• Home
• About
• Racing
• Events
• News
• Members
• Forum
• Contact

• Latest news

Club News

Winter Evenings

Posted: Saturday, 16 August, 2008

We have plans for a series of winter talks and presentations. An excuse to foregather for a drink and learn something interesting! Do you have any requests or suggestions for topics? Needn't be 100% sailing related. Please send a note to Mel in the office.

Good luck Merlins

Posted: Thursday, 14 August, 2008

Good luck to the 9 boats from Whitstable taking part in the Merlin Rocket National Championships at Looe in Cornwall starting on Sunday. Follow their progress at http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk

WYC at the Feva Worlds

Posted: Sunday, 10 August, 2008

Will Lowes and Hugo Tucker took 33rd in the Gold fleet of the Feva world championship in Gottskar, Sweden, from a total entry of over 100. They were 3rd overall in the Junior Champion category.

Congratulations Christian

Posted: Saturday, 09 August, 2008

Congratulations to Christian Brewer who, crewing for former Whitstable member Stuart Jardine, has just won the XOD Captains Cup in Cowes Week from a fleet of 80 boats over 8 days of racing. This is the sixth time Christian has won it with Stuart, and its Stuart's seventh win.

August Regatta - 23, 24 and 25 August

Posted: Friday, 08 August, 2008

The format of the August Regatta over the Bank Holiday weekend will be as follows: There will be one race a day with starts for asymmetric skiffs, general handicap (including Merlins and Tasars), Lasers and Laser Radials, slow handicap and cats (both big ans small). The first start on each day will be at 1400 from the committee boat. Prizes will be presented at the annual prizegiving. John Boorman has kindly agreed to be the race officer and he would welcome any offers of help on the committee boat.

Dart 18 Worlds

Posted: Thursday, 07 August, 2008

Follow the progress of our World Champion and other members of the Whitstable Dart 18 fleet at http://www.dartworlds.com

Club Manager on Holiday

Posted: Wednesday, 06 August, 2008

I am now on holiday until 18th August. The office will be manned at various times throughout the week. If you have an urgent query, please leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Melanie.

Whitstable Week News

Posted: Thursday, 31 July, 2008

As usual Mother Nature has produced variable racing conditions but all races have been held so far - today is looking good (with the promise of sunshine too!!). Off the water entertainment is proving just as exciting - read below for "dry" successes.

A big well done to Chris and Abbie who won best 80’s fancy dress at Monday’s Retro Disco - no doubt they had a little help from their parents!  Another prize was awarded this week to the best dressed teddy bear.  This competition was held during the Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Tuesday which was judged by the lovely Val.  Val admitted it was a tough decision as they were all very, very, good.  However, Tom Oliver’s teddy bear’s outfit had the edge and Tom went away with a lolly, almost as big as his head (although no one went away completely empty handed). 

A special visit was also made by the “Paper Wizard” who kept our “water babes” entertained for the whole day with paper modeling and pirate capers!

It’s still not too late to join in the fun - we have a daily rate of £5.00 on offer for anyone wishing to participate on or off the water.

WYC

Improver Training Fun Mini-Race - Sunday 17th August

Posted: Friday, 25 July, 2008

Again following the previous postponement, we have rescheduled this final improver training session . The idea is to have 2 or 3 short all-in fun mini-races to practice all those skills learned during this seasons improver training course. You should be changed, rigged and ready for a briefing at 10-00hrs with racing starting at 11-00hrs. If you have not attended the training course you can still join in.

Capsize and Barbecue Party - Saturday 9th August

Posted: Friday, 25 July, 2008

Oh no….you can't get away from it! This event is being rescheduled following the postponement of the last Improver Training session. Practicing capisze recovery is important particularly for those new to sailing. So after racing at about 16-30hrs there will be a supervised capsize recovery practice session after a shore-side briefing. Then the excitement reaches fever pitch at about 18-00hrs when there will be an open DIY barbecue. Interested parties please let contact Andrew Folkard, especially if you plan to bring some food! (P.S. The capize is not compulsory)

Pimms O’clock

Posted: Friday, 25 July, 2008

Hang on a minute....there's 700 of you....one of me, I definitely make that Pimms O'clock. Jugs of Pimms will be available during Whitstable Week served the traditional way. It really isn't Summer without it!

