Latest UKWA News:

Celebrating under tow back in Salcombe

We are all in shock here, not only to have actually completed this project, which had such a high chance of failure, but also by the reception we received back in Salcombe, with over 15 boats coming out to escort us back, including a new and vintage RNLI boat, Salcombe Harbour boats, and Salcombe Yacht Club boats. There were banners and signs strewn up on buildings with Nipe’s name and sail number and a big group of people waiting on the jetty with drinks reception and full media presence, with us giving video and radio interviews within seconds of stepping on to terra firma; crazy transition into the real world but we figured it would be as famous as were going to get, so we made the most of it.

As you can imagine there’s a huge sense of pride in the wider Hodshon family too, with Nipegegi still breaking sailing records, now including outright fasted dinghy around Britain (both in monohull and multihull classes), completing the first ever non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of mainland Britain, and breaking the dinghy monohull 24hr distance record, and all these some 40 years after her last National Championship win by Dad in the late 70’s – go Nipe, you legend!

Furthermore we are so pleased that she managed this highly demanding sail without being modified, so, miraculously, she is still in class and could compete in a national or world championships tomorrow if somebody had the energy to do so – I think a real accolade to the Wayfarer and Ian Proctor’s robust and timeless boat design.

We can’t thank everyone enough for all your support. So many people have helped in so many ways, the list is endless and I can’t wait to have a bit more time to catch up and thank each of you personally As well as all the Hodshon family of course I’d like to give particular thanks to my cousin Ben Davies who worked really hard into the early hours with Suzanne while we were at sea, to bring onboard our headline partner, Pure Ionic Water, a product of WET Group, alongside charity Water Smart Foundation (WSF) who stepped in at a crucial moment in the project and whose generous support of the expedition costs was an essential component in the project’s success. The WSF charity has committed to raising £10,000 in donations, which will be split between our two other causes, the RNLI and Surfers Against Sewage. Our current total is £5633!!

We have been inundated with requests to give presentations on our experience, which is fantastic, so over the next few weeks we will endeavour to complete our log, collate the pictures and videos, and put together an entertaining and informative presentation to share. Unbelievably there is already a tour schedule forming (ahhh) that Suzanne is putting together, covering the country, so if you’re close to one of the locations and would be interested to see a few pics and hear a few stories, feel free to come and join us, we’ll share the calendar when it’s firmed up a bit more.

Well, what a journey; as Rich said during one of the more testing times of our trip, “there should be a law against executing a plan made in pub”, but then perhaps that’s where all the best plans are made! Thinking back to all that prep, working on the boat, electrics, navigation, food, water-making, clothing, destructive testing etc., etc., it was such a huge all-consuming undertaking for 18 months, but on reflection everything worked and nothing broke, despite experiencing near gale force winds and scary waves up to 60NM offshore on three separate occasions. I feel we’ve all been rewarded for our hard work and a great lesson for the kids and us all perhaps.

Really glad to be back, the boat and equipment are all dried and packed away now and the four of us Hodshons are about to head off in the NRB tour bus for a few days camping and unwinding together before going back to work next week.

-Will

P.S. – Here is a summary from our post-arrival press release:

The unassisted, non-stop attempt, was completed in just 15 days and 4 hours, with the aim of raising awareness about microplastics in the oceans. The pair set sail from Salcombe, Devon on 15th June and completed the 1390 nautical mile journey this morning.

The two intrepid adventurers completed the voyage using a lovingly refurbished 60 year old, 16ft long open sailing dinghy and family heirloom named the Nipegegi (more info on the history of this included).

The record attempt was supported by the charity Water Smart Foundation, which raises awareness and aims to tackle microplastics in the sea and drinking water, and who have committed to helping raise £10,000, to be split equally between two ocean-minded charities, the RNLI and Surfers Against Sewage.

It is also fortuitous to be able to say that Keith had been visited by several close family members and grandchildren in the few days leading up to his heart attack, which was great fun and clearly gave him a lot of pleasure.

Keith is survived by Val his wife and Mark, Chris and Sarah his children. They are all bearing up well, with a lot of tears but also many laughs as they reminisce. It is at times like this that the Proctor, Davies, Wallsgrove and Robertson clans greatly appreciate the blessings of an incredibly supportive wide circle of family and friends.

