REPORT:23 APRIL 2016. MA'AM WE HOPE YOU WERE AMUSED AT OUR EFFORTS IN CELEBRATING YOUR 90TH BIRTHDAY. HIP,HIP,HIP HURRAY.
Report by Branch Cruising Secretary.
I arrived on time at the WPNSA Sailing Center with all the good intentions to go to the Cafe but I needed to prep tender and get back to put car away from Dingy Park. So I offloaded all kit from car and laid it out on apron near launch ramp. I went around the seaward side and I was in for two surprises. As I turned back toward the tender rack I heard a large splash and looked to the waters edge. Incredibly I caught site of the head, front flipper and body of an Atlantic Grey Seal. It was small and therefore young and was right at the water's edge by the surf school. If only I could have got a picture. Then it was gone. Anyway I had to press on and as I approach the tender rack incredibly I caught site of the head and body of Bob Myers. Not as pretty as the Seal but still a very welcoming site. Bob had been waiting in the Cafe for me. It shows coms does pay. Of course I asked where his email was to which he replied where were you in the Cafe. Touche. We chatted for a while and I asked if he wanted a hand. No I'm fine. Ok got to get to boat and prep it.
The wind in Portland Harbour was upto its old tricks and should have been no more than a F3 but that piece of 300 ft Jurassic Rock had accelerated it to a F5. Got on board a bucking Bronco and fixed the Whip Banner to the stern. Very smart. Probably the smartest thing on Heatwave. I looked out for Mr Myers but no sign until I saw the Man in Red paddling like mad to keep offshore but finally went aground on the beach. Is that Bob??. No he was putting his chain on a hard tender and this was an inflatable. I strained to see him and still couldn't be sure it was him. I waved but no response and thought I can't stand here and wave as some might think I was in trouble. I got my phone out to call him but I could not read the screen in the bright light and my eyes were watering in the strong wind. Nothing more to do but get back in Tender and investigate. I started to untie it and brought it around to the side of Heatwave when I saw the inflatable was now making its way across very lumpy water. Then I recalled Bob had an inflatable and a picture of Louie,Bob's Dog on the Home page, riding the bow in the tender at Dartmouth in 2015, came to mind. I like Bob's look as he passed me. I think he said, "Yamaha". A colourful Japanese expletive?
Great, lets get this boat to sea and I slipped mooring at 09:45. Looking back to the Marina, Stella Ann was dressed and due to depart at 10:00. Steve Pointon called me on phone and I made out Tikka also dressed in WPNSA. She was leaving at 10:00 also. This was a shake down for my new prop and I thought it doesn't seem as good as the old Gori so I checked the GPS for speed. 4.2 knts towing into a 12 knt wind. Thats fine but did not push the throttle full up against the wind. Slow and safe gets you there hey Bob.
I arrived on time at the WPNSA Sailing Center with all the good intentions to go to the Cafe but I needed to prep tender and get back to put car away from Dingy Park. So I offloaded all kit from car and laid it out on apron near launch ramp. I went around the seaward side and I was in for two surprises. As I turned back toward the tender rack I heard a large splash and looked to the waters edge. Incredibly I caught site of the head, front flipper and body of an Atlantic Grey Seal. It was small and therefore young and was right at the water's edge by the surf school. If only I could have got a picture. Then it was gone. Anyway I had to press on and as I approach the tender rack incredibly I caught site of the head and body of Bob Myers. Not as pretty as the Seal but still a very welcoming site. Bob had been waiting in the Cafe for me. It shows coms does pay. Of course I asked where his email was to which he replied where were you in the Cafe. Touche. We chatted for a while and I asked if he wanted a hand. No I'm fine. Ok got to get to boat and prep it.
The wind in Portland Harbour was upto its old tricks and should have been no more than a F3 but that piece of 300 ft Jurassic Rock had accelerated it to a F5. Got on board a bucking Bronco and fixed the Whip Banner to the stern. Very smart. Probably the smartest thing on Heatwave. I looked out for Mr Myers but no sign until I saw the Man in Red paddling like mad to keep offshore but finally went aground on the beach. Is that Bob??. No he was putting his chain on a hard tender and this was an inflatable. I strained to see him and still couldn't be sure it was him. I waved but no response and thought I can't stand here and wave as some might think I was in trouble. I got my phone out to call him but I could not read the screen in the bright light and my eyes were watering in the strong wind. Nothing more to do but get back in Tender and investigate. I started to untie it and brought it around to the side of Heatwave when I saw the inflatable was now making its way across very lumpy water. Then I recalled Bob had an inflatable and a picture of Louie,Bob's Dog on the Home page, riding the bow in the tender at Dartmouth in 2015, came to mind. I like Bob's look as he passed me. I think he said, "Yamaha". A colourful Japanese expletive?
