Sailing & racing | A Victorious Topic

26-Apr-2024 By Zoe Whittaker in Sailing & racing

Race Report - 23rd April 2024

Record numbers of wooly hats reflected chilly and challenging conditions, exacerbated by the ever interesting Northerlies fluctuating around the harbour and challenging sailors for the second Tuesday race of the 2024 season.

Z48’s crew and Liz set the start line between Sipristi and a laid mark (LM), with a simple windward/leeward x3.

At the gun, a healthy competition developed amongst the fleet to control the committee boat end, with tide flooding into the harbour, pushing boats upwind. A clear lane and the ability to control the fleet through the first few tacks would surely pay dividends and allow crews to navigate the washing machine that is so often the SS corner!

74, 78, 79, 77 headed left with 75 (who started slightly lower), 54, 75 and 70 went right earlier.

Towards the top, most of the fleet had opted for the “top right” of the beat - except 79 who went further towards the wall. By the windward mark, 74, 79 and 75 rounded in quick succession, with 54, 78, 77 and 70 just behind.

Rhumb line vs great circle was the downwind challenge - 75 got their noses inside 79 but couldn’t make it count, with 78 sailing a lower course than the rest.

By the leeward, positions were unchanged, 54 catching the leading pack and claiming a good exit into the final upwind - getting the inside lane between 75 and the finish.

Shifty conditions off the wall with plenty of over the shoulder looks meant that bows were pointing at most areas of the compass. Finishing positions: 74, 79, 75, 54, 78, 77, 70.

Thank you committee and thank you to Scam & Max for letting me play with your new toy! 75 felt like a Ferrari, although I missed the sound of the automatic bilge and the sweet smell of varnish! (Ps I didn’t prang it so all in all a nice, albeit chilly, race!)

Joppers

Z75 (for tonight!)

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26-Apr-2024 By Zoe Whittaker in Sailing & racing

Race Report from Thursday 18th April 2024

‘Tis the season to be jolly, falalalala lalalala

Sailing’s back, so who needs holly? falalalala lalalala

Yes, its April and this is week 1, race 2 of the 90th year of Victory racing. What’s not to like!

After Tuesday’s curtain raiser, a couple of open questions were answered. Would Tom Verstappen and Team Red Bull Peregrine carry forward last year’s winning form? Would anyone be snapping at their transom? How would the new crews on 75 and 79 fare?

After a cracking, sunny day, would anyone be fooled into a false sense of security? Having learnt from Tuesday night, your correspondent was well layered up, and as Sapristi left the harbour and hit the Solent chop, it was proven to be a good call. Perhaps the reference to holly was relevant; with a 9 degree air temperature and a 15knot South Westerly, it was more like the Frostbite Series.

So, to tonight’s race and 6 hardy crews ventured out, with Sapristi set up in the vicinity of KB. 54, 70, 74, 75, 77 and 78 made there way towards the start area, but it wasn’t long before we were down to 5, as a problem with the main halyard saw 78 retire having to retire before the start. The wind direction meant the course was going to be fairly easy to set, but the question was how many times should we send them round? Bearing in mind the temperature and sea state, the OOD (Liz and Sid) took a big hearted approach, and set a course of Sapristi-KB to Baker Trayte, (P), KB(P), BT(P), KB (P as a passing mark) and finish at the SS line.

As the boats all milled around, the amount of full on warm head gear was apparent; a beanie was the favoured option, but full marks to Duncan for his use of a neck buff! And who was this at the front of 74? Joppers at the pointy end? And, it looked like he was going to be feeling the cold!

