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| Hobie 16 Nationals 2008 - Posted by NickH on the 19 November 2008 |
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The re-scheduled H16 National Championship was held over the weekend of the 4th and 5th October, and the change of date and venue saw sixteen boats turn up to Rockley in Poole Harbour. Unfortunately strong winds and heavy squally showers deterred some from racing on Saturday, but with a delayed start, racing got under way at midday in a slight lull in the conditions.
On the race course it soon became apparent that conditions were deteriorating again and with numerous spectacular capsizes and pitchpoles, only half the fleet managed to finish. The team of Seb Greber and Nikki Boniface, enjoying the challenging conditions and stormed home in first place, closely followed by Neil Watts and Malcolm Barton in second and Luke Butler and Sam Rowles in third. As conditions continued to worsen, and with the wind gusting to 30 knots, the Race Officer made the wise decision to abandon racing for the day.
Sunday saw a break in the terrible weather and with a few hours of force three to four winds predicted between weather systems the racing was on. The light and shifty winds made for some very close and interesting racing and choosing the favoured side of the course was all important. There was a tremendous battle at the front of the fleet between Greber / Boniface and Butler / Rowles, with the latter team showing excellent consistency by never dropping below third. Three first places however, meant that Greber / Boniface just did enough to take the title by one point. Third place went to the father / daughter team of Dave and Emma Boniface, last year’s champions, who sailed a consistent series after experiencing a mighty crash on the first day. An excellent fourth place went to Simon Ellyant and Manny Austin who are relative newcomers to catamaran racing, who put in a string of consistent results just outside the top three. Sunday proved to be an excellent days racing thanks to the great race management of Race Officer Paul Butler. Laying on five good races in shifty conditions is quite an achievement, so our thanks go to the Butler family for their good work.
It was great to see a good number of H16s racing together and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. Great competition in a relaxed environment. Our thanks go to Steve Beard at the Hobie Centre for hosting the event and donating generously to the prizes by awarding Hobie vouchers to the first four teams, and thanks to the Rockley Training centre for offering the use of their facilities.
Dave Boniface |
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| Seb and Dan win RYA Zones - Posted by NickH on the 2 October 2008 |
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 The Dragoon sailors arrived early on Saturday morning at WPNSA, which was getting busier by the minute. The sailors were given their places for storing the boats and the race to get rigged up began. For the weekend Rachel Scarfe had volunteered to be our coach and was very helpful in telling us where we should be at the right times so a big thanks to her. Briefing started at 10.30 and we were told about what the racing would consist of for the day. Racing was to start no earlier than 11.50 and so all the boats were released onto the water. This was made a bit more difficult as there were 3250 boats all trying to launch of the same slipway!
Eventually all of the dragoons got to the start line and the race began. The wind was about 3-5 knots and there was only 1 lap set. A lot of people had excellent starts such as Seb and Dan, Charles and Harry and Adam and Nicola. Due to the light and shifty winds the start played a big part in the overall position of the first race. The first boat round the mark was Adam and Nicola closely followed by Seb and Dan and Charles and Harry but unfortunately Adam went to the wrong course and so Seb took the lead and led the way round the whole of the race. Adam and Nicola made excellent ground and came in third working their way through the fleet in the very light and flukey wind. The overall results of the first race were: 1st Seb and Dan 2nd Charles and Harry 3rd Adam and Nicola.
The Second race brought more wind and the same 1 lap course. Jack and Adam made an incredible start and were leading for a long time. Half of the fleet kept on the starboard tack after the start, which seemed to pay of as they got good lay-lines to the boy due to the shifty wind. Leading around the top mark was Seb closely followed by Adam and then Charles while the rest of the fleet battled it out for 4th. Seb lead for the whole of the race and won. The results were: 1st Seb and Dan 2nd Adam and Nicola 3rd Charles and Harry.
The wind continued to stay the same, around 5 knots and so the race officers made the decision to make the race a 2 lapper. This was good as it gave the fleet enough time to be able to gain positions that they had lost. There were some more superb starts from Charles and Harry and Seb and Dan with a lot of people starting at the committee boat end, this meant the boats were all quite bunched together with no clear leaders emerging until the windward mark. 1st round the mark was Seb and Dan which again were closely followed by Adam and Nicola while Charles and Harry were battling it out with Jessica and Rhya Cooke who unfortunately finished 5th. The race had one more leg in it which gave Seb a greater lead over the rest of the pack. This lead ended up with him winning his third win of the day and putting him securely in 1st. The results for the third race were: 1st Seb and Dan 2nd Adam and Nicola 3rd Charles and Harry.
The overall results for the days racing were: 1st Seb and Dan 2nd Adam and Nicola 3rd Charles and Harry 4th Jessica and Rhya 5th Jack and Adam 6th Patrick and Benedict 7th Louis and Alexandra 8th Tim and Kit.
Sunday
On Sunday the wind was a lot lighter but racing still got underway. The Wind was about 3-4 Knots and was meant to drop to nothing at Lunchtime. Racing got underway and due to the even lighter and shiftier wind conditions the start was essential. Seb and Adam and Jack had superb starts. Unfortunately Charles and Harry headed to the wrong mark followed by Jessica. This cost both the teams greatly and made it very hard to regain the places they had lost. In the lead was Adam and Nicola followed by Seb and Dan. The rest of the fleet were all fighting for positions with a lot of overtaking and tactical moves. The wind was ever dying and the leaders had now secured their places. Charles and Harry were now dead last but due to some very tactical and crafty manoeuvres they edged there way through the fleet. Jessica finished third closely followed by Patrick and Benedict. Unfortunately Patrick and Benedict did not drop their spinnackers quick enough and so Jessica raced to the finish. The wind was now very light and Charles and Harry were now slyly creeping up on Patrick and Benedict and due to tacking later they edged their way in front and finished 4th. Due to non-existent wind it was very hard for the remaining boats to cross the line and so they struggled to finish. After the race the wind totally dyed away and the race was postponed and then cancelled. The boats were towed in and that was it for the 2008 South Zone Championship.
The end results were:
Rank Sail No. Helm Crew Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 Total
1 1 Seb Samways Dan Channing 1 1 1 (2) 3
2 653 Adam Butler Nicola Boniface (3) 2 2 1 5
3 662 Charles Willett Harry Willett 2 3 3 (4) 8
4 1012 Jessica Cooke Rhya Cooke 4 (6) 5 3 12
5 991 Adam Murphy Jack Murphy (8) 4 4 6 14
6 1011 Patrick Harrison Benedict Harisson 6 5 (7) 5 16
7 944 Louis Gorringe Alexandra Gorringe 5 7 6 (8) 18
8 387 Tim Cope Kit Cope 7 8 (DNC) 7 22
On Behalf of all the dragoon sailors I would like to thank all of the people at the RYA that organised such a great event. Also Dave Boniface and Rachel Scarfe for being such a great help on and off the water and of course all of the parents that gave up their weekend and drove the many miles for us to be part of this competition. Thank you.
Charles Willett
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| BREWIN DOLPHIN CHANNEL ISLANDS HOBIE CAT - Posted by NickH on the 29 September 2008 |
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Held St. Aubins Bay, Jersey. Sept.20th &21st
With a record turnout of twenty seven Hobie Cats for this years Brewin Dolphin Channel Islands Hobie Cat Championships held in St Aubins bay, all 54 participants enjoyed one of the best events
ever, now in its 17th year.
Conditions were just about perfect for the two days of racing on long triangular courses set by Race Officer Ken Le Marquand. Each morning the sun came out and the wind increased to a steady force 4 to 5 N/Easterly, ready for the first race start at 9.30am. This continued throughout the 3 Championship qualifying races each day.
