Former Site of the Bembridge Sailing Club

For a number of years this was the Bembridge Sailing Club's website.
Content is from the site's 2009 - 2012 archived pages providing just a glimpse of what this site offered its visitors.

The current website for the Bembridge Sailing Club is found at: www.bembridgesailingclub.org/

Bembridge Sailing Club

Embankment Road, Bembridge,
Isle of Wight PO35 5NR
Tel: 01983 872237 (Club Secretary), 01983 872686 (Club Steward), 01983 874950 (Fax)

IMAGE: 05nats6a.jpg

Welcome to the Bembridge Redwing Club page on the Club’s website.

With a rich history as one of the oldest sailing clubs in the United Kingdom, the Bembridge Sailing Club has founded in 1886. It is locateded in Bembridge Harbour on the eastern end of the Isle of Wight towards the Eastern end of the Solent. The Club is supported by a vibrant membership base. The Club is active year-round, with an always bustling summer season.

The Bembridge Sailing Club is an accredited RYA Training Centre, becoming a Volvo Champion Club at the beginning of 2002. The Club the perfect location to host an ever growing dinghy fleet and encourage less experienced and young sailors to get afloat.

Bembridge Sailing Club has an active social programme of formal and informal dinners, talks, parties and dances throughout the year. There is a also training programmes focused on developing young sailors’ sailing and racing capabilities.

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My take:When I attended the University of Cambridge for my Doctoral degree in Infection and Immunity my flat mate whose family lived in Bembrigde on the Isle of Wright would take me to visit over the holidays and summer breaks since I could not afford to return to the US. I have many wonderful memories of spending lovely summer days sailing out of the Bembridge Sailing Club. About five years ago I returned to the UK for my flat mate's wedding which was held at the Bembridge Sailing Club. What a perfect setting.
Jump ahead to 2021 and I am now working at the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore doing research in their biomedical research facility. With the world enveloped in the Covid 19 pandemic, this is both an exciting and fearful time. In hind sight my choice of getting a Phd in Infection and Immunity was propitious. I am right in the thick of things as the medical field tackles Covid 19, which is exciting. On the other hand, for my mother who is staying in an assisted living facility in Forest Hill, MD which is located in Harford County just north of Baltimore and myself it has been terrifying time, particularly at the start of the pandemic when nursing homes were particularly hit hard with high infection rates and numerous deaths. Fortunately Hart Heritage Estates assisted living where my mother is staying has worked tirelessly to keep their residents safe. And now that vaccines are available they have been able to get all residents and employees vaccinated. I have been visiting my mother virtually every week, thanks to Facetime. This last week to my surprise, my mother actually brought up the Bembridge Sailing Club. Apparently she had been looking at the photo albums I created from the four years I was in the UK doing my doctoral. It was great reminiscing about my visits to the Isle of Wright. I am planning to visit my former flat mate, his wife and two kids next summer, IF the pandemic is under control and traveling is safe. We will see. It would be nice to take a break from my very hectic schedule and enjoy a bit of sailing!

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LATE AUGUST UPDATE

As we head into the end of the season may I draw to your attention the following:

1) HIGH WATER ON Saturday is 18.48 so boats wanting to sail on Saturday should at Under Tyne on Friday evening or early Saturday...

2) Rescheduling of the CREW CUP- SATURDAY.

This was not sailed for in July so I propose to hold it on SATURDAY 29th August at around 10.00 for those interested - Please let me know if you are able to join. This race will start after the Jeannie Cochrane.

3) Resheduling of the CHETWOOD TROPHY- SUNDAY.

This also was not sailed for in July so I propose to hold it immediately after the REDWING AGM ( which starts at 9.30am on Sunday) ie start about 10.30 or 11.00 Race Officer and Assistants are sought...

4) REDWING CUP- SAT/SUN/MON As scheduled this will be on Saturday at 15.00, Sunday at 15.00 and Monday at 09.00

5) REDWING DINNER- SATURDAY This is being held on Saturday evening -19.30 for 20.00. Call Frank for a place...

6) Sailing in REDWINGS at Poole on a Saturday in October We have been invited to race in Poole boats against Poole Redwing people. If you are interested to join the 3? boat BSC/ REDWING team please let me know. The schedule will most likely permit our arrival and departure on the same day.

Any questions please call me on 07768940799.

Regards,

Members Area & On-Line Bookings

To access the Members area at the bottom of the page, use the shortened christian name of the Sailing Secretary (lower case) as the User Name, and the year the Club was founded as the Password. This area includes membership application forms, subscription details and sections of the 2012 Year Book (including the programme but not the address section), Club Rules (new Nov 11) & FAQs (new Jan 12).
Many thanks to those of you who are using the on-line booking system (access via the "Social" menu above) for meals/Club events & WightLink tickets. If you click on the link you will get a simple form; when you "submit" it you will then get a confirmation link from Bravenet - just click "confirm" at the bottom of the page and it will end up at the office.
For those who prefer to use Red Funnel (Southampton - Cowes or Cowes - Southampton), there is a 10% discount if you access the Red Funnel on-line booking system through the "Red Funnel" link you will find under the "Links" menu above. So long as you use the BSC website link, the 10% reduction is automatically applied to the fares (each way) you will be offered.

News Update

30 June - I July
A very jolly Friday evening with the Friends of Holy Trinity enjoying their summer Soiree in the Dining Room. Friday evening's supper was certainly busier than normal which was great. Sunday lunch was enjoyed by 35+ members (including the Chief Scout who brought a party over by RIB!).
It was the Round the Island Race on Saturday - although some of the smaller classes were cancelled, the rest must have had a storming sail with records only just being missed. With some careful course setting so that they were heading with the flow, three Redwings & six One-Designs had a lovely sail. On Sunday, the fleet of six Redwings and four One-Designs was depleted somewhat with two Redwings retiring - the most dramatic being Fly Catcher which lost its mast just after rounding Ruthven - fortunately TRIO was close at hand and a tow was quickly established.

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Greyhound Buses to London - as from 2nd July, the number of services between the Isle of Wight and London Victoria has been significantly reduced. There are now only 2 to 4 trips a day to and from London. A through ticket to Ryde costs between 15.00 & 22.00 + 50p booking fee.

St Helen's Duver Wall - continuing good progress on the repairs. For recent photos clickv

Harbour Dredging & Pontoon Works - for the latest information click here. Also be aware that new LNTM (3/2012) that replaces 1/2012 has recently been issued.

Amendment 1 to 2012 (April) Sailing Instructions - the following amendments have been made to the SIs:
- the L Board (white L on a black background) signifies that you must go through the line as a mark of the course.
- SI 11.4 now reads "A boat starting later than 5 minutes after her starting signal will be scored DNS without a hearing. This changes RRS A4 and A5."

Solent Forum - for their June e-News click here

RYA Southern Region June Newsletter - to read, click here

RYA "Partner" - we are now an RYA "Partner" and will earn commission on any books ordered through the RYA web-shop; also on new RYA membership. To order/become a member click here
"Bembridge Breeze" - to read the inaugural edition of "Bembridge Breeze" - the new Harbour Authority's bi-annual magazine - initially click here to read it.

Useful Information/Reminders

2012 Scow Racing Programme - to view or download click here

Operation Kraken - to read the Spring edition of the local maritime security newsletter, click on here

Sailing Secretary's e-Mail - please update your e-address books to reflect that Mike's e-mail as the Sailing Secretary (for all sailing and training) is now mike@bembridgesailingclub.org - many thanks.

Commodore's 2012 - 2013 Objectives - a reminder that you can read the Commodore's objectives for the next 12 months in the Members only section.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - although designed primarily for new members, they cover a wide range of topics and will hopefully be of use to all members. You will find them in the Members only section.

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Solar Energy Project - fitting of the bank of solar panels (a 13.32 kWp system) on the road side of the Dining Room roof was completed on 21st June 2011; so far (2nd July 2012) 13,406 kW have been generated.

