The
‘Barnacle’
October 2021
Picture by new member Nick Mitchell
Welcome to this month’s edition of ‘The Barnacle’. Despite the season drawing towards a close, there has been much activity both on the river and in the clubhouse. The moorings team in particular, have been out in all weather laying new moorings and repairing damaged ones. The AGM and Dinner Dance are now behind us but we look forward to the laying up supper and the Christmas party. Many boats will be staying in the water over the coming months with a few ever (or over!) enthusiastic sailors competing in the winter series.
For minutes of the club’s monthly general committee meetings, please see our website: www.wbyc.co.uk
Commodore’s Report
Commodore Mark Breakey
Hi All
This has been another busy and exciting month for the Club. We have seen racing (sometimes backwards), people sailing informally in company , social events, singing, a full blown Dinner Dance and Awards Night and even a well-supported and lively AGM. A huge thank you to those who contributed to making all this possible and to those who have supported us by joining in with these events.
As always no one can please all of the people all of the time, but as an inclusive club with diverse activities and events, I am sure we can please everybody at some time, and most people most of the time!
Sadly we remain affected by COVID and I am sure you will join me in wishing those currently suffering a full and speedy recovery. We are continuing to offer sailing opportunities and social events as well as the usual Friday club nights where all members old and new can enjoy a quiet evening in each other’s company.
It has been a great pleasure seeing people steadily return to enjoying life after the experiences of the last couple of years and I sincerely hope that more members will feel able to return as the months progress.
I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Mark Breakey
Commodore
Sailing News
Folks,
The Winter SUNday series has had a flying start. Three races have taken place, with a total of nine different boats taking part.
Other than the first race, where gale force winds put an end to racing, the following two races have provided warm sun and light winds. More chance of getting sunstroke than frostbite in a so called “Frostbite” series.
As well as the regular contenders, we have seen the welcome return to racing of Gunsmoke, with Impromptu and Pandora adding to the fun.
New boat on the block Thetis, threw down the gauntlet, with an exhibition of blistering pace. Look out Mirage, she’s after you!
Following extensive consultation and deliberation, the Sailing Committee have wisely decided to focus on one tide races, the next race being Sunday 7th November 0630 (yes 0630!!) start.
The Sailing Committee was kindly presented, by the President, at the Annual Dinner and Dance, with a copy of the RYA Rules of Sailing 2021-2024 (WATERPROOF).
‘Thetis’ One to watch!
In an attempt to improve the quality of racing, the Committee has decided to disseminate, amongst the WBYC racing fraternity RYAPOWs (RYA Pearls of Wisdom). Hence
p79 C2.7 Rule 16.2 is deleted
p79 C2.8 Rule 17 is deleted.
p31 34 MARK MISSING
If a mark is missing or out of position while boats are racing, the race committee shall, if possible
a) replace it in its correct position or substitute one of similar appearance…..
…….. I know I’m good BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See you Sunday
PS. Have you room for a replacement Dauncey in your boat on Sunday?
Rob
How to navigate from Weston to Padstow
(and back)
May I start this little treatise with a health warning. The following narrative is how I navigate/sail from Weston to Padstow via Ilfracombe. It is not the only way, it is just the way I do it based on experience of several voyages down the North Somerset, Devon and Cornish coasts. It is not a doom laden version that you get in professional Pilot books but a practical guide as to things that should be considered and taken into account.
The total length of the 2 legs of the voyage is just over 100 miles, (assuming you are coming back it is also another 100 miles), so it needs to be planned properly. I will start with the obvious, but they need to be mentioned. You need a seaworthy vessel to start with!!. It should be to be equipped with an adequate Chart Plotter and/or paper charts that cover the route.
The Camel Estuary
A good autopilot is strongly recommended, being on the helm for 12 hours can take the shine of the trip! In addition, you will more than likely be on the engine for a long period so a good engine and adequate fuel must be taken into consideration.
