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For more information about how Proctor can improve your boat's performance,
and for your class mast data sheet, call
01489 484000.
You've nothing to lose.
Fax: 01489 487487
PROCTOR
,..
,
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Next Issue
Copy date for the Summer 2004 issue will
be 4th May 2004
Contents
Commodore's Corner
Good Launch Guide
Pamela Geddes
Racing Secretary's Ruminations
Kirkbrae House, Langhouse Rd, Inverkip,
Racing in The Finnish Lakes
Greenock. PAI16 OBJ.
Dee Sailing Club
T:0455237Warsash
Roundup
El 01475 521327~ og~u
Racing Calendar 2004
Emi dtrwyae~r~kUKWA
Boat Tents
My frstsailng
ear24
Don't forget, when sending in your copy
Myfrtsingea
to add who wrote it and the boat number,
Sail Past
please. Also for photos or illustrations, so
Hail and Farewell
that credit can be given. Thanks.
Skerries Sailing Club
The Long Motor
Two Day Sails
The 2003 Inemnational Rally
Ghost Ship
Winier at Parkstone
Wayfarers at Royal Harwich
Evey effort has been made to make the
St John River Cruiise
information as accurate as possible. NewWayfarer International Rally 2003
erteless. neither the UKWA, nor its CorCruising Calendar
iintes or Editor willaccept responsibility
Is this What it's all about?
for any error, inaccuracy, omission from orANotseCrsig6
statement contained in it. The responsibility
A Wayfarer Cruising in Pakistan
for safety lies with the boat and it's crew.
My Introduction to Cruising
Message from your New Chairman
For Sale
Class clothing order form
Index to Advertisers
5
7
10
13
16
18
20
22
25
26
28
30
33
35
37
39
40
46
5I
53
57
65
69
73
75
81
82
UKWA and the Data Protection Act
Membership records within the scope of the
Cover photo generously sponsored by
DPA 1984 are held on computer by the AsPotter Bros., John Parker and Proctor
sociation and mnemers objecting to such data
Mat(Sdo)
being held should write to the Secretary;Mat(Sdo.
Sarah Burgess. 49 Seaview Avenue, West
Photo by Richard Readings.
Mersea. Coichester. Essex CO5 8BY.
Tony Cooper and scott Hamilton at the
sail past at the London Boat Show 2004
Spring 2004 Issue 101
3
WWinter 2003 Issue 100
Pamela's Prattlings
Well here we are again in the grip of winter, rain and hail beating against the window. I'm
nice and snug in the Family room with the coal fire blazing away, with the poor dog at my
feet with half her fur shaved off following a major operation, whilst poor Graeme is trying
to find the leak on the boat (we get more rain in than sea water).
Hope you are all well on the way to finishing off any projects, repairs and improvements,
ready for the start of the season again. I'm beginning to realise what hard work sanding
off the varnish to bare wood is, as Graeme keeps bringing more bits of the boat home.
Thank heavens for Hard Finish remover.
We are really missing our Wayfarer. There have been some really wonderful winters days
here when a sail would have been perfect (cold, but perfect).
Just imagine it, brilliant blue sky, amazing blue sea, force 2/3 wind. All snug in thermals,
winter sailing gloves and oillies, with a thermos of coffee. All this and some of the most
wonderful scenery and sailing grounds in the UK.
If anyone fancies this, please call me, we would welcome anyone to call. We have room
to park your car and trailer, so no worries about leaving it. Also spare room to put you up
so you can go on your way rested. Or if you're sailing past call in. Both Largs and Kip
Marinas are fine, unfortunately the coast, with few exceptions, is not friendly to beached
boats (lots of small rocks abound).
Don't forget, all contributions, articles, letters, emails, photographs and illustrations are
always welcome. As are comments on published articles.
Have you seen the web site lately? It's absolutely brilliant. Loads of information, pictures, diary dates and results. It's so easy to use and the background pictures make it a joy
to visit. Well done to Dave Moss our web master on a superb job.
Elsewhere in the magazine you will find details of the Good Launch Guide, this will
ensure you know what is available at any chosen launch site. So, no nasty suprises when
you arrive to find a one in four slope that dries out, leaving a drop at the end. There are
also details on hiring a boat tent, so you can try it out to see if you like it or just to enable
you to spend a couple of days away and reach that special place you would like to visit,
but is just too far to reach, when you have to return to base. Speak to Rob Wagstaff, he
would love to hear from you.
Cheers.
Pamela
4
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Commodore's Corner
At last year's AGM, John Doerr, our guest
speaker, confessed to a feeling of deja
vu when listening to the debate on rule
changes. In 25 years absence from the
UKWA nothing had changed. Slot gaskets
that had once been a burning topic took a
quarter century before being agreed last
year (and I believe still remain a topic of
c'onversation, at least at my club!),
John's feelings mirror my own after
several EXCOM meetings that have been
dominated by issues which have been
around for the past decade or so. I have
had conversations and seen correspondence
on the subject of wooden boats and hull
shape that go way back into the dim past.
Battles that were never fully resolved have
flickered and flared into life again. Do
these arguments have to last a full 25
years before finally being put out? I hope
not. By reviewing a subject that affects a
minority of Wayfarer owners I will try to
avoid a future speaker at a Wayfarer event
referring to the problem of wooden hull
compliance,
In WNews Issue 100, an article focussed
on two boats. Each of the owners of these
boats has had them comprehensively
rebuilt by an unlicensed professional boat
builder. Doubts expressed as to whether
they complied with the full description
of a Wayfarer led to an inspection by an
independent 1SAF scrutiniser during the
summer of 2003. A Report followed which
eventually led to the Copyright Holder
invoking his authority requiring the UKWA
to declare the boats illegal. This action
was taken, but subsequently was judged
to be too harsh. Counter action to overturn
Spring 2004 Issue 101
the decision prevailed and the boats were
given a conditional reprieve. One looks for
reasons beyond the difference of opinion
that is normal in committee work for what
occurred. The very longevity of which
we are so proud masks a weakness in the
rules applying to wooden boats. From
the introduction of the boat in the 1950's
up until the 1980's it was not anticipated
that wooden boats would last so long, nor
that they could develop and continue to
command such loyalty as is evidenced in
this magazine. lan Proctor Designs have
been conciliatory in order to find a solution
in the short term and then have intervened
to re-measure the two boats to verify both
hull shape and material content against the
specification which they alone control. An
outcome is awaited.
Such a situation should not be allowed to
occur again being wasteful of the resources
of the class, our builder and of the
copyright holder. These resources would be
better applied to ensuring a healthy class
association.
Several members of the EXCOM are
convinced that sound new rules governing
wooden boats must be put before the
UKWA and all NCAs in time for the year
2005. Anyone with an interest in the future
of the class who still feels able to make a
contribution to the debate isurged to write
to the WNews editor and to the EXCOM
chair.
A single supply route, which was, and
remains, the result of market conditions in
the UK, has also proved to be an irritant
to some, leading to calls for the licensing
5
WV
commodore's Corner
of more builders. The copyright holder has resisted such calls fearing that the reduced
commercial viability arising from two or more builders in the UK could result in failure
for all. Wayfarers of both wooden and ORP construction would cease to be built and a
sharp decline of the class association could follow on from that forecast. Second hand
boats in all forms of construction could not sustain a healthy class association. Our
fortunes are intertwined with those of our builder, requiring that we give Porter Brothers
continued support to better secure our joint future.
Aside from the rules, there is the comparison of the aesthetics of the two hull
constructions. Is it possible for the GRP hull to be imbued with the mystic qualities of the
old Mkl? I have asked Mike Porter on the stand at the Southampton Boat Show if the
GRP hull could be personalised. Mike points out that there isa vast GRP colour range
to choose from but that customers are not generally adventurous. Are there possibilities
beyond single hull colour? I'll leave that for members to decide.
A positive outcome of what [ describe has been a healthy flow of articles in this magazine,
with more promised. The editor at least, can be pleased.
This is my last introduction to the magazine, and I would like to take this opportunity to
thank the members of the EXCOM with whom I have worked this past year. I also thank
Keith Proctor oflIan Procter Designs, the Copyright Holder, for his enormous contribution
over the past many years. Roger Proctor has taken over from Keith in this role for the
future.
Jack Chippendale has announced his retirement as a Class Measurer this January and has
been sent his Commodore's letter of thanks for his service to the UKWA. We are sorry to
lose him.
Congratulations to all trophy winners for 2003.
UKWA members should know that I support the new EXCOM when they take up office.
I hope you, the membership, will support the work they do on your behalf by attending
rallies and races throughout 2004.
I wish the UKWA team success inToronto.
Good Wayfaring!
Chris Sayers
Commodore
6
Spring 2004 Issue 101
THE GOOD LAUNCH GUIDE 2004
THE GOOD LAUNCH GUIDE 2004 has just been published in association with
www.boatlaunch.co.uk both designed to make launching your boat as easy as
possible.
The new edition includes a number of photographs and short articles on trailer
boating.
For many years the Association has maintained a directory of launching sites
suitable for the Wayfarer. It has become increasingly time-consuming to keep this
up to date, so here is a new alternative.
The Guide covers both coastal and some inland launch sites suitable for large and
small craft. Entries include details of access, charges, type of ramp, facilities,
car parking, directions and hazards. A useful feature is the inclusion of contact
telephone numbers.
If you have access to the Internet you can see the details on screen - you can
also update the entries or provide new information via the website. This includes
detailed descriptions of the ramps and local facilities, street maps showing exact
locations and photographs of featured slipways.
Both the Guide and the website will be very useful to Wayfarer sailors looking
for information on where to launch, as much of the information is considerably
more up to date then the existing Association directory. The Guide is sponsored
by Honda.
Copies of the Guide are available to Association members at a substantial
discount:
£6.50 including postage + packing
available from:
Rob Wagstaffe, 36 Castle Road, Wootton, Woodstock, Oxon 0X20 i EG
Tel: 01993 811027 email: rwagstaffe~canvaswindmill.co.uk
S'-pring 2004 Issue 101
7
EDGE ONE DESIGN
Unit 10 Kensington Court
Kensington Road
Earlsdon
Coventry CV5 6GG
'
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Tel: 02476 711716
Wayfarer
Deluxe Custom Cruising Sails - Includes:-Contender
-Slab
-Genoa
-Rutgerson
-Two
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6oz Supercruz
Reefing as Standard
Window. Main if required
Hardware, Nos., insignia, Telltales
bags, Battens
stitched and glued seams
reinforced stressed areas, for superior durability and performance
Main
Genoa
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NO ONE ELSE GETS CLOSE TO THIS
£137
£188
£ 99
QUALITY OF SPEC FOR THESE
PRICES -GUARANTEED!
VISITORS WELCOME
Extras: Additional Slab Reefs £39, Foam Head Buoyancy £38
Prices fully inclusive (delivery extra)
Budget/Schooi Sails
Main £198, Genoa £95
Racing Sails in 4.46oz Polycote
Main £365, Genoa £138
Please phone Jon Clarke for full specification
Wayfaring Holidays
Yyour boat or ours in the PEMBROKESHIRE NATIONAL PARK.
lwaterway described by Nelson as "The second
L
natural harbour in the world"
IMA GINE...
Waking up to this view each morning in a really friendly atmosphere,
then planning how to get maximum pleasure from' your ,day.
* Will it be dinghy sailing alone or in company?
* A skippered cruise to the sea?
* A trip to the islands?
