A belated Happy New Year to you all. I hope that you all had a good Christmas and New Year. We are now two months into 2003 and hopefully thoughts are turning to the new sailing season. I am looking forward to events both here and in Europe.
However, I would firstly like to reflect on my first year as National Secretary. I didn’t realise that at times it could be such hard work. Everyone looks to you for the answers to their questions, so it can detract from your own sailing. With that in mind I would like to thank Alan for putting up with me, especially if at times I was pre-occupied thinking about my Nat Sec duties when I should have been pulling the pole out faster! It also makes you wonder how our previous secretaries could make it all look so easy.
My main thought from 2002 regards the low turnout at open meetings and the Nationals. Most of the Open’s, except Budworth, struggled to make numbers in the low teens let alone make 20. I hope that this year we can show some more support for the people that give up so much time to organise these meetings. I think that in most places we need to get at least 15 boats to make it financially viable.
This year we were in danger of losing a meeting at Broadstairs. There is no fleet there anymore, but Snipes are welcomed down there year after year. Those people who make the trip always have a fantastic weekend. This year Broadstairs S.C. Commodore Keith Harding had a hard job convincing the Broadstairs committee that we should be invited back. However, his persuasive nature won through in the end. Please support him and the class, if we have another turnout the same as last year, we will lose this excellent venue.
The same goes for Stone, another club where we have lost a fleet. However, the club is quite willing for us to host an open meeting there. This year the date has moved to September. It is another excellent sailing club with good facilities and fun racing. A full list of Open meeting dates can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.
To start off the season, we will once again be at the annual Sailboat and Windsurf exhibition at Alexander Palace over 1st / 2nd March. Thanks must be given to Roland Antonelli who has sponsored this year’s stand. If anyone is willing to help out on the stand over the weekend please let me know. If you are planning a visit don’t forget to come to the stand and catch up with friends, this year we are in the West Hall Stand F6.
This year the yacht club in Le Havre is holding the first leg of the Yves Le Bour Challenge, the other legs are held in the UK and Belgium. For those of you who have not sailed abroad this is an ideal opportunity. We plan to catch the over night ferry on the Friday, race Saturday and Sunday, then travel back on the overnight ferry on the Sunday. This coincides with the May Bank holiday, so little holiday is required. The Romain family is looking forward to welcoming an armada from the UK.
The next plug I have is for the UK Nationals, which will also be the Snipe European Cup. This will be held in Herne Bay on the North Kent coast, over 14th - 17th August. Herne Bay is a small holiday town, ideal to bring the family to. Put the dates in your diary, as this promises to be an excellent event and hopefully we will get some good competition from Europe.
As we all know we could not take part in the sport that we love without the many volunteers who give their time for our enjoyment. Most of these people work tirelessly behind the scene just making sure that things happen, with little or no recognition. I am very proud to let you know that the RYA has given recognition for years of hard work by one of our members. At a special ceremony held before the RYA’s AGM, Derrick Crouch, (my Dad), was presented with an RYA Community award for his services to racing. Congratulations and thanks for all your hard work Dad.
Sadly I must let you know of the passing away of Jack Wolstenholme. Jack had been a supporter of the Snipe Class for many years, and was heavily involved with Blue Circle Sailing Club. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew him. Our thoughts are with Peter and his family at this time.
Please have a good read of this newsletter and book the open meeting dates in your diary.
See you on the water.
Liz Crouch
liz.crouch@rya-online.net
At the end of October, 2 boats from the UK went to Paris to sail at the Choisy-le-Roi club. I think that we chose the wrong weekend to go! On Friday night we planned to catch a 9.00pm ferry from Dover to Calais, where we were to stay the night. Alan had a slow journey from Manchester and arrived just in time. However, the weather was against us. High winds and heavy seas meant that the ferries were delayed. We eventually got on the ferry at 4.00am, having had little or no sleep. We then drove straight to Paris.
Once we arrived in the Paris area, it was a challenge to get round the ring road with a double trailer without getting too lost. Luckily a Snipe sailor saw us, indicated that we should follow him, then took us to the club. I’m not sure that we would have found it without his help. We were met by Jerome Thomas, the regatta organiser, who made us very welcome and pointed us in the direction of some strong coffee.
The attitude to sailing was very laid back. When we asked what time the racing would start, we were told not to worry, we all had to have lunch and a glass or two of wine first! However, racing did get underway, on the square pond. I think that the lake was built for rowing, and the rumour is that it was built too short for an Olympic course. On Saturday 20 boats took to the water for four races. The wind was quite shifty, and at times quite light, but then the next moment you could get caught by a strong gust. An agile crew was quite important, it really would have helped if we had had some sleep.
