Posts by Scam

At the start area 2 boats (usual suspects) gathered (Z54 & Z75), but Z75 had a guest on the helm, John Hartley.

With the course decided – MB(p)-KB(p)-BT(s)-SS(fin). Z54 took the honours to be gate. Wait a minute, looks like another Victory appearing at the Harbour Entrance. After delaying the start and

understanding that Z73 had come out for “RACE TRAINING” and was not going to race, Z54 opened the start gate at KB Boats (KB).

Z75 split tacks at the start with Z54 heading towards the shore at Spithead. Both boats decided to try and gain some tidal advantage at Gilkicker. Z54 leading the way and extending their lead to 8 lengths. Z75 pushed South into the main channel, tacking on shifts, the two boats swapped tacks with Z54’s lead only reducing slightly. Z75 tacked on the Starboard layline at Motherbank (MB) first with Z54 just tacking in front, leading by a couple of lengths. A smart hoist by both crews at the mark, then a deep run back to KB. Z54 going deeper, but Z75 gaining slightly on the lulls (thanks to great steering (JH) and kite trim (MR)).

At Gilkicker the lead had changed with Z75 arriving at the next mark just half a length ahead of Z54. Z75 then covered Z54 on the next beat but misjudged the layline slightly at Baker Trayte(BT).So the final run to the finish, first z54 tried to sail deeper to gain some leverage, but than resorted to a final attack covering the wind on Z75. Z75 held its slender lead to the finish.

What a race, a long Solent race, nearly two hours with the boats finishing within six seconds and hardly more than a few lengths between them for the whole race!

Beers were enjoyed at the PSC bar, with JH enjoying his first victory race for a while (I don’t believe him)!!

Thanks to Geoff and his crew for a great day sailing!!!

Scam

(P.S. Jim Page - you could have started the race then RTD/DNS - which I believe is better points than a DNC)

The course was set: BT(p) - SS(p) - BT(p) - SS(p) - PS(p) - SS(p) - PS(p) - SS(finish)

Despite some fiercely sharp starts during Cowes Week, everyone was a little line-shy this evening, with Z74 crossing the start line first at 9 seconds. They were closely followed by Z79 and Z78 all towards pin end, then Z70 had a lovely start nearer the committee boat in clear air. They were followed by Z54 and Z80 who both tacked shortly after crossing the start and headed in to the wall. Z68 and Z77 appeared to have a few issues towards the pin end and had to tack round to get across the start line. It made for good
viewing on the Committee boat.

There was a decided split in the fleet with half holding out to the left and half to the right. Just 9 minutes afrer the start Z74 was first around the windward mark, 60 seconds in the lead followed by Z54, Z78, Z80 then a couple of minutes later Z77, Z79, Z68, Z70. The majority of boats jibed around BT before hoisting, apart from Z70 who bravely hoisted first but then got into some difficulty which unfortunately took them away from the racing line.

Z79 overtook Z77 on the run down to SS but otherwise positions remained the same. Z74 rounded SS first and hardened up, heading towards the wall, tacking out when halfway there to put a loose cover on Z78 who had tacked on the mark. Z54 followed Z74’s line, all continuing out until roughly in line with KB, when Z74 tacked followed by Z54 and Z78. Z80 tacked back onto port earlier than the preceding trio and got ahead of Z 78 by the second rounding of BT. Z54 made good gains on Z74 on the second spinnaker leg but couldn’t catch her before the mark. Z74 rounded first, closely followed by Z54 , both continuing into the wall. Z80 tacked midway, Z78 tacked out on the mark Z77, Z68 following suit.

With the sun starting to dip towards the horizon the OOD decided to reposition Sapristi and shorten the course at the next rounding off SS (flag Foxtrot flying). The only positional change at PSC was Z70 overtaking Z68. No further changes before the finish, with the first boat finishing at 20:00

Final results: Z74, Z54, Z80, Z78, Z79, Z77, Z70, Z68.

Max

Video of Start

With the promise of a special prize of 30 shillings we anticipated a strong showing from the class.

However, the wind was rather brisk, gusting 28 knots and may have deterred a few potential competitors. Four hardy boats showed up in the start area , Z54, Z67, Z75 and Z78. Z78 volunteered to be gate boat and set a course from KB, SS(s), red post (p), SS(s), GL(p), SS finish.

Z78 as gate boat gained a slight advantage on the first leg to Suffolk Sails with a 15-boat length lead.
The rest of the fleet were nip and tuck with Z54 rounding ahead of Z75, closely followed by Z67. The long
spinnaker leg to the red post on Ryde Sands started with the fleet all on port gybe but with the east going tide the fleet gybed onto starboard only to encounter a couple of tankers crossing the Solent on the fleet’s trackline to the red post. As the fleet neared the red post, a guard ship was drifting in the vicinity making it difficult for Z78, the lead boat to find a clear route to the mark. Z78 rounded first, having maintained their lead of 15 boat lengths. Z75 had gained second place having gybed slightly earlier than Z54. Z67 were in close pursuit of Z54’s stern.