Weather. The South coast of the Bristol Channel and Celtic is rugged with very few bolt holes so the weather has to be a major consideration. I only undertake this trip where the forecast weather is good, i.e no gales forecast, no strong wind warnings and reasonable sea conditions. The prevailing winds are usually West, South West so ‘on the nose’. The sea pattern usually follows the wind. So look for 2 days of suitable weather.
Routing. The route is straight forward on all legs.
Weston to Ilfracombe.
The distance from Weston to Ilfracombe is approximately 42 NM so a passage time of about 8 hours can be expected, however get the tides right and I have done the outbound leg in 6 hours. You can carry the ebb tide nearly all the way and certainly as far as Copperas Rock buoy. From the end of Brean Down set a course to a waypoint approximately 3 miles off of Foreland Point. This keeps you clear of any overfalls that may develop. From Foreland Point set the next waypoint at the entrance to Ilfracombe Harbour. (that wasn’t difficult was it,) As you approach Ilfracombe Harbour you will see Lantern Hill. The harbour lies below the hill. Make your way in carefully, you will probably arrive at low tide and there are lots of trip boats. There are several options to anchor, pick visitors moorings or lean against a wall. I suggest you read the harbour info on their webpage to get details. The Ilfracombe yacht club is on the Quay with showers etc, A key can be obtained from the Harbour Masters office.
Ilfracombe to Padstow.
Ilfracombe to Padstow is approximately 60 NM. On leaving Ilfracombe Harbour set a waypoint about 1.5 miles off Bull Point. From their set your next waypoint about 3 miles off of Hartland Point. In both cases it should take you clear of any overfalls that can build on these 2 prominent headlands. From Hartland Point set your next waypoint to arrive between Pentire Point and Newland Rock. This is the long leg of about 30 miles. (Beware of Crab Pots for the entire length of this leg and especially between Newland Rock and Pentire Point.) Once you reach this point you are entering the Camel Estuary. The channel into Padstow Harbour is now well marked and again consult their Website for detailed pilotage information.
Padstow Harbour
Return.
The route is back is just the reverse of the route described.
Timing and Tides. As we all know the Bristol Channel has some impressive tidal flows which have to be accounted for so timing of departure can be important if you want a decent passage time. They are different for the out bound and return voyage. You need to go with the tide on both legs, both there and back, but have slightly different considerations regarding timings. My timings are always based on an average speed through the water of 5 Kts.
Weston to Ilfracombe . On the outward route my yardstick is to try to be abeam Steep Holm at the top of the tide. From there you should be able to carry the tide all the way to within a few miles of Ilfracombe. You will arrive at low tide so be prepared to anchor for a couple of hours if you want to pick up a visitor’s buoy either in the outer or inner harbours.
Ilfracombe to Padstow. Leave Ilfracombe Harbour about 1.5 hours before high tide. From there you just have to plug down the North coast. You may encounter a noticeable amount of foul tide just before Pentire point but this turns in your favour once in the Camel Estuary. The gate to the inner harbour at Padstow is open approximately 2 hours either side of high tide. The Harbour Master will direct you to a berth, be prepared to have to raft up at busy times.
Padstow to Ilfracombe. On the way back leave the inner harbour about high tide. This will allow you carry the start of the ebb to Pentire point. Once thought the gap between Newland Rock and Pentire point you will have to push a foul tide which will lessen as you get farther out, but which should have changed in your favour once you get near to Hartland Point. The tide will then be in your favour all the way to Ilfracombe.
Ilfracombe Harbour
Ilfracombe to Weston. It is best to leave Ilfracombe as near to low tide as possible. This means anchoring in the harbour to be afloat once the tide turns or leave your mooring as soon as you float. This will allow you to carry a fair tide most of the way back to Weston. But be prepared to divert to Cardiff if you find you are too late to get into the river.
Notes. Radio Channels. Ilfracombe Harbour Master is on Channels 12/16 and Padstow Harbour Master is on Channels 14/16. I always phone them once on route to let them know I intend to arrive in their harbours and on the VHF once approaching the harbour.
