Persil Trophy

The 'Persil' Trophy a race for lady helms in cruisers took place on Sunday the 22 October. There were three entries, Sara Taylor in Bolero, Dawn Snape in Jana Ina and Kate Wollard in The Act. The course was an upriver start to the barge off Erith Town causeway then down river to the bottom mooring buoy, twice round. Bolero was first across the start line and managed to pull out a slight lead which she held till the end of the race taking line honors and the race on handicap. Jana Ina and The Act remained close to each other throughout the race The Act finally getting the better of Jana Ina by just 18 seconds on handicap.

Full Results

Bill Smart Trophy (Ovens Buoy) 2006

The Bill Smart Trophy took place on Sunday 15th of October with an excellent entry of 17 yachts. A breeze from the Easterly quarter meant a windward start and a beat down long reach. Loucha (Meridan 9.5) made an excellent start and crossed the line clear ahead closely followed by C-Harp (Etap 30). Down long reach the faster yachts started to stretch their legs with Fairtrade (Van de Stat 34) taking the lead followed by C-Harp, Schulp (Van de Stat 36) and Rochelle (Pioneer 10). In Fiddlers reach the wind strength increased giving quite a steep chop which caused a few retirements, The Act (Intro) lost the headboard from the mainsail, Hiran was taking in water somewhere and Ardvark and Bewitched thought the better of the conditions. Even one well known Club yacht was forced to allow the crew to hold the tiller while the skipper went forward to change headsails! It was still fairly rough in Gravesend reach but a fast passage was made reaching the buoy well before low water. All the yachts rounded and were pushed quickly back up over the last of the ebb by the strong easterly breeze. The exception being Mystic (Mystere) who managed to find a shallow patch to wait on for a while. Fairtrade took line honors but Loucha was easily the winner on handicap.

Results - Photos

Kelpie Cup

Two Stars raced for this Trophy on Sunday 1st Oct. It was won by Hendrick Feddersen and Richard Sheridan in Star 112, see report on Club News page

Results of Graham Taylor Trophy 2006

EYC Open Day 2006

Results for Dinghies

Results for Cruisers

Foot Mitchell Series Race 5, Sunday 3rd September

Full Results, Final Series Positions

Diamond Series Race 8, Thursday August 17th

The final race in the 2006 Diamond series took place in a light Southerly breeze. Race Officer Baz Elmes set a challenging course, from the Club line a close reach up to the barge of Erith causeway a run down to the Jenningtree buoy at the top of Erith Reach then a beat back down Erith Reach rounding the barges on the Essex shore then the barge of Erith Causeway again on the way. A beat in the light winds against the tide meant finding and making best use of back eddies close inshore was critical to success. Five yachts started the race, The Act (Intro) made the best start and was first across the line just outside the moorings. Marlin (Tarentelle 27) slightly further out in the flood tide managed to overhaul her before the first mark while Harmony (Jenneau Melody), starting even further out in the flood, was first round the mark. Cassie (Feeling) had come up through the fleet to join Harmony and Marlin on the run up Erith reach. The three yachts ran goose winged up the reach mainly line abreast exchanging places and friendly banter. Each time a yacht pulled slightly ahead the other two would take her wind and bring her smartly back into line. Slightly further back some smart spinnaker work from Mystic (Mystere 26) had seen her close on The Act. As the leading three reached the Jenningtree Marlin was lucky enough to find herself with the inside berth so the other two had to give her water and she rounded clear ahead. With clear wind Marlin was able to hug the Essex shore and gain best advantage from the tide Cassie and Harmony went further out in the river looking for better wind but were unable to catch Marlin who took line honours. Mystic and the Act tussled all the way to the line crossing exactly together. The final point's totals for the series were added up and the result of the trophy worked out. Although yachts can disguard their two worst results from the series it very often happens that the trophy goes to the yacht that has been lucky enough to be able to enter the most races. Marlin had only missed one race and had accumulated the least points and so was awarded the Trophy. Harmony had come a well deserved second with Jana-Ina third and Kaliph and Bolero tying for fourth place.

