Latest UKWA News:

Having arrived early on Sunday and rigged the boat I managed to piece together Saturday’s action over a cup of tea in the clubhouse.

Saturday started off misty and progressed through grey and dull to cold and wet. The wind was not as forecast, being light with large holes and very shifty (and from the wrong direction), giving the RO, Barry Wolfenden, and his team a nightmare to set a course and a start line. Nevertheless, two races were completed, with the boats coming ashore after the second of those in near darkness. Michael McNamara, who has competed at Bough Beech very many times over the years, later described the conditions to me as “the most fluky Bough Beech ever” (and, as you will read later in this report, who am I to disagree).

Wayfarers at Bough Beech © Deborah Maynard

John Shelton, crewing for Bill Whitney, told me that they had been at or near the front of race one throughout but it all went a bit pear shaped in the latter stages as the Wilsons came through to win from Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend with Martin and Donna Rouse-Collen (making their annual trip south from leafy Buckinghamshire to autumnal, and equally leafy, Edenbridge) completing the podium.

Catherine Gore, crewing for Richard Stone (who finished a lowly 10th in race one), painted a much more emotive picture of race two. They had shot off the start line like an arthritic tortoise and used their famed light air skills to race through the gathering gloom and rain. They led from gun to gun…no, wait! They were robbed at the finish by McNamara/Townsend who complained of being bitterly cold, but with a 2,1 after two races were actually sailing hot. Guy Marks and Mel Titmus finished third in this race.

Teams came ashore and warmed up before visiting a local pub for supper. Leaders overnight were McNamara/Townsend followed by the Wilsons and the Rouse-Collens.

Not famed for our light wind boat speed nor a fan of random wind holes, I didn’t feel I’d missed too much on Saturday. Sunday, by comparison, was bright and the sun gave a bit of warmth to the air temperature. The wind, however, was still light, shifty and full of holes.

Wayfarers at Bough Beech © Deborah Maynard

After an immaculately observed two minutes silence on the water at 11.00, race three got under way. Leaders at the windward mark were lightweight locals, Guy Marks and Mel Titmus. They gave a fantastic demonstration in the conditions, winning the race by a country mile. Behind them the fleet was stacking up. There appeared to be four boats fighting for second and third but as they started the short final beat to the finish line they were joined by another half a dozen. The Wilsons and Brian Lamb/Sam Pygall who had been vying for second place eventually finished 7th and 8th. Meanwhile, Messrs Consistency (McNamara/Townsend) eked out a valuable second place while Whitney/Shelton came third. John Goudie and Sam Boniface appeared to gain half a dozen places or more during the last two legs of the race and finished in an encouraging fourth after a distinctly average Saturday.

Going into race four, the event was almost done and dusted but Marks/Titmus could still beat McNamara/Townsend on count back if they won this final race. Nobody else could win overall. Whitney/Shelton and the Townsends (showing an uncharacteristic amount of nous) started at the leeward end of the line and led to the left. This paid in spades. Whitney/Shelton were first at the windward mark and sailed away to win the race. The Townsends, on the other hand, and not far behind, found a hole in the wind (I just knew it would happen), were buried and then lost more places later in the race as they exonerated a rule infringement. C’est la vie. McNamara/Townsend pulled through to second once more while Stone/Gore completed a very up-and-down weekend by coming third.

Wayfarers at Bough Beech © Deborah Maynard

When the computer had done its thing, the results of the final event of the UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Travellers Series 2019 sponsored by Craftinsure were revealed. There were four different winners in four races but, as so often happens, consistency was the key. Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend will have their names engraved on the Bough Beech open meeting trophy once more. A win in the final race promoted Bill Whitney and John Shelton from fifth overnight to second, while the Wilsons dropped to third. Michael McNamara gave his annual address to the assembled Wayfarer sailors thanking the club for its race management and hospitality.

