2009 Sussex Police Open Regatta - Wednesday 5th August - Bexhill Sailing Club
The following is somewhat a blow-by-blow account of the regatta observed from the club balcony by Dick Sivers
This regatta took place during Bexhill Sea Week, so the first race saw a number of club boats also afloat gathering behind a start line set between the Outer Distance Mark and a Triangle set on shore. The police regatta participants were given the privilege of starting five minutes ahead of the club starts. The wind was very light indeed but all six police boats were waiting somewhere around the line at the start.
Race One. At the gun Pete Goodman in the Albacore was right on the line with Ken Daniels in the Phantom the last to cross. Boats soon spread out in the barely noticeable wind, trying to find their way through the tide which was almost at its highest. It was going to be a struggle with decisions to be made how to tackle the tide. So, 25 minutes gone and the first police boat was nowhere near the first mark whilst a number of club boats behind were going backwards in the tide heading gently westwards towards Pevensey Bay. It didn't take too long for Rob Jones to decide to retire and hope for better wind later. Boats were making long tacks searching for the best route. Hug the shore-line for less tide maybe?; further out, more chance of wind. Around 45 minutes after the start a slight breeze came in from the sea allowing those who had committed themselves to the right-hand side of the course to pick up the wind first and approach the mark on a close reach. Those who opted for the shore - with perceived less tide - lost out. Wind direction veered and the second leg became a beat. One hour gone and the Phantom, still trying to squeeze round the first mark, failed to avoid contact and paid the penalty. The Albacore arrived next with the two Laser 2000's further behind. By the third leg of the course Dusty Miller in the RS400 had established a firm lead and eventually crossed the finish line after nearly 1hr 25 mins. A while later the Albacore and the Phantom rounded the last mark virtually together to prepare for a tacking dual but local knowledge prevailed with Goodman tacking on every slight wind-shift to get over the finish line over two minutes ahead of Daniels. It had been a struggle but the wind then came in a little more to allow the Laser 2000 with Steve Rigby & Freya Carter to finish better than anticipated. On corrected time Pete Goodman was first, Dusty second, Steve Rigby third. The results elicited an early comment from Freya, "It's the first time I've seen Rob's bottom".
For Race Two the course was altered, reduced in size slightly and started virtually on time with the police boats having the course to themselves. It was a close reach start. At the gun no-one was on the line but soon the wind picked up enough to send the fleet on their way towards the first mark which, due to a slight change in the wind direction, became somewhat superfluous - the second mark now also to windward becoming more relevant. Thus by the second mark Dusty had established a healthy lead as the wind had increased just a little more. The Phantom also got going together with the RS700. In 16 minutes the lead boat had completed the first lap, then the Phantom, the RS700, the Albacore - all within a minute of each other with the two Laser 2000's once more bringing up the rear. By the end of Lap 2, the RS400 with Dusty Miller & Andy Bullen had taken 29 minutes and was setting about lapping the 2000's. The RS700 was still behind whilst the Phantom had dropped back behind the Albacore having lost his way during the last beat. Dusty was striding ahead but the wind was just not enough for Rob Jones who ended his day giving himself a little dunking in frustration and sailing ashore for his second retirement. Shortened course was sounded and the 2000's finished after 2 laps whilst the Albacore and Phantom did 3 laps. This time, all done in 50 minutes.
Race Three was sailed 'back-to-back' and would be crucial for the RS400 and the Albacore; both on 3 points. Third position overall would rest between Ken Daniels (Phantom) and Steve Rigby (Laser 2000). This time the club boats were also out for their race though police still had the separate first start. A close reach start. At the gun another splendid start by the Albacore whereas the Phantom was lost somewhere in the club racers and started late. At the second mark the Albacore was nicely in the lead with Dusty some 50 yards behind. Steve Rigby next with the Phantom trying to catch up. By Lap 2 the wind began to drop and leading boats endeavoured to tack close along the shore Owen Popplet - his first time racing in the Laser 2000 - had really struggled having lost his way up the very first beat. Tacking at the right time and place had become so crucial. As lap 2 drew to a close Dusty had overtaken the Albacore but there was just not enough wind to get the benefit of his big, black jennaker which stayed full, more as a token effort than a positive effect on speed. The Albacore finished about two minutes behind with the Phantom third. On corrected time Pete Goodman first, Ken Daniels second and Dusty Miller third.