Vernon Stratton Memorial Regatta & Sailpast (Saturday 10th March 2012) Swallow Nationals 2011 (11th - 12th June) -
125th Jubilee (18th - 19th June 2011)

2009

Provides an update of the social programme in 2009 for the next week/weekend.

Date	Event	Responsible/Remarks
Thr 17 Sep	Improvers Bridge	*Jane Pearson*
Fri 18 Sep	Bridge Supper	*Christine Coombe*
Sat 19 Sep	Lunch Newbury YC & Opals SA Suppers	*Sheilla Wilson & Sue Nash*
Sun 20 Sep	Sunday Lunch
Thr 24 Sep	Improvers Bridge	*Jane Pearson*
Fri 25 Sep	No Fears Bridge	*Jennie Hardless*
Sat 26 Sep	Lunch Club Laying Up Supper Hornet SC Supper	Charles Harcourt-Smith Robert Davis
Sun 27 Sep	Sunday Lunch
Thr 1 Oct	Improvers Bridge	*Jane Pearson*
Fri 2 Oct	Scottish Dancing	*Annie Robertson*
Sat 3 Oct	Charity Bridge Day Bar Lunch	*Christine Coombe*
Sun 4 Oct	Sunday Lunch
Mon 5 Oct	Scrabble Supper	*Carrie Samuelson*
Thr 8 Oct	Mid-Week Lunch Improvers Bridge	Jo Truman Jane Pearson
Sat 10 Oct	Lunch Wedding Reception	*Spurgeon & Reader*
Sun 11 Oct	Sunday Lunch
Thr 15 Oct	Improvers Bridge	*Jane Pearson*
Fri 16 Oct	Bridge Supper	*Christine Coombe*
Sat 17 Oct	Lunch
Sun 18 Oct	Sunday Lunch
Thr 22 Oct	Improvers Bridge	*Jane Pearson*
Fri 23 Oct	No Fear Bridge	*Jennie Hardless*
Sat 24 Oct	Meetings Weekend Sailing Committee - 10:00 W&H; Committee - 14:00 Club Supper & "Everest" Talk by Andre Zlattinger	*Jo Truman*
Sun 25 Oct	Management Committee - 10:30 Sunday Lunch EWCC Committee Meeting (14:30)	*Graham Hall - NB: Change of date/time*
Thr 29 Oct	Improvers Bridge	*Jane Pearson*
Sat 31 Oct	Lunch
Sun 1 Nov	Sunday Lunch
Mon 2 Nov	Scrabble Supper	*Carrie Samuelson*
Thr 5 Apr	Improvers Bridge	*Jane Pearson*
Fri 6 Nov	Scottish Dancing	*Annie Robertson*
Sat 7 Nov	Lunch
Sun 8 Nov	Remembrance Sunday Lunch
Thr 12 Nov	Mid-Week Lunch Improvers Bridge	Jo Truman Jane Pearson
Sat 14 Nov	Lunch
Sun 15 Nov	Sunday Lunch
Thr 19 Nov	Improvers Bridge	*Jane Pearson*
Fri 19 Nov	NADFAS Study Day Bridge Supper	Helen Hooper Christine Coombe

5 - 6 Sep

The Club looked lovely on Saturday for the wedding reception that we were hosting. The flowers in the Dining Room in particular really were stunning.

A quiet weekend on the water with only 4 Redwings on Saturday and 3 on Sunday and no One-Designs on either day.

24 - 31 Aug

Another very successful Grannies/shrimps week despite the not very kind weather. Well done & our thanks to Kate & Victoria who have organised the last 3 years and have now handed over their Queen Shrimp tiaras to Sophie, Zoe & Hayley.

A busy weekend with the traditional One-Design Dinner on Friday and the Redwing Dinner on Saturday. It was certainly nice to be able to welcome the Darings here again on Sunday evening even if it was not really BBQ weather.

Probably some of the best racing conditions of the summer over the weekend with excellent fleets of One-Designs & Redwings - particularly on the Saturday & Sunday. Meanwhile a better than last year turnout of Darings enjoyed some great racing.

18 - 23 Aug

Quiet on the water but a very successful Oppy 4 and the One-Designs had some good sailing most days. Indeed considerable excitement on Friday afternoon when two crew from a One-Design (with 3 crew) went overboard when the boat gybed and broached in the F4/5 breeze close to Fitzwilliam. Skilfull sailing by a fellow helm rescued one and Rod in DELTA who was fortunately just off Colonel's Hard at the time picked up the other.

Just enough wind over the weekend for the BHYC Regatta which was very well atended. Well done to Myles Powell in particular who made a clean sweep sailing his Topaz Uno the Slow Handicap.

The weather was very kind for the annual "happening" with St Helens Fort unusually having visitors on Friday, Saturday & Sunday evening!

11 - 17 Aug

Last of the really busy weeks so it was good that the weather was kind most days. The RNLI "Lifeboat" Rock on Saturday was a huge sucess - well done to Bella Janson and her team (and of course DJ John Cleave).

Oppy 3 and Cadet Week 2 went off pretty successfully - well done to Archie Comparelli who won the Curling Cup for the most improved Oppy sailor and Oscar Chalmers the Portland Race Trophy. Louisa Laughton-Scott won the Mackinnon Quaich for Cadet Week 2 handicap racing; Adam Stanley & Jos Laughton Scott, the Captain's Compass for effort & enthusiasm & Hector Conybeare-Cross for most improved.

Alas the BSC team were pretty comprehensively beaten by SVYC in the annual team racing match in Mermaids & One-Designs on Monday.

The annual Regatta on Friday & Saturday went off extremely well with an excellent turnout of Dinghies on Friday.

Finally, a swift & uncontentious AGM on Sunday evening.

4 - 10 Aug

Much better weather for most of the week which certainly made it easier and more fun on Oppy 2. To all accounts the Salmander Ball on Thursday evening was a great success despite the rain that unkindly arrived late afternoon. Mind you it perhaps usefully dampened a few of the excesses particularly in the sand dunes! Well done to the organisers (both parents & Cadets). Saturday's reduced size Ball was voted a great success - well done to all those involved, in particular Claire Chalmers, the Ball Chairman.

Oppy 2 went off very well and none of the children were buried under the ball tentage! Well done to Harry Winterbottom who won the Curling Cup & Oliver Joy who won the Biggest Pot for racing. The Redwings meanwhile had some excellent sailing at Cowes. Ed Peel ended up as the overall winner with Colin Samuelson second and Matt Alexander third (out of the 26 Redwings entered). In the meantime there were a handful of One-Designs out most days.

Finally, many congratulations to Edward Nainby-Luxmoore who was in the silver medal winning 8 at last weeks recent Junior World Rowing Championships in France.

28 July - 3 Aug

Another week of disappointing weather for Cadet Week (and Scow Week), however, as always the best was made of every opportunity to get the most out of the on water periods particularly in the windy conditions. Well done to all the instructors - they certainly had to earn their pay again!

Busy weekend with the annual BBQ on Saturday - Irish Dave and his group were as popular as ever.

Very limited Redwing & One-Design racing during the week, but at least the weather was kind for the Redwing passage race to Cowes on Friday morning.

19 - 27 July

Disappointing week's weather for Laser/Topaz & Oppy 1, however, as always the best was made of every opportunity to get the most out of the on water periods particularly in the windy conditions. Well done to all the instructors - they certainly had to earn their pay!

Busy weekend and nice to see so many at the New Members "Welcome" Drinks & Supper on Saturday evening.

The Redwings & One-Designs sailing in the Cowes Classic Regatta during the week appear to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. On Sunday morning the Redwings had a great race to the West Princessa for the newly presented "Princesssa Trophy". In the afternoon, our thanks to BHYC for running the EWCC Dinghy Regatta and well done in particular to Freddie Chalmers who won both Laser 4.7 races.