There was still time to hand out the trophies and glassware to the winners of the National Circuit and Travellers Series. The end of season prize draw was also held with the winners of that leaving with wonderful and generous prizes from Craftinsure, Hartley Boats, McNamara Sails, Allen Brothers and Pinnell & Bax.

It would be remiss to finish this report without mentioning Simon Winn, a long term member of both Medway YC and Bough Beech SC (and a former Commodore of the UK Wayfarer Association) who at 88 years young was competing in his final Wayfarer event. Several people who have known him throughout his thirty year association with the Class spoke about his contribution at the prize giving. His Wayfarer is for sale so it was ironic that his sail number should be drawn for a year’s free Wayfarer insurance! After a bit of a redraw, Simon left the event as the winner of a new sailing holdall. It is not just a truism to say that sailing is a sport for life.

-Tim Townsend

(results table to follow)

Unusually, 2018 saw two days of moderate breezes, enough to cause the occasional capsize although most of the fleet survived both days with exceptionally close racing. For 2019, Saturday is expected to see a force 3 to 4, blowing from the SE or SW (or both) while Sunday should see a force 4-5 from the N (perfect for a long beat at this venue). Of course, being England, the forecast could change completely by the weekend.

All the normal suspects have said they are travelling to Bough Beech. Near the top of the tree this weekend will be Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend who are the reigning International, European and National Champions (as well as the current Inland and Southern Champions) but they will be pushed hard by Andrew and Tom Wilson who were third at the International Championships, runners up at the Nationals as well as the current Western Champions. Do not discount Bill Whitney and John Shelton who have stood on the podium at several events this year.

There will be a strong local presence too with Guy Marks and Mel Titmus (current Eastern Champions) leading the charge along with John Clementson (multiple dinghy class champion). Dave Roberts from the host club has also put in several strong performances in 2019 and will be one to watch. This event will also be the last for Simon Winn (MYC/BBSC) who has raced in a Wayfarer for over 35 years and is hanging up his wetsuit boots.

This open meeting is also the culmination of the Craftinsure National Circuit and Travellers Series 2019, where several top positions are up for grabs. The end of season prize draw will also be held with many great prizes donated by Craftinsure, Hartley Boats, McNamara Sails, Allen Brothers and Pinnell & Bax.

The Wayfarer is a great all round boat; a cruising dinghy with some extraordinary achievements to its name (including the remarkable non-stop voyage round Britain earlier this year) as well as a sophisticated dinghy raced by club sailors and champions alike including Olympic sailors and multiple champions in other classes.

–Tim Townsend

Race One had a keenly contested start but after a testing first beat, Andrew and Tom Wilson were first to round the windward mark. They then extended their lead on some exciting downwind legs. Leaving the rest of the fleet to battle for the remaining four places.

Race Two saw Andrew and Tom get away and hold onto the lead until the finish line. The wind strength increased further, making for a very exhausting race. Well it was for those of us at the back of the fleet, Andrew and Tom made it look very easy indeed. Scott giving his recently acquired Mk4 an outing (Blueberry Pie) ably crewed by Sue soon got to grips with the testing conditions and showed he will be a force to contented with next year.

By the time Race Three started, the current had changed which caught out a few competitors and meant the windward mark was over stood by some boats, that was Brian Lamb’s excuse anyway! Andrew and Tom were again leading the fleet, and even had time to capsize with the spinnaker up and still secure second place. This allowed Dave Roberts and Tegwyn to capitalise and turn their 2nd place into a 1st across the finish line.

In the evening, the sailors enjoyed a warming meal and a live band. Everyone had lots of stories to share, not to mention bruises to compare from the day’s racing, and were all feeling ready for a good night’s sleep.

On Sunday, the weather gods were kind and gave us perfect sailing conditions. The NNE F4 meant a flat sea, which both the competitors and the Race Team were happy to see.

Race Four again saw Andrew and Tom establish a lead which they consolidated throughout the race. Paul and Cam Hughes were OCS by the smallest of margins but thought they were okay, as Dave Roberts and Tegwynn, thinking they were the culprits, had gone back to repair their non-OCS.