Wine of the Week

Posted: Tuesday, 22 July, 2008

We have brought in a selection of wines for Whitstable Week. A list of these wines is available at the bar with a full mouth watering description of each. A great excuse for a bit of wine tasting throughout the week.

Special Guest Appearance

Posted: Tuesday, 22 July, 2008

Shepherd Neame's Whitstable Bay comes to Whitstable Week....straight from the barrel. Enjoy!

Volunteer Tea Bar Staff Required - July 26th

Posted: Thursday, 17 July, 2008

Hi everyone, We need a couple of volunteers to help out during the day on 26th July. Our Catering Staff are a bit short-staffed and will be busy working on the buffet for the summer ball - there will be well over 100 people attending! It will just be a matter of pouring teas and coffees for our thirsty sailors. Any help would be much appreciated. Please contact the office and I will pass your name on to Sandra in the kitchen. Melanie.

Cadets - Newsflash

Posted: Tuesday, 15 July, 2008

A sleek, brand new, catamaran has just landed on our beach: the Topaz 16CX . This twin-trapeze catamaran has two rigs to suit all weights and ages. It is a fast, stable and forgiving boat and is ideal for WYC's up and coming youth fleet. If cadets are interested in having a go, please contact Stuart France. WYC

Parking on the West Quay

Posted: Monday, 23 June, 2008

A number of cars have recently been left parked on the west quay. I have been asked to remind people that the harbour authorities do not permit parking for club members (or members of the public) on the west quay. You may tow the boat out to its parking space, but the car must be removed without unnecessary delay. Once the boat is in place, boat owners may not use the west quay for parking while they go sailing. To protect good relations between the club and the harbour authorities, It would be appreciated if this restriction could be respected. Many thanks. WYC

Message from Rick Perkins (Event Co-ordinator - Musto Skiffs)

Posted: Monday, 16 June, 2008

Once again thank you to all those who helped make the event such a success; huge team effort by all the club members & staff and I had many people say to me after the event what a great job the club had done and that this was the best Nationals ever!! One sailor liked it so much he left his boat behind & has decided to join the club. Regards, Rick PS: Final Results will be available shortly.

CLUB NOTICE

Posted: Monday, 02 June, 2008

As tempting as it is, it would be appreciated if sailors did not use the showers to rinse their sailing gear. The showers are becoming very difficult to clean as they are full of grit and our old drains are finding it difficult to cope - not to mention the dreadful waste of hot water. There are outside hoses which can be used for this purpose! WYC

URGENT, URGENT, URGENT - THE BARRIER KEY

Posted: Monday, 02 June, 2008

The barrier key has not been returned. Please could anyone who used this at the weekend check their car/sailing bag/boat - we have a major National Championship meeting here next week and need this key urgently. As a result of this, all keys borrowed from behind the bar/office will now have to be signed in and signed out. WYC

Security - Update

Posted: Friday, 16 May, 2008

We have now installed new combination locks on the door to the gents changing room and adjusted the door closers to work more effectively. We have also changed the security codes on both doors and you will be able to obtain the new code from our bar staff. Please do not be offended if our staff ask if you are a member. May I once again remind you all to ensure that the door is firmly shut behind you! WYC

Mirror Girls on Top

Posted: Wednesday, 14 May, 2008

WYC was represented by 5 Mirrors at the Eric Twiname Championship for Zone Squad sailors at Rutland Water on 10/11 May.

They were frustrated by insufficient wind on Saturday but on Sunday the races went ahead. John and Clare Peterson were 3rd Mirror overall, Sadie Samuel (crewing with helm Alex Lloyd of Brightlinsea) 6th, Meia and Elin Harnett 10th (and 1st lady helm) and Hannah Fagg and Josh Clarke were 14th. Mali Harnett, Alicia Clifford, Siobhan Lamb and Ruth Oliver also competed. The South East/East Mirror Zone, in which they have been training, was 3rd overall out of 7 zones. Very well done to all competitors!

Security at the Club

Posted: Monday, 12 May, 2008

Following on from the previous posting, It has come to our knowledge that the outside door to the gents' changing rooms is constantly being left on the latch to allow easy access into the changing rooms. The keypad is there for security reasons and should not (in any circumstance) be left open. WYC

Security Alert

Posted: Saturday, 10 May, 2008

Items of value have been reported missing from the gents’ changing room recently. Please take no risks with your money and valuables. Lock them away or ask someone to look after them for you. Be particularly vigilent and report any suspicious people or behaviour, especially during racing hours.

