I would like to thank the 10 people who braved the wet and unpleasant conditions to help out on the ‘berths day’. They did a great job; getting the rescue boats and longliner off the water and preparing them for the winter, creating new berths, digging and laying a very long drainage trench that will stop a large number of berths from being swamped. It seems a shame that when the club responds to the members requests to improve the facilities, those members are unable to attend and help. The 10 people plus myself make up less than 10% of the full members within the club and about 3% of all members. It would be nice one working party day if we had 25% of full members attending. Our club would benefit and we as members would also benefit as the facilities, both sailing and social, would be well maintained and improved.

On another note I would like to thank all those who turned up for their O.O.D duties , those who did more than their own, all those who are involved in the record keeping, to those who gave up their time to help with the training both juniors and seniors. Without your help many of those young people who are now in zone squads or on the fringe would not have progressed so far. To all of you a very big thank you. I hope that you have a great Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all in the new season.

Warren Price
Vice Commodore

(Photo by Sue Sharman)

Sailing

With the Indian summer continuing and plenty of water in the reservoir, the autumn series is in full swing with 5 more Sundays sailing to go!

This Sunday 6th November we are having the second day of the Activate your Laser event so if you missed the first session it’s time to get the cover off and get sailing.

After a very successful Safety boat course over the last 2 weekends, the club is running a powerboat course on the 12th and 19th of November and I believe there are still some places left. If you want to sign up have a word with Andrew or Warren.

House Committee Events

The House Committee are in the process of rehearsing for the Laying Up Supper which is our the end of season panto and will be held on the 26th November tickets available from behind the bar or social committee members. The final social event for the year will be the annual Carol Concert to be held on Sunday December 4th.

Other Sailing Matters

Another date for your diary is the “Berths day” on Sunday 11th December when we will be clearing the dinghy park of all the rubbish accumulated during the season, laying a couple of top water drains, remaking a roadway to the Abbey Village end of the dinghy park and having a general tidy up.

REQUEST FROM THE CLUB CAPTAIN!

Following the discussion at the sailors meeting re OOD dates, Dennis would like details as soon as possible of when members WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR DUTY to assist in the production of next year’s list. Please provide definitive dates when you are not available. Eg school holidays needs to have dates attached! Also if you have a regular crew please provide those details as well so you can both be on duty on the same day.

Keep your eyes peeled for further info from your Vice and Rear Commodores who will be advertising the above events in detail.

Cheers
Keith Roberts
Commodore
Bolton SC

Mediterranean conditions visited the Lancashire moors for the final open meeting of the RYA North West Junior Traveller Series which took place at Bolton S C on Saturday 1st October. This was the culmination of the popular 10 meeting series sponsored by 1st Mark Chandlery with starts for Youth, Junior and Optimist fleets. The series attracted 111 boats to enter one or more events with some stalwarts managing to travel to all ten meetings, ranging from Bassenthwaite in North Cumbria to Nantwich in South Cheshire.

Force 2 to 4 winds and high temperatures provided some of the best sailing conditions experienced all year for the Bolton meeting. The youth class was dominated on the day by Reece Tomlinson of Fidlers Ferry S C hotly pursued by Kirk Knights of Elton S C with Buffy Dean, Leigh and Lowton S C as the first girl and third overall. All three were sailing Lasers. In the Junior fleet there was a real mix of boats. The Topper of Zac Gibbons (Redesmere S C) was on winning form with the Laser of Oliver Davenport 2nd (Leigh and Lowton) and the Hill brothers, Ben and Gabe in their Mirror 3rd (West Lancs Y C).

For the overall series in the youth class Reece Tomlinson became the first sailor from Fidlers Ferry to win a major trophy. His victory at Bolton on the final day gave him a single point lead over John Wingeat from Leigh and Lowton S C. with Andrew Price and Buffy Dean, both also from Leigh gaining 3rd and 4th respectively. All the youth prize winners were sailing Lasers.