Crews came ashore looking pretty drained. It had been a long day in exacting conditions where mid-afternoon, the temperature had been over 27˚. With umpteen boats floating about in little wind the Race Officer, Malcolm Brooks and his staff had got everything right. Prizes were presented by the Bexhill SC Commodore, Geoffrey Furlong. Congratulations to Pete Goodman and his crew, the owner of the Albacore, Bee Frost. I first sailed against Pete in the mid-70's. Great to see him still competing; a worthy winner.
With thanks to Dick Sivers for writing up this event and his assistance on the day plus the help of Val Daniels and Nick Stephenson – photographers - and Betty Crosse, event receptionist
This regatta took place during Bexhill Sea Week, so the first race saw a number of club boats also afloat gathering behind a start line set between the Outer Distance Mark and a Triangle set on shore. The police regatta participants were given the privilege of starting five minutes ahead of the club starts. The wind was very light indeed but all six police boats were waiting somewhere around the line at the start.
Race One. At the gun Pete Goodman in the Albacore was right on the line with Ken Daniels in the Phantom the last to cross. Boats soon spread out in the barely noticeable wind, trying to find their way through the tide which was almost at its highest. It was going to be a struggle with decisions to be made how to tackle the tide. So, 25 minutes gone and the first police boat was nowhere near the first mark whilst a number of club boats behind were going backwards in the tide heading gently westwards towards Pevensey Bay. It didn't take too long for Rob Jones to decide to retire and hope for better wind later. Boats were making long tacks searching for the best route. Hug the shore-line for less tide maybe?; further out, more chance of wind. Around 45 minutes after the start a slight breeze came in from the sea allowing those who had committed themselves to the right-hand side of the course to pick up the wind first and approach the mark on a close reach. Those who opted for the shore - with perceived less tide - lost out. Wind direction veered and the second leg became a beat. One hour gone and the Phantom, still trying to squeeze round the first mark, failed to avoid contact and paid the penalty. The Albacore arrived next with the two Laser 2000's further behind. By the third leg of the course Dusty Miller in the RS400 had established a firm lead and eventually crossed the finish line after nearly 1hr 25 mins. A while later the Albacore and the Phantom rounded the last mark virtually together to prepare for a tacking dual but local knowledge prevailed with Goodman tacking on every slight wind-shift to get over the finish line over two minutes ahead of Daniels. It had been a struggle but the wind then came in a little more to allow the Laser 2000 with Steve Rigby & Freya Carter to finish better than anticipated. On corrected time Pete Goodman was first, Dusty second, Steve Rigby third. The results elicited an early comment from Freya, "It's the first time I've seen Rob's bottom".
For Race Two the course was altered, reduced in size slightly and started virtually on time with the police boats having the course to themselves. It was a close reach start. At the gun no-one was on the line but soon the wind picked up enough to send the fleet on their way towards the first mark which, due to a slight change in the wind direction, became somewhat superfluous - the second mark now also to windward becoming more relevant. Thus by the second mark Dusty had established a healthy lead as the wind had increased just a little more. The Phantom also got going together with the RS700. In 16 minutes the lead boat had completed the first lap, then the Phantom, the RS700, the Albacore - all within a minute of each other with the two Laser 2000's once more bringing up the rear. By the end of Lap 2, the RS400 with Dusty Miller & Andy Bullen had taken 29 minutes and was setting about lapping the 2000's. The RS700 was still behind whilst the Phantom had dropped back behind the Albacore having lost his way during the last beat. Dusty was striding ahead but the wind was just not enough for Rob Jones who ended his day giving himself a little dunking in frustration and sailing ashore for his second retirement. Shortened course was sounded and the 2000's finished after 2 laps whilst the Albacore and Phantom did 3 laps. This time, all done in 50 minutes.