Congratulations to Melanie Rogers - National Champ

Posted: Tuesday, 06 May, 2008

Mel, crewing for Dan Norman, won the Dart 18 National Championships at Parkstone over the weekend. Scoring two firsts and two seconds they finished 3 points clear of the runner up. Well done Mel!

Learn to Jive at WYC

Posted: Wednesday, 23 April, 2008

Grab your partners for the time of your life. Learn to jive - it's fun and better than keep fit. Each evening is split between lessons and freestyle dancing where you can pratice your new moves. I guarantee it's the most fun you will have on the dancefloor (without Patrick Swayze). The first evening will take place 8pm on Wednesday, 7th May and will cost £5.00. Val has put a lot of hard work into organising this so come and show your support.

Notice to competitors in club racing - Signing On and Off

Posted: Tuesday, 22 April, 2008

There seems to be some confusion over the requirement to sign on and off. To clarify:

In accordance with the club sailing instructions you are required to sign on the declaration sheet signifying your intention to race.

As a safety check, and to facilitate the production of results, you are still requested to sign off when coming ashore after a race.  You should also indicate in the signing off column whether you retired, DNS etc .  However, you will not be disqualified for failing to do so.  This arrangement recognises that some people may wish to remain afloat after racing, to practice or for some other reason, and may not be ashore in time to sign off.  It will also help the Race Officer if you indicate in advance that you will be staying out after the race.

Many thanks for your cooperation.

John Cooper
for
Sailing Committee

Man’s Best Friend

Posted: Wednesday, 09 April, 2008

Whilst most of us love them, not everyone wants to share their lunch with furry friends. Could I therefore remind you all of the Club Byelaw which states that dogs are not allowed in the bar or lounge area and that they must be kept on a lead at all times. I would be grateful if dog owners would remember this (myself included!). Melanie.

Club Notice

Posted: Monday, 31 March, 2008

Please do not access the Gents Changing Room/Toilets via the steps off of the Sea Room in wet gear. This is making the steps very wet and the staff constantly use them to access the cellar. I will put up a sign by way of reminder. Thank you. Melanie

From your 4 star kitchen.

Posted: Thursday, 27 March, 2008

Your lunch awaits you! Monday to Friday we are offering a Dish of the Day and a Handful of the day. Not what you think but an overstuffed doorstop sandwich on a choice of bread served with a mixed salad, dressing, coleslaw and pringles. Definitely not your ordinary sandwich. Seven days a week we now serve Jacket Potatoes, Breakfasts, Items on Toast and Melts. We have several new sandwich fillings and all the old favorites. If you have any suggestions for your catering please let me know. Sandra

Scores on the Doors

Posted: Thursday, 27 March, 2008

Scores on the Doors is a pilot scheme supported by the Food Standards Agency to show how well food businesses are compying with the law. Read on for more good news.

Our local environmental health inspector recently inspected our club and I am very proud to inform members that we scored the second highest result and were awarded four stars.  This rating was based on issues such as hygiene, structure and hygiene management - the inspector looked at our kitchen, tea bar, the cellar and toilets.  If you keep an eye on http://www.food.gov.uk/scores you will eventually see our rating compared with other private members’ club.  I think the next time you pass a member of our catering or bar staff, they may deserve a very large pat on the back as this is quite an achievement!!  Melanie.

Bar Opening Hours

Posted: Sunday, 23 March, 2008

Please note that we are now back to summer hours at the Club (she said watching the snow outside). We will be serving lunch Mondays to Fridays and you should watch this space for a new exciting menu. We plan on doing more adventurous sandwiches, along with some of the old favourites. Looking forward to seeing you all soon. Melanie.

The Website Forum

Posted: Sunday, 23 March, 2008

Please make sure your full name is registered on the website forum as we have a few spam addresses filtering through - I will delete any name which is questionable (although I'll will do checks, sometimes there are so many spam addresses that this simply isn't possible). If I inadvertently delete you, I can only apologise and ask that you re-register with your full name (as originally requested when the system was set up). Thanks. Melanie.

WYC Visitors Book

Posted: Thursday, 28 February, 2008

Did you know that every time a "guest" visits our Club without being signed in by a member we are breaking the conditions of our Club Premises Certificate? It would help us a great deal if you did this without being asked.

Our staff are under strict instructions to question anyone who they do not recognise, so please do not be offended if this person is you - they are, after all, only doing their job and acting in the best interests of the Club.