Great, lets get this boat to sea and I slipped mooring at 09:45. Looking back to the Marina, Stella Ann was dressed and due to depart at 10:00. Steve Pointon called me on phone and I made out Tikka also dressed in WPNSA. She was leaving at 10:00 also. This was a shake down for my new prop and I thought it doesn't seem as good as the old Gori so I checked the GPS for speed. 4.2 knts towing into a 12 knt wind. Thats fine but did not push the throttle full up against the wind. Slow and safe gets you there hey Bob.
B MOORE Gallery Start of the Day: Click on first photo and paddle through.
This was the first time I have ever done anything like this. Heading into lots of Boats is a recipe for collision. I had wondered where people would anchor waiting for the start of the parade which would be led by the life boat (Ernest and Mable). I checked around and saw other boats just drifting and waiting for the start. So that's what I did but staying out further to avoid collision.
With the engine idling in neutral Heatwave drifted at a rate of .7 knts. I could then recover quickly as I approach the large yellow buoys off the Western Arm of the Harbour breakwater. 10:45 and I picked out Stella Ann and made my way to her lee side. Waved and greeted Simon Duff who was going to be tail end Charlie due to his limited manoeuverability(the boat that is).
I then saw the Life Boat moving off so time to get in the que. As we approach the Harbour entrance boats were closing in from all side and I tucked in behind GossHawk for protection. The procession started to slow as we entered the Harbour and I started to find it very scary. The wind was pushing Heatwave, Tikka and Moonlight came up on my port side.
RNSA was in an impressive group with our Battle Flags flying and Burgees hanging high on the yard arms. GossHawk stopped in front of me and I had to put Heatwave in reverse. Will Heatwave hold her line or twist out of control with no rudder bite. For a 40 year girl she held her line about a quarter boat's length from GossHawk with Oscar staring at me from her stern. Some boats turned out and abandoned the procession but not RNSA.
We continued into the Harbour with many people at the waters edge cheering us on.
This is what Branch cruising is about and promoting RNSA to boot.
The small fronted establishment of the Royal Dorset Yacht Club came into view and the Mayor and Town criers and others were there there to take a salute which I obliged with some blasts from my £3-50 plastic air horn from Toy Master. It works very well but later sadly I stood on it and broke it.
I then heard my name being called and I looked about to see Ernie Rowe on the back end of a powered catermaran.
Time to round the white buoy. Shall I impress the crowd by showing how tight Heatwave can turn. Best not as I was towing Red Drawf and we might pass the buoy and get tangled. Gave it a wide berth and safely rounded it. The outward leg was much easier. In some boats ladies had dressed up as Her Majesty but no one carrying Corgis. On reaching the Harbour entrance it was "Go for throttle up" for a quick dash back to the mooring. I was impressed on how quick GossHawk was under power. Moonlight came up from behind quite fast too so I moved to let her clear the entrance. Bob signalled back to warn me of a fast Power Boat coming up so I kept my course and let it pass. Lets try the prop now at full throttle. Heatwave started to fly on 9.7HP pushing the (say it in Italian) Eliche Radice prop "ELICHE A PALE FISSE E PIEGHEVOLI per barche a vela". It looks like the 10 inch pitch is matched to the engine.
With the mooring in sight several safety boats were among the moorings and their approaches. I approached them slowly but was immediately challenged as a windsurfing racing event was taking place from the launch ramp to past our moorings. "Where are you going." "To my mooring, The one with the red pick up buoy". "You can't go past the end of the Break Water". "I am aware that a race is being conducted and will observe protocol but relatively I am now a large vessel in restricted waters so can I politely ask you to give me water so I can safely round up to my mooring". "I will use the other ramp to go ashore". "Many thanks". We all have to co-operate as the Harbour is getting busier.
After the polite exchange I hoped I would do a first pass pick up but that was not to be but got the Buoy at the second attempt.
With the engine idling in neutral Heatwave drifted at a rate of .7 knts. I could then recover quickly as I approach the large yellow buoys off the Western Arm of the Harbour breakwater. 10:45 and I picked out Stella Ann and made my way to her lee side. Waved and greeted Simon Duff who was going to be tail end Charlie due to his limited manoeuverability(the boat that is).
I then saw the Life Boat moving off so time to get in the que. As we approach the Harbour entrance boats were closing in from all side and I tucked in behind GossHawk for protection. The procession started to slow as we entered the Harbour and I started to find it very scary. The wind was pushing Heatwave, Tikka and Moonlight came up on my port side.
RNSA was in an impressive group with our Battle Flags flying and Burgees hanging high on the yard arms. GossHawk stopped in front of me and I had to put Heatwave in reverse. Will Heatwave hold her line or twist out of control with no rudder bite. For a 40 year girl she held her line about a quarter boat's length from GossHawk with Oscar staring at me from her stern. Some boats turned out and abandoned the procession but not RNSA.
We continued into the Harbour with many people at the waters edge cheering us on.
This is what Branch cruising is about and promoting RNSA to boot.