The keen Hobie crews were in their element, exciting starts, quick double trapezing upwind, flying reaches, at times the racing became fast and furious when the stronger gusts hit the Fleet, enabling the crews to race their Cats to the limits, but also providing some spectacular pitchpoles, which livened up the proceedings, especially for those who exceeded those limits, in their efforts to gain better positioning.
The Championships, organised by the the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club has grown steadily over the years. This year was very much a multi Hobie class event. The Hobie 16’s received the largest entry, where 17 boats competed.
By the end of racing on Saturday, three crews were out in front and in contention for the Hobie 16 ‘A’ Fleet Trophy. Ian Cabot and daughter Zoe had set an early pace, winning race one, a course infringement in race two set them back, but they came back strongly to take race three. Guernsey crew Ben Garnham and Jamie Hamilton showed excellent form and capitalised on some hairy port starts, with 20 odd boats bearing down on starboard right of way. Former multi C.I. Champions, veteran team, Gordon Burgis and Kenny Snell had a slow start but then improved as the racing continued. The Cabots eventually clinched their first ‘A’ Fleet Championships win, with top results on Sunday. Garnham and Hamilton raced into second with another consistant performance on the second day. A win in the last race, cemented third place for Burgis and Snell.
The Hobie ‘B’ Fleet class was just as competitive, husband and wife team Aaron and Zoe Le Cornu
excelled, winning five out of the six races to take the class trophy. They were chased throughout by the female Youth crew of Laura Jane Carter and Stephanie Egre who came a well deserved second, they also won 1st Womans crew prize. Relative newcomers to Championship racing, Jeremy Smith and Matt Assman made the right on course decisions and handled their boat well in the challenging conditions to place third.
The powerful Hobie 18 Tiger class was dominated by former Australian World team member Darren Stower and his crew Mike Winspear. They showed a clean pair of transoms to the whole Fleet, blasting around the course on all points of sail, with five wins and one throwout race they
won the Trophy comfortably and with it the ‘Open’ prize. Former Champions Mick Doleman and Damian James came close to Stower on the downwind legs with good spi work, but couldn’t match him upwind and settled for a credible second. Andy Hart And Michael Kinross racing a Hobie Tiger for the first time after Hobie 16 campaigning, performed well, with continuous improvement as the weekend developed to come third.
The Hobie 16 ‘Masters’ class was won by Ian and Zoe Cabot. Laurence Carter and Leo Schofield were winners of the Hobie 16 ‘Youth’ class after achieving a strong third place finish in the last Hobie 16 ‘A’ Fleet race.
The Junior Hobie Dragoon class also saw close competitive racing. The relatively new young crews coped well in the fresh conditions for their first major Championships. Louis Sangan and Jonty Gales won the day with a full set of 1sts despite a capsize in one of the races. Hannah Voak and Jamie Sunter raced well, to place second, followed by Lizzie Ferguson and Emily Miller in third who also capsized a couple of times but were determined to finish and gain a position. Emma Voak and crew Alex Tucker were awarded a special prize.
Thanks go to Ken Le Marquand and his team for the on water race management, to the ever busy guard boat crews, the beach support team and the new sponsors of the event, Brewin Dolphin, who all helped to make the event such a memorable one.
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| Congratulations to the new Dragoon National Champions - Posted by NickH on the 14 September 2008 |
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 The Dragoon catamaran National Championships took place on the 23rd to the 25th of August at Pevensey Bay Sailing Club. The first day dawned windless and the boats lined up on the start line at about 1 o’clock. After the first lap Charles and Harry Willett from Minnis Bay Sailing Club took a convincing lead on the other boats, followed by newcomers to the Dragoon fleet Charlotte and Dan Fenn. As the wind started to build Seb Samways and Dan Channing, made an amazing recovery fighting their way from dead last to 4th place.
The wind continued to build in the second race with the Willett brothers taking the lead again with Samways /Channing close. Unfortunately the Willett Brothers were disqualified after failing to go through the gate on the way to the finish on the last lap. Subsequently Samways/Channing took the race with Andy Sinclair and Jessica Findlay from Weston Sailing Club and Bala Catamaran Club taking second.
With heavy wind now set in, the third race saw a spectacular pitchpole from Samways/ Channing. Sinclair/Findlay took a first and the experienced team of James and Kelly Henson took second.
Sunday bought a huge swell and near gale force winds and after a 2 hour postponement racing was abandoned for the day.
Monday saw conditions much like Sunday however to get a discard at least 1 race needed to be sailed. The conditions were not good for Dragoons with most of the fleet doing synchronised pitch poles on the bear away at the mark. Team Henson were going extremely well in the strong conditions, until they were hit by a massive gust which meant the end of the race for them. New comers to the sport, Patrick and Benny Harrison took a well deserved second whilst Megan Smith and Georgina Quayle from Grafham took a well deserved 4th. Andy Sinclair and Jessica Findlay took the first to become National Champions. (Editor – Andy & Jess sailed very well and fully deserved the accolades!)
The final results were:
1st Andy Sinclair and Jessica Findlay
2nd Charlotte and Dan Fenn
3rd James and Kelly Henson
4th Patrick and Benny Harrison
5th Seb Samways & Dan Channing
6th Charles & Harry Willett
7th George Quayle & Megan Smith
8th Louis & Alexa Gorringe
9th Dominic & Pippa Davies
Event Report by Jess Findlay
Race 1 Report from winners Charles & Harry
The Hobies were sent out for the first race of the competition in very little wind. The committee boat was a fair way out to sea and so it was a challenge to get out to the start. Every boat however got to the start but due to the light and flukey wind that was plaguing the race course the race was postponed and the wind totally died. When the Dragoon 5 minute went up it was very difficult for the sailors to get to the line due to the light wind and ripping tide. When the class flag came down and the hooter sounded we were off, but very slowly. A lot of boats had come from behind the committee boat, where as some had started at the port side of the line. This seemed to of paid of as the wind hit that side first and as it steadily increased. The people that started on the port side were off. The wind had now increased to a steady force 2-3 and was ever increasing which made racing a very pleasurable time in such a lovely wind. At the windward mark on the last leg there was quite a big gap between the top 2 boats and the rest of the fleet. Charles and Harry were jostling for position on a very tactical down-wind leg, but due to a quick gybe Charles and Harry just got ahead. The end result of the first race was 1st. Charles and Harry. 2nd. Charlotte and Dan 3rd. Andy and Jess.
Race 2 Report from winners Seb & Dan
Conditions
• BFT Force 4-5 winds gusting to 5-6 – westerly, offshore winds
• Four foot waves, some breakers
Good start had by all: James & Kelly, Jess & Andy, Dan & Seb, Harry & Charlie and Charlotte & Dan had an especially good start, crossing the line together within 5 seconds of the start-gun. Everyone, except Dan & Seb tacked off onto the portside of the course, which entailed lighter winds and a lifting shift which causes a later tack in lighter winds. At the windward mark it was still even, with Jess & Andy calling starboard over Dan & Seb, with Harry & Charlie not far behind. After ducking the two teams, Dan & Seb tacked, only just making the windward mark. Bearing away out to the spreader mark was risky business as this is an accident black spot for pitch-poling. The downwind leg suited Jess & Andy and Dan & Seb with more weight to keep the bows out of the water. Seb & Dan gybed into stronger wind which allowed them to head lower with more power and speed. Jess & Andy and Harry & Charlie were both overtaken on the downwind leg by Dan & Seb. This lead was held by Dan & Seb on the upwind leg, with both helm and crew on the wire, closely followed by Harry & Charlie in a lighter team. The same tactics as the first lap were employed in the downwind leg which lengthened Seb & Dan’s lead to about 15 boat lengths.