The biggest of the three fleets in the series is the junior fleet with over 70 boats on the entry list. The eventual winner, showing great consistency over a variety of conditions, was Sam Clarke of Winsford Flash S C sailing a Laser Radial, winning by 3 points from the Topper of Zac Gibbons from Redesmere sailing club. Three more Laser radials occupied the next three places, Alan Dodd (Fidlers Ferry)Oliver Davenport (Redesmere) and Jonny Hoy (Nantwich) In sixth place came the first two man boat and first under 14 sailors in the form of Ben and Gabe Hill in their Mirror. (West Lancs Y C)

The small but perfectly formed Optimist fleet had been a 3 horse race all season. The eventual winner was Bobby Hewitt (Leigh and Lowton) with Matthew Leckie (Leigh and Lowton) and Lucy Knights (Elton) in second and third places.

At the end of the day there was an extensive prize table of quality goodies and trophies provided by 1st Mark Chandlery. Prizes were for the Bolton open, the 2011 series and a prize draw where each sailor gets an entry into the draw for every event they have travelled to away from their home club. Many children went home smiling, clutching some great prizes and for those that didn’t there will always be next year.

Full Results here

Photos from SailPics here

Bolton Sailing Club members frequently enquire as to “how are the birds doing?” when they see us ‘conservation types’ skulking around the car park; the answer this year was very well indeed as the colony achieved in 2011 the accolade of becoming the largest Black-headed Gull colony in Britain.

Whilst our gulls are technically ‘seabirds’, they are not the true ‘seagull’ which is a term usually associated with the Herring Gull. Black-headed Gulls are, in fact, the most inland of our gulls with many rarely, if ever, visiting the coast.

Our Black-headed Gulls have bred irregularly on the island, albeit in small numbers, since the 1950’s, but it is only in the last decade that the population at Belmont has increased dramatically to become a very noticeable visual and audible spectacle. Indeed, the sight and sound of a large Black-headed gullery in spring has been described as ‘one of Britain’s great wildlife spectacles’. The growth at Belmont is against the national trend, as most large colonies have declined or disappeared over the last 25 years gaining the species the unenviable ‘amber’ status as a species of conservation concern.

Such has been the increase in numbers at Belmont that following consultation with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (the government advisory body on wildlife) and United Utilities, a relatively new technique in counting seabird colonies was trialled at Belmont in 2011 which involved aerial photography of the colony from a light aircraft. This flight was undertaken on 4th May with the resulting prints subsequently enlarged and the number of incubating birds laboriously counted. The result was a staggering 6738 nests. This figure means that Belmont is of considerable national importance as it now hosts over 5% of the entire UK population and gives the site some protection as it now exceeds the threshold for qualification as a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).

In 2011, the gulls were first back in numbers on 24th February when 400 arrived. Numbers grew daily thereafter up to an estimated 12,000 on 29th March. Peak egg-laying was during the third week of April, peak hatching at the latter end of May with the majority of the 10,000+ juveniles fledging in late-June. Whilst 99.9% of the colony are Black-headed Gulls, there are a couple of pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a larger predatory species similar in appearance to the Herring Gull plus a handful of pairs of the rare Mediterranean Gull, another species for which Belmont is nationally important.

Whilst we appreciate that the gulls are not everyone’s favourite bird, we all gain from their presence with the island cut-off trench being excavated for their protection in 2010 and the national importance of the site effectively maintaining the status quo in respect of reservoir management.

The continuing support of sailing club members is very much appreciated and all can help by keeping vigilant as to any unauthorised persons on the island or reservoir shoreline, so please don’t hesitate to call UU staff /wardens if you see anything suspicious – emergency numbers are on the club notice board.

In conclusion, we should all be proud that we share the reservoir with one of Britain’s great wildlife treasures and in light of Belmont’s new national fame, I think a new club pennant is in order!!!

