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Club News - June

Discover Sailing 2023 Report

Posted: Monday, 19 June , 2023

Whitstable Yacht Club were delighted to host their annual RYA Discover Sailing Day on Saturday June 17th. The objective was to share club members enthusiasm for water sports and sailing with the town opening the club facilities to visitors and providing 30 minute free of charge sailing or powerboat sessions for those willing to get their feet wet. Many had booked their sailing space online in advance, but we were blessed with a light to moderate breezes and a bright, mostly sunny day which encouraged curious passers-by to also find out what the club has to offer.
The sailing sessions ran throughout the day using a variety of boats to suit the ambition of our customers, from Topaz to Wanderer to a Dart 18, whilst powerboat trips were provided in one of the club’s ribs. A total of 87 newcomers took to the water, most having booked via social media or the WYC website. It was also great that 20 memberships were sold on the day bringing 48 new members to WYC, with many more taking club membership packs home.
Whitstable Yacht Club RYA Principal Jo Wyles and Chief Instructor Ruth Oliver led over 50 club volunteers to make the Discover Sailing Day such a success. Club Commodore Andy Jackson had the pleasure of welcoming Lord Mayor Councillor Jean Butcher and the Lady Mayoress Di Baldock to the event who also took a short trip on a rib.
Andy Jackson commented ‘It’s been great to give so many visitors their first taste of water sports Whitstable Yacht Club style and having the pleasure to see the smiling faces on their return to shore. Discover Sailing is our annual outreach to the town, and it gives our members a great opportunity to share the sport they are passionate about’.
Whitstable Yacht Club Discover Sailing Day was supported by Holidaycottages.co.uk, who have provided financial assistance to WYC outreach and cadet events throughout 2023.

Well done to Simon Reynolds - 5th veteran at the windsurfing Raceboard Championships in Germany!

Posted: Sunday, 18 June , 2023

Well done to WYC member Simon Reynolds who survived his first World Championships last week on a windsurf Raceboard ~33 years after he last sailed it competitively. 5th Veteran overall, 16th in the Silver fleet. Many friends made, and a fantastic time had!
The event, Raceboard World Championships, was held at Steinhuder Meer, 30km NW of Hanover, Germany. A total of 167 competitors from Argentina to Australia including all European Countries took part.

Julie Puckett

Posted: Friday, 09 June , 2023

We regret to report that Julie Puckett has passed away. Julie was an active sailing member for many years, most recently crewing Tasar dinghies.
She had fought illness and depression for a long time with great courage.
Her family will let us know when her funeral will take place.

Summer Series and updates to club racing

Posted: Friday, 09 June , 2023

Believe it or not we are approaching summer, at least according to the WYC racing schedule! The Spring Series finishes this weekend (June 10/11) and current forecasts suggest an end to the relentless strong north easterlies and a change to lighter winds and warmer temperatures – fingers crossed…
The following minor changes are planned to encourage participation of cadets and catamarans in the summer series:
1) All-in handicap and Laser starts for all races.
2) Additional 3rd Cadet start for June 24th, July 15th, Whitstable Week and Sept 2nd.
3) Shorter lap races for all classes, targeting 4 laps in 45 minutes for Lasers/All-in handicap (fewer laps for cadets, more for fast cats).
4) Lasers to sail triangle/sausage courses.
5) All-in handicap to sail triangle courses on Saturdays and windward/leeward courses on Sundays.
WYC major events (Whitstable Week, Town regatta and the August regatta) will have a single start per race, with the addition of a cadet start in Whitstable Week, to make racing as fair as possible.
The sailing committee hope that these changes will encourage members to join our summer racing programme.
Finally, can we remind you that our Discover Sailing day, WYC’s shop window to the world is on June 17th. Volunteers are still needed, so if you can help, please contact Jo Wylie or myself.
Good sailing!
Steve
Rear Commodore Sailing.