Full Results Final Series Positions

Foot Mitchell Series Race 4, Sunday 13th August

For the fourth race in the Foot Mitchell Series for Cruisers the forecast had included gale warnings and strong winds from the Northern quarter so a fairly long course was set from the Club line down to the Black Shelf buoy off Thurrock. The forecast strong winds should give the yachts no trouble making over the flood tide down Long Reach. Five yachts started Snuggles (Pegasus 700) made the best start being first across the line but just after the start the wind swung round to the East heading all the fleet. Only Marlin (Tarentelle 27) who had started further out towards the Essex side of the river was able to fetch Crayford Ness with out tacking. The wind also fell light and it was necessary to hug the shallows to make over the tide. The Kent side was a slight lee shore so Marlin and Schulp (Van de Stat) crossed to the Essex shore where the wind dropped completely and then came back F1 from the NW... but the sun came out! Very slow progress was made down Long Reach, less than 1kn over the ground, a ship hooted to show she wanted to come out of Purfleet so Marlin and Schulp had to cross back to the Kent shore where Loucha (Meridian 9.5) had stayed all the time and made good progress. After passing under the bridge Schulp, Marlin and Loucha crossed back to the Essex shore where a back eddy of about 1kn carried them down to Stoneness point. Then it was across the river through the strong tide again to the Kent shore again to find another eddy creeping down on the Kent side. Schulp and Marlin reached the end of the eddy and were ready to cross the river from Broadness Point to the buoy when the wind dropped completely and they both spent 10 minutes drifting in circles off the point watching spectacular lightning in a thunderstorm over Thurrock. The wind came up enough for Schulp and Marlin to cross the river to creep around the buoy and catch the last of the flood back up to the Club. Loucha was well down the Kent side of Fiddlers reach and if the race had finished there would easily have won on handicap. The thunderstorm caught up and the yachts were deluged in a solid wall of water for a while. Schulp pulled away from Marlin on the way back to the Club and took line honors but Marlin was lucky enough to just take the race on handicap. In the thundersquall the last three yachts in the race all managed to round the buoy but sadly the ebb started to run before they made it back to the club and they were forced to retire to retire With 1 race to go Loucha still leads the series with Snuggles 2 points behind. The race was long but was very testing as we had just about every condition thrown at us during it and highlighted what a wonderful river we have to sail on.

Full Results, Series Positions so far

Diamond Series Race 7, Thursday August 3rd

Course:- Downriver start, turn to port after crossing the transit line in Long Reach, leave barge of Erith Causeway to starboard, leave Jenningtree buoy to starboard, leave barges off Essex shore to starboard and back to the Club line

With many yachts now away on holiday four boats started the race. The wind was 15-18kn from the NW which promised a hard windward leg up Erith reach. Kaliph (Halmatic 30) made the best start pirouetting on the line as the gun went with Marlin (Tarentelle 27) and Puffin (Snapdragon 24) not too far behind. Kaliph held off Marlin all the way to the Long Reach Transit line though Harmony (Jenneau Melody) was able to creep past them both and turned first. Hard on the wind up Erith reach Marlin on starboard crossed Harmony on port and managed to round the Jenningtree first. Downwind back to the Club Harmony was poised to pass Marlin but a problem releasing a polled out genoa meant Marlin just crept accross the line first. Kaliph was not too far behind, Puffin sailed well but as the slowest boat in the race had the misfortune to hit the first of the ebb before rounding the Jenningtree, the handicap results putting her further back than she might otherwise have been. As the series draws to a close three of the boats racing tonight have improved their results in the series. Puffin moves up two places from 8th to 6th, Harmony moves into second place from 3rd and Kaliph jumps 3 places to 4th from 3rd. Roll on the final race!

Full Results Series Positions So Far

Foot Mitchell Series Race 3, Sunday 23th July

The third race in the Foot Mitchell Series for Cruisers was held, course -upriver to the first buoy of Thamesmead leave to starboard and back to Erith line and finish. Three boats entered, the race was won Marlin despite Marlin being awarded a two minute time penalty for infringment of NB Marlin was awarded a 2 min penalty for infringment of Rule 47.1 "A boat shall use only the equipment on board at the preparatory signal" As after the start the Club rescue boat came alongside and loaded aboard additional winch winding, sail trimming, and R.O.Q.A equipment. With three races gone Loucha now leads the series on 11 points with Snuggles second and Harmony third. However there is one disgard allowed and if these three discard their worst result all would be equal first on 5 points. So with two races to go there is all to sail for...

Full Results, Series Positions so far

Diamond Series Race 6, Thursday July 20th

Course:- Upriver start, leave barge behind Cleanaway Jetty on Essex shore to port, Jenningtree buoy to port barge off Erith to port then back across Club line to finish.

