August Newsletter

Class Captain
Aug 19
4 min read

After what seems like only a short respite after a busy, tense and competitive Cowes Week, we resume this weekend! I have a number of parish notices below however, so do read through - and as always, drop me an email if you have anything you want to ask.

Daring Regatta, Ladies' and Novice Race
Cowes Week Drinks Feedback
Jib Procurement
Brittany Trip
Association Representatives Required
Off-Season Socials

🏆 Daring Regatta, Ladies' and Novice Race

This August Bank Holiday weekend we come back together to compete for a fabulous three trophies!

The Patrick and Elsie Egan trophy is for the winner of the weekend's Solent Series races. We will be racing at the normal time (1215) under the management of the Royal Thames YC from the ISC line. Note that there are two starts scheduled for Sunday (as it's a Bank Holiday).

Earlier on Sunday, starting at 1045 from the same line, we will run our annual combined Ladies' Race and Novice Race. Entry criteria are:

Ladies' Race. As it says on the tin. Sorry to those who thought I might say something controversial.
Novice Race. Any helm who has not previously won a Daring race, whether or not it counted for season's points. The general intention is to exclude "regular" helms (define that as you wish).

Declare your entry for the Ladies' or Novice trophies using the button below:

Click Here to Enter for Ladies/Novice

🍸Cowes Week Drinks Feedback

Thank you to those who have provided feedback on the drinks party at RYS on Wednesday of Cowes Week. Two points were raised:

We've identified the reason that the drinks service appeared to finish early and we will endeavour not to have similar issues in future.
While members might understandably prefer a Darings-only affair, on this occasion the Dragon class asked politely to join us, having run out of venues and time. The change was discussed in committee and agreed as a one-off, and we will revert to separate drinks parties next year. Still, it's good to burst our "bubble" occasionally - so I don't particularly regret it!

🧵Jib Procurement

Thanks to all boats who voted in this year's jib procurement poll. I'm pleased to report that the class has ratified the Committee's recommendation of Ratsey and Lapthorn for next year's jibs. The basic sail remains unchanged from the 2023 version, which is now reaching the end of its life.

A special thanks to those who provided additional notes, queries or endorsements of the shortlisted lofts. We aim to please most of the people, most of the time - and to have a conversation with those we cannot please. Giles will be responding to any outstanding queries.

As the pattern remains unchanged, we will not be procuring a trial sail this year. We will however alter Dauntless' jib to test alternatives for the luff wire (Dyneema) and luff fittings (50:50 soft shackles and "dog-bones"). The intention is to identify alternative fittings which may offer greater longevity and reduce snagging on gear spins. The modified jib is available to be borrowed by interested boats. I will ask the committee to ratify that this does not constitute a trial sail (per Rule 8.9) and may be used in-class for the Stug Perry by any boats wishing to do so.

Subject to R&L agreement, we may then offer owners their choice of fittings with their purchase.

🇫🇷 Brittany Trip

Having hosted our YCdF friends on our Darings for a few years now, they're very keen to repay the favour. So, please express your interest in this opportunity using the button below:

📅 24-26 October
📍 La Trinité-sur-Mer
⛵ IRC (Handicap) racing with YCdF members*
🏠 Accommodation with YCdF hosts
💰 Costs: social and travel only. Perhaps a small gift for your host(s).

*an alternative of chartering Grand Surprise keelboats at c. EUR200pp is offered

Click to Express Interest

If you're keen, I'll follow up with more travel planning details.

🧑‍💼Association Representatives Required!

We have a few vacancies that I'd like to fill. Volunteers are always best but if I need to I'll get the press-gang out!

Social Secretary

Sadly Alice has asked to step back from her committee role, for reasons that might be familiar to recent parents among us. We wish her, Tom and young George well.

If you feel like you, or somebody you know, would be a good candidate for pulling the strings on a handful of social events each year (with capable administrative and financial support from other team-members), please do write to me or drop a message to our recent social secs, Alice or Angela*, to ask about their experience.

*your name doesn't need to start with A, and you don't have to be female

Merchandise

Having done it myself for over a decade, I find myself presiding over a diminishing stock of ties and belts - and diminishing time to focus on it. Grateful for somebody to pick up the baton with fresh ideas.

🥂Off-Season Socials - Save the Date!

AGM & Prizegiving Dinner

📍RYS,
📅Saturday 29 November

I strongly encourage those of us with houses in Cowes to offer space to those travelling down, and I strongly encourage lift-sharing. I will be looking for a "logistics" solution closer to the time to facilitate travel and subsistence. It's always more fun when the crew contingent feel like they can come.