* A coastal or woodland walk, spotting wildlife9
* Painting or drawing or a visit to a gallery?
* Visiting places of historic interest? Or
* Doing absolutely nothing 5
WE PROVIDE...
* En suite rooms with estuary views, tea/coffee making facilities, TV,
radio, hairdrier
* Full English breakfast and scrumptious evening meal
*Unlimited
sailing with full use of dinghy fleet - Toppers, Lasers,
Wayfarers, Kestrel, Tepco, Otters, Flying Fifteen etc and use of
canoes
* Slipway, moorings, tenders, boat/trailer park
* Studio for painting or drawing, with tuition if required
* Anything else to make your holiday happy and memorable
- All the above are inclusive, only wine and packed lunches are extra
*Also available to house guests are small, well-equipped sailing
cruisers
For details phone John & Fiona Cuffing STAYSAIL 01437 890078
WVVRacing
Secretary's Ruminations
Well, another 'International Year' comes
around again and with another full race
programme already sorted there is no
excuse for not getting out on the water and
enjoying a full year's on-water jousting
and apr~s sail activities. Forget all those
unfinished winter projects; they can be
resumed next December!
The UKWA events kick off with training at
Waldringfield on April 17th-18giblead again
by the inimitable Michael McNamara and
with the offer to leave the boat over from
the previous weekend's Waldringfield Open
meeting. The Eastern Championships
in May are at a new venue for Wayfarer
Racing, Royal Harwich YC on the beautiful
River Orwell. The Nationals (a three
day event this year) are on June 4'h-6'
at Blackwater SC, as always a popular
Wayfarer venue. The Southerns are at
Lymington Town in June with Tony Sinee
and his team ensuring a warm welcome.
The Westerns are at another new venue for
Wayfarer championships, Starcross YC.
Starcrss is the home not only of Phil and
Philip Lowndes, but also the McGraths
and now Robin & June Barker, having
moved up from Falmouth. We should see
some fireworks! All UKWA entry forms
and Notices of Race can be found in the
yearbook and also on the web site, together
with relevant links.
Speaking of Robin, he was able to secure
tentative funding for containers and seafreight for the Internationals at Port Credit
YC in Canada this year. (31I t July - 9
August) Many thanks to Robin for getting
the ball rolling. Stewart Reed has picked
up the baton and has confirmed an offer of
two free containers with sea-freight plus a
favourable rate for all additional containers.
Stewart has also sorted out pick-up costs
from Porters at Emsworth and Felixstowe
10
area to Port Credit YC and return. As I
write it is not confirmed whether three or
four six-boat containers will be going. This
time, it is being arranged that every entry in
this group pays the same amount - no I" or
2,d class citizens!
The finale this year is at Bough Beech for
the Inland Championships; this gives plenty
of time for the International competitors
to get back and tell us all about it! 1 look
forward to their reports and photographs in
the WNews and on the web site.
The programme for 2005 is beginning
to take shape and we should see it in
embryonic form on the web site soon. So,
please all clubs and fleet captains, book
your spots as soon as possible, so that
we can co-ordinate our events and avoid
too many clashes. Also for 2005 we are
discussing the possibility of a l European
Championships. This could be a 'one
off' event to start with and if successful
could lead to a regular event at intervals
to be decided. Holland is the likely venue
being accessible from Denmark as well
as the UK. I managed to get to the Dutch
Nationals last year and the venues, race
management and facilities are superb and
with a very keen NEDWA organisation I
look forward to a very successful inaugural
Europeans. All other ideas and suggestions
for 2005 greatly appreciated.
Speaking of 2005, this is my third and
last year as UKWA Racing Secretary so
anybody who wishes to take on the job for
2005 onwards is welcome to get in touch
with me so that we can ensure a smooth
handover. I remember my predecessor
John Reed wrote that I had a 'safe pair of
hands'. Only today I heard on the radio
that this means I can keep 'all the balls in
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Racing Secretary's Ruminations
the air'. It has certainly felt like ajuggling
act at times and 1 would be the first to
admit that one or two balls have fallen into
the drink. But the job is made much easier
these days by email and having our web
site as a 'database' and having an able and
willing Webmaster. Not leaving everything
to the last minute helps a lot too!
Since the last report your UKWA
committee has continued to hold a straight
and steady course with the wooden boat
issue despite all kinds of missiles coming
in from occasionally surprising directions.
However a process was agreed for the
profile measurements of the two Wayfarers
against a selected range of typical
Wayfarers. The measurements were carried
out by an RYA measurer to maintain a
level of independence, although the final
analysis has yet to be published. I would
like to thank Roger Proctor representing
the copyright holders for supporting and
financing this measurement process. This
is just the first step in a process to address
the shortcomings in the rules; this is a
mjor task and we have to take one step at
a,time. Throughout all this process Tony
Cooper our R&T Chairman has steered a
clear path, taken an impartial view for the
good of all Wayfarer types, with the longterm aim of bringing clarity and fairness to
the measurement systems. We owe a debt
ofgratitude to Tony for the huge amount of~
V
of the special trophies is the Travellers
Trophy, going to Ian Porter and Kevan
Gibb for best overall performance in the
championship events. So congratulations
to all these winners!
I would also like to thank Gordon Oscroft
of Grafbam Water (another embryonic but
abounding source of Wayfarer activity) for
loaning his boat for the Dinghy Show. See
you all there!
Ray Scragg W7698
i
commitment, time and enthusiasm he has
put into this task.
Back to the more important issues of
sailing I am pleased to say that in 2003 The
Neil Rushton trophy for most improved
helm went toAuriel Gibson showing a
huge leap up the rankings. Phil & Philip
Lowndes win the Mary Hinton Trophy for
the best showing both in open meetings
and championship events. Finally the last
Spring 2004 Issue 101II
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Email received from Alan Wilson:Having spent many years as chairman of the R&T committee I was interested to
read in your last issue that there is now a growing interest in wooden boats.
That does not surprise me as it is how the boat was designed and it is very
difficult to copy in reinforced plastics. For flat panels plywood is unbeatable in
terms of stiffness per Lb. per £.
The difficulty is that there have never been any measurement rules to control the
shape of a wooden hull e.g. rocker.
The original jigs were to help builders build Wayfarers, not to stop them building
something faster perhaps, which at that time was not their objective. Amateurs
had also to build using kits from one supplier.
About 1980 I measured several professionally built wooden boats and found that
rocker shapes varied significantly. Nipegegi had considerable rocker whereas
Wendella had much less .You may say that that goes to show it makes no
difference but you cannot without saying that the helmsmen, rig and sails were
the same and they certainly were not!
It's not easy to make such measurements but I would hope by now the
Association could afford to buy a set of templates so that the job could be done
properly. Otherwise I fear the class could eventually lose its one-design status.
Alan Wilson
[he above letter was received by the Editor and is reproduced here.
Please be advised that any information or opinions expressed in the magazine are not
lecessarily those of the UKWA and the publishing of such views in the magazine does
aot represent an endorsement of such views by the UKWA.
12
Spring 2004 Issue 101
A Wayfarer Races in the
Finnish Lakes
The town of Savonlinna lies about a
hundred or so miles north-north-west of
St. Petersburg, in the centre of the Finnish
lake district. It lays on an archipelago of
islands at the confluence of three great
lake systems, Haukivesi to the north and
northwest, Purivesi to the northeast and
Pihlajavesi to the south, themselves all part
of the Saimaa Lake System that covers the
whole of southeastern Finland.
It has an ancient castle built in 1475 to
guard the waterways on the borders of the
Russian and Swedish empires. Throughout
July the castle is the main venue for an
opera festival. And to coincide with the
start of the opera festival, the local sailors
stage a Regatta.
Having married a Finnish girl from
Savonlinna in 1971, I had spent many
summer holidays there. In June 2003, I had
brought a Wayfarer all the way from the
Norfolk Broads and I was determined that
it should enter the Opera Festival Regatta.
There are sailors who can make a boat
shift in a dead calm, and fly in light airs,
who can seek out each occasional vapour
and move from ripple to ripple, taking
advantage of every zephyr. I am not such a
sailor,
It was with a sinking heart that I woke on
the morning of the race, to discover a flat
calm.
The day before, my daughter and I had
sailed Wayfarer 9029 'Boaticea' from
our family cottage about six miles into
the main town harbour where we moored
overnight. We had sailed in a stiff
southeasterly breeze in something just over
an hour. My daughter was flying home
the next day, so my brother-in-law Olavi
(or Olli to his friends) had agreed to crew
for me. When we met that morning my
first question was whether the race would
be cancelled. 'Certainly not' he told me.
The race committee had just reduced the
Spring 2004 Issue 101
distance. The Class 2 and 3 boats (we were
in Class 3) would now have a course of
only 13 sea miles. 13 sea miles? Did I
catch that correctly? I had.
The course was shaped like two petals
of a flower; two large loops around two
different archipelagos returning each loop
to sail through the main harbour.
In view of the total lack of wind I decided
our first task was to remove as much
equipment from the boat as we could,
including the plastic bucket sometimes
used as a toilet.
Suddenly the harbour was full of boats.
There were boats of all shapes and sizes,
and all of them, without exception, larger
than Boaticea.
The Class I boats started. They were of the
50 feet plus variety, about twelve of them,
on a Grand Prix circuit, sailing through the
summer all the Finnish regattas in turn.
As the sound of the starting gun rolled
across the water, a faint ripple of breeze
blew across the harbour, as if the gun had
created it. And the boats set off to the
first headland. It looked to me like a fine
reach, but they raised spinnakers and with
a speed that made me suspect some secret
and unlawful method of propulsion they
disappeared.
The Class 2 and 3 boats were all in the
second start. It was soon clear to me that
this was more fun run than serious race. I
recognised the shouting and calling as the
friendly banter I am familiar with from the
backmarkers in races on Rollesby Broad.
Then I saw an enormous puff of smoke
from the committee boat and assumed it
was safe to cross the line. It was a few
seconds later before the sound rolled across
the water to us. Gently, we gathered speed.
Third boat across. 'Well done', said Olli. I
thought he was a little impressed.
13
~A
Wayfarer Races in the
Finnish Lakes
Unfortunately, in my attempts to keep in
the wind, we were almost at the leeward
end of the start line. All the bigger boats
were to windward of us and slowly passed
us. "By the way,' I said to 0111. 'It is one of
the unique characteristics of the Wayfarer
design, that if things do not go according to
plan it is usually because the crew has done
something wrong.' 1just wanted to make
that essential trth clear. He laughed. He
thought I was joking.
We entertained ourselves for a little while
with a discussion about who was the
skipper and who the crew. His country: my
boat. I think I won the argument.
We tacked round the first headland, out
of the harbour, and onward along the
windward shore of an island. The breeze
was increasing (filling in or getting up or
whatever). Then it veered (or backed) and
by the half waypoint boats were raising
spinnakers,
'Heh, Olli. Whatever boat is that?' came a
shout across the water.
'It's a Wayfarer. It's an English boat.'
'What's it keel weigh?'
'It doesn't have one...'
'(Expletive expressing surprise) So where
do you go when it rains?'
'Don't know.' said Olli.
'(Further expletive expressing
commiseration) What do you do when you
need the toilet?'
'Don't know: I suppose we'll have to land
somewhere and take a walk in the forest.'
Of course, this was all shouted in Finnish,
and I can only provide a very rough
translation. I did not think that Olli had yet
appreciated the virtues of the Wayfarer.
