St Ives Sailing Club History

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow

At first there was a group of sailors with menagerie of dinghies sailing in the bay on Saturdays. Sometimes they organised an impromptu race, usually down to Hayle bar buoy. The first one home being the winner. It was all just for fun. After a while, it was decided to form a club.

The History of St Ives Sailing Club 

1972 10th November

Enthusiasm for a St. Ives sailing club

Some 130 sailing enthusiasts packed St. Ives Guildhall council chamber for a meeting to consider the formation of a St. Ives Sailing Club. There was a unanimous vote that a club should be formed with comprehensive facilities – a slipway, a dinghy pen and a club house.

After officers and committee had been elected specific proposals, prepared in advance of the meeting, were discussed. Mr. Tom Trevorrow, who presided, was elected Commodore.

Mr Tom Trevorrow told the meeting that the obvious place for the slipway and the dinghy pen was Porthgwidden and the clubhouse would have to be in the same area. The possible availability of part of the Porthgwidden car park for dinghies was a matter that would have to be discussed with the Borough Council.

The intention was that the club, as an amenity to the town, should put up no financial or social barriers to membership. A modest annual subscription of £2 or £3 was envisaged. The club would not be limited to a specific class of sailing craft.

During the meeting 40 people signified by a show of hands that they owned or intended to acquire sailing craft and were anxious to sail from St. Ives.  Mr. David Phillips, who was elected rear commodore (sailing), said that various sites had been inspected.

There were only two dinghy clubs on the north coast of Cornwall – at Padstow and Newquay, “ and neither have the bay we have here.”  At Balmaluz the car park area was a ready – made dinghy pen. The main problem would be the building of a slipway.

The meeting discussed at length the possibility of the venture receiving a grant aid from the Ministry of the Environment or other sources.

Officers Elected

Tom Trevorrow (Commodore)

John Perry (Vice Commodore)

David Phillips (Rear Commodore sailing)

John Couch (Rear Commodore cruising)

G Matley-Jones (Rear Commodore administration)

Ron Banforth (Secretary)

Maurice Black (Treasurer)

1973 January

Council support for St. Ives Sailing Club

St. Ives Borough Council’s Harbour and Beaches Committee last week agreed that the council should assist in any way they could, the establishment of St. Ives Sailing Club which expects to be operating during the coming season.

The meeting was attended by officers of the newly formed club and was addressed by its commodore, Mr. Tom Trevorrow, a member of the harbour and beaches committee.

Mr. Trevorrow outlined a suggested scheme for a club headquarters and dinghy pen in the Balmaluz area.

The Borough Treasurer, Mr. Malcolm Furneaux, said there was very little chance of the council’s being able to give the club any direct financial help as the council’s capital works allocation has already been exceeded.  

But it was agreed that the council would be in a position to help in connection with sites for club premises.  Mr. Dorvil Jones thought the club would have “beneficial repercussions on the quality of the resort.”

Regatta discussed

At a recent meeting of the club the organisation of a regatta this year, as well as the acquisition of premises, was discussed.  It was decided that founder members of the club should be eligible for a special badge.

Membership fees are now due and information about the club may be obtained from the secretary, Mr, R. Bamforth, Old Saltings, Porthmeor Road, St. Ives. Membership forms may also be obtained from Mr. J. Perry, Tregenna Gifts, Tregenna Hill, and Mrs. D. Stevens, Don’s Dairy, Tregenna Hill.

March

Meeting

Volunteers to build sailing club slipway.

Membership = £1.00

Subscriptions = £2.00 Adult, £3.00 Man and wife, £1.00 Junior, 

0.50p Non sailing.

St. Ives Sailing Club

Which was formed recently will be holding a

Public Meeting

At The Guildhall, St. Ives

Tuesday, April 4th at 7-30 p.m.

All members are requested to attend and anyone else who is interested.

April

Sailing Club out for 100 members by this weekend

The St. Ives Sailing Club now have a membership of over 70 and are hoping they will have 100 members by April 30 – the last date to qualify as founder – members.

The club’s application for permission to build a dinghy pen and slipway in the Balmaluz area missed being dealt with at the April meeting of the Western Area Planning Committee and the club are hoping that the planning authority will pass the application at their next meeting on May 15. 

The club will then meet on the following Tuesday to discuss final arrangements for the summer.

It is intended that the slipway and pen shall be in use for the summer season if the necessary planning consent is obtained. The borough council have already given their approval.

A form of application for this membership is published in this issue.

August

Forty-two sail in the bay on St. Ives Regatta Day

St. Ives boats: 1, “Comet” (R. Couch); 2, “Leo” (Redwing) D. Phillips; 3, Fireball

(R. Woolcock). Fishing boats: 1, Four Boys (William Noall); 2, Taurus.

Regatta continued

November

Porthwidden café premises for Sailing Club

By four votes to three on Monday, St. Ives Borough Council decided that as a temporary measure the St. Ives Sailing Club should be granted the use on licence, of the second floor of the council’s beach premises at Porhgwidden, for club headquarters.

As well as asking for the use of this accommodation, the club applied to the council for a grant of £1,000 to help build a slipway at Balmaluz. The council agreed in principle that subject to stated conditions, the club should receive a grant, but they did not fix a sum.

Their Ambition

The letter from the club’s secretary, Mr. Ron Bamforth, containing the club’s request for the use of the of the upper floor of the beach café premises, said that it was the club’s ultimate ambition to build a clubhouse on Porthgwidden car park, where the club are renting from the corporation a site for building and for a dinghy pen. The beach premises would enable them to really get started. At present they had no premises and no hope of getting any, Mr. Bamforth wrote.

Mr. Alan Harvey argued that it was “absolutely essential” that the corporation should retain possession of the property and he asked why the Sailing Club and not any other organisation in the town should be considered as its occupants. The sailing club must have been told that the property was available, he said.

Mr. Harvey feared that if the club got possession of the top part of the premises they might later claim the bottom half, so he asked members to support him and ensure that all Porthwidden Beach belonged to the public at large for all time.

Badly needed

Mr. Keith Slocombe thought that by acceding to the club’s request and helping it to get it under way immediately the council would be helping to provide badly needed facilities for local people and visitors which would help to lengthen the season.

He suggested that the club should be allowed take the premises on licence which would lapse when the club developed. This would no way jeopardise the use of the beach of local people or visitors.

Mr. Harvey said the council had “bent over backwards” to help the sailing club and it was not the council’s fault that the club had not got no farther forward. He moved that the accommodation should be used as a shop with a “quiet area” furnished with tables & chairs where visitors could write letters and cards.

Mr. Jim Thomas said that a shop was not an economic proposition. A shop, a café and a buffet had been tried without success and the possible use of the premises as a house had even been considered.

Mr. Dorvil Jones thought other organisations in the borough should be asked if they wanted the use of the premises, but the meeting finally voted in favour of the club.

Applying for a grant from the borough council the club’s secretary said this would give the club a better chance of grants from other sources such as the English Tourist Board.

Aid Archie Knight said he was in favour of the council making a grant, but not one of £1,000.

Committed

Mr. Terry Tonkin thought the council were committed in principle to getting the club started and the slipway was the sort of development they had talked about for years. Although £1,000 was a high figure the slipway would be a great advantage to St. Ives and give sailing from the port an added boost.

The meeting agreed with Mr. P.C. Deeble Chief Public Health Inspector, that the club should indicate that they were prepared to make their facilities available to the young people of the town who wished to learn to sail.

Mr. Slocombe’s proposition, that a grant by the council should be agreed in principle subject to further information being supplied and finances being available, was carried by 5 votes to 4.   

1974

May

Sailing Club’s dinghy pen in Sloop car park

At the annual meeting of St. Ives Sailing Club, it was reported that the club had been offered and had agreed to accept eight car spaces on the Sloop car park as a dinghy pen at a rent of £130. The area would be enclosed by the club and would provide spaces for about 14 to 16 boats. Members were asked to contact the secretary, Mr. Keith Varnals, Regent Hotel, St. Ives, if they wished to keep their craft in the pen.

Previously, St. Ives Borough Council had agreed to the club’s use of the top floor of the Porthgwidden Beach Café as a club room, and a satisfactory rent had to be agreed.

It was reported that the club had 105 founder members and that its present bank balance was £235.39.

Officers appointed were Commodore, Tom Trevorrow; chairman, John Perry; secretary, Keith Vanals; treasurer, John Cutler; rear-commodore (admin) Alec Luke; rear commodore (sailing and cruising) to be appointed; committee, J.B. Thomas, Ivan Paynter, Dr. T.E. Barwell, E.R. Bamforth, Don Stevens, Martin Roach, A.L. Pulsford, B. Rosevear, R.G. Quick, Mike Jennings.

The club propose to establish their permanent headquarters at Porthgwidden and have been offered part of the car park there, on a 29-year lease for the club house and boat pen. The Borough Council granted the club £250 towards the cost of a proposed slipway at Balmaluz and the money has been set aside for this purpose. In the meantime, the club will have the use of the lifeboat slipway.

Penwith Council questions the use of Porthgwidden café by SISC.

June

September

.

November

Sailing Club Want Ramparts Launch Area

St. Ives Sailing Club are suggesting to Penwith District Council that the club should be allowed to use the “Ramparts” (the remains of the New Pier) behind Smeaton’s Pier as a launching area. The club are also asking for the use of the existing car park spaces on Smeaton’s Pier as a dinghy pen; the central lighthouse on the pier for the storage of sailing gear; and the verandha area on the seaward side of the woman’s lavatories on the pier, which they would convert for use as a clubhouse with changing rooms and showers.   

In a letter sent this week to the District Council’s secretary (Mr. D.H. Hosken), the club’s secretary (Mr. K. Varnals) refers to a recent meeting at St. Ives between club and council officals, including the Resort Officer, Mr. T.B. Gooding, who intimated that the district council wished to use all the Porthgwidden Café Premises for beach purposes.

The letter points out that St. Ives Borough Council granted the club the use of the upper part of the premises but says that the club would be prepared to relinquish this right if suitable alternative accommodation could be found.

The club also needed more pen space for members boats. They understood this would not be available at the Sloop car park and that in fact the existing pen there was needed as extra car parking space.

The letter goes on to point out that Smeaton’s Pier is not to be used for vehicle parking next year.

Improvements to the slipway at the “Ramparts” would benefit local fishermen, enabling them to land later catches; to pleasure boat operators, especially at low water; and the R.N.L.I. inshore rescue boat.

“We trust that these suggestions will meet with your approval and that you will arrange for a site meeting to be held quickly so as to enable us to put any work or alterations in hand during the winter months” the letter adds.

Sailing Club Jumped the Gun Councillor

Suggestions to Penwith District Council from St. Ives Sailing Club that the club should be allowed to take over car parking spaces on Smeaton’s Pier as a dinghy pen and be granted other facilities on or near the quay were “a classic instance of a massive jumping of the gun,” said Mr. Dorvil Jones at Monday’s meeting of St. Ives Town Council.

Mr. Jones was referring to the fact that there had been no decision by Penwith Council to end car parking on the quay – a fact that was confirmed by the Parish Clerk, Mr. Tom Prideaux, who said he had been told by Mr. Malcolm Furneaux, former Borough Treasurer, and now assistant district council treasurer, that the district council definitely needed the income from Smeaton’s Pier car parking.

A letter from local fisherman, Mr. Eric Ward (similar to his letter published in the “Times & Echo” last week), which was also signed by 36 other “bona fide full-time fishermen,” was received by the council.

It listed objections to the club’s suggestions, which also included one that the club should be allowed to use the central lighthouse on the pier for storing sailing gear, etc, and another that the club should be allowed to use the “verandha” public shelter behind the ladies toilet as a clubhouse with changing accommodation and showers.

Fishermen’s Fears

There was no objection from the fishermen to the club’s proposal to use the “Ramparts” area for launching purposes, after a slipway had been built there by the club, but the slipway would be of little practical use to fishermen, and that the R.N.L.I. had no plans to move the inshore rescue boat from its present station from where it is launched, from the lifeboat slipway.

The letter said the fishermen feared that the granting of the facilities to the club could prejudice any grant aid from the White Fish Authority to improve existing facilities for the local fishing industry in the harbour.

“Quite a few” fishermen were young men who had invested many thousands of pounds in the industry, and they were worried about any threat to their livelihood.

Mr. J.B. Thomas spoke of general concern in the town about the club’s proposals. The fishermen had been fighting for many years to clear cars off the quay, the lighthouse was used for storing fish and it would cost a lot of money to provide an alternative store, and people were “aghast” at the idea that the club should take over the “much used” verandah shelter.

He moved that the fishermen’s objections should be endorsed by the council and forwarded to the Penwith District Council, and Mr. Harold Franklin seconded.

“Storm in a teacup”

Mr. Dorvil Jones suggested that there was no point in the council taking up any position on the matter in view of the fact that there had been no decision to remove cars from the quay. It would be sufficient to say that the council supported all the views expressed by the fishermen and that they would make sure that nothing was done to detract from their present harbour facilities.

Mr. Michael Peters said ever since he had been on the council the fishermen had been asking that cars should be banned from the quay. Now this had become a possibility it was proposed that sailing dinghies would take their place.

Mrs. Enid Noall described the dispute as a “storm in a teacup” and said the club’s suggestions were based on discussion with the district council’s resort officer who had no authority to act in the matter.

Mr. Harding Laity said if it was a question of boats or cars on the quay, he would prefer to see boats.

Mr. Alan Harvey said by publishing their suggestions the club had at least made the public aware of what they proposed.

It was finally agreed that Penwith Council should be told that the town council would object to any plans from the Sailing Club involving any development of the quay.

1975

 June

Twenty entries for St.Ives S.C. races

Twenty boats were entered for St. Ives Sailing Club’s races on Saturday and there was an enjoyable day’s sailing despite very poor visibility and light winds. The club were grateful to local fishing boat owners for dans and anchors and other equipment.

Results: Morning race (handicap): 1, B Matthews, (Mounts Bay S.C., Mirror): 2, N Noye (Mounts Bay, Osprey). Afternoon race (class): Mirrors: 1, P Agnew Jnr.: Ospreys: 1, N Noye: Menagerie; 1, J Couch.

July

The Rampers to be repaired and a new slipway built - £5000.00. (Not by SISC)

August

Handicap racing.

New power safety boat Misty-Vu. Lent and manned by Tom Wright.

Contrasting sailing days

 A colourful and exciting scene was set this grey Saturday afternoon when a record fast moving fleet of 16 boats (4 belonging to visitors) massed at the start line.

The south-westerly wind was a good force 4 gusting 5, and soon after the starting shot, the figure-of-eight course, provided thrills and spills. The single-handed Lasers and the Firefly were soon in trouble and capsized.

“Crumpet” the Eddy, Osprey, helmed by experienced visitor, D. Pipes practically planed round the two laps, in 43 mins. The little 7ft 6ins visiting Puffin gallantly fought round one lap in 1hr 4mins 15secs. The 3 visiting Mirrors had their own private battle with 9903 (G. Machon) beating A. Willetts (17064) by just over 1min.

O.O.D. was J. Petzing and the safety boat was manned again by Tom Wright.

Results: 1, Mirror 9903 (G. Machon). 2, Osprey 587 (D.Pipes). 3, G.P.14 1145 (D. Woolcock). 4, Mirror 17064 (A. Willets). 5, Redwing 27 (J. Couch). 6, Snapdragon (R.Nance). 7, Mirror 29287 (I. Milward). 8, Enterprise 2910 (J. Warner). 9, G.P.14. 1347 (K. Rashleigh).

Monday the tide at almost dead low water springs, a fine, sunny day, and a light, westerly wind force 2-3, made a great contrast to Saturday’s race. With some fishing and pleasure boats lying off, the start for the 14 boats was somewhat cramped. Alec Luke, in Laser 23616, made an excellent getaway, and led the fleet for 2 laps of the triangular course. The finish was a beat to the orange buoy, and John Couch in Redwing (27) just squeezed past the Eddy boys in their Osprey “Crumpet” to beat them by 9 secs.

The Mirror battle continued. This time, A. Willetts in 17064 led the class home.

Starts are becoming much more competitive. Is it that the O.O.D.’s time-keeping has improved or that less racing helmsmen are using the Town Clock?

The O.O.D. was Philip Perry.

Results: 1, Laser 23616 (A. Luke); 2, Mirror 17064 (A. Willetts); 3, Mirror 14007 (F. Mayo); 4, Redwing 27 (J. Couch); 5, GP14 1145 (D.Woolcock); 6, Firefly 307 (I. Paynter); 7, ?

8, Mirror 402293 (P. Barnett); 9, Mirror 9907 (G.Machon); 10, GP14 1347 (J.Petzing); 11 Mirror 27414 (K.Varnalls); 12, Snapdragon (R. Nance).                               

October

Sailing Club’s best season

After their best racing season with as many as 18 boats on the water, St. Ives Sailing Club are holding their first laying-up-supper at the Western Hotel next Friday.

Most boats are being laid up, but a few hardy sailors will continue competing in a further five races in a Frostbite series for an Icicle Trophy (best of three counting).

The Laying-up-supper will be from 8p.m. till midnight.

First ‘Frostbite’ handicaps

Eight boats came to the line on October 18 to start the first day of the ‘Frostbite’ series of handicap racing. The light and variable winds caught out several helms at the start with John Cutler (Osprey 78) taking five minutes to clear the line – minutes sorely needed at the end of the race. Ivan Paynter in Firefly 307 made a copy book start, crossing the start line one second after “the off”. Most boats pitched away to the first mark, except for Richard Woolcock (GP 1145). He decided to sail freer and faster and his rapid progress soon had the others taking the same action.

Just as the race officers were considering finishing the race after one lap the wind freshened to a nice Force 3 gusting 4 and the fleet opened out, John Cutler taking the lead on the water , followed by Richard Woolcock and Ivan Paynter. These positions were maintained almost to the finish when Keith Varnals (Laser 23616) found an extra turn of speed to pass 2 boats to finish 3rd on the water.

However, it was handicap racing and the results on corrected time put a different picture on the race. In particular, the consistent single-handed sailing by Robin Nance in the YW Dayboat was rewarded in the end by a third place on corrected time. Alec Luke was race officer, and the rescue boat was manned by Philip Stevens.

Results (on Corrected times): 1, R Woolcock (GP1145); 2, I Paynter (F307); 3, R Nance (YW Dayboat); 4, J Cutler (Osprey 78); 5, K Varnals (Laser23616); 6, J Petzing (GP1347); 7, D Watson (Fireball 162); Retired, M Jennings (Wayfarer 591).

Successful first laying up supper

After the best racing season with as many as 18 boats on the water, St. Ives Sailing Club held their first Laying Up Supper at the Western Hotel on Friday October 24th.

A welcome 53 members and friends attended, enjoying nautical and other conversation, a wonderful buffet and a “hop”

During the evening the Chairman’s Cup, kindly donated by Don Stevens, was presented to the winning helm of the summer series races, Alec Luke, rear commodore of the club, with 7.25 points. Second was John Couch with 7.5 points, and third was Dick Woolcock 14.5 y points.

The next social event is a wine and cheese party on Friday December 5th.

December

St. Ives Sailing Club Final Frostbite Race

The final race of the Frostbite series was sailed on Saturday December 5. Alec Luke (Mirror 27414) made a disastrous mistake following a good start and tacked into a foul tide which put him far behind the leaders. John Couch, sailing the Snapdragon with owner Robin Nance crewing, was in the lead round the first mark, closely followed by Dick Woolcock (GP1145) and eventually John Petzing (GP1499) who failed to locate the mark until he had sailed a considerable distance past it – time lost that could well have altered the final result. The two GP’s and the Snapdragon then had a ding-dong battle with the leading position changing frequently and at the finish only 25 seconds separated the three boats after more than one hour’s racing.

Results on corrected time: 1, Dick Woolcock (GP1145); 2, John Couch (Snapdragon); 3, John Petzing (GP1499); 4, Mike Jennings (Wayfarer 97), retired.

Final results, best three races to count: 1, Dick Woolcock (2.25); 2, Alec Luke (6.25); 3, John Petzing (9); 4, Robin Nance (10); 5, John Cutler (11); 6, Keith Varnals (11.75); 7, Mike Jennings (17).

1976

January

Reprieve for the Sloop car park Dinghy Pen

A recommendation which would have denied the SISC the use of part of the Sloop car park as a dinghy pen after the 31st of March this year was rejected unanimously by Penwith Council’s Recreation and Amenities Committee on Tuesday after St. Ives councillors had said that if the club lost the temporary use of the car park before alternative accommodation was available it would have to be disbanded.

The committee agreed that the club should be allowed to use the car park for another twelve months.

The recommendation, contained in the district secretary’s report, suggested that instead of the Sloop car park, the club should be allowed the temporary use of Porhgwidden car park and that when the Harbour Order was revised, and harbour maintenance became a cost on the rates the use of Smeaton’s Pier by the club should be considered.

The report pointed out that the club had been granted the use of the Sloop car park before local government reorganisation, on a yearly basis. Since reorganisation a licence for the club to use the car park had not been granted. The recommendation was made in view of the shortage of car parking space in the Downalong area.

Fully Fledged

Mr. Jim Thomas wondered whether the officers responsible for the recommendation had studied the difficulties of getting dinghies from Porthgwidden to the lifeboat slipway against the traffic or completely round the town again. If they were left in the harbour who would look after them? He asked.

“We tried for years to get the sailing club off the ground. Now it is a fully fledged club, and, in our wisdom, we are trying to destroy it.” Mr. Thomas added.

In answer to Mr. H D Martin, Mr. Thomas said the dinghies occupied about 17 car spaces.

Mr. Michael Peters, supporting Mr. Thomas, said that, when necessary, work had been completed the sailing club would have admirable accommodation at the back of the pier.

Mr. N Hodson, the chief technical officer, said the aim was to bring the whole of the Sloop car park into use as a car park. Cornwall County Council who was the car parks authority, had made strong representations to this end and it would be to the advantage of businesses in the area.  

March

Annual General Meeting.

Those officers elected were,

Alec Luke -------- Commodore                         Mrs Ann Luke ---------Treasurer

Don Stevens ----- Vice Commodore                 John Cutler ----------Secretary

Keith Varnals ---- Rear Commodore            Mike Jennings ---Assistant Secretary

June

St. Ives Sailing Club

The departure of visiting helmsmen who supported the race on Whit Saturday saw fewer starters on the line for the race last Saturday-being the seventh race of the spring series.

The light airs and strong tides saw the head change constantly and forced the race officer, John Cutler, to shorten the course.

At one time John Petzing, in his newly acquired boat (GP6676) was being led by David Watson who was sailing John’s old boat (GP 1347) (borrowed for the afternoon). Fortunately, he was able to reverse this situation before the finish.

Keith Varnals sailing Wayfarer 591 sailed a sensible (and dry) race to win by 11 secs on corrected time, followed by Ivan Paynter (Firefly 307) to take yet another second place.

Final results: 1, Keith Varnals (W591) 47 mins. 19s; 2, Ivan Paynter (F307) 47 mins. 30s; 3, John Petzing (GP 6676) 52 mins. 42s; 4, David Watson (GP 1347) 52 mins. 52s; 5, Ted Fenna (Minisail 3851).

Last Spring Handicap race

The last race of the Spring Handicap series on Saturday attracted a larger number of starters than usual. The race officer, John Eddy, assisted by brother Peter, wisely postponed the start of the race until a mechanical defect on the safety boat had been rectified.

Eventually the fleet started on a gusty Force-4 wind and John Cutler soon established his usual lead on the water, being the fastest boat, and started his weekly battle against the clock. He was hotly pursued on the first two legs of the course by Alec Luke (Laser) but this challenge fizzled out on the first windward leg.

This week’s race was more exciting than most because of the many duels that were taking place within it. The three GP 14’s helmed by David Watson, John Petzing and Richard Woolcock changed places constantly and their battle was not resolved until the finish.

John Couch (Redwing) with his wife on the trapeze and son providing additional “ballast,”

was going exceptionally well to windward and dicing with the Laser and Ivan Paynter (Firefly). Nigel Stebbing sailing a borrowed Mirror sailed singlehanded and consistently to take fourth place on corrected time.

Final results on corrected times: 1, John Couch (Redwing); 2, Ivan Paynter (Firefly); 3, Alec Luke (Laser); 4, Nigel Stebbing (Mirror); 5, John Cutler (Osprey); 6, David Watson (GP 10784); 7, John Petzing (GP 6676); 8, Keith Varnals (Wayfarer); 9, Richard Woolcock (GP 1346); 10, Ted Fenna (Minisail).

No parking for boats at the Sloop next year

Following representation from St. Ives Chamber of Trade, seeking more car parking spaces for shoppers, Penwith Council’s Recreation and Amenities Committee accepted a recommendation that in 1977-8 the whole of the parking area at the Sloop car park should be used for cars under a “pay and display” system.

The Chamber had asked that a full-time attendant should be employed at the Sloop car park until Christmas.

Mr. Dorvil Jones spoke of the difficulties St. Ives Sailing Club were facing in trying to find a suitable dinghy park. The club would want to know whether the council would make some alternative provision for them when they displaced them from the Sloop car park. The Sloop car park was the best place for them, though they knew it was only a temporary place.

The council would look after the traders because the traders needed the trade but were they going to “turf out” the sailing club without any compunction? “The club needs our help and ought to be helped.

The district secretary, Mr. Desmond Hosken, said the club’s licence to use Sloop car park expired next April and the club were aware they had to find alternative accommodation. “If the recommendation is approved, we shall do all we can to find the club alternative accommodation,” he added.

July

Regatta Beer and Pasties complaint

When St. Ives Town Council, were considering a request form the SISC last week for assistance in the running of their annual regatta, Mr. William Thomas, asked how any money granted by the council would be spent. He said he had heard that last year’s money granted by the council had gone on beer and pasties.

 Mr. Keith Varnals, an official of the sailing club said, the first call on the money granted by the council was for renting the Sloop car park. The club did spend some money on refreshments, not all on beer and pasties. The regatta cost the club £80.00 last year.”

Much Resented

Mr. Archie Knight said he very much resented the spending of council money on beer and pasties, but Mrs. Iris Khalidi said that the regatta was an amenity for the whole town and gave visitors something to look forward to. “It was not champagne and caviar. I would hate to see St. Ives lose its reputation for hospitality,” she added.

The council agreed with the suggestion of Mayor (Mr. Dorvil Jones) that the sailing club’s application should be considered after the event, on Saturday 17, when details of the club’s financial situation would be clearer.

In the next weeks T & E the following appears.

“Beer and pasties”; Club hit back

To the Editor of the Times & Echo.

Dear Sir, In last week’s issue of the Times & Echo under the heading Regatta “Beer and pasties” complaint, you reported on a meeting of St. Ives Town Council. The article left your readers in no doubt whatsoever that

1.     St. Ives Sailing Club required assistance for the running of their annual regatta, and

2.     Money granted by St. Ives Town Council last year was used for the supply of beer and pasties

This is a complete travesty of the truth, and I would be obliged if you would now allow me to acquaint your readers with the true facts.

Firstly, there is no such event as the St. Ives Sailing Club Annual Regatta: it is the St. Ives Town Regatta and until the reorganisation of local government it was financed by the town. With the formation of St. Ives Sailing Club, the organisation passed to them, and the Borough Council financed the event and provided the Sloop car park, free of charge, for the day for the competitor’s cars and dinghies and road trailers. The entry fee for the regatta was £1 which included the price of one beer and one pasty per competitor-so, in fact, the competitors paid for their own.

With the shift to Penwith, use of the Sloop car park is now charged for and there has been no financial assistance from the Town Council for the last two years. All the costs as been borne by St. Ives Sailing Club. What we are now asking is that the town finances its regatta if it wishes this annual event to continue. We on our part, will provide the organisation, rescue boats, equipment, etc., at our expense. This year we have not been very ambitious because of the lack of financial support, but with more co-operation between the Town Council and the Sailing Club are hoping to include more water events next year.

Why St. Ives Sailing Club should be so continually maligned is beyond my comprehension. Following the collapse of the rather ambitious plans at its inception, the club has nevertheless, without premises or adequate boat space or other facilities (one reason why wish to conserve our small capital) continue to thrive. The membership, at the moment, stands at approximately 150 persons joined together by their common interest in sailing and seamanship, and encompasses all ages, classes and creeds. All but four members are resident within the old St. Ives Borough. The club is a constitutionally set up organisation as it is proved by the fact that it has recently become affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association.

Arrangements are in an advanced stage with St. Ives Secondary School to provide sail training for pupils. For this project St. Ives Sailing Club will provide qualified instructors in both theory and practical work and the boats used will be loaned by our members.

So, in spite of our recent bad press our intentions are honourable and with this venture and others to be introduced we feel that we are now ready to take our place alongside the other longer-established sports organisations in the town, to the benefit, not only of our members, but to the community as a whole. ALEC LUKE, Commodore, St. Ives Sailing Club.   

Dolphin power for regatta dinghies

Beaky the dolphin was the star performer at the St. Ives Regatta on Saturday. Many of the dinghies received uncalled-for assistance when he got underneath them and hurried them on at a speed surprising to onlookers on shore. The event was organised by St. Ives Sailing Club and there were good entries.

Results: Ospreys; 1, M Woolcock; 2, C Chapman; 3, P Hosking, all of Mounts Bay S.C.

Enterprises; 1, J Matthews; equal 2, B Berriman and P Ellis, all of Penzance S.C.

Mirrors; 1, W Jago; 2, C Reynolds; 3, R Agnew, all of Mounts Bay S.C.

Handicap; 1, R Woolcock GP 14; 2, J Couch Redwing; 3, I Paynter Firefly, all of St. Ives S.C.

September

Sunday sailing is a sports week event

This Sunday is one of the first Sailing from St. Ives harbour day events of Penwith District Council’s “Sports for all Week.” An all-day netball tournament, volleyball, and squash at Tregenna Castle, an angling competition, and riding at Tregenna Stables are other Sunday events.