Race Five had everyone pushing for a good start and this time all got away fine. The shifting wind made for an interesting beat to the windward mark. Once again, Andrew and Tom got to the mark first but this time they were closely followed by Brian Lamb and his substitute crew Tristram Webb (from Arun YC), with the remainder of the fleet in hot pursuit. Local knowledge wasn’t helping Paul and Cam who, through some tactical errors, found themselves having to catch up on the last lap. They too joined the Wilsons in the capsize club when they got caught out by a gust on the final downwind leg.

Race Six. The final race saw the Wilsons show another clean pair of heels and gave us all a great demonstration of how to get the best out of a Wayfarer. Paul and Cam had decided that it wasn’t their day and retired.

As you may gather, Andrew and Tom won all the trophies.

Congratulations to them and thank you to Arun YC from all the competitors for hosting this event. Also to Nick Rusbridge for all the administration and to the Race and Safety Teams, along with the Beach Team, entry desk, galley and bar made for a successful and fun event. Race Officer, Paisley Thompson and her team did a great job setting some excellent courses, especially on Saturday, when a rocking and rolling committee boat severely tested the sea legs of those onboard.

This was the penultimate event in the Craftinsure sponsored UK Wayfarer National Circuit and Travellers Series 2019. There remains the Finale to be hosted by Bough Beech SC on 9/10 November at which the scores will be counted to award the overall Series trophies and also the grand draw will be held. Supporters of the grand draw include Craftinsure, Hartley Boats, McNamara Sails, Allen Brothers and Pinnell & Bax.

(This report plus full results table is on the Racing Results page)

The weather improved for the second race with the light rain stopping but unfortunately no increase in the wind strength. Toby Woodcock (10171) showed his years team racing at university had not been wasted by making an excellent start in this race forcing both Peter and Tim head to wind as they tried to squeeze in at the committee boat end of the line where space was not available. In fact Toby nailed all of the race starts but unfortunately lacked the boat speed for the rest of the racing to take advantage of this.

Race three followed a similar pattern to the first two with Peter and Tim stretching away to take first and second again. In the final race Peter was a DNS as his crew had to rush away for another engagement. This led to the closest race of the day with the remaining four boats very close together for the first lap. Tim slowly pulled ahead on the second lap to win by 30 seconds with the other three boats in close order behind.

This is only the second year Hickling have held a Wayfarer Open and attendance was improved on the first year. With nearly 40 boats in the home fleet and positive feedback from those who attended this year the club is hoping for improved attendance in coming years on what are the largest, most scenic and ecologically important sailing waters of the Norfolk Broads.

-Malcolm Mellor

This will be event #6 of the Craftinsure sponsored UKWA National Circuit and Travellers Series 2019 (NCS). The Wayfarer fleet is no stranger to Arun YC which hosted a very successful class National Championship in 2017 and the competitors will look forward to contending with all that open sea sailing can throw at them; clean winds, big waves and strong tides. At the recent International Championships at Greystones, Co. Wicklow, the Wayfarer proved once again what a great all round racing boat it is with most of the series sailed in winds of around 20 knots or more. This will also be the first NCS event since the end of July following the unfortunate cancellation of the open meeting at Swarkestone SC earlier this month because of flooding. Even more reason for the Wayfarer sailors to be champing at the bit.

The wind forecast for this weekend (as I write this) is for force 4-5 south westerlies on Saturday and a gentle force 2-3 north easterly on Sunday. And did I mention rain? Not on Sunday (and not much on Saturday either by recent standards).

To date, 62 boats, representing 23 different clubs, have competed in one or more of the open meetings and championships included in the NCS. The National Circuit Series, where the best three results (including at least one at a fresh water venue and one at a salt water venue) count, is currently led by Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend, followed closely by Andrew and Tom Wilson and Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall. In the Travellers Series, where all events count, it is the Wilsons who lead from Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall/Sue Risbridger. The Swarkestone team of Mike Weighill and Carl Martin hold third place.