Race Three was sailed 'back-to-back' and would be crucial for the RS400 and the Albacore; both on 3 points. Third position overall would rest between Ken Daniels (Phantom) and Steve Rigby (Laser 2000). This time the club boats were also out for their race though police still had the separate first start. A close reach start. At the gun another splendid start by the Albacore whereas the Phantom was lost somewhere in the club racers and started late. At the second mark the Albacore was nicely in the lead with Dusty some 50 yards behind. Steve Rigby next with the Phantom trying to catch up. By Lap 2 the wind began to drop and leading boats endeavoured to tack close along the shore Owen Popplet - his first time racing in the Laser 2000 - had really struggled having lost his way up the very first beat. Tacking at the right time and place had become so crucial. As lap 2 drew to a close Dusty had overtaken the Albacore but there was just not enough wind to get the benefit of his big, black jennaker which stayed full, more as a token effort than a positive effect on speed. The Albacore finished about two minutes behind with the Phantom third. On corrected time Pete Goodman first, Ken Daniels second and Dusty Miller third.
Crews came ashore looking pretty drained. It had been a long day in exacting conditions where mid-afternoon, the temperature had been over 27˚. With umpteen boats floating about in little wind the Race Officer, Malcolm Brooks and his staff had got everything right. Prizes were presented by the Bexhill SC Commodore, Geoffrey Furlong. Congratulations to Pete Goodman and his crew, the owner of the Albacore, Bee Frost. I first sailed against Pete in the mid-70's. Great to see him still competing; a worthy winner.
With thanks to Dick Sivers for writing up this event and his assistance on the day plus the help of Val Daniels and Nick Stephenson – photographers - and Betty Crosse, event receptionist
For full results download this document
| Sussex Police Open 2009 - full results |
Photo's of 2009 Sussex Open - click on photo to enlarge
Dorset Police Open DinghyRegatta
Wednesday, 8th July, 2009
Venue: Poole Y.C.
Mike Scrivener was in contention throughout the day sailing extremely well and came a well deserved fourth overal with Dusty Miller & Freya Carter dispite their dunking coming in tenth.
Details of the event reproduced by permission of Richard Sivers and amended by Dusty Miller
Details of the event reproduced by permission of Richard Sivers and amended by Dusty Miller
The day dawned bright and fairly breezy for this year's Dorset Police Regatta on Poole Harbour. The Entry of 12 boats was a little disappointing after last year's numbers but did include Sussex sailors Mike Scrivener in his Contender and Dusty Miller with crew Freya Carter in their RS 400.
Despite threats of an early start, Race One got away just before 11am, once the Race Officer, John Yonwin had meticulously set up for an Olympic course - triangles and sausages. The fleet of all twelve boats got away well, some opting for a beat to the right, others starting at the pin end and going left which didn't quite pay off. With such a varied fleet the boats soon spread out with Rob Jones shooting ahead in the RS700 whilst Clive Bishop, sailing with his grandson and friend brought up the rear in an Albacore which once belonged to Dave Ogden of Hampshire fame. In the fresh wind things did not go smoothly for all helms. Ken Daniels in his new Phantom got caught out at the windward mark and succumbed to an early bath in salt water. Locals Andy Welsh helming the Osprey with Rob Gillespie found the conditions much their liking and were the only boat liable to give Jones any serious challenge, though Ian Ingram with Marie Bond as crew in the RS400 were also well up in the field. There were just two Laser competing, with last year's winner Dave King going particularly well. By the finish, Jones secured his first win beating the Osprey on corrected time by well over two minutes. Mike Scrivener in his Contender found conditions damp and fitful but had his best race result. The Albacore was forced to retire with a dislodged transom flap causing the boat to fill with almost as much sea water as there was in the Poole Harbour.