Mr. John Cutler who is organising the sailing on behalf of St. Ives Sailing Club said yesterday that Penzance and Mounts Bay Sailing Clubs were also organising sailing for people, including school children, who would like to “come and try it”. Members of the club would be offering people short sailing trips to encourage sailing. They would not be giving sailing instruction.

Although there has never been any organised sailing in the harbour on Sundays, Mr. Cutler did not think that the sailing proposed would harm the old St. Ives “quiet Sunday” image. Throughout the summer there has been a fair number of boats sailing out of the harbour on Sundays, he said.

Programmes for the “Sport for all Week” are obtainable at the Guildhall.

1977

February

Reprieve for dinghy pen at the Sloop

St. Ives Sailing Club are to be allowed to continue to use part of the Sloop car park for a maximum period of 24 months while they are given the opportunity to construct a slipway at Bamaluz Point, Porthgwidden, which will enable them to use an area of Porthgwidden car park as a dinghy pen.

This was agreed at Tuesday’s meeting of Penwith Council’s Recreation and Amenities Committee which had been told of the club’s difficulties in finding a suitable site for storage of boats within reasonable distance of launching facilities.

The club’s use of the Sloop car park was due to be ended on March 31 last year, but a 12-month extension was granted to allow them to find a permanent site.

The committee were told that the whole of the harbour area had been examined, but the only suitable site was Porthgwidden with a slipway at Bamaluz Point.

Three sites

Sites considered were Smeaton’s Pier; alongside the West Pier, lavatories; and the old Fishermen’s Pier.

Smeaton’s Pier was considered unsuitable as all the dinghies would have to be dragged along the Wharf against the flow of traffic and pedestrians, to be launched at the Lifeboat Slip.

The second site would involve the construction of a level platform on the beach at the back of the lavatories, which would be an extremely expensive operation, though if tackled in the right way could provide an alternative slipway for the lifeboat. This, however, was considered too expensive.

If the old fishermen’s pier was repaired and levelled it would provide room for several dinghies in conjunction with parking of dinghies on Smeaton’s Pier, and if the slipway was improved it would provide a useful access to the sea. This scheme would, however, result in loss of revenue from car parking on Seaton’s Pier which would be unlikely to be made up by the fees charged to the Sailing Club.

The advantages of Porthgwidden were that it was away from harbour area congestion, had adequate car parking, and an ideal area which could be fenced off. This would give adequate room for a clubhouse.

The Sailing Club were having plans and estimates prepared so that they could decide whether the Porthgwidden scheme was within their means.

Mr. Dorvil Jones thought that the Sailing Club should be given an unspecified period in which to complete their plans, but the committee approved a motion of Mr. Oakley Eddy supported by Mr. Alan Harvey that they should be allowed two years.

July

St. Ives Sailing club hosts to the Navy

To mark the courtesy visit of the town of H.M.S. Andromeda, St. Ives Sailing Club arranged a special sailing match on Saturday. The sailing enthusiasts of the ship, who included the captain (Captain K. A. Low) and First Lieutenant, were lent boats by the club members.

Two races were sailed in a lively Force 3-4 wind and Andromeda’s captain entered the light-hearted spirit in which the match was being sailed by capsizing in a borrowed Laser class dinghy before he mastered the technique of this lively boat.

After racing, the naval visitors were taken home by various club members to change and shower before returning to a reception and buffet supper at Chy-an-Fore Hotel. The commodore of the sailing club, Mr. Alec Luke first welcomed the visitors before presenting the prize to the overall winner, Mr. John Couch, and a special trophy to H.M.S. Andromeda to commemorate their visit.

In response, Captain Low thanked St. Ives Sailing Club for its hospitality and invited members to visit the frigate next day for drinks and a tour of the ship. On this occasion the captain presented the sailing club with a copy of the ship’s crest.

Race results: 1, John Cutler (Scorpion); 2, John Couch (Redwing); 3, Lt. R McGhee, RN (GP 14). 2nd race: 1, John Couch (Redwing); 2, John Petzing (GP 14); 3, David Watson (GP 14).   

August

St. Ives Sailing Club (First race to Hayle?)

A difficult course was laid by officer of the day Mr. D Phillips for last Saturday’s race, giving locals and visitors a chance to see their spinnakers in Force 4 winds.

Making a good start, J Cutler (Scorpion) led at the first mark, closely followed by J Petzing (GP 14) with J Couch (Redwing) and D Watson (GP 14) contesting 3rd spot. On the next windward leg, the first two positions stayed as they were, but the GP pulled away from the Redwing. On the downward leg it was interesting to see helmsmen using their spinnakers to such good effect. These places were held until the end of the race. Corrected results: 1, J Petzing (GP 14); 2, D Watson (GP 14); 3, J Cutler (Scorpion); 4, J Couch (Redwing).

A great attraction was a simultaneous race for working sailing craft, the first to be run by the sailing club. The course was round the outer buoy, down to Hayle Bar Buoy and back to the finish off the old lighthouse.

After sailing about six miles, the first three boats home finished with only four minutes bstween them: 1, T wright (Drascombe lugger); 2, J McWilliams (Lugger); 3, J Thomas (Tosher gaff cutter).

October

An application by SISC for permission to build a concrete slipway at Porthgwidden car park was considered by a special meeting of Penwith Council’s Recreation and Amenities Committee last week. They decided to raise no objection to the scheme subject to the work being carried out to the satisfaction of the council and to there being no interference with the car park or car parking. The application is now to be determined by the planning committee.

1978

April

St. Ives Sailing Club elect their officers.

St. Ives Sailing Club’s officers elected at their recent annual meeting are:

Don Stevens--------------- Commodore                    Marion Jennings------------ Secretary

Phillip Penberthy--------- Vice Commodore           Phillip Lander--------------- Tresurer

Reg Rutledge------------- Rear Commodore             John Petzing---------------- Sailing Sec

June

Gale conditions suited the racing “cats”

A gale force wind and a heavy sea limited sailing in St. Ives Town Regatta, but conditions were ideal for eleven 18-foot international class Dart catamarans, made in Penryn and mainly entered by members of the Restronguet Sailing Club. There were also entries from Pentewan Sailing Club, the home club and from one holiday maker. The helmsmen included a member of the Hong Kong Police and a Dutchman. It was the first time the regatta had included a race for catamarans.

The race scheduled for the morning had to be cancelled owing to wind and sea conditions, but the wind abated after lunch.

The Darts entered the handicap race with seven craft of other types. The wind was still strong and a second race for the Darts only. The rare spectacle they provided was greatly enjoyed by local people and visitors.

The prizes were presented by Mr. Oakley Eddy, chairman of Penwith Council’s Recreation and Amenities Committee.

Results: Darts; 1, J Underward (Footloose); 2, C Christian (Hot Canary); 3, T Carter; 4, R Stevens; equal 5, J Cope and D Jones; 7, N McQueen. Handicap: 1, R Nance (Yachting World Day boat); 2, B Gartside (GP 14); 3, J Trebilcock (Scorpion).

July

Slipway for Sailing Club at New Pier?

As an extension to the proposed plan for repairing the New Pier, SISC may be provided with their long-awaited slipway and permanent dinghy pen. Penwith Council’s Recreation and Amenities Committee decided last week that details of an amended scheme should be discussed with the sailing club.

The committee were reminded that the club had been granted 2 years use of the Sloop car park while they provided themselves with a club house at Porthgwidden and a slipway at Balmaluz Point.

Balmaluz “dangerous”

But following consultations with the RNLI, coastguards, harbourmaster and local fishermen, the club decided that Balmaluz Point was too dangerous for launching small boats in anything but very calm conditions, said a report from the council’s chief technical officer, Mr N Hodgson.

The club hoped that many schoolchildren would be among their members, and they could not take risks.

But they are willing to contribute towards the New Pier reconstruction work necessary as a protection for Smeaton’s Pier. If the wall was run in a south-westerly direction towards Smeaton’s Pier and then back to the start of New Pier, and the area in-filled to above high-water level, 20 to 30 boats could be parked on this new platform and a slipway could be built following the present pathway onto the beach.

Sheltered lauching

 This, said Mr Hodgson’s report, would give very sheltered launching and provide a sitting out area for visitors and possibly an extra landing area for fishermen.

Loan sanction was being sought for the original construction scheme, but for an extended scheme, which would be more expensive, extra money would have to be borrowed.

SISC had started a fund-raising campaign and were ready to seek grants, but so far, they were unable to say how much they could contribute. The enlargement of the scheme would delay work on the New Pier for a further year at least.

The committee were told that the cost of the extended scheme might exceed £25,000

Mr Hicks, council chairman, was in favour of the scheme and thought that efforts should be made to go ahead with it.

Costly alternative

A “costly alternative” was mentioned by Mr Hodgson in his report. This would be to make the Wheal Dream car park available to SISC and to carry out minimal repairs to New Pier to make the slipway good, and to give support to the stone facing wall.

Boats could then be taken down to the slipway without much interference to traffic. Cars now using Wheal Dream car park could be accommodated at Porthgwidden “now virtually a

residents’ car park.

Report by Geoff Langford

I joined the club in about 1978 and was a committee member not long after joining, I think races were held every Saturday afternoon, then I owned a lovely little gaff rigged Heron but it was just a little heavy for me to get down to the water’s edge (we didn't have a tractor then) and my boys were then into faster boats such as Laser’s and Wayfarer’s so I sold the Heron and bought a windsurfer which was great fun. We had a kind of windsurf club and occasionally raced with the Sailing club and we had board racks in the pen.

August

Summer Handicap

The third race in the Summer Handicap series was sailed on Saturday August 12 in excellent conditions with a calm sea and a wind of approximately force 2. A fleet of 15 boats, ranging from an Albacore to a Wayfarer, made a good start and immediately Alec Luke (Laser) went into the lead followed by J Petzing (GP 14). The Laser continued to draw ahead but at the beginning of the second lap suffered a broken gooseneck. It managed to stay ahead of the GP 14 and cross the finishing line first, but on corrected time was placed fourth overall.

Results on corrected time: 1, J Petzing; 2, A Luke; 3, K Varnals; 4, A Matley-Jones; 5, N Stevens.

The “Sports and Leisure” Sunday Cup race was contested by 13 boats, unfortunately half the fleet sailed the wrong course and were disqualified.

Final results on corrected time: 1, J Petzing GP 14); 2, M Gregory (Enterprise); 3, R Woolcock (Mirror); 4, R Rutledge (Heron).

Racing

In a strong breeze (force 4) the club’s summer series of races continued over a triangular course which took the fleet past Carbis Bay as well as the town beaches. At the end of the first lap, A Luke (Laser) led from J Couch (Redwing) and D Watson (GP 14). In the latter stages the G.P. closed up on the Redwing but failed by 45 seconds on corrected time to catch the Laser.

Results: 1, A Luke (26.92); 2, D Watson (27.64); 3, J Couch (28.18); 4, N Stevens (Miracle) (28.29)

The Sports and Leisure Sunday Cup was sailed in a steady force 2-3 over an inshore course.

The cup this week went to “Nobby” Stevens sailing his Miracle to a conclusive victory.

Results: 1, N Stevens (40.19); 2, P Lewis (Topper) (42.05); 3, R Rutledge (Heron) (42.87); 4, K Martin (GP 14) (43.56).

September

Light airs for weekend sailing at St. Ives

Last Saturday’s race was sailed in very light airs with the lightweight boats having the advantage. From the start J Couch (Redwing) led from A Luke (Laser) and D Phillips (Laser) but on the windward leg A Luke’s Laser went away into a convincing lead with J Cutler (Scorpion) pulling up to second and the rapidly improving K Martin (GP 14) gaining third.

The fact that the first four places went to boats of different classes shows the value of the club’s handicap class to helmsmen who would not otherwise be able to race.

Results: 1, A. Luke (Laser); 2, J. Cutler (Scorpion); 3, K. Martin (GP 14); 4, J. Couch (Redwing); 5, D. Phillips (Laser); 6, J.Petzing (GP 14); 7, N. Stevens (Miracle).

Sports and Leisure Sunday Cup.

 On Sunday in very light winds the boats sailed a two-lap course round the bay with the Osprey, sailed by G. Saunders going off into a commanding lead. Again, the Scorpion pulled up to second on the water with the youngest crew helm pair, the Schail brothers third.

Results: 1, J. Cutler (Scorpion); 2, Schail brothers; 3, J.Petzing (GP 14): 4, N. Stevens (Miracle); 5, G. Saunders (Osprey).

1979

May

Sailing club may use harbour master’s office for five years.

SISC have been granted a 5-year lease of the former harbour master’s office near the Sloop Inn. This was agreed by Penwith Council last week although the Recreation and Amenities Committee had recommended a lease of only 12 months.

June

SISC slipway problem is still unresolved.

Discussions extending over 5 years have not resulted in a slipway and dinghy park for SISC, and on the motion of Mr H Storer, Penwith Council’s Recreation and Amenities committee agreed last week that a definite scheme should be prepared to provide the club the facilities it needs.

A sub- committee will meet representatives of SISC and other interested parties to go into details.

It was recommended in the report of the district secretary that:  1) the Town Council and SISC be told that the council are unable to provide facilities for the club in the New Pier development. and 2) SISC consider the district council’s suggestion that a slipway be constructed at Balmaluz Point for the club’s use.

Informed opinion in St. Ives was against Balmaluz because it was too exposed, the committee were told. It was explained that the club only qualify for Sports Council grant if they had exclusive use of the facilities. This would mean that the facilities provided at New Pier could not be used by fishermen and pleasure boat operators.

July

Help for SISC in Penwith plans for New Pier

The Council’s Recreation and Amenities Committee on Wednesday approved a recommendation that the council’s scheme for the New Pier area should include a plat to possibly accommodate the sailing club’s dinghies.

Also recommended was that the sailing club should provide the money and expertise for the provision of additional slipway accommodation and ancillary work if required, that the harbour master’s former office should be located to the club on 12 months licence basis at a negotiated rent, and that once the scheme has been completed the sailing club should vacate that part of the Sloop car park that it uses as a dinghy pen. (Continued on Page 6)

The committee decided to defer for further consideration a section of the recommendation, which was that the building formerly used by St. Ives Angling Society should be demolished and the site located to the club to provide accommodation for their members, at the club’s expense, subject to necessary planning permissions being obtained.

Mr. Oakley Eddy, chairman of the committee, said yesterday that the council had got the work of reinstatement and repairs in hand and would try to get it completed before the winter gales.  He pointed out that the amount of work the council could do was restricted by government-imposed spending cuts.

SISC Races (Town Regatta)

Saturday, 35 boats from Mounts Bay and St. Ives took part in the Town Regatta in stiff force 4-5 westerly winds. Principal winners were Malcolm Woolcock and Ken Couch in Ospreys; Andrew Baker and Pipper Hickson, handicap, and Nick Botterell and John Richards, Mirrors.

The first St.Ives boat home in the handicap was sailed by Robin Nance who won the Florence Cup.

July

SISC Races (first evening race)

The club decided to start an evening race as an innovation. This was held on Tuesday and was very successful, ten boats entering. The first 3 places were taken by visiting boats, Mr. A. Willetts 505, Mr. A. Gregory’s Laser and Mr. Gregory’s Enterprise.

September

IRB rescues dinghy sailors. (First SISC member(s) rescued by the Lifeboat?)

Called out by the coastguard on Sunday, St. Ives inshore rescue boat Lion Cub 1, in the charge of Eric Ward went to the aid of helmsman and crew of a 14-foot sailing boat- Mr. Robin Nance and Mr. Richard Woolcock - which had capsized in strong and freshening westerly wind in St. Ives Bay. The boat’s buoyancy aids had floated out and the yachtsmen were unable to right their craft. The rescue boat took them and the boat back to the harbour. On Monday, Mr. Nance handed to the Lifeboat hon, secretary Captain Eric Kemp a cheque for £20 for Lifeboat funds.

Harbour master’s office to let.

Tenders are to be invited for the tenancy of the former harbour master’s office at St. Ives after the sailing club has rejected an offer of rent at £240 a year. Club representatives said they were not prepared to pay an annual rent that exceeded £50.

1980

July

The first ‘Fifties club’ draw.

Back Row Tom Majors, Sheila Langford, John Spillane, Phil Lander,

 Front row HMCG. Nobby Clark, Toni Carver, Don Stevens, Mary Wright, Geoff Langford

Grant to SISC

A grant of £300 is being recommended by the Sports Council (Southwest) for SISC.

The money will be used towards the purchase of a safety boat which is regarded as essential equipment.

July

Annual Regatta

1981

May

Regatta as a Festival event?

SISC are not organising a regatta this year. In a letter to the Town Council the club’s commodore, Mr. J. A. Petzing, gave the reasons as lack of facilities and “complete and total lack of support from outside the club.”

Mr. Eddie Norman suggested that the regatta might run as a St. Ives Festival event in September and the council agreed that the idea should be put to the festival committee by Mr. Norman, who is a member of that committee.

Mr. J. B. Thomas recalled that the former borough council, which had more powers than the present parish council, used to support the regatta. They owned the Sloop car park and could provide space for the boats, which was the sailing club’s biggest need.

The meeting agreed that a regatta would be an asset to the festival.

June

A berth at last for sailing club.

A temporary solution to SISC’s long-standing problem - lack of a headquarters building – seems to have been solved. Penwith Council’s Recreation and Amenities committee on Wednesday approved the club’s application to use part of the former factory of J and J Couch Ltd, in Back Road East – the caretaker’s flat – on a temporary basis.

Subject to planning permission, the committee agreed, the council would grant the club an annual licence to use the former flat, which the club would repair and maintain.

The club would pay an “amenity rent” which would reflect the amount of work undertaken by them to make the premises fit for use. For the first year the rent would be £100 plus rates.

The whole factory site is owned by Penwith Council. Plans to build flats for elderly people there have been held up because of the local sewage embargo.

The factory buildings, including the caretaker’s flat, will be demolished when the embargo is lifted

1982

February

St. Ives Sailing Club’s Junior trophy is presented by the Commodore, John Pezing (left) to Michael Langford at the club’s awards night and social evening at Chy-an-Fore Hotel on Saturday. Other trophies, held by junior members of the club, were awarded as follows: Spring Series, 1, Tom Atkinson; 2, David Watson. Mermaid Cup: David Watson. Commodore’s Cup, Alec Luke. Junior Section: Champions Cup, David Lander and Colin Duffy. Junior Crew, Neil Duffy. Snapdragon Trophy, David Roach. The event was well supported and there was a buffet. A raffle made £35 for Junior Section funds.

Back Row  Robin Langford, David Lander ,Alan Roach, John Petzing, Mike Langford, Paul Prisk, Richard Scharff,

Front Row David Roach, Colin Duffy, Neil Duffy, Paul Hasse

July

Race starters locked out.

Chaos prevailed at the start of SISC’s Saturday series race this week. The trouble arose when the race officers attempted to set up the flags and fire the starting gun, etc, in the old light house on Smeaton’s Pier.

Unknown to the sailing club, the lock on the door of the lighthouse had been changed and the club had not been informed. The race however was eventually got under way with a hastily made blue flag and whistle.

With wind south-easterly, blowing force 4-5, gusting to force 6, all boats made good speeds and “Second Happiness” helmed by David Watson and crewed by Raymond Knowles, came first. Second was “Mirror” helmed by David Lander, crewed by Colin Duffy, 3rd “High Jinks” helmed by Edward Jenkyn, crewed by Alan Roach.

August

Chairman of St. Ives Round Table, Mr William Trevorrow, presenting the sailing dinghy “Cheeky” to Geoff Langford, chairman of St. Ives Sailing Club’s Junior Section. The boat was jointly donated by St.Ives Round Table and St. Ives Lions Club. The Junior Section of the club was formed to enable the youngsters of the town to learn seamanship and sailing, thus giving them a constructive activity winter and summer. In the background are some of

the junior members, David Lander, David Roach, Leslie Jefford, Paul Prisk, Mike, Neil Duffy, Paul Hasse, Colin Duffy, Alan Roach.

Report by Geoff Langford

The St Ives Sailing Club Junior Section had two boats one being a GP14 called ‘Cheeky’ which was owned by the juniors and a Wayfarer called ‘Nickeripper’ which was on permanent loan. The GP14 was paid for by donations from St Ives Round Table and St Ives Lions Club and top up by moneys raised by the Juniors and their parents. All the kids had boat maintenance tuition all day on Saturdays in the winter months and sailing tuition all day on Saturdays in the summer.  Just to give you some indication of fund raising, we held fund raising events out of season for the Junior Section of the St Ives Sailing Club in our hotel.  These were great fun. We cleared the dining room in the hotel then set out a triangular course on the floor using paper towels with a start and finish on the paper. Then we would write various forfeits on the sections of paper, for example; (gust of wind, boat capsized go back three spaces), The idea of the game was that they would form teams of two as in sailing, the skippers would sit around a table where questions with points regarding sailing and boats would be asked and the one that got the right answer would win the squares of paper steps forward or backwards for their relevant crew member with his model boat.   Bets would be laid with a bookie by the children’s parents and prizes for the winners. Food and drinks were served, and a good time was had by all, and we raised much needed funds for the junior sailing club. Within a couple of years, we had approached a brewery to help fund a club house with visitors showers in what was then dis-used offices in the town centre. We managed to fit a bar and have fairly comfortable seating with a bar that was opened three nights a week manned by volunteers. One has to remember that with every child there is generally two adults, so the St Ives sailing club junior section grew very healthily.

September

Festival sailing.

SISC held an open day on Saturday in conjunction with the September Festival Harbour Day.

Much interest was shown, and members of the public were invited to try their hands at, sailing and windsurfing. Unfortunately, there was very little or no wind.

In the afternoon a regatta was in force 1-2 westerly winds. Two races were held, one for the windsurfers, and one for the sailing dinghies. There were 17 entrants for the windsurfers race, with prizes donated by Windansea Surf Shop. Results: 1, Paul Lodey, £25, 2, Max Short, £10, Novice winner, Barry Oakland, £10.

Nine boats entered the dinghy race and prizes of two hand-blown glass yachts were donated by Leo Pilley of the Harbour Craft Market, one each for the senior and junior sections.

Senior section winner was John Spillane in “Ellawi,” crewed by Hazel Duffy, 2 was “Second Happiness” (David Watson and James Watson), 3, “Jigsaw” (Robin Nance and John Roach)

4, “Mirror” (P Jones and Alison Jones), 5, “Mirror” (Mr Greaves, crewed by his two daughters)

Junior section winner was Mike Langford in “Nicker-ripper” crewed by Neil Duffy,

 2, “Blue-Mer” helmed by David Roach, crewed by Leslie Jefford, 3, “Mirror” (David Lander and Colin Duffy), 4, “Jam Sandwich” (Paul Prisk and Alan Roach).

Dave Duffy, Tom Majors and Rodger Pallant were O. D’s and David Freeman, and Mike Fox were 1st and 2nd safety boat coxswains. Lady members of the club did the catering and background work.  

1983

May

Standing:  Alan Roach, John Spillane, Edward Jenkins, Tom Majors, Beryl James, Gavin Short, Mike Langford, David Lander, John Petzing.

Front Row: ?, ?,   Robin Nance, David Roach, Neil Duffy

1984

January

May

 August

St. Ives Regatta.

A good-sized contingent of Mirrors and Lasers from Mounts Bay took part on Saturday in

St. Ives Sailing Club’s annual regatta and there were also visitors from Nottingham, Gloucester, and Bristol. Sixteen boats in all sailed a series of three races.

The wind was light northerly for the first race and favoured the smaller fleet. But in the afternoon the wind freshened with the result that some good times were recorded.

The overall winners (from Mounts Bay) were Lasers: P. Broomfield; Mirrors: J. Stephens;

Handicap: J. Stephens.

The local handicap resulted, after the three races, in a tie, a Moth and a GP 14, both having places of 5th, 6th and 9th.

On corrected times the final result was a victory for the GP 14 sailed by E. Jenkyn and crewed by J. Tiddy.

The day ended with a barbeque in the clubhouse where trophies were presented.

St. Ives Sailing Club.

SISC’s three boats were successful in the recent Penzance Sailing Club’s Regatta. The dinghies, GP 14 class were placed first, second and third.

In first place; Helm Wilf Stone, crew Maureen Stevens; second place Helm Edward Jenkyn, crew Jonothan Tiddy and third Helm John Hudson, crew Robin Nance.

1985

March

Dinghy boys rescued.

Two 17-year-old St. Ives boys, Gary Parkes and Richard Stevens, were rescued by a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose after their dinghy capsized off St. Ives Head on Saturday, due to a broken tiller.

The boys climbed onto the upturned hull of the dinghy from which they were winched into the helicopter. They were flown to Treliske Hospital, Truro suffering from hypothermia from which they quickly recovered.

June

SISC news.

Last Saturday afternoon saw a sudden increase in the number of boats on the water in the penultimate race of the Saturday Spring Series. Ten boats crossed the start line and although only eight of them managed to complete the course in the fluky NW winds, there was a very close race with John Tomlinson eventually coming out on top on corrected time.

However, John Palser finished 19 seconds behind with Edward Jenkyn third and Joe Poynton fourth. Only 49 seconds separated the first four boats creating an exciting situation for the last race of the series next Saturday as any of these four could be overall winners on points.

The season long Wednesday Series continued last week after a setback for the weather with John Palser winning in very tight winds from Joe Poynton and John Tomlinson.

The club is offering to run sailboard races this season with an entry fee of 50p per board which includes a temporary out day club membership allowing a drink in the bar in the evening of the race.

August

September

1986

July

Scillies race dominated by St. Ives S.C.

SISC dominated this year’s P.A.S.A.B. (Penzance around Scilly and back) Yacht Race. The half-ton racing yacht “Humphrey” sailed by Joe Poynton and Greg Peck took five of the nine trophies, including first overall, first (line honours) and first in the over 30’ class.

The whole three days of racing was sailed in strong winds from the west and the southwest and was covered by BBC Southwest who closely followed the fortunes of the largest entry, Peter Philips giant transatlantic catamaran “Novanet 1.” This boat was so massive that the mast top was frequently lost in the low clouds which persisted throughout most of the race.

The 20 boats which left Penzance for the night crossing on July 27th included the Harbour Pool Club’s entry “Le Bunge,” Mike Bradbury and Gareth Saunders “Pipit,” John Palser’s “Rosemary,” and John Harvey’s Premiere.”

The “Round Scillies” leg for the Venus cup was won by “Humphrey,” but only minutes separated her from “Premiere” at this stage.

The race back to Penzance started in a force-6 south- westerly with heavy rain and rough seas. The first boats had reached Wolf Rock by mid-day when the course change allowed spinnakers to be flown. The steep following seas produced some phenomenal speeds with “Humphrey” touching 18.1 knots at one point.

After three days and 150 miles of racing, only 5 minutes separated “Premiere” from “Humphrey,” who set up a new course record, beating the previous one by more than 2 hours.

August

Testing conditions for St. Ives regatta.

A small fleet braved the elements last Saturday to take part in the annual regatta organised by SISC. There were three races all on handicap, sailed in strong winds and a heavy swell which worsened through the day.

The morning race gave the Lasers the opportunity to show their paces, Gary Parkes was unlucky to capsize early on, but still managed second place behind Joe Poynton (Laser), beating John Culver’s “Wet and Windy” (Enterprise) by a few seconds on corrected time.

The worsening weather in the afternoon saw the Lasers frequently capsizing, to give better conditions for the larger two-man boats. Two boats sustained damage and needed assistance of the safety boat before they too ran into difficulties, requiring a tow back to harbour.

Prizes were presented by the club president, Don Stevens, at the clubhouse in the evening. Joint first prize went to Joe Poynton (Laser) and Gary Parks (Laser). The third prize went to John Culver’s Enterprise, crewed by his daughters Kate and Bridget, and the fourth prize went to Edward Jenkyn (G.P. 14) crewed by Jonathan Tiddy.

October

Sailing club prize giving.

SISC was packed on Saturday for the annual prize giving and laying-up supper. Prizes were presented by St. Ives Mayor, Mr. Mike Peters. The Florence Cup for first place in the summer series going to club commodore Joe Poynton. Gary Parks took the Wednesday and Autumn trophies as well as the Ship-wrecked Mariners Charity pennant. Other prizes went to Edward Jenkyn (1st G.P.14 class), Mike Hutchinson (junior helm), Lee and Donna Parks (junior crew).

The President’s Award went jointly to Robin Nance and John Hudson, whilst Gina Sadler and her husband Bob took the Snapdragon Cup and the Commodore’s Cup respectively.

The Commodore reported that the season had been very successful with a good turnout of boats right up to the end. The mild Autumn however, had been in marked contrast to the early part of the year when a succession of gales had forced the cancellation of the Spring Series.

The club is now embarking on an active winter programme with the aim of getting more younger members of the community to take an interest in sailing and take part in the 1987 series.

1987

August

St. Ives Sailing Club Regatta Day results

On Saturday 8th was the annual regatta. The first race started at 11.00 a.m. with fourteen boats taking part on a 2-lap starboard course, wind force 0-1. A misinterpretation of the course by some of the competitors meant that six crews had to be disqualified. An unfortunate capsize by Edward Jenkyn (G.P.14) was the only mishap of the day. Placing’s were 1st John Culver, Jonathan Tiddy (both Enterprise), 3rd Don Stevens (G.P.14).

Race 2 started at 2.40 p.m. over 3 laps on a shortened course, wind strength the same. First to the mark was Gary Parks (Laser) who held the lead the duration of the race. Second to finish was John Culver and third was Gordon Cox (Redwing).

Race 3 was started at 4.50 p.m. wind conditions westerly 2, two laps were sailed over a port course. Thirteen competitors took part and first to the mark was Joe Poynton. Positions at the first line were: 1st Joe Poynton (Laser), 2nd Jonathan Tiddy, 3rd John Culver.

Over-all class racing results were Laser class: John Palser (2.75 pts), G.P.14: Edward Jenkyn (1.5 pts), handicap racing: John Culver (2.75 pts).

November

St. Ives Sailing Club’s annual prize giving.

SISC’s supper and annual prize giving took place at the Regent Hotel on Tuesday.