Keith was a very committed Christian, and his faith always guided his thoughts and actions. He found the aggressive nature of Parkinson’s very challenging, but his faith and family gave him huge comfort throughout.

He was a gentleman and a ‘gentle’ man. Also charming and polite, he put others at their ease and was always attentive and engaged, making them feel listened to. Hence why his work helping others less fortunate, whether at his church or elsewhere, was so supportive and effective. In a world where it is all too easy to criticise others he would always stand back, and often just ask the question as to whether perhaps the person being criticised had some sadness in their life at that time, and perhaps just needed support. This typical generosity of spirit meant that he was thoughtful and also great fun. Always ready to laugh and have family adventures, whether on Dartmoor or the River Dart, which he loved.

Keith was a modest man. He was an accomplished and highly respected architect, winning several design awards. Not only did he have the vision to create many new buildings that were sympathetic to their environment, but he also saved countless old buildings and brought them back from the brink of destruction to deliver new purpose and life, giving many families and disadvantaged people new homes and great pleasure so that they could build their lives together. He could see hope and purpose in what many others condemned as an eyesore. We are blessed that so many of these buildings are in south Devon adding greatly to the common good, so we are surrounded by his incredible legacy every day.

Keith was also an accomplished sailor and a former national champion of several classes. He was heavily involved in the design of the Wanderer and various marks of the Wayfarer working alongside our father, Ian Proctor. As with all of the Proctor children he was the ‘test pilot’ for many famous designs such as the Wayfarer, Wanderer, Topper, Tempest, Kestrel, Minisail, Minisprint, Gull, National 12s, Merlin Rockets, the list goes on, during the 1950s, 60s and early 70s.

If you would like, instead of flowers, please could you make a donation to Devon Air Ambulance Trust, either by retiring collection at the church or sent in Keith’s name to Allwood of Totnes at Station Road, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5LF Tel: 01803 862050.

Devon Air Ambulance like everyone else at the NHS, were amazing and wonderful throughout.

Thank you.

Roger Proctor

Wayfarer Southern Area Championship at Shoreham © Warwick Baker / www.warwickpics.com

The sailing environment could not have been more different to the last event at Medway YC. There we had light winds and tricky tidal river conditions. At Shoreham the forecast promised force 4-5 winds on Saturday (with showers) and a little more wind on Sunday (with more rain). In spite of the less than awesome forecast the camper vans descended in West Sussex along with a couple of tents ready to take on the elements.

Sailing legend Alan Warren was the race officer who, with his team, put on good racing on both days. The committee boat appeared to be a singularly bouncy platform from which to run the racing so it was a tough task well done. The schedule was to have three races on Saturday and three on Sunday with one discard after the 5th race. The race course on both days was a triangle/sausage over four rounds.

The pattern was set during the first race on Saturday. Andrew and Tom Wilson from Datchet Water SC led at the first mark with Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend (Rollesby Broad SC) and Bill Whitney and John Shelton (Shoreham SC) following behind in close formation. The rest of the fleet rounded the mark a short but respectful distance further back. A tight three sail reach across the waves was followed by a gybe and a slightly broader reach with the waves to the leeward mark by which time McNamara/Townsend had gained a small lead they would not relinquish for the rest of the race. Meanwhile, over the 45-50 minute race, Whitney/Shelton ground down the Wilsons to take the runners up spot. Best of the rest were the McKenzies from Medway YC after a close battle with their clubmates, the Townsends.

Wayfarer Southern Area Championship at Shoreham © Warwick Baker / www.warwickpics.com

The second race on Saturday saw the Townsends join the leading three boats for the first lap. Although the wind had not diminished the fleet as a whole was getting braver with most of the boats flying spinnakers on the second reach and run and several also flying the spinnaker on the first reach with varying degrees of success. As the race progressed, the front runners got away from the rest of the fleet again. This time McNamara/Townsend won from the Wilsons. Whitney/Shelton got the better of the Townsends who in turn beat the McKenzies and Brian Lamb and Sue Risbridger from Wilsonian SC.