17 - 18 July

Instructor training week which certainly kept us busy and provided Jay & Claire with a useful introduction to the busy weeks ahead. Saturday was quieter than originally planned when it was decided mid-week to cancel the Crab & Lobster Supper when numbers failed to make it viable to continue. However, it was nice to see Lymington Town Sailing Club back at BSC for a rally supper.

With the briefings for Laser/Topaz & Oppy 1 on Saturday, it was the start of the what the Club do so well, our cadet & junior cadet courses. Sunday was probably as busy as it has been for a long time with two courses running and tides that brought people back to the Club around lunchtime.

Low numbers of keelboats - mind you not very good forecasts and quite a few were readying themselves for Cowes Classic week. On Sunday, bad luck hit No 27 Redwing - Flycatcher - who lost a mast rounding Patch in the strong southwesterly breeze.

Finally, you should all have received Wavelength by know. If you are local, do please pop in and pick your copy up.

11 - 12 July

Quiet week, although nice to have another NHS Training day on Tuesday and to welcome a small National Trust group on Wednesday. Saturday's BODA supper was to all accounts a great success - well done to organisers Susie & Charles Evans. Just shy of 50 for lunch on Sunday.

Strong winds forecast for the weekend however this did not deter the One-Designs. In the event the breeze was kinder on Saturday but with visibility up and down, two short courses were felt to be safer. Sunday was bright and sparkly but with the wind probably F5 gusting 6, some Redwings stayed on their moorings and one or two retired during the race. In the meantime the One-Designs had a great sail!

Many congratulations to Ed Eddy & Susannah Moss (and their supporting safety cover) who successfully circumnavigated the Island last week in a Laser 3000 to raise funds for JDRF (Juvenile Diabeties Research Foundation).

Finally, you should all have your summer mailshot by now. Unfortunately Wavelength has been delayed somewhat so will be sent out as soon as it is back from the printers. In the meantime you can view/download a copy via the menu bar above.

4 - 5 July

Very busy weekend with a Civil Wedding & Reception on Friday, a members party on Saturday and a Christening lunch on Sunday. It was also nice to see the Victory Class here for their annual Bembridge visit and BBQ on Saturday evening. Well done to all the staff who ensured that everything went off as planned.

Although the breezes over the weekend were variable at times and necessitated a course change each day, overall there was some excellent racing for the ten Redwings and four One-Designs.

Finally, the summer mailshot is on its way; unfortunately Wavelength has been delayed somewhat so will be sent out as soon as it is back from the printers. In the meantime you will be able to view/download a copy via the menu bar above in the next couple of days.

28 - 29 June

Another relatively quiet week, but a busy weekend to make up for it. No Fears Bridge and a certain Rear Commodore's 50th birthday drinks on Friday. Nice to see the Club's Wedding Licence being used on Saturday afternoon for a Civil Wedding. This was followed in the evening by a very good turnout for Shanklin Rotary Club's dinner. There was a reasonable number in for Sunday Lunch.

Light and fickle breezes over the weekend again which was a pity as it was the Zanen (Long Distance) Trophy on Saturday. Well done to Joe Roberston who was the eventual winner. Good to see the Chetwood's in Ladybird out for their first races this summer.

20 - 21 June

Relatively quiet week, but a busy weekend to make up for it. There appeared to be a very good turnout for the very jolly Friends of Holy Trinity Soiree on Friday evening which took place in parallel with the monthly Bridge; the latter eating and playing in the Club Room which seemed to work well and reflects the flexibility that we now have with the Club Room. Great to see the Nelson Boat Owners back again for their Rally Dinner on Saturday evening - Frank reports they enjoyed themselves and will hopefully be back again next year.

Rather light and fickle breezes over the weekend, however just enough to get in 2 races each day. Tom Scott was the overall winner in the Redwings, and James Row in the One-Designs.

The great "Scow on the Thames" adventure successfully made Gravesend on Friday - well done to her crew (and support team) for an amazing achievement. Some great stories & pictures on their blog at http://scowonthethames.blogspot.com

Although no Lifeboat shouts on Saturday during the rather slow Round the Island Race, the ILB was launched 3 times on Sunday - the story behind the photos below is too unbelievable to be true!!

13 - 14 June

Relatively quiet weekend; indeed with the mid-week lunch on Thursday being cancelled because of dwindling support, and similarly the BODA Scow supper on Saturday evening (although a number of One-Designer's did actually come and eat which was nice), we are starting to wonder where everyone is! However, the inaugural gathering of the Bembridge SCAMS (BSC Ancient Mariners) for "smart" coffee & some of Jay's excellent cake on Thursday morning was much enjoyed by the 7 who attended & will hopefully become a regular feature.

Some really nice sailing conditions particularly on Sunday for the smallish fleets of Redwings & BODs out. BHYC forgot we were meant to be running the joint dinghy racing over the weekend but never mind - it gave the Club Secretary more time to catch up having been away for a week's recharge of batteries!

Gannet Ripple meanwhile, despite an absence of wind, is making steady progress down the Thames - do check out their blog at http://scowonthethames.blogspot.com

6 - 7 June Another quiet weekend but nice to see Jon & Lynda Spencer and a group from Warsash SC here for Saturday evening supper. Mike & Carrie away for a week's battery recrage before the summer onslaught!

30 - 31 May

A few families around over the half-term week although probably not as many as usual due to slightly odd dates for some schools. Wet & windy for the first part of the week - certainly testing for those on the Level 2 Powerboat Course on Tuesday & Wednesday. Good to see members of the RNC&RAYC;,led by their Commodore, much enjoying supper here on Saturday night.

With late tides and Force 4 to 5 easterly winds forecast over the weekend, it was decided to go for a good lomg race for the Redwings & One Designs on Saturday and not risk leaving the boats out at Under Tyne overnight. In the event probably the wrong decision as Sunday was a lovely day with only a gentle breeze, but such is "sailing"!

23 - 25 May

A slightly odd late May Bank Holiday weekend with probably not as many people around as previous years. However a very successful Opera evening which was greatly enjoyed by over one hundred members who attended. Sunday Lunch was wierdly quiet but it was all in a good cause - the Hog Roast up at the Battery in aid of the Bembridge RNLI appeal raised just over 5,000. Fantastic. Nice to see the Seal SA back in Bembridge for Sunday evening, along with a new rally of Maxi/Nimbus yachts.

Light & fickle breezes throughout the weekend made for very frustrating & rather disappointing racing. Indeed of the planned five races, the Redwings only managed 2 and the One-Designs one and a bit!

17 - 18 May

Socially a relatively quiet, rather wet & windy weekend; as the Wine & House Committee meeting had been the previous Saturday, it was slightly less frenetic than usual from the meetings point of view. No visiting Clubs on Saturday, the tides were late and there was gale warning out!

Very limited numbers out racing on Saturday - particularly interesting to see Andrew Eddy in Plover trying out his reefed mainsail (see photo below) for the first time. Two lifeboat shouts over the weekend - neither came to much though.

9 - 10 May

Relatively quiet from a Club members perspective, but Saturday evening saw a full house with Thorney Island SC returning for their annual Bembridge supper, Hardway SC here for the first time, and Mike Cripps' annual Croquet supper. Well done to all the staff involved; there was praise all round from our visitors.

Gentle breezes on Saturday & Sunday provided some good racing for the small fleets of Redwings & One-Designs. Well done to the BHYC team lead by Graham Sutton who convincingly won (again) the Inter Club Scow Team racing on Saturday; SVYC were 2nd, BSC was 3rd and Yarmouth SC 4th.

2 - 4 May

The early May Bank Holiday is always somewhat fickle as far as the numbers of members around goes. So it was nice to see a reasonable number here for the "holiday" weekend. It was also nice to see the Royal Southern YC Motorboat Section here for supper on Saturday, and over 50 on Sunday evening for supper from the Little Ship Club. Hopefully we may see both in future years.