Awards were presented as follows: Summer Series: Jonathan Tiddy (10.5 pts), Edward Jenkyn (30 pts), David Watson (34.5 pts).

Saturday Autumn Series: Gordon Cox (5.5 pts), Edward Jenkyn (23 pts), David Willis (26.75 pts).

Wednesday Series: Jonathan Tiddy (29 pts), John Culver (52.25 pts), Mike Hutchinson (54 pts).

Jonathan Tiddy won the Junior Helmsman’s trophy for the season.

The G.P.14 trophy, Stanton cup went to Edward Jenkyn and the Mermaid Trophy to Mike Hutchinson for the best Laser performance.

The President’s Cup this year was awarded to John Petzing for his long stints in the starting office and the Commodore’s Cup to Alan Major for his service in the safety boat.

Winners of the Junior Crew were jointly, Bridget and Katie Culver who also received the “Most willing junior helpers” trophy.

1988

May

SISC Spring Series.

After a long-awaited start for the Spring Series, the first race of the season got under way last Wednesday.

Light north westerly winds saw some fine sailing and close results. First at the mark was

J Poynton (Laser), followed by J Tiddy (Enterprise) in second place and D Peters (Enterprise), third.

July

Boat lost in sailing drama off St. Ives.

SISC experienced its most dramatic day so far this season on Saturday when there were several capsizes and the total loss of one of its boats.

The ill-fated Saturday race was abandoned before it started when an engine fault developed in the safety boat.

But by this time ten boats were already manoeuvring on the starting line in fresh winds of force 5, gusting force 6, with frequent capsizes among the Lasers.

John Hudson’s G.P.14 capsized off Porthgidden, his crew Nadene Parks, transferring to Shaun Peter’s Osprey, “Brother in Arms”.

Her security was short-lived however for Shaun’s boat in turn capsized, the strong tide carrying the upturned craft and crew over a mile out to sea.

With three fishing boats standing by and “Boy Harvey” acting as radio link to the coastguard, Shaun made a valiant attempt to save his boat but after more than an hour he was forced to give up the struggle when his swamped and damaged craft had to be cut adrift in rising seas.

October

SISC rounded off its 1988 season last Saturday with a well-attended laying up supper at the Chy-an-Dour Hotel.     (continued)

Club Commodore Don Stevens reported that the season had seen the highest rate of race cancelations through bad weather in the club’s history.

Prizes were presented by guest speaker Inspector Clive Rowe as follows:

Wednesday Series: 1, Joe Poynton: 2, Martin Rawling; 3, Jonathan Tiddy.

Saturday Series: 1, Edward Jenkyn; 2, Martin Rawling; 3, Jonathan Tiddy.

Best G.P. performance, (the Stainton Cup), Edward Jenkyn; Best Laser performance, (the Mermaid Cup), Joe Poynton; Best junior helmsman, Philip Sanger.

Other award winners included Gina Sadler (President’s Cup); Alan Mayor (Commodore’s Cup); Nobby Stevens (Snapdragon Mug); James Watson (Junior Crew Trophy) and Bridget and Katie Culver (Junior Helpers Trophy).

1989

April

Sailing Club out for more young members.

More youngsters with salt in their veins are needed by the St. Ives Sailing Club.

This was the message from the club’s commodore, Mr. Don Stevens, at last Friday’s AGM held at the Chy an Dour Hotel.

Mr. Stevens told the 26 members who attended that although he had said last year that the club hoped to attract more junior members this had not happened. However, the commodore felt that the last 12 months had been good ones for the club with social occasions reasonably well attended. After a slow start sailing had gone very well.

“The regatta was well attended,” said Mr. Stevens. “Everybody had a thoroughly good day apart from the capsizes and gear breakage in the last race.”

The club’s financial position was quite good, Mr. Stevens told the meeting, even although money had been spent on a new rack for the Lasers and for renovation of the safety boat, something he felt sure everyone would approve of.

Mr. Stevens thanked all the Flag Officers and committee members for their support during the year.

“I hope that this year we get more members and happy sailing,” said Mr. Stevens who will again serve as commodore for the next 12 months although he told the meeting he would not be standing the year after.

Vice Commodore for the coming year is Mr. Alan Major with Mr. B. Sadler as Rear Commodore; J. Hudson, hon. Treasurer; J. Parks, hon. Secretary. Committee members;       E. Jenkyn, M. Hudson, M. Hutchinson, J Tiddy, M. Rawling.

July

The last race was three laps on a reverse triangular course. Tight bunching at the start boxed in the visiting Lasers and enabled local Laser helm, Joe Poynton, to get clear to windward.

The fleet quickly spread out as some of the St. Ives boats, making use of local knowledge, tacked among the rocks at Porthminster Point to stay out of the strong tide and give themselves some of the best results of the day.

This year’s event was sponsored by the Regent Hotel, Barclay Bank, Peter de Savary and Windansea.

At the prizegiving, the club commodore, Don Stevens, thanked Alan Major, the crew of the rescue boat and Hugh (Robbie) Robbins, the officer of the day and his assistant, John Petzing, for their services during the races. He also thanked Bob and Gina Sadler for organising the catering.

Trophies and prizes were presented to the following; Redwing Shield (class race) : Desmond Hocking (Looe S.C.). Laser class: Paul Bromfield (Mounts Bay S.C.) £15 donated by Windansea and a t-shirt donated by The Leisure Dept. Penwith Council. Overall handicap: Desmond Hocking (Looe S.C.) £50 donated by Regent Hotel. 2nd and overall handicap; Derek Hocking (Looe S.C.) Helm and Crew Miniature Shields. The Peter de Savary Trophy (donated by Mr. Peter de Savary): for the first St. Ives boat on handicap, Joe Poynton and £25 donated by Barclay Bank. 2nd on handicap: J. Culver and Miss B. Culver, Miniature Shields.

November

Sailing Club’s laying-up supper.

The annual laying-up supper and prize-giving of the S.I.S.C. was held last Friday at Ocean Breezes Hotel. The commodore, Mr. Donald Stevens read from the roll of honour and thanked the club for a very good season of sailing, Mr. R. Robbins for his work as O.O.D and Mr. Alan Major for his services as the safety boat helm.

Mrs. Maureen Stevens, the club’s first lady presented the prizes as follows:

Spring Series: 1, Mark Rawling; 2, Joe Poynton; 3, D. Stevens.

Summer Series: 1, Edward Jenkyn; 2, Jono Tiddy; 3, M. Rawling.

Wednesday Evening Series: 1, E. Jenkyn; 2, M. Rawling; Equal 3rd, J. Tiddy and D. Peters.

Special awards were presented to: Mr. Robbie Robbins (Presidents Cup) and to Mrs. Maureen Stevens, (Commodores Cup).

Other awards for outstanding seamanship went to Edward Jenkyn and John Hudson (Golden Bailer award), and to Mrs. Maureen Stevens (Backward Somersault award for drying out).

Edward Jenkyn received the Florence Cup for outstanding performance in all three series and John Hudson the Mermaid Trophy for unstinting services as club’s treasurer.

1990

May

Sailing starts.

S.I.S.C. started its 1990 series last Saturday in bright sunshine with a ‘drifter’, very light winds and a strong tide.

The race was a single lap of a triangular course, Smeaton’s Pier to Porthminster Point, out to the bay mark and back to Smeaton’s Pier.

The first leg was downwind with a small fleet tightly bunched behind ‘Bougalonsa’ (John Meardon) first around the mark.

The second leg, out to the Bay mark was against the light wind and the strong tide and required all the skill and concentration from helmsmen and crews to make headway.

By the second mark the lead had passed to ‘Laser’ (Joe Poynton) who went on to win.

Results: 1st, ‘Laser’ (Joe Poynton) ; 2nd, ‘Bougalonsa’ (John Meardon). The remainder of the fleet retired.

July

S.I.S.C.’s Regatta preparations.

Preparations are well in hand for S.I.S. C’s annual regatta on Saturday, July 21st. The first race will start at 11a.m., the second at 1.30 p.m. with the third to follow on. The club has been successful in getting sponsors and there is £150 in cash prizes to be won.

There will be a prize for the winner of each class raced (minimum four boats); a prize for those sailing on handicaps; and the Peter de Savary Cup for the St. Ives boat that does best overall.

Prize-winning will again be at the Masonic Hall at 7.20 p.m. The mayor will present the prizes.

Catering will be by Joan Symons. The cost of the meal is £5.25. Those wishing to attend are asked to phone Bob Sadler.

October

1991

May

Sailing Club rent concern.

S.I.S.C is faced with a £1,400 rent bill from Penwith on its dinghy pen at the Sloop car park.

And club officials say they are afraid that members will find the increased costs too much to bear.

But after a meeting of Penwith’s Property Subcommittee last week there is a glimmer of hope that a reduction in the projected rental may be likely.

The rental of the dinghy pen changed dramatically in 1989 along with other council owned sites and buildings after Penwith carried out a ‘market value’ review of properties under Government rules.

The market value rent on the dinghy pen was estimated at £1,400 annually.

In the first year Penwith subsidised the rent which was reduced to £900.

In 1990-91 subsidy reduced the rent to £500.

But for the year 1991-92 Penwith is seeking full rental of £1,400.

Commodore of the Sailing Club Mr. Alan Major believes that the club could suffer as younger members especially, found themselves unable to meet rising costs.

But if the sailing club declined because of such financial strictures St. Ives itself and the many visitors who enjoy watching yachts in the bay would also lose out, Mr. Major believes.

“The club brings many benefits to the community”, said Mr. Major. “It is an ideal outlet for youngsters and gives pleasure to many local people simply from an onlookers point of view. During the summer regular sailing activities in the bay also contribute to the kind of backdrop that visitors expect of St. Ives”.

Now Mr. Major and his colleague’s worries may be eased.

Penwith’s Director of Public Services, Mr. Hugh Murton confirmed this week that the council’s Property Services Committee had discussed the matter on Tuesday night.

Mr. Murton said that Penwith was interested in acquiring a small section of the dinghy pen at the Sloop car park for essential use in connection with street cleaning.

Mr. Murton added that his department would be in touch with the sailing club to discuss a possible agreement on the issue which could result in a reduction in the projected rental for next year.

July

S.I.S.C hosted GP14 Crews from Weir Quay on the river Tamar on Sunday and after the visitors had become familiar with the sailing conditions within the bay, they won both races convincingly.

St. Ives Edward Jenkyn took 4th and 5th over the day with his GP “High Jinks”.

Later a reception was held for the visitors with food supplied by club members.

The commodore, Alan Major thanked all who took part and hoped a return visit could be arranged in the near future.

St. Ives Regatta

For St. Ives Sailing Club Regatta on Saturday, three races were held each consisting of three laps over a triangular course.

The first race began at 11.30 a.m. in force 2/4 with very poor visibility. It was originally intended that this race was to be four laps, but the Officer of the Day (Tony Oliver, Mounts Bay S.C.) decided to shorten it as the wind speed varied considerably. 17 boats competed.

The second race started at 2.30 p.m. The wind speed was again variable but freshening.

The third race started immediately after the finish of the second race with 18 boats in each of these races. The wind freshened considerably during the last race, to force 5.

There was class racing in Lasers, Enterprises, Mirrors, GP14s and handicap. Safety boats: St. Ives Coxswain, Commodore Alan Major assisted by Naomi Peek. Mounts Bay Coxswain, Geoff Woolcock was assisted by Amanda Woolcock.

Results; Laser – 1st Paul Whitehead; Mirrors – Andrew Harris and lady crew; Enterprises – Phil O’Neill with lady crew; GP14s – Ashley Royston with crew Maureen Stevens; 1st St. Ives boat on handicap – Robert Tully, Laser.

The presentation of prizes was at the Masonic Hall where an enjoyable meal prepared by Bob and Gina Sadler, assisted by Marjorie Peek concluded the day’s proceedings.

Prizes were presented by the Mayor, Mrs. B. James who was accompanied by her consort, the Rev. William Leah and Penwith councillor, Kathleen Matthews.

The Sailing Club are grateful to firms, businesses and individuals for sponsorship of the Regatta: Mr. and Mrs. K Varnals, Hot Tuna Surf Shop, Mr. W. Parish, Drews, E.P. Curnows,

St. Ives Motor Co, P.D.C., Glower Studios and Western National Bus Co.

September

Alan Major Commodore of St. Ives Sailing Club expressed thanks on the club’s behalf to St. Ives and Falmouth Coastguards, the crew of the ILB and the local fishermen who gave assistance to the crews of dinghies who found themselves in difficulties during last Saturday’s racing.

“This incident lends weight to any opposition to lookout closures here in St. Ives and it was comforting for the crews to know that a visual watch was kept on them,” said Alan.

October

1992

July

Thieves steal Sailing Clubs outboard.

Mean thieves put a halt on S.I.S.C.’s events last Saturday when they stole an outboard motor from the rescue craft.

A reward is being offered by the club for information which would lead to the person or people responsible being caught.

The incident took place at the dinghy pen in the Sloop car park last Saturday during the early hours of the morning. An appeal has gone out for anyone who might have seen someone trying to remove the motor from the craft. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Commodore on (0736) 796520.

This Saturday the sailing club will be holding their annual regatta in St. Ives Bay. The first race will be at 11.30am followed by two races in the afternoon.

This year, Redwings from Looe will be paying a welcome visit and it is hoped that around 20

boats will be taking part in the day’s races.

July

St. Ives Regatta.

TAKING THE STRAIN: Off Porthminster Beach on Saturday is St. Ives Sailing Club member Dave Peters (helmsman) and crew Dave Bennett in their GP 14 ‘Archipelago’ who were taking part in the club’s annual Regatta.

The first race commenced at 11.30. The race officer was Mr. H. Robins. The course was 3 laps to port and the wind was south southwesterly Force 5 with gusts to Force 7. There were 16 starters and 9 boats retired. The boats were as follows: 2 GP14, 2 Enterprises, 2 Lasers, 2 Toppers, 2 Mirrors, 6 Redwings (Looe S.C.). First in is race was a Redwing, with B. Coote at the helm, the sail number was 205.

The second race commenced at 2 pm. The wind freshened and after consultation with both the local coastguard, the inshore lifeboat and the club safety boat it was decided to abandon this race.

The third race scheduled to follow immediately was cancelled.

The Vice-Chairman of Penwith District Council, Mr. Alan Harvey, presented the awards in the evening at the Masonic Lodge.

The Redwing Shield plus the shield which is kept as a memento was presented to B. Coote, a Redwing from Looe S.C.

First on handicap was an Enterprise from Mount’s Bay S.C. helmed by Alex Morcumb with crew Stan Taylor, they each received a shield.

First local boat was a Topper, sailed by Mike Cook. He received the Peter de Savary Cup for the first home boat, a shield to keep as a memento and Western National Explorer bus ticket kindly donated by the Western National.

The Commodore, Mr. Alan Major thanked all those who had entered particularly those from visiting clubs, the Redwings from Looe who had made quite a long journey to attend. Also, those attending from the Penzance and Mount’s Bay clubs; the local inshore lifeboat and coastguard for their assistance which is always very much appreciated.

Mr. Tony Oliver, Commodore of Mount’s Bay Sailing Club, replied thanking the host club for their hospitality and the evening concluded with a most enjoyable buffet.

Mike Cook with the Peter De Savary Cup

October

S.I.S.C. held its laying-up supper at the Masonic Hall on Thursday, October 8. Although the season had been a disaster regarding weather and sea conditions, the same amount of races as last year were achieved and the results were as follows.

Saturday Series: 1st boat, Enterprise, helm, Mermaid Trophy, A. Wesley; crew, Alan Major Cup, R. Symons. 2nd boat, GP14, helm, Stainton Cup, E. Jenkyn; crew, Beryl James Cup,

M. Peters.

Wednesday Series: 1st boat, Enterprise, helm, Florence Cup, A. Wesley; crew, Snapdragon Trophy, R. Symons. 2nd boat, Laser, Spring Series Trophy, J. Poynton.

Best Junior Helm: Mark Meardon, Junior Champions Trophy. Best Junior Crew, Mark Rawling, Junior Helmsman Trophy. Hugh Robins: Services to the club, Chairmans Cup. Tony Oliver (Commodore Mounts Bay), Services to the club, Commodores Cup.

Mr Tony Oliver, (Commodore Mounts Bay S.C.), presented the prizes and thanking him for his help during the 1992 season, Alan Major the St. Ives Commodore presented Tony with the Commodores Cup.

The Commodore thanked all those who made it possible during the season especially Don and Maureen Stevens for their help.

1993

February

CATCHING THE WIND: Redwings from Looe Sailing Club off the harbour in St. Ives Bay, when they took part in St. Ives Sailing Club’s annual regatta last year.

The Redwing Association has accepted the invitation of the St. Ives Sailing Club to hold their National Championships in St.Ives Bay in late August 1994.

Built just after the war by UFFA Fox, most of these craft are located at Looe, a few in South Wales and America.

This will be the first time S.I.S.C. has gone national. The club has already had a fundraising event at the Hoi Tin Restaurant to raise money to help with the expense involved with the hosting of these championships.

The Looe Redwings have consistently supported the St. Ives Sailing Club Regatta

About 20 boats will be expected and apart from the usual races, shore activities will be organised by the host club. Activities will probably take the form of pushball competitions, a musical evening and formal evening with presentations.

May

Redwing National Championships

St. Ives hoteliers have given an enthusiastic reception to news that the Redwing Association will hold its national championships in the town next year.

The St. Ives Hotel and Guest House Association wished the St. Ives Sailing Club, which invited the association to the town, the best of luck in what they see as a major attraction for St. Ives.

Keith Varnals, Chairman, said there could be between 20 or 30 boats in St. Ives during the event.

“S.I.S.C. has been trying to break into the big time for quite a while and jolly good luck to them,” said Mr. Varnals.

If all goes well, this will be the first time the St. Ives club has broken into such a national event. A fundraising event has already been held at the Hoi Tin Restaurant to host the event which is expected to cost £2,000.

At their last meeting the hoteliers decided that they will support the event, but no decision has been made on whether they will give money to it.

                   --------------------------------------------------------------------

Report, Mike Cook Commodore 1993-4

In 1992 St. Ives Sailing Club decided to invite the Redwings to hold their National Championships at St. Ives in 1994. In 1993 the sailing club’s Redwing Sub Committee asked the Redwing Association for a list of their requirements for a successful event. When the Sub Committee looked at them, it became obvious the club could not meet the requirements. The club had very little changing area, no showers, no club house and not enough willing helpers available for the week’s event. A vote was taken, and it was decided to write to the Redwing Association immediately making them aware of our findings and recommend they find an alternative venue.

July

St. Ives Sailing Club Regatta

S.I.S.C. held its annual regatta last Saturday with 19 boats competing in two of three races.

The first race saw very little wind in the first 20 minutes but a slight northwest breeze got the boats moving and by the end of this race a good three to four gave commanding leads to the Laser classes followed by Enterprises and GP14s, with the odd Mirror dinghy dotted about the course.

The wind held for the rest of the day and gave Mounts Bay and Mirrors from Penzance Sailing Club some good places.

St. Ives member Tony Oliver took first place on all three races for the GP14s crewed by Maureen Stevens and watched by her husband Donald Stevens who this year dropped out in favour of a younger man.

The results were as follows: Classes of GP14s won by Tony Oliver and Maureen Stevens.

Lasers won by P. Whitehead; Mirrors won by Mr. Kent and crew; 1st handicap: Alex Morcume sailing ‘Enterprise’; joint 2nd handicap: M. Woolcock and Mr. Kent sailing Mirror dinghies.

The Peter de Savary Trophy for best St. Ives boat was won by helm Tony Oliver and crewed by Maureen Stevens in the GP14 class.

The youngest member of St. Ives club was Mark Meardon who won a shield for his enthusiasm in all three races.

The prizes were given by Mrs. Sonia Menadue, vice-chairman of Penwith District Council.

The evening was ended with a regatta supper which was held at the Masonic Hall.

October

Laying up Supper

The Sailing Club held its annual laying up supper and prize giving at the Masonic Hall on Saturday, October 16th.  The sailing awards were as follows:  Wednesday Series; The Spring Series, 1st Joe Poynton;  2nd Mike Cook, Snapdragon Trophy.  For the Saturday Series:  1st Martin Rawling, Mermaid Trophy.  Mark Rawling, Laurance Moran Trophy.

The best overhaul GP14 class went to Edward Jenkyn, Stainton Cup and crew Mike Peters, Commodore Alan Major Cup. Mark Meardon for the most enthusiastic junior, Ships Wheel Trophy and the Junior Helm Trophy.

Joe Poynton overhaul winner for Wednesday and Saturday Series, Florence Cup.

Dave Peters and Viv Lewis the Commodores Cup for their enthusiasm of sailing, Alan Major, the Chairman’s Cup for club work above and beyond the call of duty.

1994

July

St. Ives Sailing Club Regatta

S.I.S.C. held its annual regatta on Saturday July 16th. The forecasted winds, 4-5 NE, did not materialise and most of the boats found it hard going over the two races held during the day. The last race was abandoned due to lack of wind but overall, the visiting clubs which made up 20 boats had a good days sailing.

At the prize giving held at the Masonic Lodge the commodore Mike Cook thanked all who took part and made reference to Tony Oliver for setting the various courses, Don Stevens safety boat and Alan Major officer of the day, for the hard work they put in.

The wining boats were as follows: Lasers, 1, D. May; 2 M. Woolcock. Enterprise class: 1, H. Glanville; 2, R.J. Smith. GP14 class: 1, E. Campbell and M. Stevens; 2, D. Peters and J. Meardon. Overhaul handicap: 1, R.J. Smith; 2, D. May.

Top St. Ives helm, Peter de Savary Cup: Dave Peters helm, John Meardon crew. Sailing GP14s, Stuart Jones for enthusiasm.

October

Laying up supper

The club held its ‘Laying up’ Supper and end of season awards on Saturday October 29th at the Masonic Hall. The commodore Mike Cook thanked all those present and presented the awards to the following winners for the Wednesday Series: 1, Mike Cook; 2, Joe Poynton.

Saturday Series: 1, Joe Poynton; 2, Edward Jenkyn.

The converted Florence Cup for the overhaul series was retained by Joe Poynton. Robin Stevens won the Junior Helm Trophy, Dave Peters and John Meardon won the GP Trophy. Viv Lewis won the Commodore’s Cup for enthusiasm and Alan Major, Sailing Sec, was awarded the Chairman’s Cup for services to the club. An enjoyable meal was provided by the men of the club which gave the ladies a well-earned rest. The evening was rounded off with two videos taken during this summer’s sailing.

1995

June

St. Ives Regatta

St. Ives Regatta.

Two races were held in the bay with moderate NE Force 3-4 winds giving way to medium swells. Both races were dominated by Laser helms followed by the sturdier GP14 class. The afternoon race was held back for a while due to lack of wind. However, a sight of wind in Ed Jenkyn’s GP soon put the race in order. Once again, the Lasers stole the show.

The results were: 1st, Mike Cook, the overall winner, taking the Peter de Savary Trophy (Laser); 2nd, James Taylor and Greg Halkes (Mirror); 3rd, Mark Meardon (Laser); Edward Jenkyn and Jonno Tiddy (GP14).

Prize giving was held at the Masonic Hall. The Commodore Alan Major thanked all who had helped to make the day a success and to all the traders who donated raffle prizes.

November

St. Ives Sailing Club awards night.

S.I.S.C. held its annual laying-up awards night at the Masonic Hall recently. The club’s sailing secretary Viv Lewis announced the winners for the 1995 season: Saturday Series, 1st, Dave Peters; 2nd Mark Meardon. Wednesday Series: 1st, Dave Peters; 2nd, Mark Meardon. The GP14 winners were Dave Peters and John Meardon. The boat with the most first places went to Mark Meardon; Best Juniors to the Williamson daughters. The Commodore Alan Major presented the Commodore’s Cup to Ray Darlison for services to the club. The Chairman’s Cup went to Andy Rosarieux for being the most enthusiastic member; The most enthusiastic junior crew member was Aaron Rawling.

1996

February

June

St. Ives Regatta sails again

St. Ives Sailing Regatta, which has had a chequered history, is being resurrected by the owner of the Sloop Inn, Mr. Maurice Symons, initially as a weekend event for this year, but hopefully gaining enough support to become a weekly annual event in years to come.

The news has been welcomed by the Mayor of St. Ives Cllr, Joan Symons and the S.I.S.C.s commodore Alan Major. Cllr. Symons said: “I think every encouragement should be given to this sort of thing, after all we are a sea town. We should encourage water sports, and it’s going to be an extra activity for the holiday makers to enjoy.”

The main events of the weekend will be a race of yachts from Mounts Bay S.C.s headquarters in Penzance to St. Ives on Saturday 22 June, with the return journey being made on the following day. It is hoped the race will attract 30 entries from members of sailing clubs across Cornwall and will involve craft between 20 and 40 feet in length. There will also be races held by S.I.S.C., during the two days, in St. Ives Bay. On the Sunday, pilot gigs will be racing from St. Ives Harbour into the bay and back, starting and finishing close to the harbour entrance.

Mr. Symons, organising the event, said there were two reasons for reviving the regatta: “I’ve lived in St. Ives all my life and saw the demise of the regatta. We are a town by the sea, and we should be proud of what we have here and make use of it.” The other reason, said Mr. Symons, was that it would bring in extra money into the town at a time when the season has not got fully under way: “It’s hoped it will attract the money into the town through pubs, restaurants and shops.”

Mr. Alan Major commented: It is a good idea to revive something again, especially sailing,” He added that some members of S.I.S.C. will be taking part in the races around Land’s End and that there will be three dinghy races in St. Ives Bay on Saturday and one on Sunday.

The New Florence Cup

A ‘New Florence Cup’ to replace the original Florence Cup donated by Mr. Walter Isaac 50 years ago in memory of his wife Florence, will be among trophies to be raced for in the revived St. Ives Regatta on June 22nd.

A letter to the ‘Times & Echo’ last autumn from Mrs. Jill Paton Walsh, granddaughter of Florence Isaac, sparked off an inquiry into the whereabouts of the original cup. It was discovered that the cup, which had been lost from sight after the collapse of the former annual regatta, is now being raced for under the auspices of the Sail Training Association. Mrs. Paton Walsh has donated the new cup to St. Ives Sailing Club, to be competed for in a race of suitable prominence and retained for a year by the winner. She will make the first presentation herself on the evening of June 22nd.

Mrs. Paton Walsh said yesterday, “I lived with my grandparents in St. Ives as a child during the war and have always felt strong affection for them and for the town. I am quite happy that the original Florence Cup is with the Sail Training Association, but I should like my grandmother to be commemorated by a trophy that is special to the town of St. Ives.” She has also provided a fund from which an annual cash award will be made.

Jill Paton Walsh, a well-known novelist and runner up for the 1994 Booker Prize, is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded the CBE in this year’s New Year Honours. She lives in St. Ives part of the year and is at present working on a novel set in the town.

  
Regatta Day

Edward Jenkyn (center)

Richard Stevens (Solo).  Aaron and Martin Rawling (Day boat)

(Froggy) Mike Peters and (Beachy) Dave Peters (not related)

(Photo-Cornishman)

The St. Ives Sailing Club’s Regatta as part of a two day water sports event last weekend, was heralded as a success by organisers this week, with near perfection conditions for the occasion. During the weekend dinghies and pilot gig races all took place in St. Ives Bay and cruiser class yachts arrived in the Bay for the finish of the first leg.

In the three dinghy races on Saturday, the one ‘Osprey’ and a good fleet of ‘Lasers’ took commanding positions over the three ‘Mirror’ dinghies and ‘GP14s’. The Florence Cup Race, the second race of the day, the most important race in not only this year’s regatta but for years to come, was watched by the donor of the new cup, Mrs. Paton Walsh. Denzil May taking the honours on this occasion. The Mayor of St. Ives Cllr. Joan Symons presented the prizes on Saturday evening at the ‘Sloop Inn’.

The results of the three races were: 1st race; Anna Row; 2nd, Denzil May; 3rd, Colin Stevens. 2nd race: 1st, Denzil May; 2nd, Colin Stevens; 3rd, Malcolm Woolcock. 3rd race: 1st, Colin Stevens; 2nd, Malcolm Woolcock; 3rd, Denzil May.

Best under 16-year-old went to William Kent, best Female to Anna Row, best over 50’s to Edward Jenkyn and John Meardon. The 16 and under Florence Cup awards were: 1, William Kent; 2, Charlotte Kent; 3, Robin Stevens.

October

St. Ives Sailing Club awards

S.I.S.C. held its annual laying up and prize giving at the Masonic Hall on Saturday, October 26th. Commodore Alan Major congratulated all those who helped make the 1996 season such a success. 28 races had been held and good results were gained by up-and-coming members.

The winners were: Overhaul, most first places: John Meardon (The Florence Challenge Trophy). Wednesday Series: 1, David Peters (Beryl James Trophy); 2, Viv Lewis (Spring Series Trophy). Saturday Series: 1, David Peters (Stainton Cup); 2, Viv Lewis (Mermaid Cup). GP14: 1, D. Peters; 2, Andrew de Rosarieux. Best Junior Cup: Aaron Rawling. Most Enthusiastic Members: Martin and Aaron Rawling. Commodore’s Cup: Aaron Rawling. Classic Cup: for the oldest type of boat sailed in the club: Martin Rawling and Aaron Rawling, Y.W. day boat. Porthminster Trophy: V. Lewis for the most Safety boat duties. Smeaton’s Trophy to A. Major for race officer duties.

1997

February

Where do all the S.I.S.C. members go in the winter? That question is easy to answer, at least for Saturday, February 15, as you will find them at their pre-season get together at the Regent Hotel, St. Ives, where a buffet has been arranged for members and their guests.

Commodore Alan Major is hoping to see as many club members as possible attending this buffet and he confidently predicts that many old stories will be exchanged, and new challenges laid down. Members are asked to contact Eileen Lewis for buffet tickets.

