Hopefully you enjoyed your Summer Holidays and are now making the most of a nearly full reservoir and plenty of wind!
For this Newsletter we have sent out our younger reporters to cover some of the recent racing and social sailing events. It also includes forthcoming activities at the club and gives some useful tips on Christmas presents, the security of trailers and boats and your safety, amongst other things.
MIRACLE NATIONALS by Annie Stephenson & Sarah Reddy
From one extreme to the other! Last year some races were cancelled due to no wind, this year too much! The Miracle fleet just can’t get the weather right! But having lots of wind is so much more fun and exciting because you can laugh at every one capsizing! And it wasn’t just the ‘inexperienced’ sailors capsizing - there were also some good sailors from Delph too!!
This year it was the turn of Beaumaris on Anglesey to hold the national championships. For many people who competed it was their first racing experience on the sea. I think many people may agree that the conditions and the sea sailing were great. As a crew I loved the waves and wind but the tide still baffles me.
Every one who competed did very well especially Delph sailors. Not only did Delph win the club trophy, Rene won lady helm, Kathryn and Annie won the Endeavour trophy, and John Reddy, Simon Evans and Louis Moulden were in the top ten. Pete Evans and John Cronshaw were second in the silver fleet, so as a club we did very well. All in all it was an enjoyable week because of the exciting sailing and the social events.
Ed. - Despite reports to the contrary, five safety boats were on the water at Beaumaris; one helmed by the ex-cox of the Beaumaris lifeboat, one by a retired ferry captain from the Holyhead/Ireland route. Delph’s humble contribution was our noble Bosun, as crew.
JUNIORS DAY by Rachael Cocking
When we arrived at the club on Saturday 11th September, we were slightly disappointed by the lack of ‘juniors’, but our spirits were lifted when more people started to arrive. The wind was blowing quite strong, but as we started with the first “game” it calmed down to a nice constant breeze.
In the first activity we had to guess the letter that each flag represented that had been stuck on the marks around the course: H Q A D E. There were also two in the clubhouse. Whilst doing this there were many spectacular capsizes and people flying overboard! In the end when the letters were all put together they spelt DELPH SC.
After that we all had to get into groups of four, de-rig a topper between us and paddle, without a sail or mast, after various water filled balloons that were released onto the water. We had to grab as many as we could without them bursting and get them into our boat and safely back to shore. The team with the most balloons won and the winners, with 19 balloons, were: Me, Sarah Baddeley, Sarah Reddy and Alison Grennan.
Now can you imagine lots of kids, and lots of water filled balloons and a really big space? Well I think you can guess what happened next…..we had a massive water fight, which took a long time because none of the balloons would pop!!
After that we all headed inside to nice, warm (cold for the late comers) showers and lots of lovely pizza! I must add a thank you to the galley staff for their wonderful help with the food!! While we were munching away we had an alphabet quiz to do. We had to name as many boats as we could, one for each letter of the alphabet.
Whilst the scores were being totted up for that activity we headed outside (in the pouring rain!) to name parts of the training boat that were labelled with letters of the alphabet. We came back in with rolled up, soggy pieces of paper but managed to remember them and give in our answers! In the end the scores were added together from all the activities and in first place was myself and Sarah Reddy. In second place were Ilona Hewitt and Rachel Murphy. We were awarded with gold medals that I’m sure we’ll treasure forever!!! Over all it was a really great day, which would have been even better if more people had turned up for the event!
Rob - A big thank you to Ros and the others who helped in the kitchen on Juniors day, also many thanks to Robin, Pete, Andy and everyone else for their rescue cover and assistance on and off the water. It went well, putting the weather aside. Those who attended enjoyed the afternoon and that’s what it’s all about.
CONISTON WEEKEND
The club had its third visit as guests of Coniston Y.C. on 3/4/5 Sept. On Saturday, after the rain had cleared, 12 boats & 25 people enjoyed an excellent social sail down the lake in the afternoon, landing at Brown Howe to avoid the lee shore. We enjoyed a warm welcome at the club BBQ in the evening. No wind until later on Sunday afternoon, meant that racing was cancelled. However, the hot sunny weather helped to lessen the disappointment.
SOUTHPORT 24 HOUR RACE
The club entered 2 boats again this year, but the conditions were very different from last year’s gentle breezes. The “A” boat team was Andy & Karen Taylor, Chris Pickles, Steve Cronshaw, Tom Dawber, Matt Sharman, Phillip Manning, Andrew Hayfield, Ian Oldbury, Anita Cropper, Phil Worth, Clare Charnock with Kathryn Hayfield as Beachmaster. The Delph "B" Boat team consisted of Nigel Ball, Kaye & Dick Hodgson, Robin Baycroft, Kathryn Sharman, Dave Mason, Stephen Mason, Peter Gribben, Chris Platt, Patrick Manning & Don Blackburn.