Z78 led the fleet northeast towards Horse Sand Fort but Z54 had other ideas and tacked to head north west hoping to get a “lee bow” effect from the east-going tide. Z75 followed suit going westwards across the Solent. Meanwhile, Z67 continued to follow Z78. The shifty conditions allowed boats to take shifts en route to Suffolk

Sails but with such a huge split between the two pairs, who was going to emerge the victor? Z54 had taken the lead in the west going pair. On the eastern side of the course Z78 were extending from Z67 (who appeared to be heading to France) As the boats converged on Suffolk Sails, Z75 and Z54 had managed to reduce Z78’s lead. At the mark Z78 squeezed around in front of Z75 with Z54 close behind. In the
distance Z67 were returning from the Nab Tower. A short run to Gleeds, Z75 trying a new regime during the gybes, which inadvertently involved uncleating the halyard. This allowed Z78 to extend their lead by a couple of boat lengths.

The final beat to Suffolk Sails, the 30 shillings almost in Jimmy’s back pocket… but Z75 tacked first, maybe providing some leverage in the shifty northerly conditions. Z78 continued further towards the main channel before tacking with Z54 following. Z75 experienced a slight lift allowing them to close the distance and cross the line ahead of Z78 with Z54 third. Finishing some time later, Z67. A very hard-fought race under tricky conditions, worthy of a celebration of ninety years of victory sailing. The winning skipper, delighted with his £1.50 winnings treated all competitors to a much needed and well-earned drink!

Maxine

Hull features

• Double mainsheet (Raised)
• Cascade Kicker system (not boomerang)
• Central middle boat controls for Cunningham, Outhaul, Tack, Pole Uphaul,
• Jib Halyard
• Fast jib halyard/rig tuner
• “Granny” Style comfort coaming for crew
• Measured to minimum sailing weight

Spars

• Mast (Collars) – with J Perry fittings
• Boom – J Perry
  
• Carbon spinnaker pole + wooden spare
  

At least 2 full setsof (Batt) Sails (including a set from 2021)

Additional Equipment

• Tacktick and custom fitting
• Electric pump including batteries
• 1 fixed manual pump,
• 2 sweeps and rowlocks,
• Engine and bracket,
• Anchor, chain and bucket,
• All safety kit in date.
• Custom toe straps, spinnaker bags, cockpit cover
• Full laid up cover and cockpit cover

This years’ winter maintenance covered – with Zinnia race ready for the new season.

A great opportunity to purchase a well optimised and quick Victory.

Sale Price £9,000.00

Contact: John Scammell. scam_j@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile – 07779 284230

So how many would turn up? – hopefully 4 boats, but maybe 6 or 8!! The crews gathered at 11:30 on Saturday, and with some gentle(?) persuasion 6 boats were mustered.

Z78 – Jim D & Mike E

Z73 – Jim P & Munch

Z71 – Peter & Zoe

Z70 – Matt S & MC

Z67 – James & Harry

Z9 – Matt D & Claire

After a quick brief on team racing and changes to the standard fleet racing rules,the boats were drawn for the scheduled 5 flights programmed then a winner takes all final flight.

To distinguish the teams high vis jackets were distributed to the helms to help with the changes of teams between flights.

The regatta team (Scam, Max, Heather and Liz) and the crews headed out of the harbour for a predicted 1300 start. There was a small delay due to the repositioning of Z75 after a ghost passage out of the harbour the previous evening (ask Ian P for more details).

Scam and Max quickly positioned the inflatable marks (borrowed from PSC – thank you), while Liz set the start line from PSC buoy. So the course was windward to the Black inflatable (starboard) – then a reach around KB (starboard) to the downwind Yellow inflatable (starboard) back to the gate,
with the finish being signified by the shorten course “S” Flag (this course was defined as Course A).

So first flight Blue (78, 73, 71) v Yellow/High Vis. (70, 67, 9). With no spinnakers being used and the course being shortened on the first lap, the
Blue team took victory (8pts) with finish order 71,78,67, 70, 73 and 9. Peter delighted on securing his first race victory!!

With the wind veering, the course was altered to a windward leeward (KB (starboard) to the downwind Yellow inflatable (starboard) back to the gate). Ready for the second flight Blue (78, 9, 67) v Yellow (71, 73, 70). The course was shortened on the first lap, the Blue team took an easy victory (9pts, remembering that in 3 boat racing a 1-2 – any is a win) with finishing order 67,78,73, 70, 71 and 9.

The course was redefined back to Course A, with the inflatable marks being moved to suit the wind direction. This time KB (starboard) - Black inflatable (starboard) - Yellow inflatable (starboard) – Gate.