Melanie.

Ceroc at the Club?

Posted: Wednesday, 27 February, 2008

Val is in the process of organising Ceroc lessons at WYC. Ceroc is a form of jive and, believe me, the best fun you will ever have on the dance floor (also a great form of exercise). We are hoping this will take place twice a month on a Thursday. Before confirming this, it would be good to know the level of interest. I would be grateful if anyone who is genuinely interested would contact the office (). Many thanks. Melanie

Increase in Beer Prices

Posted: Thursday, 14 February, 2008

Unfortunately, due to the rising cost of wheat, Shepherd Neame have substantially increased their beer prices (this took effect on 11 February). However, the General Committee have agreed to absorb this increase until after the budget where no doubt more doom and gloom awaits those of us who like a tipple. We will inform you of this increase immediately after the budget. In the meantime, my advice is to make the most of today’s prices! Melanie

Food at the Club Friday Evening

Posted: Wednesday, 13 February, 2008

Menu as follows: Main: Boursin Stuffed Chicken with Lyonnaise Potatoes and Seasonal Veg -or- Broccoli and Mixed Mushroom Quiche with Lyonnaise Potatoes and Salad (£7.50) Dessert: Banoffee Pie (£1.20) Please book through the bar (or office) or use the form on the back of the bar door

RECORDERS WANTED

Posted: Wednesday, 13 February, 2008

We are looking for recorders to join our select team of regular race recorders. Knowledge of racing is not necessary but willingness to go afloat on the Committee boat is desirable. The recorders job is to assist the race officer in recording the finish positions and times of boats in each fleet. Training will be given to those who volunteer and free Club membership is available to those who are prepared to commit to 10 or more days a year. Anyone interested should contact Sally in the office. 01227 272942.

Friday lunchtimes

Posted: Monday, 04 February, 2008

To clear up a bit of confusion, the bar is open Friday lunchtimes and we are also serving food. Come and say hello....I'm missing everyone! Melanie.

NEWSFLASH - Improver Training Programme - now available

Posted: Monday, 04 February, 2008

An excellent opportunity for all to prepare for the forthcoming sailing season. There are three pre-season talks on Sailing Skills (22nd February), Cruising & Seamanship (7th March) and Racing (4th April). The training evenings will start at 8pm. Food will be available to order in the normal way from 7pm. From the 13th April there will be a series of six practical training sessions with time afloat. Ask Mel at the office to email you the current training programme.

WYC Hits the Big Time

Posted: Wednesday, 30 January, 2008

WYC recently appeared in YandY with an article, penned by our own Vice Commodore (who wants it noted that she's fully aware we sail on the Thames Estuary and not the "Thames" (printer error)).

Download the full article

Thanks also to Nick Champion and Josh Wilmott who supplied photos.

Watch this Space!

Posted: Wednesday, 30 January, 2008

Hannah Stodel and Jack Kilburn are about to have the sailing experience of a lifetime!

Hannah Stodel (Some of you might recognise the name, others the face) is a frequent visitor of WYC.  Hannah is currently competing in the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta for her team’s spot in the Sonar Class for the coming Paralympic Games.

Our very own Jack Kilburn, winner of last year’s Laser Class during Whitstable Week, is set to join the team in the coming weeks to aid with training and participate in the St Petersburg NOOD Regatta, also in Florida.

Keep up-to-date with their progress in these regattas and the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Games at the team’s site:

http://www.teamoyster.co.uk.

I am sure WYC wishes them both good luck and will enjoy watching their progress.

Last Night’s Explosion

Posted: Wednesday, 30 January, 2008

Some of you may have heard that there was an explosion on one of the Club's Cadet beach last night (29th January). We have checked the boats and there does not seem to be any visible damage. I have left message with our local crime officer to contact me with details as soon as possible and if necessary will report then. WYC.

Friday Night Food

Posted: Tuesday, 22 January, 2008

Menus for next three Fridays:

Friday 25th Jan. - Sausage, mash and onion gravy with selection of vegetables. Home-made apple and raspberry crumble with cream.
(Veggie - Courgette and pepper sausages)

Friday 1st Feb. - Steak and mushroom pie with new potatoes and vegetables. Home-made chocolate sponge with chocolate sauce.
(Veggie - Leek, potato and stilton bake)

Friday 8th Feb. - Chicken chasseur with roast potatoes and vegetables. Home-made lemon and ginger cheesecake.
(Veggie - to be confirmed!!!)