Many thanks to David Mason and Karen Taylor for generously allowing us to use their Enterprises for the event. During the warm up, the tiller of the B boat snapped leading to a collision. Out of all the 80 boats, it had to be with our own "A" Boat! This was repaired and both boats started shortly after their correct start time. The conditions were demanding with strong (15 to 20 Knot) wind. The “B” boat centreboard began to break up progressively. Patrick and Chris Platt returned to Delph to collect a replacement and once it was fitted the boat performed well. As darkness fell, the wind strengthened.
At about 10 pm the “B” team boat was capsized by very strong wind at the gybe mark and during the change over, capsized twice while attempting to leave the docking area. The "A" boat suffered the same problem during this period. The “B” boat team sensibly retired for safety reasons but the “A” boat team survived the night and went on to take an excellent 21st position overall and 4th Enterprise. This was an improvement on last year’s result. Thanks to all those who took part, organised and supported both of the club teams. We gained lots of learning points and kept plenty of enthusiasm to sail again next year.
ENTERPRISE FLEET
Delph Enterprises have been on their travels again to the Nationals at Abersoch, the Worlds at Cork, and Scotland for the St Mary’s Loch Regatta. Karen Taylor and Anita Cropper took 42nd with Andrew Taylor and Kathyrn Hayfield 47th at the Worlds. Rob Cocking and Rachael, along with Tony and Dorothy Cropper and Anita made the trip up north to St Mary’s Loch for a wet and wild weekend in the Borders. Rob was 15th of the 30 entries, Anita crewing for James Holmes was 16th. Sunday was a little breezy and Tony and Dorothy decided against sailing.
Sunday, 26th September is the next North West Area Open at Elton. Rob is attending and Robin and Hilary may also be giving it a go. Watch this space. All Enterprise owners & sailors and interested parties with access to the internet are asked to give their opinion on the Enterprise Association & issues at http://pub216.ezboard.com/benterpriseassociationpublic. This replaces the annual conference and your ideas will go straight to the Enterprise committee.
BIRTHDAYS
The 40th year of the club's founding was 2002, but 7th June 2004 was actually the 40th anniversary of the first organised race event, sailing having been delayed by insurance issues needing to be resolved (nothing changes). Rumour has it that a teenager called Rene was in the first boat on the water in May `64, an Enterprise.
HOUSE, GROUNDS AND BOAT PARK MAINTENANCE
The Bosun’s Hut - members occasionally store items here - no problem. BUT, it is not secure, and apart from nocturnal two legged wildlife, we also have Delph members "mining" for bits and pieces. So please mark stuff with your name and boat number so that we know whose treasures we have just borrowed, stood on or thrown out by mistake.
Buoyancy Aids - If you have lost a buoyancy aid, try looking in
the blue barrels used to store these for training in the Race Control Centre.
Eventually unnamed, unclaimed, abandoned buoyancy aids migrate to training.
Volunteer - Not a call to arms or a pub in Bromley Cross but a request
for help. You may have noticed that the first of the gravel (actually recovered
crushed concrete and brick) has arrived to fill in the hole and extend the
bottom car park. If you want to help, please let John Tucker know on 01772
704874.
Bonfire - Because of insurance restrictions there will be no bonfire and
fireworks party this year, so please do not bring any contributions of wood or
other materials to burn at the club.
Birds - We have been told by the "birdman" who
patrols the reservoir almost daily that "Little Ringed Plovers" have
been seen around the reservoir. These are "schedule 1" birds and
should not be disturbed wherever they are. Please note that there is no general
public access to the reservoir, including Delph members. Our rights apply only
within the club’s fenced off area.
Fishing - We think someone, hopefully not a club member, may be trying
to fish in the reservoir. United Utilities license all fishing on their
reservoirs. There is very little in the way of fish in Delph, UU checked some
years ago to see if fishing was viable. It wasn't, something to do with the
peaty water. We only have sailing rights on the reservoir and our activities
are controlled by the lease ie no fishing.
Trailers - Recently our bosun got a strange phone call from someone offering to remove all the scrap trailers at the club. After pointing out that a) they weren't scrap and b) belonged to club members and so weren't his to give, the enquirer reluctantly accepted "no" for an answer. The moral of the story? - If you encounter strangers on the club grounds, & like the bosun, are of a nervous disposition and feel unable to challenge them, record their car registration and/or description so that we can pass the info to the police. It has worked in the past. Please don't give members' personal details to strangers. More recent members may not be aware of the "grazing" which takes place when individuals come over the wall to see what can be lifted. Take your trailer home or store it under your boat. If you do leave it in the designated area be sure it is fully insured and marked with name/boat no.
Towing - Various stories are circulating about trailer
towing.
- "the safety loop on the tow hitch must be fixed separately than to the
tow ball”. We think this is correct - Simon had to buy the conversion kit to go
to Lake Garda.
- "people who got their driving licence after 1996 mustn't tow unless they
pass an extra test". This came to us via a club member who works with the
haulage trade.
- "items may not
protrude beyond the lighting board (or overhang the sides?)". This
explains the design of newer trailers with extending arms to carry the light
board. Can anybody give us the correct version or point us to the appropriate
text? Does this mean that 90% as opposed to 50% of the trailers on the park are
probably not street legal? Please check your trailer before use, especially the
tyres. One or two members have had problems with apparently good tyres
recently. If you are buying a new trailer or wheels, it may be useful to
consider bigger wheels which are subject to less wear and may accept car tyres
which are no more expensive and appear to be better quality.
