Melanie

WYC Summer Ball/Band - 3rd July

Posted: Friday, 11 June, 2010

Summer is well and truly here and what better way to celebrate than a summer ball. Get your glad rags out and join in the fun. We have a bar extension 'til late and a band to help you dance the night way. There are a limited amount of tickets available behind the bar so get in quickly. WYC

WYC Summer Ball

Posted: Thursday, 10 June, 2010

Yes !! One of the social events of the year will take palce on Saturday 3rd July. Back by popular demand will be the fantastic 'Sneakin Sally'. There will be a hot/cold buffet provided. Dress code- Formal/Smart Casual. Tickets cost £17.50 are selling out fast. They can be purchased from the bar. Get yours now to avoid disappointment.

World Cup evenings

Posted: Thursday, 10 June, 2010

The World Cup is finally with us and England begin their campaign on Saturday 12th JUNE against the USA. The game kicks-off at 7:30PM. Enjoy the excitement and drama of the game down at the club. Food - American style burgers and french fries (chips to us!!) will be served from 6PM to the start of the game. Don't miss it !!!!

Bar Committee Announcement

Posted: Wednesday, 09 June, 2010

After considerable discussion and a vote amongst committee members it was agreed that we would temporally delay increasing bar prices (as a result of the March budget and supplier increases) until outcome of the next Mini budget on 22nd June, so as to avoid increasing bar prices twice in one month. Revised Bar prices will be introduced before end of June based on changes in the March 2010 budget, increased suppliers prices as well as the anticipated VAT increase in the June Budget.

RYA Club Race Coaching

Posted: Tuesday, 08 June, 2010

If anyone is interested in doing the RYA Club Race Coaching course on the 19th and 20th of June could they contact Tom Baily on 07714985068 before 11th June. Tom has put in a lot of effort organsing these sessions and it's a great opportunity for the Club. WYC

Any old kitchens?

Posted: Wednesday, 02 June, 2010

We need to replace the kitchen in one of the WYC tenanted properties. If any members are planning on replacing their current kitchen (and it is in good repair), please could you contact the office. We will need the whole unit (not just doors). Many thanks. WYC

Social Events

Posted: Sunday, 30 May, 2010

It looked like all those people who came to the BBQ and stayed for Bertie Butler and his 'Jazz Pilgrims' had a brilliant time on Saturday night. Next dates for your social diaries- June 12th,18th and 23rd for Englands first round matches in the World Cup. You will be able to watch England and enjoy some culinary delights of the opposing team cooked by Chef David and his team.

Race officers required for Evening Series

Posted: Saturday, 29 May, 2010

We need race officers for the Evening Series. The next race is on Wednesday 2 June. Please put your names on the board in the club. If there are no volunteers there will be no race - and that would be a pity.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Posted: Thursday, 13 May, 2010

The General Committee wish to draw members' attention to Club Rule 44 which states that "A member introducing a visitor shall on entering the Club premises insert the visitor's name and address in the visitors' book and sign the entry..........Non members shall not visit the Club premises more than six times in any one year". The Visitors' Book is being regularly checked and we are aware of offenders (who will receive a letter). More importantly, we risk losing our licence if we are inspected and found to be breaking the conditions of our Club Premises Certificate. WYC.

Cadet Captains in Carnac

Posted: Thursday, 13 May, 2010

Last week Alicia Clifford and Siobhan Lamb represented WYC at the Eurocat Open in Carnac, France. Click on the link to read their race report.

The sailing week started off with two days of light wind training with coach Ed Barney and a rib supplied by the RYA, focusing on each individual team from the Spitfire Youth Squad’s personal weaknesses and strengths. The first and third days of racing were round the cans racing with the second being the long-distance ‘raid’ around the island. There was a wide range of wind strengths over the regatta ranging from drifting 1 knot to gusting over 20. The girl’s final results were 20th out of 55 in the C1 class, and 137 out of 183 in the long distance race. The results of most of the Youth Squad were really close and they did really well as they were competing against adults from all over Europe . There was good sailing all week and an excellent social side!

Dart 18 Beach Footage

Posted: Tuesday, 11 May, 2010

Have a look at this link - http://www.youtube.com/user/1888O818O8881#p/u - it was put together by WYC member William Lee by using still from the webcam. Melanie

Well done Melanie

Posted: Tuesday, 11 May, 2010

Congratulations to our very own Melanie Rogers, who sailing with Dan Norman, won the Dart 18 Open at the club over the weekend. They scored two firsts, three thirds and discarded a fourth in a highly competitive 36 boat fleet. Very well done!

Race Officer Duties

Posted: Friday, 07 May, 2010

A guide for race officers is available on the club website. Before you arrive for your RO duty this year, please take the time to read it. And please arrive at least an hour before the starting time - two hours if you expect to be on the committee boat.

WIFI comes to WYC

Posted: Friday, 30 April, 2010

You can now work from an office with a sea view. All you need is a wireless device and simply search for a "Freerunner Hotspot", connect to it and it will take you to the WYC landing page. You will then need to register!

Bank Holiday BBQ’s

Posted: Thursday, 22 April, 2010

Please note that the bank holiday BBQ's are scheduled to take place at 6.30pm on Saturday May 1st and Saturday May 29th - the dates previously advertised were incorrect. Apologies. WYC

Help required for evening series

Posted: Tuesday, 20 April, 2010

As it is not possible to roster race officers and recorders for Wednesday evening racing, volunteers are required to carry out these duties. There is a list on the noticeboard in the club giving the dates of the racing. If you are able to help, please put your name on the list.