The third race was sailed in a marginally softer breeze; but it was still hard work. In this race McNamara/Townsend led from the start and finished with a fairly comfortable lead. The Wilsons and Whitney/Shelton had a race long battle and traded places a few times. The Wilsons got the nod at the finish. A little further back, the Townsends again finished ahead of Lamb/Risbridger and the McKenzies.

The overnight standings saw the lead held by McNamara/Townsend followed by the Wilsons and Whitney/Shelton. However points were close and with three more races scheduled for Sunday things could change.

As we packed our boats away it started to rain heavily. Some tents were pitched. Other tents stayed in the car and hotels were found instead. All the competitors enjoyed a chilli at the club with the National 12 sailors who were sharing the open meeting.

Sunday morning dawned damp and uninviting. The wind had also increased a notch or maybe two, and there was quite a sea running with waves increasing as the tide turned. After a bit of umming and ahing (and sheltering from a rain squall under the club verandah) the Wayfarer fleet launched without exceptions. The Townsends were the first to return to the harbour to effect a repair to their forestay. There was no delay in the racing however so they started late and with their fourth place in the overall standings in jeopardy. They were in the perfect place, however, for a grandstand view (through the rain) of the race long battle for the lead between McNamara/Townsend and Whitney/Shelton. These two swapped the lead several times during the race and as they flew down the final run with their spinnakers it was Whitney/Shelton who held a narrow lead. However, McNamara/Townsend got the advantage at the final gybe/take down and won the race by just three seconds, the slimmest of margins. The Wilsons held a comfortable third in this race.

Wayfarer Southern Area Championship at Shoreham © Warwick Baker / www.warwickpics.com

And what of the Townsends and the battle for fourth place overall? Had their temporary return to shore undone Saturday’s hard work? Had the McKenzies or Lamb/Risbridger taken advantage of their misfortune? Finishing behind the Wilsons in fourth place in this race were Chas and Mandy Hammond from Shoreham SC; fifth place was taken by Mike Weighill and Carl Martin from Swarkestone SC. The Townsends, in turn, had managed to overtake a couple of the boats which had swum in the tide, and they finished ninth. Still, that could be a discard if another race was completed.

However, the sailing conditions were now quite troublesome. Some quite strong squalls were adding to an already formidable wind and the wind-against-tide conditions were creating a lumpy and difficult sea. A number of boats headed for the harbour and the race team abandoned the rest of the day’s racing.

Back at the club the numbers were crunched. McNamara/Townsend with four race wins were the clear victors and took home all the silverware; although they had to work hard for their success. The Wilsons and Whitney/Shelton were on equal points and identical results but the latter were runners up by virtue of having the better result in the last race.

Wayfarer Southern Area Championship at Shoreham © Warwick Baker / www.warwickpics.com

Further back, the Townsends and the McKenzies also shared equal points but this time the tie was broken by the Townsend’s two 4th place results on Saturday. Lamb/Risbridger finished in sixth place overall. The sponsors prizes of a Craftinsure branded towel were won by Michael Dillistone and Andrew Criswick from Castle Cove SC and Nigel and Belinda O’Donnell from Swarkestone SC.

Michael McNamara took the opportunity to thank the organising club for their hospitality and the race team and support crews for the excellent race management in testing conditions.

The next event in the Craftinsure National Circuit and Travellers Series is the class National Championships which will be held from 20-26 July at Greystones SC, Co Wicklow, Ireland, as part of the International Championships. Over 60 boats have entered the event, where sponsors include Craftinsure, Hartley Boats and Allen Brothers.

P.S. – you can view low resolution versions of these and other photos taken by Warwick Pics at Shoreham, and potentially order prints, via this link.

(This report complete with full results table may be found on the Racing Results page)

After three events in the Travellers Series, Andrew and Tom Wilson from Datchet SC are the leaders followed closely by Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall representing Wilsonian SC/Medway YC. The winners of all three events this year will be competing at Shoreham; Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend who won the Inland Championships at the beginning of April, Brian and Sam who won the open meeting at west Oxfordshire SC and Guy Marks and Mel Titmus from Bough Beech SC who won the Eastern Championships a month ago.