At the downwind gate Seb & Dan tacked off again onto the starboard side of the course and tacked in a lifting shift which slowed them down and let Harry & Charlie lead to the spreader mark. On the downwind leg there was a drag race between Jess & Andy, Seb & Dan and Harry & Charlie, with Harry & Charlie crossing the finishing line first, although missing a gate which cost them the race. On the finish line Jess & Andy were stood squarely on Seb & Dan’s wind which would have made Seb & Dan lose the duel if it wasn’t for the well timed wave that took them across the finish line to safety and one 1st place under their belt.
Race 3 Report by race winners Andy & Jess
The wind and swell was set in for the afternoon. We had a good start and found ourselves just behind Seb and Dan. We chased them to the windward mark which they rounded first. We then had an excellent down wind leg making gains and getting very close to Seb and Dan as we approached the gate. Seb and Dan then proceeded to put in a spectacular pitch pole just in front of us leaving us in the lead to take first place.
Race 4 Report by race runners up Patrick & Ben
Day 3: This was actually the second day of racing at Pevensey as it was too windy to sail day two. It started out as a calm day; I wouldn’t have thought it was more than a force 3. As we waited to go out the wind grew a lot stronger after a few postponements, the race officer sent us out to sail. As my crew and I launched the boat we accelerated away from the shore. It was a very frantic first few minutes getting settled as the boat was rocking one way and another.
As we followed Andy and Jess to the start line we were amazed as they raised there spinnaker.
As the Shearwaters crossed the start line for the first leg it was a wake up call for how close our race was to starting. As we moved closer to the start line I shouted over to a neighbouring boat to ask how long before our start. I was shocked to hear that we only had around ten seconds before the horn went.
As the fleet bounced over the waves on the first beat, we knew that we couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. We rounded the spreader in 3rd and saw that Andy and Jess were speeding away with there spinnaker flying, but we knew that if we capsized that we would not be able to right the boat, so we kept ours in the shoot. In second place were Charlotte and her brother. We watched as they hoisted their spinnaker to the top, and then watched as they went straight down a wave and pitched poled.
We sailed straight passed there turtled boat. All we had to do now was not to nose dive. Now in third were James and Kelly Henson, they had also raised a kite but we were a good fifty metres in front of them so we did not worry.
Rounding the spreader mark in the second and final lap, we were still in second but only just. We started the down wind leg, again with out the kite, but my crew was watching out to see if James and Kelly who were still in third to see if they had hoisted the spinnaker. Not surprised I watched as it was pulled out the shoot. We were both watching them carefully to see if we had to hoist ours to keep our position. I looked forward to keep us going in the right direction then looked back round to see that James and Kelly had unfortunately pitch poled. This secured our 2nd place finish, after Jess and Andy who raced amazingly. It was so windy that only 3 out of 9 boats finished the race.
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| Herne Bay Dragoon training postponed - Posted by NickH on the 4 September 2008 |
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This weekend's Dragoon training at Herne Bay has been moved to Sep 20 & 21 due to adverse weather conditions. It is predicted there will be gusts of 32 knots this weekend on both days |
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| Hobie Dragoon and Hobie Twixxy Nationals - Posted by NickH on the 9 August 2008 |
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The Hobie Dragoon Nationals and Hobie Twixxy Nationals at Pevensey Bay are just over a week away. This year we are being joined by the Shearwaters.
The collaboration with the Shearwaters is an exciting one and the social events promise to be good for sailors and parents alike!
There is two days training prior to the event for the Dragoons on Thursday August 21 and Friday August 22. This year we have Simon Kearns carrying out the training. For those of you that do not know Simon, he is a top class cat sailor and was part of the Tornado Olympic Development Squad. More recently he won the Spitfire class at Eurocat.
The Nationals themselves start on Saturday August 23 and finish on bank holiday Monday August 25.
The Hobie Cat Centre at Poole is again sponsoring the Dragoon and Twixxy event with some good prizes.
The Twixxys will be having their first nationals and some very good sailors have already reserved their boats for the event.
For those of you have not been to Pevensey Bay, you are able to camp there free of charge. It is a very friendly club and encourages youngsters to sail to their best ability. They generally keep the toilets unlocked at night, if you ask nicely.
Just down the road (even a short walk) is Sovereign Harbour where you will find some nice restaurants (a particularly good Italian) and an Asda Superstore for all your camping needs.
Look forward to seeing you all there.
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| Hobie 16 Nationals Notice of Race and Registration form - Posted by NickH on the 9 August 2008 |
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The British Hobie 16 National Championships will this year take place in Poole Harbour over two days at the beginning of October. The nationals will be restricted to Hobie 16’s without spinnakers. The primary aim of the event is to provide an enjoyable event with as many Hobie 16’s on the water as possible. All levels of Hobie 16 sailor are welcome.
For those who would like to improve your sailing before the event the British Hobie Cat Class Association (BHCCA) will be providing a coach to sharpen up your skills. The coach will be at the Hobie Cat Centre on Friday October 3rd. Training will be both land based and on the water and is free of charge to entrants.
There will be discounted accommodation available at the Rockley Park. The Hobie Cat Centre is adjacent to Rockley Park. Rockley Park has many facilities for non sailors, so why not bring the family down.
The notice of race and registration form can be found on the right hand side of this screen under "Notices".
Entries received by September 14 2008 will pay an early bird price of £45 per boat. |
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| Minnis Bay Cat Intro Days postponed - Posted by NickH on the 17 July 2008 |
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Unfortunately due to the unavailability of rescue boats the Minnis Bay Cat Intro Days have had to be postponed.
We are now planning on running the days on Saturday September 13 and Sunday September 14 2008. Please email nickat youthcatsailingdotorgdotuk if you are interested in attending then. |
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| Cat Intro Days Clacton - Posted by NickH on the 1 June 2008 |
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The Clacton Cat Intro days have been re-scheduled for Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22.
Hobie Europe have now supplied the BHCCA with 6 Hobie Twixxys to take to the Cat Intro Days. Three were successfully test driven by volunteer sailors at Pevensey Bay over the weekend of May 23 and 24th.
Look forward to finally getting the boats to Clacton. |
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| Carnac - Posted by NickH on the 1 June 2008 |
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Congratulations to Andy Sinclair & Tom Lyons on winning the Dragoon event at Carnac. Was great to see the Belgian boats turn up in force.
Also well done to James Ellis and Andy Glover on finishing second in the SL16, with Seb & Nikki coming third. James and Andy have now been selected as the boat to represent GBR in the ISAF Youth Worlds, so good luck in Denmark boys!
Finally congratulations to "Beefy & Lamby" on finishing 2nd in the Hobie 16.
If anyone has some photos could you please send them to Nick so they can be added to the website? |
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| Clacton Cat Intro Days postponed - Posted by NickH on the 13 May 2008 |
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It is with great regret that we have had to postpone the Clacton Cat Intro Days planned for Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18.
The boats we are using, kindly supplied by Hobie Europe, are in a container stuck in a port strike in Marseille.
We were unable to find alternative boats suitable for young sailors and so have no choice but postpone until another date.
Thanks to all at Clacton who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this event was fully booked on both days. Thanks also to all the parents and sailors that have shown interest in this event.