Steve Martin
Belmont
September 2011

This event was the most competitive of the series so far with different winners in every race. On a shifty race course with big wind holes ( the worst wind direction according to the locals) and in wind varying from 2 to 17 knots it was Tony Critchley (Supernova) who stormed off into an unassailable lead in the in the first race, with Dave Woodhead (Solo) second and  David Ivins and Lesley Johnson ( Graduate) 3^rd. The Phantom of David Helme was 4^th which was a very good result considering David took a swim part way round! After David took a bit of gentle ribbing for this over lunch from fellow RYA coach Dave Woodhead the second race got under way and as Dave Woodhead rounded the first mark first he fell out of the boat, which immediately capsized causing chaos for the chasing pack! ( justice was done)It was left to Dave Ivins and Lesley to clean up in this race whilst Mark Platt in a borrowed Supernova was beginning to find his feet to take second place, meanwhile Dave Woodhead recovered to take 3^rd and David Helme once more took 4^th.

In the third Race Mark Platt took the lead at the second mark and eventually took the race by just 2 seconds on corrected time from Dave Woodhead and this result gave him the event. Third in this race was John Cronshaw ( winner of the first event in the series) in a Solo. David and Lesley took fourth.

Second and third place overall had to resolved by tie break with 2nd place going to David Ivins and Lesley from Dave Woodhead in third, whilst Tony Critchley came 4^th and another tie break had to be used to separate David Helme and John Cronshaw, with the result going in John’s favour.

The prize for the oldest competitor went to David Hill ( we won’t mention his age) who gave a very creditable performance in his laser. (The age range of the competitors was 50 to 75, with several competitors in their 70s)

Another great day was had by these senior sailors, full of competitive sailing and good humour whilst the rest of the world went to work, and this made it feel all the better! Certainly it was great way for Mark Platt to celebrate his 50^thbirthday!

Initially this series was conceived as a trial for the members of 3 clubs, Elton, Delph and Bolton. It has aroused so much interest however that a fourth one is now being planned at Leigh and Lowton S C in September. So far 29 boats have taken part in the series showing the potential for local mid week competitions for those senior sailors fortunate enough to be retired or working flexible hours. For 2012 there is already some discussion about an expanded series. If any other club in the region wishes to be part of the series please email Dave Woodhead  - quicksail@virgin.net

The question I will start by asking is … are you ready?!

2011 is set to be a fantastic year at the club, and I hope that, like me, you are counting down the days to get your feet wet as you launch for the new season.

Hopefully you have poked your head in recently or seen Keith’s update showing the fantastic new slipway. This, along with the authorities signing off the work anytime now resulting in the water coming back, no trees over the dam wall and the widening of the channel near the island, results in one thing – The best club in the area just got better!

So why am I writing all this? Initially I need to make sure that everyone is motivated come March the 27th. We have so much going on with Race confidence booster training, the buddy system, cracking water to sail on (should be full), that you have no excuses but to get back to it! I also have been kept on as Handicap fleet captain (you fools!) and I want to set out my intentions, but I will come to that in a minute.

Richard and Keith will be making more time to do coaching this year. If you need to improve what you know, or need some basics to give you the confidence to get out and race with the rest of the fleet, then have a chat with them or keep you eyes open for dates for training sessions.

We also have the buddy system that I am opening up again. We realised there was a gap to bridge between initial beginners’ training to then having the confidence to get out racing. So, we’ve asked the new members of 2010 if they would like to have an experienced person to pair up with over the 2011 season. This created a list of 12 or so 2010 beginner’s that we have now matched up with experienced sailors (pairings to be announced).

However, I want to see if anyone else would like to join the scheme so we have the full list prepared for the start of the season. The buddy system doesn’t just apply to recent beginners – if you have been sailing for a year or two and feel you would benefit from some extra advice and would like a buddy, please drop me an email at stuart@sail.org.uk . Also if you would like to offer your skills to be someone’s buddy, please email me. Your help is much appreciated.