All Main Courses are £7.50, Desserts: £1.20.

Please book through office or add your name to the list on the back of the bar door - THURSDAY LUNCHTIME IS THE CUT OFF FOR THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY.

Newsfeeder

Posted: Tuesday, 22 January, 2008

We are still having trouble with regard to the newsfeeder, you will have noticed that it is sending out ancient news items. I will discuss alternative software with the webmaster but, for the time being this service will be put on hold - please refer directly to the website for information. Kind regards. Melanie.

Open Pool Tournament - Wednesday 23rd January - 7.30 start

Posted: Sunday, 20 January, 2008

This tournament is open to one and all and the bar will stay open until 11. Also see the conversation thread on our Forum (link on this homepage under "Forum" - discussion is taking place in "The Lounge").

Ascot Comes to Whitstable Yacht Club - February 8

Posted: Thursday, 17 January, 2008

Fancy a flutter? £2 per head, including light snacks - put your name down behind the bar (or the office) ASAP. For those of you who have never attended a Horse Racing Night, it's great entertainment and certainly an evening not to be missed (volunteers needed for feeding horses....nosebags provided - sadly that was our Social Committee Chairman's joke!). Paddocks open at 7.30 for 8'o'clock start - a prize for the best hat!!

Live Weather Station - Courtesy of The Dinghy Store!

Posted: Friday, 11 January, 2008

Click on the link http://www.whitstablemarine.co.uk/weather.asp and see how disgusting the weather is today (and for the next few days). The Dinghy Store have allowed us to link to this fantastic resource which can be found on their website. The weather station is actually on WYC's roof ....so it doesn't really get any more accurate than that and at no expense to the Club. Mel.

WYC Forum

Posted: Friday, 04 January, 2008

This is now up and running and you will need to register to join in (see the above tab entitled "Forum"). The site has been split into different boat classes with one general forum (The Lounge) which can be used for a variety of topics. Please use this site responsibly - any mildly offensive comments will be removed and you may be blocked from using the site in future - remember this site can also be viewed by non-members! ALSO, please use your proper name - we wish the Forum to reflect our friendly club atmosphere. I'm sure you will all agree that this is a great tool and one which I am sure will prove useful to all sailing and non-sailing members - enjoy! Melanie

Overdue Subcription Payments

Posted: Tuesday, 18 December, 2007

Please note, that members who have not paid their subs by 1 January will not be served at the bar. Any boats without 2008 stickers will be moved to the Chalet Park and spaces will have to be re-negotiated with their respective Class Captains. WYC

Important Club Announcement - Winter Bar Opening Hours

Posted: Tuesday, 11 December, 2007

The General Committee has decided (after a great deal of thought and discussion) that the Bar and Kitchen should be closed during the day, Monday to Thursday, throughout the months of January to March. The bar will however remain open in the evenings but will close at 9pm, unless there is a special event or function taking place. This new arrangement will commence on January 2nd (and exclude Easter Monday).

There has been a consistent trend of losses over this period during recent years.  The General Committee consider that it is not cost-effective to provide bar and catering services Monday to Thursday.  This decision will be reconsidered in the Spring when planning opening hours for next winter. 

The General Committee and its Sub-Committees are looking at ways to improve the ambience of the Club by changing the seating arrangements/decor. Any suggestions as to how these might be achieved would be welcomed by Melanie who will pass them on to the relevant Committees. 

The Club plan to use our excellent catering facilities to their full advantage during the winter months.  Friday food continues to do well but this will need to do better if we are to keep this facility going.  We also plan to provide food on Saturdays and Sundays, so keep an eye on Club notice boards and the website for further information.

Masts in the dinghy parks

Posted: Monday, 10 December, 2007

Many thanks to those who took down masts at the weekend. We know that there is a working party planned for the small cats on Saturday. There are however a number of masts still up elsewhere. Please take them down asp. A final nag, when lowered, please make sure that the masts are not blocking pathways, especially on the West Quay. Many thanks.

Change of Date - Annual Prizegiving and Laying Up Supper - 1 December

Posted: Tuesday, 16 October, 2007

Observant members will have noticed that the date shown in the programme is wrong. The Club Laying Up Supper and Annual prizegiving will now take place on Saturday 1 December 7.30 for 8pm. Dress optional. The format will revert to the traditional - Bangers and Mash plus dessert for £7.00. Tickets available behind the bar. Classes are encouraged to make up their own tables. The list of prizewinners will be published on this site shortly - but you will know who you are if you look at the results tables! Please book early - numbers are limited by space.