Summary. As I said at the start, this is how I do it. The armchair sailors will no doubt have their own versions and approaches. So ladies and gentlemen it is not difficult but it is a longish trip. Have plenty of tonic on board to go with the gin and enjoy some spectacular coastal scenery on the way and when you arrive. Good sailing.
By Bob Godbold
Mooring News
New club moorings being laid New sign on pontoon
The moorings team have been very busy this month as follows:
A new sign has been installed on the pontoon with information for members and visitors. We have installed four temporary club moorings up the river which will be used as required at the discretion of the moorings committee.
A new mooring has also been laid for our work boat ‘Tremar’ which will allow us to move her off the pontoon shortly. We have provided assistance to a number of members and work is ongoing to allocate new spaces to several recent arrivals.
Kind Regards
Stuart Harvey
Tel or WhatsApp: 07519804588
Annual General Meeting
This year’s meeting on Thursday 28th October was well attended and as well as reports from the commodore and treasurer, there was an opportunity to discuss member’s rights regarding access to the club. Following a lively debate, it was agreed that the matter should receive further consideration within the committee with input from other interested parties. Club officers and committee members were duly appointed however some posts are currently vacant. In particular, the role of membership secretary has not been filled although Jeff Parker has kindly agreed to fill in until a replacement can be found. If you feel that you have something to offer within the committee, please do not hesitate to make yourself known either on a Friday night or at the email below.
Bar and Social
October has been another busy month with the welcome return of our live music sessions and the annual dinner. On 17th October our members and guests were treated to an afternoon of folk music courtesy of a visiting band from Burnham On Sea. With guitars, mandolins and an excellent fiddle player it was impossible not to tap your foot! Further music sessions are planned in the winter so please watch this space.
Our dinner dance at The Batch Country House was well supported with over 50 guests attending. Following an excellent four course dinner the season’s racing trophies were presented by sailing officer Rob Strawbridge. Rob was also awarded the ‘Commodore’s Cup’ in recognition of his ongoing efforts in supporting the club and its members at every level.
With the speeches done and dusted, we handed over to Joe Malik who performed hits from the 60’s to the 90’s. This was a very enjoyable occasion so thanks to all who participated. A special thanks should also go to Mo Parker who organised the event so successfully.
Rob Strawbridge.. race officer, poet and recipient of The Commodore’s Cup
Joe Malik entertains the guests at the dinner dance
The laying up supper is set for Saturday 13th November and will feature a fish and chip supper and live music from ‘The Weston Mutineers’. They will perform a selection of shanties as well as some sing a long favourites for your enjoyment. Tickets are on sale behind the bar but numbers are limited so please get them early to avoid disappointment!
Our Christmas party will take place on Sat 11th December and entry will be FREE with a plate of party food. Further details will follow nearer the time.
Diary dates/useful information
Saturday 13th November: Laying Up Supper (Tickets on sale now)
Saturday 11th December: Christmas Party (Free entry)
WINTER SERIES RACING
|
RACE |
DAY |
DATE |
HW |
HT |
START |
1/2TIDE |
|
1 |
SUN |
03 OCT |
1734 |
10.25 |
1600 |
1 |
|
2 |
SUN |
10 OCT |
1005 |
12.04 |
O800 |
1 |
|
3 |
SUN |
17 OCT |
1737 |
10.8 |
1600 |
1 |
|
4 |
SUN |
24 OCT |
O927 |
11.17 |
O900 |
2 |
|
5 |
SUN |
07 NOV |
O804 |
12.57 |
O630 |
1 |
|
6 |
SUN |
14 NOV |
1512 |
9.86 |
1400 |
1 |
|
7 |
SUN |
28 NOV |
1227 |
9.08 |
1100 |
1 |
|
8 |
SUN |
12 DEC |
1327 |
9.53 |
1200 |
1 |
Moorings: Email stu.harv1@gmail.com
Tel or WhatsApp: 07519804588
Beach Gate Key: (Full members only) Email mrparker@talktalk.net
Club access/membership cards: Available in club or Email mrparker@talktalk.net
To contribute or for further information please email:
Tel: 07813 111592