Peter Wolstenholme and Guy Welch started as they meant to go and won the first 2 races. The rest of the fleet was very close behind, and there were many place changes during the races. The third race was won by Rene and Romain Le Bour. In the final race of the day, Alan and I took first place.
That evening we were taken to a local restaurant for dinner and drinks. Unfortunately, due to lack of sleep we were not on the best form for a night of partying in Paris.
The following morning we woke up to strong winds, which were shifting massively. We had a leisurely breakfast as we guessed that there would be no sailing. We arrived at the club in time for a meeting to decide who wanted to go sailing. There was little enthusiasm so it was decided to call it a day. We were then treated to lunch and some more wine before the prize giving.
We found out that the ferries had all been cancelled as Dover and Calais ports were shut. The decision was made to get Peter and Alan back to the UK on the Eurostar, whilst Guy and I would stay another night in France and come back with the boats the following day.
Despite all of this, we all had a very good weekend. I think it would be great to go back again, but maybe I’ll book the Eurotunnel though!
Results
| 1st | Peter Wolstenholme / Guy Welch | 1 / 1 / 2 / 2 | 4pts |
| 2nd | Jerome Thomas / Nadia Spizzichino | 2 / 2 / 3 / 3 | 7pts |
| 3rd | Alan Williams / Liz Crouch | 5 / 3 / 4 / 1 | 8pts |
| 4th | Rene le Bour / Romain Le Bour | 4 / 4 / 1 / 8 | 9pts |
Le Havre will be hosting the 1st leg of the Yves Le Bour Challenge over the weekend 3 / 4 May. In previous years we have taken as few cars and trailers as possible whilst maximising the number of boats and people. The aim of this is to keep the cost as low as possible. The sailing club is in the middle of the town, so this is an ideal place for non-sailors to come along for the weekend. Accommodation is normally in a local hotel that caters for visiting sailors, the price was approximately £10 per person per night.
If you are interested in joining the English armada, then please contact me by 10th April. This will enable me to make all the necessary arrangements.
Detail required:
- Boat Number
- Number of people travelling, full names.
- Cabin requirements -willing to share or own cabin.
- Are you willing to take your car and tow a double / triple trailer.
- Hotel rooms required (single/twin/double)
Liz Crouch
This year we are exhibiting Nick McGonigle’s boat Ruby T III at Ally Pally. Please come along and do a stint on the stand.
It would help Liz if you were able to indicate when you will be able to come up and help man the stand.
It’s also a good chance to get yourself that cheap new drysuit you’ve been promising yourself!
Please contact her on 01732 529 517 or
e-mail
liz.crouch@rya-online.net
That’s the theme for the 2003 RYA Sailboat and Windsurf Show and it certainly sums up all that’s great about this popular annual show. Now in its 52nd year, it’s is a must for anyone who enjoys small boat sailing or windsurfing. Not only is it a magnet for top sailors and windsurfers, it’s a hotbed for exchanging ideas and gossip about both of these exciting sports.
NEW FOR 2003! The Panorama Hall - this year the show is expanding into Alexandra Palace’s exciting new area. It’s a brand new hall with some new exhibitors, a fantastic view and the all-new RYA Forums. Take a seat to find out all the latest information, then join in our lively discussions on all the hot issues!
NEW FOR 2003! ‘Live it’ - a unique photographic exhibition by some of the country’s leading marine photographers.
NEW FOR 2003! Gybe Zone - Teams from the RYA will present chats, games, competitions and entertainment for the under 16s.
NEW FOR 2003! Palm Court Talks - experts on sailing and windsurfing at the RYA’s Welcome stand to provide top tips for all.
Live Area! - The West Hall will again echo with energetic sound and vision, as well providing a place to rest those weary feet! Catch sneak previews of the latest action videos, hear all the latest sailing and windsurfing news and meet our top achievers. Looking for bargains? - There are plenty of opportunities to do some serious pre-season shopping. Club Conference - a pre-booked opportunity for Club Officers to take in a full programme on all that’s topical around the UK’s Clubs and classes. Party Time - Saturday afternoon will have that party feel again with a roving band and fun on the stands. There are plenty of bars and café’s to keep energy levels topped up too!
For the younger visitors - Don’t forget Show Sunday is a great day - two under 16s come in free with every paying adult! You can save even more if you book your tickets in advance.