So, in regards to me and how I can assist. . .

My aim is to promote the club and all fleets within the handicap group. In other words I will not be pushing everyone into an RS400. (Unless you want to?!) If you want advice on which boat to get, come and have a chat or drop me an email. I am not claiming to be an expert on all vessels but I have sailed a few, and I know people who are. We have so much choice now and I know people will be keen to promote their class and be up for giving people a sail. Again come and say hello and I will introduce you to the relevant people to answer your questions and arrange a sail. Also my virtual door (email or phone) is always open, so any questions, ideas and suggestions please let me know! It is what I am here for.

Anyway, I will take up no more of your time, but I look forward to you taking up some of mine.

Cheers,
Stuart Catterall
Handicap Fleet Captain

1. United Utilities have just advised that the Government Inspecting Reservoir Engineer is planning to visit the Spillway site next week at which time I am hopeful he will give his approval for raising of the water level in the reservoir to commence.  As the re-filling needs to be undertaken at a controlled rate (as directed by the Inspecting Engineer), It is envisaged that re-filling to top water level will take around 6 weeks, which will take till around mid-March, 2 weeks before the start of the season.

2. At the Spillway Inspection visit last year the Project manager asked if we would like some assistance with the concrete apron project that we had identified as one of the club future projects when we had the initial Spillway meetings with United Utilities back in 2009. As the Spillway project was taking longer than first envisaged United Utilities offered to undertake the concrete apron work for the club. Consequently whilst we have lost the Graduate berths adjacent to the water’s edge we now have a new concrete apron which connects the main ramp with the existing middle ramp. See picture below

3. Also the United Utilities forestry department have visited the site this week and planted in excess of 200 native broad leaf trees to replace the trees which were removed last year. According to the United Utilities representative the trees are very slow growing and will not cause us to have any problems for many years to come as they will be actively managed. See picture below

4. I am currently sorting out the Trophies for engraving so if you have not returned your Trophy from last year please ring me on 01772 432254 a.s.a.p. as the Trophies will be delivered to the engravers on Friday 4th February.

5. Finally watch out for your Fleet captain’s newsletters as we want to re-launch the club and get you all back on the water from the start of the season. Additionally Richard and I will be organizing some more improver racing sessions so make yourselves known if you want us to organize some training.

6. Your Bosun is currently prowling around the club editing his Working party lists so watch this space for more details.

Cheers
Keith Roberts
Vice Commodore

Champagne sailing conditions (and free toast and drinks) welcomed the twenty-nine visitors and thirteen home boats for the final North West Junior Travellers of 2010. Plenty of recent rainfall ensured the reservoir at Belmont was as full as it could be given the recent work on the spillway.

A Southerly force 2 was perfect for all ranges of ability entered in the event with some hotly contested positions for the final results of the year.

The first race for the Youths was won by Chris Wheeler, followed by Sam Hall then Andy Hunter. The thirty-five strong junior fleet was won by Kirk Knights, followed by Duncan Boyter then Cameron Wood. The optimists enjoyed a slightly shorter course with Bobby Hewitt winning, followed by Charlie Ewing, with Lucy Knights putting in a huge amount of effort to come third.

A fantastic lunch and slideshow kept the sailors and parents entertained until the second race where Chris Wheeler once again won the youth fleet, followed by Andy Hunter then Megan Griffiths. The junior race was won again by Kirk Knights, followed by Duncan Boyter and Cameron Wood. The Optimists finished with the same 1,2,3 as the first race of Bobby, Charlie and Lucy.

With all fleets results being decided after the first two races, only Sam Hall decided to venture out for the final race of the youths but it meant that different sailors in the junior class could have a go for a fleet win with John Wingeatt taking the victory from Sam Clarke and Alexander Davies. The Optimist race was won by Charlie and in an example of extreme sportsmanship Bobby followed Lucy around the racecourse to show her how it was done. Lucy came second followed by Bobby.