The fickle wind faded. The group of boats
ahead of us seemed to have just a little
more wind than we did. But then again the
boats behind seemed to have less than us. It
was the old familiar story. The fleet spread
out. Somehow, two boats to windward
14
refuised to overtake us and refused to allow
us out of their shadow. We did not actually
stop, for there was still a slight disturbance
floating to the rear of the transom, but
'stop' is the best word to describe it. 011i
did his best to keep my spirits up. There
would be wind shortly. The forecast
was for thunderstorms, and they always
produced wind.
I would have questioned him more about
that, but I was distracted by the wind
coming again, filling in etc. We reached
the end of the island and gybed round
a committee boat and set course for the
harbour again. Slowly our speed picked
up. The spinnaker went up, more for show
than effect. But there was clear distance
between our shadowing boats and us and
we were closing on the group ahead. I did
not understand why, but I was prepared to
accept that it was something the skipper
had done, rather than the crew. By the
time we were back in the harbour we were
firmly a member of that group ahead.
Rounding the headland a second time,
the breeze was definitely a wind. Both of
us, men of average size and weight, were
leaning out. It was also clear that 'Boaticea'
could point better than anything else
nearby. I mentioned that this skipper was
racing a Wayfarer on Rollesby Broad when
all this water is frozen solid. Experience
pays off in the end.
Across a large lake we moved through the
fleet. A rocky cliff marked the edge of an
island ahead. If the profile above the water
continued down beneath it, there was no
need to keep the large buoy between the
land and us. It was obviously there for
larger ships. I thought it prudent to check
with Olli. 'Would it be all right to pass
between the cliff and the buoy?'!1 asked.
'Maybe' was his reply, which I took to
be 'yes'. A large thud, the centre-plate
bouncing up and a horrible scraping noise
told me that 'maybe' was to be translated as
'no'. Crew's fault.
Spring 2004 Issue 101
A Wayfarer Races in the
Finnish Lakes
I noticed that there were clouds in what had
formerly been a perfectly blue sky, and that
somehow the blue was in one whole area of
the sky slightly darker than it should have
been. What was that about thunderstorms?
I asked my crew if he had ever sailed in a
thunderstorm. Often, he told me. In his boat
there was a lightning conductor from the
top of the mast right through to the bottom
of the keel. I think he might have detected
that I fell silent. I did not want to draw
attention to one of the uncertainties about
the Wayfarer's qualities. I remember that
Frank Dye had written of clipping jump
leads to the shrouds and dangling them in
the water.
'You wouldn't happen to have some jump
leads would you?' I asked Oill.
'Of course, we Finns wear them as
braces...
I thought that he was taking the English
love of sarcasm to his heart ini rather
inappropriate circumstances.
The second petal or loop was round a large
archipelago. Between rocks and islands I
could see the boats ahead of us. It might be
sensible to think in terms of a shortcut. I
studied the chart. Could we not sail directly
to the next committee boat, through the
islands rather than following the big ship
channel round them? Olli looked at the
chart. 'Maybe...' he said. By now, I knew
the correct translation.
We heard rumbles of thunder in the
distance, the storm threatened but then
seemed to drift away, and as the clouds
dissipated so the wind died. All the
precious places we had gained were slowly
and steadily lost. I explained to Olli that
speed was dependent on hull length. I had
no idea why, but I had heard it said so
m~any times he would just have to accept it.
Did that mean the crew was not to blame? I
think fatigue was having an effect.
As we approached the last headland with
Spring 2004 Issue I01
the harbour and the finish ahead, the
water surface began to resume that mirror
like appearance it had first thing. The
boats ahead had spinnakers hanging like
washing. But worst of all, that group of
boats that we had lost sometime long ago
in the morning, hours ago, were slowly
ghosting along towards us. Whatever was
the crew doing wrong? Loosen something,
kicker, outhaul, anything! It was all to no
avail. As we drifted towards the finish those
two shadowing boats gently drifted over
the line ahead of us.
The next day, Oill brought me a copy
of the local paper, "Ita-Savo". There, in
a sea of Finnish names and words were
the following words '3 . Boaticea (Pill
Karjalainen, Robert Sparrow,) SIPS
4.52.37". We had come third in Class 3,
third in a fleet of twenty nine.
I had stated that the Wayfarer's handicap
number was 1099. The Finns did not
recognise a four figure number, only three,
so my crew had volunteered our handicap
as 109. 1 had to point out to him that he
should have rounded it up to 110. Who
knows where we would have come then?
4ours 52 minutes 37 seconds. Quite a
race. And if you add in the sailing time
before and afterwards, without a bucket,
quite a bladder!
And just another thought. Occasionally,
usually through the misfortune of others
than my own skill, a local paper in
England, the Eastern Daily Press, has been
obliged to print my name as managing a
place in the racing on Rollesby Broad. Two
newspapers in two countries. Does that
mean I meet the definition of international
sportsman?
Robert Sparrow
Wayfarer 10213 'Non Teaky too' and (in
Finland) Wayfarer 9029 'Boaticea'
I5
WVThe
Dee Sailing Club
Wayfarer Bash
Oh that Dave Hamblinfl[!fl! Beware all
you Wayfarers of the genial Scott with the
agenda. Beware also of Simon McEvoy
who organises things to run so smoothly
at Uliwater that fools like me allow
themselves to be persuaded that they can
run a bash too.
Well, here goes. 2 days, 5 ' and 6" June
2004. You can arrive Friday 4' if you wish.
The North West is a veritable Wayfarer
desert. We exist in dribs and drabs. The
biggest fleet I know of is here at Dee. Not
that we don't have plenty of racing locally,
But we (all right, me then) long to be part
of the massed wall of Wayfarers charging
for the line, spray stinging like jewels cut
by a chain saw. Sails shining like rows of
shark's teeth.. .ahh,
But its not all racing, I like cruising and
I like our local cruising ground so much
that I reckon by building a critical mass
of Wayfarers we can undertake the longer
trips more easily. We have a pub trip
planned for the Saturday and a cruise round
Hilbrie Island with RIB cover for Sunday.
So how do 1 entice you racers and cruisers
to the Dee?
Free Beer?
Dream on. We will, however, provide
excellent sailing. Racing and cruising is
planned.
The racers will get Olympic courses
one day and a long distance race for the
Sunday.
Local Wayfarers will guide the cruisers.
The RIBs will be in radio contact should
they be required. The Dee Estuary can
provide some quite challenging sailing;
equally it can provide relaxed family
cruising. It is subject to quite strong tides
and would form a good introduction to tidal
sailing given the RIBs will be on hand.
Dee sailing club lies on the Wirral side of
the English River Dee estuary. Situated
within easy reach of Liverpool, Chester
and, of course, Wirral. The Club lies some
5 miles from the M53 junction 3 or 4 or 11
16
miles from the end of the M56.
The estuary dries out at low water giving
between four and five hours of water to
race and cruise with. This should allow
time for some local sightseeing with the
non-sailing parts of the team.
For the non-sailing part of the team, there
are extensive coastal walks. The bar will be
open too! There are many free galleries and
attractions within easy reach for the culture
vultures. Cheshire Oaks outlet village
provides popular workout for the credit
card of the non-vulture.
This weekend should be the first port of
call for all Wayfarers not already entered
for the Nationals. Please consider this
as your invitation to try a new cruising
and racing area and be part of the New
Northern Circuit. Free camping & hard
standing parking.
Timetable:
Arrive. Bar open
Friday 4 th.
in the evening light
refreshments available.
Briefing 9.30 BST.
Saturday 51h
First race starts 11.50
BST.
Subsequent races ASAR
Finish 15.40
Dinner
Evening Entertainment
(bring your own
instruments for
a singsong)
Bar open.
Briefing 10.30
Sunday 6
Start 12.45
Finish with food & bar
open 16.00
Prize giving 17.00
Thanks and Goodbye
18.00
Entry forms available from Adrian Mould
email wayfarers@Dee-sc.co.uk. Dee
Sailing Club Station Road Thurstaston
Wirral
Spring 2004 Issue 101
The Dee Sailing Club
Wayfarer Bash
The Dee Sailing Club Wayfarer Combined Racing and Cruising event
4 1b to 6Lh June 2004
Racing Fleet - fee £10.00
Cruising Fleet - fee £5.00
Please send Cheques payable to Dee Sailing Club. To
Dee Sailing Club
Station Road
Thurstaston
Wirral
CH6I OHN
Boat Number
__________________Boat Name
____________
Name
Address
e-mail
phone
These details will only be used in connection with the Dee Waylfarer event.
I agree to be bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing and all other rules that govern this event
including paragraph 12 of the Notice of Race, which excludes my right to claim compensation
in certain circumstances. I declare that during the event I will hold a valid and current third
party insurance of at least £2,000,000.
Signature
For those under 16 on the 55 June 2004.
Under the law, this crew/ Helm is my dependent and I accept paragraph 12 of the Notice of
Race, which excludes my dependent's right to claim compensation in certain circumstances.
I declare that during the event the boat will have a valid and current third party insurance
of at feast £2,000,000. I confirm that my dependent is competent to take part and that I am
responsible for my dependent throughout the event. During the time my dependent is afloat I
will be in or around Dee Sailing Club or I will inform the race office in writing who is acting in
loro parentis during my absence.
Signature of parent or Guardian__________________
Website with directions WWW.Dee-sc.co.uk
Spring 2004 Issue 101
17
~Warsash
SC
Wayfarer Roundup 2003
2003 was another successful season for the
Wayfarer fleet at Warsash Sailing Club. As
is usual at WSC the main racing takes place
on Wednesday evenings from April until
September and this was complemented this
year with Friday evening racing for the
middle of summer and Saturday racing on
high tide weekends throughout the season.
and were treated to a fine display of racing
on the sea by Ian Porter and Kevan Gibb.
Early in the season we were pleased to
welcme
meber
nw an Walth salng
welcme
embe
ew Da Welthysaiing
Wl020 who immediately made his mark,
showing great speed, particularly in light
airs. Now that he's had a year to get used
to the tides he'll be even more of threat
for 2004! Although 14 different Wayfarers
Wednesday Early Series
10318 (James Crew & Roger Cerrato)
participated during the season the best
turnout of 8 boats occurred during a warm,
2nd
If you're looking for some fun Wayfarer
racing on the South Coast during 2004
why not try Warsash Sailing Club, you're
assured a warm welcome. The 2003
Wayfarer results are as follows:
2 nd
8839 (Brian Cozens & Jo Bartlett)
3 796 (Phil & Colin Bull)
9' 9816 (Bernard McQuillan & Mike
Carreras)
Wednesday Middle Series
l"796
3 rd
10318
1020 (Dan Wealthy and Sam Cook)
light air Wednesday evening race!
Once again we were racing as part of the
fast handicap fleet that also included a
variety of boats such as the RS200, 420,
GPI4, Firefly etc. The Wayfarer once
again demonstrated that it's an excellent
river and sea boat and the results, as shown
below, certainly illustrate this.