A clean start saw 4 boats maintain a starboard tack and head out into the Solent, whilst 70 made an early tack, and sail towards the shore. It only took 8 minutes before 74 rounded the windward mark and out popped the peregrine. 75 was next round but took a while to get the kite up, whilst 54 had obviously been to Greggs as it appeared to have a monster of a wrap, and ended up sailing the whole leg with white sails. 77 was 4th round and as she too took a long while to get the spinnaker airborne, whilst 70 opted to take the more cautious option and sailed with white sails only. There was no change of order at the leeward mark, but this time, everyone opted to sail into the shore after the rounding. But wait! as they neared the windward mark for the second time, it was evident that 75 had got a lot closer. From the committee boat, they looked side-by-side as they tacked away from the shore and headed for the mark…but it was the black peregrine that rose 1st as they rounded. 54 seemed to still be having hoisting issues as they again, sailed the distance from the windward mark to the passing mark with white sails and the kite appearing about 1/3 of the way up, and then disappearing again. 77 was again late hoisting but would they have the legs to catch 54 on the longer kite leg to the finish line. 70 opted to maintain a white sailing option. They remained in this order, as 54 finally got the kite up on the leg from KB to SS to hold off 77.

The final order being 74, 75, 54, 77 and 70. It was only a 31 minute race, but there were some cold bodies out there. 75 is obviously happy with the their new toy as they were only a few seconds behind 74, but Peregrine has had the perfect start to the weekday series, with 2 wins.

Roll on next week, when we can do it all again.

Clive

Z79, Zada

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26-Apr-2024 By Zoe Whittaker in Sailing & racing

Tuesday 16/04/2023 1st race of the season Taylor Trophy to play for

8 boats on Start line

Sapristi set up a start line between her & a laid mark. Course - Start between laid mark & Sapristi PSC (P) laid mark (P) x3 no wind change 1 1/2 mins before start. Abandon that start new course Start between Laid mark & Sapristi & Laid mark SS (P) laid mark (P) x 3

1st lap Z74 in lead Z77 2nd then 3 boats all together not sure who was 3rd so close. Z68 retired with rudder problem. Sapristi decided light was going so had to get to SS to shorten course. 1st Z74 well done.

Liz OOD

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26-Apr-2024 By Zoe Whittaker in Sailing & racing

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08-Dec-2023 By Zoe Whittaker in Sailing & racing, Social

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)

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08-Sep-2023 By Scam in Sailing & racing, Race Report

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06-Aug-2023 By Geoff Dixon in Sailing & racing

Race Report: Fleet Race Tuesday 25th July - The Dunlin Tub

The Fleet Race, for the Dunlin Tub, as sailed on Tuesday evening was the last race before the Class head to Cowes and Cowes Week on Friday. Possibly an inauspicious trophy to have on that particular evening, given that Z15, Dunlin, was lost on a fresh day in Cowes Week 2001. Cowes Week preparation also accounted for the lower than usual turnout, but 6 boats came to the line at PSC racing mark, Z53, 54, 68, 73, 74 and 80. Of those the 4 boats that were heading to Cowes later in the week were anxious to test their boats and their competitive edge!

Z15 Dunlin, with Dawson Penn at the helm and a certain young Victory and Contessa 32 sailor as crew. Circa 1992

With race officer Hugh Pringle set up at PSC racing mark, Course 2 was called, with 2 beats to BT followed by two shorter beats to PSC, all with Suffolk Sails as the downwind mark. The breeze was an encouraging SW gusting to 20 knots, enough to get your teeth into.

The fleet were keen on the line, stacked up at the committee boat end with 30 seconds to go. At the last moment a dive down the short line saw them all off the outer end with no one OCS, out towards the west going tide, undoubtedly the way to go. Z54 the leeward boat just squeezing past the buoy with 80, 74 and 68 to weather and behind. As 54 squeezed up from below one by one the others tacked off for clear air, leaving 54 to take advantage of the best of the tide further out. At BT 54 had the lead with 74 and 80 rounding not far behind.

Down the run to Suffolk Sails 54 extended with Heather working the kite hard. 74 and 80 neck and neck behind. Repeat up the beat to BT again, 54 tacking too early for the buoy and allowing 74 to close a little, but 54 first round again and 74 and 80 on top of each other behind.

54 leading round SS and beat to PSC, the lead still comfortable, but you can’t make a mistake in the Victory Class and here comes the first one. 54 gybes to come down the run on port, 80 follows, but 74 holds out on starboard gybe and gets more breeze, storming up on 54, while 80 also benefits from breeze filling from astern after a lull. 54 under pressure at Suffolk Sails, but just holding the overlap inside 74 with 80 behind.