Nice breezes on Saturday & Sunday provided some excellent racing despite the difficult tides. Monday's early race was in rather lighter airs and even though much shorter so as to ensure boats could get back to their harbour moorings, it still provided a good challenge for most. Well done to Colin Samuelson in Toucan who won the Redwing Quail Trophy, and to Brian & D Orange in No 11 One-Design who were the convincing winners (certainly as far as timings go) of the Woodroffe Bowl.

25 - 26 Apr

Another quiet week; however good numbers for No Fears Bridge on Friday and a busy Saturday with a lunch and civil wedding. Congratulations to the bride & groom, Brian & Holly Chapman. Nice to see a small group from Emsworth SC for supper as well as the Illusions for their final get together for the season. Not many for lunch on Sunday though.

Breezy on Saturday for the Illusion St George's Day Trophy and a couple of One-Designs. Sunday was almost perfect for the Illusion Woodford Long Distance Race which took them round St Helens Fort; meanwhile the two One-Designs had a much closer race. Well done the Colonels Hard de-weeding party very early on Sunday morning - a great job.

18 - 19 Apr

Relatively quiet week as most families had returned to the mainland to get ready for the start of the summer term. Jennie & Vyv Hardless's Easter Quiz was enjoyed by all - many thanks to them for organising it.

No racing programmed for the weekend - early/late tides which was a pity as it was glorious particularly on Sunday. The "motor boat" section lead by Hugo Peel had a sligtly bumby trip to Bosham on Saturday morning, but much enjoyed their lunch as BSC (Bosham Sailing Club) and had a good trip afterwards in much nicer conditions.

10 - 13 Apr

Phew, a really busy Easter. It was lovely to see so many members and their children enjoying themselves. Well done to all the staff for coping so well. Fortunately the rain held off for what was probably a record number of children for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Not much wind throughout the weekend, however, congratulations to the Commodore and D who won the Oppenheim Trophy in the One-Designs and to Bruce Huber who won Vernon's Easter Cup in the Illusions.

5 - 6 Apr

Quiet week and a quiet weekend which was a pity as the weather was really rather nice. That said, the mist came down with a vengance on Sunday afternoon. No racing programmed due to early/late tides. As you will see from the pictures below, the racing marks are now all out looking very smart - well done Rod.

There was a "live" shout for the Mersey Lifeboat on Monday evening (6 Apr); a passenger on a cruise liner heading for the Med had a heart attack soon after leaving Southampton. The Lifeboat transfered the casualty off No Mans Land Fort and took him to an ambulance waiting at the Camber in Portsmouth.

28 - 29 Mar

Nice to see NADFAS here again on Thursday for their Study Day. After fearing bad weather over the weekend, the gods smiled on the happy bride & groom and provided sufficient sun to make sure that everyone enjoyed the Wedding Reception on Saturday. Well done to all the staff who made it such a happy occasion.

There was a pretty reasonable turnout for the Illusion Picnic Hamper Regatta - well done Graham Bailey who won the hamper, and to the Race Officers who had a tricky time trying to set the course now that the trot moorings are back in place.

21 - 22 Mar

Sad on Monday when we said goodbye to Mogs Crockford; tea was delicious though, well done Danny & Julia. Quietish weekend with slightly disappointing numbers for Mothering Sunday lunch which was a pity as it was Julia's last meal looking after the Dining Room. She is moving to start up a small holding in the West Wight which is sinply too far away for her to coninue at BSC. We will miss her.

No racing, early tides - pity as it was a lovely weekend.

15 - 16 Mar

A quietish week with only a very "select" group of regulars to mid-week lunch on Thursday. Well done to Pam Watson-Lee (the organiser) and her BSC Bridge team who beat the Royal Solent YC by 10 points on Wednesday. Sunday lunch only had 7 names on Friday afternoon but myseriously increased to just over 30 on the day! Well done Danny!

Pretty reasonable turnout on the water for the Illusion Spring Plate; well done to Mark Downer who retained the trophy for the 8th year running in very variable and shifty conditions, particularly on Sunday. Lets hope spring is here to stay, it really was a lovely weekend.

7 - 8 Mar

Meetings weekend, so good to see the Club quite busy. On Saturday evening it was nice to be able to welcome quite a few of our Year Book advertisers for a drink to say thank you for their support of the book. Another busy Sunday Lunch.

Good progress on TRIO's new cabin (see below). No racing, early tides.

Continuing good news on the Commodore who was fit enough not only to chair the Management Committee on Sunday, but also to attend the Wine & House and Sailing Committees on Saturday.

An increasing number are now booking meals/Club events using the "Social" menu above. Thanks, keep it up! If you click on the link you will get a simple form; when you "submit" it you will then get a confirmation link from Bravenet (ignore the adverts!) - just click "confirm" at the bottom of the page and it will end up at the office.

For those who prefer to use Red Funnel (Southampton - Cowes or Cowes - Southampton), you can now enjoy a 10% discount by accessing the Red Funnel on-line booking system through the "Red Funnel" link you will find under the "Links" menu above.

28 Feb - 1 Mar

Another very successful Bridge Weekend - well done to Jennie Hardless who was the organiser and to Richard Wheen who was the very patient tutor. Busy Sunday lunch with a number of visitors taking advantage of the lovely day and the excellent food.

An impressive fleet of 20 Illusions raced in the 2009 Nationals over the weekend. Although the breeze on Saturday was a little light & fickle, it was steadier and slightly stronger on Sunday. Congratulations to Bruce Huber who was just too consitent and retained the Trophy that he won last year. Philip Bown was the highest placed over 65 as well as the most improved, and Sue Thomas was the top Lady helm.

A lovely Memorial Bench in memory of Jose McCue organised by her family arrived on Thursday; there is a picture of it below. There is also a photo of the very smart (and comfortable) new sofa & chairs in the Club Room.

Continuing good news on the Commodore who is convalescing well at home after his major operation in mid-January.

21 - 22 Feb

Certainly a busy Sunday with 90+ in the Dining Room for a members birthday lunch and another 25 or so enjoying roast beef in the bar. Well done to everyone who pulled out all the stops. No racing due to quite early tides, however on Sunday there were at least 8 Illusions out enjoying the sunshine and gentle breeze as they got some practice in for next weeks's National Championships.

Saturday afternoon saw the Mersey Lifeboat launched for the first time "in anger". Excellent spectating with a grand stand view from Silver Beach. Launch time from the decision to launch to the boat afloat and on its way towards Dunnose Head was just over 12 minutes which, given that it was low water, was considered pretty good!

Continuing good news on the Commodore who is convalescing well at home after his major operation in mid-January.

14 - 15 Feb

A busy week for February! It was nice to welcome the IOW Foot Beagles back for the annual lunch on Wednesday; Mid-Week lunch on Thursday was well supported too. Saturday evening's birthday supper was voted an outstanding success and Sunday lunch was well supported.

Saturday's Illusion racing for the Valentine Trophy was a bit hit and miss with the light breeze veering 180 degrees during the afternoon. Sunday was much steadier. Another victory for Mark Downer who was too consistant for Rudy Jurg & Raymond Simonds.

Bembridge's Tyne Lifeboat (Sir Max Aitken III) launched for the last time on Monday morning. She has gone down to Poole to serve in the reserve fleet. In the meantime, the temporary facility on Silver Beach using the Mersey carriage launched boat & D Class ILB went operational on Thr 12 Feb.

Continuing good news on the Commodore who is convalescing well at home after his recent major operation.

7 - 8 Feb

As you will see from the first picture, no skiing in Bembridge during the week!

Bad luck to the Quiz Team (Sally Pigot, Barbara Arthure, Tim Woodcock & Joe Robertson) who were beaten in the semi-final of the RNLI Inter Club Quiz by a strong team from Gurnard on Saturday evening - but thanks to all those who came to support, it was a fun evening.

