South Bank Sailing Club Blog

Wednesday sailing came to its years end on this fabulously sunny December afternoon. Shame however that there was no wind – at first. Nevertheless it didn’t stop Andy, Don and Roland from showing the Thames who’s boss! Later on their persistence paid off and wind arrived which provided an hour and half of fun for the guys on the water. What fun to have midweek! I urge you all to book off a Wednesday in the summer next year and come and joined the Wednesday crew for a sail and a beer in the midweek sunshine! Thanks to Sara for providing voluntary safety boat/towing cover. Jamie  

The morning sun shone warmly as a good turnout of southbankers enthusiastically launched their boats onto a windless Thames. Apart from some inventive manoeuvring from Joseph to get above the line, the 13-strong fleet set off around a sausage course along the North bank. Potential new member Peter was kindly assisting in the race box. To give an idea of the wind strength, when asked who was at the front of the fleet, he replied… Depends if that boat is going that way on purpose. … and shortly after, without prompt … When do you normally tow? Given the low wind, the fleet returned round the top mark after 30-35 mins, and the seemingly obvious decision was made to shorten the (three-lap) course to just two. No sooner had that been conveyed to the sailors, that the wind picked up nicely and the second lap was speedily completed. After the race, the main event began as we enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies. It would have put me in a tricky situation to try both Allan and S...

Something obviously stirred in our sailors this grey winter’s morning, because a fleet a dozen-strong turned out for the upriver race. The North Easterly wind got Allan and I thinking – let’s try something different. So a 3 buoy course was laid on the South Bank, with the bottom buoy the Ranelagh side of the starting line. Suggesting a ‘big sausage, small sausage’ course backfired slightly when I had to somehow fathom which lap the sailors were on as they whizzed backwards and forwards past the race box! But Andrew Linford and I had a system and somehow kept track. It was a very entertaining race, with positions changing all over the place. At one point Jamie even snuck past Renato. Jamie then had a ‘difficult spell’ and decided to let Renato take the spoils – except he didn’t. Who knew that leading the chasing pack, Henry Koe’s Topper handicap was inching closer and closer on adjusted times? In the final analysis, Renato (who ...

With Storm “Angus” pummelling the UK’s coastlines, gusts of 106mph were recorded off the Kent coast and up to 59mm of rainfall resulted in widespread flooding and major incidents across the UK. The forecast for the Thames was somewhat less biblical but nonetheless formidable with gusts of 32kts and six courageous sailors braved the elements for Campbell 11 to defend their standing in the series. Taking some solace in the knowledge that the low height of tide would offer a degree of shelter from the Autumn gales gusting over the river embankments, a comprehensive range of sail sizes was opted for, with Steph, Matthias and Sara’s cautious but strategically handicapped Laser 4.7s and small Solo sails, Allan and Henry’s moderately rapid radials and Renato’s speedy full rig Laser forming the line-up. By general consensus it was agreed that the race start should be postponed by an hour, to take into account the likelihood of the tide turning late, which in conjunction with the low temperatur...

Following the bonfire extravaganza we had a great turnout for today’s downriver on a sunny and windy but cold day. The wind scared most into taking cut down sails but dropped down just in time for the start.  I had the dream team of Armand, Ben, Sam and potential new member Christina in the safety boats – thanks for that, Ollie! Hugh and Gary in the Xenon and Roland and Anne in Roland’s new topaz (watch out Edmund!) were above the line at the start gun and the Xenon valiantly made its way back without losing too much time.  The topaz was forgiven and allowed to start soon after the others taking a small time penalty.  The lower winds helped Renato and Ollie (in laser fulls) to pull considerably ahead of the others.  Further back Jamie and Henry were neck and neck and finished within 2 seconds of each other.  But Jane and Amy in 4.7s took 3rd and (separating Jamie and Henry) 5th spots respectively due to their handicaps.  Showing how every second counts! With three peop...

I just wanted to post some photos which conjure the lovely atmosphere at our Bonfire Night celebrations. Warming mulled wine, the Koe boys keeping the home fires burning, an epic beach blaze and a magical experience for the little ones. Could only be topped by a midsummer night party? Jane

Campbell Race 6 Campbell Race #6 commenced with Jen trying her hand at Race Officer for the day, ably assisted by the stylish Bob Jackson in the SBSC safety boat. Luckily for everyone, Jane Deith caught the glimmer of fear in Jen’s eyes at running the race alone and gracefully gave up the notion of having a lovely gentle Saturday bobbing about in the safety boat and came to the rescue in the RO box instead. ‘Twas decided, after some reflection over the whispering Southerly wind, to delay the race by 30 minutes in the hope that the wind would come out to play. It was then decided to delay the race further as the rowers next door were launching onto the water at the same time. Only fair to allow all our South Bankers a fighting chance to get to the start line on time!  After consultation with Steph and Renato, a gate course was decided upon and the sailors were briefed. Using the nearest two red rowing marks on the south bank and placing two yellow buoys on the opposite bank gave our plu...