The Sailboat and Windsurf Show really is Britain’s biggest Show dedicated to racing sailboats, recreational dinghy sailing and windsurfing.
1 - 2 March Alexandra Palace, London The RYA Sailboat and Windsurf Show, In association with the Daily Telegraph, supported by Yachts and Yachting It’s the place to be in 2003!
| UK Meetings | |
| Blue Circle Open Meeting | 10-11 May |
| UK Junior and Ladies Championship, Budworth | 26 May |
| Medway Marathon, Medway YC | 8th June |
| Broadstairs Sailing Club Open Meeting + Yves Le Bour | 21-22 June |
| Medway Dinghy Regatta, Medway YC | 28-29 June |
| Maldon Yacht Club South Eastern Championship | 12-13 July |
| UK Nationals and European Cup, Herne Bay, Kent | 15-17 August |
| Stone Sailing Club Open Meeting | 6-7 September |
| North West Championship, Budworth | 20- 21 September |
| International Meetings | |
| South Europeans, San | 18-20 April |
| Yves Le Bour 1st Leg Le Havre | 3-4 May |
| French National Championship, Annecy | 29 May-1 June |
| Wiibroe Cup, Denmark | 7-9 June |
| German National Championship, Caldonazzo, Italy | 13-15 June |
| Scandinavian Open, Mottala, Sweden | 21-27 July |
| East European Open Snipe Class, Moscow | 28 July - 1 August |
| Snipe World Championship, Sweden | 2-9 August |
| Ladies European Snipe Class Championship 2003, Moscow | 23 - 27 August |
| Belgian National Championship, Holland | 23-24 August |
| Junior Worlds 2003, Moscow | 29 August - 3 September |
| Yves le Bour 3rd Leg, Belgium | 27-28 September |
Design the logo for the UK Nationals and European Cup
If there are any budding artists out there, get designing now. I am looking for a new logo for clothing for the Nationals / European Cup this year. It should be fairly simple, with either one or two colours as it will be printed or embroidered on to clothing. Please send any designs that you have by email as soon as possible, latest date 25th May
Stone has elected renowned Snipe helm Gavin Watkins as club commodore. Congratulations Gavin - I trust, to mark your first year, there shall be a strong supportive entry to the Stone Snipe Open.
Most unfortunate the end of the coming season shall close with the retirement of the club’s Committee Boat Race Officer, David Crispin. David has long connections with Snipes reaching selection for Worlds 1961 and Europeans 1964.
The efficient race team built up by David shall continue, whilst over the season David shall train up a replacement officer from the club’s pool of race officers. There is no question the high standards achieved shall prevail. The RYA places the Stone Club as a premier championship venue. Such a reputation will be upheld and protected.
The annual East Coast Dinghy Championship will be traditionally organised over the August Bank Holiday. This year that event is scheduled the week prior to the Snipe Open. I place forward the suggestion, attend the Bank Holiday regatta (no entry fee) then leave your boats at Stone to compete the following weekend at the Snipe Open.
John
I got a call from Neil Foubister, commodore of Holm Sailing Club, late last year asking if I knew of any Snipes for sale. I did not, but in any case contacted two potentials, as neither had sailed their boat for two or three seasons. Both John Elder (Aquamania) and Dave Binnington (Mercury II) did want to part with their boats, and so after prices were agreed between Neil, John and Dave, the deals were done. As with previous shipments, John Williams and I trailed the boats to a motorway services near Newbury, where four of us somehow managed to lift the boats above our heads and get them on top of some refrigeration tanks inside the articulated lorry. The driver delivers Orkadian Crayfish to Poole. It takes him a week to go from one end of the country to the other! I got a message from Neil the other day after the boats arrived in their new home
Hi Richard.
The Snipes arrived at 11 O'clock and were unloaded at my parents house with a forklift truck. The Corse family arrived soon after to pick up Mercury Two went away a delighted family. She has gone to a good home of four budding young brothers aged between eight and fifteen years. Aquamania was delivered in the afternoon to a new sailor who is just going to start sailing this season for the first time. He has decided to give his fishing a bit of a rest, he represented Britian in the World Championships. Also been captain of the Scottish Team. Happy to be taking up a new sport. These are two VERY VERY happy customers. THANK YOU for all your help again.
Neil Foubister
While I hate to lose Snipes at Bluey, I take the view that these great boats deserve better than to be left to rot away down here. Nicky, John, the boys and I are all off to Orkney after the Nationals to meet Neil and his family, and to sail in the All-Comers Race at Longhope. Maybe I will pick up some tips on how to re-build a Snipe fleet!
