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May 2004

The Newsletter of Spinnaker Club, Ringwood

www.spinnakerclub.co.uk

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Spinnaker Laser Open

4.7’s competing in the 2003 Spinnaker Laser Open

Sponsored by:

Solo Winter Championships

Bartley Sailing Club hosted this, the first event of the Solo Open Season.
This year it was held on 8 February at Bartley SC, which is on a reservoir on the southern outskirts of Birmingham. This is quite a contrast to Spinnaker.
Spinnaker was represented by Tim Wade, Eddie Morris, and myself. We were greeted on our arrival by roaring winds and significant white horses on the water. Both Tim and I capsized twice and retired from the first (delayed) race but it was an amazing sight to see a big fleet of Solos in full planning glory on the reaches. I retired gratefully at this point having only dented my pride and not my boat or head.
It was an interesting introduction to the circuit and hasn’t put me off trying again. I was very impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness of both the club and the other sailors.
Bartley is the new home of the previous Spinnaker Firefly fleet. Alan will be pleased to know that they were looking smart and well loved and still bearing the Spinnaker name on their sides.

Hywel Morris

Solo training Day

Unfortunately the Solo training day planned for Saturday, 24 April 2004 had to be called off.
All being well there will be another opportunity. With ever-strengthening numbers of Solos sailing at Spinnaker interest in training sessions is high. The more experienced Solo sailors are keen to pass on their knowledge to us lesser mortals.
The more people who turn up the better the training will be. For more details contact Paul Irons or myself.

Spinnaker juniors practising team racing in January, yes January.

Junior Team Racing

Practice sessions have been planned throughout the year for juniors who would like to try team racing in the Club Fireflies.
See programme for dates, Tom Clay for more information
clay@manor-house5.freeserve.co.uk to be added to the Junior Team Racing email list.

Practice solo

Another way you can practice is to take the Club Fireflies for a race. For juniors the cost is only £2 for a half day or £4 for a day. This is a bargain and the Wednesday evening 17:30 fleet race and the Pursuit are particularly good, because you can learn a lot from the likes of Greg Ansell or team racers joining in. They are all normally very generous with their tips, so see how close you can keep to them and maybe get some advice afterwards. Remember the boats do have to be used for organised racing or approved training. If you are unsure about the procedure for booking Club boats, it’s simple, just ask! Tom Clay

Wednesday afternoon 5:30 racing

Following the successful introduction of Wednesday 5:30 racing last summer, 2004 offers 26 late afternoon races split into 2 series. Open to all, competitors may choose to stay on for Tiggy’s pursuit racing, followed by an excellent meal by Sue! These not-so-formal late afternoon competitions are attractive to younger sailors and those wanting to improve their racing confidence and knowledge.
Paul Irons

Crew kit

For personalised embroidered or printed T-shirts, hoodies, rugby shirts or caps as often seen worn at Spinnaker contact CoucheBébé on 0800 435 4635 or email budgetdigitizing@enterprise.net Ed.