There were a surprising number of Illusion sailors racing over the weekend despite the early morning starts. Bad luck to Mike Toogood who came down for his first race on Sunday only to find no wind.

Continuing good news on the Commodore who is convalescing well at home after his recent major operation.

31 Jan - 1 Feb

Good to see the Club busy on Thursday with another NADFAS Study Day. The bar was nicely full on Friday evening and to all accounts Saturday evening's Redwing & BODA suppers were much enjoyed by all. About 50 for Sunday lunch so well done Danny and his team in the kitchen.

Bitterly cold for Illusion Match Racing but we did manage to complete despite it gusting over 30 knots for the finals on Sunday. Well done to all competitors, race officers & umpires for getting through the 60 + races and congratulations to Graham Bailey who was the overall winner beating Mark Downer 2-1 in a reduced best of 3 final in extremely difficult conditions.

Continuing good news on the Commodore who is convalescing well at home after his recent major operation.

24 - 25 Jan 09

It was nice to see a good turnout for the Island Arts Society "Christmas" lunch on Saturday. Nice number for Sunday lunch as well. Meanwhile, Silver Beach was busy over the weekend with the first training session on the carriage launched Mersey Lifeboat that is going to be the temporary all weather boat while the new Lifeboat Station is being built. Certainly - as you will see from the photos below - some very different launch & recovery techniques required!

Sunny & just enough wind on Saturday for 12 Illusions out; not quite so nice on Sunday although with a bit more wind, course setting was a lot easier.

Continuing good news on the Commodore who was able to return home on Sunday after his recent major operation.

Well done to Rod (& Charlie), the Club Room floor is looking fantastic - stilleto heels are banned!! Finally, the ambience of the Dining Room has been significantly enhanced with the fitting of 5 new picture lights and 6 wall lights. They really do look nice.

17 - 18 Jan 09

Quiet week and a very quiet weekend; that said there was an excellent turnout of the Bembridge Art Society for their annual diner on Monday evening, and Friday evening was busy not only with Bridge but also private birthday drinks in the bar.

Congratulations to Sally Pigot, Barbara Arthure, Tim Woodcock & Joe Robertson who were runners-up on Friday evening in the first round of the RNLI Inter Club Quiz at Gurnard SC. Come and support them in the semi-finals at BSC on Saturday 7th of Feb.

No racing scheduled, late tides.

Good news on the Commodore who, as many of you know, went under the knife last week in St Thomas Hospital. He is now obviously in intensive care; reports from D indicate that the 5 hour operation went as planned.

10 - 11 Jan 09

Brrhh - a very chilly week. Indeed probably chillier than the Secretary and family had on the French ski slopes in Flaine!

My thanks to Peggy Samuelson for her photograph of the top end of the harbour last week during the freeze.

Ten Illusion's ventured forth through the ice on Saturday but racing for Piers's January Jacket was abandoned as the wind died. Sunday saw much kinder conditions and the Race Officers managed to squeeze 5 races in. Well done to Piers Thomas (SVYC) who won his own prize! Rudi Jurg was 2nd and Barnaby Edwards 3rd.

31 Dec - 1 Jan 09

A Happy New Year to you all. Wednesday evening saw a very successful and enjoyable New Years Eve Party with an large number of after dinner revellers appearing prior to the magical moment of midnight. Well done to the organisers, Caroline Peel & Annabel Rhodes.

Brunch on New Years Day was also well supported - excellent eggs, thank you Danny!

Pretty good turnout on the water on Wednesday & Thursday for the traditional Icebreaker Trophy. Slightly warmer than the previous weekend but still only for the brave! Well done again to Mark Downer who, despite not sailing the last race, was the clear winner. Piers Thomas was 2nd & Raymond Simonds was 3rd.

26 - 28 Dec

Well although the Club Secretary did not see much as he was "hors de combat" most of Christmas with the dreaded flu, a big thanks to those who came down over Boxing Day and the weekend and made good use of the Club. There were apparantly 30 plus on Boxing Day which was great.

Despite the bitterly cold easterly winds, there was a excellent turn out (18 boats) for the Christmas Cracker Regatta over the weekend. Well done to Mark Downer who won 5 out of the 6 races. A big thank you to the Race Officers most of who had to step in at short notice because of illness.

Lots of good kite flying apparantly on Culver Down on Sunday morning by a goodly number of well wrapped up shrimps. Well done to the Queen Shrimps (Victoria & Kate) who master minded it. Hopefully a picture to follow.

The mailshot is in the post and hopefully all Bill Payers with e-mail addresses will have already received information on their 2009 subscriptions. There are still a few "local" envelopes so do please pop in if you do live locally and have not received your mailshot already.

20 - 21 Dec

Lovely to see so many for the annual Carols on Saturday evening - a big thank you as normal to the choir who sang so well, and to David Lowe who lead us through them.

The annual Christmas lunch on Sunday was full to capacity and a great success. Frank & Maureen, Julia and Danny and their teams did brilliantly. The Secretary's quiz was as challenging & well received as ever, as were the balloon races.

No racing, early/late tides.

The mailshot is in the post and hopefully all Bill Payers with e-mail addresses will have already received information on their 2009 subscriptions.

13 - 14 Dec

The Club looks very Christmasy - many thanks to all those who helped put up the decorations and especially to Pam Watson-Lee who co-ordinated it all.

Wet & windy on Saturday so no racing; Sunday was rather better and 6 Illusions enjoyed 5 races.

As a trial, you will find a new way of booking places for meals/Club events under the "Social" bar above. If you click on it you will get a simple form; when you "submit" it you will then get a confirmation link from Bravenet (ignore the adverts!) - just click "confirm" at the bottom of the page and it will end up at the office.

6 - 7 Dec

Friday lunchtime was busy with the launch of Michael Springman's new book "The Guards Brigade in the Crimea". Otherwise a quiet week until Sunday when the Club was buzzing with a post-wedding brunch for Angus & Laura and their friends in the Club Room and a full Dining Room for lunch. Well done to Danny & Julia and of course to Frank & Maureen who kept everyones glasses topped up.

No racing programmed as late tides. Beautiful sunny days but cold and no wind!

Last week's Christmas Gift Fair apparently raised a record 12,500 for charity - fantastic.

29 - 30 Nov

A busy end of the week with the Club "hosting" the IW Charity Gift Fair on Friday evening and Saturday. Thank you to all those who came and supported it. The organisers would also like to thank members who had very kindly offered parking spaces in the vicinity of the Club on Friday evening & Saturday.

It was Illusion Inter Club Tean racing over the weekend. Alas no team from BSC although there were a number of BSC helms in other teams! Despite a wet and very cold F4 Easterly on Saturday that tested everyone (especially the Race Officers & umpires), the standard of the team racing was very high. On Sunday the wind had backed N/NE so was still pretty raw and only the top 4 teams ventured forth. Again some very impressive team racing under testing conditions. Congratulations to Mark & Jo Downer (RVYC) who beat Bruce Huber & Harold Cudmore (CCC) 3-2 in the final. Rudi Jurg & Raymond Simonds (sailing for ISC) were 3rd.

22 - 23 Nov

Nice to see NADFAS on Thursday for their workshop and then such a good turnout on Saturday evening in support of the St Helens Nursing Association - well done to Lorna Llewellyn who chairs the Committee. Quiet Sunday with no racing due to early tides - mind you just as well as it was pretty horrible weather.

2008

Provides an update of the social programme in 2008 for the next week/weekend.