Wednesday Late Series
21d79
3 10318
4 1020
5 9816
Friday Early Series
1"10318
3 9816
4d,
Within the class 2003 was probably one
of the closest seasons for many years with
W796, W8839 and W 10318 sharing the
main prizes. W 1020, W796 and W10318
all travelled to one or more of the class'
Area Championships, not including the
Southemns which were held at WSC during
Frda Lat0Seie
2108
Saturday Early Series
3d 8839
Stra
aeSre
July.lI
Unfortunately James and I were busy
796
5' 8839
8839
4h
9777 (Trevor & Sue Bryant)
getting beaten by Ben Ainslie and many
others at the Admirals Cup and so missed
this event. From all the stories I've heard itb~y"Rpoer Cerrato
seems the 33 boat fleet had a great weekend
18
Oi
Spring2004 Issue 101
Racing News
57th Poole Week
22nd - 27th August 2004
Fed up with Sausages and Triangles? Looking for some more interesting courses? Then
come down to Poole towards the end of August and join in Poole Week, hosted by
Parkstone Yacht Club.
Depending on wind conditions courses are set that extend from South Deep to Balls Lake,
all within the safe environment of Poole Harbour.
Last year we had more than a dozen Wayfarers, although the event took place just two
weeks after the National Championships at the same venue. Typically we have a fleet in
excess of twenty boats, with a wide variety of experience, so there is good racing for all.
Richard Readings, W8088 "Shooting Stars"
WAYFARER CLUB SAILS
FOR SALE
Racing Cut / Cruising Cost
SDurability From North Sails
Mainsail
£299
Genoa
£ 129
Jib
£ 99
Spinnaker £229
Contact Ex World Champion Stu Rfix
Te1:07796305500
BOATSPLUSE:stuart.rixi~virgin.net
Spring 2004 Issue 101
19
We
are very keen to provide links to NOR and preview information and then to results and photos of events. Please send this information to the Racing Secretary
racing~wayfarer.org.uk) who can arrange for them to be posted on this website and included in the Wayfarer Magazine.
Dates
Event
2lst-22nd Feb
3rd-4th April
Hoo Freezer (21 st Feb
Race)
Open
10th-I 2th April
Easter Egg Trophy
-
Practice
Club
Contact
Name
Telephone
Hoo Ness Yacht Club
Wilsonian SC
West Oxford SC
Jan
Slogrove
John Ward
01959 572001I
Waldringfield SC
Anne
01235 526124
evenings
01394 610065
Spalding
l0th-12th April
l7th-l18th April
Faster Series Open Event
Race Training - chief instructor
Michael McNamara - Emphasis on
BewI Valley Open
2nd-3rd May
Sth-9th May
anne.s~afalle.globalnetco.uk
________________
maryandtony~millett.go-plus.net
anne.s~a falle.globalnet.co.uk
Tony Millet 01202 881562
01394 610065
Anne
Spalding
Bewi Valley SC
Mark
07941 093731
Markmunday~yahoo.co.uk
______________________________
_________________
st-2nd(3rd) May
genoajohn~yahoo.co.uk
Parkstone YC
Waldringfield SC
Crew training
24th-25th April
Email
~~~~Munday
________________
Ireland Wayfarer Northerns
I st - advice on boat tuning 3rd
- cruising
Spring Open
East Down YC
Noel
Colclough
+353
(0)1284 1476
noelcolclough~utvinternet.com
Hickling Broad SC
01603 897500
enquirics~hicklingbroad.com
Enterprise Trophy
Norfolk Broads YC
Phil
Atherton
Bob
01603 715535
gravelingr~hotmail.corn
Liz
Motherwell
01628 520896
Iizmotherwell@ntlworld.com
01473780319
01628 520896
mmmckechnie@aol.com
lizmotherwell@ntlworld.com
01822 613598
beckctt@keithandsue.freeserve.co.uk
020 8989 0999
micsuf@aol.comn
_____________
________________________Graveling
SplashawayiTrophy
Upper Thames SC
Eastern Championships
Bourne End Week
Royal H-arwich YC
Upper Thames SC
3th-31st May
Roadford Lake Open
Roadford Lake SC
4th-6th June
National Championships
Blackwater SC
Sth-6th June
Racing and Crusing Event
Dee SC
l2th-l13th June
Wayfarer Open meeting
Brancaster Staithe SC
5th-l6th May
22nd-23rd May
29th May-2nd June
Liz
Motherwell
(to be confirmed)
Keith
Beckett
Michael
Foster
Adrian
Mould
Charles
___________________Williams
________________
wayfarers~dee-sc.co.uk
CharlesgfDecisionModelsceom
___________________________
I9th-20th June
Wroxham Broad Wayfarer Trophy
Norfolk Broads YC
l9thI20th June
L'Escargot Trophy
Aldeburgh YC
Bob
Graveling
Mark
gra vclingr~homaail.cot-n
01206 322712
Loeffler~doctors.org.uk
Loeffier
20th June
Wilsonian SC Open Handicap
Wilsonian SC
26-27th June
Southern Championships
Lymington Town
_____
27th June
Medway Marathon
Medway YC
Catherine
SC
_________Wilsonian
10-11lth July
01603 715535
Western Championships
Starcross YC (River Exe)
Gore
Liam
02380282955
01634 404742
Goregfarmline.com
07730 929500
liam.mcgrath avirgin.ncl
3rd-4th July
26th-3 1st July
Medway Dinghy Regatta
Regatta Week
Wilsonian SC
Norfolk Broads YC
McGrath
Steve James i02088505031
Bob
01603715535
Brian Lamb 01622741123
3Ist July -Ist
August
Summer Open
Hickling Broad SC
Graveling
Phil
Atherton
01603 897500
enquiries~hicklingbroodconm
31st July -7th
August
Deben Week
Waldringfield SC
01394 610065
anne.s~afalle.glohalne.co.uk
Wayfarer World Championships
Anne
Spalding
Port Credit YC
Toronto,
FalmouthCanada
Week
POFSA
John G.
01326 211555
regatta~po fsa.org
Poole Week
Parkstone YC
Clark
Tony
______
maryandtony~millctt.go-plus.iet
3st July - 9th
August
.I 4th August
22-27th August
seejms&vri~c
gravelingr
Jhotmailcomr
l3Lamb24l0@aol.corn
Wayfarer WoridsWebsitc
01202 881562
_________
_______________
___________Millett
________
28-29th AuguSt
Ireland Wayfarer Nationals
Wicklow SC
1th-I12th Sep
Fairway Trophy
Medway YC
lith-19th Sept
Cartoon Trophy
sth-26th Sept
6th
Sept
SC
_________Wilsonian
Sparkle Trophy
Waldringfield SC
Noel
+4353
Co lc lo u gh
(0 ) 12 84 14 7 6
Catherine
Open
Hollowell SC [Northants]
lstOctober
Open
Rollesby Broad
7th November
Inland Champions/ups
Bough Beech SC
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
01634 404742
Gore@ farmline.com
01394 610065
anne.s~afale.globalnet.co.uk
Bob ing
01603 715535
gravelingr2?hotrnail.corn
Graveling
Phil Scott
01162 849045
pscotsaiI@aoI.com
Gore
Anne
__________________________________________________SpaId
Norfolk Broads YC
noelcolclough autvintemet.com
.IPeter Martin
Oare Roberts 01732 458760
howiemarsgaol.com
_
_
_
_
UKWA Boat Tents
Fancy camping but do not have a boat tent? The UKWA has 2 boat tents available for hire
to members. They are both the roomy Mark 3 version and come complete with poles and
ropes - you do not need any extra fixings on your boat. Cost is £20 per week (fee reduced
to £10 for U KWA rallies) plus carriage to the next hirer or return to Rob Wagstaffe (around
£15).
Please complete the form below and send it with your cheque (payable to UKWA) to Rob
Wagstaffe.
RENT A TENT
Don't forget, the Association has a boat tent available for hire.
If you have thought about cruising but are unwilling to splash out on a tent (in case you hate
it!) why not get a taste of sleeping on board under the Association's tent?
Don't worry, you won't have to drill holes in your boat, the tent comes with a rope bridle
to secure it.
Postcode:............
Tel No .....................................
Boat No .....................
Email address ....................
Location and date of Rally ........................................................
Date from ...........................
Date to..............................
Cheque enclosed for £ ................
('ade payable to UK WA)
Return this bookingform to:
Rob Wagstaffe, 36 Castle Road, Wootton, Woodstock, Oxon 0X20 lEG
Tel: 0)993 811027 email: rwagstaffe~can vaswindrnilt, co. uk
...
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WVMy
First Sailing Year
Before March this year I had never set
foot in a dinghy. My husband David had
sailed locally for several years, he had a
'Lark'dinghy which was extremely likely
to capsize, especially as he was learning at
first. I did once try to go out with him in the
Lark but it was too windy and I was nearly
knocked out by the boom before getting in
and decided to call it a day at that point,
He sailed happily with braver friends and
this year decided to get a Wayfarer as it
was more family friendly and he thought
that our eight year old daughter and I might
be persuaded to come out with him as the
chances of capsizing were slight (or so he
told me).
The first time I went sailing in our
Wayfarer was around Poole Harbour, I
was a passenger with a friend crewing
and my husband at the helm. It was not
a particularly nice day in March, it had
been sunny earlier in the day but by the
time we set off it was beginning to rain,
Perhaps it would have been a good idea
to look what other sailors were wearing
beforehand, but I was wearing jeans, which
were completely soaked within ten seconds
of setting out with waves breaking over
the front of the boat. We sailed for an hour
and I shook with a mixture of fear and
cold. Neither of my crewmates seemed to
notice my anxiety or the fact that I was
shaking uncontrollably and presumed I was
loving every minute. It was an exhilarating
experience though and I imagined that on
a much nicer day I might be persuaded to
try again.
Well the nice weather arrived and off we
set. 1 had in the meantime looked at a few
sailing books and started to understand the
principles, not difficult I know, but as a late
first timer it did take some time to grasp
the basics. I decided to go on a RYA Level
I course at this point. This proved to be
very enlightening and the cause of a few
disagreements later on the water as I was
then an 'expert' and became a bit of a back
24
seat driver (at the front though as still too
nervous to take the helm).
We decided the best way to get the most
use and fun from our Wayfarer would be
to join a club and Parkstone Yacht Club
had Wayfarers as a class that they raced.
We joined in with the Wayfarer Nationals
held there in August as 'cruisers' and had a
marvellous time out with other people, the
weather was fantastic.
Now it was time to learn how to race. The
end of the summer season was looming
and we still hadn't been out racing so
we decided to go for it. We were with
hindsight a little ambitious joining in the
Studland Bay Race for our first attempt, it
was quite windy and I was a little worried
as we left Poole Harbour for the open sea.
We were doing quite well until we turned
at a buoy and quickly capsized. This
was my first capsize, which I had been
apprehensive about, but we did manage to
right the boat eventually and sail back to
Parkstone without help. Unperturbed, we
have since taken part in quite a few races,
including the Winter Series, we always
come towards the back of the fleet (last!),
but are learning the hard way and have
now spent a small fortune on dry suits.
We still discuss www. on returning from
sailing, not a reference to the internet but
'what went wrong'. This can happen in a
surprising number of ways. Our next hurdle
to overcome is the fitting and use of a
spinnaker.
It has been an enjoyable year, our daughter
has had fun with us on picnics in the
harbour during the summer and we have
learnt a lot by taking part in races. I wish
I didn't get so nervous when the wind is
over a force three but I hope to conquer the
fear factor eventually. We have made some
new dinghy sailing friends who have been
very helpful to us. I'm glad I have taken up
sailing and only wish I had started earlier.
Sally Bishton
W8535 - Tack 'n' Over
Sqpring 2004 Issue 101
Sail past at the
London International Boat ShoiW
(. ILiii.