New improved accommodation finder

Posted: Thursday, 12 April, 2007

Visiting Whitstable for a sailing event and need some accommodation? We have made some improvements to this site's accommodation page to illustrate some of the nearby digs.

We have highlighted a selection of bed & breakfast, self catering, hotels, and camping options in and around Whitstable. It is not a complete list of all Whitstable accommodation but simply those that have requested to be featured on this site.

Changes to the handicap fleets for 2007 - IMPORTANT

Posted: Wednesday, 14 February, 2007

There are some important changes to the racing classes at Whitstable Yacht Club in 2007.

Classes sailed will be as follows

Big Catamarans are catamarans with a Portsmouth Yardstick of 790 or faster.

Small Catamarans are catamarans with a Portsmouth Yardstick of 791 slower (the breakpoint is the yardstick of the Dart 18, which is a small cat))

Asymmetric Skiffs are fast boats with asymmetric spinnakers.  They are usually lightweight skiffs with trapeze(s), wings or racks. The Sailing Committee reserves the right to determine what is a skiff.  Currently B14, Musto, RS800, 29er, 29erXX, 49er, 59er, International 14, RS 400, ISO and Spice qualify for this category.

General Handicap is for any dinghy not classified as an asymmetric skiff, whether or not it has a spinnaker or sitting out aids, which has a yardstick of 1179 or faster.

Slow Handicap is for any dinghy with a yardstick of 1180 or slower.

Merlin Rockets race boat for boat without handicaps

Lasers with any rig race boat for boat. In 2007 the results of Laser radial sailors who have declared they will only use a radial rig (or 4.7) will be extracted from the Laser results and will be shown separately.  Laser radial sailors must declare (on the signing on sheets) for each series; changing rigs to a larger rig in mid series is not allowed.  Standard rig sailors may change down to a radial rig during a series but they will receive a standard rig result. 

Reasons for change

The faster boats in the old slow handicap fleet wish to race over full sized challenging courses whereas the slower and smaller boats, often sailed by young sailors, are much more suited to smaller inshore courses.  The new General Handicap Class will satisfy the former and the Slow Handicap Class the latter, without increasing the number of starts in the starting sequence.

Laser Radial sailors have asked to have their own series within the Laser Class

Portsmouth Yardsticks

A list showing the Portsmouth Yardsticks of all boats sailed at Whitstable is displayed in the Race Hut and is available in the office.  In accordance with RYA policy some yardsticks have been modified for the conditions at Whitstable and may therefore differ from those shown in RYA publications.

Starting Sequence

The starting sequence for 2007 will therefore be:

Big Cats (offshore start line) and Small Cats (inshore start line)
Asymmetric Skiffs (offshore start line)
Merlin Rockets (offshore start line) and General Handicap (inshore start line)
Lasers (all rigs start together on the inshore start line)
Slow Handicap (inshore start line)

For further information contact:

Christian Brewer – Rear Commodore Sailing
John Cooper – Hon Sailing Secretary (and Merlin Rocket class captain)
Nick Dewhurst – Big Cat class captain
Christina Brown or Richard Ledger – Small Cat class captain
Rick Perkins – Musto Skiff and Asymmetric class captain
John Bloice – Joint General Handicap class captain (and Tasar class captain)
Gavin Barr – Joint General Handicap class captain (and Wanderer class captain)
Andy Jackson – Laser class captain
David Lowes – Slow Handicap and cadet class captain

WYC Sailing Committee
14 February 2007

Safety - Marking launching trolleys

Posted: Wednesday, 27 September, 2006

There have been occasions when we have found a launching trolley on the beach and do not know whether the owner is safely ashore or in difficulties at sea. Please mark launching trolleys with your name/class and sail number.

Disposal of trailers

Posted: Wednesday, 27 September, 2006

We will be disposing of all unidentified trailers from the beach and chalet park. Would members please mark their trailers with name and sail number. Unmarked trailers will be removed in October.

Wanted - Race Officers

Posted: Wednesday, 27 September, 2006

The club needs race officers to manage the club racing. Free membership will be offered to anyone who is prepared to commit to doing 10 race officer duties next year.