Several of the leading competitors will be at Arun YC this weekend. Some other long standing Wayfarer racers are also threatening to travel to Littlehampton having recently traded up to the current MkIV model (and rather liked it).

In addition to the silverware, participation in the NCS events counts towards the end of season prize draw where there are great prizes on offer from the sponsors, Craftinsure, Hartley Boats, McNamara Sails, Allen Brothers and Pinnell & Bax. The greater the number of events attended the greater the chances of having your sail number drawn from the hat.

-Tim Townsend

Sponsors

We’d like to thank McAfee for their support of our event and are pleased to announce that they have also been extremely generous to supply us with 30 annual software licenses for their LIVESAFE product, worth £89.99 each, a fantastic total value of almost £2,700. These will be awarded at our prize-giving for various categories of competitors.

On the subject of sponsors, our regulars will know that we have enjoyed the support of Pusser’s Rum for eight years now; they are our longest-serving supporter, for which we are very grateful. Their highly-prized bottles are much enjoyed by the winners and have become synonymous with the event.

If you know any organisation that might be interested to join our limited group of elite sponsors of the event, it’s not too late to get their name added. Please contact me ASAP to learn more of what we can do for them…!

Want to borrow a boat..? 

There may be a couple of International 12s available for the event. If you fancy borrowing one please contact Bosham SC member Doug Branson via Mob: 07801-600960 or [email protected]  for further details.

And finally, please see attached the 2019 A3 poster which we’d be grateful if you could display in your local club or sailing venue.

Cheers

Andrew Young

John Mellor gave outstanding advice on ‘sailing without argument’ and ‘landing on a lee shore’, whilst Peter and Liz Bones organised a wonderful range of off-the-water entertainment including ‘Wayfarers’ Got Talent’ and the incredible ‘Junk Boat Race’, where the children and some young-at-heart adults made racing boats purely from rubbish found around the camp.

A daysail to Aira Force with barbeques and picnics saw newly-gained skills put into practice in good winds as nervous helms and crew gained confidence and experience in a range of conditions.

The Tuesday night Quiz was another highlight with the unassailable ‘Wandering Wayfarers’ winning once again.

On Wednesday evening, the Stone Trophy was fiercely contested for the seventh time. In light to moderate winds, Mark and Connie Foreman took the coveted prize from Brian White and James and Barnaby Emson for the first time after a strong lift brought them over Pepper on the beat to the line.

Thursday was spent local to the Yacht Club enabling younger and older Wayfarers alike practise capsize and man-overboard routines. The children approached this with significantly greater energy and enthusiasm than their elders, with 8 children recovered in Red Fox at one point!

These are just some of the highlights, look out for the upcoming magazine write-up for a better understanding of the charm and character of this wonderful event.

Many visitors like to make a weekend of it and come down Friday afternoon. Registration is open from 5pm and there will be relaxed supper available on Friday, which will require pre-booking. On Saturday evening we will be having some live music and a casual supper. The bookings for supper will open once the menus etc are finalised. Breakfast will be available on both Saturday and Sunday morning.

Full details of the event, including the Notice of Race (also attached), are on the Classic Boat Revival website.

We are using a new online system for entering & paying for the event along with ordering our 2019 branded shirts and ever popular art posters.

We would therefore be grateful if you could confirm your participation as soon as possible.

Through the generosity of some club members, we have a limited amount of free local accommodation available for those visitors participating in the event. if you are interested in this, please contact us via [email protected]

For those of you active in club and class associations, please feel free to encourage others to participate. We are hoping to evolve the event and to this end are looking for themes & ideas for future years by working with class associations or other organisations. So if you are a class with a strong vintage or historic element, we would be very happy to discuss building an event around you, in addition to our wider fleets.