<
here¢ sqli I ll tiC'
i
>it l-. C' Cii Hi
itiliF> . pr dtuced the
'
[un
<CKI
teunthan
i
tin "
tils \ ttlal of more i-'tti thirdt. flue diehv1
Bedford. nhonnh -rtu
\ icro[rn;I
Ir
from ie Rhio lit4}
uu<_r r<-prlt.cm.ed it the v ent I heh N <e, launched
cxlhiiin hall. ainl
1)otk S itihi' I entre, linto the doik hninidim i- ti id~n to the mIn e1
ii nkcr Jin
Ilas,.Ns
utere?
on1 the
ier lrtm airmnlld l>~lott~riotipie t~hours.
I he e cr11 priodueed 'tilel -5 piendtd sinuh .,in
7 :ilonoltide mod~ored "in p Ilaces mid
Lo
ll Sctt cilileI
l
olfic<d]er"s '<lien |in
< uLrshlp',
hen. >, crc siutne mt*ccerned loo~kin"7
jtudlted li 21
tice
mcnd to>he
en close to, s tid > airship nd called slirad h~~It \
ireie lst
I K S tiline p1al ttttoun a1suilulr '~cut nc'\t \ctl uoluteers pleu->et ).
COn-itderiilp dorain ,,oitithlt similar iii tile {SOtlhuitiptoui Btout She>. IN Su iline
tile interests, o/l c.Olpuine , ' lue~hd in+sailing md hu. been cy-uuished to
,
tl~plt\
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i
u cc'sihbilitw 10 the ,ir
laln
ull.
tcprn.CIISml
Photo by Richard Readings \V8088 "Shooting Stars"
Spriteit N0I4 Isue' 1I
5
tHail
and Farewell
I was first introduced to Wayfarers in the
Spring of 2002, when 1 was asked to help
with 'Westbere Sailing Opportunities',
an organisation that was being set up in
order to provide sailing for people who
were handicapped in some way. They
started with two second- hand Wayfarers
and a borrowed Enterprise. Having sailed
a Comet for many years, 1 was somewhat
at a loss to have a foresail again and
on such a large and heavy dinghy, my
previous experience of such having been
with a National 12,a Mirror and a Miracle
a long time ago. From the first I was
delighted with the way in which it handled.
Compared to a Comet, it virtually told you
in advance what it wanted to do, so that
you were prepared for what was coming,
as opposed to the quick reactions needed
in the Comet. I was also expecting it to
take an age to tack and require the jib to be
backed, but it tacked, with no trouble at all
even without a jib. I had also thought that
it would be slow and sedate until it passed
a Laser 2, which admittedly was having a
few problems!
I was sold on the dinghy and after some
trouble in answering adverts and finding
that a sale had already been completed, i
managed to buy 'Firepower' (5315) from
John Parker Boats. I was congratulating
myself on how well the journey from
Norfolk to Whitstable was going, when
vibrations indicated trouble. On inspection
the tyre on the road trailer had burst,
shattering the wheel and, since it had a
combi trailer, the wheel on the launching
trolley was being used instead. Since this
happened in the middle of road works on
the M2 it was interesting. I had taken a
spare wheel, but it proved to be the wrong
type, so Firepower arrived home on the
back of a transporter
Since then it has been at Westbere Lake
doing sterling service with our disabled
'clients'. Our sailing is quite the reverse
of much that is described in the 'Wayfarer
News' pages. Usually the object of the
exercise is to keep the dinghy as steady as
26
possible, so a great deal of wind is spilled.
Cruising jibs are fitted, with roller reefing,
so that we are often sailing with only a
heavily reefed main and still the Wayfarers
behave like pussycats! It is very necessary
to prevent our clients, some of whom are
not too clear on what is happening, from
being hit by the boom, so we have to
modify the sails by taking a large triangle
from the foot of the main sail, giving the
boom a cocked-up appearance. I was not
keen on this being done to my racing
sail, so a friend who sails Dragons on
the Medway, spoke to the local Wayfarer
helms and was given an old racing main,
which was then modified. If anyone else
has one that they would like to donate to
a very good cause, my e-mail address is:
finches3@tiscali.co.uk. We sail twice a
week during a long summer season, so the
sails do get a great deal of wear, as sundry
patches signify. The final indignity for the
Wayfarer is occasionally having a plastic
chair strapped across the thwart for clients
who have very little control over their
limbs.
We have had one girl who sailed in her
youth, but has now lost control of her arms,
legs and needs her head supported. What
she has left is an indomitable spirit and a
sunny disposition that makes the day for
all of us. After a recent trip she suggested
that if we fined a few servomotors and a
mouth- operated joystick, she could go
solo! It may not be sailing as you know it,
but I feel it unlikely that anyone else feels
the same satisfaction at the end of the day,
having heard her whooping with joy and
excitement from the other side of the lake.
The majority of the helpers are
experienced, but retired sailors. W.S.O.
was the brain child of David James, a Laser
sailor, who came to realise that he needed
help to sail, as he began to have trouble
with his legs and decided to make sailing
possible for people who would otherwise
think it impossible. Westbere is the home
of the Westbere Frostbite Sailing Club,
Spring 2004 Issue t01
who has helped all the way, but David still
nieeded to put in an enormous amount of
work to produce an organisation that has
just finished its second highly successful
season.
i
H aving had one great season withA
Firepower, I had a medical problem at the
beginning of this season which, combined
with old age, effectively means that I
c'an only sail for short periods, in light
conditions. Firepower will carry on, but
1lshall be relegated to the pontoon and
pottering around in a Mirror, hence the
'farewell' to the Association after a very
brief membership.m
John Finch
5315 'Firepower
;
i
.
.
C
Uo
.
70"
i3
bprng 004Isse I1a
2
WV
skerries Sailing Club
In the past four years, Wayfarers in Skerries
have grown from just two boats to 17 and
we hope to break through the 20-boat level
this coming summer. It's a remarkable
growth, especially when you consider that
dinghy sailing is on the decline in most
East Coast clubs in Ireland. Even more
remarkable is the fact that almost all of
the growth has been accounted for by new
members, most of them joining the club as
novices. No other class has suffered from
cannibalism as a result of our growth.
I've had a Wayfarer for years. Indeed,
about 20 years earlier, in Dun Laoghaire,
with Theo Harris, I was one of the original
founders of the Wayfarer Association of
Ireland. J. Gordon Pollard, who built the
very first Wayfarers for Ian Proctor, kindly
put up a trophy for us and proudly bore it to
Dublin in a special plywood box he made
himself. It is still presented to the winner
of the Irish Wayfarer Nationals.
~in
In more recent years, while my youngest
boy was still campaigning his Optimist,
my rather battered Wayfarer was the only
one in Skerries where it sat forlornly on a
mooring most summers, only getting out
for the rarest ofjollies while I squired him
from regatta to regatta. The local sailing
school occasionally swiped it to augment
its Drascombe Lugger and, one day, four
of its clients first went solo aboard it.
They were so impressed that they clubbed
together and bought one of their own,
With the advent of Four Eyes (because
the syndicate numbers four, and all are
bespectacled) the local Wayfarer fleet had
doubled overnight and we impudently
asked the club for our own starting gun.
Four Eyes didn't have a spinnaker so, to
encourage them to race, I agreed not to
use one for the next couple of seasons.
Two more boats, both venerable Mark
Ones, joined us racing on the bay but,
every so often, we played truant on the
OOD and headed south past the islands
to Loughshinney, a beautiful sheltered
28
cove overlooked by an old Martello Tower
where we barbecued dodgy food and
washed it down with some rather grim
Chablis from the local foodmarket. And
it took off from there. Most new dinghy
sailing members headed unerringly for the
Wayfarer fleet, attracted there like a bee to
honey.
I'm often credited with spearheading the
growth of Wayfarers in Skerries and I'd
like to have you believe it but the real
credit must go to the terrific bunch of
friendly people who first joined the class
and made it as attractive as the boat they
sailed. Many were newcomers, not only
to sailing, but also to the occasionally
clannish neighbourhood, which was rapidly
becoming a dormitory town for Dublin.
One woman said she made more friends in
four weeks in a Wayfarer than in four years
in a local semi and I think that sums up the
real reasons for the success of Wayfarers
Skerries. Wayfarers became known as a
class where novices were not just tolerated,
but embraced, but above all, where you had
fun.
Around the same time I had been given
responsibility for integrating new members
into the club and I soon found that
bringing them in via the Wayfarer fleet
was a guaranteed short-cut to success. We
rapidly reduced the dropout rate of new
members, especially novices, which so
many clubs accept as an unfortunate fact
of life. I also conducted an interesting
little social experiment. Whenever new
members joined I introduced them not
so much to boring established older
members like myself and my peers, but
to other newcomers like them who had
only recently discovered sailing and were
still flushed with the excitement, and the
enthusiasm, of their first adventures afloat.
Several firm friendships arose which
became the foundation for a group within
the club with which newer members could
readily identify, safe from the entrenched
feeling of social superiority, which an
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Skerries Sailing Club
f
occasionally smug club establishment can unwittingly produce.
There's now a wide spread of talent in the class and racing is getting very competitive at
the sharp end of the fleet. I've been well and truly knocked off my perch on the winner's
podium, which I undeservedly monopolised for the first couple of years. Spinnakers
routinely break out after the weather mark is rounded and last year Wayfarers won
several of the all-in handicap race trophies which were formerly the preserve of more
established local classes like Lasers, GP 14s and Mermaids (a lovely clinker built 17
footer unique to Ireland). Last year we even had the temerity to host the Wayfarer
Nationals (two top ten places to Skerries!) and this coming season we are planning a
mlass breakout to attend the Irish Northemns at East Down. This year I'll have to serve a
term as Commodore (caught pulling wings off flies, don't ask ... ) so I'll be taking a back
seat position in the class but I have no worries for its development. It's in the care of
some really wonderful people.
By Gerry Byrne
Vice Commodore, Skerries Sailing Club, County Dublin, Ireland.
Gerry can be contacted at gerbyrne~iol.ie
CM1I IQiF
JPk 0. / F., 01268 710111
O.I. R 0,, Donknn~
E.nex
Web/email: www.chipstow.co.uk
Refitting:
Repaint, two pck spray finish, rewarnishing work,
complete boat restoration, rigging. etc.
Foils:
New Centreboards, Rudder Blades
Plain or laminated
Insurance;
Quotation & Repairs
AJAc.ka T/A C6f €o &MtraL
Spring 2004 Issue t01
EST. 1978
29
'J~~he Long M~otor
2003
The Plan was to sail to Den Helder in
the Netherlands from Southwold, with a
crew of 3, Dave Maynard, Phil North and
myself. Distance 120+ miles we hoped to
do it in 30ish hours.
We arrived at Southwold Harbour at
4pm Saturday July 5th, I located the
Commodore of Southwold SC and he
gave us permission to use their pontoon,
and somewhere to park the car, trolley &
trailer. Once she was off the trailer we
started to put her into sailing mode, curious
onlookers would ask questions as things
appeared:
"What are those things on the mast"?
"Radar Reflector, Anti-Inversion Cushion
and a mast head light" replied Dave.
When the mast was up we stored the Jib &
Storm under the foredeck, the Genoa was
left up but furled, the reefing lines were
fitted to the Main and some fenders put
in place. Then we stowed as much of the
kit as we could, Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Milk,
Soup, 3 Pasta snacks and a pudding each
for the outward voyage and the same for
the return. Fresh fruit, orange juice, 2 cans
of beer each, 10 Ltrs of water, 2 Cookers,
spare cups, cutlery. The tent went under
the thwart with the Trangia cooker, the gas
cooker under a side deck. The engine just
put on the floor with 2 x 51tr of spare fuel.