March

St. Ives Sailing Club AGM, which took place at the Guildhall on Friday evening, March 22 was well attended.                                                     

One of the main items on the agenda for members to discuss and vote on was the merits of the club’s present safety boat and which type of replacement should be purchased. Initial discussion took place around the purchasing of a replacement Dory or replacing this type of boat with a RIB. A third option raised at the meeting was an Orkney Liner. After deliberations members voted for a RIB and it will be necessary to seek funding for this purchase.

The election of officers and committee members took place with the existing committee being re-elected unopposed, although Viv Lewis stood down as Sailing Secretary but remains on the general committee. Don Stevens takes on the task of Sailing Secretary in addition to his duties as Vice Commodore and Mike Cook and Tony Oliver were voted on to the general committee as additional members.

After business was concluded a buffet and wine was enjoyed by all those present.

October

1998

March

St. Ives Sailing Club bid to revitalise

A concerted effort to revitalise St. Ives Sailing Club will be outlined tonight (Friday March 20) at the annual general meeting to be held at Liberties, the Stennack, at 7.30 pm.

The new committee elected at an extraordinary general meeting in January will be standing for re-election. Led by the new Commodore, Martin Rawling, it comprises, Viv Lewis (Vice Commodore), Mike Cook (Sailing Secretary), Ray Darlinson (Secretary), Mrs. Eileen Lewis (Treasurer), Peter Hendry, John Meardon, David Peters, Andy de Rozarieux and Richard Stevens.

“We are seeking to bring new vigour and new blood into the club”, said committee spokesman John Meardon. “We urgently need new members, both sailing and non-sailing. A new shoreline support group is being set up to help with administration and we are looking for a crew to run the safety boat.”

A pre-season sailing shakedown event with informal racing will be held between April 4 and 25, starting at 2.30. p.m. each Saturday. Serious competition begins on May 6 and continues until October 31 (Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons). Sunday picnic races will be held on June 7, July 5 and August16, whilst the principal event of the season, the St. Ives Regatta, is scheduled for June 20.

The club which celebrated its silver jubilee last year, offers sailing membership for £10 (£13 for family) and shoreline membership for £5.

(Cornishman)

May

Only 4 boats turned out to compete in warm sunshine and a north westerly force 4. An early retirement with a split drop keel left just 3 starters for the race. The 2 GP14’s enjoyed a very close contest for 2 laps, then on the far mark, a jibe, Andy Rozarieux got the better of Dave Peters and was nearly a minute ahead on the completion of 4 laps, Tim Comley in his Heron battled on and his handicap was only just beaten into third place.

June

Mixed weather for St. Ives Sailing Club’s regatta

A mixed bag of sunshine and showers with a light wind greeted the boats taking part in the regatta last Saturday June 20. Twenty boats from the clubs in Penzance, Mounts Bay, Restronguet and St. Ives started the first race at 10.30 am. The light wind produced an uneventful race with one of the Lasers from Penzance winning. During the short break before the second race the wind picked up which made for a more interesting race with two retirements. An ‘Osprey’ from Mounts Bay was the winner.

The third race was at 3 pm, so all boats came ashore for refreshments. During the break the wind continued to increase, and the fleet was down to 14 boats for the start of a very exciting race with numerous capsizes and pitch poling, keeping both safety boats in action, Alice Moore’s Mirror did a ‘wheelie’, Charlotte Kent’s Mirror was towed in with a broken mast, and Mike Cook lost his mast just after finishing the race. Good work by both safety boats ensured that all returned to shore safely, it was a busy day too for the club officers up in Smeaton’s Tower.

The prize giving took place at 6.30 pm. outside the Sloop with Maurice Symons generously donating the trophies and cash prizes which St. Ives Harbour Master Eric Ward presented. St. Ives Sailing Club thanked the safety boat from Penzance crewed by Paul Kent and Dave Whitehurst and the club safety boat crewed by Malcolm McNamara and Brian Gray, the race officers and all who helped to make the regatta a most enjoyable day.

Results: Race 1: 1, Denzil May (Penzance S.C.); 2, Robin Row (Penzance S.C.); 3, Des Menear (Mounts Bay S.C.). 1st St. Ives boat; Mark Meardon; 2, David Peters; 3, Viv Lewis. Race 2: 1, Des Menear (Mounts Bay S.C.) 2, Robin Row (Penzance S.C.); 3, William Kent (Penzance S.C.) 1st St Ives Boat: Mike Cook; 2, Mark Meardon; 3, David Peters. Race 3: 1, Des Menear (Mounts Bay S.C.); 2, Robin Row (Penzance S.C.); 3, Stuart Matley Jones (Restronguet S.C.). 1st St. Ives boat: Mark Meardon; 2, Mike Cook.

Overall trophies: 1st Florence Cup, Des Menear; 2nd place overall, Robin Row; 3rd Stuart Matley Jones. Peter de Savary Cup; 1st overall St. Ives: Mark Meardon; Best Junior Helm: Alice Moore (Penzance S.C.); Oldest Helm: Viv Lewis (St. Ives S.C.).

S.I.S.C. Wednesday Series.

After the hectic day last Saturday, it was a gentle force 2/3 wind prevailing for the evening race of 4 laps to port.

Mark Meardon in his Laser made a good start but experimenting with his sail he capsized twice, this enabled the GP 14 of Dave and Mike Peters (no relation!) to stay in contention followed by the Mirror of Phil Keightley, the Pico of Richard Stevens then Tim Comley in his Heron. Andy Rozarieux has all boats handicaps in his computer so getting the adjusted times so quickly done.

1, Mark Meardon (Laser); 2, Dave Peters (GP 14); 3, Tim Comley (Heron); 4, Phil Keightley (Mirror); 5, Richard Stevens (Pico). Tim took third place from Phil by just 1 second.

November

December

1999

April

“All is not what it seems”. Mike Cook.

May

Saturday May 1st was the first race of 99, mist inshore nearly cancelled the racing, but it lifted just before the start. Only five boats started in light winds but plenty of enthusiasm made for a good race with Dave and Mike Peters in a GP14 taking first place, Brian Gray in his Fireball was second, Viv Lewis’ Streaker just beat the Solo of Malcolm McNamara for third place with Peter Hendry in his Marauder coming fifth.

Wednesday’s race was in much different conditions with a force 4 wind and choppy seas. Eight boats jostled at the start of a four-lap race to starboard, some exciting racing followed with capsizes aplenty and all crews enjoying the lively conditions. The handicap system brought some surprises: 1, John Meardon, Laser; 2, Dave and Mike Peters, GP14; 3, Mike Cook, Laser; 4, Viv Lewis, Streaker; 5 Tim Comley, Heron; 6, Malcolm McNamara, Solo. Both, Joe Poynton, Laser and Brian Gray, Fireball, retired. Only the first three boats completed four laps as the race was shortened to three laps due to failing light.

June

St. Ives Regatta

(The Cornishman)

S.I.S.C. regatta.

Saturday arrives and the worries about the weather are over, a good wind, favourable tide, overcast but no rain. All arrangements fall into place and at 10.30 sharp the first race started. Seeing 34 boats heading for the first mark was some sight. By the second lap the boats were spread out over the whole course with some terrific racing going right on to the finish. There was just 10 minutes to form up the second race started, the wind had picked up and had the effect of splitting the boats up into two packs, the big boys enjoying the conditions and the smaller boats battling the elements, but all enjoying the competition. On completion of the race all the boats were laid up on the beach for a well-earned break and a pint and a pasty!

The third race started at 3 p.m., the wind was now a good force 4 from the S.W., and a choppy sea causing plenty of capsizes, but the assistance of the three safety boats were not needed, again it was good racing with the smaller boats being lapped by the fast boys, but all sailing to their limits and everyone completing the course.

The prize giving was held outside the Sloop Inn at 6.30.p.m. The wind had now dropped and the sun was shining, a perfect evening.

Des Menear in his Osprey won all 3 races and collected the new Florence Cup. Mike Cook in a Laser was the 1st St. Ives boat in all 3 races, collecting the De Savary Cup.

The St. Ives Sailing Club expressed they’re thanks to everyone who helped to make the regatta a success.

August

Wednesday night’s race was to be for the ‘Eclipse’ trophy and eight boats took to the bay in a force 2 wind from the S.E. However, as the race started the wind fell right away and with the tide on the ebb only 3 boats actually crossed the start line, one boat, a Laser with Martin Rawling at the helm, did complete one lap. All boats were eventually towed in. The club is grateful to Mike and Aaron in the safety boat and the fishermen who helped to tow competitors back to the harbour and to Richard in the tower for his efforts. In all a disappointing end to Eclipse Day.

Mounts Bay Regatta has seen through the eyes of Peter Hendry.

September

Pictured in front of ‘Jambo’ are some of the 1st St. Ives Scout group on an evening visit to St. Ives Sailing Club. Pictured in the Sloop car park showing them the ropes were Mike Cook, David Peters, Philip Cole and Vice Commodore Viv Lewis. The scouts had an enjoyable evening, and the Beavers particularly enjoyed the rescue boat and ‘Trevor’ the tractor. They also visited Smeaton’s Lighthouse to hear the sailing club horn and James Perkin on the portable radio. Both organisations said they were keen to encourage the youth of St. Ives to join in their activities and have some fun.

November

Report Mike Cook              

On Friday 13th November a group of five members, Martin Rawling, Aaron Rawling,

Viv Lewis, Dave Peters and Mike Cook, travelled to Freckleton, near Blackpool to purchase a new safety boat. They stayed in a Travel Lodge over night before traveling on to the factory for a successful test run of a Sea Jeep. After which a New Sea Jeep was fitted out to the Club’s requirements. Later that day, the members drove straight home towing the new vessel behind.

Viv Lewis, Dave Peters, Luke Warm (Hot water bottle), Mike Cook and Aaron Rawling. (Photo by Martin Rawling)

Mike Cook, Viv Lewis, Dave Peters, Aaron Rawling with Martin Rawling behind the camera, about to set off home with their new purchase.

December

Mike Cook (Sailing Sec), Martin Rawling (Commodore), Mike and David Peters.

(Photo   Terrie Cook)

2000

May

(Cornishman)

Racing.

After losing the last three meetings due to the lack of wind – or too much of it!- the club enjoyed a steady force 4 from the east and enjoyed four laps of exciting racing with six boats starting.

Malcolm McNamara (Solo) was Quick away followed by Dave Peters (GP14), Martin Rawling (Laser), Viv Lewis (Streaker), Marcus Millington and Peter Whittall (Wayfarer), then Tim Comley (Heron), Malcolm (Solo) retired injured, and Tim (heron) was disqualified for an incorrect course. New members Marcus and Peter (Wayfarer) were having a good race and gradually pulled to the front having a duel with the GP14. Martin (Laser) was having trouble at the jibe mark and lost a few places. The safety boat was crewed by Mike Cook and Linda Smith and Tony Hull was in Smeaton’s Tower.

Results: 1, GP14, Dave Peters; 2, Streaker, Viv Lewis; 3, Wayfarer, Marcus Millington; 4, Martin Rawling, Laser; one retired, one disqualified.

June

All the arrangements for St. Ives Regatta had been made and were dependent on weather and spectators, luckily both were excellent, and the first race started on time. 23 boats jostled at the start, and it was a great sight to see all the sails heading for the first mark.

Racing was on class and handicap systems; Lasers from Penzance and Mounts Bay led the way with the St. Ives boys in hot pursuit. There was some great sailing from the Mirror sailors and the St. Ives handicap fleet. It was much the same in the second race.

The afternoon race started at 3 p.m. The course had to be altered due to backing and falling off of the wind which tried the patience of all helms with the visiting boats again leading the way. The prize giving was held outside the Sloop Inn in bright sunshine with the proprietors of Roach’s Garage presenting the prizes.

The stars of the day were Robin Row (PZSC), Matthew Jeffreys (MBSC) both in Lasers and the Crawford brothers Ryan and Lewis (PZSC) in their Mirror who won the handicap classes and the top juniors. Honours were shared by the St. Ives sailors with Martin Rawling, Mike Cook and Joe Poynton each winning a race. Brian Gray getting a second in race 3 and Martyn Thompson (Graduate) splitting the Lasers in race 2.

Charlotte Kemp and Clare Sharp (PZSC) taking 2nd and 3rd places overall. Robin Row won the New Florence Cup, Mike Cook won Peter de Savary Cup for best St. Ives boat.

The St. Ives Sailing Club committee felt the day had gone very well and thanked everyone for their support, including the safety boat crew, the visiting sailors and their sponsors St. Ives Motors, Roach’s Garage and Maurice Symons.

December

2001

April

Wednesday April 11: Having lost two race meetings due to bad weather, this was the first race of the year. There was a moderate sea, a steady force 2 from the North and nine boats at the start mark. True to form it was Mike Cook leading the fleet into the first lap closely followed by Martin Rawling, both in Lasers. The Wayfarer of Marcus Millington came next then Joe Poynton in his Laser. Dave and Mike Peters in their GP14 were doing well, keeping ahead of Martyn Thompson (Laser) and latest member, John Palser (Laser), next came Martin Goodman (Marauder) and Viv Lewis now sailing a Heron.

Results: 1, Mike, 2, Martin Rawling, 3, Marcus, 4, Joe, 5, Dave Peters, 6, Martyn Thompson, 7, Martin Goodman. Both John and Viv were disqualified for passing the wrong side of the inshore mark. Bill Riley sailed but did not race.

Saturday, April 14 was a wet afternoon, with a low tide, calm sea and a force 3-4 from the S.W. A good course had been set up by Tony Hull, and it was Martin Rawling who lead the way, Brian Gray and Mike Cook were dicing for second place, Marcus in the Wayfarer was up with the Lasers and gave his Spinnaker it’s first airing. John Palser was having a good race as was Aaron Rawling (Laser Radial). Vicky Nash was back in her Topper. Viv Lewis (Heron) managed to hold off Martin (Marauder) until the last lap before being lapped! A good afternoon’s sailing by all.

Results: 1, Martin, 2, Mike, 3, Brian (Laser), 4, Marcus, 5, John, 6, Aaron, 7, Martin Goodman, 8, Viv.

June

There was a good turnout for Wednesday’s race and from the start it was the Wayfarer of Marcus Millington and Peter Whittall who got away first, but at the first mark they were caught and passed by Brian Gray, closely pursued by Mike Cook and Martin Rawling, all in Lasers. By the third lap Martin Rawling had taken the lead, John Palser sailed well to catch and pass Mike Cook. Simon Burgess was sailing single-handedly in the Miracle and going well, Bill Riley in the Solo successfully completed the course for the first time. Results: 1, Martin Rawling, 2, John Palser, 3, Mike Cook, 4, Brian Gray, 5, Simon Burgess, 6, Vicky Nash, 7, Aaron Rawling, 8, Marcus & Peter, 8, Andy Rozarieux, 10, Bill Riley.

July

Racing

On Wednesday evening there was a bit of a chop with a westerly wind, force 4-5. The fleet consisted of five Lasers, a Wayfarer, a Miracle and a Marauder. John Palser took the lead from the start. The first lap claimed two boats, the Laser of Joe Poynton with gear failure and Simon Burgess (Miracle) after a long capsize. Mike Cook, Martyn Thompson and Martin Rawling (Lasers) were dicing for second place, along with Marcus Millington and Peter Whittall (Wayfarer). Results: 1, John Palser, 2, Martin Rawling, 3, Mike Cook, 4, Marcus and Peter, 5, Martyn Thompson.

On Saturday the decision was made to sail in lively conditions and eight boats were launched. The capsizes started inside the harbour and Aaron Rawling had to retire before the start with a broken boom. There was more trouble at the first mark when Tim Comley (Heron) capsized and Mike Cook, who was crew in the safety boat, had to go over the side to assist him. He was finally beached before John Palser had to be assisted to right his Laser due to another broken boom. The radio alerted the safety crew to another Laser in trouble in rough conditions, Brian Gray climbed aboard the safety boat and Mike Cook sailed the Laser back to the harbour. By now John Palser was sailing with a broken boom and finding he could only sail on a run, so the safety boat chased after him before he ended up in Hayle.

Meanwhile the race continued with Marcus Millington and Peter Whittall (Wayfarer) and David Peters and Peter Hendry (GP14) enjoying the conditions as were the three remaining Lasers of Martin Rawling, Tim Berriman and Martyn Thompson. There was good sailing by these boats with no more calls for assistance. Results: 1, Marcus and Peter, 2, Martin Rawling, 3, Dave and Peter, 4, Tim Berriman, 5, Martyn Thompson. The over worked safety boat had just enough energy left to collect the race marks!

December

2002

April

St. Ives Sailing Club started their racing season on Wednesday, April 3 with good conditions, a force 3-4 fresh from the northwest, a slight swell and the tide on the flood. Terrie Cook and Mike Sadler were crewing the safety boat, now updated with VHF radio. Watching over proceedings from Smeaton’s Tower were Tony Hull and the new sailing secretary, Bill Riley.

All went well at the start with the Lasers leading the way with Brian Gray bringing up the rear. Other boats competing were Marcus Millington and Peter Whittall (Wayfarer), Nick and wife Louise (Marauder), Vicky in her Topper and Tim Comley in the Heron, the Laser sailors were Mike Cook, Martyn Thompson, John Palser and Brian Gray. The Lasers were having a competitive race with Mike Cook in the lead, Brian made up his poor start and was now competing with Martyn for second place, after four laps the race result was 1, Mike Cook, 2, Brian Gray, 3, Martyn Thompson.

May

June

July

On Saturday July 6 John Palser made the best start, Martyn Thompson and Paul Smith in the Graduate in his wake, Martin Rawling, son Aaron and Brian Gray were keeping close company and did so for most of the race with Dave and Andy in the GP14. There was no Wayfarer as Marcus and Peter were manning the safety boat. Martin Potter and dad Richard were out in the 470 but not racing as was Mike Cook with Mary, a new member, having her first sail in the Topaz. Bill Riley in his Solo was racing until a capsize and a buoyancy problem called for a tow in.

Result: 1, Vicky Nash (Topper), 2, Martin Rawling (Laser), 3, Martyn Thompson and Paul Smith (Graduate), 4, Brian Gray (Laser), 5, John Palser (Laser), 6, Aaron (Radial), 7, Dave and Andy (GP14).

December

2003

January

Successful year for St. Ives Sailing Club.

St. Ives Sailing Club has had its most successful year so far. Established in 1972 the club has experienced many ups and downs but is now thriving as never before. This year saw a record number of new member applications, some from families living as far away as London. While on the water the number of boats tuning up to race is also at an all-time high, with 15 dinghies of varying types and classes competing on occasions. In addition, the club has enjoyed the use of the Shamrock fisherman’s lodge on the harbour front. The lodge, with its wall displays of old photographs and pictures of bygone days in St. Ives, offers the perfect setting in which to chat after each race. The club’s committee business is also conducted in the lodge.

Innovation in recent years has seen the purchase of a tractor with which to pull the safety boat to and from the water. In addition, the tractor is useful in recovering the dinghies of the race weary sailors from the beach. It is hoped to replace this with a more powerful four- wheel drive version in the New Year.

Last year the club took possession of a brand-new Topaz sailing dinghy. The Topaz is now the club sail training boat. Over the season the appointed training officer, Mike Cook, has taken time out from racing to oversee the training of others.

More than 20 members of the club completed a VHF radio course in Falmouth earlier in the year. This means that everyone on the safety boat duty rota is now proficient, and licenced, to use VHF radios for contact with the race controller and also to be in easy contact with the emergency services, including Falmouth Coastguard. Falmouth Coastguard are routinely contacted before and after each race to make them aware that sailing club members are using the water outside the safety of the harbour.

The success of the club has meant that space in the club boat pen, situated at the rear of the Sloop car park, is now very much at a premium. Club members have looked at various ways of increasing the capacity of the pen with nothing entirely practical coming to the fore as yet. The club hopes this need may be addressed with the recommendations in the final report for the development proposals for St. Ives harbour. This report, commissioned by Penwith District Council and undertaken by Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Limited, researched the opinions of the local community with respect to the development and way forward for the harbour and surrounding areas. It is hoped that the sailing club will be able to benefit from the enhanced facilities at the Sloop car park.

March

June

St. Ives Sailing Club received a boost of £125 towards club funds on Wednesday June 11 when Porthminster Hotel Manager, Mr Jakes presented the club with a donation from the hotel. Mr. Jakes presented a cheque for the amount which was accepted by Committee member and fundraiser Mr. David Peters, prior to the club’s Wednesday evening racing. The donation was used to purchase new marker buoy mooring lines and anchors, a new buoy to mark the course start lines.

October

On Saturday there was wind force 2 from the south and calm seas. The race officer Bill Riley and Terrie Cook and Peter Berriman were in the safety boat.

There was a good turnout for racing with helms and crews numbering 24 in14 boats. There were mixed fortunes at the start. John Palser was away first again, but the Iso and the GP14 were recalled for being over the start line, the GP14 having to return twice. By the 2nd lap the Iso had got back in front, and the Lark of Simon Burgess and Phil Cole disputing 2nd place with the Lasers of Martin Rawling, John Palser and Brian Gray. Then followed Marcus Millington and Peter Whittall in the Wayfarer and Martyn Thompson and Paul Smith in the 470. The Lark of Mark Paxton was steadily moving up through the fleet, also having a good race were Martin Potter and Daniel Lees in the Laser 2000. The fluky wind was bringing out the best from those racing. John Palser looked to have 2nd place in the bag only to have Martin Rawling get past at the last mark. Also sailing but not racing were Mike Cook giving Roy Appleton some tuition in the Graduate. Daniel in the Topaz and Paul Smith in his Otter.

November

2004

January

April

On Wednesday there were borderline conditions for sailing but the decision to race was taken and some exciting racing was to follow, a good turnout with 12 boats made their way out to the start. The Lark’s race was short-lived as the tiller broke on the first lap and the boat was rowed to shore. Mike Cook had a dramatic capsize, actually taking to the air, when he surfaced, he narrowly avoided being run over by the Laser of John Palser who was right behind him. Martyn Thompson was putting distance between himself and the rest of the fleet until capsizing. Great competition took place between the rest of the boats with Martin Rawling gradually pulling ahead to take first place. Results: 1, M. Rawling, 2, Marcus & Peter, 3, J. Palser, 4, M. Cook, 5, B, Gray, 6, M. Thompson, 7, Aaron Rawling, 8, Andy & David, 9, Martin & Daniel Lees, 10, R. Manley, 11, B. Riley.

On Saturday there were similar conditions with just 9 boats deciding to race. Martyn Thompson took Roy out in his Graduate, they capsized twice but kept going. Aaron Rawling suffered a cut eye during one of his capsizes so Patrick Manley in the safety boat took over for the tow in. The third member of the crew was Rupert Manley, so Aaron was well cared for. During the third lap a squall swept through the bay, catching out most of the boats, even the Wayfarer went over suffering a broken drop keel in the process. The race was shortened, and three Lasers crossed the line in less than 30 seconds. Bill Riley, who was doing well with no capsizes, thought the race was abandoned and came in. Only 5 boats completed the course, they were 1, M. Rawling, 2, J. Palser, 3, M. Cook, 4, Martin & Daniel, 5, Marcus & Peter. Well done to all who sailed, especially the safety boats helm and crew.

May

On Wednesday there was just enough wind for sailing, a gentle force 2 from the N.W. 14 boats went down at the low tide mark preparing to sail including Vick Nash with her Topper, back after her long holiday and Terrie Cook with the Topaz, a change from the safety boat. Sailing his Graduate on his own was Roy Appleton, as was Viv Lewis in the Heron. Daniel Rouncefield had his first sail in a Laser. All got away cleanly from the start, the Wayfarer of Marcus and Peter was just in the lead with five Lasers jostling for places close behind. The race duration was five laps and by the second lap the Wayfarer had pulled out a lead with the fleet of Lasers in pursuit changing positions on each lap, all enjoying a comfortable but competitive race.

Result: 1, Marcus & Peter; 2, Mike Cook; 3, M. Rawling; 4, Simon & Phil (Lark); 5, B. Gray; 6, Vicky Nash; 7, J. Palser; 8, A Rawling; 9, B. Riley; 10 Martyn Thompson & Paul Smith; 11, D. Rouncefield; 12, Viv Lewis; Roy and Terrie both retired.

On Saturday conditions were more testing with a force 3-4 from the N.E. with a choppy swell. There was no outright leader from the start, the Wayfarer, the 470 and the Laser of Martin Rawling all having a spell in the lead. There was a change in roles for Daniel Rouncefield enjoying being out on the trapeze on the 470. Both John Palser and Brian Gray changed to radial rig on their Lasers, Brian did well but John decided to revert to his normal rig. Simon Ashmore had the only capsize during the race.

Result: 1, Marcus & Peter; 2, Martin Rawling; 3, Mike Cook; 4, Brian Gray; 5, Martyn Thmpson & Daniel; 6, John Palser; 7, Aaron Rawling; 8, Bill Riley; 9, Marc Paxton; 10, Simon Ashmore; Daniel Lees sailed the Topaz but did not race.

June

August

September

November

Laying up supper

Marcus Millington and Peter Whittall won the Florence Challenge Trophy for overall winners of 2004. No other information available.

2005

February

The club’s AGM was held this year at the Howards Hotel in Carbis Bay. The main item on the agenda was to elect a new commodore as after three years in office Martin Rawling is standing down, he has guided the club with his leadership and enthusiasm and will be a hard act to follow. The task was accepted by Marcus Millington, and everyone wished him well and every success in his new position.

John Palser takes over the Sailing Secretary’s duties from Bill Riley. All the other positions on the committee were re-elected to serve for another year. After the formal proceedings were completed, there was a break for refreshments. The club were then entertained with a short film put together by Mike and Terrie Cook which consisted of highlights from previous regattas and also a film of the flying display given by the Red Arrows on their last visit to Cornwall. A quiz followed conducted by Bill Riley.

April

On Wednesday nine boats were out for the first race this year. The new start system was successful. All boats being on the right side of the start line on the one minute signal. Marcus and Peter, having their first race in their Osprey, flew past everyone to lead at the first mark hotly pursued by the Lark and the Lasers of Martin Rawling and John Palser. The Osprey then spread its wings and took off into the distance never to be headed with Peter making good use of the trapeze to keep the boat flat. A close battle was taking place behind them between Martin Rawling, John Palser in their Lasers, Martin Potter in the Stratos and Simon Burgess in the Lark. At the start of the last lap the Osprey was leading, followed by the Stratos and the two Lasers. The Stratos had problems with its spinnaker allowing the Lasers to get past going into the beat, however by the upwind mark the Stratos had regained her position and held it to the finish. Aaron Rawling and Mike Cook, both in Radial Lasers had a tussle in the early laps, Mike getting ahead for the finish. Bill Riley had a steady if uneventful race. New members, Keith and Andrea launched their new boat, a Topper Magno but decided not to race until they had got in some practice.

Result: 1, Martin Potter, Statos; 2, Martin Rawling, Laser; 3, John Palser, Laser; 4, Simon Burgess, Lark; 5, Mike Cook, Laser; joint 6th, Aaron Rawling, Laser & Marcus & Peter, Osprey; 7, Bill Riley, Solo.

May

Both club meetings were called off due to high winds last week but on Monday and Tuesday conditions were just right for sailing when school pupils from St. Ives and Hayle came to the pen to be taken out and experience dinghy sailing.

This activity came about through the efforts of Secretary Martin Potter working with Helen Bowkett, the outdoor education coach for both schools, together with a grant to the club from Penwith Development Trust and the Neighbourhood Renewal Learning Chest which enabled the club to purchase buoyancy jackets and other safety aids.

Five boats capable of carrying two or three crew took part along with a number of helpers for the tractor and safety boat. Everyone enjoyed sharing their sport with the youngsters, especially when a pod of dolphins arrived and put on a display for them. The session lasted for an hour and a half with some pupils changing over to try a spell in the safety boat. The club intends to repeat these sessions again in June and July to encourage the sport for the youngsters.

June

September

On Saturday there was a SE wind force 2/3, calm sea and testing conditions with gusting winds, which promised a fast race. Six boats positioned themselves at the start and the Osprey of Marcus and Peter and the Stratos of Martin Potter and Sam Whittall led the fleet away from the start. The Osprey soon built up a lead which he must do because of the handicap system, with the Stratos giving chase. Also going well was Richard Stevens in his comet and the Lasers were all sailing to form led by Martin Rawling. John Palser suffered a broken mast and was towed in and with the gusting wind causing lots of capsizes keeping Dave Peters and Roy Appleton busy in the safety boat. Brian Gray capsized right on a mark, his rigging getting caught in the mooring, he was taken aboard the safety boat leaving his Laser attached to the mark as they had to attend to other boats in trouble. Brian continued racing after his Laser was freed. Daniel Lees and Sam Eddy were out in their Radial Lasers but were asked to return to harbour allowing the safety boat to attend to the boats racing. Also sailing were Rupert and Patrick Manley.

Result: 1, M. Rawling, 2, Marcus & Peter, 3, M. Potter & S. Whittall, 4, M. Cook, 5, R. Stevens, 6, B. Gray. Tony Hull and Edward Jenkyn were taking care of events from the tower.

November

The start of the frostbite series saw a cold but sunny afternoon with wind force 2/3 from the west and the tide up. Six boats and crews prepared, Dave Peters and Roy Appleton, in the safety boat, laid the course and Viv Lewis in the tower prepared a five-lap race. There were no problems at the start, the Osprey led the three Lasers and the Enterprise. A big swell was running but there were no capsizes. As the race progressed the boats spread out, Martin Rawling led the Lasers chasing the Osprey. The Enterprise at this stage was ahead of Mike Cook and Martin Potter, crewed by Terrie Cook. Mike Cook was just holding off the Enterprise and the Statos, who would have liked more wind, it did pick up for the last lap. A good race was enjoyed by all. Result: 1, M. Rawling, 2, J. Palser, 3, M. Cook, 4, Marcus & Peter, 5, Rupert & Patrick Manley, 6, Martin Potter & Terrie Cook.

On Saturday 19th November our friend and fellow sailor Martyn Thompson passed away. His character was perfectly portrayed in this poem by John Palser.