Richard
Year 2002 closed with the French Frozen Feet Regatta and Paris Boat Show. Sweden claimed the final Snipe action in the annual Christmas St Nicholas Race, held on the “Stockholm Pond” with floated Christmas trees as race marks. During December, Secretary General, Gilles Boisaubert, chaired a meeting with Antonio Roquette to progress an agreement on production of the fibre centreboard. Respect has to be voiced to Gilles and Antonio for their tenacity to settle the saga. At last hopefully the rule relating to the CMC centreboard can be activated!
Alongside Gilles taking Secretary General there are also fresh National Secretaries’ for France, Russia, and Sweden. There is a New South European Secretary, Claudio Ciufo a reputable Italian helm. Awaiting confirmation are new countries Belaruss, Ukraine whilst expectancy is high for Czech Republic, Latvian and Estonian Sailing Federations to seek membership.
Europe can stand proud as added to the above, the continent is to host during 2003 the Snipe Worlds, Junior Worlds, Ladies Europeans and European Cup.
UK dinghy sailing appears to be in an era of flux. My viewpoint focuses on lack of choice, modern classes are of similar design, speed, marketed at inflated prices making for little stability Therefore one has to take heart in European Snipe forward thinking in the championship programme, with the following bids made:
Senior Euro Championship 2004 - ‘06 - ‘08.
World Masters 2004
European Cup 2005.
- with soundings being made for the Junior Europeans 2004 - 2006 . Then, at the ISAF Conference Alexi Fomin, East European General Secretary, stalks the corridors speaking of encouraging the traditional sailing classes against modern design. Alexi proclaimed his idea of Russia hosting a major promotional all comers Snipe and Finn Regatta . One should watch with anticipation of the outcome.
Germany would appreciate the Union Jack flying at their open June 13 - 15, Lake Caldonazza. Italy is circulating invitations to Italian Masters, Italian Ladies regattas. There is growing European interest in the Yves Le Bour Trophy, whilst Belgium class events are becoming attractive to north and eastern sailors. Spanish secretary Fernando, is to concentrate on bringing Snipes to clubs in the Galicia region, whilst forging closer links with Portugal in possibly operating a dual country event similar to the Yves Le Bour Trophy. Denmark has expressed appreciation to UK for the last two years support to the Wiibore Cup, with the hope this shall continue. For the Helsinki Boat Show, Finnish Snipers plan an ambitious exhibition stand. The Gothlin Brothers famed for their mastery of the Swedish media together with Matts election into class office should be of benefit to SCIRA Scandinavia in coverage of the Worlds, this August.
Certainly interesting news coming out of Europe, Gilles looks set to preside over a progressive year.
The starting gun for European Snipe action shall be April 18 - 21 the San Remo Easter Regatta. If that is missed then the next option is Le Havre Normandy Open and the first round of the Yves Le Bour Trophy, May 3 - 5. May we all enjoy a full and eventful 2003 sailing season.
John R Broughton,
European Liaison Officer
France has a new national secretary:
René LE BOUR
3 rue de Verdun
77380 - COMBS LA VILLE
France
Phone : Home +33/1.64.88.50.87
Mobile +33/6.72.82.38.03
Rene.Lebour@eur.appliedbiosystems.com
In the passing of Jack Wolstenholme one is appreciative that recent SCIRA recruits are unaware of his class contribution. Jack was an active Blue Circle fleet member before adopting the role of training cadets. Jack enticed a number of juniors into Snipes including Budgie, Crouch, McGonigle, and Vaughn. Names that went onto represent the UK at Snipe World and European Junior Championships as far a field as north and south America. Jack was a stalwart of the Snipe fleet.
Always assisting with towing, repairing damage, loaning equipment, I recall for a Junior Worlds, he supplied blazers, allowing the correct image of the UK junior team at the prize giving. Jack did not shun responsibility, as Blue Circle’s Rear Commodore, a past fleet captain, and committee work. Jack was ever ready to dirty his hands undertaking technical tasks, or those more menial. Wife Lillian was always alongside him, encouraging competitors, lifting spirits. Her ready supply of tea and home made cakes at regattas was amazing. Foreign crews would venture over to see what was the attraction in the British compound; with the end result partaking in the traditional ritual of English afternoon high tea, cucumber sandwiches, fruitcake and the holy beverage of tea!
Like many that gave their all to the class seeking nought in return, Jack’s torch burns bright amongst those of the European Guild of Snipe Elders. He was a true crusader.
THANK YOU JACK.
John R Broughton