News at Whitstable Yacht Club
Club News
Great Fire of Whitstable 1869
Posted: Sunday, 10 November, 2024
An interesting bit of Whitstable history, before WYC, but involving buildings that once stood on our site:
www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/blaze-raged-so-hard-it-lit-night-sky-like-it-was-midday-315583/
2024 Prize Giving
Posted: Saturday, 26 October, 2024
The 2024 WYC prizegiving took place on Sunday October 19th to recognise the great performances of the year both racing and in support. Thanks must go to our sponsors Holidaycottages.co.uk and all of our committed and regular volunteers who ensured that 102 races were held in the year to date. It’s pleasing to see that the number of boats starting races this year is about 10% above 2023 reflecting on the strength of our club.
A full listing of the prizes awarded can be found below but mention should be made of the adults and cadets awarded Holidaycottages.co.uk bursaries that provide support for further tuition. Also worthy of mention are our ‘serial’ winners: Joe Barton in his Topper, Dickie Ledger and Sarah Oliver in their Dart 18 and Steve and Mei Baker in their Tasar. The special award winners are sometimes those who work behind the scenes in support of our racing and sailing – of special note are ‘Most Deserving Member’ Peter King, ‘Good Sportsmanship’ Donna Hender and ‘Contribution to Sailing’ Matt Young. Download the full list of prize winners here: 2024_Prizegiving_Edited.pdf.
Our racing season continues with the Winter series, the weather can be relatively mild and the sea is still warm so lets finish the year with some great turnouts!
WYC Winter Talks
Posted: Thursday, 24 October, 2024
A big thank you Richard Maltby for his talk on Saturday 19th Oct on the build up to Trafalgar, and why it was so important. It was very well attended and we all were all rewarded with a tot of run to toast Nelson! This was the first in our Winter Talks planned for the next 5 months. There was as a lot of interest in the planned future talks and so below are diary dates for you to note:
Thursday 14th November 7:30pm – Talk “Flying Dutchman at WYC”. The Flying Dutchman was the double-handed Olympic racing dinghy from 1960 to 1992. WYC was key in establishing this iconic class from hosting the 1959 World Championships, through to numerous National and European championships. There was a sizable fleet at WYC over the years with many stories to tell. Louise and Andrew Provan will present some of the tales of these E-Types of the Seas at WYC, as well as the chronicle of repatriating their own boat from Bordeaux.
Sat 18th January 2025 – 7:30pm Talk “Wearing the Red Trousers; Sailing across the Atlantic”. WYC Laser Sailor Paul Kelly (PK) lived for seven years on a 37ft ketch sailing around the East Coast of US, across the Atlantic, around the Mediterranean and elsewhere. He has many tales to tell, and lessons learnt!
Sat 1st Feb 2025 – 7:30pm – Talk “Crab and Winkle Railway”. WYC Wanderer Sailor and Historian Richard Maltby will present his history of the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway. There are many Firsts about the C&W, the 1st steam powered integrated transport system, combining the engineering genius of Thomas Telford (the harbour), George Stephenson (the railway) and son Robert (the locomotive). The Crab and Winkle was the 1st steam passenger railway, had the 1st tunnel and sold the 1st season ticket (for sea bathing). The Invicta loco was also a revolutionary design for 1830. It opened ahead of the Liverpool and Manchester railway, which followed 3 months and a change of reign later. The 6Nations Ireland v England match will be shown on the big screen in the Sea Room 16:45-18:45. Come and support your team, have a takeaway and then stay for Richard’s talk.
Friday 21st Feb 2025 12:30pm - Talk “Banksy National Treasure or Common Criminal?". Andrew Ashton will visit WYC again following on from his well-received talk on Beryl Cook, with another presentation on Banksy, a look at the artists life and work. As before Tizzy Lambert will be catering for lunchtime snack, and therefore there will be £5 charge for this talk.
Friday 21st March 2025 – 7:30pm – Talk “Defending the Swale”. Adam Taylor will take us on a journey of discovery along the Swale Channel and coast of the Isle of Sheppey. We will take a closer look at air, sea and land defences through time, and the birthplace of British aviation where Winston Churchill learnt to fly.