The home fleet will be led by Bill Whitney and John Shelton who finished 5th at the Eastern Championships and by Peter Bennett and his crew, Philip Ayton. Other notable visiting teams will include Nigel and Belinda O’Donnell from Swarkestone SC, who lie third overall in the Travellers Series and Mike Weighill (UKWA’s Most-Improved-Helm 2019) and his long suffering crew, Carl Martin, also from Swarkestone who finished as runners up at West Oxfordshire in April.

From Medway YC the fleet will be joined by Brian and Liz McKenzie who finished in sixth place and second UK crew at last year’s European Championships in Denmark, and by Tim and Jacqueline Townsend who don’t get out much and have no recent notable performances to their name, other than a penchant for starting at the pin end of the start line and occasionally sinking the pin! Other visiting teams from Arun YC and Castle Cove SC are expected.

I’m sorry to have to report some likely absentees; Mark and Jane Lee (golfing, I presume….poor excuse) and the class wuss-of-the-week Richard Stone (third at the light-wind Eastern Championships) who has allegedly decided that a forecast of a healthy force 4 is too windy for him, much to the disgust of his crew, Catherine Gore, who says that even if sailing is cancelled she’s happy to walk the first few miles of The Monarch’s Way (great attitude…..more Tigger than Eeyore). David Roberts has maintained a radio silence on his whereabouts this weekend, as has John Clementson, who presumably is still recovering from placing fifth overall at the recent Three Rivers Race on the Norfolk Broads.

The Wayfarers are sharing the event with the National 12s. If anybody wants to join us there is camping available and a chilli supper on Saturday night. More details can be found at here.

Shoreham Wayfarer Open – photo © Warwick Baker / www.warwickpics.com

Study the image. This is a photo of the 2019 winner. For convenience, let’s call him Mike. What did Mike do in 2018 which made him a winner? Was it the fact that he secured his best ever performance at the National Championships? Was it the fact that he travelled to most of the Craftinsure National Circuit events and stood on the podium at a couple of them? Did he buy the Racing Secretary a cup of tea or a beer? Well, all of the above, obviously, but there were some extra aspects of Mike’s performance which made him stand above the crowd in 2018. What were these? Observe the following:

• The almost upright boat as it planes towards the camera. So much quicker than the almost horizontal;
• The classic high elbow position on the sheet hand, demonstrating the quick trim to promote the plane;
• The short haircut – no stray tendrils to obstruct the ears and interfere with balance or wind sense;
• The calm and regular breathing – a man at the peak of his fitness (and possibly too athletic to race a Wayfarer!);
• The highly polished hull in royal blue which perfectly reflects the bow wave in the late afternoon sun;
• The inscrutable look. Mike is obviously aware of the photographer but is careful not to show it behind his polarised sunglasses and underneath his peaked cap;
• The enigmatic look also hides Mike’s innermost thoughts, his plans for next season which doubtless will involve more boat bling designed to shave a nano-second off manoeuvres. These might include twin spinnaker poles and more elastic under the foredeck than a Merlin Rocket;
• The lips, cleverly closed to avoid swallowing the worst of the spray and waves not blocked by the crew (for convenience, let’s call the crew Carl, although other crew names (and, indeed, crew) are available);
• The overlength tiller extension enabling Mike to control the rudder from all conceivable positions, even from the centreboard;
• Not visible in the photo but patently present on the boat, literally metres of trim strips measuring genoa sheet tension, barber position, main sheet tension, rig tension, vang tension, outhaul, cunningham, pole height, the length of the infinitely adjustable bridle and the angle of dangle of the centreboard;
• The extra special trim strip to measure crew position (“No, Carl, I said sit this gust out to a 9, not a 7, flat is fast remember. Your knees should be a further 20mm outside the boat”);
• And is this the key to winning the most improved helm trophy? The most-long-suffering crew. Note how hard Carl is working. His left hand is carefully checking rig tension (NOT, I repeat NOT just supporting his weight) while his right is continuously trimming and re-trimming the genoa with extraordinary subtlety. His gaze is fixed upon the telltales not the photographer. His mouth is slightly ajar and his face contorted by his efforts as he waits for the inevitable collision with the approaching bow wave. His physio, who he sees every Monday, might have something to say about Carl’s bent leg hiking style but he is giving it every ounce of energy he possesses. Tragically, there is no Association trophy for the most improved crew each year, but Carl is content to quietly reflect in Mike’s glory while he loyally puts in the hard yards on his helm’s behalf. Such is the lot of the crew of every successful helm. And while Mike collects his prizes Carl will buy the tea and unrig the boat ready for the long journey home.