Martin Thompson

Martin Thompson a sailor boy

Big yellow boat was his favourite toy

Raising the main and flying the kite

Bow through the waves - was a pretty sight

Loved the sea and after race natter

Win or lose it didn’t matter

Just to take part and test his skills

That was the way to thrills and spills

Jokes in the pen and laughter in the hut

No one escaped the wicked butt

All in good humour, delivered with smile

Guaranteed to make us laugh for a while

Down to the water and wait for the green

Make a good start - always keen

Never gave up and willing to learn

Enthusiastic and cheerful with energy to burn

Round the marks, riding the waves

A welcome break from the working days

Tacking and gybing, dodging the others

Hollering and shouting you silly ******

Boats put away and on with the covers

All’s forgotten my mates and brothers

Down to the lodge for tea and some talk

Plenty to say in his long, long report

Now, look across the wide St. Ives Bay

Look across the water to Hayle far away

Look across the water where the dolphins run

You will see our sailing friend - Martin Thompson

December

A moving farewell to one of the club’s keenest sailors

Prior to the start of racing, Martyn Thompson’s close family boarded the safety boat and motored out to the start area. At a signal from the tower the nine boats out on the water gathered around the safety boat and Martyn’s ashes were scattered in the bay. A moving farewell to one of the club’s keenest sailors.

The race started and it looked like two Lasers were going to cross the starting line first when the Osprey sailed past them to make a perfect start. In fact, all boats seemed to be on top form. Mike Cook was away ahead of the Lasers building up a good lead. Martin Potter had Tom Edmondson crewing for him, and they were in hot pursuit of the Osprey. Martin Rawling was just ahead of son Aaron, followed by John Palser and Brian Gray, John finally got past Aaron on the last lap, but Mike Cook held on to his third place right to the finish. Also sailing was Martin Goodman out in his Marauder with Paul Smith crewing. The perfect conditions ensured a good afternoon’s sailing.

Result; 1, Marcus & Peter, 2, Martin & Tom, 3, Mike Cook, 4, Martin Rawling, 5, Aaron Rawling, 6, John Palser, 7, Brian Gray, 8, Bill Riley, 9, Martin Goodman & Paul Smith. Tony Hull and Edward Jenkyn were in the tower. Terrie Cook & Dave Peters crewed the safety boat.

2006

May

Racing.

There was a little breeze out in the bay on Wednesday, but the sections close to the shore were very sheltered and it was difficult to find any speed. Martin Rawling made the best start, and he was never caught.

There was a battle behind him between Brian Gray and John Palser who were being steadily hunted down by the Lark of Simon Burgess and Phil Cole. The other Lark of Simon Ashmore and Derek Hall finished fifth behind John Palser, and Keith Sampson brought the Magno home in sixth ahead of the Stratos of Martin Potter/Martyn Jackson and Bill’s Solo.

Result: 1, Martin Rawling, Laser, 2, Brian Gray, Laser, 3, Simon Burgess/Phil Cole, Lark.

It was Martin Rawling again who showed the way home in the first race Saturday, from John Palser and Aaron Rawling in a Radial. Brian Gray was in it until the last lap when a broken tiller forced him out, giving up fourth place to Bill Riley, with Mark Paxton and Simon Ashmore bringing up the rear. The second race was over a shortened course which saw much swell. The results would have been idential to the first but for a number of capsizes by Martin which relegated him down to third.

1st race: 1, Martin Rawling, Laser; 2, John Palser, Laser; 3, Aaron Rawling, Radial; 4, Bill Riley, Solo; 5, Marc Paxton/Simon Ashmore, Lark.

2nd race: 1, John Palser, Laser; 2, Aaron Rawling, Radial; 3, Martin Rawling, Laser; 4, Bill Riley, Solo; 5, Mark Paxton/Simon Ashmore.

June

St. Ives Regatta

August

Racing.

Eight boats lined up at the start of Wednesday’s race on a beautiful, bright and breezy evening. The winds weren’t too strong, but they were gusting and shifting around which made it very tricky to sail well. Brian Gray continued his run of from by leading on the first lap, even holding off the much faster Osprey of Marcus and Peter until their eagerness to get past led to a collision which knocked Brian out of his boat. In the ensuing confusion, Mike Cook and John Palser had to take avoiding action and let the Stratos of Martin Potter and new member Maria Purvis through just behind Martin Rawling. After that the positions stayed the same, with Martin Rawling taking the win on handicap from Martin and Maria. Simon Ashmore and Emile Gatta retired with gear failure after the first lap in the Lark.

Result: 1, Martin Rawling, 2, Martin Potter and Maria Purvis, 3, Marcus Millington and Peter Whittall, 4, Mike Cook, 5, John Palser, 6, Brian Gray, 7, Rupert Manley.

October

November

Frostbite race.

A beautiful sunny if cool day greeted the St. Ives sailors on Saturday and the wind came just in time to make it perfect racing. Five boats made the start, including the striking new Vago of club champion Martin Rawling. It’s a step up for Martin as he will now have three sails to worry about rather than just the one on his Laser.

The start was a bit of a debacle as one boat was over the line, but all the other boats thought they had to return as well causing mayhem on the line. It was the Osprey of Peter Whittall with guest helm Jonathan Thomas who set the early pace being chased surprisingly by Martin’s Vago and John Palser’s Laser. Dave Peters and Andy Roz in the Magno were next but couldn’t fly their spinnaker on the first reach as it wasn’t rigged properly. This let the Stratos of Martin Potter through, being helmed today by new sailor Sarah Bonnar in only her second time on the helm, and with the spinnaker up. The Vago survived a capsize but recovered and finished first on handicap, with John second. The Magno recorded their best ever result in third just edging out the Osprey.

Result: 1, Martin Rawling; 2, John Palser; 3, David Peters & Andy Roz; 4, Jonathan Thomas & Peter Whittall; 5, Sarah Bonnar & Martin Potter.

2007

May

Racing.

Racing finally got underway at the club on Wednesday, after a month-long delay whilst the new club’s facilities, the changing and storage cabin, were being built in the boat pen. A stiff force 3 breeze from the Northwest greeted seven boats at the start line. Mike Cook (Laser) was first away with the very fast Osprey, Marcus Millington and Peter Whittall quickly finding the lead. With the Lasers and the two Stratos doing battle on the run and beat, Simon Burgess (Lark) was able to sail well and occupy second place for most of the race. Mike Cook also had a good race. Unfortunately, Mike missed out the final mark of the course and sportingly accepted the penalty for that. Mike’s demise allowed Marc Paxton and Derek Hall (Stratos – Ex Lark) into third place, on their very first outing in their new acquisition.

Result: 1, Marcus & Peter; 2, Simon & Phil; 3, Marc Paxton & Derek Hall; 4, John Palser (Laser); 5, Martin Potter & Sarah Bonnar (Stratos); 6,Alex & Kim Accleton (GP14).

On Saturday the wind had picked up and veered to an easterly force 4, whilst a busy boat pen yielded ten boats to the fray. In the first race it was Mike Cook who again made the best start, with the ‘express’ Osprey in hot pursuit. Mike had his usual tussle with John Palser (Laser) throughout the race, with a very fast and exciting beam reach allowing these two to move away from the rest of the fleet. Not, however, fast enough to clip the wings of the flying Osprey! A quick capsize recovery at the gybe mark inspired Mike to surf past a sleeping

J.P. to the finish line.

Results: 1, Marcus & Peter; 2, Mike Cook; 3, John Palser; 4, Simon Ashmore / Marc Paxton / Derek Hall (Stratos); 5, Alex Accleton & George (GP14); 6, Dan Rouncefield (Topaz).

Race Officer Bill Riley reversed the course for the second race. It was the Lasers who got away first but with the fast reach now gone and the wind speed climbing (force 5 gusting 6+) they found it increasingly difficult to keep the large two-man boats at bay as the race progressed. The race itself was full of incidents, far too numerous to mention individually. Capsizes, collisions, retirements etc, all contributed to the adrenalin rush of an exceptionally exciting afternoon. Martin Potter (Stratos) with his young crew, Sarah Bonnar, took the honours on handicap with the uncharacteristically sluggish Osprey (on the first lap at least) only managing second!

Result: 1, Martin & Sarah; 2, Marcus & Peter; 3, Mike Cook; 4, John Palser; 5, Marc Paxton / Simon / Derek.

June

Racing.

The blustery Wednesday afternoon wind had given way to light force 1to2 breezes, from the North, by race time. A good turnout of 13 boats made their way to the start area near Smeaton’s Pier. However, during the start process, paraplegic sailor Geoff Holt was spotted rounding the island headland. The start of the club race was postponed for 10 minutes so that club members could escort Geoff towards the harbour and impart their good wishes for his endeavours.

The club race started with a run to the first mark. As might be expected, some of the larger, faster boats, with spinnakers, rounded the mark first, (Osprey and Buzz). Three Lasers led by Brian Gray followed these. As the race progressed the wind subdued further, and the race had to be shortened from 4 to 2 laps. Brian sailed well, and although the boats behind were able to catch him at times, they could not quite get past and he was able to hang on to his third place on the water, 2nd on handicap just in front of Jon Keast in the Buzz. Martin Rawling (Vago) coped with the dying wind better than most, and on the last lap, sailed from the back of the fleet into 4th place on handicap (7th on the water).

Result: 1, Marcus & Peter (Osprey), 2, Brian Gray (Laser), 3, Jon Keast and crew (Buzz), 4, Martin Rawling (Vago), 5, Mike Cook (Laser), 6, John Palser (Laser), 7, Simon Burgess and crew (Lark), 8, Alex Accleton & Dino (GP14), 9, Marc Paxton & Simon Ashmore (Stratos), 10, Dave Peters & Andy de Rozarieux (Magno).

July

July

With Mount’s Bay Sailing Club’s Regatta on Sunday, Saturday was designated a club ‘fun day’, no racing, just pleasure sailing for club members, their friends and families, plus taster sessions for members of the public. On this occasion the club hosted a Healthy Living Event for the West Cornwall Healthy Living Centre and Health Authority. Club member Dr. Rupert Manley organised the activity and several guests came along for a sailing taster session. With flat seas, sunshine and a brisk force three breezes the conditions were ideal for such an occasion and all who took part, guests and club members, thoroughly enjoyed the day’s activities on the water. Dave Peters and Terrie Cook manned the club safety boat.

November

December

Frostbite.

After missing racing for the past two weeks because of high winds and large waves in the bay, the ‘Frostbite’ series got under way once more in marginally better conditions on Saturday. Although it was cold and windy with biggish seas, three helms and crews turned up determined to sail in the testing conditions. OOD Richard Sadler, assisted by Edward Jenkyn, decided on a short, triangular course just outside the harbour but beyond the big surf sweeping into the harbour mouth. Jon Keast with Daniel Rouncefield (Buzz) made the best start onto the fast beam reach down towards Porthminster Beach, which was followed by a short windward leg east into the bay. However, Martyn Tarplee (Laser) was not far behind and moved into the lead on a broad reach back to the start line (Outer Distance Mark)/ gybe mark. Martin Rawling with crew Alex Accleton, having decided to put a reef in the mainsail, was making slower progress than of late, but sailed well to negotiate the course without too much incident. On the third lap Jon and Daniel hoisted their spinnaker on the beam reach in a brave attempt to catch Martyn but found themselves having to bear away sharply from their desired course to avoid capsize when the gusts hit. Martyn eked out a good lead before the end of the five-lap race to finish first on the water and on handicap. Dave Peters and John Palser crewed the safety boat.

Result: 1, Martyn Tarplee (Laser), 2, Jon Keast & Daniel Rouncefield, 3, Martin Rawling & Alex Accleton (Vago).

2008

April

Racing.

The club’s new racing season finally got under way on Wednesday evening after the previous Saturday’s disappointing race cancellation because of strong winds and big seas in the bay. Richard Sadler (Race Officer) was on hand for the pier head duties with Sarah Keast and children assisting, set a 5 lap, starboard hand course. With the Westerly wind blowing force 5 plus, Martin Rawling with crew Aaron Rawling (Vago) made the best start on the broad reach to the first mark set east towards Hayle. However, they were quickly overtaken by the Jon Keast and Tony Pace (Buzz), who were sailing well until capsize interrupted their progress as they turned onto the beat towards Porthminster. After the first lap the wind dropped somewhat to a more manageable force 3 to4 and by time the fast moving Osprey (Marcus Millington and Peter Whittall) had taken the lead. The Osprey, Vago and Buzz all had their spinnakers flying at various times in the race and the Vago had a capsize towards the end of the race, but Mike Cook (Laser Radial rig), having selected what turned out to be a good choice of rig for his Laser, made the most of the variable conditions to finish third on the water but first on handicap.

Thanks to Terrie Cook and Dave Peters for the ‘on the water’ management in the safety boat. Martin Potter with Sam Whittall were also on the water in Martin’s latest acquisition, a Laser 4000 – a very fast and exciting boat by all accounts.

Results: 1, Mike Cook (Laser Radial) 2, Jon Keast & Tony Pace (Buzz), 3, Marcus Millington & Peter Whittall (Osprey), 4, Martin & Aaron Rawling (Vago), Martin Potter & Sam Whittall (Laser 4000) DNS.

May

June

St. Ives Sailing Club Report – by John Palser

Monday 16th June

On Monday afternoon the club’s Safety Boat, Spirit of St. Ia (Crewed by Terrie Cook and Dave Peters), performed her final club duty, monitoring the safety of children from St. Ives School who were at the club for a sailing taster session in club Commodore, Martin Potter’s, Laser Stratos dinghy.

Wednesday 18th June

Strong blustery winds with considerable rain and poor visibility prevented any sailing on Wednesday.

Thursday 19th June

On Thursday the club's new rescue boat, a six metre Carson RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with a 100 horsepower, four-cylinder Yamaha, four stroke outboard engine, arrived. The new RIB was taken out into the bay for a trial run with the rescue boat crews, who will be participating in Saturday’s Regatta, on board. Club RIB expert Colin Jefferys was on hand to explain the new craft and encourage the team of RIB novices in the art of handling such a powerful and versatile craft.

Saturday 21st June

St.Ives Sailing Club Regatta

The weather forecast had suggested that there would be blustery conditions on the day of the regatta, with increased wind speeds as the day progressed, and that proved to be the case. On the morning of the event, the background wind was force three to four, from the southeast, with stronger gusts and irregular wind shifts over a flattish sea. However, with the club’s new RIB, safety boat, on the water, crewed by Dave Peters, Roy Appleton, Terrie Cook and Colin Jefferys, and an additional safety boat, ‘Viking’ from Mounts Bay Sailing Club, crewed by Jeremy, Sarah & William, present, it was judged to be OK to start the first race on time at 10:30. A good turnout of 20 boat crews were welcomed at the briefing - 10 from the host club and 10 from various clubs in Cornwall – Penzance, Mounts Bay, Falmouth and Restronget

In the event, the conditions ensured plenty of excitement and drama for the sailors, with each race being punctuated by dinghy capsizes, collapsed spinnakers and various other weather inspired mistakes, which ensured variable and changing fortunes for those taking part.

Race Officer Richard Sadler, assisted by Mike Winniberg, John O'Leary & Julian Moore, set a port- hand course for the day’s racing, starting with a beat out towards Porthminster Point. This was followed by a broad reach, north into the bay towards Godrevy, which was terminated with a gybe mark onto a fast beam reach taking the racers towards the Island and, subsequently, back onto the windward leg through the start/finish line.

Top three finishers for each race:

1st race:

1)  James Sadler (RS 600) : Mounts Bay Sailing Club

2)  Mark Basham (Contender) : Restronget

3) Marcus Millington & Peter Whittall (Osprey) SISC    

2nd race:

1)  Steve Patten & Brian Algate (Fireball) : Penzance Sailing Club

2)  Mark Basham (Contender) Restronget

3)     Peter Cormie and James Grant (Osprey) MBSC

3rd race: the wind velocity increased further for the afternoons race, and it was subsequently found that gusts of 33 knots had been recorded in the bay by the Coast Watch -

1)  James Sadler (RS 600) MBSC

2)  Mark Basham (Contender) Restronget

3) Peter Cormie and James Grant (Osprey) MBSC

(Report - John Palser)

The trophy presentation was held in the Shamrock Lodge and was conducted by club Commodore Martin Potter with club benefactor Jill Patten Walsh handing out the awards and trophies. Before presentation of the trophies, Martin thanked the Regatta sponsors, the crews of the safety boats, the ladies who had prepared the lunch and presentation time refreshments (Eileen Lewis and Norma Appleton), all the visiting crews and the host of club members who had worked hard to make the day a success.

Results: Juniors; 1, Rebecca Knee with her mother Claire, crewing (Enterprise) PZSC,

2, Katherine Sharp (Laser Full rig) PZSC, 3, Alistair Manley & Mathew Spencer-Smith (RS Feva) SISC, 4, Amy Fitter with her father crewing (Laser 2000) Falmouth.

Regatta Overall Results on handicap: 1, Mark Basham (Contender) Restronget SC; 2, Steve Patten & Brian Algate (Fireball) PZSC; 3, Peter Cormie & James Grant (Osprey) Mounts Bay SC; 4, Martin Rawling & Alex Accleton (Laser Vago) SISC; 5, Jamie Sadler (RS600) Mounts Bay SC.

First three boats for SISC; 1, Martin Rawling & Alex Accleton (Vago); 2, Marcus & Peter (Osprey); 3, Simon Ashmore with Marc Paxton (race 1 & 2) and Barry Hall (race 3) (Laser Stratos).

July

August

Vago National Championships

Penzance Sailing Club hosted the Laser Vago and Laser 2000 National Championships in Mounts Bay from Sunday 10 August to Friday 15 August. Martin Rawling with crew Alex Accleton, from the St. Ives Club, having been on a steep learning curve all year, decided to give the Vago Nationals A go.

With high wind speeds forecast for the week a much smaller fleet than hoped for registered for the event. The small fleet did however contain a wide spectrum of sailors with a range of experience, some used to the sea, and some used to inland waters only.

On day 1, with 30 knots of wind in the first race just 6 dinghies lined up for the start but with many capsizes in the strong wind just 2 finished, with Martin and Alex taking the line honours. The wind increased for the second race and just 3 boats lined up for the go signal. This time Martin and Alex were the only finishers.

On day 2 there was slightly less wind (20 to 25 Knots). Martin and Alex continued to strengthen their position at the top of the leader board with another first followed by a second.

On day 5 the St. Ives sailors continued to finish in the top two, with second in the first race, first in the second race and first in the third race. The racing was much closer on the final day but with force 6 winds at times, Martin and Alex continued to dominate. Finishing off their campaign with two more wins to add to their already unassailable lead.

They finished with just 8 points after discarding their worst scores. Note: in sailing, lowest score wins- 1point for 1st, 2 points for 2nd and so on.

!st, Martin Rawling and Alex Accleton, St. Ives Sailing Club, 8 points; 2nd, Paul and Katherine Welch, Weirwood SC, 15 points; 3rd, Chris and Edward Thompson Bexhill SC, 29 points.

The National Champions Trophy and prize was awarded by Paul Welch to Martin Rawling and Alex Accleton.

September

Racing.

One of the closest races of the year was fought out between just six boats on Wednesday evening over a short course that favoured the spinnaker boats. With several regulars missing, it was Jonathan Thomas in his Vareo that won the sprint downwind to the first mark using his kite to good effect. The next three laps saw the lead change hands between him, the Vago of Martin Rawling, with crew Alex Accleton trapezing to the maximum, Marc Paxton, and Simon Ashmore in the Stratos, and Mike Cook and Brian Gray enjoying their own battle in their Lasers. Each boat held the lead at some stage hotly pursued by Jon and Mia Keast in the slower but well sailed Topaz. Marc and Simon eventually triumphed by less than thirty seconds over Martin and Alex in the dash to the finish line. 1st, Marc Paxton & Simon Ashmore, 2nd, Martin Rawling & Alex Accleton, 3rd, Mike Cook, 4th, Brian Gray, 5th, Jon & Mia Keast, 6th, Jonathan Thomas.

November

December

Frostbite.

The wind was stronger than first impressions had indicated on Saturday when five boats launched on the receding tide for the final race of the season and last race of the Frostbite Series. Once the dinghies had sailed beyond the lee of the land, they found the westerly gusts were quite powerful. Marcus Millington the Officer of the day, assisted by Viv Lewis, set a starboard hand course that began with a run towards Hayle Estuary.

There were several capsizes before the start and Julie Hanson (Vareo) took the opportunity to retire back to the harbour before the race began. John Palser was first away but was quickly passed by the very quick RS700 (Tim Royal) and the RS800 helmed by Jon Keast and crewed by Ryan Crawford. John capsized on the approach to the leeward mark and decided to retire, whilst Jon and Ryan, who were first onto the windward leg taking them back towards the harbour, were forced to give up when their mainsail was torn, with Jon falling through the hole in the sail, into the water, as they capsized.

The drama was not over for them though and as they sailed into the harbour mouth, they were hit by two huge rogue waves that threatened to pitch them back into the sea. Meanwhile, Tim Royal was having his own problems and after battling for one lap decided enough was enough. This left just one dinghy out on the course. Martin Rawling with Simon Mummery (Vago) completed two laps to be the only crew to record the finish. Martin Potter and Daniel Rouncefield provided the on the water management in the safety boat.

Results: 1, Martin Rawling and Simon Mummery (Vago), Jon Keast and Ryan Crawford (RS800) DNF, Tim Royal (RS700) DNF, John Palser (Laser) DNF, Julie Hanson (Vareo) DNF.

Overall results for the Frostbite Series: 1, Tim Royal (RS700) 5pts, 2, John Palser (Laser) 8pts, 3, Martin Rawling & Simon Mummery (Vago) 10 pts, 4, Julie Hanson (Vareo) 16 pts.

2009

February

March

June

Topaz Racing.

On Wednesday 3rd June there was no wind to speak of and consequently no racing.

On Saturday it was considerably than temperatures of late and although the conditions for sailing had been good in the morning, by the afternoon race time the wind speeds, from the northwest on this occasion, were considerably higher than the forecast of 12 knots. A total of nine boats launched on the rising tide in anticipation of some exciting racing but, in the event, were confronted with excitement of a different kind. There were large waves sweeping across the mouth of the harbour, which, combined with the comparatively high wind speeds, made exit from the harbour somewhat tricky. Several boats capsized before any racing had begun, this prompted Race Officer, Barry Hall, assisted by Viv Lewis and Edward Jenkyn, acting on feedback from helms on the water via the safety boat radio link, to abandon the official racing. However, this was not the end of the afternoon’s sailing fun. Club Commodore, Martin Potter, suggested a relay race using four of the club’s Topaz fleet, starting and finishing from the slipway high tide mark. So, after a delay and subsequent observation that the conditions had not changed in favour of the official racing, four dinghies were duly rigged, teams of two were chosen and the event was initiated. This wasn’t planned to be serious racing, but just a bit of fun for anyone willing to take part and from the start all sense of ‘on the water decorum’ (and underwater to that matter) was abandoned and the rules book thrown out. As the first four helms (Jon Keast, Alex Accleton, Martin Potter and Martin Rawling) set off towards a mark sighted off Pedn Olva, the Commodore took early advantage by sailing away in the lead before any official start signal had been issued. Alex Accleton and Martin Rawing approached the beach neck-and-neck, at the end of their lap, to hand over to Marcus Millington and John Palser respectively. Judging by the look on his face and having already capsized in practise, Marcus didn’t look so happy at the prospect of racing a Topaz for the first time in the prevailing conditions. Later, but with no discernible evidence that he had any conscious control over the boat whatsoever, Marcus, amazingly still in the lead, approached the beach to finish. However, fearing that those behind might actually know what they were doing and overtake at the last, he abandoned the Topaz in favour of wading neck high in sea water towards the beach with his dinghy in tow. Subsequently, without consideration that this tactic might be in any way considered out-of-order, Marcus arrived at the beach in first place. After much banter, it was decided to award Marcus and Alex the relay win. This impromptu event was enjoyed enormously by those who took part, and it was agreed that the club should arrange more of the same in future. Dave Peters, Roy Appleton, and Colin Jefferys handled the safety boat duty.

Topaz Relay: Unofficial World Cup: 1st, Alex Accleton and Marcus Millington, 2nd, Martin Rawling and John Palser, 3rd, Jon Keast and Peter Whittall, 4th, Martin Potter and Scot Waring.

July

Laser Vago National Championship

On the weekend of July 4th and 5th Laser Vago Natioal Champion Martin Rawing, from St. Ives Club, contested the Vago National Championships at Felpham Sailing Club near Bognor Regis on the south coast. Martin has not had a regular crew this year but managed to recruit the services of Richard Keen from Arun Yacht Club for the event. Although Martin and Richard had never sailed together before, they put together a great campaign, never finishing outside the top three places in the six races and recording two firsts. Overall, this put them in a very creditable second place behind Richard’s parents, Martin and Emma Keen, who became the new champions. (Report John Palser)

August

Racing

Martin Rawling, Race Officer, set a port hand course to test the fleet in force two to four breezes from the west over flat seas on Wednesday. Paul Gray (Laser) and Dave Hill (Magno with crew Brian Hughes) were on the water in their newly acquired dinghies, but it was Dave Peters with crew Daniel Rouncefield (Magno) that had the best start onto a reach towards Porthminster Point. Jon Keast and Alex Accleton (RS 800) made their usual fast getaway in search of a big lead to aid their high handicap situation, while John Palser was the first of the five Lasers in the race to turn onto the run down towards the Towans before gybing onto the beam reach heading north. However, a few mistakes on the following beat back through the start/ finish line, let Mike Cook and Brian Gray (Lasers) past. The Lark, helmed and crewed by Simon Burgess and Cian Spowart, also moved through. Brian capsized at the gybe mark on the third lap and fouled the Lark during recovery, with John benefiting from the situation to gybe into third place on the water. Then, with two laps to go, the wind started to pick up which allowed the second place Laser to make considerable inroads into Mike Cook’s lead, but Mike hung on to take the win on handicap. Martyn Taplee (Laser) also had fast final laps that took him past Brian Gray and the Lark for third place. There were two visitors from Warsar (Poland) Sailing Club, Alex and Richard Brant, who were extremely happy to be on the water sailing the club Trez-Topaz. Thanks to Terrie Cook, Paul Tarplee and young Jack Sparrow Tarplee for handling the safety boat duty.

Result: 1, Mike Cook (Laser), 2, John Palser (Laser), 3, Martyn Tarplee (Laser), 4, Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800), 5, Simon Burgess & Cian Spowart (Lark), 6, Brian Gray (Laser), 7, Dave Peters & Daniel Rouncefield (Magno), 8, Mark Russell (Club Topaz), 9, Martin & Rob Potter (RS400), 10, Simon Ashmore, Derek Hall and Becki Radford (Stratos), 11, Paul Gray (Laser), 12, Duwayne & Elise Langley (GP14), Dave Hill & Brian Hughes (Magno) DNS, Alex & Richard Brant (Club Trez-Topaz) DNS.

October

Presentation Evening

A Presentation Evening was held at the St. Ives Rugby Club on Friday 9th October. The evening began with a buffet meal, which was followed by the trophy presentation for the Sailing Club’s spring series of races. Vice Commodore Martin Rawling presented the trophies, and the presentation was followed by a quiz hosted by John Palser with Simon Ashmore presenting the winning team with prizes of chocolate and wine.

Wednesday Spring Series: 1, Marcus Millington & Peter Whittall (Osprey), 2, John Palser (Laser), 3, Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800), 4, Brian Gray (Laser).

Saturday Spring Series- Race 1: 1, Marcus Millington & Peter Whittall (Osprey), 2, John Paser (Laser), 3, Mike Cook (Laser), 4, Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800).

Saturday Spring Series- Race 2: 1, Marcus Millington & Peter Whittall (Osprey), 2, John Palser (Laser), 3, Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800), 4, Mike Cook (Laser).

November

Laying Up Supper

John Palser was presented with the Florence Challenge Trophy (Overall winner of the season). No other information is available.

2010

April

Racing

The new season got underway on Saturday. A total of nine dinghies took to the water onto the high tide that was lapping the harbour slipway, including Martyn Tarplee in his newly acquired Laser 2 (with spinnaker) with his young son Jack (Sparrow), crewing. New member Barry Dain launched his Laser Stratos for the first time, with Stratos veteran Simon Ashmore on board giving expert instruction, while Marcus Millington, in the absence of crew for his Osprey, opted for a bit of single hand sailing in the club Pico.

With flat seas and a stiff force 3 to 4 breezes and occasional stronger gusts for propulsion from the west, Officer of the Day Martin Rawling, assisted by Paul Gray, decided on an ‘L’ shaped course for the afternoon’s competition, starting with a beam reach taking the fleet towards Porthminster beach before turning to port onto a dead run. Jon Keast with Alex Accleton crewing (RS800) made the perfect start, nudging the start line just as the sound signal was given. They sailed well to build up a large lead to offset their unfavourable handicap number, but they couldn’t do enough to stop the Lasers and the Stratos (Marc Paxton and Derek Hall) from taking the top positions. Marcus Millington (Pico) did well to finish 5th in a close contest with Daniel Rouncefield (Topper) 6th, while the Tarplees (Laser 2) had a good time getting used to their new boat.

Result: 1, John Palser (Laser), 2, Marc Paxton & Derek Hall (Stratos), 3, Mike Cook (Laser), 5, Marcus Millington (Pico), 6, Daniel Rouncefield (Topper), 7, Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800), 8, Martyn & Jack Tarplee (Laser 2), Barry Dain & Simon Ashmore (Stratos) DNS- training.

June

July

November

Frostbite series

Terrie Cook and Paul Tarplee were on the safety boat for this event, the second race of the Frostbite Series, as Martin Potter (OOD) took charge in the pier head, with help from Dave Hill and Edward Jenkyn. They decided on a triangular course, starting with a close reach east in the direction of Hayle, followed by a run northwest towards the Island and windward leg, south, to the start/finish line. The wind speeds fell well short of the twenty plus knots predicted, as just six dinghies were rigged at the edge of the ebbing tide. Four Laser helms, Brian Gray, Mike Cook (Laser Radial), Mark Russell and John Palser were joined by Martin Rawling back from his long break, in his RS100 and Jon Keast with Alex Accleton in their RS800. John Palser was over the line in the ‘one minute to go’ period before the off and had to round the Outer Distance Mark before starting at the back of the fleet. As it was, the two RS boats moved away into the lead with Mark the best of the Laser helms.