Whitstable Pearl - Season 3
Posted: Monday, 14 October, 2024
The third series of Whitstable Pearl is out next week, on AcornTV from Monday 21st October. This series was filmed from March to May 2024 in Whitstable, Reculver and Halstead at many local businesses and residences (including Whitstable Yacht Club!), and according to the Kent Film Office contributed an estimated £300,000 to the Kent economy! Its a great watch, especially to spot all those familiar locations, and if you want a preview (including a few bits of WYC) check out the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tup4rQwDkUk
WYC SUPER SOCIALS OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
Posted: Wednesday, 09 October, 2024
*THIS FRIDAY!* Friday 11th October 7.30pm – Karaoke night.
Calling all crooners! The gold sparkly curtains are back! Come along and warble/ murder/ yodel your favourite karaoke anthems in front of an enthusiastic audience! This is great fun and entertainment, either to take part or spectate!
Sat 12th October to 21st October – America’s Cup LIVE.
Ineos Brittania just need to win one more race today or tomorrow against the Italians Luna Rossa, and then they will be in the America’s Cup final against New Zealand. Coverage will be Live on the big screen from 13:00 at WYC, 2 races a day, starting on Sat 12 Oct. Bar will be open, have a lunchtime break and cheer on Sir Ben Ainslie and team, as they aim be the first to win 7 races, and claim the world’s oldest sporting trophy for the UK for the first time.
*THIS SUNDAY!* Sunday 13th October - Meeting of Sailors.
Please come along at 1pm(ish - depending on that day's racing) to hear an update on the Sailing Committee's plans, and to help influence the future of sailing at WYC!
Whilst there will be the opportunity to ask questions or raise points in the meeting, if you have any items you'd like to make sure are discussed, please contact Steve Gray in advance.
Saturday 19th October 7pm – Why the battle of Trafalgar is really worth remembering - an informative and amusing slide show with a talk by Richard Maltby.
Why Trafalgar Day (21st October) is worth Remembering. Collection proceeds will go to Westbere Sailing Opportunities.
Sunday 20th October 4pm – Annual Prize Giving.
The recent autumn weather is a reminder that the annual prize giving will take place on Sunday 20th October at 4pm, following the last race of the autumn series. Prizes will be presented for all completed series and regattas for the year making it an event not to be missed. Congratulations to our 2024 prize winners!
Saturday 2nd November 7:30pm– Music Club Gig – “Unplugged”.
It is the return of amazing Music Club gig. Over 30 brilliant musicians in various bands take on 28 songs... this time “Unplugged”. Iconic tunes given an acoustic twist, which will have you tapping your feet and singing along. Final rehearsals on Thurs 17th, 24th and 31st October. Come along for drink and watch the magic unfold.
Thursday 14th November – Talk “Flying Dutchman at WYC”.
The Flying Dutchman was the double-handed Olympic racing dinghy from 1960 to 1992. WYC was key in establishing this iconic class from hosting the 1959 World Championships, through to numerous National and European championships. There was a sizable fleet at WYC over the years, with many stories to tell. Louise and Andrew Provan will present some of the tales of these E-Types of the Seas at WYC, as well as the chronicle of repatriating their own boat from Bordeaux.
Friday 22nd November - MAD HAT DINNER & DANCE AT THE MARINE HOTEL.
To book: https://bookwhen.com/wycsocial/e/ev-sajm-20241122180000
MAD HAT DINNER & DANCE
Posted: Thursday, 03 October, 2024
Dinner & Dance at the Marine Hotel Friday November 22nd with great music from Hullabaloo. £55 per person.
This will be a popular event, so please book quickly by using the following link:
https://bookwhen.com/wycsocial/e/ev-sajm-20241122180000
AUTUMN UPDATE
Posted: Monday, 30 September, 2024
It's noticeable that the weather has changed as we head toward the end of the season, and I’d like to update on a few issues:
1) We have some rough weather forecast for this week – please make sure that boats are tied down securely on the beach.
2) Slotty has been moved to Conyer to avoid the bad weather and may not return this year – that means races will be managed from the club line. We don’t have Assistant Race Officers scheduled for the next two weekends, so if you are available to help and learn from an experienced Race Officer, please advise Sally or myself.
3) There have been a few situations where members scheduled have failed to turn up for their race duty. We appreciate that sometimes duties have to be changed for personal reasons but please advise your class captain and Sally of any issues and they can assist where necessary.