Date	Event	Responsible/Remarks
Thr 11 Dec	Club Christmas Decorating	*Jo Pascall*
Fri 12 Dec	Film Night	*Carrie Samuelson*
Sat 13 Dec	Lunch
Sun 14 Dec	Sunday Lunch
Thr 8 Dec	Mid-Week (Christmas) Lunch	*Jill Dearden*
Fri 19 Dec	Bar Lunch Bridge Supper	*Christine Coombe*
Sat 20 Dec	Lunch Christmas Carols (18:30)	*Caroline Peel*
Sun 21 Dec	Christmas Lunch
Mon 22 Dec	Bar Lunch
Tue 23 Dec	Bar Lunch
Wed 24 Dec	Bar Lunch
Thr 25 Dec	Christmas Day - Club Closed
Fri 26 Dec	Boxing Day "Drinks at Lunchtime"	*Samuelson's - please bring any left overs down to nibble!*
Sat 27 Dec	Bar Lunch
Sun 28 Dec	Sunday Lunch
Mon 29 Dec	Bar Lunch
Tue 30 Dec	Bar Lunch
Wed 31 Dec	Bar Lunch New Year's Eve Party	*Caroline Peel & Annabel Rhodes*
Thr 1 Jan 09	New Year's Day Brunch
Fri 2 Jan	Scottish dancing	*Annie Robertson*
Sat 3 Jan	Lunch
Sun 4 Jan	Lunch
Mon 5 Jan	Scrabble Supper	*Carrie Samuelson*
Tue 6 Jan	Improvers Bridge	*Jane Pearson*
Fri 9 Jan	Film Night	*Carrie Samuelson*
Sat 10 Jan	Lunch
Sun 11 Jan	Lunch
Mon 12 Jan	Bembridge Arts Society Dinner
Tue 13 Jan	Improvers Bridge	*Jane Pearson*
Thr 15 Jan	Mid-Week Lunch	*Jill Dearden*
Fri 16 Jan	Bridge Supper	*Christine Coombe*
Sat 17 Jan	Lunch
Sun 18 Jan	Sunday Lunch

29 - 30 Nov

22 - 23 Nov

15 - 16 Nov

Some very exciting Illusion racing (2008 National Chapionshipds) although a pity for spectators that it was outside the harbour. Well done to Bruce Huber who retained the Trophy for the second year running; also to Alastair Speare-Cole who was third and won the most improved prize, and Philip Bown the over 65 prize.

The Illusions enjoyed their Championship Dinner on Saturday evening; with numbers a bit on the thin side, they used (and were delighted to have done so) the Club Room instead of the main Dining Room which again demonstrated how flexible our excellent facilities.

8 - 9 Nov

Busy weekend with the winter meetings and Club Supper on Saturday evening. Although numbers were changing right up to the last minute due to illness, sixty two members enjoyed a delicious supper and another dynamic talk by Ludmilla Selezneva on what is going on in Russia at the moment. Our thanks to David Negus for orgainsing Ludmilla to come down to the Island again.

No racing scheduled due to early tides - probably just as well as it was wet & windy!

No photos this week so I have left last weeks for those who may not have seen them.

1 - 2 Nov

Winter was certainly here on Saturday - bitterly cold and wet. Certainly not Illusion weather other than the very brave! Eight did venture forth but attrition was heavy and racing was abandoned after two testing races. Sunday was much nicer and 15 boats stayed the course for 4 races. Congratulations to Bruce Huber who won both races on Saturday and took the Guy Fawkes Trophy ahead of Mark Downer & Rudy Jurg.

The shrimps had a fun party on Friday afternoon - well done again the Kate & Victoria for organising (picture to follow). Finally, another delicious Sunday lunch - Danny says that there definitely was a hot pudding but it was out in the kitchen and he apologises that no one knew about it.

25 - 26 Oct

Early-ish tides so no Illusion racing. Pity on Saturday as it was a nice day, but Sunday was wet and pretty horrible so they were well out of it!

Lots of members around on Saturday & Sunday. Apologies to those who had to wait rather a long time for lunch on Saturday - suffice to say Danny was back on form again on Sunday - lunch was delicious. The previous Monday it had been very nice to have been able to welcome the ex-High Sherrifs for lunch following their annual Service.

No new pictures last week, so I have left the previous week's Illusion ones to brighten up your day!

18 - 19 October

Another nice weekend - particularly on Saturday. Excellent turnout for the first Illusion Regatta of the new season (the Trafalgar Trophy); well done to Mark Downer who ended well ahead of Bruce Huber & Raymond Simonds.

St Boniface Lodge Ladies night on Saturday was apparantly a great success & Sunday Lunch was well supported with a number of families down for half-term.

Although "work in progress", over the last couple of weeks, Rod has made a significant change to the Bar & Club Room by removing the stairs - something that has been talked about doing for sometime now. Finally, Mike & Carrie are now safely back after their break to recharge batteries.

11 - 12 October

The sun shone over the weekend which was particulay appropriate as Dr Keiren Cooney and his wife were celebrating their recent wedding with a reception in the Club on Saturday.

Mike & Carrie now on their way back from French Polynesia and send the last photos to brighten up your day!!

4 - 5 October

What a difference a week makes. Cold, wet and blustery weather conditions but even so, some 20 Legend Owners and 10 Opals still managed to make it over to Bembridge to enjoy the Club's usual hospitality and excellent food on Saturday evening. Sunday lunch was quiet but numbers were boosted by some of the Legends who, tempted by the thought of more food and warmth, decided to delay their departure. It was good to see Scottish Dancers back in force on Friday evening - this was the first dance of the season so numbers weren't as great as hoped but no doubt we will see a bigger group as the winter nights draw in!

A few brave Illusionists opened the Winter Series in the cold and pretty unpleasant conditions; others meanwhile were apparently working on improving their boats buoyancy so that they are able to pass the recently introduced buoyancy test.

Mike & Carrie continue to send their best wishes from French Polynesia (currently anchored just off Bora Bora Yacht Club!) and send a few more photos to brighten up your day!!

27 - 28 Sep

What a glorious final weekend to the sailing season. The sun was out and the Club saw lots of happy faces, many of whom were visitors, taking advantage of the clement weather and had sailed over to enjoy Sunday lunch on the balcony. Congratulations to Alan Morgan who celebrated his 90th birthday in style with a delicious lunch for his family & friends on Saturday. The Club Laying Supper that evening was a fitting way to round off a busy season, with over 40 members enjoying another excellent meal provided by Danny and the team.

Mike & Carrie meanwhile send their best wishes from French Polynesia and have sent a few photos to brighten up your day!!

12 - 14 Sep

Very busy weekend as it was the MOCRA (Multi-hull Offshore Cruiser Racing Association) National Championships. More boats than ever and it was good to see so many old faces. Paucity of wind made race officering somehat hit and miss, however we managed to achieve 5 out of 6 races. Congratulations to Mike Wigmore sailing his F28R Triptych who took first place on a count back with Pete Newman in Twister (F9R) second and Phil Cotton in Buzz (Seacart 30) in third. Commiserations to 3 Spirit (Austen Miller) whose mast fell down on Sunday; however, no one was injured and we managed to recover everything back to BSC late on Sunday afternoon so it could have been a lot worse. Some photos below but for the full results see the Recent Results page.

6 - 7 Sep

Another windy & wet weekend - well certainly on Saturday. Sunday was slightly better but with late afternoon tides, no one appeared for racing - pity really, they would have had a reasonable sail!

26 Aug - 1 Sep

Nice to still see a few families around during the week; busier weekend than expected with a number of members down for a wedding in the village! Reasonable but not too lumpy easterly breeze on Saturday; initially light and variable on Sunday although eventually a sailable south easterly kicked in.

19 - 25 Aug

A surprisingly busy week which culminated in record numbers at the BODA & Redwing Dinners on Friday & Saturday evening. Another very successful Grannies/shrimps week which was enjoyed by all - well done to Victoria & Kate for their organising and to Fiona for all her help with the shrimps entry to the St Helens Carnival which won 2nd place.

Windy for the most part out on water which was a pity for the less skilful on Oppy 4; excellent fleets of Redwings & One-Designs over the weekend.