With the two faster, spinnaker carrying boats getting away out in front, the close racing was left to the Lasers, John did well on the first lap, moving through a gap left by Mike at the leeward mark before using the wind shifts to get past Brian and Mark, into third on the water. But Brian and Mark were not finished and the wind speeds falling once more, they were able to continually harry the Laser ahead, especially on the run. On the last lap John turned onto the final windward leg narrowly ahead with the other two trapped to leeward, but got it wrong tactically, tacking too early to be left in the doldrums as Mark and Brian eased past. Mark finished in third place on the water and on handicap. Jon and Alex continue to improve in the RS800, lapping the other dinghies before the finish, to take the win on handicap with considerable time to spare, while Martin Rawling hung on for second with the Lasers closing in.

Results: 1, Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800), 2, Martin Rawling (RS100), 3, Mark Russell (Laser). 4, Brian Gray (Laser), 5, John Palser (Laser), 6, Mike Cook (Laser Radial).

Laying Up Supper

St. Ives Sailing Club’s Jon Keast and Alex Accleton collecting the

Florence Challenge Cup for the best helm and crew over the season.

2011

April

June

July

August

Mike Cook of St. Ives Sailing Club, plus gull, in his Laser before the racing on Saturday.

September

October

November

Mike Cook Overall Winner 2011

2012

January

(Cornishman)

May

June

ST. IVES BAY JUBILEE CHALLENGE TROPHY

The prospects for holding the club’s Jubilee race across the bay looked grim on the morning of Tuesday 5th June, with strong winds, rain and poor visibility having already scuppered plans for the club’s fund raising, barbecue on the beach. By late morning however the conditions had started to improve, and the decision was made to give it a go. Seven crews were mustered on the beach in preparation, including Steve Peake in his newly acquired Laser Radial and Duncan Paul Jnr with his Pico. Race Officer Martin Potter instructed the safety boat crew, Dave Peters, Aaron Rawling, Grace Peake, and the Schmitt brothers to lay the start line and prepare to escort the competing dinghies across the bay to the Hayle River marker buoys and back.

The south westerly winds had bated considerably over the morning but were still quite strong at the 2:30 start time with fierce gusts at times that would test the skills of the participants. Simon Ashmore and Derek Hall (Stratos) moved away in the lead on the fast, two and a half mile run across the bay to the Hayle Bar buoys with John Palser (Laser Radial) and Jon Keast (Laser Pico) in hot pursuit. As they rounded the river channel marker buoys these three dinghies were in close contention on handicap, but the trip back into the wind would prove to be a tough test of strength and skill, especially for the smaller dinghies. John stabilised the gap between his Laser and the leading Stratos on the return journey but in the last mile or, so the Stratos crew were able to just stretch ahead to take the win on handicap by a small margin, with Jon Keast in a close third place. Martin Rawling (RS100) finished in fourth place.

Credit to Steve and Duncan for competing and, despite capsizes and periods in irons (dinghy stuck head to wind), finishing this arduous and testing circuit. Paul Gray was unable to start because of gear problems.

The St. Ives Bay Jubilee Challenge Trophy and medals were presented by Town Mayor, Ron Tulley, in the club boat pen.

Medals: Gold: Simon Ashmore and Derek Hall (Stratos), Silver: John Palser (Laser Radial), Bronze: Jon Keast (Laser Pico).

July

Saturday 7th July 2012

St. Ives Sailing Club 40th Anniversary Regatta

St. Ives Sailing Club Report – by John Palser

With gentle breezes forecast for the event, measuring eleven to twelve knots, the 40th anniversary Regatta was eagerly anticipated by club members. Unfortunately, the weather predictions were way of the mark. On the day winds force six plus were sweeping huge waves across the bay from the north, northwest and the Race Officer, Richard Sadler, assisted by Adrian Symons, Ray Darlison and Paul Horner, decided to postpone the first of the two morning races for safety reasons: basing their decision on reports from the three safety boat crews on the water. This was disappointing for the ten visiting crews from Penzance and Mounts Bay Sailing Clubs and for the ten St.Ives crews that had rigged their dinghies ready to go, but safety has to be the first priority.

The conditions didn’t improve much over the morning, so the decision was made to have an early lunch in the hope that the wind speeds would drop sufficiently to enable some racing starting at 1:00 pm. Club members had set up a barbecue bar at the ‘Shamrock’ fisherman’s lodge, so all the crews were able to take advantage of the fare on offer as they waited for the anticipated weather improvements.

At 1:00 pm the wind speeds had indeed dropped somewhat, and the swell was less severe, so a race was arranged for a 2:00 start. The tide was now low and the waves breaking across the mouth of the harbour made launching a very tricky proposition with several of the dinghies swamped on their way to the start line. Fortunately, modern dinghies are quickly emptied using their self-bailers.

This would prove to be a race well worth waiting for as the force 5 to 6 winds and mountainous swell made for exciting and dramatic racing. The race team decided on a four-mark, diamond shaped course starting with a treacherous run to the first mark placed towards Porthminster beach. Club Commodore Simon Ashmore, with Derek Hall crewing (Stratos), made the best start, with Stuart Backhouse (Contender) and Stephanie Eddy (Pico) close behind. The two very fast Contenders in the race, helmed by Stuart and Mark Basham, quickly found the lead as they sped on the beam reach set northeast into the bay before beating to the weather mark placed towards the Island and surfing on a broad reach back to the start/finish line. Here they started the second of their nine laps that would see them lap all the other dinghies at least twice in their race long battle for supremacy. Ryan Crawford and crew (Lark), optimistically, attempted to fly their spinnaker on the off-wind leg, but inverted in a patch of surf and subsequently decided to retire. Stephanie Eddy (Pico) bravely completed one lap but decided not to chance any more, while Duncan Paul (Pico) also got into some difficulty and was unable to continue. Rebecca Knee and Jeremy Stevens (Enterprise) sailed well and, with no capsizes, sailed in third place, on the water, throughout the race. After a poor start John Palser (Laser Radial) took advantage of capsizes by Mike Cook (Laser Radial) and Paul Gray (Laser full rig) and mistakes by Simon Ashmore and Derek (Stratos) to move into fourth place on the water. However, Mike sailed very well over the remaining laps to put himself within a few boats’ length of John’s stern before the last windward leg, setting up a thrilling finish for these two. Dwayne Langley and Barrie Dain (Stratos) had a long delay at the start with gravel jamming their centreboard, but sailed exceptionally well, when they finally got going, to avoid last place.

The Regatta presentation was held at the Shamrock Lodge, were Club Commodore Simon Ashmore thanked the Safety Boat Crews for their hard work in the testing conditions – Marcus Millington and Dave Peters on the home boat and crews from Mounts Bay and Penzance Sailing Clubs, the Race Officer and assistance, race sponsors, barbecue organisers, the visiting dinghy crews and the host members who had worked hard to make the Regatta a success. Simon then presented the trophies and prizes with the help of John Palser the Club Sailing Secretary.

Overall:

1st Mark Basham (Contender) Gold medal - Florence Cup Trophy

2nd Stuart Backhouse (Contender) Silver medal

3rd Rebecca Knee and Jeremy Stevens (Enterprise) Bronze medal

St. Ives Club:

1st John Palser (Laser Radial) – Gold medal & Peter de Savary Trophy - 4th on handicap

2nd Mike Cook (Laser Radial) - Silver medal - 5th on handicap

3rd Simon Ashmore and Derek Hall (Stratos) – Bronze medal – 6th on handicap

7th Duwayne Langley and Barrie Dain (Stratos)

8th Paul Gray (Laser)

Commodore Simon Ashmore with Florence Cup Winner Mark Basham

S.I.S.C Peter de Savery Trophy Winner John Palser

September

Racing on 29th September

Thanks to Martin Potter and Dave Peters on the SB and Duwayne Langley, Barrie Dain and Edward Jenkyn on the pier.

Race 1:

1. Martin Rawling (RS100)

2. Marcus Millington & Tim Royall (Osprey)

3. Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

4. Marc Paxton, Elise and Kia Langley (Stratos)

5. John Palser (Laser)

6. Paul Gray (Laser)

7. Brian Gray (Laser)

8. Steve Peake (Laser)

Fian Tarplee (Laser) DNF

Lis Kessler (Pico) DNS

Graham Sennen (Laser) DNS

Race 2:

1. Marcus Millington & Tim Royall (Osprey)

2. Paul Gray (Laser)

3. Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

4. John Palser (Laser)

5. Brian Gray (Laser)

6. Steve Peake (Laser)

7. Marc Paxton, Elise and Kia Langley (Stratos)

8. Martin Rawling (RS100)

The Spring Series awards

Saturday 1st Race Series:

1. Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

2. John Palser (Laser Standard/Radial)

3. Simon Ashmore & Marc Paxton/Derek Hall (Stratos)

Saturday 2nd Race Series:

1. Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

2. Brian Gray (Laser Standard/Radial)

3. John Palser (Laser Standard/Radial)

Wedndesday Spring Series:

1.John Palser (Laser Standard/Radial)

2. Simon Burgess & Cian Spowart (Lark)

3. Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

November

St. Ives Sailing Club 40th Anniversary Laying Up Supper - Friday 30 November 2012

2013

January

A.G.M.

Formalities: Simon Ashmore was re-elected as Commodore.

Presentations: Stuart Backhouse received the Frostbite Trophy for overall winner 2012.

                     Dave Peters received  Honorary Membership for services to the club.

Stuart Backhouse “Frostbite 2012”                       Dave Peters (left) “Honorary Member”

Discussions of Membership and Pen Fees for 2013.

The Councils demand for an annual rent increase to £5000.00 is still in negotiations, and whatever the outcome the increase will determine the pen fees.

Due to lack of funds, it was the membership fees to cover the costs of maintaining the club i.e., tractor, cabin, safety boat, petrol, etc. After a vote, it was decided that the pen fees to be increased by 29% and discussed at the next committee meeting.

The evening finished with the video “40 years of St. Ives Sailing Club”.

(Report – Mike Cook)

March

The March clean-up

  St.Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

Saturday March 30th

First event of the new season

Race 1:

A cold but beautiful day with blue skies and sunshine greeted the modest turnout of dinghies for the first event of the new season as they took the long haul across the sand to the low tide mark way beyond the end of the pier. Richard Sadler (Race Officer) was on hand to manage the racing assisted by club Commodore Simon Ashmore, while Dave Peters, Paul Tarplee and David Eddy handled the Safety Boat. Stuart Backhouse (Contender) was first onto the ‘L’ shaped course, moving south, on a close reach towards Porthminster Point, with Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey) alongside and a gaggle of Lasers close behind. The wind speed was less than the predicted twelve knots easterly, making the trip to the windward mark, placed east towards Hayle and back to the leeward mark, a very lengthy affair. Brian Gray (Laser) made the most of the quiet conditions, moving past Mike Cook (Laser Radial) on the first beat and John Palser (Laser) on the subsequent leeward leg, while keeping in touch with the faster dinghies, Contender and Osprey, ahead. The race was ended after two slow laps with Brian taking the win on handicap and Stuart next, just six seconds ahead of John on handicap. Martin Rawling (RS100) had gear problems after leaving the beach and didn’t make the race start, while Paul Gray (Laser), who had been over the line at the start, was awarded a DNS (Did Not Start) for failing to re-cross the start line before continuing the course.

1)     Brian Gray (Laser)

2)     Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

3)     John Palser (Laser)

4)     Marcus Millington & Tim Royall (Osprey)

5)     Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

Paul Gray (Laser) DNS

Martin Rawling (RS100) DNC

Race 2:

The wind increased somewhat (force 2) and backed, before the second race, turning the easterly into a north easterly. A triangular course was used for this one (Port ‘A’), starting with a broad reach towards Porthminster beach, followed by a windward fetch east and close reach/windward fetch back to the start finish line. Stuart Backhouse (Contender) and Marcus Millington with Tim Royall (Osprey) were the best starters once more with Paul Gray (Laser) close behind, making a good start this time. The remaining Lasers, with helms Mike Cook (Radial), John Palser and Brian Gray, jostled line abreast as they competed for turning rights at the first mark. Mike was first to turn onto the fetch, but John quickly moved past, using his more powerful rig to good effect, before catching and passing Paul to take up third place on the water. Brian Gray also moved past the other Lasers on this leg in hot pursuit of John. After three laps the order remained the same on the water, the only drama being John finishing the wrong side of the finish line. Fortunately, he had enough lead over Brian to turn, round the mark and cross from the correct side. Paul managed to stay ahead of Mike, on the water, to the finish, but not on handicap.

1)     Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

2)     Marcus Millington & Tim Royall (Osprey)

3)     John Palser (Laser)

4)     Brian Gray (Laser)

5)     Mike Cook (Laser)

6)     Paul Gray (Laser)

April

St.Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

Saturday April 20th, 2013

Race 1:

It was a beautiful afternoon for sailing in St.Ives Bay on Saturday, with sunshine and light winds force 2-3 to attract 12 dinghies and crews. Mike Cook was Race Officer assisted by Stephanie Eddy, while Paul Tarplee, Dave Peters and Aaron Rawling manned the Safety Boat. Stuart Backhouse (Contender) made the best start alongside John Palser (Laser) and Simon Ashmore with crew Marc Paxton (Stratos). Jon Keast and Alex Accleton, in their very fast RS800, soon found the lead as they cruised on the broad reach south towards Porthminster beach, before gybing onto the run moving east. The course was concluded with a close reach north and a beat west to the start/finish line. By the end of the first lap Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey) had moved into second place on the water, followed by Stuart Backhouse, then Martin Rawling (RS100); all three of these crews making good use of their spinnakers on the off wind legs. Paul Gray (Laser) moved past John Palser on the first run but lost the position on the following reach, after which John gradually stretched his lead over Paul and the three chasing Stratos and another Laser with Graeme Sennen on board. The order, on the water, remained much the same to the end of the race, but the handicap positions threw up a few surprises – see below. Matt Harvey (Stratos) sailing for the first time this year, with new club member John Wilson crewing, sailed well for seventh place on handicap. Barrie Dain also had a novice crew on his Stratos, Paul Gumbleton, who reportedly enjoyed his sailing experience immensely

1) John Palser (Laser)

2) Marcus Millington & Tim Royall (Osprey)

3) Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

4)     Paul Gray (Laser)

5)     Martin Rawling (RS100)

6)     Simon Ashmore & Marc Paxton (Stratos)

7)     Matt Harvey & John Wilson (Stratos)

8)     Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800)

9)     Graeme Sennen (Laser)

10)  Barrie Dain & Paul Gumbleton (Stratos)

      Brian Gray (Laser) DNF?

Race 2:

Liz Kessler (Pico) emerged from the harbour for her first race of the season, as the Race Officer, Mike Cook, decided to leave the square shaped course unchanged for the second race. With the wind speeds dropping further the start line up became very compact and competitive with all crews hoping to get a good start.  Jon Keast and Alex Accleton (RS800) again emerging in the lead soon after the start with Marcus Millington and Tim Royall moving into second and Martin Rawling in third, sailing very well to stay ahead of Stuart Backhouse (Contender) throughout the contest.  Paul Gray and John Palser were joined by Brian Gray for the battle of the Lasers in this race; Brian having missed the first race because of gear failure.  John was put under considerable pressure from Brian throughout the race, but just managed to stay ahead as Paul gradually fell back. Matt Harvey (first event of the season) sailing with John Wilson (complete novice – first event ever) sailed exceptionally well to emerge as first of the three Stratos home. The maths in the pier head revealed that Marcus and Tim had made the best use of the light airs to take the win on handicap, with Martin second and Jon and Alex, quickly getting the hang of their new craft, in third place.

1)     Marcus Millington & Tim Royall (Osprey)

2)     Martin Rawling (RS100)

3)     Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800)

4)     John Palser (Laser)

5)     Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

6)     Brian Gray (Laser)

7)     Paul Gray (Laser)

8)     Matt Harvey & John Wilson (Stratos)

9)     Simon Ashmore & Marc Paxton (Stratos)

10)   Graeme Sennen (Laser)

11)   Barrie Dain & Paul Gumbleton (Stratos)

12)   Liz Kessler (Pico)

May

St.Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

Wednesday 8 May 2013

Wild gusting, directionally unstable winds greeted five boats on the water last Wednesday (8th). Martin Rawling was on hand to manage the race from the pier head, assisted by Edward Jenkyn, while Terrie Cook and Paul Tarplee handled the Safety Boat duties.  With the strong gusts arriving in bursts, there were several capsizes before the start. John Palser (Laser Radial) moved away from the line in the lead, onto a tricky fine reach to the first mark placed towards Porthminster Point. This was followed by a long run east towards Hayle, before gybing onto a windward fetch/fine reach back to the start/finish line. Mike Cook (Laser Radial) continually challenged John for the lead over the first two and a half laps, but a capsize, on the third lap fetch, caused considerable delay, allowing Simon Burgess with crew Cian Spowart (Lark) to establish themselves in second place on the water. However, they too succumbed to the wild conditions on the final lap fetch, dropping them into last place on the water. After a bad start Barrie Dain with crew Matt Harvey and Alex Georghiades (Stratos) made good progress to get past a capsized Simon Ashmore and John Wilson (Stratos). They lost the position again before the end but did well to stay upright throughout the race in the adverse conditions.  Unfortunately, they finished the wrong side of the line and were given a DNF (Did Not Finish).

1) John Palser (Laser Radial)

2) Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

3)     Simon Ashmore & John Wilson (Stratos)

4)     Simon Burgess & Cian Spowart (Lark)

Barrie Dain, Matt Harvey & Alex Georghiades (Stratos) DNF

Saturday 11 May 2013

St.Ives Bay Jubilee Challenge Trophy event

1st Race:

With conditions similar to Wednesday’s testing offering, the Jubilee Challenge really lived up to its name. This was a very challenging event in which attrition played a big part. Martin Rawling (Race Officer) was assisted by Liz Kessler and Edward Jenkyn on the pier, as Paul and Fian Tarplee handled the Safety Boat with David Eddy. Six helms took to the water to undertake the two-mile trip to the Hayle River Channel Marker, north Cardinal Buoy, and back (4-mile round trip). The race started with a very fast run-in which Stuart Backhouse covered the two miles to the river channel, in just over five minutes in his very fast Contender (fast with a good helm!). Others were less swift. Jon Keast and Alex Accleton (RS800) broke their rudder before the start and had to retire early, while John Palser (Laser Radial) suffered a major tip up, on the approach to the river marker buoy, in which his carbon tiller was broken, and rudder torn from its pintle. The rudder sank, while John took to the Safety Boat for the long dinghy tow back to the harbour. A broken kicking strap on their Osprey, restricted Marcus Millington and Tim Royal ability to windward, slowing there trip back to the finish line considerably. They did finish, but in a distant fourth place.

1)     Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

2)     Simon Ashmore and Marc Paxton (Stratos)

3)     Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

4)     Marcus Millington & Tim Royal (Osprey)

Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800) DNF

John Palser (Laser Radial) DN

Stuart Backhouse receiving the Jubilee Challenge Trophy from                                                   

Commodore Simon Ashmore

St.Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

Wednesday 15th May 2013

Somewhat more clement conditions for this race than of late, with sunshine and slight swell with force four to five breezes. Marcus Millington was Race Officer, assisted by Graeme Sennen, who advised Terrie Cook and Aaron Rawling, on the Safety Boat, to lay an ‘L’ shaped course. Jon Keast and Alex Accleton moved away in the lead onto a reach towards Porthminster Point in their very fast RS800, while John Palser (Laser Radial) led the rest of the pack onto a run heading east towards Hayle. John suffered a broken kicker control rope on the approach to the leeward mark and had to stop to tie it down as the rest of the fleet swept past. The Lark with Simon Burgess and Cian Spowart on board then led the chasing bunch onto a beat, set west towards the harbour, with Mike Cook the leading Laser Radial. Paul Gray (Laser Radial) lost time in irons (stuck head to wind) on the beat, while Brian Gray (Laser Radial) capsized when gybing round the start/finish mark onto his second lap; these errors causing both to drop down the order. It was close for the top four places on handicap, with Mike Cook taking the win: Simon and Cian sailing well for 2nd and John beating Simon Ashmore and Jon Wilson (Stratos) for third place by just one second. 

1)Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

2)Simon Burgess & Cian Spowart (Lark)

3)John Palser (Laser Radial)

4)Simon Ashmore & John Wilson (Stratos)

5)Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800)

6)Brian Gray (Laser Radial)

7)Barrie Dain, Matt Harvey & Alex Georghiades (Stratos)

8)Paul Gray (Laser Radial)

9)Martin Rawling (RS100)

Liz Kessler (Pico) DNS

Saturday 18th May 2013

1st Race:

Jon Keast (Race Officer) and Alex Accleton (assistant) were in the pier head for Saturday’s racing and Aaron Rawling handled the Safety Boat with David Eddy. It was a fine day with sunshine, but with considerable swell and slightly more breeze, from the west, than forecast for the first race on a starboard ‘B’ course (four marks). This was a bunched start onto a fine reach north with Stuart Backhouse (Contender), Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey) and Simon Ashmore with Derek Hall (Stratos) all getting away smartly. John Palser and Brian Gray (Lasers) also did well as they contested the run moving east, southeast towards Porth Kidney beach. Unfortunately, they both missed the next mark that had been placed a short reach from the leeward mark; loosing time to correct their mistake. Brian also fouled Martin Rawling (RS100) as he moved back onto the proper course on a port tack. A penalty turn ensued. Mike Cook (Laser Radial), was moving well by this time, keeping ahead of the full rig Lasers on the beat back to the start/finish line as the Contender, Osprey and Stratos stretched ahead. By the end of the race Stuart had lapped all the fleet, except for the Osprey and Stratos, to take the win on handicap. Graeme Sennen (Laser Radial), a novice Laser sailor, sailed well for seventh place – improving fast!

1)Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

2) Marcus Millington & Tim Royall (Osprey)

3)     Simon Ashmore and Derek Hall (Stratos)

4)     Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

June

St.Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

Wednesday 5th June 2013

This was a pleasant evening with light breezes, force 2 to 3 from east, southeast. Martin Rawling was Race Officer, assisted by Duwayne Langley and Edward Jenkyn. The crew of the Safety Boat, Dave Peters, and Paul Tarplee were instructed to lay an ‘L’ shaped course. Mike Cook (Laser Radial) made the perfect start, moving at speed across the line just after the start signal, onto a fine reach, south, towards Porthminster beach, before moving onto a beat set in an easterly direction towards Hayle River estuary. The fleet were still quite close together after the first lap, but on the second lap the Lark crew, Simon Burgess, and Cian Spowart, decided to sail deep into the Porthminster inlet, where the wind was being bent round the Porthminster Point headland to their advantage. When they tacked, they were able to sail directly to the leeward mark, giving them a considerable lead over those who had stayed further out in the bay. Spinnaker flying, they built on their lead as they sailed on the run west before sailing north to the start/finish line. With the wind speeds dropping Paul Gray’s full rig Laser came into its own and he was able to start pulling away from the Radial rigs, Mike, and John Palser, and start to chase down the Lark. However, after five laps Simon and Cian had done enough to take the win on handicap, with Paul in second and Mike in third.

1)     Simon Burgess & Cian Spowart (Lark)

2)     Paul Gray (Laser full rig)

3)     Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

4)     John Palser (Laser Radial)

Saturday 8th June 2013

1st Race:

Ultra-light breezes from the south greeted the 10 dinghies turn out on Saturday (June 8th). This was a beautiful afternoon, but with very slight wind it was never going to be classic sailing conditions. Thanks to Martin Rawling who was race Officer with Edward Jenkyn assisting and to Paul Tarplee, Dave Peters, and Roy Appleton on the Safety Boat. They set a triangular course starting with a long reach towards Hayle Towans. The whole fleet struggled to get away but after several minutes Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey) emerged in the lead with Stuart Backhouse (Contender) just behind and Mark Russell best of the Lasers at this point. After half an hour of very slow progress the leading dinghies, Osprey and Contender, rounded the mark but were told by the Safety Boat crew that there were problems with the engine. Consequently, the racing had to be abandoned as the Safety Boat limped back to the harbour, using as little power as possible as a precaution. Thanks is extended to the Trinity Houseboat that aided the Saftey Boat to the harbour and collected all the marks of the course. Thanks to Mike Cook also, who courageously collected the club’s Start line, Inner Distance Mark (IDM) and took it to the beach in the harbour. Not easy in light winds! Well done, Mike. Thanks to all who collected the club marks from the end of Smeaton’ s pier where they had been placed by the crew of the Trinity House vessel.

www.stivessailingclub.com

St. Ives Sailing Club

41st Regatta – 22 June 2013

All dinghy classes with a PY number welcome for this annual 3 race event.

2 handicap races in the morning back to back and one in the afternoon after the lunch break

£2 ENTRY FEE

Juniors £!

                  Trophy presentation in the

                  Shamrock Lodge 5:00pm

                                  Please contact John Palser, St.Ives Sailing Club Sailing Secretary,

St.Ives Sailing Club Regatta

By John Palser and Marc Paxton

Saturday 22nd June 2013

The Annual St Ives Sailing Club Regatta was held on Saturday 22nd June. Visiting helms, crews, safety boats and race officers from Mounts Bay and Penzance clubs joined us on Saturday, for our annual regatta event, and we were very pleased to receive their support despite the unseasonal, and at times, atrocious weather.

We were fortunate in securing the services of experienced Race Officer Peter Jelliss to run the event from the pier head, assisted by Richard Sadler and Edward Jenkyn. Paul Tarplee and Dave Peters manned the home club Safety Boat and were joined on the water by Safety Boats from Penzance and Mounts Bay Sailing Clubs.

Despite the testing sailing conditions, ten dinghies were rigged on the beach and launched on the low tide ready to do battle in the strong, gusting winds, 28 to 40 knots, from the south west, along with the rain, wild squalls and spray.

The race team set an ‘L’ shaped course starting with a reach south, south east towards Porthminster point and Stuart Backhouse (Contender) shot away in the lead with Steve Patten and Brian Aldgate (Fireball), Jon Keast with Alex Accleton (RS800) and Marc Paxton with Derek Hall (Stratos) not far behind. Mike Cook (Laser Radial) was the best of four Laser helms at this point.

The safety boats escorted several damaged boats back to harbour, with the remainder howling around the course in a wild game of nerve and attrition. Some, apparently, relishing the challenge! Strange folk!

There were several capsizes on the run moving east, northeast towards Hayle Towans, The RS800 was first to the leeward mark but suffered gear failure as they turned onto the beat heading back towards the Pedn Olva and had to be towed by the Mounts Bay Safety Boat back to the harbour. After multiple tip ups, Barrie Dain, Matt Harvey and Alex Georghiades (Stratos) also had to be rescued, this time by the Penzance Safety Boat, as they are being pushed by the strong winds towards Godrevy. Tom Kliskey (Penzance Club) courageously took on the elements in his Laser full rig and managed to keep going for two laps in spite of several inversions.

Although the event had to be cut short after just one race, due to the deteriorating weather, there were enough finishers to claim all the prizes and to polish off all the cake and other food items donated by club members, and tea laid on by the Shoreline members at the Shamrock Lodge, while the race team, pier head and Safety boat crews, tucked into Cornish Pasties.

After lunch, the Regatta presentation was held outside the Shamrock Lodge, were Club Commodore Simon Ashmore thanked the Safety Boat Crews for their hard work in the punishing conditions – Paul Tarplee and Dave Peters on the home boat and crews from Mounts Bay and Penzance Sailing Clubs, the Race Officer and assistance, race sponsors, ,the visiting dinghy crews and the host members who had worked hard to make the Regatta a success. Simon then presented the trophies and prizes with the help of John Palser the Club Sailing Secretary.

Overall:

1st Stuart Backhouse (Contender, Mounts Bay & home club) Florence Cup & keeper trophy.

2nd Steve Patten & Brian Aldgate (Fireball – Penzance Club) Silver medal

3rd Marc Paxton & Derek Hall (Stratos – home club) Bronze medal

St.Ives Club:

1)     Marc Paxton & Derek Hall (Stratos) – Peter de Savary Trophy – 3rd on handicap

2)     Jonathon Thomas (Vareo) Silver medal - 4th on handicap

3)     Mike Cook (Laser Radial) – Bronze medal - 5th on handicap

4)     John Palser (Laser Radial) - 6th on handicap

Jon Keast & Alex Accleton (RS800) DNF

Barrie Dain, Matt Harvey & Alex Georghiades (Stratos) DNF

Tom Kliskey (Laser Full Rig - Penzance) DNF

Steve Peake (Laser Radial) DNS

Derek Hall & Marc Paxton receiving the Peter de Savary Trophy

From Commodore Simon Ashmore

July

St.Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

Wednesday 3rd July 2013

Mike Cook was Race Officer, assisted by Steve Peake and Edward Jenkyn, while Dave Peters and Paul Tarplee handled the Safety Boat and set a four-mark port hand course (port ‘B’). This was an evening of variable wind strengths force 2 to 4 from the west, southwest, which conspired to make this a very close race throughout. The lighter winds more suited to the Laser full rigs, Paul and Brian Gray and the stronger winds favouring the Lark with Simon Burgess and Cian Spowart on board and the Laser Radial rigs, Graeme Sennen and John Palser. Paul and Brian got away in the lead onto a reach set towards Porthminster beach before turning onto a short run east, which was followed by a fast beam reach north before finishing the circuit on a beat back to the start/finish line. The rest of the fleet were not far behind as the full rigged Lasers moved onto the beam reach and John Palser (Laser Radial) moved past both before turning onto the beat.  However, the full rigs were stronger to windward and were able gradually pull away along with the Lark. The radial rigs had a storming last lap which brought them back into contention. On the water the lark was first to finish followed by Paul, Brian, John and Graeme in that order, but the handicap calculations threw up a few surprises. See below.