It’s often important to keep hold of the big picture when you find yourself in close quarters. Mistake no.2, 54 allows 74 and 80 to tack first and they foot off under and out into the breeze. An early tack onto Port sees them both cross 54 as PSC approaches, but they were a little early with the tacks this time, 54 holds on and takes a little benefit from a lift into the wall, lifting over 80. Not quite over 74 however, who cross on starboard 1/2 boat length ahead, to round PSC to start downwind to the line first, with 54 second and 80 third. 74 in more breeze off the wall and 54 defending against 80 sees Peregrine take the Dunlin Trophy at the line, to add to a few others waiting for collection at the prizegiving… 54, 80, 68, 73 follow with 53 retiring.

Well done to 74, but all the Cowes bound boats are no doubt happy with their performance! Thanks to Mr Pringle and team for a great race.

Now there apparently needs to be a song in here, so, with Cowes Week approaching, all together now…

“What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor, What Shall We Do……..

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26-Jul-2023 By Geoff Dixon in Sailing & racing, Race Report

World Rum Day!!!

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

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09-Jul-2023 By Scam in Sailing & racing, Race Report

Race Report - Tuesday 4th July - 2023 Visitors Race

2023 Visitors Race

Class Captain, Matt Salt, has organised a massive turnout for the visitors race but unfortunately couldn’t organise sunshine and champagne sailing…

Possibly the wettest race of the season (so far!)...a wet front came in at 1800 just as crews, helms and visitors were getting ready to go racing, this rain was soaking everything in sight and penetrating through all waterproofs, even the trusty MPX weren’t safe!

…. Fourteen Victories were forecast to race but two dropped out (Z76 and Z53), leaving a whopper turnout of twelve on the start line! With the wind and rain coming from the West, the course was set with a laid mark and Sapristi forming the start - KB p - Linington p - Gate KB p - Linginton p - PSC s - Finish at Suffolk Sails.

After a ten minute postponement to wait for the visitor on Z69, Tokyo 2020(+1) Olympian Eilidh McIntyre, the fleet got off to a fairly fast start with Z70 and Z74 leading the fleet. Z70 rounded the windward mark in first place and trundled off with their spinnaker to Linington.

The spring tide was pushing the fleet North and into the harbour entrance with boat passing between the nav aids before the wind swiftly died whilst everyone struggled to make it through the gate. Unfortunately Z67 was pushed into the channel and had to retire, Z68 promptly retired due to the soggy windless conditions. Z78 was wondering if the fleet would make it home in time for pizzas… ! Somehow Z74 kept moving and made it through the gate first (not before two squeaky tacks!), Z69 followed and then Z80, Z77 and Z75.

After a lot of bobbing and shivering - apparently it was July but temperatures felt like December - the wind filled in a smidgen and the remaining Victories crept towards KB. Thankfully Maxine on RIB Phame was on the water which allowed the course to be shortened and finished at KB.

The results were-

1st Z74 - Ross Partridge

2nd Z77 - Chris Fluett

3rd Z69 - Eilidh McIntyre

4th Z75 Oliver George Taylor

5th Z80 Dick Batt

6th Z78 Morgan Allan

7th Z54 Ben Holloway

8th Z73 Colin Church

9th Z70 Ben McInnes

Z67 RET - Neil O’Leary

Z68 RET - Ryan Deane

Z9 RET - Neil Millerchip & Stuart Evans

The OODs on Sapristi were Liz Ballard, Sid Dollery, Mike Ellison, Harry O’Leary and visitor Sarah O’Leary, plus rib support Maxine Reeves. The soggy sailors returned to Portsmouth Sailing Club and feasted on pizzas, cupcakes and beer.

Thank you to all the Victory owners for taking out a visitor and thank you to all the visitors for enduring a very very soggy race. We hope to have you back for future races, I can assure you we usually order sunshine !

See you on the water,

Zoe, Z78