The small fronted establishment of the Royal Dorset Yacht Club came into view and the Mayor and Town criers and others were there there to take a salute which I obliged with some blasts from my £3-50 plastic air horn from Toy Master. It works very well but later sadly I stood on it and broke it.
I then heard my name being called and I looked about to see Ernie Rowe on the back end of a powered catermaran.
Time to round the white buoy. Shall I impress the crowd by showing how tight Heatwave can turn. Best not as I was towing Red Drawf and we might pass the buoy and get tangled. Gave it a wide berth and safely rounded it. The outward leg was much easier. In some boats ladies had dressed up as Her Majesty but no one carrying Corgis. On reaching the Harbour entrance it was "Go for throttle up" for a quick dash back to the mooring. I was impressed on how quick GossHawk was under power. Moonlight came up from behind quite fast too so I moved to let her clear the entrance. Bob signalled back to warn me of a fast Power Boat coming up so I kept my course and let it pass. Lets try the prop now at full throttle. Heatwave started to fly on 9.7HP pushing the (say it in Italian) Eliche Radice prop "ELICHE A PALE FISSE E PIEGHEVOLI per barche a vela". It looks like the 10 inch pitch is matched to the engine.
With the mooring in sight several safety boats were among the moorings and their approaches. I approached them slowly but was immediately challenged as a windsurfing racing event was taking place from the launch ramp to past our moorings. "Where are you going." "To my mooring, The one with the red pick up buoy". "You can't go past the end of the Break Water". "I am aware that a race is being conducted and will observe protocol but relatively I am now a large vessel in restricted waters so can I politely ask you to give me water so I can safely round up to my mooring". "I will use the other ramp to go ashore". "Many thanks". We all have to co-operate as the Harbour is getting busier.
After the polite exchange I hoped I would do a first pass pick up but that was not to be but got the Buoy at the second attempt.
B MOORE Gallery Main Event:Click on first photo and paddle through.
Peter Goss Gallery All day:Click on first photo and paddle through.
Steven Pointon Gallery In the Harbour. Click on first photo and paddle through.
After going home I had promised to meet in the RDYC however as the actual procession was much slower than expected I did not get home until 13:45.
Quick wash up and change and managed to get to RDYC at about 15:10. The place was empty but I took some pictures just to #Max Boyce(I was there). I got myself a shandy and bought the bar lady a drink. She said of all the people we have had in today you are the first to offer me a drink. Thank you. I said we in RNSA like to show our appreciation. Later I watched the bridge lift at 16:00 and took a final picture of a boat in the Weymouth Marina "Wahini Waves" and the owner who was walking along the pontoon stopped to allow a clear shot. That was appreciated. We waved and I returned to Portland.
Quick wash up and change and managed to get to RDYC at about 15:10. The place was empty but I took some pictures just to #Max Boyce(I was there). I got myself a shandy and bought the bar lady a drink. She said of all the people we have had in today you are the first to offer me a drink. Thank you. I said we in RNSA like to show our appreciation. Later I watched the bridge lift at 16:00 and took a final picture of a boat in the Weymouth Marina "Wahini Waves" and the owner who was walking along the pontoon stopped to allow a clear shot. That was appreciated. We waved and I returned to Portland.
B MOORE Gallery End of the Day:Click on first photo and paddle through.
Thank you:
First I must thank and congratulate Gareth Peaston of the Royal Dorset Yacht Club for such a successful event and the work you must have put in to make it so. Well Done.
I must also thank all the RNSA Portland members who took part, Peter Goss in Gosshawk, Steve Poington in Tikka, Simon Duff in Stella Ann, Bob Myers in Moonlight for giving their support. I also saw Ernie Row in a Power Catermaran and Bill from the WPNSA. I hope some others of you came to the Quay to see us.
A special thanks to the RNLI for once again looking after our souls and to the official bodies and people who supported the event.
Finally I also thank all peoples of our Yacht Clubs in Weymouth and Portland who by participation in their club work and sponsored activities help keep Sailing of all disciplines alive and healthy. What a great start to 2016.
Kind regards
Brendan Moore RNSA Portland Branch Cruising Secretary.
First I must thank and congratulate Gareth Peaston of the Royal Dorset Yacht Club for such a successful event and the work you must have put in to make it so. Well Done.
I must also thank all the RNSA Portland members who took part, Peter Goss in Gosshawk, Steve Poington in Tikka, Simon Duff in Stella Ann, Bob Myers in Moonlight for giving their support. I also saw Ernie Row in a Power Catermaran and Bill from the WPNSA. I hope some others of you came to the Quay to see us.
A special thanks to the RNLI for once again looking after our souls and to the official bodies and people who supported the event.
Finally I also thank all peoples of our Yacht Clubs in Weymouth and Portland who by participation in their club work and sponsored activities help keep Sailing of all disciplines alive and healthy. What a great start to 2016.
Kind regards
Brendan Moore RNSA Portland Branch Cruising Secretary.