We hope to vist you very soon. |
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| National School Sailing Association Regatta - Posted by NickH on the 30 April 2008 |
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The NSSA has invited cat sailors to attend the national regatta at Carsington in July. The following web link provides full details. Lets try and get as many schools to send catamarans as possible. http://www.dysailing.com/110208.pdf
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| 2008 RYA Youth National Catamaran Championships - Posted by NickH on the 17 April 2008 |
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Thanks to Paul W for the following report -
Battle took place at the Youth Nationals, 31st March - 4th April at Pwllheli, for both the National title and coveted opportunity to represent GBR at the ISAF Youth World Championships to be held in Denmark mid July. This year’s ISAF Youth Catamaran is the SL16, a new class to the UK and with the only 3 available being supplied to the sailors by White Formula, the UK’s 3 top youth teams were all thankful that battle could commence.
Ellis / Glover the on-paper favourites (Ellis ’07 ISAF 29er Bronze medallist, Glover ’07 ISAF Cat Gold medallist) although strong, didn’t have it all their own way. "With such tricky conditions throughout the weeks sailing, I felt all the sailors did well to maintain such a high standard of competition" said Andrew Glover.
Young bloods Butler / Sutcliffe, a long standing catamaran pairing fought hard all the way taking the thrilling 10 race event victory by just 1 point.
The third place pairing of Greber / Boniface although consistent didn’t show the form they hoped in the challenging light to medium winds.
Due to the nature of the event being such a close match race the selectors made the only fair decision of rolling over ISAF selection to Eurocat, Carnac. All three eager teams are looking forward to continuing their fight whilst also taking on the French.
Paul Wakelin, RYA Head Youth Cat Coach commented: “Although we don’t have the quantity of young cat sailors we certainly can produce the quality. Whoever achieves selection, we’re all working hard ensuring team GBR are a force to be reckoned with on the World stage. Additionally with the great work going on within the Junior Dragoon programme I look forward to the trickle of talented young cat sailors becoming more of a flood!!
Congratulations go to Adam Butler and Gilbert Sutcliffe, 2008 RYA Youth National Champions. So with Eurocat being the next challenge for our sailors all eyes will be looking over the channel 1st – 4th May.
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| Message from Hobie South africa - Posted by NickH on the 26 March 2008 |
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From all the youth in South Africa , we would like to thanks the guys that attended out worlds event in Langebaan. We really missed those that were not able to attend and hope to see you all next time. Our youth program has been a great success and a bunch of Dragoon sailors took on the Hobie 16 spi this weekend for the ISAF selection regatta and they were superb. We are looking into funding to be able to attend some regattas around the world and to hopefully have you guys attend some over here. Exciting times. From all of us Happy Hobie Sailors in SA. |
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| 2008 Nationals venue and dates - Posted by NickH on the 12 February 2008 |
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This year we will be holding a joint Nationals with the Shearwaters at Pevensey Bay. It will be a 3 day event with 9 races. Thanks to Pevensey Bay for offering to hold this event. |
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| 2008 events still being updated - Posted by NickH on the 8 February 2008 |
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Keep your eyes on the events page as it is in a state of flux (as Bloc Party would say). Just when I think I've got events finalised clubs are coming back and saying sorry we can no longer do this.
The venue of the joint Nationals with the Shearwaters has not been set yet but I'm hoping to sort this out by the end of the month. It will be in the last two weeks of August though.
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| 2008 Events Updated - Posted by NickH on the 7 December 2007 |
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The Events Page now shows the events, training and Cat Intro Days planned for 2008. Also included are other significant events on the F18 calendar and the long distance East Coast Piers Race which is open to both Hobie Dragoons and Hobie 16s |
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| Happy Christmas from RSA - Posted by NickH on the 28 November 2007 |
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 WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS
FROM ALL THE RSA HOBIE YOUTH SAILORS ........
Thanks for a memorable year....
'not all of our 70 new sailors from 2007 are in this picture but the sentiments come from them all' |
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| Buy 3 in advance get one free - Posted by NickH on the 15 November 2007 |
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The BHCCA commiittee would like to reward those that commit to training up front. If each team commits and pays for three of the next four training sessions in advance it will get the fourth one free.
For the Dragoons up at Datchet this will have the added advantage of taking your boat up and rigging it this weekend and not have to de-rig till February 3rd (or February 24th if you also commit to the Datchet Winter Warmer Series). Effectively it is free winter storage. To take advantage of this offer please bring along the completed (attached) training form and cheque made out to the BHCCA. Cost per training weekend is £40 per sailor / £80 per boat.
For the 16's the same deal applies. If you let Paul W have a cheque and completed training form you too will get four training sessions for the price of three.
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| Cat Intro Day at Herne Bay - Posted by NickH on the 29 October 2007 |
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 Saturday October 20 2007 - a big day. But not just for English and South African Rugby fans with the World Cup Final in Paris. It was the day that 18 junior sailors would be introduced to catamaran sailing at Herne Bay Sailing Club.
Dave Boniface and Nick Henson from the BHCCA arrived early with 4 Hobie Dragoons. Coach Nick Tayler had come up from Warsash, having recently come back from catamaran coaching in the warmer waters of Wildwind’s resort in Vasiliki.
Herne Bay Sailing Club members Freya and Alice Sanders had recently taken delivery of one of the BHCCA’s charter Dragoons and this had created something of a stir with their friends there. Dad Mark had seen the interest and worked with Dave to organise the Cat Intro Day. The idea had been conceived only about a month earlier. Initially it was thought demand would be 5 or 6 youngsters, as how many raw recruits would want to start their cat sailing adventure in October’s colder climate? There was little time to publicise the event and cat sailors in general were pre-occupied with the 2 RYA submissions to ISAF. Mark got in touch with the youth sections of neighbouring clubs at Minnis Bay, Tankerton and Whitstable.
With a large area of high pressure sitting over the country there was very little wind first thing, but at least the sun was shining. This allowed the rigging of the boats to be finished by the adults. There were 5 Hobie Dragoons, 2 Topaz 16CX’s, kindly supplied by Rob White, and a Dart 16 supplied by a club member. After the initial introduction, Nick Tayler demonstrated the skills of tacking, gybing, hoisting kites and finally capsizes on dry land. During that time a 5 knot wind had built up. So it was a quick change and the cats and support boats were launched. The group picked up the basic skills very quickly in the morning’s hour and a half session. Everyone came back with smiles on their faces, although some were a little cold.
After a quick lunch, they were on the water again but this time wearing trapeze harnesses. The youngsters swapped around on the boats so all had a chance to try out the different kit. Initially the wind was good but died off towards the end of the 2 hour session. Still they all managed to have a great time twin trapezing, one each side of the boat. Some even took the opportunity for capsize practice.
Julia Rees and Eleanor Rouse were very impressed with their boat saying they could not believe how much faster it moved and how easy it was to rig and de-rig. Charles and Harry Willett had only started sailing monohulls this year. They had persuaded their dad to miss their club’s laying up supper and join the BHCCA RYA training at Weston the following weekend instead. The day had generated a lot of interest from parents and children alike.
Around 5pm Nick Tayler gave them the important de-brief session and Dave Boniface took them through the options they have available for carrying on, including the Dragoon Charter programme, the RYA sponsored training and events offered on the catamaran youth programme. The Hobie Cat Centre had kindly donated some caps and T shirts for the participants.
By the time we had got the boats back on the road trailers and said our goodbyes and travelled home, we managed to see the last 30 minutes of the Rugby World Cup Final. Our boys were beaten by a better team and were gracious in defeat. Something we can all learn from.
More Cat Intro days are being planned now. There is one already booked for Alton Water Sailing Club, near Ipswich in February. There is also RYA sponsored catamaran training taking place at Datchet Water on November 17/18, December 1/2 and January 5/6. Please contact Nick Henson (bhcca_youth_coord@yahoo.co.uk or 07968 310077) if you would like more details on Intro Days or how to get involved in the youth catamaran training programme.
