Commodore's August Newsletter
Published 10:59 on 1 Aug 2023
What delightful weather we have been experiencing and from the forecast, it is not going to be changing any time soon! It has been an influence on our events and also on the Fastnet race, the start of which was screened in the Clubhouse.
Round the Island Race
Three boats went to the Isle of Wight to compete in this annual event, Camira, Solis Ortus and Aquafly. Saturday 1st July proved to be a windy day, I have never heard so many distress calls during the course of a day. There were:
- 19 man over-boards
- 4 yachts capsized (one a 5 million Euro custom carbon 70ft Gunboat)
- 3 dismastings
- 2 helicopter evacuations
- 178 did not finish
- 20+ in hospital
All the Jersey boats were safe, although Solis Ortus suffered damage to its mainsail as the wind pushed up to 35 kts heading towards the Needles.
Chez Bruno
The social Committee did a marvellous job decorating the Club for the lead up to Bastille Day. This was very well supported and the Club was buzzing.
Tour des Ports de la Manche
Peter Funk and his team did a tremendous job in the lead up to the leg to Jersey. Unfortunately, the wind didnt play ball and the decision was taken to cancel the race to Jersey on the Thursday. Such a disappointment for the team, but a really big thank you for what had promised to be a great evening. Peter skippered his boat Morrina IV in the event.
West Country Tour
The West Country Tour was enjoyed by all those taking part, but was not without its challenges. This was particularly the case for Abracadabra, which lost its rudder mid-channel. All the crew were safe and the boat was towed to Salcombe by the RNLI.
The strong winds forecast for the Friday meant that the two night stay in Plymouth was shortened and the fleet sailed to Brixham on the Thursday in excellent off-wind sailing conditions. Some of the fleet that had to get back for Monday decided to head back early given the forecast for the weekend. The reception at Brixham Yacht Club was an opportunity to meet up with Peter Walsh, who was commodore in our Centenary Year, and his wife Sue. Each boat was invited to sing a sea shanty and a good time was had by all. A really big thank you to Rhys for organising such a great event.
Carey Olsen Jersey Regatta
The Silver Anniversary of the combined clubs Carey Olsen Jersey Regatta, being held from 7th to 10th September, is well on track to provide the Islands sailing community with the customary three days of great racing and social activity. Entries are open on www.jerseyregatta.com with early bird entry fees available until Friday 18th August. Why not sign up now?
Club News on catering
To help with staffing, which is an Island wide problem at present, it is going to be necessary to offer a reduced lunchtime dining service on Mondays and Tuesdays commencing on the 7th of August and Mondays during September. Light bites will be offered such as sandwiches, paninis, wraps, soup and chips.
Colour Me Beautiful
Your social committee invite you to join them at the Club for two fun evenings of tips & advice on finding your best colours & styles to help you look & feel fantastic, dress for a special occasion, or simply sort out your wardrobe. For more information, click here.
Carteret Rally
Your Rally committee are finalising the details of our Rally to Carteret over the bank holiday weekend of August 26th - 28th. More details will follow via a separate email very soon.
Joint and family memberships
If you would like notices, newsletters, etc. to go to more than one email address please let the office know. It has come to our attention that not all members to a joint, or family account, are receiving them.
Enjoy your summer holidays whether you stay in Jersey or travel far or near.
Dates for your diary.
August:
6th: Coastal Race 3: Port & Starboard Trophies
7th: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 10
12th: Kalina Shields - Two Handed Race
13th: Under 30's Race
15th: Dayboat Evening Series Race 8
15th: An Evening of Colour & Style
23rd: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 11
26th: Offshore Race 6 - Centenary Triangle
26th - 28th: Rally to Carteret
30th: Dayboat Evening Series Race 9
September:
6th: Bingo Night
6th: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 12
8th - 10th: Carey Olsen Jersey Regatta
22nd: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 13
22nd - 24th: Trevor Beaton Trophy - Granville to Jersey
Click here to view our 2023 event calendar.
Jeff Speller
Commodore
St Helier Yacht Club