A flare pack on each side plus 2 parachute
flares taped to the aft deck. Sleeping bags
and mats went into the aft locker with
the return voyage food. (Items in the aft
locker cannot be accessed when the boat is
sailing.)
Lasty w hostedtheWayarerPenant
adthyeNCse turee.yarrPenn
andth
urge.1000
NCC
Our auncingplanwasto lwerthe oat
Our auncingplanwasto lwerthe oat
down the slip holding the painter, when
shelsfloated,,passlitheopainteritto theajetty
wakshe boatd
tosthe endaindt the attc
walkthe
o th oat
en andthenattah
a line from the pontoon to pull her along
side. She floated off the trolley before any
of us could get the painter, grabbed by the
tide she started to move away from the
30
jetty and towards the channel. Phil leapt
of the jetty and onto the boat just in time to
grab a piling, Dave threw him a line, and
then attached it to the one I was holding,
so I could pull her to the pontoon and she
was safely moored. After putting on the
cover and checking her lines we took all
the trailing kit to the Harbour Masters
office. (She had agreed to look after it for
us) Then in true nautical style we retired to
the pub.
Sunday
I was up early, Dave & Phil were up by
5am, we had a hearty breakfast then down
to the Harbour. It always takes ages to
finish loading the boat with the extras
Radio, GPS, PLB, spare sailing kit, non
sailing clothes, charts etc. We motored to
the harbour entrance and sailed out at 0630,
the wind was F2 SE but due to pick up to
a F3 Southerly later. Once clear of the Bar
and settled down Phil took the helm and
Dave played with his Electronics, I lay
down and enjoyed the view as Southwold
slowly made its way over the horizon, there
was the odd seal and occasional fishing
boat.
0830. It has started to rain and the wind
seems a little lighter, Phil is having a super
time but is slowly discovering how hard it
is to sail to a bearing. I take over to give
Phil a well-earned rest as I do the wind
dies, but it returns quickly.
0930. The rain is heavier now and I give
my spare top and fleece to Phil, as he's a
little chilly (He had packed his spare kit in
rear locker)
Porpoises/Dlhn I'm not sure
which but a pair, an adult and baby, swam
past the bow near enough to touch, more
selaswlilftousprs.Waent
going fast enough, I hope the forecasted
F/4 starts to fill in soon.
1130. The rain has eased, so has the wind
so we heave to for a meal of soup & pasta,
w l elbte o h od hli
w l elbte o h od hli
S;pring 2004 Issue 101
The Long1Motor
warmer,
1200 The rain is back with a vengeance,
but the wind is still going down. Phil is
crewing, Dave helming and I'm sitting in
the shower under the sail. Dave comments
that his Trax clothing has not dried out
underneath his cruising suit and is a little
cold. I put him in as much shelter as
possible and make him drink some coffee.
1309 The wind has all but gone we are
mlaking 1.5Knots mostly tide going south.
We are on the edge of the deepwater
channel (Tanker Territory). I tell the others
I think it's too dangerous to continue in
these conditions so we start the engine &
turn round. Turning round when there are
no reference points, no wind, very little
swell and no waves is very difficult but
after a 360 we are heading back towards
Southwold 26 miles away. We decide that
we will run the engine until we have used
one of the spare fuel cans and save the
other until we are much nearer the coast.
1400 The rain has almost stopped the wind
has gone completely and the sea has no
waves at all, the surface disturbed by the
pockmarks of rain. I thought the engine
would run for maybe an hour at idle but its
still going. 21 miles to go.
1430. The engine has stopped and I refilled
it (It only takes about 2 pints) I'm amazed!
We have stopped motor sailing now and put
the sails away there is absolutely no wind
the sea is just a sheet of gently undulating
silk, it is quite spooky we can only see
for about 3 miles or so. We are enclosed
in a light grey world with no edges and
a yellow orb above us trying to make its
presence felt.
1530. Still going strong the sun has just
broken through and there is an iridescent
pathway from the orb, across the water to
us and then on into infinity. 15 miles to go.
1630. Refilled the engine at 1600, it's
using so little fuel that we may have
enough to go all the way, we decide to
increase the speed a little. We are all
warm and have started to remove some of
the outer layers. The engine is wonderful
so quiet it does not intrude on the
Spring2004 Issue 101
conversation.
1720. We think we can see land but we are
not sure in this haze.
1730 LAND HO! We are now certain,
as we can see the Water Tower and
Lighthouse.
1800 1 take over the helm and warn the
others that this will be a little interesting!!
Engine at full throttle to fight the tide
coming out of the Harbour the bar looks
quite daunting and going through is, I
imagine like, sitting in a tumble drier.
We are in and we avoid a log coming out
and the nasty side eddy where the Harbour
narrows. The engine stops, Dave says I
refueled it in 25 seconds.
1838. Back at the pontoon safe and
sound but very disappointed, we will try
tomorrow. Phil and I tidy up the boat as
Dave rings round for a B&B.
1920. Out side the B&B in Walberswick
a pub and they want £75 each we decline.
On our way back to Southwold we spy a
Vacancy sign, she only has a twin but one
of us can sleep on the floor. We unload and
zoom into Southwold to try and get some
food. Phil is very keen to get Fish & Chips
but the only place open is an Indian Take
Away. We return to eat and in conversation
with the Lady of the house it turns out that
I was her boss for a couple of weeks many
years ago.
Monday
Forecast: Westerly 3/4
We get down to the Harbour at 0700 and
the smoke from my pipe spirals upwards,
I'm Gutted, but we have no time to wait for
another day, so we cancel, Dave rings his
wife, I ring Rachel and Phil does like wise
and arranges some work for the next day.
Dave drives to the boat Phil and I walk
down so Phil can inspect all the small boats
usually clinker! We recover "Miss Quinn"
and start to dismantle her, the wind starts to
build. Too late now!
31
'l'~he Long M otor
2003
As we are sorting everything out Ralph Roberts (UKWA International Cruising Secretary)
joins us, he tries to lift our spirits saying he's never been to the Channel Islands. Phil is
amazed this quiet man has sailed to Den Helder 3 or 4 times and once to Denmark plus
lots of other places.
Maxine the Harbour Master comes to see us she is still quite ill and Dave gives her
something, we assure her we shall return next year.
A yacht skipper comes to look at all the kit and Dave shows him round he says the only
thing his 30 footer has we don't isa cabin and Ioo.
By lamn we have put the boat into trailing mode and we set off disheartened but safe,
never mind Den Helder will still be there next year.
Simon McEvoy
Miss Quinn W5194
erfurmance Repe Holding
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0'77 321269 ww.clamclestcom
32
-
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Two Day-Sails in 2003
One advantage (the only one?) for a
Wayfarer sailor living in North Bucks is
that the East Coast rivers and The Solent
are about the same distance away from
home. Last autumn, my crew Clive and
I enjoyed two peaceful and relaxing daysails in Bonnie (W6419) in these excellent
cruising waters.
r
f
We dropped the anchor on the little beach
and stowed the sails. From there we had an
excellent view of the activity in the harbour
as yachts and dinghies prepared to go out,
and on the shore a few people strolled in
the sunshine while we ate our picnic and
relaxed.
A two-hour drive got us down to our usual
launch site at Calshot Activities Centre,
with its all-tide slip and good parking,
showers and facilities. We rigged Bonnie
beside the RNLI boathouse and were
The return sail was equally pleasant, but as
the afternoon wore on the wind dropped so
that at the end we struggled to make way
against the ebb flowing out of Southampton
Water. We should have played safe and
at least put our trusty Seagull onto the
transom but a slight increase in wind
strength to about F I 'A encouraged me to
persist under sail. A slight chill in the air
told me that Clive didn't agree. As we
sailed into the deep-water channel the
current took hold and swept us steadily
back into the Solent. Hurriedly I whipped
off the stemn hatch cover and manoeuvred
the engine onto its bracket. Wind the cord
soon away. The deep-water channel into
around the flywheel and pull - the old
Southampton Water passes close by the end
of Calshot spit, and we crossed quickly,
heading east to avoid the shipping and
ferries. Once clear of the channel we could
bear away to the southeast and hoist the
spinnaker on a close reach in the E-NE
breeze. It was a lovely day with unusually
good visibility giving us a good view of the
shore as we passed Hill Head and Lee-onSolent, heading for No Man's Land Fort on
the edge of Ryde Sand. As always there
was plenty to see on the water with many
other weekend sailors heading down the
East Solent.
lady fires up and we slowly progress again
upstream and are soon back at the Calshot
slipway.
At the end of August we decided on a
trip to Bembridge Harbour on the Isle of
Wight. We had sailed up to the harbour
e-ntrance there in a previous year, but the
short November day had left us no time to
explore the harbour itself. This time was
different, thanks to the warm and sunny
weather.
Szt Helen's Fort is the next mark to make for
and makes it easy to pick out the entrance
to the buoyed channel into Bembridge.
We took the spinnaker in and with the
wind astern had no trouble in following
the tortuous curves of the narrow channel,
though keeping a careful eye on the yachts
motoring in and out. The harbour was
crowded with moored craft but we rounded
up and found a sheltered spot on the edge
of the channel and in the lee of the spit,
Spring 2004 issue 101
Six weeks later in October we headed east
to try out a new launch site at Titchmarsh
Marina near Walton-on-Naze and to
explore the Walton Backwaters (Arthur
Ransome water as the books always say). I
had over-nighted here the previous year on
a UKWA cruise from the R. Orwell led by
Anne and Dennis Kell.
By 10.00 am we were sailing up the narrow
Twizzle Creek and nosing our way into
Horsey Mere in a light northerly breeze.
Again it was a brilliant sunny day and
utterly peaceful. It was still only half-tide
and in these notoriously shallow waters we
were pushing our luck. Soon we had lost
all signs of a channel and with the bottom
all too visible in the clear water we did our
best to recall forgotten instructions on how
to sail a Wayfarer without a centreboard.
Last year with the Kells we had all come
scudding follow-my-leader across the Mere
33
WVTwo
Day-Sails in 2003
in a brisk NE-ly with hardly a thought for the depth!
Eventually we resorted to paddles to help us along and gradually worked our way over to
the NW side where we found deeper water in a channel leading out of the Mere and shorttacked our way along the shore of Horsey Island. Rather than continue into the main
channel we turned round Honey Island and along the south side of Skipper's Island. Here
we anchored for a short break before continuing around and into Landermere Creek. At
Landermere Quay we saw a little activity on the shore for the first time but we carried on
helped by the last of the flood until we came to the overhead cable almost at the end of the
creek.
With the wind gradually dying we gently sailed back down Landermere Creek, passing
north of Skipper's Island. At the East Cardinal mark we turned north to go up Oakley
Creek. In the distance we could see splashes in the water, caused by seals leaping high
out of the water. There was a large group of them sunbathing on the banks and inquisitive
heads popped up in the water around us as we sailed up the creek. The tide was now
ebbing fast and we anchored for a while to wait for the wind. Quite suddenly a few
breaths came from the south and soon we had a good sailing breeze to take us down
Hamford Water, around Island Point and up Walton Creek. Tacking up the channel,
avoiding the moored yachts and keeping clear of those motoring up gave us an energetic
sail back to the marina and rounded off a wonderful day.