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| Sam and Nikki win Dragoon RYA Zones - Posted by NickH on the 29 October 2007 |
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 Sam Rowles and Nikki Boniface teamed up to make a formidable team to win the RYA Dragoon Zones at the WPNSA on September 30th. The Dragoon numbers were bolstered by guest appearances from Hobie 16 sailors Sam, Nikki, Adam Butler and Gilly Sutcliffe. Sam & Nikki won the first 4 races with Adam & Gilly winning the last race.
There was some very impressive sailing from all 4 teams, particularly the beat away from the slipway where all 4 teams were twin trapezing on the way out to the course. It certainly impressed the parents from the Mirror fleet.
A good weekend for the Rowles family with brother Will winning the 7.8 Windsurfer class.
Next year we have to get more Dragoons there than Fevas! |
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| January Class Training - Posted by NickH on the 19 October 2007 |
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January Class Training will again take place at Datchet Water on January 5th and 6th 2008. Those participating in the training during November and December 2007 will be able to leave their boats at Datchet. |
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| New Training Venue October - Posted by NickH on the 5 October 2007 |
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Training on October 27th and 28th will now take place at Weston Sailing Club, Southampton. The following week is the Weston TT so you will be able to leave your boats there for the week. |
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| 2007 Nationals - Posted by NickH on the 31 August 2007 |
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 Thursday August 16 – Day one of the training – too much wind! Marcus had the difficult job of shore based training 4 new Dragoon teams along with the existing old hands. To liven up proceedings, Ria’s Mum Roe decided to christen the new camper with a daring display using kitchen knives culminating in visit to Eastbourne General Hospital. Two hours later and Roe return with 11 stitches and a sling.
Class room training ended early and many of the sailors went swimming at the “Souvenir Centre”.
Friday August 17 – Day two of the training – a new day with hardly any wind. Simon trained the Dragoons and Marcus the Hobie 16’s. Ria and Jess went for a blast to France and pitched it, whilst one of the new Dragoon teams got blown downwind to Bexhill. With Marcus and the Hobie 16’s west of Sovereign Harbour, Simon was racing from one boat to another in a very widely spread Dragoon fleet. Try to keep together next time kids!
The wind picked up in the afternoon resulting in fewer Dragoons going out. Those that did thoroughly enjoyed it. Adam and Gilly got some useful capsize practice in the strengthening winds!
There were a host of new arrivals and Steve T and Chris R showed us what good fun a Hobie 16 can be. A string of A level results were announced – congratulations on some very impressive results.
Saturday August 18 – a very windy day with no racing, which was a shame as it probably, was the ideal conditions for the newly formed (heavyweight) team of Laming & Henson!!
Another visit to the souvenir centre followed by Garry’s Pig Roast and a master class from the big fella in limbo dancing.
Sunday August 19 – at last some racing. Ad & Gilly win their first race in the Hobie 16 SPI, but Seb & Nikki win the next 2. James & Kelly also get two bullets in the Dragoon and are pipped on the line in race 3 by Sean. Dave and Emma Boniface go one better with 3 straight bullets in the Hobie 16 non-Spi.
Following the BHCCA AGM, there’s am excellent BBQ from PBSC.
Monday August 20 – A race officer’s nightmare with a falling wind predicted to change 180 degrees in direction. Race 4 was dominated by the Rowles’ clan with Hannah ably assisted by Steph Wall winning the Hobie 16 SPI and Nick and Will winning the Dragoon race. Paul James and Anthony Delow won the Hobie 16 non SPI race.
The poor race officer tried in vein to get a further race in, but the wind came in several times with rain then promptly dropped to zero. In the end racing was abandoned for the day and most of us got towed in.
Thanks to all at Pevensey for the great effort needed to run a Nationals, particularly the race officer, rescue crews and catering staff.
Results
Hobie 16 SPI
1. Seb Greber and Nikki Boniface PBSC
2. Rachel Scarfe & Tom Walker WWSC
3. Adam Butler & Gilly Sutcliffe Highcliffe SC
Dragoon
1. James Henson & Kelly Henson Parkstone YC Youth and Open
2. Sean Sutcliffe Highcliffe SC 2nd Open
3. Freya Sanders & Alice Sanders Herne Bay SC 2nd Youth
4. Dominic Davies& Pippa Davies Alton Water SC 3rd Youth
Hobie 16 non SPI
1. Dave & Emma Boniface PBSC
2. Paul James & Anthony Delow PBSC
3. James O’Leary & Tom O’Leary PBSC
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| Adam and Gilly win Gold - Posted by NickH on the 14 August 2007 |
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 On Tuesday July 31, the British Adam Butler and Gilly Sutcliffe won the Hobie Dragoon Europeans 2007. Although they dominated the competition, their victory was not taken for granted on the final day. After a day and night of strong onshore wind, the surf was huge with a light north-westerly breeze. All boats experienced difficulties sailing through the breakers including 2 inverted ribs. James Henson and Oliver Amphlett performed strongly with three seconds, which pushed them to the second place overall. The French boys Antoine Bezile and Quintin le Tallec won bronze.
“It feels great”, responded Gilly Sutcliffe happily to the congratulations of winning the European title. At the beginning of the championship, Adam announced that this would be their last Hobie Dragoon event, as they will continue on the Hobie 16 with spinnaker. Gilly said about their final day: “The conditions were light, in which we did not do very well. We won the last race and finished fourth and third in the others.” While almost running the Hobie Dragoon towards the dunes, Gilly recalled the spectacular morning. “That was exciting. We managed just about the stay upright in the surf. I don’t think we have ever gone to such high breakers. It was pretty impressive.”
Silver medallist Oliver Amphlett (14) called it ‘quiet scary’, but according to his skipper James Henson (12) they crossed the surf ‘pretty safely’. They had a good afternoon with three seconds. Henson: “There was a strong tide going from the right to the left.” Amphlett continues: “That affected the lay-line a bit. We used the current to drift to the mark, so we tacked halfway the course.” The teenagers had a fierce battle with Butler/Sutcliffe and the French duo Bezile/Le Tallec. Henson: “It was close racing, much closer than on the other days.”
In his winning speech Adam gave special thanks to the event organizers, the event coaches (Paul & Brian) and their parents.
In the Hobie 16 Youth, Richard and Andy finished fifth with two bullets in races 8 & 9. Seb & Nikki had a creditable 18th, just ahed of Rachel & Tom 19th, Hannah & Steph 22nd, Ryan & Lizzie 27th and Rory & Fergus 40th.
In the Masters our “old boys” Boniface & Glover did us proud with an overall 8th.
In the Hobie 16 Gold fleet Richard and Andy were top Brits with an overall 12th including a win in race 4. Hannah & Steph finished 52nd and Dave & Emma 61st.
In the Hobie 16 Silver Rachel & Tom managed an excellent 6th including a win and two second places. Seb & Nikki were 11th, Ryan & Lizzie 25th, Neil & Malcolm 40th, Rory & Fergus 47th and Ben & Josh 48th.
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| Richard and Andy win Gold at ISAF Worlds - Posted by NickH on the 23 July 2007 |
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 Press release on ISAF Youth 2007 Website - Multihull Open: GBR Gold, DEN Silver, AUS Bronze
Britain’s Glover brothers, Richard (18) and Andrew (15), from Weymouth, Dorset, led the multihull open division from start to finish. But it wasn’t all plain sailing; they were always being pressed by Danish team of Emil Landry/Jacob Dannefer who were nipping at their heels throughout the series and eventually took the silver medal, four marks behind.