1) John Palser (Laser Radial)

2) Paul Gray (Laser full rig)

3) Graeme Sennen (Laser Radial)

4) Simon Burgess and Cian Spowart (Lark)

5) Brian Gray (Laser full rig)

6) Simon Ashmore and Marc Paxton (Stratos)

 Matt & Joanna Harvey (Stratos) DNF

18th July

On the evening of 18 the July a Town Council meeting was being held, partly to discuss the sailing club’s predicament. 

Before the meeting a small group of members pulled the club Stratos dinghy from the club pen to the Guildhall, where upon they parked it on the forecourt and rigged its sails. Two members attended the meeting on behalf of the club, Simon Ashmore (Commodore) and Martin Rawling (Vice Commodore). Afterwards it was revealed that the outcome of the meeting was successful. The club had the full backing from the town Council.

(Report - Mike Cook)

 Saturday 20th July 2013

There was no racing at the club on Saturday and the planned Safety Boat escorted fleet cruise around the bay had to be cancelled because of the excessive wind strength and big seas.

Penzance Sailing Club Regatta: Paul Gray and John Palser took their Lasers (full rigs) to the Regatta at the Penzance club and were joined by Stuart Backhouse (Contender), from the St. Ives Club, who sailed across the bay to Penzance from the Mounts Bay club, were he is also a member. It was a beautiful day with cloudless blue skies, but the wind strength was building all morning and gusts of forty knots were recorded just before race time at 12:00. The Race Officer decided to give it a go and a dozen or so dinghies went to the start line. This was a race of attrition though, through the huge waves rolling into the Mounts Bay, with many capsizes and several helms forced to retire with breakages or rigging problems. Paul Gray started the race late but managed to catch and pass the multiple capsized John, only to give up the position once more as he suffered a tip up. However, Paul did get passed John once more on the second and last lap as John tried to deal with his main sheet wrapped around the end of his boom. Both sailed in second position at times, but both wished they had taken radial rigs. With the conditions deteriorating further, the rest of the event was cancelled. At the presentation in the evening Paul Gray was awarded a bottle of wine for third place in the Laser fleet, while Stuart picked up first place in the handicap fleet.

 Sunday 21st July Mounts Bay Sailing Club Regatta: Paul Gray (Laser), Stuart Backhouse (Contender) and John Palser (Laser) attended this one. There was plenty of wind from the west and both Paul and John wished they had rigged their Radial sails. However, they both made the start line and Paul got away well, but John had rigging problems early on and retired. Stuart dominated the handicap fleet once more to take first place. Paul finished in fifth place after one or two capsizes.

The wind strength continued to increase through the lunch break making racing (scheduled 2 races) doubtful for the afternoon, but after a long delay the conditions improved considerably, leaving enough time for one race. Paul and John changed to Radial sails for this one, a decision they immediately regretted once on the water as the wind had moderated to full rig manageability. Paul didn’t have the best of starts but sailed well to take up fourth place behind three full rigged Lasers to finish in fourth place overall for the regatta, while John was fifth overall. Stuart again sailed very well to take the win and to win the regatta in the handicap fleet. Stuart now holds the winning trophies for all three local regattas; St.Ives, Penzance and Mounts Bay. I don’t know if this has ever been done before.

St.Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

Wednesday 24th July 2013

The racing on Wednesday was particularly close and exciting, especially between the Lasers. Light winds force one to two from the south greeted the fleet as Race Officer Simon Burgess, assisted by Cian Spowart and Marisa Bebbington, set a port hand course (Port ‘B’). Dave Peters and Paul Tarplee handled the Safety Boat duty. John Palser (Laser) made the best start, beating to the windward mark set southeast towards Porthminster Point. However, two of the larger dinghies in the race, crewed by Marcus Millington and Jon Keast (Osprey) and Simon Ashmore with Rebecca Walker (Stratos) were first to round the windward mark onto a reach north, northeast, before sailing a run northwest towards the Island and finishing the circuit south to windward. These two continued to build on their lead as the Lasers contested behind. John moved onto the windward sections with a good advantage, but Paul Gray sailed very well to get past before starting his second lap. It was then Brian Gray’s turn to find a favourable passage, sailing deep into Porthminster before tacking east towards the mark ahead of John and Paul in that order. Mike Cook, with his radial rig, was also managing to stay in touch on handicap at this point. As the Lasers moved onto the run, they found that the leeward mark had drifted past the Island due to the strong spring tides, making their last lap much longer than the previous one. With the leading dinghies now finished, a battle royal ensued as the three helms tacked repeatedly in search of an advantage on the long beat south to the finish line. The drama was added to by an exceptionally heavy rainstorm as they neared the end of their race. Matt Harvey (Pico) sailed well for seventh place, while visitor, Ben Whisker, with crew Stephany Eddy, (Stratos) also enjoyed the racing.

1) Marcus Millington & Jon Keast (Osprey)

2) Simon Ashmore & Rebecca Walker (Stratos)

3) John Palser (Laser full rig)

4 ) Brian Gray (Laser full rig)

5) Paul Gray (Laser full rig)

6 Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

7) Matt Harvey (Pico)

8) Ben Whisker & Stephany Eddy (Stratos)

9) Graeme Sennen (Laser Radial)

Saturday 27th July 2013

Very light winds were on offer for the Saturday racing. Race Officer Martin Potter, assisted by David Eddy and Edward Jenkyn, settled for a port hand course (Port ‘B’) starting with a windward fetch east, northeast towards the Towans. Marcus Millington and Tim Royall moved away in the lead as the rest of the fleet sailed north before tacking. John Palser (Laser) started badly but made his way through the pack to second place before turning onto a long tedious run moving south towards Carbis Bay. Martin Rawling (RS100) made good use of his spinnaker on the downwind leg, taking a zigzag rather than direct route into second on the water before rounding onto the windward leg back to the start/finish line. Simon Ashmore with crew Marc Paxton (Stratos) sailed exceptionally well in their big, heavy Stratos to take up 3rd place on the water before the beat. The Osprey crew took a 3-minute lead over the Laser helm onto the second lap, but once onto the run found the wind speeds dropping further. After a long wait (45 minutes) for the wind speeds to pick up and with the slower boats having already been given a finish after their first lap, the Race Officer decided to abandon the rest of the race and take the handicap results from the first lap timings. The fleet then made their way back to the harbour by any means possible, sail/paddle/towed by Safety and the second race was cancelled. John took the win on handicap ahead of Simon and Marc, while Paul Graybeat the Osprey boys by just two seconds on corrected time. Visitors Garry and Oliver Ellis sailed well, two up in a Pico, for eighth place. Dave Peters and John Wilson were joined by visitors Jacob Fuller and Marisa Bebbington on the Safety Boat.

1)     John Palser (Laser)

2)     Simon Ashmore & Marc Paxton (Stratos0

3)     Paul Gray (Laser)

4)     Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey

5)     Martin Rawling (RS100)

6)     Brian Gray (Laser)

7)     Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

8)     Garry & Oliver Ellis (Pico)

9)     Steve Peake (Laser)

10)  Stephany Eddy (Laser Radial)

11)  Graeme Sennen (Laser Radial)

St.Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

Wednesday 31st July 2013

The rain stayed away, but it was quite windy at times (from the southeast), for the eleven strong fleet, with strong gusts to make the racing interesting. This was especially so on the approach to the windward mark where the wind was particularly fluky. Richard Sadler was back in the tower doing the Race Officer duty after a long absence, assisted by Edward Jenkyn and David Eddy, while Dave Peters and Paul Tarplee handled the Safety Boat once more. Marcus Millington and Tim Royall made the best start onto a port hand course (Port ‘B’) with a beat towards Porthminster Point. John Palser capsized just before the start but managed to be the first Laser to turn onto the broad reach moving north before taking to the run towards the Island and finishing the circuit to windward. Paul Gray (Laser) was hot on John’s heals as they approached the start/finish line but missed the mark out and had to go back. Brian Gray then sailed a good beat to get passed the leading Laser, but he too missed the mark out at the end of the second lap and fell back.  Mike Cook had fallen behind on the first lap, but with the wind steadier for the last lap his Radial rig came into its own and he made good use of it to get ahead and stay ahead of Paul; finishing just three seconds ahead on the water, but with a good margin on handicap. Marcus and Tim used the spinnaker to good effect, building a big lead over the three laps, while Brian had a good last lap that brought him within one second of John at the finish. Martin Rawling sailed very well at times in the tricky conditions, but a capsize spoiled any chance of a top three finish.

1) Marcus Millington & Jon Keast (Osprey)

2 6 Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

3) John Palser (Laser full rig)

4 ) Brian Gray (Laser full rig)

5) Paul Gray (Laser full rig)

7) Martin Rawling (RS100)

8) Simon Ashmore and Marc Paxton (Stratos)

9) Oliver Eliss (Pico) visitor

10) Stephanie Eddy (Laser Radial)

11) Garry Ellis (Pico) visitor

August

Saturday 3rd August 2013

Trickier conditons for Saturday’s racing with gusting, directionally unstable winds, force five plus at times, from the west, southwest. Mike Cook was Race Officer with Sam Marnham and Edward Jenkyn assisting and Dave Peters with Paul Tarplee on the Safety Boat. Stuart Backhouse made his usual sharp start onto the port hand course (Port’B’), with a fine reach/windward fetch towards Porthminster Point, that was followed by a run north, a fast beam reach northwest and a beat back to the start/finish line.  Simon Ashmore and Derek Hall (Stratos) also set off with good intent taking up second place on the water for the whole race. Brian Gray did a penalty turn after touching the ODM (Outer Distance Mark), but a broken tiller ended his race during the execution of his penalty. John Palser started last and continued to make mistakes throughout the race, while Stephanie Eddy helming the club Stratos for only the second time, with John Wilson and visitor Jacob Fuller, handled the conditions exceptionally well to finish fourth on the water and on handicap.

1) Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

2)     Simon Ashmore & Derek Hall (Stratos0

3)     Martin Rawling (RS100)

4)     Stephanie Eddy, John Wilson and Jacob Fuller (Stratos)

5)     John Palser (Laser)

Brian Gray (Laser) DNF

Race 2:

The Port ‘B’ course was retained for the second race. Martin Rawling (RS100) had a good first lap, starting his second lap in second place on the water behind the flying Stuart Backhouse (Contender) and ahead of Simon Ashmore and Derek Hall (Stratos). Martin retained this position throughout the race. Third place on the water was contested by three crews, Simon and Derek in their Stratos battling with Brian Gray (with replaced tiller) and John Palser in their Lasers. Both John and Brian got passed the big boat several times on the off-wind legs but couldn’t match the speed of the Stratos to windward. However, the Stratos along with the Contender, did one more lap than the rest of the fleet and a long capsize by the Stratos on their last lap cost them a considerable amount of time to move them down the fleet on handicap.                                                                                                                                                                            

1)     Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

2)     John Palser (Laser)

3)     Brian Gray (Laser)

4)     Martin Rawling (RS100)

5)     Stephanie Eddy, John Wilson and Jacob Fuller (Stratos)

6)     Simon Ashmore & Derek Hall (Stratos)

September

St.Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

Wednesday 18th September 2013

Stiff, directionally unstable breezes and big swell made for tricky conditions for the last race of the Wednesday summer series. Duwayne Langley was on the pier to look after the racing, assisted by Marisa Bebbington, Charlie Brierly and Edward Jenkyn, while Dave Peters and David Eddy handled the Safety Boat. The, little used, old style Olympic, triangle/sausage, course was chosen for the event and a bunched start saw Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey) get away in the lead onto a reach towards Porthminster Point. They followed this with a beat set in the direction of Pedn Olva and a run east to complete the sausage section, before concluding the lap with the beat towards Pedn Olva once more and a reach back to the start finish line. John Palser (Radial) was the best of the Laser helms in the early stages, before succumbing to a variety of errors, including two capsizes,that allowed most of the fleet to get past. Paul Gray (Laser full rig) did well on the first lap, but he too made mistakes and Mike Cook (Laser radial), coping very well with the large waves, testing gusts and wind shifts, was able to stay in touch on handicap. Marcus and Tim emerged as the class act however, finishing with a clear advantage over Mike and Paul in second and third places on handicap respectively. Matt Harvey sailing with his son Charles, and visitor Ian Applewhite had a good time, doing very well to finish fourth on the water and fifth on handicap. 

.

1) Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey)

2) Mike Cook (Laser radial)

3) Paul Gray (Laserf full rig)

4) John Palser (Laser radial)

5) Matt Harvey with son Charles and Ian Applewhite (Stratos)

6) Simon Burgess and Cian Spowart (Lark)

7) Graeme Sennen and Claire Rodgers (Pico)

Brian Gray (Laser radial) DNF

Simon Ashmore (Stratos) DNF

Saturday 21st September 2013

Some mist in the bay for the afternoon’s racing, with very light winds force 1 to 2 and 3 in the gusts at best. Martin Potter (Race Officer) was on the pier with Steve Peake and Edward Jenkyn assisting, while Dave Peters, Paul Tarplee and Marisa Bebbington handled the Safety Boat duty. An ‘L’ shaped course was chosen and the usual suspects, Stuart Backhouse (Contender), Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey) and Martin Rawling (RS100), moved away in the lead onto a beam reach in the direction of Porthminster Beach, before running east, turning on to a beat, west in the direction of Pedn Olava and finishing on a fine reach back to the start/finish line. However, there was not really enough breeze to power there dinghies up and at times spinnakers and main sails were left limp, enabling the Lasers to stay in touch on handicap. Brian Gray, Paul Gray and John Palser contested closely on the first two laps after which Paul gradually fell back as the two light weather specialists, Brian and John, duelled for supremacy. Brian opened up a gap initially, but John worked hard to catch and pass on the run, only for Brian to tack onto a lifting breeze to windward and get past once more, holding on to take the win on handicap by just three seconds, with Martin in third. Cian Spowart, who normally crews for Simon Burgess (Lark) in the Wednesday series, enjoyed himself doing a spot of helming in a club Pico.

1) Brian Gray (Laser full rig)

2) John Palser (Laser full rig)

3)     Martin Rawling (RS 100)

4)     Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey)

5)     Sttuart Backhouse (Contender)

6)     Paul Gray (Laser full rig)

7)     Simon Ashmore and crew (Stratos)

8)     Marc Paxton and John Wilson (Stratos)

9)     Cian Spowart (Pico)

Race 2:

The ‘L’ course was retained for the second race and the race followed a similar pattern to the first. The faster dinghies, Osprey with Marcus Millington and Tim Royall, Contender helmed by Stuart Backhouse and RS100 manned by Martin Rawling, moved away from the start line in the lead, but with the wind speeds dropping further at times, were unable to create enough gap to compete with the Lasers for the top places. Brian Gray and John Palser moved away from Paul Gray on the second lap and contested closely until the last lap whereby John was able to get past Brian on the final run and opened up a sizeable lead on the beat to finish over a minute ahead while Brian took second just three seconds ahead of Marcus and Tim. John Wilson helmed the club Stratos for this one, with Marc Paxton crewing, thoroughly enjoying the experience.

1)     John Palser (Laser full rig)

2)     Brian Gray (Laser full rig)

3)     Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey)

4)     Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

5)     Paul Gray (Laser radial)

6)     Martin Rawling (RS 100)

7)     Simon Ashmore and crew (Stratos)

8)     John Wilson and Marc Paxton (Stratos)

9)     Cian Spowart (Pico)

October

Spring Series Awards

On Friday 25th October the Spring Series Trophies were awarded at the Masonic Lodge.

In spite of the launching trailer problems, we did manage to get a meaningful number of races in for the three Spring Series. Unusually light winds for many of the races meant that the light weather specialist excelled, and this was reflected in the results.

Wednesday Spring Series

10 helms qualified, with 40% or more of races sailed, and the top three, in reverse order, where:

3rd Simon Burgesss (Lark) with crew, Cian Spowart

2nd Mike Cook (Laser Radial)

1st John Palser (Laser)

Saturday Spring Series Race 1:

Nine helms qualified for this Series,

3rd Marcus Millington and Tim Royal (Osprey)

2nd Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

1st John Palser (Laser)

Saturday Spring Series Race 2:

10 helms qualified and the top three were:

3rd John Palser (Laser)

2nd Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

1st Brian Gray (Laser)

.

Commodore Simon Ashmore presenting awards to John Palser (left) and Brian Gray (right)

The evening continued with Pasties and lessons in knot tying by Simon and Sarah Ashmore and John Wilson.

Sarah Ashmore showing Marc Paxton a knot or two.     John Wilson showing Paul Gray the ropes.

Commodore Simon Ashmore’s collection of biscuits and hot drinks ensures his concentration as

Officer of the Day.

November

St. Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

Saturday 16th November 2013 Frostbite Series

Much lighter winds than of late (force 2 to 3 – less at times) enabled the club to get in the first race of the Frostbite Series, having had the first two events blown out by strong blustery weather. There was a good turnout of nine dinghies. Richard Sadler was on the pier to look after the proceedings, while Dave Peters, Paul Tarplee and Simon Ashmore handled the Safety Boat. Richard set a four-mark, starboard hand course (starboard ‘B’), starting with a short windward leg to a mark placed near the Island. This was followed by a run east towards Hayle, a beam reach south towards Porthminster Point, with the circuit completed with a beat to and through the start/finish line. John Palser (Laser) had the best start, with Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey) and Stuart Backhouse (Contender) not far behind. The Osprey and Contender were first to turn onto the run, while Martin Rawling (RS100), kite billowing, found some good form on this leg to get past the leading Laser and move into second place, on the water, before the end of the lap. Brian Gray (Laser) also moved past John on the run but lost the place again on the beat up to the start/finish line. Martin was well into the groove by the second lap, moving past the Osprey to take up first position on the water, which he maintained to the end of the race. After a poor start, Paul Gray started to make progress towards Gray senior’s stern, but Brian managed to keep him at bay right up to the last few yards of the last lap; Paul sailing a storming last beat to snatch third place behind Martin and John.. Eden Backhouse (Laser 4.7 rig) sailed with the club for the first time and after missing out a mark at the end of the first lap, sailed well to avoid last place on handicap. Mike Cook took to the water in the Club Stratos to give John Wilson some coaching.

Handicap positions:

1) Martin Rawling (RS100)

2) John Palser (Laser)

3) Paul Gray (Laser)

4) Brian Gray (Laser)

5) Marcus Millington and Tim Royall (Osprey)

6) Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

7) Eden Backhouse (Laser 4.7 rig)

8) Graeme Sennen (Laser Radial)

Mike Cook (Club Stratos) Training with John Wilson

That same afternoon after years of service, the club tractor broke down for the final time. The mechanic tried to revive it to no avail. Another tractor is sort.

Laying up Supper reported by Mike Cook

On 29th November at the Carbis Bay Hotel, the Sailing Club held its Laying up Supper.

The evening was well supported with councillors, members of Penzance Sailing Club and of course its own sailing members. Tamsyn Wilhams presented the trophies.

Most improved helm.

We have seen improvements from several helms this season, but of late one of the Laser helms has caught the eye. Racing very well at times and beating some of the long-established helms in some races. So, this years ‘most improved Sailor’ award for the Alan Major Classic Trophy goes to - Graeme Sennen (Laser Radial) – (present)

The Summer Series

There was considerably more wind in the summer at times and a new star of the Lasers emerged, though, as you will see later, the older hands have not gone away completed. Yet!!

Wednesday Summer Series for the Pedn Olva Cup (T-shirts)

11 helms qualified; they were:

Matt Harvey (Stratos)

Graeme Sennen (Laser)

Martin Rawling (RS100)

Simon Burgess (Lark)

Simon Ashmore (Stratos)

Marcus Millington (Osprey)

Brian Gray (Laser)

And the top three were:

3rd John Palser (Laser) on 27 points – (present keeper)

But very close for the top two places

2nd Mike Cook (Laser Radial) on 25.2 points – (present keeper)

And on just 0.2 less, for his first Series win we believe?

1st Place Paul Gray (Laser) 25 points – (present keeper and Trophy)

Saturday Summer Race 1 Series for the Island Cup (picture frame)

9 helms qualified and they were:

Stephany Eddy (Laser Radial)

Graeme Sennen (Laser Radial)

John Palser (Laser) 7TH Place! That must be a mistake!

Martin Rawling (RS100)

Brian Gray (Laser)

Simon Ashmore (Stratos)

And the top three were. Desperately close for second and third with:

3rd Stuart Backhouse (Contender) on 24.7 – (present keeper)

2nd Paul Gray (Laser) on 24.5 – (present keeper)

But, on 22.5 points

1st Mike Cook (Laser Radial) – (present keeper and Trophy)

Saturday Summer Race 2 Series, for the Sloop Cup (Cap keepers)

Nine helms qualified and they were:

Stephaney Eddy (Laser Radial)

Graeme Sennen (Laser Radial)

Marc Paxton (Stratos)

John Palser (Laser) - Obviously can’t hack winds higher than force 3 these days!

Brian Gray (Laser)

Stuart Backhouse (Contender)

And the top three were:

3rd Martin Rawling (RS100) getting the hang of the RS at last – very tricky dinghy to sail! Finished with 28.3 points – (present keeper)

2nd Mike Cook (Laser Radial) on 21.6 points – (present keeper)

But the clear winner on 17 points was – (pause for effect)

1st Paul Gray (Laser) Like the buses Paul – you don’t win one for years and then two come along!  - (present keeper and Trophy).

Overall Trophy:

Every year we tot up the scores from the six-race series sailed over the season and the helm with least number of points is awarded the Overall award, The Florence Challenge Cup.

This year the four main contenders were all Laser helms, and it was all rather close between these four!

In fourth place Paul Gray on 149.5 points

In third was Gray Senior (Brian) still doing the business on 147.8 points

But the top two were exceptionally close. One of them did very well in the Spring while the other did poorly by his standards. However, this was reversed in the Summer - he who had done so well in the spring was quite abysmal at times, while the other found some very good form. So, the upshot was, with some sixty or so races sailed, there was just one point or so separating these two:

In Second place we have – Mike Cook (Laser Radial) on 144.7

But on 143.6 points – John Palser (Laser) - present

Commodore’s Trophy:

The Commodore’s Trophy goes to Steve Peake – (present)

  Paul Gray with 1st Wednesday Series Trophy   Mike Cook with 1st Saturday 1 Race Trophy

  Paul Gray with 1st Saturday 2 Race Trophy       John Palser with Overall Winners Trophy

Graham Sennen with Most Improved Sailor Trophy.     Steve Peake with Commodore’s Trophy

2014

January

Annual General Meeting

On Friday 31st January the Sailing Club’s A.G.M. was held at the Masonic Hall. The evening started with pasties and refreshments from the bar followed by results of the Frostbite Series, which consisted of one race due to the tractor ‘giving up the ghost’ after the first race.

Results as follows; 1st, Martin Rawling; 2nd, John Palser; 3rd, Paul Gray.

During the meeting, the new committee was formed for 2014 as follows; Commodore, John Palser; Vice Commodore, Derek Hall; Treasurer, John Keast; Secretary, Grace Peake; Sailing Secretary, to be appointed.

The members were told a replacement tractor was on its way.

The bad news was the Council was now asking for the annual rent for the pen to be increased to £1700.00 for 2014, £2000.00 for 2015, £2300.00 for 2015 and £2500.00 for 2016. It was agreed that the club could not sustain these increases and would try to further negotiations with the Council.

After the meeting the members watched a video followed by a social get together.

(Report by Mike Cook)

February

(Cornishman)

March

(Cornishman)

April

Sailing Club Report by Mike Cook

Saturday 5th May was the start of this year’s racing.

Much work had already taken place before Saturday with pen and boat clean up and the replacement of the club’s old tractor with a 4 x 4 Marshall tractor.

With many of the club’s sailors still in hibernation from the winter lay off five keen members pulled their boats down to the low water’s edge and set sail.  In the pier head the O.O.D. was Richard Sadler with Edward Jenkyn to assist.  On the Safety Boat were helm Dave Peters with crew members John Wilson and Daniel Rouncefield.

Race 1:  With wind from the S.S.W. force 3-4 a Course B port was laid. The fast Contender, sailed by Stuart Backhouse, went straight into the lead with Laser Radials sailed by John Palser and Mike Cook and the Stratos helmed by Matt Harvey and crewed by Barry Dain, trailing behind.  With no sight of the Contender the other three boats were left to fight for 2nd and 3rd places. Cook and Harvey changed places several times. There was a close finish between J. Palser and M. Harvey with J. Palser crossing the line first, though John had the handicap on Matt anyway.  

Results: 1. Stuart Backhouse:  2. Mike Cook:  3. John Palser:   4. Matt Harvey.

Race 2:  Wind turning to due South, the O.O.D. changed the course to B starboard.  With wind increasing it was a hard beat to the second leg of the course.  S. Backhouse pulled away once again from the fleet, taking the lead.  Barry Dain took the helm with Matt Harvey crewing their Stratos in this race.  Barry touching a course mark cost him a 360% turn as a penalty, but he crossed the finish line before Mike, though Mike beat him on handicap.

Results: 1. Stuart Backhouse:  2. Mike Cook:  3. Barry Dain:  4. John Palser.  

Saturday April 19th 2014  Race report by Stuart Backhouse

The Forecasted easterly force four breeze did not disappoint, in fact a better-than-expected turnout, given that a number of regular sailors were away gathered in the dinghy pen any enjoyed the sunny weather on Easter Saturday.

Martin Potter assisted by Edward Jenkyn took to the tower as 7 boats took to the water and the safety boat crewed by Dave Peters and John Wilson. An “L” course was set with a beam reach to Porthminster beach, followed by a beat out across the bay, then back on a run in towards the harbour and then gybing back to the start finish line on another reach.

The first race got away with a clean start all boats slightly behind the line. Stuart in the Contender starting at the pin got away with clear air and into the lead, but at the other end of the line the slowest boat of Daniel Rouncefield in a Topper got underneath the rest of the fleet and sailed well down to the first mark in second place. The Stratos of Derek Hall and Marc Paxton and the Laser Radial of Mike Cook fought it out for third place. Nigel and Jackie Berridge were out in their Mango and unfortunately found that they were sinking due to a missing bung and had to return to the beach. Brian Gray wasn’t far behind in another Laser Radial, and the Vareo (Jonathon Thomas) was showing good speed also. Unfortunately for the latter two they both went for a swim putting them out of contention for the podium, and the Vareo later retiring from the race. The Contender caught the back markers on lap three, but Derek and Mike continued to fight it out for second and third, electing to go different ways up the beat, the Stratos seemed to win up wind, but forgot!! that their boat is fitted with a third sail failed to capitalise on the long run and the Laser caught back up. After too many laps to count the race finished in a falling breeze (still a good force 3).

There was a slight delay to the second race whilst the fleet waited for a couple of fishing boats (one towing the other), to park themselves right in the middle of the first and last legs of the course – this is going to make things interesting. The delay gave sufficient time for the bailed-out Mango put to sea again drained and with bung inserted. The breeze had freshened significantly and was now blowing a good force 5 with some gusts of 6. Martin Potter having already set the perfect course for the first race kept things the same for the second race. Unfortunately for the Mango the bung came loose again, and they barely made it away from the shore before having to return, so it left just five boats; Contender, Topper, Stratos and 2 Laser radials to start the race. This time it looked to me like everyone was closer to the line (race officer will probably tell me otherwise) and we all looked to get clean away, however the Stratos was called back for OCS (On Course Side) and had to return to restart. Again, the Contender revelling in the flattish sea and stiff breeze took the lead rounding the first mark, but the two Laser Radials were neck and neck for second this time. Daniel in the topper not getting away as well in this race was next and restarting the Stratos brought up the rear. It wasn’t long before the Stratos managed to overtake the Topper, but again electing not to fly the spinnaker (come on it was only a force 5), could catch the Lasers who were nip and tuck all the way. Stuart in the Contender caught and lapped the topper after 3 rounds and again on the 5th when he also then lapped the Brian in the Laser Radial and Stratos, finally catching to lap Mike on the 6th. The race officer could obviously see the smile on Stuart face and duly sent him round for an extra lap whilst finishing the rest of the fleet.

It was 5pm before we finally got off the beach and back into the pen with cold fingers and toes it was time to tot up the results for the Easter Egg prizes. First with 2 firsts was Stuart in the Contender, Second was Mike with 2 seconds, and third on count back was Brian with a fourth and a third. An Easter Egg was also presented to the Safety boat crew who as always did a fantastic job of laying the course and keeping everyone safe. Many thanks to Martin and Edward in tower for two cracking races (longer reaches next time please!).

First Race:

1st – Stuart Backhouse – Contender; 2nd – Mike Cook – Laser Radial; 3rd – Stratos – Derek Hall

4th – Brian Gray – Laser Radial; 5th – Daniel Rouncefield – Topper

Second Race:

1st – Stuart Backhouse – Contender; 2nd – Mike Cook – Laser Radial; 3rd – Brian Gray – Laser Radial

4th – Stratos – Mark Paxton; 5th – Daniel Rouncefield – Topper

St. Ives Sailing Club Report by Mike Cook

Wednesday 23/4/2014

It was a very pleasant evening that greeted the group of enthusiastic sailors as they pulled their vessels down the beach at low tide. In the pier head, Simon Burgess O.O.D. was accompanied by assistant Cian Spowart who, with aid of the Safety boat crew, Dave Peters and John Wilson, set a B Port course in the bay.

6 boats started the race with Martin Rawling (R.S.100) taking the lead straight away and not looking back. Following were, Johnathan Thomas (Vareo), Brian Gray and Mike Cook (Laser Radials), Nigel and Jackie Berridge with their children (Club Stratos) and Stephanie Eddy (Laser Radial) who is back home for a short break before returning to university. With Martin well ahead of the fleet, next came Johnathan who capsized on the reach, allowing Brian and Mike to catch up and eventually pass. Much close sailing occurred between Brian and Mike with Mike just taking the lead. While all sailors were struggling making headway at the windward mark due to a fluky wind and currents, Safety boat helm Dave Peters had problems with another kind of currant! While munching one of Margret Eddy’s homemade cakes, a currant got stuck in his throat. It was only with aid of crew member (ex-Fireman) John, with several compressions on the diaphragm and one hard thump on the back, did the offending currant come free.  Thanks to; the Pier head boys, Safety boat crew, Margret for the cakes and Tractor driver Paul Tarplee for completing an exciting evening. 