John Phillips W6419 Bonnie
S OLENT DINGHIES
THE COMPREHENSIVE DINGHY MANAGEMENT SERVICE
[ ] {I-
[:5t[el It"I
S;A;.V
S.-'
lJ
5
/1
*h
oe
............. ] [evl=D] l]]i~]
Wayfarer specialists, supporting the Wayfarer Association.
We are always looking for Wayfarers
Barnes Farm, Barnes Lane, Milford on Sea S041 ORR
Tel: 01590 644800 Mob: 07967 122303 Fax: 01425 274264
34
Spring 2004 Issue 101
The 2003 International Rally
A Dutch perspective
wVa
Whatdo
manSween
ou
i a ong
o youlment Seenialn
way
toagreed
t sai
Tranlatin
b: To Jasers(W50 I)at
Tranlatin
b: To Jasers(W50 I)the
A cupl
ofyeas aowe moved and are
Aiin
couple
ofar ago,
.s
ht u ln
liviing carin
Vughtvno
. The thtlu
long
sailng
is evied.
cree he lub oat
ever here is the Wayfarer. So, after selling
my Laser two years ago, we bought one,
weoen. I ne tatter took piace irom mec
small Island of Malls north of Gdteborg.
The four Dutch boats that took pant in
the Danish championship and the Rally
during the skippers' meeting
our club "lizeren man", to meet on
Friday in Copenhagen. The Danish
championship was being held out of the
beautiful harbour of H-ellerup, just north
of Swannemdlle harbour. Hellerup is also
the home port of Paul Elvstr6m. Hellerup
Sejlklub has a beautiful clubhouse with
atraeta
vrok h rsn
n
too.Thi doule-hine
opn bot i an
international class, of which more than
10.00
ben bil.
av O th Eglih est
and south coast, rows of them are parked at
the various Yacht Clubs. The class insignia
looks a lot like that of the Dutch Waarschip
(True-ship).
is filled with Paul's sailing trophies and
batflpoorpso
hsfu ie
Olympic champion. We camped out on
the also beautiful camping site at Fort
Charlottenlund, an old bastion that has a
beautiful view over the Oresund.
So, aild
henwe
th Soentin 975
Swhe werasci thea Soleter w97
withourWaaschi
ner Cicheter WC
thought, at first glance, that we were seeing
many Warsehepen, well, from a distance,
of curs! thAywa,
meber ofthe
Dutch Wayfarer Association looked for
cooperation with the very professional
United Kingdom Wayfarer Association
and the Wayfarer International Committee,
which is very active in various countries all
c, vr
A teatioal
wrld hamionhip
and a national rally are open to all
Wayares
he fom
the contres.Als an
Wayfrer
th fro
oter cunties.Als an
annual International Rally is held each year
where Wayfarer sailors from all over the
world meet each other.
For three days we sailed in a field of about
thirty Wayfarers, including us, the four
Dutch boats from Izeren man SC. I sailed
with Ans, and we were the only all-female
crew. Hans skippered the boat of our fellow
club member Ton. In the end Hans and
ToreivdteMsIpoedar.
ToreivdteMsImoedwa.
Yes, the Olyslagers firn, Dirk and Arnold,
added honour to their title of Best Vught
sports crew of the year by finishing as best
Dutch crew. There were three races a day
an
ehdt ty ou ntewtrady.
Every day ended with a happy hour with
free Tuborg beer, a meal on the terrace,
beautiful weather and our own Wayfarer
bn htpae
afrrsns
adta
lyd afrrsns
Thisyea, inaddtionto
he DtchMonday,
after the championships, we left
Ntios ron adiio toasem
th eutch
d
for Mald, a small island in the beautiful
th
ihNationalchmpon
shLake
Brasmweaid Rohuslan archipelago, near EIIbs north
prcdthe nish ational a inpta
of Gdteborg, where the Ha/berg-Rassys,
precdedthe
ntenatinalRall inMaids
and Nayads are built. We camped
Spring 2004 Issue 101
35
f
The 2003 International Rally
near a shallow, protected bay where we
had to hammer into the bottom, a pole to
which the boat was moored for the days
to come - right in front of our tent. From
Mal6 we made day trips depending on the
wind and the weather. Inshore, where the
rocky coast gets more and more covered
by trees, or seaward where naked rocks
stretch like big bald walruses floating on
the surface of the sea. Among other places,
we visited Gulholmen; anyone who has
visited the Swedish west coast knows this
town. Originally it was a harbour of refuge
for fishermen that were looking for shelter.
Nowadays it's the "Volendam" of the
Swedish west coast, but it is still beautiful
and not overcrowded! Beautiful bright
coloured cottages are set against the rocks
with a view over the entire area.
Our group was made up of Danes that had
also participated in the championships,
Norwegians, Englishmen and an American.
Many Brits did not come over because they
were sailing their Nationals in the same
period (AlIs note: an optimistic thought, l'm
afraid). Nice was the goodbye we waved
to a Norwegian/American crew that sailed
through the archipelago back to Oslo.
We enjoyed beautiful weather all week and
had only one day without wind! That day
we rented bicycles. That wasn't a success
because of the bicycles which were far too
small and old - with dysfunctional gear
shifts and tires that we did not trust much.
So we asked if we could take a repair kit
along. Well, they had never heard of such
a thing!! If we were to have a flat tire we
should just give them a call and they would
bring us a new bike. You can guess what
happened, after biking about half an hour
it happened. Luckily there was a house
nearby with friendly people that even spoke
English and helped us. And yes, after half
an hour a car arrived with a children's bike
in the trunk. Ans, the "little one" of the
company, sacrificed herself. All in all a
very beautiful ride but steep, and not really
great with inferior bicycles. Ask Arnold
36
about it.
So, if you would like to sail Sweden or
Scotland in good company, consider
the purchase of a Wayfarer as a serious
option. We would also like to have more
members!!!!! A few are still for sale.
The Wayfarer is a seaworthy open boat,
with lots of buoyancy, suitable for
cruising and racing. The cruising version
is often equipped with a large tent, like
the Germans use over the cockpit of their
yachts. The English use the tent to anchor
and enjoy the silence of the East Coast
rivers with a dog and two children, as
our guest Liz Feibush explained. Along
the entire English south and east coast,
Wayfarers are parked everywhere and
races are held. Fowey and Falmouth week
are examples of this. The International
Secretary, Ralph Roberts, sailed with the
Dutch chairman, Jan Katgernian, from
Harwich via Den Helder to Workum to join
the rally in Friesland. Isn't that sport?!
A couple of years ago, a beautiful rally
was organized by an Englishman in
the Hebrides in Scotland. The safety
regulations were very tight because the
currents are strong and the weather can be
bad and the islands are hardly inhabited.
Water and food for a couple of days needed
to be taken along as well. But the stories
about anchoring in bays where seals are
that is
enjoying the sun on the rocks ...
what we want to experience, too. But first
we will join the annual rally in Denmark
again with, who knows, another Danish
Nationals?
By: Lous de Bruijne (W5852)
Spring 2004 Issue 101
l
Gost Shp
- follow the shoreline - we can't go
wrong' quoth the local knowledge. 'That
This is a true story from my Wayfarer
sailing during 2003. The names have been
"Nah
omitted to protect the innocent,
row of houses on the prom looks quite
clear' said the helmsman. Soon we agreed
that the 'houses' were a row of gulls on a
rock about 15 metres away. We drifted on,
devoid of all visual clues.
Bideford, during the height of the August
heat wave, was right 'on the line' between
the wall-to-wall stifling heat inland and
the unstable thundery weather in the
Southwest.
The day before the apparition we had to
run the Wayfarer onto a windward beach as
the outpourings from a thunderstorm 500
metres ahead forcefully played skittles with
the remnants of the racing fleet. White
water and upturned dinghies everywhere
under the blackest of daytime skies.
'Today', however was different,
We crept out past Appledore towards the
bar in a light breeze and more than misty
conditions, admiring as we went the many
different kinds of sailing boats found in
estuaries, compared to our usual racing
classes dominated inland lake sailing club,
Approaching high water, we bore away
and sailed with the tide up the 'Bamustaple
river (River Taw) and into brilliant clear
weather. Wall to wall sunshine. Even the
sea was like crystal. We could clearly see
the sandy bottom in three metres of water
as we cruised quietly along soaking up the
sunshine. A late lunch on a sandy beach
was idyllic, but for the nagging worry
that we could no longer see the adjacent
mainland (Instow) shore; and the fog
seemed to be getting ever thicker.
We had a compass, there was no risk of
missing the hidden shore, but it was still a
shock just how quickly a bright sunny day
changed to a clammy thick cold greyness
as we entered the fogbank.
Then, out of the murk, a long way to
seaward, we saw this strange eerie sailing
ship. She was four masted, with all her
sails set high i.e. no lower main sails
set. 'What is she?' We all wondered, as
we coasted along, eyes straining into the
greyness.
Then, from the 'ghost ship' the spookiest of
sound signals, 'This shallow water goes out
a long way' it said!
Our 'ghost ship was a couple of holiday
makers hand in hand wading out for water
deep enough in which to swim.
Wayfarers are wonderful. North Sea
crossings in double figures, Channel
crossings aplenty, but also able to sail quite
happily in ankle deep water.
Needless to say we 'got home' safely.
Duncan Gilchrist
W7614
Editors note:
Ah, but did the 'ghost ship'? Or was 'it' left
to forever wander the shallows.
We found the shoreline and turned right.
'Just follow the coastline' was agreed.
Agreed that is until the coastline and the
compass disagreed. 'It's a creek
-
sail
straight across', said the compass watcher.
Spring 2004 Issue 101
37
Ship
~Ghost
C4,
T°
GossipColum
enggemnt
Simon laytonand
Rchel M ckridg, W87
Wedin rmoudt oe
nhesiigsa
sailing
season[ Simo
soo ftreha an
Roger
P
t
hts
Jn
ae
nutw
none
hi
reotuewic
r si
ingaNrokPn"hssaob
7g Vyageur out agai ttomnt sal,. m ue
and Rahl
xal W81(
Wd4uyToaegetn
An mreGossip
Simo
-Vygu".
ClyoSnpaceroiige
are
duteswl
nS
Colteumn
eeve.Eio
85"oagu"
aeanounced their10
ui
Winter at Parkstone
inTxquite
ibh eight intreptd crc'' bautmin it
[iisxxinter bro hu s a dramatic-series-,
\xe..(her. The elemelvnts a crc aginslt themlt x ith x mld-, up to hf, amd run to
It
tan~lbe
totcndl xxih but "j.ib xnmlx one race lost it "as a closec and e\QitiHit \tc'
irlc I1nit
w rflceteenlts
s'tic
, x'f c" (1.2 \ lla ahi races xx ibl the we ather en ucsnoi
urnlllmair i-s.
nirf
the tfleet expericnced a dlip in ihe briny but
and the odd caps>iie to add to the_ !tax 1f
Bo
T<th Richard
lull crediitow them - it necither damlpene¢d their 'pinits or determination to "i
in Shootine Stars. dis pla\ ed this and
Re tdthv's
al-tie, Frchd. inl Lxpcdmtous
in thle
openiln" race x.ho) a*ihr a short ,\inl
x
eax e chaIse anId Shootin' Stairs 5 till beat D~ax e\'Val.
olr third place. Bruce. ( n dle', in D0, on Pickle. took Iiri p lace in the
contenlder. Somel seriOtl$ competition dcx<eloping in
thc lolloxx in" \xeck with each rice seeli1 positionls swappin" s>exeral times. 1)axe Mos>s.
iln I itire. (tf ]ih.
und Hairrie Frcnch. n I xtpcdhutits. put uip -'iron7 challenges, hutt Brultce
h\Ix xnhosh iloxx,
openth"
ta o race',s atnd looked a s>tron"l
xxas Ihn ill
pipped it the post tot p1 allmt by (olin Ma' and Jim/ Ride. in Wateer'
\lomc<nts tor the tile.
