Comet Open

Twelve visitors from all over the South of England sailed at Burghfield’s Comet Open on 28th April despite the cold and wet day. However, there was a good wind blowing down the lake allowing the first beat of the first race to be set the length of the water. There were numerous changes in position in the first race, with Michael Ettershank (Eyott SC) eventually taking line honours. In race two Bob Dodds (Crawley Mariners YC) led for most of the race, but was caught by Burghfield sailor Chris Robinson when he almost capsized, and then sailed to the wrong mark. The last race was initially led by Chris Robinson, but he was eventually caught by Ian Stone (Maidenhead SC) who went on to win. However, Chris held off Bob in a tacking duel on the last beat to the finish second in the race, which was sufficient to win the event.

Please help us improve sailing provision at the club!

The sailing committee has, over recent meetings been considering what we might do to improve what the club offers for both racing and recreational sailors alike. To this end the committee has put together a survey that we would ask ALL MEMBERS to undertake so that we can, if requested, make changes to what the club offers.

The survey is aimed at all members, and, as a members club- YOUR VOICE COUNTS.

It should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete and would help the committee and the club immeasurably to ensure that it provides what you want out of being a club member. Please note: the most valuable information is made in the comments boxes so don't hold back your views!

Please complete the survey by Sunday 20th May 2012

Click below to take the survey.

SAILING SURVEY

Admirals Go to Sea 14th & 15th July

The Admirals Saturday Sailors have organised an alternative venue for their trip to sea this year due to the Olympics taking place in Weymouth and you are invited to take part. Places are strictly limited as the venue although a large club can only accommodate about 12 extra boats so please if you'd like to come along be sure you're fully committed or you'll be preventing someone else from enjoying the sailing. We will be going to Itchenor Sailing Club (in Chichester Harbour). The club is very well catered for with superb facilities (they have over 1600 members - half of which sail fixed keel boats). Although space is limited for storage and launching they will find us space to store our boats over the weekend on their storage deck and boats can be launched easily all day from their jetty. Sailing in the harbour is purported to be excellent and it certainly is a great location.

Whilst organised by Admiral's Saturday Sailors, we would like to encourage any member of BSC interested to join us.

For more details and how to book see Admirals go to sea

Oppie Club kicks off for 2012

BSC's Oppie Club kicked off again last Sunday 22nd April, with a great turnout from kids and parents alike.

Celebrating 25 years of introducing youngsters from the age of 7 to the fun of sailing, start Group for beginners and progressing through levels 1 and 2 and on to racing read more about BSC's Oppie Club here

Frostbite Series- Prize Giving

This Sunday 22nd April we will be holding the prize giving for the Frostbite series and the Commodore’s Cup. Please stay for lunch and cheer on the champions as they step up to the podium.

Charles Gilchrist
Rear Commodore Sailing

Wednesday Evening Racing kicks off this week

The first of the very popular Wednesday Evening Racing series is i just two days time, and though the temperatures might not be what we have come to expect at this time of year, the wind is looking good for this first event!
The pursuit starts at 6.50pm and runs for 70mins, don't forget that once off the water there will be a lovely supper available up in the club house to warm you up!

For those that raced last year your corrected personal handicap start time can be found by Clicking this link, those who are new to racing can find information about doing your first race here.

Look forward to seeing you on the water!

RS200 Winter and Spring Training

Following the cancellation of the first spring training the RS 200 fleet have organised a free training event on Saturday the 14th of April. Coaching will be run by club members Ian Sharps and Chris Martin and is open to all standards. Depending on numbers the training may be split into groups. The training will be tailored to suit those turning up and the conditions.

Participation requires pre-registration to ensure that the correct number of safety boats and driver can be booked.
If you intend to come along on this date please use the pre-registration link below and complete all elements of the form so that you can be easily contacted about the event. More details about the novice training will be available closer to the time.

Pre-register

Thanks, and look forward to seeing you there.

Ian Sharps and Chris Martin

Clive Eplet Talk Postponed

Tonight's Talk From Clive Eplet 'From Front to Back', has, due to unforeseen circumstances been postponed. If you were planning on coming to the talk we apologise for the inconvenience that this might cause, rest assured that the talk will take place at a later date!

National 12 Open Report 2012

The forecast was looking a little ominous before the event last Saturday,, with a high sitting across most of the country and so it was with a degree of trepidation that we set off for the club in the morning, arriving to beautifully sunny, though mirror like conditions. Visiting teams arrived, bringing the total to 13 teams, and started with a gentle approach to boat rigging. By 10.30 and the race briefing there were starting to be signs of wind rippling down the lake from the East. Was this just an increase in traffic on the M4 which borders the eastern end or were we in for a timely infusion of precious pressure from a sympathetic Thor?

Read more.....