Race Two was sailed back-to-back with the windward and wing buoys moved slightly. This still gave a tight reach on Leg 2 followed by a very broad reach on Leg three where the ability of boats to carve their way through the waves took precedence over the power of the wind. The gybe mark was catching a few out culminating in three retirements. Ken Daniels was in the drink again and went ashore whilst Paul Smith & Chris Bundy found the conditions too much for the Xenon huge sail and retired for the second time. Dusty Miller with Freya Carter managed to capsize with the spinnaker flying but stuck the mast in the mud; making uprighting nigh impossible. Once freed, it remained difficult with a balloon spinnaker filled with water. Getting upright thus took some time and the only answer was to aim for the shore and call it a day. Jeff Hines & Andy Greenway with the Avon & Somerset Comet Trio were comfortable in the conditions and, for much of the race, were not so far behind the second Laser, Dick Sivers. Final times among the leaders was closer this time. Jones' RS ahead to win by a slightly less margin from the Osprey than in Race 1, with Ingram a close third just 3 seconds behind on corrected time.
After a late lunch, Race Three. By now, the forecast of wind rising with gusts of over 22 knots was being realised. For reasons various, only seven boats took part. Ken Daniels determined not to be beaten by his poor morning performances got his mast re-stepped and went afloat. Clive Bishop and crew with Albacore transom sorted and determined to be racing, announced hoisting a set of Mirror sails for the race. The fleet spread out with Jones, aiming for a third race-win, making long tacks to windward; this to avoid tacking too often in the wind and keeping the RS going at high speed. Ian Ingram maintained a lead on the water over the Osprey for the first lap only then dropped back to allow Andy Welsh to secure his third second-place whilst Daniels kept close enough to the Contender to secure an excellent fourth.
For some competitors, each race had been over an hour long and although winds had been strong enough throughout the day, it had been good sailing with no serious damage to body or boat. After a late finish, prizes were presented by the Poole YC Commodore and his wife, John & Vera Lewis. Poole Yacht Club always make us extremely welcome and we look forward to returning in numbers, in 2010.
Despite threats of an early start, Race One got away just before 11am, once the Race Officer, John Yonwin had meticulously set up for an Olympic course - triangles and sausages. The fleet of all twelve boats got away well, some opting for a beat to the right, others starting at the pin end and going left which didn't quite pay off. With such a varied fleet the boats soon spread out with Rob Jones shooting ahead in the RS700 whilst Clive Bishop, sailing with his grandson and friend brought up the rear in an Albacore which once belonged to Dave Ogden of Hampshire fame. In the fresh wind things did not go smoothly for all helms. Ken Daniels in his new Phantom got caught out at the windward mark and succumbed to an early bath in salt water. Locals Andy Welsh helming the Osprey with Rob Gillespie found the conditions much their liking and were the only boat liable to give Jones any serious challenge, though Ian Ingram with Marie Bond as crew in the RS400 were also well up in the field. There were just two Laser competing, with last year's winner Dave King going particularly well. By the finish, Jones secured his first win beating the Osprey on corrected time by well over two minutes. Mike Scrivener in his Contender found conditions damp and fitful but had his best race result. The Albacore was forced to retire with a dislodged transom flap causing the boat to fill with almost as much sea water as there was in the Poole Harbour.
Race Two was sailed back-to-back with the windward and wing buoys moved slightly. This still gave a tight reach on Leg 2 followed by a very broad reach on Leg three where the ability of boats to carve their way through the waves took precedence over the power of the wind. The gybe mark was catching a few out culminating in three retirements. Ken Daniels was in the drink again and went ashore whilst Paul Smith & Chris Bundy found the conditions too much for the Xenon huge sail and retired for the second time. Dusty Miller with Freya Carter managed to capsize with the spinnaker flying but stuck the mast in the mud; making uprighting nigh impossible. Once freed, it remained difficult with a balloon spinnaker filled with water. Getting upright thus took some time and the only answer was to aim for the shore and call it a day. Jeff Hines & Andy Greenway with the Avon & Somerset Comet Trio were comfortable in the conditions and, for much of the race, were not so far behind the second Laser, Dick Sivers. Final times among the leaders was closer this time. Jones' RS ahead to win by a slightly less margin from the Osprey than in Race 1, with Ingram a close third just 3 seconds behind on corrected time.