So, Wayfarer helms who want to be like Mike, to improve and be in the running to win the Neil Rushton Trophy in 2020 this is the message from the UKWA Racing Secretary: “get fit, get flat, be cool, be shiny, measure and record everything that moves and above all make your crew suffer.”

UKWA Disclaimer: Any views expressed in this article are the unconsidered, unreconstructed, half baked ideas of the Racing Secretary alone based entirely upon an all too brief examination of the photograph and not upon any other hard evidence or research and do not in any way represent the views of the UK Wayfarer Association Executive Committee or Association members. The UKWA acknowledges that there is no I in TEAM and that all successful Wayfarer teams are an equal partnership regardless of who buys the tea or provides the motorhome and even though there isn’t an annual prize for the most improved crew.

Wayfarer Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC © Paul Babington

Saturday dawned bright and virtually windless. The skippers briefing was held and all the usual information was imparted along with the decision to postpone for an hour. A reconvened briefing extended the postponement for another 60 minutes. All this time the RO was venturing downriver to look for wind which would be strong and stable enough to race. At the third time of asking all systems were go and the fleet headed for Gillingham Reach where the race team set a windward/leeward course off the Hoo Island shore in 5-7 knots of Easterly wind. By now the tide had turned so the beats with the ebb tide under the racing boats were short and the runs were long. Two races were held in this part of the river both won by Guy Marks and Mel Titmus (Bough Beech SC) going away. Runners up in the first race were Richard Stone and Catherine Gore (Medway YC) who took a liking to the conditions while third was John Goudie and Sam Boniface (Wilsonian SC). Runners up in the second race were Bill Whitney and John Shelton (Shoreham YC) while the podium was rounded off by Mark and Jane Lee (Medway YC) who were having a good day near the front of the fleet. The racing was very close with good starts at a premium. Surprisingly, rule observance was good at the windward mark but not so admirable as boats rafted up at the end of the uptide running legs. Those who could get away in clear air from these melees were at a considerable advantage.

Wayfarer Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC © Paul Babington

In truth the second race was a short one because the river was draining rapidly and the leeward end of the start line was nearly ashore, so the race team relocated to the upriver end of Gillingham Reach, setting a start line off Gillingham Marina with a very short beat to the windward mark and a longer run and beat back to the start line for two laps. This third race was also won comfortably by Guy and Mel. Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall (Wilsonian SC/Medway YC) started to make their charge and finished second in this race with Bill and John coming third.

Comfortable overnight leaders were Guy and Mel. Bill and John were lying second while Andrew and Tom Wilson (Datchet Water SC) lay third through consistent, if not for them stellar, results.

Back at the Club the fleet was greeted with free beer and rock cakes while competitors discussed the highs and lows of their day. Later, there was a champagne reception and an excellent dinner. MYC Commodore, Mark Penny, celebrated his highest ever placing in an open meeting (5th in race three, and didn’t he not let us forget it…..well done Mark and Gail) by setting one of his traditional quizzes. No quiz rounds on Kent this year (visitors from Derbyshire breathed a sigh of relief) but strangely there was a round on body parts with one of the tables made up almost entirely of medics!

Wayfarer Eastern Area Championship at Medway YC © Paul Babington

Sunday’s wind forecast was a bit more promising but we woke to fog, a gentle Irish mist, and no wind. Another postponement was signalled. However on this occasion the wind started to fill in after a short time and the fleet headed off to Pinup Reach for three more races in winds that topped out at perhaps 8-10 knots. The race team set triangle/sausage courses in a North Easterly which clocked right during the late morning requiring a significant reset between races. Once again three races were completed with some incredibly close racing especially at mark roundings.

What a difference a day makes. Race 4 began with Guy and Mel flying off the start line like a roasted stoat. They led for the first lap but then over stood the windward mark allowing through first Stewart and Catriona Coltart (Medway YC) and then Brian and Sam and Richard and Catherine who finished in that order. Meanwhile, ante post favourites Andrew and Tom uncharacteristically finished seventh dropping them off the podium overall.