Cheers

-Andrew Young

To date, 62 boats, representing 23 different clubs, have competed in one or more of the open meetings and championships included in the NCS. The National Circuit Series, where the best three results (including at least one at a fresh water venue and one at a salt water venue) count, is currently led by Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend, followed closely by Andrew and Tom Wilson and Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall. In the Travellers’ Series, where all events count, it is the Wilsons who lead from Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall/Sue Risbridger. The Swarkestone team of Mike Weighill and Carl Martin hold third place.

Several of the leading competitors will be at Arun YC this weekend, when fresh to strong winds are expected.

In addition to the silverware, participation in the NCS events counts towards the end of season prize draw where there are great prizes on offer from the sponsors, Craftinsure, Hartley Boats, McNamara Sails, Allen Brothers and Pinnell & Bax. The greater the number of events attended the greater the chances of having your sail number drawn from the hat.

-Tim Townsend

Wayfarer International Championship 2019 © Alan Jones

The 2019 International Championship was promising a resumption of this intense racing at the head of the fleet but it was possible there would be stronger competition this year from the rest, led by Andrew and Tom Wilson and Bill Whitney and John Shelton from the UK if the wind was strong and any number of good Danish teams who had been improving during the past few years. Good and experienced Wayfarer sailors from Ireland (North and South) and from Canada and the USA would add to the mix.

Monday 22nd July – After a weekend of measuring and registration racing got under way on with a practice race and Race 1. The forecast was for winds from the south averaging windspeeds (measured in knots) in the teens and topping out in the low 20’s. Numbers were depleted a little in the practice race and there were a number of capsizes and retirements as winds topping out at 24 knots coupled with a confused chop over a swell took their toll.

Wayfarer International Championship 2019 © Alan Jones

The practice race and the Idlers Bucket was won by Andrew and Tom Wilson who were laying down an early marker of their form and were followed home by the Danish team of Niels Alslev and Anders Pjetursson, who revel in strong winds, and Bill Whitney and John Shelton.

In their defence, neither McNamara nor Just troubled with the practice race but they both took the stage for Race 1 which was sailed in similar conditions. Just led from the start with McNamara close behind and they finished in that order. Game on. The Wilsons maintained their good form from earlier in the day by completing the podium and sending a message to the leaders not to expect it all their own way.

With the conditions showing no sign of easing the PRO, Tom Rusbridge, made the sensible decision not to run a second points race and sent the fleet home.

On Monday evening there was a welcome social with Irish music and dancing including a guest performer in the band of Danish concert violinist (and W sailor) Meike Fomsgaard.

Tuesday 23rd July – Tuesday dawned still windy and with a difficult sea state which the PRO thought might deter the less experienced or confident racers from racing and a decision was taken to postpone for a couple of hours and see if the wind would moderate which it was forecast to do. Race 2 eventually started at about 1400hrs with a full fleet in attendance and a triangle/sausage course of three rounds was completed in a moderate but slowly softening breeze. The winners of this race by a comfortable margin were Mike McNamara and Simon Townsend followed by Just and Friis. The Wilsons finished third. Race 3 got under way under a black flag in a hiking breeze but by the time the second beat started all but the lightest teams were now underpowered. Bill Whitney and John Shelton had led from the start but as the fleet sailed down the run the wind shut off completely leaving the PRO no option but to abandon that race and racing for the day.

Two days had passed therefore and just two series races had been completed.

Wednesday 24th July – This was designated catch-up Wednesday with up to 4 races planned in a forecast 13-18 knots.

Race 3 was re-sailed under the previous day’s black flag with a few boats prohibited from taking part under the black flag rule. The main protagonists were at the front again but this time joined by Bill Whitney and John Shelton who seemed not to have been too badly affected by the frustration of leading the abandoned race. The conditions for this race were perfect at the start with most of the fleet enjoying fantastic three sail reaches. The wind built as the race progressed, however, making the reaches on the final lap more challenging. Just and Friis stumbled a little in their challenge at this point because the race was won by McNamara and Townsend followed by the Wilsons. Whitney and Shelton completed the podium with Just and Friis only in fourth place.