After a late lunch, Race Three. By now, the forecast of wind rising with gusts of over 22 knots was being realised. For reasons various, only seven boats took part. Ken Daniels determined not to be beaten by his poor morning performances got his mast re-stepped and went afloat. Clive Bishop and crew with Albacore transom sorted and determined to be racing, announced hoisting a set of Mirror sails for the race. The fleet spread out with Jones, aiming for a third race-win, making long tacks to windward; this to avoid tacking too often in the wind and keeping the RS going at high speed. Ian Ingram maintained a lead on the water over the Osprey for the first lap only then dropped back to allow Andy Welsh to secure his third second-place whilst Daniels kept close enough to the Contender to secure an excellent fourth.
For some competitors, each race had been over an hour long and although winds had been strong enough throughout the day, it had been good sailing with no serious damage to body or boat. After a late finish, prizes were presented by the Poole YC Commodore and his wife, John & Vera Lewis. Poole Yacht Club always make us extremely welcome and we look forward to returning in numbers, in 2010.
Police Sport UK
National Dinghy Sailing Championships, 2009
Wednesday/Thursday, 10-11th June, 2009
National Dinghy Sailing Championships, 2009
Wednesday/Thursday, 10-11th June, 2009
PSUK sailing - Netley Sailing Club
At the 2009 PSUK national dinghy championships 27 boats took part at Netley Sailing Club on the banks of Southampton water in perfect conditions - Not too calm, not too windy. The racing amongst the main competitors was close and albeit the boats varied from an RS700 to a Europe, there was plenty of competitive spirit throughout the fleet.
The Sussex competitors were Bob Trevis in the Sussex Police owned Laser, Mike Scrivener in his new Contender and Dusty Miller and Freya Carter in an RS400
Day One of the Dinghy Championship dawned damp and grey. All 27 boats made the start for Race One. Boats got away well enough despite two boats caught being over the line at the start. As the wind blew, there were a few capsizes including the RS400 with Dusty and Freya getting completly emersed and retiring from that race. Bob and Mike finished a creditable 13th and 14th
After lunch, Races Two & Three were held back-to-back. The wind, which had been so lively in the morning, decided to settle somewhat and as the general commercial traffic of the deep-water channel sent waves across the course, the shorter length boats were bound to suffer whereas the faster dinghies were able to carve their way through the lumpy conditions. Bob Trevis was consistent throughout the day remaining in mid fleet position.
Day Two and conditions were bright and breezy first thing but the wind never really rose as forecast. Nevertheless, conditions were excellent with good winds to start in bright sunshine. The two races were sailed back-to-back.
Race Four. A bit of a muddled start as the line plus with a good wind with some gusts it caught out the odd boat including some gear failures. Mike Scrivener found trouble aboard his Contender and had to retire. Dusty and Freya had their best race of the event coming 15th in the fleet.
In race Four and Five Bob continued to sail well ensuring that he had a result in the top half of the fleet coming in 9th in each race. Halfway through the race the wind changed direction and boats were racing down the third leg on a different tack. The fleet just managed to get ashore before the weather changed completely and the heavens opened.
Simon Hawkes representing Avon & Somerset Police in a Phantom is this year's champion
Trophies and Prizes were presented by Dick Fedorcio - Director of Public Affairs Metropolitan Police Service who is member of the Metropolitan Police Sailing Club.
The Principal Race Officer was Dave Nicholls who is an RYA Race Officer and serving police officer in Metropolitan Police.
The final positions resulted in Bob Trevis the highest placed Sussex boat at 12th and winning the Maiden Trophy being the highest placed sailor who had not previously won a PSUK Trophy, followed by Dusty Miller and Freya Carter at 18th an excellent result bearing in mind that Freya had limited experience in the RS 400 followed by Mike Scrivener at 23rd who had been dogged with a number of problems but still well off the bottom places.
Dinghy sailing in available to all Sussex Police and details can be found via the intranet or at http://spdsc.weebly.com/. If interested to join or would like a Taster sail please make contact with us via the website. You will be made very welcome and we can cater for all levels experience
.