Andrew and Tom must have given each other a half time talking to because in probably the best wind of the weekend they shot off the start line in race 5 never to be headed. John and Sam collected their second podium of the weekend by finishing the race as clear runners up while Richard and Catherine continued their fine form in third. Meanwhile Guy and Mel had their worst race of the weekend to date finishing in 6th place. Was there going to be a twist in the tale of this event.

The final race of the weekend saw Guy and Mel winning the pin with Andrew and Tom a couple of boats above them. Andrew and Tom led at the first windward mark with Richard and Catherine close behind. Guy and Mel were in a battle for third with Stewart and Catriona and Brian and Sam. Andrew and Tom and Richard and Catherine had a race long battle but the Wilsons just took the gun for their second win of the day. Richard and Catherine were close runners up with Guy and Mel a short distance behind in third.

Overall, Guy and Mel held on to become the Wayfarer Eastern Area Champions 2019. By winning the final race Andrew and Tom pipped Richard and Catherine for the runners up spot.

Guy Marks (r) and Mel Titmus, winners of the Wayfarer Eastern Area Championship, MYC Commodore, Mark Penny – photo © Jamie Blair

Third overall and best placed MYC boat at the Wayfarer Eastern Area Championship, Richard Stone (r) and Catherine Gore with MYC Commodore, Mark Penny – photo © Jamie Blair

Between them, Guy and the Medway YC Wayfarer Class Captain, Mike Pimm, thanked the RO and his team on the committee boat and support boats, galley and bar staff, and everybody who had helped organise the event along with the event sponsors, Craftinsure, Hartley Boats, Pirates Cave, Chesley Storage and Shepherd Neame Brewery.

The next event in the Craftinsure National Circuit Series will be the Southern Area Championships at Shoreham YC on 15/16 June. See this website for more details.

(Overall results table in the version of this report on the Racing Results page).

Alongside these, Bill Whitney and John Shelton from Shoreham SC, consistently near the front, will be making their first appearance of the season and John Goudie and Sam Boniface from Wilsonian SC will be hoping to repeat the good form which brought them 4th place overall at this year’s Inland Championships. Representation is also expected from Bough Beech SC through former National Champion, Guy Marks, who finished strongly at Medway YC’s Wayfarer open Meeting in 2018 and Dave Roberts who has been successfully racing Wayfarers for many years.

All the visitors will be joined by members of the strong local fleet including Richard Stone and Catherine Gore who love the lighter airs; all rounders Brian and Liz McKenzie who were the second placed British team at the 2018 European Championships in Denmark; and Stewart and Catriona Coltart, another team which can do very well in the lighter winds. Uber-competitive Mr Craftinsure, Mark Lee, with wife Jane, will be putting aside his golf clubs and making his first appearance of the season in his Wayfarer. All of these would expect to be at or near the front of the fleet if the stars align for them.

The racing will be close and competitive as always. The forecast for the weekend has fluctuated over the last few days but presently it is looking that winds will be from the south or southwest and somewhat light. Some competitors will be furrowing their brows and praying for more wind. Others will be clapping their hands with glee. There’s still time for it all to change.

In addition to the racing (six races over two days on the tricky tidal waters of the river), Medway YC will also put on its usual off the water activities; fish & chip supper on Friday evening for the early arrivals, free beer (courtesy of Shepherd Neame) in the marquee after racing, a champagne reception sponsored by Len Jones and Chesley Storage, a three course meal on Saturday evening with the Commodore’s legendary Kent-centric Quiz….a must do for the visitors from Derbyshire! (only joking, we’ve been promised no questions about Kent this year).

If you are reading this article, race a Wayfarer and haven’t entered the Easterns yet please come and join us. More details, including the race documents, can be found at www.medwayyachtclub.com/2019/04/wayfarer-eastern-championships-18th-19th-may-2019. Do not forget, this event is just one of eight that make up the Craftinsure National Circuit and Travellers Series. Competing at just two of the events guarantees entry to the prize draw which will be held at the season Finale at Bough Beech SC in November with fantastic prizes from Craftinsure, Hartley Boats, McNamara Sails, Allen Brothers and Pinnell & Bax.

Wayfarer Eastern Area Championship at Medway – photo © Mike Spurgin