Seven boats started the race, including two new entrants to the series, C-Harp (Etap 30) and Sniffer (Hunter Sonata). The lucky streak Marlin (Tarentelle 27) has been having in the series continued and she was away across the line first, sailing into clear wind which gave her a small lead which she held till the end of the race. Harmony (Jenneau Melody) was close behind with Kaliph (Halmatic 30), C-Harp and Jana Ina (Tarentelle 27 going noticably better now she had scrubbed off) close behind. These four sailed Erith Reach almost line abreast. On the run back to the Club Harmony just nmanaged to pull ahead of Kaliph but Kaliph was close enough to take second on handicap.

Full Results Series Positions So Far

16th July Bosun Open Meeting

Results Report and Photos

Diamond Series Race 5, Thursday July 6th

Course:- Upriver start, leave Jenningtree buoy to starboard, barge off Erith Town Causeway to starboard, barge behind Cleanaway Jetty on Essex shore to starboard, barge off Erith to port then back across Club line to finish.

A full turnout of yachts arrived at the start line this evening including new entry to the series Pam and Alan Hunt in their new Halmatic 30 Kaliph. Race Officer Baz Elmes had set a complicated course to add interest to the race. The race got underway at 7pm in a light S breeze. Bolero (Rustler 31) made a cracking start crossing the line at speed in the best area of tide and soon had quite a lead. Marlin (Tarentelle 27) leading the bunch behind gradually closed the gap but every time she came up behind Bolero she was given a dump of dirty wind and dropped back. Further back Kaliph was proving a fast yacht and had overhauled Harmony (Jenneau Melody) to move up into 3rd position while Snuggles (Pegasus 700), Jana Ina (Tarentelle 27) and Puffin (Snapdragon 24) tussled with each other. At the penultimate mark Marlin had again closed up on Bolero hoping to squeeze in between her and the mark but Bolero's crew were having none of that and squeezed her round the barge with inches to spare. Bolero should have had the race sewn up but fortune scowled on her. Bolero powered ahead close in to the Essex shore in the most favorable tide Marlin moved out to the middle of the river to try to find clear wind. From here she was able to see a ship coming up the Erith Rands, Bolero's view of the next reach was obscured by the clean away building. Marlin was able to harden up on the wind and move over to the Kent shore before the ship had entered Erith reach. Kaliph and Harmony followed her lead while Bolero was forced to remain out of the channel on the Essex shore till the ship had passed. Marlin took line honors with Kaliph snapping at her heels.

Full Results Series Positions So Far

1st/2nd July International Snipe Open Meeting

Results Report and Photos

London River Travellers Trophy Series

Results of EYC Leg, Series Results Report and Photos

Diamond Series Race 4, Thursday June 22nd

Course:- Upriver start, leave Jenningtree buoy to starboard, barge off Erith
Town Causeway to starboard, back round Jenningtree to starboard, barge off Erith to port then back across Club line to finish.

Six boats made it to the start line, Marlin (Tarentelle 27) caused onlookers some amusement due to the late arrival of one of the crew she had to get underway with just the skipper aboard then sweep back inshore to let the crew leap aboard from the dinghy as she powered past and haul themselves up the shrouds legs dangling precariously. Snuggles (Pegasus 700) made the best start being right on the line and in the best tide with Jana Ina (Tarentelle 27) close behind. The course having two legs against the tide and the shifty wind made it a tactical race the right choice of where to go being the secret to success. Hard on the wind from the start Marlin just managed to fetch round the Cleanaway building where a fortunate windshift enabled her to close on Snuggles and Jana Ina and Marlin was first round the Jenningtree buoy with Harmony (Jenneau Melody) close behind. Back downriver against the tide Marlin and Puffin (Snapdragon 24) chose to come close in to the Essex shore then across the tide to the barge on the Kent shore, this proved to be a lucky choice with Marlin pulling ahead of the fleet and Puffin rounding the second mark well up among the faster boats. Back up in the centre of the river with the tide then everyone came back along the Essex shore for the second down river leg. Marlin took line honors just ahead of Harmony and took the race on handicap with Puffin second. Special congratulations to Andy in Aardvark (Leisure 17) who completed the course, always hard in such a small boat when there are legs against a strong tide.