11 - 18 Aug

Nice to still see so many members around during the week - particularly over lunchtimes. There was an excellent attendence at the AGM on Sunday evening.

On the sailing front, alas the BSC team lost to the SVYC team in the annual team racing on Monday. Despite a gloomy forecast, the Scow Parade on Monday evening saw a mixed BSC & BHYC fleet of about 40 scows much enjoy their sail round St Helens Fort. Wednesday was a horrible day with Chimet registering a gust of Storm Force 10 in the middle of the day. Not unsurprisingly the Cadet overflow Course & Oppy 3 both remained firmly ashore! Thursday and Friday were better so there were smiles all round by the end of the week. A better than average turnout for both days of the Club's annual Regatta on Friday & Saturday.

4 - 10 Aug

Another Cowes Week been and gone! Extraordinary, where does time go! The Salamander Ball on Thursday was voted a great success - well done to Charlotte & Mark Harrison who masterminded it all. Despite the rain (and wind), Saturday's Summer Ball was much enjoyed by young & old alike. Congratulations to the Ball Chairman - Clare Chalmers - and all her helpers for putting together a great party (sorry no photos currently available).

A small Oppy course during the week which seems to have all gone well - certainly lots of smiley faces around at the end of each day. No many One-Designs out during the week and alas the strong winds over the weekend kept all bar the very brave (or foolhardy) to stay ashore. Finally well done to Caroline Peel who was this year's Redwing Cowes Week Champion in Redstart II.

29 July - 3 Aug

Another very successful Cadet Week despite the early tides and variable weather. Lots of happy smiley faces so we must have got some things right! One of the high spots was the Talent Show on Tuesday - see photos below!

The BBQ on Saturday was well supported and although the rain held off, there was quite a cold breeze which resulted in a few families leaving a bit earlier than normal.

Minimal Fort Walk over the weekend, a few brave soles did make it out (and back) though!

21 - 28 July

As expected a busy start to the summer holidays with 52 children on Laser/Topaz Week & 46 on Oppy 1. Ladies that "scow" were also on the water albeit in not quite as large numbers as last year. Good tides and nice weather made for a very successful week. Well done to all the prize winners.

Disappointing breeze (or lack of) on Saturday for the re-scheduled Zanen Trophy but at least they made the West Princessa.

19 - 20 July

A busy instructor week which certainly kept Mike & Matt busy; and it was nice to see a few families down as well. Saturday saw the annual rush begin - lovely to see so many old friends & faces. Excellent Crab & Lobster Dinner on Saturday evening - well done Annabel for organising and Danny for such a delicious meal.

Quite windy on Saturday which put a few Redwings off, but overall two excellent days of keelboat sailing.

Well done to Will Toogood who was our only entry into the EWCC Oppy Regatta on Sunday which was run by SVYC.

12 - 13 July

Friday was a busy day with a very successful Wedding Reception late afternoon that continued into the early hours of Saturday. Well done to all - compliments flowed. The bar was also busy on Friday evening so well done to David & Danny who made sure that that members orders were also looked after very efficiently.
Surprisingly busy weekend with over 90 for Sunday lunch.
Bad luck to the RIB group who had planned to venture to Honfleur from Monday to Wednesday. In the event the weather on Monday put paid to any small boating and so the Humphray's, Llewellen's, Truman's & Samuelson's took the Fast Cat to Cherbourg and drove to Honfleur. Quite a crossing! Well done to teh Brtittany staff who coped brilliantly with 75% of the passengers succumbing to seasickness.

Nice breeze on Saturday and the Redwings made swift progress to Portsmouth via the Forts for the Nicholson Trophy. Not so good on Sunday with only a very light and patchy breeze.

5 - 6 July

A very quiet week with nothing special on either the Friday or Saturday evenings

Too windy for racing on either days although two or three One-Designs did venture out and harve a "friendly" race on Saturday once the wind had dropped slightly.

28 - 29 June

A busy week in parts with the successful launch of the Bembridge RNLI New Lifeboatt Appeal on Monday evening, and the Friends of Holy Trinity Church Summer Soire on Saturday evening followed by a BODA supper in the Club Room.

Superb sailing breeze on both days, although with typically difficult tides on the Round the Island Race weekend, there were reduced numbers of boats out enjoying it. Well done to Pete & Hayley Landon (and assorted crew from BSC) on board their recently purchased 25 year old 38 foot Mahjong of Taipie who came in 346th (and 17th in Class) out of the 1800+ entries. Pretty good considering the top of the mainsail ripped just off Yarmouth! After some excellent sewing by Neil Mitchell it was re-hoisted at the Needles and amazingly lasted for the rest of the race.

21 - 22 June

Peaceful week although the Adult Assistant Instructor Course on Monday & Tuesday certainly kept the Secretary on his toes! Concreting the Illusion/Scow Extension going well and should be complete by the end of this week. Good to see the Nelson Boat Owners here again for their Dinner on Saturday night - plaudits all round for the food and excellent service. Well done to Frank, Julia & Danny. They have already booked up for next year!

Good sailing breeze on Saturday for the nine Redwings that were racing; with only one One-Design out, there was no race. On Sunday, there was a Force 6 South Westerly and racing was cancelled. Sailing the Redwings in from Under Tyne was an interesting exercise - well done in particular to Joe Roberston who brought Red Gaunlet II in single-handed and moored her up with the minumum of fuss in quite testing conditions. Excellent seamanship and a lesson for us all!

13 - 14 June

Another quiet week. Repairs to Colonels Hard finished, as is the re-rendering of the Kitchen/Dinghy Park Wall. Franks' bar area has been re-decorated and is due to have some air conditioning installed this coming week. Nice to see the Victory Class over here on Saturday for their BBQ; David seemed very pleased with the new gas BBQs that we had purchased earlier in the year

Sunny and reasonably warm with just enough of a breeze on Saturday for the 3 Redwings & 4 One-Designs. Sundays variable breeze vanished just after the start which was frustrating for everyone.

7 - 8 June

Quiet week. Good progress on re-rendering the Kitchen/Dinghy Park Wall & on the repairs to Colonels Hard. Busy Friday evening and the BODA & Scow Supper on Saturday was well supported and delicious. Sunday's lunch was as always excellent but rather too much was wasted because of late cancellations.

Nice breeze and bright sunshine on both days provided some nice racing - patricularly for the keelboats. No BSC entrants (again) for the joint dinghy start that we were running over the weekend.

Remember that you can now check up on the weather at BSC by clicking on the appropriate blue bar above. Currently it is set to upload data from our new weather station sited on the top of the Dining Room roof every half an hour.

31 May - 1 June

Not a particularly busy weekend - indeed except for those attending the Adult Assistant Instructor and Powerboat courses and an excellent turnout for the mid-week lunch on Thursday, it was not that busy during the week either even though it was half-term. That said, a jolly evening on Saturday with Mike Cripps' croquet dinner and the Somborne Sailors supper.

Frustrating sailing weather on both days with slightly better breezes in the afternoon (which did not help as the tides had required morning racing!).

24 - 26 May

Busy weekend - particularly for the staff. On Friday it was No Fears Bridge in the Club Room and Shanklin Rotary who were entertaining the French colleagues in the Dining Room. Saturday and it was Opera on the Run - an excellent evening with some marvelous singing and a great atmosphere. Sunday lunch was in the Club Room to allow for an extremely successful civil wedding and reception in the Dining Room - thank you members for your tolerance

Disappointing sailing weather - Saturday was too rough to venture forth; there was almost too light a breeze on Sunday and Monday the wind was back up (well in the morning anyway, but that's a long story!) and racing was again cancelled.

17 - 18 May

Meetings weekend although with no Club social, not terribly busy. However Frank's wine sale apparently went well, and it was nice to be able to welcome some old faces from the Hallberg Rassy Owners Association who came to dinner on Saturday. Numbers on the water were limited, but further victories in the Redwings on both days by Joe Roberston must put him in the lead for the Margaret Phillips Trophy.

