There were 15 (or possibly even 16) dinghies and 25 people on the water for Saturday Sailing on the 28th May, making the most of a steady breeze and the sunshine. The lumpy sea due to a NE/E wind made the conditions a little challenging for the recently-qualified Level 2 sailors, but all did extremely well and one pair participated in their first ever race. Meanwhile 3 trainees were completing day one of an RYA Powerboat Handling Level 2 course.
Saturday Sailing is open to all members who hold RYA Level 2 or have equivalent experience. Be rigged and ready to go on the water by 10am if you want to participate. Club training boats are available to hire.
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On a beautiful sunny May day, Herne Bay Sailing Club opened its doors to offer taster sails and powerboat rides to members of the public as part of the RYA's nationwide Push the Boat Out event. A fantastic 88 children and adults from tiny to tall experienced sailing watched by their families and friends from the sun deck. The BBQ, galley and bar were popular and members were on hand to answer questions about training opportunities, Cadets, social, kayak and sailing membership. Visitors' feedback sums up the day:
We hope to welcome some of the visitors back soon. We are offering special prices on membership and learn to sail packages for anyone who joins the club in May. The Push the Boat Out membership form is here. Email us to find out more or call in on a Friday night, Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. Many thanks to the large number of Herne Bay SC members and friends who gave their time to make sure everyone enjoyed their day. Photographs by Olaf Throndsen. On Saturday 19th May between 11am and 3pm Herne Bay Sailing Club will be open to the public. We will be offering taster sails and powerboat rides and the bar, galley and BBQ will be open to our visitors.
If you or your family are interested in learning to sail, come and have a go. We'll also show you around the clubhouse and let you know about the social, sailing and cadet activities at the club. We are a family-friendly club and welcome sailors, kayakers and social members of all ages. For more information go to the Push the Boat Out page. You may find a copy of Herne Bay Sailing Club's data privacy policy here.
After a short delay to await a little wind, 10 stalwarts took to the water for the first of the May day Series. Sailing a parallelogram course with very patchy wind, only the 29er of the Dyers maintained pace throughout with the 2000 of Laurie and the rest in Lasers struggling to find the pockets. Getting the weight forward was key as well as efficient tacking to maintain momentum through the turns to prevent the flooding tide from reducing gains quickly. Ben, Alan and Guy led the chase field throughout interspersed with the 2000 but nobody was catching the Dyers. It took over an hour to complete 2 laps if you weren’t in the 29er.
With a band of wind showing parallel to the shore and a sea breeze emerging, the race team changed the course to a sausage and all boats made progress in race 2. While the Dyers flew ahead again, Sam occasionally making it out on the trapeze, the Lasers and 2000 found individual battles to maintain the fun down the field, Alan showed his experience in leading the chase pack. it was all too much for Laurie and an early bath was preferred for the 2000 crew. Race 3 saw the sea breeze arrive fully and proper sailing emerged with most sailors enjoying a work out to catch a glimpse of the Dyers over the horizon. A fishing line proved a difficult obstacle for Andy and Guy, both being stopped in the water as it fouled their daggerboards and rudders. Alan and Ben had a close tussle for second throughout with Alan being victorious and Andy and Gary fought a close race near the back. Guy proved he needs clew strap tying lessons as it came undone and his boom fell of at the end of the first lap! So a successful series as the wind increased over the 3 hours of sailing. Three firsts for the Dyers saw them through a very deserved winners with Alan and Ben runners up in their Lasers. Special note for Ben G who placed well in all 3 races. Thanks to my race team for stepping up at the last moment - it was a good day at HBSC. Congratulations to seven trainees who completed their RYA Level 2 Basic Skills dinghy course in April or May. All are now capable of sailing independently in good conditions and we hope to see them joining club sailing and the Saturday morning sailing sessions.
Nine HBSC members have refreshed their safety boat skills and are ready to provide safety cover during sailing activities. Click here to find out about future training opportunities for members and non-members. |
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