All agreed that it was a great days racing in almost perfect conditions.

Overall results were:

Youth

1^st Chris Wheeler (LLSC)
2^nd Sam Hall (Bassenthwaite)
3^rd Andy Hunter (Nantwich)

Junior

1^st Kirk Knights (LLSC)
2^nd Duncan Boyter (Jumbles)
3^rd John Wingeatt (LLSC)

Optimist

1^st Bobby Hewitt (LLSC)
2^nd Charlie Ewing (Dee)
3^rd Lucy Knights (LLSC)

1st Bolton Boat – Peter Makin (8th overall)

Following the Bolton prize giving there was the NWJTT raffle and overall prizes for the year. Thanks for all who attended and to all the members of Bolton SC who helped out on the day.

Pictures: SailPics.co.uk

Full results: here

The 13-strong fleet made up of former Endeavour Champions from the last 50 years was, not surprisingly, extremely competitive particularly with the likes of Ian Southworth/David Hayes, Alan Gillard/Graham Machon, Bob Suggitt, Steve Tylecote, and Nick and Caroline Martin returning to Burnham specifically for this historic occasion.

Craig, like several other Masters in the fleet had been competing in this year’s Endeavour Trophy, so was obviously race-tuned for this one-off, one-race event. It wasn’t particularly surprising therefore to see the ‘master of the breeze’ take the initial lead from Tylecote/Toby Lewis, with Bithell/Birrel in third. Fireball world champion Chips Howarth and Simon Potts sailed a faultless downwind leg and once in the lead had control to the finish.

Howarth commenting on the Masters’ event explained how important it was to be racing: “It was fantastic for me because from a young age when I was sailing my Cadet at Bolton Sailing Club, I idolised the likes of Southy [Ian Southworth] and Alan Gillard. I used to really look up to these guys, so to be racing against them 25 years later, is fantastic. What’s also wonderful is there’s guys from yesteryear like the great Mike McNamara, the medium age guys like Southy, and some of the great sailors of today like Nick Craig and the young Merlin sailors. It’s a bit like racing with three generations, and it’s even better to have beaten them all.”

Read the full article on Yachts and Yachting

In the first race there was a tight battle at the front of the fleet between Tony Critchley (Bolton) and Mike Gibson (Bartley). Whilst Tony led for most of the race an unforced error by Tony hitting a mark on the last lap let Mike take the lead and take first place with Tony in second and Richard Pakes (Haversham) in third.

After lunch the wind had dropped off to a F2. In the second race, the OOD decided to use almost all the marks on the lake which led to the entire fleet having close racing. Four boats managed to get away from the rest of the fleet with Andy Flitcroft (Bolton) and Tony Critchley together with Richard and Mike having a battle for the lead. The lead group was chased down by Ian Moodie (Bolton), however at the front Tony, Andy, Mike and Richard changed places several times with Mike eventually taking the lead and taking his second win of the day with Richard in second, Andy in Third and Tony in fourth place.

The third race was sailed in even lighter wind conditions and with a quick turnaround several boats were still on the beach as the OOD sounded the preparatory signal. By the time the third race started the wind had picked up a little and Mike, Richard, Tony and Phil East (Haversham) had a battle up the 1^st beat but Mike got ahead and led Richard, Tony and Phil around the course with the finishing positions staying the same.

Photos on SailPics.co.uk

Overall Results:

Gold Fleet

1st – 687 Mike Gibson (Bartley)
2nd – 666 Richard Pakes (Haversham Sc)
3rd – 525 Tony Critchley (Bolton SC)

Silver Fleet

1^st – 576 Helen Brittan (Bolton SC)
2^nd – 615 Jon Moreman (Craven)
3^rd – 696 Keith Roberts (Bolton SC)