Full Results Series Positions So Far

Foot Mitchell Series Race 2, Sunday 18th June

The second race in the Foot Mitchell Series for Cruisers was held, course -downriver start,under QE2 Bridge and round first buoy. Leave this
buoy to port and back to Erith line and finish. Wind S or SE 2-3. The race was won by Bob and Sarah Taylor in Bolero

Full Results, Series Positions so far

Diamond Series Race 3, Thursday June 8th

Course:- Last bouy on outer trot to port (downriver start). Barge off Erith
Town Causeway to starboard, back down to outer buoy to port and up to Club
line and finish.

Full Results Series Positions So Far

Foot Mitchell Series Race 1, Sunday 4th June

The first race in the Foot Mitchell Series for Cruisers was held the course was a downriver start to the measured mile marker transit. Upriver to
Jenningtree Buoy (to starboard) and back to start / finish. The race was won by Godwin Grima in Harmony.

Full Results, Series Positions so far

Diamond Series Race 2, Thursday May 25th

With many yachts still completing their fitting out only two yachts made the second of the Diamond evening series races Marlin, and Jana Ina. The race had been awaited with anticipation as Jana Ina, new to the Club, is a Jouet Tarentelle 27 the same design as Marlin and this would be the first time they had raced together. With a very light westerly breeze on the last of the ebb the course was a downriver start, round the last mooring buoy to port then up to the Jenningtree buoy to starboard then back to the Club. Both yachts started close together and rounded the first mark line astern. It was apparent that the No 1 Genoa on Marlin was slightly larger then Jana Ina's which allowed Marlin to pull slightly ahead on the upriver windward leg and round the Jenningtree buoy ahead. Jana Ina set a Cruising chute on the way back down river and started to close the gap but then lost some time having to give way to some commercial traffic. As the sun sank down over the skyline the wind started to drop away and it was becoming hard to make over the young flood tide. Creeping very close inshore Marlin just crept over the finish line. Jana Ina was not far behind but the bar lights on the Folgefonn beckoned and her auxiliary engine was fired up.

Full Results Series Positions So Far

Diamond Series Race 1, Thursday May 11th

Thursday May the 11the saw the first race of the 2006 Diamond Trophy Race for Cruisers. Poor weather over the last few months has left a lot of yachts still fitting out so only two yachts made it to the starting line, Marlin and Bolero, Bolero almost straight from the slipway to starting line. The race was run in a light shifting northerly breeze on the end of the tide. The course was down to the Stoneness buoy off Greenhithe. Both yachts were away from the line together Marlin, carrying bigger sails then Bolero was just first round Crayfordness point with Bolero close behind. At the buoy 14 yachts from Thurrock Yacht Club approached the buoy in a race from the other direction. Marlin was lucky enough to squeeze through a gap but Bolero arrived as the bulk of the TYC fleet rounded the buoy and got forced over toward the Kent shore. The yachts headed back up Long Reach into a most beautiful sunset, where else would anyone want to be. As the day gave over to dusk Marlin took line honors, Bolero was not far behind but the tangle of boats at the buoy meant she lost the race to Marlin on handicap.