The Sussex competitors were Bob Trevis in the Sussex Police owned Laser, Mike Scrivener in his new Contender and Dusty Miller and Freya Carter in an RS400
Day One of the Dinghy Championship dawned damp and grey. All 27 boats made the start for Race One. Boats got away well enough despite two boats caught being over the line at the start. As the wind blew, there were a few capsizes including the RS400 with Dusty and Freya getting completly emersed and retiring from that race. Bob and Mike finished a creditable 13th and 14th
After lunch, Races Two & Three were held back-to-back. The wind, which had been so lively in the morning, decided to settle somewhat and as the general commercial traffic of the deep-water channel sent waves across the course, the shorter length boats were bound to suffer whereas the faster dinghies were able to carve their way through the lumpy conditions. Bob Trevis was consistent throughout the day remaining in mid fleet position.
Day Two and conditions were bright and breezy first thing but the wind never really rose as forecast. Nevertheless, conditions were excellent with good winds to start in bright sunshine. The two races were sailed back-to-back.
Race Four. A bit of a muddled start as the line plus with a good wind with some gusts it caught out the odd boat including some gear failures. Mike Scrivener found trouble aboard his Contender and had to retire. Dusty and Freya had their best race of the event coming 15th in the fleet.
In race Four and Five Bob continued to sail well ensuring that he had a result in the top half of the fleet coming in 9th in each race. Halfway through the race the wind changed direction and boats were racing down the third leg on a different tack. The fleet just managed to get ashore before the weather changed completely and the heavens opened.
Simon Hawkes representing Avon & Somerset Police in a Phantom is this year's champion
Trophies and Prizes were presented by Dick Fedorcio - Director of Public Affairs Metropolitan Police Service who is member of the Metropolitan Police Sailing Club.
The Principal Race Officer was Dave Nicholls who is an RYA Race Officer and serving police officer in Metropolitan Police.
The final positions resulted in Bob Trevis the highest placed Sussex boat at 12th and winning the Maiden Trophy being the highest placed sailor who had not previously won a PSUK Trophy, followed by Dusty Miller and Freya Carter at 18th an excellent result bearing in mind that Freya had limited experience in the RS 400 followed by Mike Scrivener at 23rd who had been dogged with a number of problems but still well off the bottom places.
Dinghy sailing in available to all Sussex Police and details can be found via the intranet or at http://spdsc.weebly.com/. If interested to join or would like a Taster sail please make contact with us via the website. You will be made very welcome and we can cater for all levels experience
.
Maiden Trophy being presented to Bob Trevis
2007 PSUK Dinghy Championships - Poole
Phil Mears – highest placed Sussex Police representative at the
Police Sport UK
National Dinghy Sailing Championships, 2007....
A total of 32 boats representing 13 UK Police Forces competed in the 2007 Police National Championship held at Poole Yacht Club. The racing, on Olympic style courses in Poole Harbour, was held over the two days 14 – 15 June 2007
Sussex Police was represented by Phil Mears in his Laser, Bob Trevis and Mike Scrivener in the Sussex Police owned Laser 2000 and Dusty Miller in a borrowed RS Vareo.
This was a great sailing event in a spectacular area of Dorset, sailing in the nature reserve of Poole Harbour sailing just off the National Trust property of Brownsea Island
The wind remained at a steady Force 2-3 throughout the first day and produced exciting sailing with three races.
Day two produced stronger winds and after all results were in, it was Rob Jones and John Woodfield in the RS400 from Hampshire who took the 2007 Championship, with an outstanding performance
The highest placed Sussex Officer was Phil Mears gaining a 21st place, Bob Trevis and Mike Scrivener being placed 23rd and Dusty Miller who could only sail the first day still being placed 24th
All the competitors enjoyed the fantastic sailing conditions and the first class facilities at Poole Yacht Club and will take home fond memories of their visit to Poole.”
Bob Trevis
and
Mike Scrivener
Sailing the Laser 2000
The Dinghy sailing section is continuing to provide excellent exciting experiences for those involved with membership increasing and a Laser 2000 available at Pevensey, Lancing and Bexhill for anyone who wants to sail but do not have a boat available.