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With a disappointing attendance of only five participating boats, this year’s marathon did not get off to a promising start.

With very strong winds from the outset and forecast to  last, the outlook was challenging. Perhaps this prospect was the reason for only the steeliest launching their boats. However, the weather was dry with sunny spells and in the end made for a superb day’s sailing. The course had two beats with a nice mix of gybe and tack marks.

Were this just an ordinary race day it would have been a test of concentration enough and a challenge to body too. Add to that the ten hour duration and the picture becomes clear. It’s not called a marathon without good reason.

Numerous capsizes, often spectacular and in full view of a gladiatorial crowd at the clubhouse cheering and wanting to see blood, made for good entertainment.

As the hours progressed, tired sailors continued to battle, rarely being able to relax or drop their guard until that final sound of the horn signified a dignified end.

For those that participated they had every right to feel they had been worthy adversaries in what had been an epic event.

Congratulations to winners Andy Baxter and Commodore Tony Wetherell sailing a Laser radial.

Sunday 9th July will not be racing as usual.

Instead there will be three races vying for trophies.

The first at 11.30 is a handicap race for single-handers and the prize to win is the Prior Trophy. Mirrors are allowed to take part but only when sailed single-handedly under a single rated handicap.

Two afternoon races will follow at 1.30 and 3.30 and these are fleet races. There will be individual fleet trophies to be gained. Both races to count.

Restraint please on the start line – recalls are best avoided if you want a fighting chance.

Race fees will be £1 per race as usual.

Club event only. 

An excellent turnout for Wednesday evening saw seventeen boats participating in the handicap race on a balmy evening with a light southerly breeze. Eagerly awaited results sheet for the race here.

You’ll have to wait a bit longer for the series results.

The very first Streaker open event (Northern Paddle Series) on 10th June at Beaver SC was a great success. Eight visitor boats attended alongside eight home boats in very blustery conditions. Thankfully the rain held off and sailors enjoyed exercising their muscles and testing their inner core in a variety of wind strengths around a very manageable figure of eight course. Sadly for some the experience extended overboard with a number of capsizes not least on the approaches to the jetties after the races had finished. Thankfully there were warm drinks and food served in the galley to help them recuperate.

Beaver sailors were in contention with Jon Aldous winning the first race and Martin Penty the second but overall on points and final decision was Ian Priest of Scaling Dam Sailing Club. Congratulations to first three places and thanks and a warm welcome to all who attended. Results sheet here.

Thanks also to race officers and support along with galley team.

It’s time once again for the nets to go up. Canada and Greylag geese can make a considerable mess of our lawns and banks and the last thing anyone wants is to encounter goose droppings. They can make boat rigging or simply walking around a risky business.

It’s this time of year when they are the biggest problem when they have their young. They like to come ashore and feast on our delicious clover and grass but unfortunately they forget good toilet habits.
Whilst the nets may not look pretty, as you can see they don’t get in the way of sailing activity. Please be tolerant and continue to enjoy Beaver’s lovely facilities. Don’t forget to put the nets back across the jetty ramps once you have finished sailing and taken your boat out of the water. Thank you.

Congratulations to Tony Wetherell, overall winner of 2017 Beaver Spring Regatta sailing a Streaker.

Tim Waller claimed second place on a Topper and Stuart Burnett was awarded 3rd place on his Mirror.

The full results page, race by race and final positions is downloadable HERE.

Excellent boat turnout. Thanks go to Peter and Liz Hone for managing the races and to Julie Harris and Tim Bell for galley service. Final thanks to Stuart Burnett for prizes.

For those old hands that have been doing it for years Race Officer Duty is like riding a bike and nothing to get in a flap about. For those who have never done it before it can be a daunting prospect. Without a doubt, on the day there is much to do and much to think about. It really is a two man job once the fleet races start, with flags to hoist and watches to keep an eye on. To help those unfamiliar with the procedure there is a now a set of Race Officer’s Guidelines available to download from the Racing Calendar page. There is also a link to the RYA flags for racing.

 Bank Holiday weekend 28th/29th May beckons and heralds the Beaver Spring Regatta. That’s two days of sailing with six handicap races. Race fees are £8 or £5 if you can only attend one day. Camping is encouraged and campervans are welcome too.

Race Officer is Peter Hone so be prepared for some really keen rule observation and strict timekeeping.

If you don’t want to take part in racing, sail for leisure on the small lake. Try not to anger the fishermen by snagging their lines. Otherwise have fun and make it a bumper Beaver bank holiday.

Beaver sailing club will be a busy place on 10th June 2017. Firstly there is an open meeting (Northern Paddle Series) of Streaker class of boat. Details for that day can be found on the flyer poster. With good weather and full attendance it promises to be a memorable day of keen racing and friendly socialising.

Secondly, taking place is the Beaver Bash by York University Sailing Club. This is where Alumni teams race against YU current teams for the coveted James Way Cup. This is a big weekend with 2 days of sailing and windsurfing with as much emphasis on socialising and fun as the competition itself. Barbeque very likely.

Everything crossed for good weather then.