Full Results Series Positions So Far

Sunday was not very windy, but 4 eager sailors turned out for the race - the 4 rescue and race volunteers were grateful that their early morning efforts has been rewarded. The windward-leeward course was short but it still took almost all of the 2-hour time limit. Only Star 112 crew were able to hold out and complete the course, which meant first place. Helm and crew were very pleased with this. Tideway said he learned a lot about exactly what "don't go inside the moorings" meant - apologies for misunderstanding - and Laser Radial became even more determined to do more Laser open circuit meetings! Thanks to rescue crew who are always first here and last home.
Monday was much windier - it got the grass-cutter really excited - so much so that he was seen cutting concrete, or was it just a very close shave on previously quietly growing green stuff?
With a little debate about wind strength - at times gusting 30, but generally between 15 to 20 - it was decided that with the experience of crews and type of boats/rescue cover and so forth it was fine to run the race. Sailing Secretary was pleased that her last minute e-mail yesterday evening had netted an extra Laser sailor. The Finn could not stand by and let all this fun go on, so we doubled the number of entrants since Star 115 had spent all night launching his Tarantelle cruiser - and one particular club member missed this, despite almost 24-hour watch on club activity. An excellent start to the sound of the cannon saw several planning dinghies. The Olympic-style course (triangle and sausage) was perfect for the South Westerly. Finn almost made it to the 2nd mark before capsize and rescue. Tideway and Star 112 had a good run together, whilst the Laser Radial took and kept a good lead throughout the race despite several capsizes. Star 115 did the usual steady race, with a little more ballast than usual (no offence meant, its just he often sails single-handed). Laser was doing well but took a down-river course outside the moorings which did not pay off as well as inside line taken by Laser Radial and others. Watched by a growing crowd of family supporters, Laser Radial took the cannon, far enough ahead of Star 115 to gain overall first place for today's race. Star 112 was pleased with 3rd on the line since this secured enough points to take the trophy. Meanwhile, just emerging round the point was the first of the cruisers back from the Medway partaking in the Hansen Cup race. Proud Tarantelle new owners got a cannon for their efforts and are still in love with their Dutch friend. Loucha was very close behind, which meant a "Hansen" trophy win for the single-handed sailor. There were several traumas on shore over the weekend, one break was fixed the other was still being repaired as we left for home. There are several yachts being frantically fitted out which bodes well for the Diamond Evening series - the first of which is on Thursday May 11th. It was a successful racing weekend, and thanks to Mr Race Officer for inspirational courses and fine communications with harbour authority. Bar open as usual - thanks to usual RESCUE CREW.

Here is an explanation of why rescue crew (and race management) turn up at least 2 hours before everyone else each time we run a race. Not only do they stand by and rescue on the water, they also have to prepare and lay at least three marks each day, and after racing (including any rescue work) they have to retrieve the anchors from the muddy depths of the heavily tidal Thames (a hefty task for anyone), bring them in and put them away (anchors, chain and warp are heavy and messy). Having brought in the rescue craft they then have to wash it down, tend to the engine and fuel and put it to bed. They do get some help, but very often they are the ones left on the fill while the sailors sit in the bar, having put their own craft away. Thanks to all rescue crew - they deserve it!
You can enjoy this praise if you wish to volunteer -it is a great opportunity to gain further qualifications. Let Sail Sec know if you want training, which we provide in-house.
Happy racing and cruising - Sail sec. PS : Phred, on inspection of the photo - no it was not a mermaid!

Brunton Cup Results, Hansen Cup Results

Sunday 16th
Race 1 started on time at 13.00, with a little Westerly wind, that picked up to allow competitors to get round the first part of the Olympic triangle sausage course. The wind then dropped, but those who knew the eddy used it to their advantage. The Topaz took a dip - and half the crew managed to stay half dry, although the other got completely wet. They retired from the race. The Laser and Star 115 got a good lead, followed by Albacore. Star 84 buddied round with the Tideway.
Race 2 started with a better wind and cloud to add atmosphere. Albacore got ahead and sailed a good course all round. Star 115 sailed well followed by Tideway and Star 84. The Tideway sailed well. Notable performance was by the Tinker sailed by John Edmonds. He held his own until the last triangle mark, keeping up with the top 3. His performance inspired after-race discussion about Tinker class racing at EYC. After racing there was an Easter treasure hunt organized by youth members in which racers and others took part. They had their egg and ate it.

Monday 17th
Following a late start by Star 98, who probably got ready the fastest, since they were not that far behind and everyone else who had hours to get ready - they did very well in the first race. The helmsman of the had Gannet managed to sail 3 different boats over the series and will be using his best result to count. He was late on the water to start the second race and we thought he had changed boats…. the Tinker only planned to do the first race but did both and on the handicap we gave him it was worth it. The youngest Bosun helm in 2333, his first race on the tidal Thames, did extremely well (despite his crew) - third over the line on the first race. Star 106 did consistently well coming 2nd over the line in both races. Star 112 also sailed well - a new racing team on the water. Sailing Instruction on Bosun 2334 was going so well they forgot to finish the race, but were still jolly. In all races Star 115 finished first - if ever competitors wanted to know who to follow - this was the one. The bar was kept going all weekend by a regular Easter chick- thanks. The race hooter was fixed and halyards made good. The results were prepared after the racing and those who were able to wait were able to congratulate themselves on a good weekend's sailing. Mr Elmes was thanked for his inimitable courses.

It was good to see so many (10 in all) new members out on the water - racing and helping out with the rescue boat. Thanks to all for helping and joining in - next race for dinghies 30th April and 1st May.

Results of Easter Weekend Piper Cup Series