The Australian duo of Jason Waterhouse/Michael McCormick were always in contention, finally taking the bronze medal with 29 points. |
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| Correction for Stokes Bay TT - Posted by NickH on the 6 July 2007 |
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Please note that the date for the Stokes Bay TT is September 8 2007 and not September 1 as originally posted. |
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| Bognor TT - Posted by NickH on the 31 August 2007 |
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 Bognor Regis YC was again the host for a Hobie Cat Open following on from last year’s successful event. The club staged their own Pimms Cup simultaneously putting around 20 cats on to the water. The club although small has a particularly strong catamaran presence. The number of visiting Hobie youth sailors was down on last year due to school examinations.
The race officer for Saturday quickly communicated that racing would be postponed due to worries of a big surf break around high tide. The RO must have some sixth sense as the force 4 forecast turned into a force 6 gusting 7 with a large chop, particularly for us sailors used to the calmer waters of Poole and Portland Harbours. Another announcement was made at 14:15, with very few home Hobie and Dart sailors at the club and the wind showing little sign of dropping the RO decided to cancel racing for the day. Similar conditions were found down the coast at Worthing, where the F18s did not start racing till 16:00.
On Sunday morning the conditions had moderated slightly and with little sign of a course being laid, the Hobie youth sailors decided that having spent a day waiting around they could wait no more. Seeing the youth manage the conditions inspired the other competitors and race committee and racing started around 11:00.
Rachel and new crew Tom Walker gave a superb demonstration of how to sail a 16 spi and romped home to a convincing win being first across the line and first on handicap. James and Ollie on the Dragoon started to master the large waves and although 12 minutes behind Rachel were second on handicap. Paul Adams and Mike Hughes came in third on their non Spi 16.
Strangely in race 2 the day’s RO decided to make the only Dragoon use a closer upwind mark, thereby excluding them from the handicap process. The RO on day 1 had already indicated that all boats were to sail the same course and if he had to shorten the Dragoon after 2 laps he would. Day 1’s RO was now overseas on vacation.
Rachel and Tom dominated racing for the day with 3 bullets. Tom certainly knows how to hoist a kite quickly! James Hawkes and Marianna Brett also started to get to grips with conditions and were closing in with each race.
Final results were:
Hobie 16
1st Rachel Scarfe / Tom Walker
2nd James Hawkes / Marianna Brett
3rd John Oliver / Emma Beattie
Dragoon
1st James Henson / Ollie Amphlett
Thanks to BRYC for another good event.
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| Hobie Europeans link - Posted by NickH on the 29 June 2007 |
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 A link to the Hobie Europeans 2007 website can be found on the left hand side of the page |
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| Training Dates 2007 - Posted by NickH on the 29 June 2007 |
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Training dates for the remainder of the year have been added to the Events list |
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| Ellies Carnac Report - Posted by NickH on the 6 June 2007 |
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Training
The first two days were training for both the dragoons and the 16's.
The Dragoons had to be down at the beach for 10am all rigged and ready to do some fitness and the 16's ready for 1pm.
We all sat and waited. After a few hours of fun beach football, running up and down the beach a few times and finding a small patch of grass somewhere to do our morning stretches, we finally saw a bit of wind, so off we went to get changed.
We ended up doing a bit of sailing upwind and downwind until it was time for us to go in.
The next day the wind was lighter. Although it was only about half an hour of debating we decided we would go out for a fun session. It was great fun although nearly all of us got wet from either capsizing or diving in after the ball.
Day 1 of racing. 2o'clock start.
We all arrived on time, only to find thick mist which meant we couldn't see what the wind was like at all. Once it had nearly cleared, we found that there was no wind behind it. We were all disappointed and after the postponement came down there was still no wind! We had to go out. After our endless trek to the start line our committee boat messed around for about an hour and finally at 4 o'clock we started our race. Once we started there was no turning back. We were racing against the SL16's, a Hobie Max and various other boats. This meant that we were the slowest boats. We had all just started the second lap when the committee boat and crew all came round saying all races abandoned. There was a cheer of joy from everyone. At last, at 8 o'clock we were free to go in.
Day 2 of racing. 11o'clock start.
After a disappointing first day for the Dragoons, as we all got timed out, we were all determined to get some better results. Luckily there actually some wind. We all went out , the Tigers flying hulls, the 16's having fun, but not really enough wind for us Dragoons.
Day 2 ended in some better results for the Dragoons. We all managed to finish a race. In the 16 fleet both GBR teams did well.
Day 3 of racing. The raid!
There wasn't quite enough wind to do the full raid, so the committee decided they would shorten it quite substantially.
Once we had all got out to the biggest start line many of us have ever seen, they started the 15 minute start sequence.
5...4...3...2...1...General recall. Another 15 minute start sequence. 5...4...3...2...1... GO!!!
Off we went. It was a great experience, just being on the start line.
Unfortunately none of the youth GBR boats finished because it took us Dragoons about 2 hours to do the shortest upwind.
However Paul and Emma finished first Dart 18, so not all bad.
Day 4. Last Day!!!
Where had the week gone?
We were all sad it was the last day but we had had great fun, ie. the sailing obviously, the swimming pool!, and the going into town and getting ice creams and smoothies.
The wind was not perfect but there was no postponement so we all got off the water at 9am, the scheduled time. All the GBR squad did well.
Prize Giving
The Dragoon results were not very good overall, as they were put with the SL16's and the odds and ends.
Paul Wakelin and Emma went up about 4 times to collect their prizes for various things. It seemed as if they won all the prizes.
Ed's comment - there was also an unfortunate incident where Richard and Andy were expected to pick up 1st place for the 16's, but found out at the prizegiving that they were OCS in the last race and calls for redress fell on deaf ears. Still they remain winners in the eyes of the Brits and indeed the other competitors on the podium!
Overall it was a fantastic week in Carnac and I hope to go next year. |
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| Hobie Europeans Update - Posted by NickH on the 1 June 2007 |
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The latest information from Ute Vrijburg at EHCA:
The Hobie 16 & Hobie Dragoon Europeans 2007 will be sailed off the Dutch coast of ‘s Gravenzande, close the The Hague and Scheveningen. From July 28 until August 4, about 150 teams will face the elements of the North Sea in their battle for European titles in five classes: Hobie 16 with spinnaker youth, master (from the age of 45), women, Hobie Dragoon youth and Hobie 16 Open. So far, the organization has received 33 pre-entries, representing 11 countries in the Open class. For the Dutch Hobie Cat community, it is definitely a revival of the more that thirty years old Hobie 16 competition. Twelve young crews with eight nationalities have registered for the Hobie 16 with spinnaker, the ISAF youth catamaran. This fleet is expected to increase up to thirty until fifty participants. Registration is open until July 1st.
It all starts with the two-day Women and Master (from the age of 45) championships on Saturday July 28th. Youth sailors in the Hobie 16 with spinnaker and Hobie Dragoon will race from July 28 until 31. The qualifications for the Open Class will start on July 30 and the finals on August 1st. “If you look at the pre-entries, it is obvious that many former Hobie 16-sailors use the opportunity as a come-back”, says Ute Vrijburg, Event Director on behalf of the European Hobie Cat Association (EHCA). “In that perspective, it is like a revival of the Hobie 16 in the Netherlands.” This most popular catamaran ever, was introduced to the American market in 1969 and it dominated the Dutch catamaran sport for years. The coastal sailing club ‘s Gravenzande (KZVG) and the EHCA may organize the 33rd edition of the Hobie Cat 16 European Championship, under the leadership of Race Director Rob Hoogstra. The challenge for competitors is about fighting the elements, such as current, tides, waves and surf. It is also about competition and socializing with fellow sailors from all over Europe.