10 - 11 May

A quieter weekend - but great to see so much sun around! Light airs for those out on the water which required a bit of luck but also careful reading of the tides. Well done to Joe Roberston who was first in both Redwing races and to Jos Coad who came from last to first on the final two legs of Saturday's One-Design race. Also well done to the BSC team of John Cleave, Colin Samuelson, Oliver & Francesca Morgan who have brought back the Comninos Inter Club Scow Team Racing Trophy to the Club (well for 6 months anyway!)

Busy week around the Club with Rod & Charlie (with assorted helpers) managing to get the replacement Flag Pole erected; we also now have new windows in the Bar!.

Note that you can now check up on the weather at BSC by clicking on the appropriate blue bar above. Currently it is set to upload data from our new weather station sited on the top of the Dining Room roof every half an hour.

3 - 5 May

Probably a busier Bank Holiday weekend than for some years. Nice to see so many from Thorney Island Sailing Club on Saturday evening. It was a full house for another of Danny's delicious Sunday lunches.

Seventeen Redwings out on Sunday must have been a record. Certainly some keen racing in the light and somewhat fickle breezes. Well done to Tom Scott who won the Quail Trophy & James Bullin who won the Woodroffe Bowl.

26 - 27 April

A very successful Bridge Weekend - well done to Jennie Hardles who did all the organising. And a big thank you to Richard Wheen who proved to be a masterful teacher.

Some keen racing in the light breeze and bright sunshine on Saturday but it was finally cancelled on a dull Sunday - immediately after which a breeze appeared!

Congratulations to Laura Gosling & Angus Watson whose engagement was announced on Mon 28th April.

19 - 20 April

A busier weekend despite the continuing wintery conditions. The Illusion Long Distance race on Saturday was confined to the harbour and H over N was the order of the day for the One-Designs. The Illusion prize giving supper on Saturday evening was a great success and it was great to see 20 Illusions out in the somewhat milder conditions on Sunday. Well done to Bruce Huber who emerged as the winner of the final cup of the season (St George's Day Trophy) just ahead of Mark Downer. Two One-Designs made slow progress to Patch in the fickle conditions. Sunday lunch was enjoyed by over 40 members.

12 - 13 April

A very quiet weekend - sunshine and showers. Only sailing were radio controlled Lasers after the Biddle Christening lunch on Saturday. An excellent meal, very jolly atmosphere and a real family affair - a good time seemed to be had by all. Sunday lunch was particularly quiet - only 28 diners.

5 - 6 April

Another quiet week. Saturday evening's quiz night - superbly masterminded by Jennie & Vyvyan Hardless - was extremely well supported and great fun. Nice breeze for racing on Saturday for the Illusions & the One-Designs. Sunday started somewhat differently!! No BODs but a few Illusions did take to the water - mad!

29 - 30 Mar

Reasonably quiet week - probably due to the weather and confusing Easter holidays. NADFAS enjoyed their study day on Thursday and there was a very jolly No Fears Bridge on Friday evening. Over 40 members enjoyed another delicious Sunday lunch. No racing programmed as the tides were late; it was very windy on Saturday although actually rather nice on Sunday.

21 - 24 Mar

Easter is always one of the busiest times of the year and even though it was very early this year, and the weather was pretty dismal, it was great seeing so many members around & about.

The annual Ladies Lunch on Maunday Thursday was very well supported and there was high praise for Danny's delicious cooking. Similar comments were heard after the "sell out" Fish Supper on Friday evening which preceeded a fascinating talk by David Dorrell who had sailed a Shrimper around UK a couple of years ago.

Saturday's Race Officer supper was well supported and on Sunday it was another "sell out" Easter lunch - well done Danny & Tim.

Too windy for BODs on Friday & Saturday, however three ventured out on Sunday and four on Monday. The Illusions meanwhile managed one race on Saturday and four on Sunday. Details in Race Results.

15 - 16 Mar

A windy week with some very high tides (see last week's photos). No racing over the weekend as the tides were early/late.

It was a quiet Saturday but there were thirty five or so for Sunday lunch

Early last week the RNLI carried out a series of trials of the Mersey Class all weather lifeboat to see whether it would be suitable to fill the 18 month gap whilst the new lifeboat station is built later this year (and into next). The photos below show the trials (which were deemed very successful) underway on Silver Beach.

8 - 9 Mar

Some excellent Illusion racing for the Spring Plate. Many thanks to the Commodore & D for being the RO team for the weekend. Well done to Mark Downer who just managed to squeeze Bruce Huber from pole position to take the trophy.

Very windy on Sunday night and Monday which together with the equinox tides made for some interesting pictures (see below)!

1 - 2 Mar

No racing, late tides. Not the busiest of meetings weekends as quite a lot of Committee members were away skiing or in the sun! However, those who were around enjoyed a superb "Russian" evening on Saturday. The Mazaika Duo were every bit as good as they had billed and the ice-cold Vodka apparently slipped down very easily! Well done to Annabel Rhodes who did all the organising.

23 - 24 Feb

It was the Illusion Match racing weekend so lots of activity on the water; congratulations to Ian Southworth who beat Colin Simonds in an exciting final. There were no easy rides, James Wilson was 4th after a close match against Mark Downer.

The fillet of beef for the Redwing Club Winter Dinner was apparantly to die for - well done Danny! Sunday lunch was enjoyed by about 30 members.

16 - 17 Feb

Very quiet weekend; a nice 30 or so for Sunday lunch. Excellent feed back on the delicious lunch for the mid-week lunch on Thursday and the Bridge supper on Friday evening - well done Danny & Tim.

9 - 10 Feb

Quite a busy weekend (half term for many); sorry that lunch on Saturday was rather slow - we were not expecting so many people! Sunday's lunch was very well supported.

Glorious weather for the Illusion Valentine Trophy, albeit a paucity of wind on Saturday. Well done to Raymond Simonds who lead on both days despite some hot competition in the 20+ fleet.

2 - 3 Feb

Very sad but Wednesday's Thanksgiving Service for Bjorn Johansson was a very fitting tribute; Holy Trinity was packed and the queue to get into the Club afterwards stretched at one stage back to the Toll Gate Cafe.

The annual Beagle Lunch on Thursday was very well supported and there were probably 50 for Sunday lunch

No racing, very early tides; mind you just as well as there were very strong southerly winds.

26 - 27 Jan

Quite a busy week with another successful NADFAS Study Day on Thursday, an RSA (IOW) meeting and lunch followed by No Fears Bridge on Friday. Bad luck to the BSC team in the RNLI Quiz on Saturday evening who just failed to make the top 2 to go forward to the semi-finals.

Twenty "Illusionists" enjoyed almost perfect sailing conditions over the weekend.

Finally there was considerable excitment towards the end of Sunday's lunch when one of the deep fat fryers in the kitchen burst into flames; fortunately there were no injuries. The staff swiftly cleared the building to be on the safe side while the Secretary put his fire fighting hat on and managed to put the flames out with only minimal colateral damage!

17 - 20 Jan

Very quiet with a lot of local members away; however the mid-week lunchers (now being organised by Jill Dearden) had a quorum on Thursday and there was a good turnout for Bridge on Friday. Very quiet over the weekend with no sailing.

7 - 14 Jan 08

Relatively quiet - particularly with the Secretary & Rear Commodore Sailing away relaxing on the ski slopes!! The Bembridge Art Society had a very successful annual dinner on Monday 8th Jan despite the fact that the boiler had failed over the weekend and could not be repaired until the Tuesday. Sorry to the Scrabble Group who had a chilly game in the Salamander Room. Well done (again!) to Mark Downer who emerged the winner of Piers' January Jacket over the weekend four points ahead of Raymond Simmonds.

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