Third flight Blue (78, 71, 9) v Yellow (73, 70, 67) the Yellow team took victory (9pts) with finishing order 78,70,67, 73, 71 and 9

The tide going across the course – definitely provided an interesting strategy to the teams at mark roundings. Not only did it affect the teams but also Saprisiti as it was noticed to be dragging at the start of the fourth flight. Start abandoned and after repositioning of the start line the racing was again underway.

Fourth flight Blue (78, 70, 73) v Yellow (9, 71, 67). At the start 73 was OCS, only to return to clear the infringement. With a little coaching the Yellow team seemed in control of the flight at the first mark (2,3,4). The Blues, determined not to be beaten, reversed the scoring by Z78 gaining on two of the blue team from 5^th. Z70 lost, then regained 1^st place on the downwind. Now in 1^st, 3rd and 4th Blue would secure victory, this left Z9 to try and slow an opponent to promote their own team member. Unfortunately, the move was not executed as planned and Matt just ended up with Yellow at the tail of the fleet. The Blue team took victory (6pts) with finish order 70,78,73, 67, 9 and 71.

Fifth flight: Blue (78, 70, 67) v Yellow (9, 71, 73) the Blue team took victory (6pts) with finishing order 78,67,70, 73, 71 and a DNF for 9.

After some complicated weighting of the results the draw for the final was made: Blue (70, 67, 71) v Yellow (78, 73, 9). So, the wind had stabilised and the course stayed as Course A. The teams positioned along the start line – individual recalls for both 71 and 73. Z73 again returns to exonerate itself, but not Z71 – oh dear! Blue took control of the race with boats in 1, 3 and 4. The team finish in the same order without 71 receiving a finish signal. Consequently the finishing order 67,78,70,73, 9 with 71 OCS. However, in 3 boat team racing an OCS is 10pts – therefore giving victory to Yellow (10pts). So the winner grinners are Jim D/Mike E(Z78), Jim P/Munch (Z73) and Matt D/Claire(Z9)… with Matt and Z9 making its’ inaugural trophy win (with Dolphin’s last win being 1988)!!

The finish time was just after 16:30, 3hours of racing with 6 close races – giving crews lots of manoeuvring practice and a small insight into team racing.

With a minor debrief at the bar and refreshments – hopefully the ground work has been established for the Class to provide more discussions on basic rules and another push for team racing to be added to future programs.

Thank you ALL, both crews/helms and helpers (and PSC for the use of inflatable marks) for making such a great, enjoyable event!!!!

Scam

(Photos by Heather)

The song about a bar that serves rum. The bar is described as being a place where people can go to forget their troubles and have a good time.

After the slow race today perhaps it was what all the competitors needed!!!

So three boat out for the last race of the Presidents’ Shield – Z69, Z54 and Z73. A small delay due to a timing issue onboard Z73 but with the rain consigned to the past, the course was set as KB(Start) – MR(P) – SS(S) – GL(P) – SS(S) – GL(P) – SS (finish).

Z69 took on the gate boat duties with Z73 and Z54 starting early on the gate opening on starboard tack. So, the long…long beat to Mary
Rose with the tide just starting to change to flow west. With a few early tacks the three boats continued east towards the port layline, Z54 south of the three, Z73 to the north and Z69 in the middle further east.

Then the wind started to drop, with a small sign of breeze filling from the south-east. Towards the Spitbank fort, Z54 had gained a healthy lead. In fact Z69 were looking to kedge as it had started to drift backwards. Z54 had made the new breeze first and tacked on the layline, with both of the others waiting for the breeze to reach them.

Z54 managed to round the first mark one and half hours after the start…break out the rum, but perhaps Geoff was thinking about overhauling the results to regain his beloved trophy for the vacant space on his stairway wall.

Z69 managed to pick the breeze up before Z73, managing to keep the chances of retaining the trophy alive.

The decision was taken to shorten the course (with the virtual ‘S’ flag) due to the wind conditions and predicting another long beat to Gleeds.

On the downwind leg to the finish, Z54 seemed to be slowing down with the breeze line reducing as they sailed to the west. Is there enough time for Z69 to catch? Z73 was still struggling around Mary Rose.

Not enough for a close finish. Well done Geoff, Chris and Hugh for completing and winning the race. Z69 second and Z73 finishing third.

So the Presidents’ Shield remains in place in Max’s kitchen for another year, Geoff’s wall still vacant with second, and a great third place by the whole Z73 team!!!

Time for a dirty banana!!! – Enjoy the rum!!!

https://youtu.be/SZhhQF3jcrE

A beautiful summer’s day encouraged 7 boats to join the fight for the coveted Presidents Shield. The breeze was a light North Easterlyas we exited the harbour for the racetrack, but became more fickle in bothstrength and direction as the boats congregated at KB. The race was postponed whilst several courses were deliberated, and wind forecasts reviewed. After 20 minutes the breeze settled in a Southeasterly direction and the course was broadcast as GL(p)-SS(s)-GL(p)-SS(s)-GL(p)-SS(finish).