Rising stars
The Hobie 16 with spinnaker is an ISAF recognized youth catamaran and therefore one of the classes at the ISAF Youth Sailing Worlds. That means this multihull is worldwide the training boat for sailors under the age of 21, who are aiming at a career in the Olympic Tornado. The Hobie Dragoon is a new youth catamaran with spinnaker and double trapeze. If both crew members are under the age of 16, they compete in the junior class. It is also possible to race with a parent in the open class. Subscription for the Hobie Dragoon Europeans 2007 has started in May.
Professional training sessions
In order to maintain the level or to improve it, the organization offers professional training sessions prior to the start of the races. From July 25 until 27, top trainers Brian Phipps (GBR) and Cédéric Bader (FRA) are ready to help participants. Phipps is a former RYA coach. Nowadays he trains sailors all over the world, works as youth co-ordinator for the Hobie class and is the British national coach for the Hobie 16 with spinnaker and Hobie Dragoon. Bader won the 2005 Europeans Hobie 16 and Hobie 16 with spinnaker. In 2006, he added the Youth World Title Hobie 16 with spi to his performance record. The training sessions in ‘s Gravenzande are open for Hobie 16 and Hobie Dragoon. During the weekend of July 28-29, the Hobie 16 teams are welcome to warm up at the Westland Cup, also organized by KZGZ.
Race schedule Hobie 16 & Hobie Dragoon Europeans 2007:
Hobie 16 Spi, youth, 28 July – 31 July
Hobie Dragoon, youth, 28 July – 31 July
Hobie 16 Master, 28 July – 29 July
Hobie 16 Women, 28 July – 29 July
Hobie 16 Open, qualification, 30 July – 31 July
Hobie 16 Open, finals, 1 August – 4 August
The Hobie 16 & Hobie Dragoon Europeans 2007 are sponsored by: I-Drukker, Carrier Airconditioning, the Greenery, Autobedrijf Schoenmeijer, Vakantiepark Vlugtenburg aan zee, Tomselect, Ernst Olieman BV, Hogenboom vakantieparken, AfvalisHipenSexy.nl, Wealco Systemen BV, Westland Energie Services, ProfMedia BV, Rabobank, Boekestijn Transport Service, De Parel, Center Line, Hoeve de Viersprong, Colour XL, IkSloopGoedkoop.nl, Kwekerij Rozenhof, Ariën Hofman, Combifleuren Hobie Cat Holland BV. |
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| Bala Cat Open - Posted by NickH on the 30 June 2007 |
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 Thanks to Jess Findlay for the following excellent report...
Twenty nine boats signed on for the Bala Catamaran Open. Representing the Hobie Youth Fleet were James Henson and Oliver Amphlett and Ria Morris and Jess Findlay. Day 1 started with no wind and racing was postponed for 2 hours. But then the wind picked up to about 10 knots and we managed to get in 3 good races. James and Oliver finished 21st and Ria and Jess 25th in race 1. Race 2 was a little more interesting for team Morris/Findlay! “We were going for it on the start ... big mistake!! We were being forced down the line by an F18 and ran out of water. We looked and the only way to go was to hit the shiny new F18 or to crash into Ria’s Dad. The latter seemed a better option...ooops! To cap it all, we then capsized – the first of many.” James and Oliver finished the race in 22nd place whilst Ria and Jess finished 26th. Race 3 saw Ria and Jess achieve their best result ... wait for it ... 22nd!! Yeah!!!! James and Oliver came 17th. In one of the races, a very naughty boat on port refused to get out of the way of James and Ollie but more on that later.
In the evening, we went to the neighbouring Bala Sailing Club where Jess, Kelly, Ollie and James got roped into a horse race. James won the race whilst Ollie snapped the horses head off. You had to be there!
Day 2. It howled all night and day 2 became self preservation. Jess was unable to race due a weird illness so Ria’s cousin Michael stepped in but wished he hadn’t by the end of the race. Race 4 saw James capsize and retire. Ria and Michael went in 4 times in 200yards and one of the rescue team were about to dive in to rescue Mike because he got stuck under the turtled boat but then fortunately his head popped up and he got back on the boat. They retired for the day shortly after. James and Oliver did well though in the extremely difficult conditions. There were boats capsizing everywhere but James decided not to use the jib and spinnaker and cruised round the course gaining an 11th and 15th place. At the end of the day the protest committee formed to hear James’ protest against the offending port boat from the previous day. Unfortunately James lost on an admin technicality but the race committee said how impressed they were that someone so young was committed to upholding the rules of sailing when so many other adults just ignore the rules and how well he conducting himself. Nice one James and sink him next time!!
Day 3 saw less wind but it picked up again later in the day. Jess was feeling better and so resumed her place on the front of the boat. James and Oliver got a 23rd and a 16th. Ria and Jess got a 24th and then retired from the final race having performed an acrobatic capsize and required outside assistance to recover the boat.
Overall a great weekend with James and Ollie coming 18th overall (beating his Dad crewing on a Hurricane by 5 places!!) and Jess and Ria finishing their first ever regatta in 27th place (they beat a Hobie FX one and a Dart 18 ... cool).
Please come next year ... we were a very lonely fleet of 2!!!
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| Youth Trials 2007 report from Hannah - Posted by NickH on the 16 April 2007 |
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 Below is Hannah's report on the Hayling Trials - an early contender for the best report of the season!
Day 1- Tuesday
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing…
The first day of the event turned into a waiting game. Having arrived and fully rigged for 8, we then spent the next 8 hours hanging about, a bit of ultimate Frisbee, a bit of tanning, quite a lot of stone throwing, a stray dog, and then finally at 4 we could go home. (after waiting of course for pasta time) The 29ers and the Laser Radials managed to get out on the water for 2 races in the harbour at about 3, but no such luck, or maybe it was better, for us.
Day 2- Wednesday
Arriving at 8, fully rigged, we started waiting again, this time the Frisbee took place a lot earlier and there was no stray dog to annoy. The water looking like a mirror, a 2 hour postponement was called. At about 4 o’clock we were sent to race in the channel right off our beach, the tide adding an extra challenge to simple manoeuvres. After a nice start from Ryan and Lizzie the fleet drifted upwind…. Only to still be drifting half an hour later, so the race was abandoned. Hannah and Steph were so prepared they whipped out their paddle, but were beaten to the beach by Rory and Fergus. The Laser Standards who were also on our course were abandoned on their second lap, and the 420’s managed one race.
Day 3- Thursday
Thursday looked better from the early morning with a nice breeze of about 12knots. Because of the lack of races, the start time had been made earlier, so we launched at 9.30 and sailed out to our course, this time in its allocated area, offshore of South Hayling. The first race started and the wind had already begun to drop so there was no opportunity for trapezing. With Richard and Andy taking an early lead, the fleet quickly spread out. Race 2 saw similar conditions with most of the action taking place mid-fleet between Ryan and Seb jockeying for position around Hannah. Race 3 saw an amazing start from Hannah and Steph, with the flagman twitching but never able to raise the flag. Ryan taking an excellent first leg then gave Luke a run for his money only to be overtaken on the last downwind. After the race finished the wind completely died and we were all towed back to our beach.
At the end of the first racing day 1. Richard and Andy
2. Luke and Sam
3. Ryan and Lizzie
Day 4- Friday
Another bright and early start saw us launch again at 9.30. There was about 8knots of wind on our sail to the course area, which took over half an hour to reach.
The first race started well with the fleet keeping together more. This time Richard and Andy were never the clear leaders with places jostling throughout the fleet.
The second race started in about 4knots of breeze and saw James (first time Hobie racer) round the windward mark first. The wind then dropped to 0 for the downwind leg where all kites collapsed. After a major windshift we managed to make the next upwind mark on one tack, with a shortened course finish line at the top.