Wed 28th March: 19:30 - Clive Eplett - Club Sailor: From Back to Front

Join us at the club from to hear a talk from Clive Eplett, author of "Club Sailor, from Back to Front"

The first time Clive went sailing was when he was still in a carrycot - but his parents misjudged the tide and he drifted back home. Strangely, this gave him the bug and he has been an avid dinghy racer ever since.

Having sailed virtually all his life, at championship and club level, he found himself coaching at his club, Frensham Pond - and from that start came the inspiration to write "CLUB SAILOR: from back to front".

The rationale was that, whilst there are lots of books aimed at beginners and many others written by Champions for those aspiring to reach the very top, there is nothing aimed at the stalwart majority, those who sail regularly at their club without every really getting better.

His writing style is conversational and light-hearted - sailing is supposed to be fun after all, so he thinks his guides should be too. And being written by a club sailor, for club sailors it neither assumes too much nor too little.

There's a charge of £5, and food will also be available.

Please use the booking link below by Tuesday Lunchtime so that the caterers can have an idea of numbers:

pre-register here

Sport Relief at Burghfield Sailing Club

Listeners to BBC Radio Berkshire will know that Tim Dellor, their Sports Correspondent, very gamely agreed to take on the challenge of 29 Olympic Sports in a week for Sports Relief. On Monday 12th March he arrived at BSC to take on his sailing challenge where three boats (Finn; Laser; and RS Vision) had been rigged for him to choose from.


More info here

Blaze Training Day - March 31st

Open to Blaze & Halo sailors of all abilities. Training on and off the water followed by a few races to put it all into practice. More details & registration here.

See you there.......

Optimist Easter Coaching: Tue 10th - Fri 13th April 2012

From Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th April 2012 there will be a 4 day Optimist coaching course at Burghfield Sailing Club. The course will be run by RYA qualified coaches.

Click here to find out more and to register.

2012 Topper Open

The 2012 Burghfield Sailing Club Topper Open event will take place on Saturday 17th March.

The event is open to helms of all ages (juniors, youths and adults), and we are expecting some 30 to 40 sailors from across the region to take part, spanning a broad range of ages and abilities.

More details

Topper Easter Coaching: Tue 10th - Fri 13th April 2012

*** Just two places left ***

BSC Junior Topper sailors - come and hone your skills during the Easter 2012 school holidays.

On Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th April 2012 there will be a 4 day Topper coaching at Burghfield Sailing Club for members. The course will be conducted by Tim Hulse as head coach and other RYA qualified coaches as appropriate.

There are three groups:

Boat Handling:
Start Racing:
Racing:

Whether you are relatively new to sailing your Topper, looking to transition from an Optimist or another boat, ready to start club racing or are already actively competing, this course will improve your skills.

Click here to find out more and to register.

Sailability Training Sessions Announced

Four training sessions for Burghfield Sailability are now confirmed. Details of the first below - others have more details on the calendar page for that event.

Wednesday 7th March 7.30pm: Introduction to Sailing for the Disabled.

This talk will focus on why sailing and boating is a great activity for the disabled, and highlight the many opportunities available from pottering on the lake to ocean sailing aboard a tall ship.

Wednesday 21st March 7.30pm: Using your Senses to Improve your Sailing.

Wednesday 4th April 7.30pm: Understanding and Catering for the needs of Disabled Sailors.

Saturday 7th April 9.30am: Practical training session

More volunteers to assist at Sailability sessions are always welcome, contact Pat, Jay or Andy Palmer-Felgate.

Optimist Winter Open, 2012

The popular Open meeting finally went ahead after a two week postponement due to the big freeze. Fortunately, the day saw a continuous force 3 with some mighty blasts to thrill those who took advantage of them and spill those who did not see them coming. With 40 boats entered in the Main Fleet and 11 boats entered in the Regatta Fleet, competition was going to be tough to get into the medals.

More Info...

Optimist Open: Cancelled

With the cold weather we are currently experiencing, the lake has started to gain some ice. The forecast for the next 24 hours is for temperatures to stay below zero and dip to minus seven. With little wind, we expect the amount of ice to grow significantly overnight.

Therefore, we have taken the regrettable decision to cancel the open meeting tomorrow. We are looking to reschedule to the near future and will confirm this in the next few days. Once we have a date we will offer to carry over the entry fee or issue a refund.

So that we don't spend all evening phoning around, if you have entered, please could you check your email and reply to the cancellation notice. Can you please also advise any other sailors that you know are planning to attend.

RS 200 Training Dates

The RS 200 Fleet, which has expanded considerably over the winter period, is organising two training dates this winter/spring. Whether you are an experienced circuit racer or someone new to the boat, there is training available which will suit you! Providing you are a club member all training is free to enter.

• Experienced racer training -Saturday 18th February 2012


• More novice/intermediate training Saturday 14th April 2012

Booking for the first date is now available, but don't hang about spaces might be limited.
Booking and more information