The gate opened with Z76 attempting to enter early but the majority of the fleet waiting at the outer end of the two-minute line, to take advantage of the east going tide. Z69
continued to the south, the rest of the fleet slowly finding places to tack to get back to the east going tide. Z69 held out until the layline, a huge call, with most of the fleet tacking below Z69’s line. At the first mark, Z69 first, with a significant gap, Z54 in second, with Z78, Z70, Z73 following closely behind, slightly further behind was Z53 and Z76.

A deep run down to Suffolk Sails, with no changes in positions. Z69 keeping the lead. The next beat to Gleeds dictated the fleet’s desire to go south again for the east going tide. With the starboard rounding of Suffolk Sails, it meant threading through the fleet after the mark. This helped Z54 in second place, as they managed to extend into a different wind pattern and gained an advantage at the start of the second beat with Z78. Z69 tacked first for the mark, with Z54 crossing in front, and Z78 dipping behind.Z54 then tacked and Z78 continued out further south to the East going tide. Was the wind going to shift enough to allow Z69 to make the mark? Alas, no! Advantage Z78, but even they had to tack again for the mark in the light and shifting conditions. So, at Gleeds, Z78 led, followed closely by Z69, and Z54. Z78 had a little trouble launching the spinnaker, the gap then closed, probably only 3 boat lengths from the stern of Z78 to the bow of Z54. Due to the light and shifty conditions, the OOD then shortened the course.

The unstable conditions made spinnaker trimming difficult, especially with the light chop on the water. So, the boats were in a line, led by Z78, followed to leeward and behind by Z69 and again, leeward and behind by Z54 all trying to sail deep for the layline to the finish, but the conditions didn’t allow. 20 boat lengths out from the finish, Z54 made an aggressive move to windward of the leading boats, pulling the leaders to the north of the rhumb line, requiring the boats to gybe to the finish. Z54 extended to windward and in front of Z78, had they done enough to cross his bow? Unfortunately not [for them], and with Z69 now on the inside, controlling the situation outside of 3 boat lengths to the mark. Z69 dragged the fleet past the natural gybe layline, to the extent that they now had to beat back to the finish in the light and tidal conditions at Suffolk Sails. Z69 was first to gybe, followed closely by gybes on Z78 and Z54. Z69 managed to squeeze round the buoy to take the victory. Two boat lengths behind, Z78 came into the mark close and gybed slowly to the finish, but a gap inside appeared, with the fast-approaching Z54 taking a chance to cross the line inside Z78. Coming down on the rhumb line behind a further distance away, was Z70 and Z73, an impressive performance from Liz with her all-female team. And then slightly further behind, was Z53 and Z76. It was a glorious day for the first of the President’s Shield. In the words of the Great Tina Turner; “Simply the Best”.

Maxine & Nicky

New to the Saturday team on Z69 was Scam’s Australian brother…

The race started on time with the fleet waiting late to cross the gate. First out was Z53, followed by Z68 and then Z54 with the east going tide. Gate closed.. z69 to the north and the fleet to the south…

Beat to SS.. Z69 tacked.. but the shifting conditions allowed gains under the tide for the starboard tackers…

On the the first mark Z68 tacks followed by z54 and then z53. Z68 and z54 cross clear ahead of z69. Z69 tacks ahead of Z53.. The tack to the lay line… shifty conditions z54 on the layline first, Z68 follows but Z69 tacks under their bow… is it good?….

Round the mark z54, followed by z69 inside z68 with z53 in the rear…z69 just holding off z68 to the mark rounding…

Z54 Gybe stop go East, z69 and z68 run deep to the eastern tide…Gains made by Z54 with Z69 slighttly extending from Z68 with Z53 chasing hard…

Mary Rose Z54 slows a little, followed with a gap before z69, z68 and z53….

Beat to Suffolk sails…north to the mainland shore.. z69 lifting inside z54 but not enough… z68 slipping to a comfortable third.

So the story is … Scam birthday next week .. Max wants to book a weekend away … but the trophy.. Helmsman cup is more important… z68 need two firsts to clinch the trophy from the current leader(z69)….

The race continues.. z69 keeps Z54 honest but defending against Z68, with z53 following closely..

So the last leg z54 to the north channel, z68 tacks near the mark to the west…z69 tacks to cover…

Z54 wins, Z69 second, with Z68 third followed with Z53 a couple of minutes behind!!!

Congratulations to Z54, a fine win… Z69 completes the set to win the series… very happy Max…

Now to the next…. Presidents shield, well who knows in which home the trophy will hang….we’ll see you out there!