By the third race the wind had increased to a steady 5knots. A much shorter course saw a quick race which was finished with very close positionings between the 3 lead boats.
The race officer then gave us an extra race to finish the day. The first lap was led by James who had a good upwind beat out to the right corner. Hannah having to do a 360 for naughty tacking was then battling with Rory on the downwind. Luke also had a challenge with Ryan. The next upwind saw a mixture of strategies with no apparent favour for the left or right, this saw a change of positions at the top mark, and another battle downwind for Hannah and Ryan who went through the last gate together, unfortunately the tide pushing Ryan just too close to the buoy, resulting in a last minute 360.
At the end of the 2nd racing day 1. Andy and Richard
2. Sam and Luke
3. Steph and Hannah
Day 5- Saturday
The last day of the event was forecast for little wind, but when we arrived early in the morning it was blowing 5-10knots so we all launched at scheduled time of 9.30. It was only a few minutes into our sail to the course area when the wind had almost died down completely, and after 45mins we reached the committee boat hardly moving. The postponement flag was flying and it was another long wait before the 420’s and Lasers even got close to the committee boat. With the wind changing direction regularly and 0knots of breeze we waited until 12 floating round the committee boat. We were then told that a decision would be made in the next half hour as to whether we would race or get towed back in. By this time most people had stripped down to the bare minimum and were enjoying the hottest day yet of this year. The half an hour passed with no increase in the wind and all races were abandoned, meaning the final positions were fixed.
After a leisurely de-rig and general laze about, prize giving was held on the balcony of the club.
Winners were…
1st Independent Sailors- Ryan and Lizzie
1st, Hobie 16 Youth National Champions- Richard and Andrew
2nd- Luke and Sam
3rd, and 1st Girls- Hannah and Steph
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| Datchet TT1 Results added - Posted by NickH on the 6 April 2007 |
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The corrected results from the Datchet TT have been added and a report will follow (thanks Eric!) Hannah has also 'volunteered to write a report for the Hobie 16 Hayling trials (thanks Hannah). |
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| Cat Intro Competition - Posted by NickH on the 2 March 2007 |
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 The Class Association is holding its annual Catamaran Introduction weekend on 14 / 15 April, only this year there is an added bonus for those taking part; the chance of winning a free Dragoon Charter package!
The event will be held at the Weymouth Sailing Academy with the hopeful youngsters having to attend one days sailing. Coaching on cats will be given by one of the countries top coaches in the morning, with the afternoons being used for a number of short races. All this will take places on the RYA’s fleet of Dart 16s, so the competition is totally fair and the competitors only have to get themselves and their personal sailing equipment to the venue.
The team that comes out on top in the racing will be offered a free Dragoon Charter for their efforts, and an invitation to join the training program. This doesn’t mean to say that there is nothing on offer for the rest of the youngsters, because if they show potential and are keen to work hard there may be opportunities to take up a Dragoon Charter on the normal basis and join the training program. Details are available from the Dragoon Charter section of this site.
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| Revised Training Venues - Posted by NickH on the 27 February 2007 |
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The events list has been updated with the latest training venues. |
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| F18 Worlds - Posted by NickH on the 26 February 2007 |
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F18 Worlds - Yeppoon, Australia see http://2007f18worlds.com/results/f18-worlds_overall.html for full results including a win for Hugh and Tom in Race 15! |
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| Datchet Winter Warm Up results added - Posted by NickH on the 26 February 2007 |
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The overall results for the Datchet Winter Warm Up have been added. The catamaran results are under Fleet 4. Thanks to Datchet for organising a great event. |
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| New links added - Posted by NickH on the 5 February 2007 |
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 Links to the 2007 Hobie 16 Worlds in Fiji and the 2008 Tiger and Dragoon Worlds in Langebaan have been added |
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| 2006 TT Results now online - Posted by NickH on the 29 January 2007 |
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The results from the 2006 TT races are now on the results page.
Once again congratulations to Richard and Andy Glover, Steve Tildesley & Chris Roe and Adam Butler & Gilly Sutcliffe. |
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| Correction to Carnac dates - Posted by Admin on the 25 January 2007 |
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Message from Garry Furneaux:
It has been brought to my attention that, the dates for Carnac are incorrect.Could you please make note of the correct dates shown below.
Training Carnac 26th/27th
Event 28th,29th,30th,1st.
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| Website changes - Posted by Admin on the 25 January 2007 |
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Just to let you know that the website has been temporarily unavailable whilst I have been trying to migrate the site to another hosting service.
I have attempted to bring the information up to date.
Please let me know if you find any problems.
Nick Henson |
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| Dragoon National Squad 2007 - Posted by Pauline on the 14 August 2006 |
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Notice to all Dragoon sailors,
The RYA have informed us that the criteria for selection of the 2007 Dragoon National squad will be based on sailors performance at this months Nationals in Pwhelli and the Zone championships at WPNSA on the 30 Sept/1Oct.
The dates for the Zone champs are not on the BHCCA calander so need to be noted, more info at www.ryaevents.org.uk/zonechamps . Please also note that Dragoons will all attend the SOUTH regional champs. |
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| Camping at Nationals - Posted by Pauline on the 14 August 2006 |
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Re. the Nationals at Pwllheli – I have reserved the rally field at Abererch Sands campsite for any sailors who wish to camp – its pretty big so should accommodate us all. But all those wishing to camp do need to book direct (especially if you want electric hook-up) - they take bookings over the phone (small deposit payable).
Tel: 01758 612327 or www.abererch-sands.demon.co.uk– just ask everyone to mention the catamaran sailing event when they book to ensure they are in the rally field.
This is the nearest site – only a couple of minutes drive (or 10 minutes walk along the beach).
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| Proposed Rule Changes - Posted by Pauline on the 29 December 2005 |
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Dear All,
The IHCA Rules Committee has posted 5 new rule changes for comments on the IHCA Rules Forum.
The rules for comments are:
1. Additional grommets for Hobie 16 trampolines
2. Additional grommets for Hobie 14 trampolines
3. Clarifying light weight clothing
4. Clarifying Appendix B to Youth only events
5. Adding an addition rule to the Hobie 20
Please inform your fellow Hobie sailors. If any questions or comments please let us know.
Last but not least then I would like to wish you and your families a Merry X-mas and a Happy New Year
Med venlig hilsen / Best regards
Erik Olsen
IHCA Rules Committee Chair
Alan Glover
glover@watermarks.fsnet.co.uk
Mobile: 07966 345 023
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| Massive Site Changes - Posted by Admin on the 8 September 2005 |
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 Hello and welcome to the new BHCCA Web Site. As you can see, there have been many changes around here and I'd just like to take a minute to highlight some of them.
1. Brand New User System. We encourage you to sign up to this Web Site by following the 'Register' link on the right. When you have registered you will have your own profile, access to the Members Area, and be able to post comments under news articles (like this one), and also chat in the forums.
2. Member profiles. Once you have registered, you will get your very own member profile. That means you will have your very own web address, http://hobiecat.org.uk/yourusername/! This profile can be used to show off past achievements, list some information (and a photo) about yourself and allow other people to rate you as a sailor.
3. Bigger Image Galleries. That's right! We have been enlarging our image galleries, so now we have some new photos on there. Check them out!
4. Improved Buy and Sell. We are now displaying images of the items that you wish to sell. If you would like to advertise on the Buy and Sell page, your sale prospects might be increased if you include a pic with the description. If you already are advertising items on the Buy and Sell page and wish for a picture to be displayed along with your current advert, then email the webmaster your picture and it will be placed on the site free of charge.
So take a look around, and check out everything this new Site has to offer! |
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