Results: !st, Martin Rawling (R.S. 100); 2nd Mike Cook (Laser Radial); 3rd Brian Gray (Laser Radial); 4th Stephanie Eddy (Laser Radial); D.N.F. Johnathan Thomas (Vareo); D.N.F. Nigel Berridge (Club Stratos).

Saturday 26th April

With the large rent increase still being negotiated with the council, the Sailing club received for the first time a rates bill of £1262.00. A reduction of 100% or less may be possible by registering with H.M.R.C. as a Community Amateur Sports Club. In order to comply with current legislation some wording on the club constitution had to be amended and an E.G.M. took place with 28 club members who unanimously voted in favour of the change.

Report by Mike Cook

Wednesday 30th April reported by Mike Cook

With a high tide, there wasn’t any pulling of boats across the harbour beach this evening. In the pier head were O.O.D.  Simon Ashmore and his assistant Ken Ashmore. On the Safety boat were Dave (currant) Peters, Terrie Cook and John Wilson. Between them a B Port course was set, due to a light wind coming across from the S.W. On the start line were Daniel Rouncefield (Topper), Brian Gray (Laser), Mike Cook (Laser Radial), Martin Rawling (R.S.100), Matt Harvey (Stratos), also Tim Royall (R.S. 700) and Simon Burgess (Lark) who were both sailing for the first time this year. With the faster boats pulling away the Topper and Laser Radial were struggling in the light wind. The Topper retired after 2 laps leaving the Laser Radial to become ‘Tail end Charlie’ only completing 4 laps. Even so, with the wind dying on the leading boats, the Laser Radial still took 2nd place on handicap. Matt Harvey and his Crew sailing really well this evening came 1st.

Results: 1st, Matt Harvey; 2nd, Mike Cook; 3rd, Martin Rawling; 4th, Simon Burgess; 5th, Brian Gray; 6th, Tim Royall; D.N.F., Daniel Rouncefield.

May

Saturday 3rd May reported by Mike Cook

 Race 1

Visiting the club this Saturday was Sheng Liu who was from a London Sailing Club. With him were three friends. Together they ventured out into the bay for a sail in the club’s Stratos, newly named Redemption, while being observed in the pier head by Race officer Tim Royall and assistant Dwayne Langley, and from the safety boat, Dave Peters and John Wilson.

Racing the B Starboard course were, Brian Gray (Laser) , Martin Rawling (R.S.100), Stuart Backhouse (Contender), Mike Cook (Laser Radial) and first time sailing this year were Steve Peake (Laser Radial) and Marcus Millington with crew, James Sadler (Osprey).

 While racing dinghies had started their race, sailing East towards the second mark, Redemption was capsized close to the rocks by Porthgwidden with the Safety boat in attendance. Recovery was hampered by enthusiastic flash photography from Redemption’s crew.  At the same time, Steve Peake, unable to sail due to breakage, was drifting out to sea with help from an offshore force 3 wind. Mike broke away from racing to attend Steve and towed him back to the harbour beach. Due to the two incidents, the Pier head decided to shorten the race to 2 laps.

Results: 1st, Stuart Backhouse; 2nd, Marcus Millington; 3rd, Martin Rawling; 4th, Brian Gray;       D.N.F. Steve Peake; Average points, Mike Cook.

Race 2

Before the second race started, Dwayne left Edward Jenkyn to assist Tim in the pier head, put on a Buoyancy aid and boarded Redemption, helming her for the duration of the afternoon. One of Sheng’s friends decided to go aboard the Safety boat and kept warm wrapped in Gentleman John’s Coat.

While Steve Peake retired after only 1 lap, the faster sailors were really enjoying the afternoon’s constant wind with spinnakers flying. Stuart rounded 9 laps in just under 71 min’s, and Marcus completed 8 laps in under 66 min’s. Martin was well ahead of Brian and Mike who were once again fighting it out at the back of the fleet. All three completed 7 laps.

Results: 1st, Stuart Backhouse; 2nd, Marcus Millington; 3rd, Mike Cook; 4th Brian Gray; 5th, Martin Rawling, D.N.F. Steve Peake.

Saturday 31st May

Before the start of Saturday’s race. (Photo by Tim Royall)

Steve Peake leading the fleet. (Photo by Tim Royall)

Results: Race 1.

1, Brian Gray (Laser); 2, Steve Peake (Laser); 3, John Palser (Laser); 4, Mike Cook (Laser Radial);

5, Paul Gray.

          Race 2.

1, Brian Gray; 2, John Palser; 3, Mike Cook; 4, Steve Peake; 5, Paul Gray.

June

On Saturday 7th June, a meeting was held in the sailing club changing room to discuss the possibility of a future ‘St. Ives Heritage Sailing Centre’.

Present were representatives from SISC, Jumbo Association, Gig Glub, Harbour Users Group, Sloop Craft Market.

Notes from the meeting taken by Terrie Cook

A member of the Jumbo’s said, “The Neighbourhood plan started the thought process that all water users should meet and form a steering group to consult the council and provide an area within the Sloop car park that would be suitable for all to use.  Initially Lucy from the Neighbourhood Plan contacted the Jumbo Association.  The Gig Club are under pressure to move from Carbis Bay, SISC are under financial pressure from the Council, Jumbos want to build more boats.  The suggestion is that this area should be used for community groups as a legacy for St. Ives rather than commercial trading”.

It was also suggested that a combined group would have more power to gain funding, especially from Europe, as the Jumbos have charity status.  Input to financially maintain the buildings etc. would be expected from all groups, e.g., sailing lessons, dinghy hire.  Money from the County Council would not be forthcoming but there is a channel through them for European hand-outs, e.g., £150,000 suggested for the Jumbo building fund.  Using this area as a heritage/community site would prevent commercial businesses taking control.  As the Jumbos are in the water throughout the summer their 'parking place' could be used by other groups, for example as a temporary storage space for visiting dinghies.

Jumbos ideally want a two-storey building - ground floor for storage and building of Jumbos (6 boats in all), with meeting rooms and shower/toilet facilities above, which would be shared by all groups.  It was suggested that a combined group would have more influence on the clearance and use of the slipway for the benefit of all.  The area would incorporate public toilets.  The Craft Market would supposedly benefit from the increased tourism interest created by heritage boat building.  Wooden buildings would be cheap and easy to adapt and in keeping with the heritage appearance.

The initial plans were dismissed by the SISC as impractical, and alternative plans by David Eddy submitted for discussion.  The Harbour Users Group representative suggested asking the council to let us have at least eight parking spaces initially to enlarge the group area.  SISC opposed moving from their present site pointing out that tall masts would be impractical anywhere else in the area, also that we could not lose any space as we are already full to capacity.  Space is needed to rig lasers etc., so it would be impractical to store them under a building or on racks. It was also impractical to place Gigs under the buildings as they are 33ft long and it would be impossible to retrieve them when the car park is in use.

The Jumbo members were questioned why the plans were made public before first showing them to the Sailing Club.  Although a member of the Jumbo Association was present at the public meetings held by the St. Ives Area Neighbourhood Planning Team, the reply was “It was not intended”.    

During the meeting it was suggested that a 'steering group' with ideally four members from each group, i.e., Jumbos, Gigs, SISC, Harbour Users, and possibly Craft Market, should be formed to make long term plans for the benefit of all.

The Sailing Club was asked what they thought of the project.  The reply was “No comment at this time. It will be put forward to all club members, asking them, ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to backing the project in principle”.  

All SISC members were contacted, and the general reply was “Yes” to be part of the ‘Steerage group’.

Marin Potter, Dave Eddy, Steve Peak and Johnathan Thomas agreed to represent the sailing club as part of the Steerage Group.

St.Ives Sailing Club Report by John Palser

St.Ives Sailing Club Regatta

Saturday 28th June 2014

The Annual St Ives Sailing Club Regatta was held on Saturday 28th June. Weather wise this was a very pleasant day with plenty of sunshine and light breezes on hand to keep the dinghies moving along steadily.

There was a good turnout of 12 boats from the home club and they were joined by visitors from Penzance, Restronguet and Mounts Bay sailing clubs.

We were fortunate in securing the services of experienced Race Officer, club member, Richard Sadler to run the event from the pier head, assisted by the very capable Di Stevens from the Penzance club and Simon Ashmore and Edward Jenkyn. John Wilson, Paul Tarplee and Dave Peters manned the club Safety Boat and were joined on the water by Safety Boats from Penzance with Eric Taylor and crew on board and from the Mounts Bay Sailing Club, with Jeremy Field and crew on board.

Race 1:

The race team set an ‘L’ shaped course starting with a broad reach south, southeast towards Porthminster Point. There was a bunched start in the light breezes, with some of the faster boats with spinnakers, slowly building a small lead on the run east to the leeward mark before turning west onto a beat and finishing the circuit on a close-hauled fetch/dog’s leg beat. However, the full rigged Lasers were doing well, not far behind, and were able to stay in touch on handicap. Indeed, after completing 3 laps of the course to finish, the results showed 4 Laser helms in the top four places - Tom Kiskey (Penzance), Brian Aldgate (Penzance). John Palser (St.Ives). Paul Gray (St.Ives). Fifth place was taken by Marcus Millington and James Sadler (Osprey) and sixth place by Tim Royal (RS100).

Race 2:

The ‘L’ course was retained for this one. There was slightly more wind; just enough extra to give the spinnakers a little more pull and counter the downwind Laser advantage of the first race. Marcus Millington with crew James Sadler (Osprey) emerged as winners, Tim Royall (RS 700) second and Brian Aldgate (Laser full rig) third. Brian Gray sailed well for 4th and was the best of the St.Ives Laser helms, with Stuart Backhouse (Contender) 5th and Tom Kiskey 6th.

Lunch followed the second race, with good fare provided by club members, Margaret Eddy and Nicky Wilson, including Rolls, cakes, pasties and hot drinks; all laid on in the club dinghy pen.

After a very welcome lunch all helms and crews put to sea once more for the third and final race of the Regatta.

The pier head race management decided on a ‘B’, four mark course, starting with a short beat north towards the Island, followed by a run east, a beam reach west towards Porthminster Point and concluding with a beat, north, northwest, up to and through the start/finish line. 

Tim Royall (RS700) and Stuart Backhouse (Contender) had good starts as did Marcus Millington and James Sadler (Osprey), with Tom Kiskey and John Palser the best of the Laser helms up to the windward mark. On the run Tim Royall (RS700) started to build a healthy lead, so that by the end of the first lap he was a good 2 minutes ahead of the second placed helm Stuart Backhouse (Contender), whilst Tom Kiskey continued to forge ahead of the rest of the fleet in third place on the water. After four laps Tim emerged winner on handicap with Tom in 2nd place and Stuart in 3rd. In 4th place was Brian Aldgate (Laser), who sailed well after a poor start. 5th was Marcus and James. Paul Gray (Laser) piped

 John Palser to the line for 6th place

After all the dinghies and Safety Boats were off the water, put away and crews changed out of their wet gear, the Regatta presentation was held in the Sloop ‘Upper Deck’ bar.  On entering the bar, Club Commodore John Palser was presented with a cheque from the bar owner Morris Symonds, who is a club Honorary member and a long-time supporter and sponsor or the Regatta and club.  After thanking the catering ladies, Margaret and Nicky with a bunch of flowers, thoughtfully given by club member Martin Potter, the Commodore went on to thank and present bottles of wine to the Safety Boat Crews and the Race Officer, Richard Sadler and his assistance Di Stevens and Simon Ashmore. The visiting dinghy crews and the host members, who had worked hard to make the Regatta a success, were also thanked. John then presented all the Trophies and prises to the top three placed helms and the top three St.Ives Club helms and crews, while David Eddy acted as event photographer.

St.Ives Club:

1)     Tim Royall (RS700) – Peter de Savary Trophy – 1st on handicap

2)     Marcus Millington and James Sadler (Osprey) - 4th on handicap

3)     Stuart Backhouse (Contender) - 5th on handicap

Overall: Very close, as all three finished on 9 points over three races, leaving the results to be decided on the last race positions.

1st Tim Royall (RS700 – SISC) Florence Cup Trophy and inscribed wine glass and club t-shirt

2nd Tom Kliskey (Laser- Penzance Club) Inscribed wine glass and club t-shirt

3rd Brian Aldgate (Laser – Penzance Club) Inscribed wine glass and club t-shirt.

Tim Royall being presented with Trophies and tee shirt by Commodore John Palser at the Regatta Presentation. (Photo by Dave Eddy)

August

Report by Mike Cook

On the 16th August, the Spring Series awards were presented at the Upper Deck, The Sloop Inn,

Commodore John Palser thanked all who helped to make the Spring Series a success. Thanks, were also given to Maurice Symons, for allowing the club to hold the presentation at his premises.

Sailing Secretary Mike Cook announced the results and John Palser presented the prizes.

Results.

Saturday Spring Series Race 1;

1st, Stuart Backhouse, 2nd, Brian Gray, 3rd, Mike Cook.

Saturday Spring Series Race 2.

1st, Stuart Backhouse, 2nd, Mike Cook, 3rd, Marcus Millington.

Wednesday Spring Series.

1st, Mike Cook, 2nd, Tim Royall, 3rd, Brian Gray.

Commodore John Palser, presenting a Saturday Spring Series  trophy to Stuart Backhouse.

(Photo by Marisa Bebbington)

Mike Cook being presented with the Wednesday Spring Series Trophy.

(Photo by Marisa Bebbington)

17th August

Harbour Day.

Many club members turned out to help make it a successful day. The safety boat was launched along with the club Stratos. Crew took on board the dinghy, members of the pubic who would like the experience of sailing. A very rewarding day was had by all.

29th August

Raft Race

September

20th September Pursuit Races

Sailing Club report by Dave Eddy & Mike Cook

Saturday 20th September saw a change to the usual format of racing for St Ives Sailing Club. The usual timed races were replaced with 2 pursuit races. The races were over a timed period of 50 minutes with the handicaps being worked out which led to a staggered start for each class of boat.

In the pier head overseeing racing were Race Officer Simon Ashmore, Assistant R.O. Dave Eddy, and the experienced eyes of Edward Jenkyn.

With the mist clearing and light winds, the fleet took to the water to the new race format. Starting first were the Lasers with the radial rig. These were shortly followed by the Lasers with the full rig. After some considerable time, Stuart Backhouse, sailing a Contender, started off. This was due to the handicap system.

Pursuit racing involves sailors trying to catch up and overtake the leader, with the winner as the boat which is the head of the fleet over the timed period. With the boats disappearing into the mist, and just visible to the Race officers in the tower, Mike cook took a strong lead ahead of Steph Eddy. The later starting Lasers on full rigs were soon catching up and after 14 minutes Steph was overtaken.

As the race progressed Stuart backhouse in the Contender closed the gap and in the final few minutes, he caught up with the lead boat, Mike Cook. It was very close as they went around the last buoy, neck and neck, but in the last few minutes Stuart Backhouse managed to pull into the lead and as the race finished, he was only a few boat lengths ahead of Mike Cook.

If this was a tight finish it was even tighter between Brian Gray and Steve Peake. After tacking, both boats were level and came in joint 4th place.

For the second race the Safety boat crew, Dave Peters, John Wilson, Paul Tarplee and Daniel Rouncefield , altered the course as the mist cleared. Again, the staggered start saw the boats set of in timed intervals. This time Stuart Backhouse made a good start which saw him close the distance between him and the leading boats. Steph Eddy managed to extend the time before she was overtaken to 20 minutes. The race continued with all boats staying close together, but the Contender managed to overtake the rest of the fleet to take the lead after 30 minutes. As the race came to a close Stuart in the Contender had managed to give himself some distance from Mike Cook, who was struggling to keep ahead of Paul Gray, before the final 50 minutes was up.

Steph Eddy was disappointed as her last position as ‘Tail End Charlie’ was taken by Steve Peake.

The change in format certainly saw the handicap system challenged and it was great to see that it worked as the fleet were close together. A great afternoon was had by all.

Results:

Race 1; 1, Stuart Backhouse (Contender); 2, Mike Cook (Laser Radial); 3, Paul Gray (Laser); Joint 4th, Brian Gray and Steve Peake (Lasers); 6, Stephanie Eddy (Laser Radial).

Race 2; 1, Stuart Backhouse; 2,Mike Cook; 3, Paul Gray; 4, Brian Gray; 5, Stephanie Eddy; 6, Steve Peake.

Best wishes to Steph, who has hung up her buoyancy aid, dusted off her books, and headed back to university for another term.

Bart’s Bash Race

Richard Sadler sailing his 30 Square Metre yacht - 'Aeolus', came 947th out of 31000 in the

recent Barts Bash race. His particular race was held in Mounts Bay and

consisted of 50 or more dinghies and half a dozen cruisers from both

PZSC and MBSC. Although he only came 947th overall, he was happy to say,

“We beat all the PZ and MB boats”. The crew was son Michael,

Stuart Backhouse and Tim Royale - mostly St Ives!  A few days before

the Barts Bash race, they had an epic sail round from Helford in strong

winds, force 5-6 gusting to 8. They beat their own record, 4.25 hours to

Newlyn, planing across Mounts Bay at a fairly constant 10 - 12 knots,

with one period over 15 knots. “All a bit much for a pensioner of my

age”, Richard added. This time the crew was entirely St Ives - Marcus, Tim, Stuart and

Richard.

November

A poem by John Wilson

TO GO OR NOT TO GO THAT IS THE QUESTION!

THE BEAUFORT SCALE

FORCE ONE THE AIR IS ALMOST STILL, THE SEA IS CALM AND FLAT
THE BOATS STAY IN THE SAILING PEN AND THAT MY FRIEND IS THAT

AT 4-7 MPH THE WIND IS AT FORCE TWO, COOL BREEZE IS FELT ON THE SKIN
BUT NOT ENOUGH WIND TO FILL A SAIL AND SO THE BOATS WILL STAY IN

AT 8-12 MPH, THE WIND IT STRIKES FORCE THREE
HOORAH !! WE HEAR THE SAILORS CALL AS THEY HEAD OFF OUT TO SEA

AT 13-17 MPH THE WIND IS AT FORCE FOUR, THE WAVES THEY FORM A CREST
THE FLEETS SAILS OUT ,CONDITIONS GREAT ,WE'LL SOON FIND OUT WHO'S BEST

AT 18-24 MPH THE GUAGE WILL SHOW FORCE FIVE,SEA SPRAY WILL MAKE YOU FROWN

JUST ONE MISTAKE AROUND THE MARKS AND YOU'LL BE UPSIDE DOWN

AT 24-30 MPH AND GUSTING AT FORCE SIX, THE WAVES WILL BE QUITE HIGH
BOATS CAN BREAK AND ROPES CAN SNAP, THE SAFETY BOAT STANDS BY

AT 30-38 MPH A NEAR GALE BLOWS, FORCE SEVEN IT IS SHOWING
LOOK AT THE SEA AND JUDGE IT WELL BEFORE THE BOATS GET GOING

FORCE EIGHT THE BOATS SHOULD NOT BE OUT BUT STAY THERE IN THE PEN
A GALE TODAY MEANS WE STAY IN BUT WE'LL BE BACK AGAIN!

St. Ives Sailing Club’s 42nd Anniversary Laying Up Supper

St. Ives Sailing Club’s annual ‘Laying Up Supper’ took place at the Chy an Albany Hotel on Friday, 28th November.

The Laying Up Supper was well attended as usual with around fifty or so club members, their friends and guests; including guests from Penzance Sailing Club and Councillor Colin Nicholls, who kindly agreed to help with the trophy presentation.

Following a reception with greetings, drinks and chat a very enjoyable three course meal was served in the dining room, followed by coffee. The evening was then moved on to the presentations.

John Palser, the club commodore, delivered a short review of the very eventful 42nd year of the club, before announcing the recipients of the Commodore’s Cup. The review included thanks and praise to all those who had worked so hard throughout the year in ensuring a secure future for the club; raising much needed funds; dealing with issues that affect the club’s future and carrying out duties, on and off the water, that are necessary for a full programme of racing and sailing to take place over the season. In this respect special thanks went to Mike Cook (Sailing Secretary), Laying Up Supper organiser David Eddy (Membership Secretary), Matt Harvey, Jonathan Thomas, Stuart Backhouse (Treasurer), Martin Rawling, Simon Ashmore, Dave Peters and Richard Sadler.

The Commodore then announced the recipients of the Commodore’s Cup. The Commodore pointed out that the recipients – John Wilson and Paul Tarplee – besides doing many Safety Boat duties over the season, had put hours of hard work into maintaining the club’s new tractor, the Safety Boat, its launch and road trailers and their enthusiasm for the task had been inspirational. St.Ives Town Councillor Colin Nicholls presented the Trophy, accompanied by loud applause.

After this presentation, Councillor Colin Nicholls said a few words in praise of the club and its place in St. Ives and his hopes for the future of the club, before the Commodore handed over to Sailing Secretary, Mike Cook, to announce and present the winners of the Sailing Trophies for the three Summer Series of races and the Jubilee Trophy, an event that took place on 11th October.

This part of the evening was concluded with the presentation of the ‘Overall’ sailing trophy and the ‘Most Improved Sailor’ trophy.

This most agreeable evening was rounded off with a raffle that had been organised by Margaret and David Eddy, with prizes donated by club members, followed by more drinks, chat and reminiscing.

Thanks are due to David Eddy for organising the Laying Up Supper this year. All who attended agreed it was a very enjoyable and entertaining evening.

Trophies

Wednesday Summer Series – Pedn Olva Trophy: 1st John Palser (Laser), 2nd Brian Gray (Laser/Radial), 3rd Mike Cook (Laser Radial).

Summer Saturday Series (Race 1) – Island Trophy: 1st Stuart Backhouse (Contender),

2nd Mike Cook (Laser Radial), 3rd John Palser (Laser/Radial).

 Summer Saturday Series (Race 2) – Sloop Trophy: 1st Stuart Backhouse (Contender),

2nd Brian Gray (Laser/Radial), 3rd John Palser (Laser/Radial).

Overall, for the year – The Florence Challenge Cup – for the helm with the least points over the year: 1st Mike Cook, 2nd Brian Gray, 3rd John Palser.

Special Awards

Daniel Rouncefield – ‘Alan Major Trophy’ for most improved helm this season.

John Wilson and Paul Tarplee – ‘Commodores Cup’ awarded by the commodore, John Palser, to members of his choice for services rendered to the club over the season.

Stuart Backhouse receiving a Saturday Series Trophy from Councillor Colin Nicholls

Paul Tarplee (left) and John Wilson, recipients of the Commodore’s Trophy

2015

February

Sailing Club’s A.G.M.

On Friday 27th February, the Sailing Club A.G.M. was held at the Masonic lodge.

Before the meeting a very tasteful meal was laid on by Chef and Club member Daniel Rouncefield.

Among the many items on the agenda was the voting in of the officers and other committee members.

Commodore: John Palser, Vice Commodore: Derek Hall, Honorary Secretary: Martin Rawling,

Sailing Secretary: Mike Cook, Assistant Sailing secretary: Graeme Russell, Boson: John Wilson,

Treasurer: Stuart Backhouse, Membership Secretary: Dave Eddy. Other members, Dave Peters and Paul Tarplee.

During the Sailing Secretary’s report, the winner of the Frostbite Trophy for 2014 was awarded to Stuart Backhouse.

A very enjoyable evening was ended with a Sailing Club video produced and shown by Mike cook.

Commodore John Palser presents the Frostbite Trophy to Stuart Backhouse.

May

The committee start a recruiting campaign encouraging sailors from out of the county to sign 

 as ‘Out of County Members’ for an annual fee of £25.00.

 ST. IVES SAILING CLUB

Out of County Membership

You can become a member of St. Ives Sailing Club (Cornwall) for just £25!

Please visit the club website for more details and application form stivessailingclub.com

Membership includes use of club dinghies for a small donation of £5 – Lasers, Picos and a Stratos as in picture. Alternatively, bring your own dinghy with you.

Ideal for visitors to Cornwall, for an opportunity to sail in the wonderful St. Ives Bay.

St. Ives Sailing Club Regatta: 20th June 2015

June 

St. Ives Sailing Club Regatta 20th June 2015

The day started early with Penzance safety boat moored in the bay by 7:30, and crew Eric Taylor and Claire Adkins were off to tuck into a breakfast before a busy day on the water.

At 8:30 the St. Ives safety boat crew, Dave Peters, John Wilson and Paul Tarplee, were successfully casting their magic and expertise on the club tractor that was reluctant to start.

After the briefing at 10:00 a.m. by Sailing Secretary Mike Cook, all sailors sailed out into the bay for the first of three races.  In the pier head Race Officer Richard Sadler, and assistants Di Stevens from Penzance Sailing Club with Edward Jenkyn, set an L course for the first two races.  From the start Stuart Backhouse moved away into the lead in his fast Contender.  Among the fleet were 4 boats visiting from Penzance Sailing Club, Tom Kliskey with crew Simon Lees (Enterprise), Brian Aldgate (Laser), Nick Downing (Laser) and junior sailor Jodi Stevens and crew Martyn Curnow (Enterprise).  13 boats in all attended the regatta.  Winds Westerly force 2-3 with some strong gusts caused many capsizes during the race.  Eric Taylor welcomed Terrie Cook aboard the Penzance Safety boat to video part of the days racing.

Race 1 result:

 1st   Stuart Backhouse (St. Ives S.C.) Contender

2nd        Mike Cook (St. Ives S.C.) Laser Radial

3rd    Tom Kliskey & Simon Lees (Penzance S.C.) Enterprise

Race 2 was back-to-back with race 1, so shortly after the last of the fleet crossed the finish line of race 1 the warning hooter was sounded for the countdown of the next race.

At the start Stuart Backhouse once again shot into the lead.  The wind easing a little, gave chance to sailors staying upright and taking advantage of the wind shifts.  Great sailing conditions were appreciated by all.

Race 2 results:

1st    Stuart Backhouse (S.I.S.C.) Contender

2nd   Brian Aldgate (PZ.S.C.) Laser

3rd    Paul Gray (S.I.S.C.) Laser

The second race was followed by a tasty lunch provided by Niki and Jack.   Hot drinks were supplied by Dave Eddy who was also there to help serve up food as well as many other duties.

The third and final race took place at 2.41 pm.  The wind with gusts slowly increasing made a lively afternoon’s racing.  This time the pier head team set a B Port course which became very demanding for some.

Three Stratos took part during the day with Daniel Rouncefield and crew Millie Freeman beating the other two, Simon Ashmore + crew, and Barry Dain + crew.

Simon Ashmore with the aid of his computer helped calculate results after racing.

Race 3 Results:

1st,   Stuart Backhouse (S.I.S.C.) Contender

2nd        Tom Kliskey & Simon Lees (PZ.S.C.) Enterprise

3rd   Nick Downing (PZ S.C.) Laser

The day was finished with prize giving at the Sloop Upper Deck with kind permission from Maurice Symonds.  The Commodore John Palser thanked all who took part and helped to make it a brilliant sailing event.

Overall results:

1st    Stuart Backhouse (S.I.S.C.) winning the New Florence Cup

2nd   Tom Kliskey & Simon Lees (PZ.S.C.)

3rd    Brian Aldgate (PZ.S.C.)

Overall St. Ives S.C. sailors’ results

1st    Stuart Backhouse winning the Peter de Savary Trophy

2nd   John Palser

3rd   Paul Gray

The Jill Patten Welch Award for the best junior went to Jodi Stevens.

(Report Mike Cook)

Stuart Backhouse (right) being awarded The New Florence Cup by Commodore John Palser (Mike Cook centre)    (Photo by Dave Eddy)

August

St. Ives Raft Race

St. Ives Sailing Club came third and received first prize for fancy dress.

October

On 7th October a BBQ party was held in the club pen in honour of Daniel Rouncefield. Who has been a member of the club since he was aged ten. Daniel is getting married on 10th October.

Daniel is forth from the left.

10th October

Elise and Daniel’s Wedding Day.

31st October

Brian Gray, forth from left retires from sailing. Age 75 appox!

November

St. Ives Sailing Club Laying Up Supper

On Friday 27th November members and guests attended St. Ives Sailing Club Annual Laying Up Supper.

Among them were, Deputy Mayor Maxine Armstrong, Councillor Colin Nicholls and members of the Penzance Sailing Club.

Commodore John Palser welcomed everyone with a few lighthearted jokes and then asked everyone present to give thought to those less fortunate than ourselves.

All had a very enjoyable meal which was followed by a raffle.

The prize giving of the racing trophies was conducted by Sailing Secretary Mike Cook and prizes were presented by Maxine Armstrong.

John Palser and Colin Nicholls presented the special awards; the Most Improved Sailor trophy to Millie Freeman, and the Commodore Cup to Daniel Rouncefield for being the most inspirational and helpful member.

John Palser then presented Brian Gray, who was retiring from dinghy racing, with a framed photograph and the Out of County trophy was awarded to Steve Fuller.

This was followed by a few words from Colin Nicholls.  Penzance S.C. member Paul Kent thanked the sailing club for a very enjoyable evening.

The season’s racing results.

Spring Series

Saturday 1:  Porthgwidden Trophy.    1st Mike Cook,        2nd Stuart Backhouse, 3rd Paul Gray.

Saturday 2:  Rampers Trophy.              1st Mike Cook,        2nd Stuart Backhouse, 3rd Paul Gray.

Wednesday Series:  Bamaluz Trophy. 1st Mike Cook,        2nd Paul Gray,                     3rd John Palser.

Summer Series

Saturday 1:  Island Trophy                    1st Stuart Backhouse,        2nd Mike Cook, 3rd John Palser.

Saturday 2:  Sloop Trophy                     1st Stuart Backhouse,        2nd Mike Cook, 3rd Graeme Russell.

Wednesday Series:  Pedn Olva Trophy 1st Mike Cook,         2nd Paul Gray,         3rd John Palser.