Back in 2007 when the crew of Arcsine were forced to retire from the Fastnet Race with mainsail damage Caleb, one of the crew said “this is unfinished business, Kathy you will do Fastnet in 2009 and I will come from were ever I am in the world” True to our word Arcsine was entered for 2009 and Caleb arranged to join us from Panama!

Some of the 2007 didn’t join us leaving room for Alan Glover from WSC, an Italian and a Swiss to join us.

It was Arcsine’s 3^rd time on the start line and we were all keen and prepared for a slow race so how much water shall we take, how many dinners etc-I began to wish we’d gone for a watermaker!

On Tuesday 1^st September, nine members of the YOBs were lucky enough to experience personal coaching from Niall Myant, the RYA National Feva Class Coach. This came about because I was involved in Race Management of the European Feva Championships in Ireland and the Feva Nationals at WPNSA, where I met Niall, who was coaching the British team. It was a sunny day but the wind was gusting over 20 kts. Niall checked with the youngsters that they were “up for it” and Richard Groves our safety officer agreed that we could take out three boats, staying close to WSC start line. 

Perfect weather for the Squib Picnic Race made a wonderful day's sailing for the six Squibs who took part on Sunday 16 August.  The race was started by Saskia VI with Mark Bugler, Rima Bascombe and family as Race Officers.  A quick beat to O was followed by a spinnaker run to Ringstead.  The Squibs tied on behind anchored cruisers who joined the Squibs for their day out and Adrian Patterson and Nigel Lawrence in the safety boat ferried the crews ashore.  The beach was warm and sheltered for the BBQs on the pebbles.  The return beat back to O in a brisk wind was won by Alan and Deo McDine in Posh Totty but the overall prize for both races was won by Vernon and She Taylor in Hussy.

Photo: Ernie Lee who donated the trophy and instigated the annual event presents the trophy to the winning team.

While the sun is still out, don't forget to get some good sailing shots to enter into the Club 2010 Handbook front cover competition. 

This stunning photo of Saskia VI was taken mid-Channel on the Cherbourg Race by Nick Frampton on board Sapphire.  Saskia VI and Sapphire 'match raced' the whole way across the Channel in wonderful conditions.

If you have any photos of your sailing summer they will be judged at the Commodore's Punch Party 19 December 2009.   Details of how to enter will be given nearer the date. 

Enjoy the sun and get those cameras out!