Training will be given. Anyone interested should contact Melanie in the WYC office Tel: 01227 272942

The Whitstable Lions Regatta

Posted: Friday, 21 July, 2006

On Saturday 29th July the Whitstable Lion's Regatta comprised a number of attractions on shore and afloat whilst Whitstable YC and Tankerton SC combined to present a backdrop of boats racing in Tankerton Bay.

The wind was very brisk and many stayed ashore but some 40 assorted dinghies and catamarans set out. About 30 reached the start line but only 18 finished, with closely contested places. Despite a lot of swimming there were no casulties and very little damage.We certainly gave the public crowds on the Tankerton slopes a show. Full Results

Merlin Rocket Open Meeting

Posted: Saturday, 01 July, 2006

WYC hosted the annual Silver Tiller meeting on 1-2 July.

Full Results

RS Feva Open: Event Writeup

Posted: Tuesday, 13 June, 2006

The Fevas found light winds and mostly sunny conditions in Whitstable last weekend. Saturday was an average force 2 with a slight chop whilst Sunday was more of a steady force 1 gusting 2. It really tested light wind technique.

James Peters and Ben Gratton showed their class by reeling off 3 bullets but they didn’t have it all their own way as Rob Cage unpacked his new Feva that morning, was fast out of the box crewed by his 9 year old daughter, explained to her how to set and trim the gennaker at the first windward mark, and then set about hunting James down. Rob never quite made it but did force James into covering him in 2 races so Rob had 3 second places. The remainder of the contenders had mixed results leaving it all to battle for on Sunday.

Saturday night proved that the Feva class is indeed a transition class. The fantastic party put on by Whitstable Yacht Club showed much body heat can be generated on the dance floor. It also showed that there is no difference of opinion between windsurfers and asymmetric sailors. The Whitstable windsurfing hotshots were evidently at home among the sailors on the dance floor and displayed the same aspirational behaviour. Indeed the party was the cause of some of the best spot prizes awarded the next day.

Sunday started great as the heavy rain had passed through overnight. The winds were very light though and had the directional reliability of a sheep herding cat. The race officer for the weekend, Richard Davies, nonetheless managed a splendid event and got a further 2 races completed before calling it quits. James Peters could already see the Choccies being presented before the start as his main challenger, Rob Cage, had to back to Island barn on the Sunday to complete his club race officer duties there. It was not so easy though as James didn’t manage another race win. In the first race on Sunday the fleet took off to the left after the start but some 3 minutes in James headed back right following a shift. That was his undoing as the pressure remained best on the left. Having rounded the windward mark an unaccustomed 10th he picked back up to 6th for his eventual discard. This left local sailor Ozzy and crew Bethany Robson to pick up a well deserved race win.

The final race was held in a dying breeze which did manage to hold up just long enough. Ozzy held a commanding lead at one point but was being chased down by the other Whitstable team of Ed and Will Lowes. The surprise though was Chichester’s Rupert and Hugo Jones-Warner who didn’t seem to notice that the wind had dropped on the last run and came through the pack with turbo chargers fully lit up to take the win. Overall James & Ben won comfortably with a deserved 2nd for Nathan & Anna Ackroyd who were consistency personified. Oz & Beth picked up sufficiently on the final day for the final podium position while Rupert and Hugo had a terrific w/e but just missed the glory. Ed & Will Lowes were fantastic despite being ill suited to the conditions taking 5th. Oppie hotshots and lightweight flyers Tim Gratton and Charlie were right in the mix with 6th place whilst Rob Cage only slipped to 7th despite not sailing the last day. Alex Poyner & Holly Tucker scooped the prize for first all girl boat in 8th place. Awards were also given to Natalya & Francesca Eyres for their most improved performance whilst special mention must go to from Tankerton who sailed the whole event solo just for fun and the experience.

I guess that parents should also be aware that their childrens late return to the beach after racing was abandoned was caused by an outbreak of ringoing! Thanks to David & Debbie Lowes for masterminding a brilliant weekend and the superb hospitality of their fantastic club.

Results:

Pos	Helm	Crew	Club
1st	James Peters	Ben Gratton	Hayling Island
2nd	Nathan Ackroyd	Anna Ackroyd	Norfolk Broads
3rd	Ozzy Scully	Bethany Robson	Whitstable/Chichester
4th	Rupert Jones-Warner	Hugo Jones-Warner	Chichester
5th	Ed Lowes	Will Lowes	Whitstable