Hot Water - For the first time in memory we have all the central heating
and domestic water functions operating at the same time. Thanks to Roger Peet
for his efforts and a bit of help from our Bosun - Don McDermott. If you want
hot water, always use the electric water heater (switch in the bar). If
you need lots of hot water, e.g. on Sundays, open event or a social, use the
oil fired water heating
as well as electric. This doesn't actually heat the water
tank but heats a heat exchanger. This preheats the water going to the storage
tank and so in theory provides unlimited hot water. Please switch off the oil
fired boiler after use.
Found & Lost - The LSSA trolley which was borrowed has now been
returned, but too late to stop a replacement being bought. Two Topper booms
have been removed from the LSSA storage rack and their speedy return is needed.
Press Articles - When you perform Race Team duties, please return the
signing-on sheet to the Clubhouse, along with the results sheets. Rod Jenkinson
can then produce a list of results, including names of helms/crews, for the
local paper. It can also help the results team.
Return of Trophies - If you received a trophy last year can you please
now return it. The next prize giving is fast approaching and it takes some time
to sort out the engraving. Please clean your trophy before
returning it into the box by the bar.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Autumn Social - Saturday 9 October The evening starts at 7.30pm. What better way to enjoy an excellent meal than to invite friends or family as your guests? Details of the top quality menu are posted up in the clubhouse but we can satisfy most special dietary needs. You can get tickets at £13 per head direct from Aileen Murphy or Chris Nash on Friday nights or Sunday afternoons. Otherwise contact Pat on patricia.tucker@ntlworld.com or ring her on 01772 704874.
RYA Training Certificate Presentation evening - Friday 22 October This is for all adult and young sailors, instructors and safety crew who have supported Friday training nights over the season. Peter and Nigel will be cooking their renowned sausages and burgers at very reasonable prices.
Club Halloween night - Saturday, 30 October Unfortunately, due to insurance restrictions, there will be no bonfire or firework display this year. However, Ros Cocking, Hilary Baycroft and Barbara Gribben are organising this event. Please contact them to help or give any suggestions. It will cater for all with varied adult, kids & family games, including individual and family fancy dress prizes, apple bobbing, themed food and drink. All this for £3 per person or £10 per family.
Annual Dinner & Prize Giving - Saturday, 20 November The highlight of the club’s social calendar is being held at the Whitehall Hotel & Country Club, Darwen. Please put the date in your diary and get your dinner jackets & party dresses ready. Further details and tickets will be available from Chris Nash mid-October.
TRAINING
Friday Nights – These have been very well supported over the summer and have now moved to land based theory sessions which start at 7.30pm. Club instructors will sign off RYA Training Log books for presentation of certificates on 22 October.
Race Training - Recent members who have supported the Ladies, Cadets and Novices races may not yet feel ready to move on to the Autumn series races. A good way to learn is by crewing with a more experienced helm. We will put up a “crew available/ wanted” list on the small folding club racing board for those who would like to offer their crewing services or provide crew opportunities.
Power Boats Training - The next course is running on Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 October. Please sign the list on the training notice board to secure a place.
Jumbles Match – The return leg of our local inter-club match with Jumbles S. C. takes place from 1.00pm this Saturday 25 September at Delph. This is the chance for members who rarely race to represent Delph. Even if you don’t want to race, you can support the team as shore crew.
Safety – One member found rings removed from the pins that secure their mast shrouds and forestays. They could have lost their mast on the water! Please check your pins & tape them up. To help prevent this, we will set up a limited “spares” box in the bureau drawer of the clubhouse. Payment will be on a trust basis. Better still, carry your own “spares” with you – but do not remove others!
XMAS PRESENTS
Delph embroidered clothing is still available to order as Christmas presents at reasonable prices. Catalogues are situated at the end of the bar in the racks. See Rob Cocking at the club or give him a call on 01254 777122. He has a few items in stock but generally it takes 3-4 weeks from order to receiving the goods. Stock items available are:-
Medium Fruit of the loom Zipped Neck Sweatshirt in Navy. £15-00.
XL White Polo-shirt. £10-00
Medium Navy Polo-shirt. £10-00
Childs Navy T-Shirt @7-8 years. £5-00
Small Adult Navy Fleece. £15-00 (good for the cold weather)
Large Adult Navy Fleece. £15-00 (good for the cold weather)
DIARY DATES
All the club dates are in your 2004 calendar and on the club website. Please make a note of your Race Duty dates during the rest of the year and follow the guidance on the inside front cover of the Calendar if you are unable to attend.
Below are some selected races over the next few months.
Sept
Sat 25 Jumbles match at Delph
Oct
Sun 24 Non-Winners race
Sun 31 Frostbite series starts – 1.00pm start (2 races per day, hopefully)
Nov
Sat 27 Enterprise NW Area Pursuit race & AGM
Successful sailing,
Chris Nash
Commodore, Delph Sailing Club