Wayfarer International Championship 2019 – photo © Alan Jones

Race 4 was sailed in about 20 knots of breeze and the confused sea state had properly returned. This race was led from start to finish by the Wilsons who demonstrated some blistering speed upwind and down. They were followed home by Whitney and Shelton and by Just and Friis. This time it was the turn of McNamara and Townsend to falter somewhat as they finished fourth. A few of the Bronze fleet boats went home in this race and there were a few capsizes and retirements for other favoured teams.

By the time Race 5 started the wind was gusting at over 20 knots and the sea state was deteriorating once more (more difficult in both Mike Mac’s and Mogens Just’s views than Monday’s conditions). This time it was Just and Friis who got away at the start and went on to win followed by McNamara and Townsend. The Wilsons finished in third to complete a successful day for them. There were more casualties in this race with several boats capsizing on the final run to the finish. Fortunately the support boats were well manned and all teams and their boats were successfully recovered.

With the conditions as they were the PRO chose not to start Race 6 at this time and the fleet was sent home.

Wayfarer International Championship 2019 – photo © Alan Jones

Overnight with five races completed and one discard, McNamara and Townsend led the event with 6 points, followed closely by Just and Friis with 7 points and the Wilsons with 9 points. It was looking like the winner would come from one of these, although Whitney and Shelton were lurking not far behind as an outside prospect.

Thursday 25th July – The forecast for Thursday looked marginal at best with 25-30 knots of breeze forecast. The PRO chose to call a lay day leaving battered sailors the chance to recover and/or go sightseeing. Trips to Dublin, to visit the gardens at nearby Powerscourt House or to follow the cliff walk to Bray seemed to be the order of the day.

Friday 26th July – This was the last day of the championship. Another windy day was forecast and with the points so close the top competitors were wanting at least one more chance to seal victory.

The forecast, as briefed, was for winds of 15-20 knots to decrease during the day to 9-11 knots. The PRO indicated an intention to sail three races, possibly the maximum of four, to conclude the event.

As it happened the forecast gentle Irish breeze turned out to be a fruity 15-24 knots with the rough and confused seas we had to deal with all week and only two races were completed before the PRO called it a day. Once again there were several capsizes and retirements.

As with Wednesday, races started under a black flag. McNamara and Townsend won Race 6 from the Danes, Bjarne Lindquist and Jan St Nielsen. Just and Friis came third. A broken spinnaker pole and capsize for Whitney and Shelton put paid to their slim chances of victory. The advantage was now with McNamara and Townsend. However, Just and Friis won Race 7 from the Wilsons with McNamara and Townsend completing the podium. With no more races sailed but the second discard kicking in after Race 7 the overall result would be close once again.

When the scores were calculated Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend had done enough to secure the championship from Mogens Just and Anders Friis by just the single point. Andrew and Tom Wilson finished in third place overall after an excellent and consistent set of results. These three teams were a comfortable distance ahead Bill Whitney and John Shelton who held on for fourth place overall pipping Niels Alslev and Anders Pjetursson who had enjoyed an excellent week with a string of fourth and fifth places.

Wayfarer International Championship 2019 podium teams (l-r) Andrew Wilson, Tom Wilson, Simon Townsend, Michael McNamara, Mogens Just and Anders Friis – photo © Merrin Froggett

In the UKWA National Championships McNamara and Townsend won fairly comfortably from the Wilsons. Whitney and Shelton completed the podium while Brian and Liz McKenzie finished in fourth place and were the best placed husband and wife team.

The Irish Championship was dominated by boats from the host club and was won by John Turner and Ken Lee from Seamus O’Cleirich and Stephen Tiernan.

The prize giving supper was well attended. Trophies were distributed along with a tally number raffle of sponsors prizes. A key feature of this Championship was the way competitors from different clubs and different countries mixed together off the water and the closing evening’s revelries were no exception. On behalf of the competitors Michael McNamara thanked the host Club, the organisers and the race team for a wonderful week.

-Tim Townsend

(This article complete with the full results table can be found on the Racing Results page)