4) The Meeting of Sailors will take place on October 11th at 13.00 after the morning race – if you have issues that you wish to raise, please advise me beforehand.
5) The Annual Prizegiving will take place on October 20th at 16.00 after the afternoon race – we look forward to seeing you there to congratulate our worthy winners!
The Autumn and Winter series very often deliver some of the best racing of the year, so we look forward to some great turnouts and competitive races.
Good sailing!
Stephen P Gray
Rear Commodore Sailing
More
John Todd
Posted: Sunday, 15 September, 2024
We regret to report that John Todd passed away on 23rd August. Those that sailed Cadets and National 12s in the 60s and 70s will remember John, and the service sheet for his funeral service on 11 September included this photo of John sailing his Cadet "Shag": https://www.wyc.org.uk/images/uploads/John_Todd.jpg
2024-25 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS HAVE BEEN ISSUED
Posted: Sunday, 15 September, 2024
Membership renewals are now due for the 2024-25 membership year. If you have not received an email containing renewal information, please contact Sally (sailing.secretary@wyc.org.uk). Alternatively, you can complete the form online and send payment via a bank transfer directly to WYC via this link:https://www.cognitoforms.com/WhitstableYachtClub/WYCMembershipForm. Renewals are due by 31 October 2024, latest. We look forward to receiving your renewal. There’s still plenty of the season left to look forward to.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 3 NEW SENIOR SAILING INSTRUCTORS
Posted: Sunday, 08 September, 2024
Following an exacting and exhausting week of an RYA course held at the Club, WYC members Katie Berrington, Angelyna Gheur and Harry Wilson passed to become Senior Instructors with great accolades from the RYA. Congratulations must also go to Ruth Oliver, Club Training Manager, for the time and effort that she has put into their training.
CadetFest 2024 Report!
Posted: Tuesday, 27 August, 2024
Cadetfest 2024 - what a week, 38 children, 16 instructors, and force 8 winds! A cruise to Seasalter sailing club via Sand End, a cruise to Tankerton for an ice cream, windsurfing, beach and on the water games, recycled regatta, raft making and a fish and chip social to end the week! Thanks to all who made it possible including our sponsors HolidayCottages.co.uk, the cadets had a fabulous week!
Tony Foreman
Posted: Tuesday, 27 August, 2024
We regret to report that Tony Foreman passed away in late July. Tony was a long standing member of Whitstable Yacht Club. His funeral will take place on Monday 2nd September at the Herne Bay Crematorium. The wake afterwards will be at the Marine Hotel Tankerton. Old friends are welcome.
Whitstable Week 2024 - Report
Posted: Thursday, 08 August, 2024
Whitstable Yacht Club’s premier club competition, once again supported by Holidaycottages.co.uk, lived up to expectations with some great racing over five days, backed by some epic evening socials. Seven All-in-Handicap races were completed with a mix of strong, medium and light breezes giving conditions to suit most classes and sailors at some time for the 53 boats competing. See Yachts&Yachting online for the full report at https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/278081/Whitstable-Week
America’s Cup on the WYC TV
Posted: Wednesday, 07 August, 2024
The 37th America’s Cup starts in Barcelona on 22 Aug 2024 with a series of round robin races culminating in the Challenger selection Finals on 26 Sept to 07 Oct. This will select the team to match race against current holders NZ in the America’s Cup Final, which will be the first to win 7 races between 12-27 October 2024.
The key races will be on in the Big Screen at approx. 13:00 in the Sea Room via our EuroSport/Discovery Plus subscription. As with everything involved with sailing, all timings are liable to change dependent on the wind and weather!
https://www.americascup.com/original/m18901_240423-TIMELINE_AC-2024-timeline-img.jpg
Tea, Coffee, drinks and food for members
Posted: Friday, 21 June, 2024
We are delighted that the tea bar will be available to members as follows:
1 ½ hours before racing Saturday and Sunday. This will be for all drinks, snacks, sandwiches and toasties available from Keith's hut.
If you would like something to eat after racing (full Keith’s menu then available) please place your order and time required before racing to avoid a queue.
After racing a reminder that if Keith's is closed, tea, coffee and snacks are always available from the bar.
Any questions or issues, please contact the Club Manager!
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