\ltlouglh raiting ha tix lihishcd x c titinue it) comptec albeit in somewc , hat diltletnt
a sonF o~l treasure2
gtiis. jantLir ax' l 2] Wa<a teirs, an~d IfaiI}il venttirc- out (jeocachlin/
htint ulsin. (I.
\e tackled three locations> setting ol !first h\ car and then by loot
Sto xxi nrk uip anl appetite) beolore retiring tot an/excelle'nt ptib lunchl Miore exert ion xxas
reqtuired xxith the
aalla skitiles
cx enn seeing 3(1 ot
us dix idcd into two
ei"\ rantlont team~s
to battik it outt oni the
all x, ( omltpe.t ition
xxas tilt: but after
two0o
u'LIds
we< 11ad
a dead heat. Col in
Mavs xxinni ng streak
Ihiled him this time
and Paul Frey. tone
ot ('olin's eew)
aied Victl ,for our
captains.
PA R K S _O NE Wf\3\YI-AL
RS RE- \X[NG!,
XI
11eathbet (il meN
\\.9399 Bfooctie \<oiqe
Spnina 2(04 Issue ltlI
31
# 'Way
farers at the Royal Harwich
o,.er the 'earn a I ot : h oh > crc i.pcn' to
membher' of tht UK \ A litree' of thesere day cruis es and flt tbrth a x' cekend
rail,> I hetda> erausts werc up to Ipswic
-asat the
Docks. here the Iunc~h stopl
ne ~ manrina club, the Last Arnchown to
arwich To an, tvi rg up to, the ptontoons
at ha' penny P ier to stretch our le s and
explore the sea trot aind. finadl3 a Iongzer
tri p rouaild to the \\itItori Back u a ters, to
en-iox? a packed lunch ont the beach ' hile
basking. in glorious sunshtnle Fleets
20(1l3 5,av, a pa rr iiiarn> bus> <ear lhr the
Wa} irer fleet at the Ro> ai I arv it h Y achi
C bib based on Wec Ri' er (Orx~ct \\ hart c
a home fleet of aboJut 20I WetaI ars. "rih
nterests sp it Tbou eq a ii bctween ratcing
a ni eru is1ing. (Oiryear started by host in>
the UK \VA Winter 'ruising SenminaIn I i
A\pri . h ich as attended bK about 7
people arid lio" ed K a gentle cruise brt a
fl eet of 2 rtp the Orx eli intto lps;, ich Docks
and back.
LDurinithe season ve compete as a
fleeci or thle Swordfish trophy as xt el as,
participating in handicap racingr WVhilst
ranged trount 4 to 9 boats, On[outr W\alton
B:ack. aners trip \\ e \\cre \ er> pleasecd to
be joined by menitbers ot the Northlanpton
the fleet is fairIx small wrth turn otrs ot
aboutl 6 boats, the racirig is keen xvithlorr
be ig art throat, and '.ictories
are tUsLiallv
toasted in the bar alter the event arid
ri xalrnies on the ,v ater are sooen forgortten
Tis year' w inner oft he S" ordfi sh troph v
was MIike MicKechnie. w.ho also achiex ed
a , er creditable 1' 5 place in the Wayfairer
Nationals.
Sailability urouip, "holt eumplcred th~e
(Orwell section of the cruise iin axo boats.
a Ilav; k aird a Di-ascoinhe. borm edl fi~o
our local Sailahiliry, urorp.
The weekend cruise ".as rouand to FlIbrook
creek ott the R<, er Stlur to li sten to the
ight igales. A fleet of I1 Wax hirers set
out in perlect sailing conditions. lorce3
andl sunshine. (.rr initial intention
~and
sail inl Do' ercourt H]ay before
....
........
:
catching thle trde up the Stoir
Ihow ever, the ,x id picked up to
a tonce 4 as ,ae sailed dowan the
ri,, er and the entrance at Harw it'h
dcx eloped a horrible steep
chop so xxe thought better tl'it.
regroupel and made stra ighlt for
the Stour, Wec pitlied up on the
beach at W\rahness for a leisurely
Iurch betort' sax int good bye to
5 boats I ronm the Roval F]Iarw ih
xxho had decided to just make
a dax sail out ot it and returned
On the erauising nonLte xTran ,4cx ents
4(1
home. The retilai n1 six boats thlen took
Spring 2t1f04 issue 1111
Wayfarers at the Royal Harwvichjft"
the restq othe rie up to \,latlntuCC
c, ttv to Iiix[ cickx halt in thle mud
V t~q prtzinu oulrsel es, offand re:turning
do',x n rxe r to the en Ia nc too I brook
tt
[lit \ ces- to Ihtbrook creek int renmd
ab[ot tnl hourF and hal [either side of' high
xxattr and evenl then ;.ou haxe to stick .ter;
has, a numbehr of cx ent -Lb,,c
The Royl ar
planned tbr 20!04 and wec hope as.man;
of }ou as poss'}i¢e xi I be able to join ius.
-23" xx are
Overc the x, ckenld of Nlax 22
hostilag te E astern Arca C(hampion ships.
hx\ c da; cruise-, plan ned for \ , ax IS
WeC
to I iarxt ich OMtThxx, n. Julne 9 It) [p5t< ich
Docks arid September I Mx
to \Innt 1 circe on[ the Rix er
Stotur. In addition there is
a x ekend ratil> from the
RI IY (7 r nd to thle R ix er
[)eben. xx i h an
care ft It' to x,it lx marked chan nts or >01
xxill Iitd soturslf htgh anti dr. t'he six
hoats setlekd lot th. night in1ttte mud at ite
head oft he eret. k ant the crexxs adion med
toth lcll e
pub
tl rel'reshinent. ()n oulr
,xe
i\c'liht stop
in \Vkodbri dge \<.Iari na. on
ItI. I-or ftnher
,lix, II
deia i I re kr t the Year
Book tlr contact Antine K[ll
0473 730(187. For an\ 0tn!
interest.d in ha'. ing a sailingz
ho! dax ott the LastM ( Oas t.
tthe R I Y C ttirs ternporar'
member sliip iIr up to a month
oir just £25 and makes an
e:xcel lent base.. Ibr exploring
r5CN
sex' eral of the SnuOtt k and [Fsu U'.rs
Hiap
J\nt~
sailing.
IK,.'l
re~turnl the ntyhttngiles x*crc inl full xoice
\\]247 Et/itm
er" ou can hax e
Qtiite stutngn~ ]tIox.x C'[
tot) t/itlch of algootd thing and the2 'crxx xxho
ipted to sleep i a lnd tnt rathe'r thitII
Ph.)IoS k
Muttl Sharmaln
undetir al boat tent1.had a s.omexx,hat sleepless
niehi, Sttndax daxvtetl tihir bttt the titls
de.part irc.\We
..
neCe.ssttated anl e'arl ' selad
hti a iltx clv rn
doxtl
he Stour in1 a gele]
1w thfie tide and then
lttrce 3. tpeedcti
a1some/,hat slt<' er reach tip the' (Orx cll
acatist~ itlst of the ebbI, And so* ended
x<cr'y ple'asant
i
a x Cr;, Cnj .abtec Crtlt;sn
sl
Sprinu 2t j O4 [Iu
ItI
41
W\ayfarer races in
The Finnish Lakes
~A
_
_
-
L Lt -\ map ot south eastern F'in and.
sho k in the extent 4the~ I xke Sa imaa
B elo \\ax firer 9(29 *Hoaticea" stili
mooredi after a lone sail.
I
A Iight breeie
on the rtun back to
Snoni inna I larbour
in thle 2003 Opera
Festix al Rcatta,
L.,
All photos by Robert
S pa.rr' V,
Get your personaliseci saiding gear this
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See overleaf for further details.
(Order form can be found towards the back of the magazine
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11-1i>
tSt
John River Cruise
bottoin left) with i im Fraser. Ph1otos by AlIan
it,
%~prHn2
2{i04
suca ]
St John River Cruise
A steep learning curve,
A cruise down St John River.
New Brunswick. Canada
Ther's
slghtchage
eena
o pln' aid
Im Fersben had sgt carie in Can'ad
Jim rase.
1had
ustarried n Caada
to accompany Jim on a cruise down the
Saint John River. 'We're entered in a race
on Sunday afternoon and I've never raced
before. I've told 'ema I have a British ringer
as helm who taught Mike McNamara all he
knows!'
Clbde
We wre
oftheFreericon
uess
oat
ntere onest
of thei sumercoroace
on the river at Mactaquac. It was a mixed
fleet but now included 3 Wayfarers. After
an enjoyable race I can now list a 'DSQ'
in Canada along with my last place in the
Norwegian championships. Perhaps I'll
stick to cruising! Jim was delighted with
his 'DSQ'; we were awarded a plaque
whic nowadors
Ji's wllbeach
bank, sorted the charts out and made a plan.
A
nice downwind sail in a fresh breeze
lead
me to a quiet beach at Oromocto
where, a short walk away, lays a fortunate
conjunction of a good supermarket
and a Provincial Liquor Store. These
establishments must be taken advantage
of whenever there isa rare encounter.
Thus provisioned I set off in late afternoon
anarieatMdleIad.Jmhd
andiarried tiddlaoenih
Island' Ji had
isndte thiasan overingh op;tuitihad
a sandy edahr and campinporuniies.ch
Iwddahr n xlrd
iebah
biggish island but populated by cows and
horses. I decided to eat ashore but sleep on
the boat. The many cow footprints around
idctdta
hsmgtb
og lc
to pitch a tent.
I cooked a gourmet meal on the beach of
salpbcnadsrn en-dlcos
Unoatlyop
,
tbeaningmid S nseptember,
itnassrtngy t ego d Notedeal
conditions for anchoring the boat off the
and putting up a boat tent that I had
never seen before.
The next morning dawned brightly, not
helping the after effects of the celebratory
"Sawmill Creek'. A Park Ranger came
up with a message for Jim. A family
bereavement required his immediate return
to Drtmuth
'Do't orr thogh' he
saidr'youtcanDot criery ourse',hDon
saidd 'yu
th cruse
cn
y yurslf'
ThusI ws ono te Sant ohn
lanchd
River Ias
thenFredcontot Clbainth ah
Riecryptic
tteFeeitnBa
directions and an intention
lbwtfewto
meetup aintJoh.
gainat I nowhow
C:aptain Bligh must have felt. I had cruised
on Jim's boat before and was fairly familiar
with the kit but it's different having to do
everything yourself,
Jim doesn't have a topping lift. His
boat tent goes over the boom, which is
spotd
ycosdsik Imsr
spotd ycosdsik Imsr
they must have a more nautical name) aft.
t forget to tighten the main sheet to
prevent the boom dropping on your head'
had been one of his bits of parting advice.
A good tip but I would have added 'and
lash the gooseneck to the mast'. The boom
falling on my head as the tent collapsed
aotm nyaddt h ruao h
dusk mosquito attack.
Finally I had the tent up, my head torch
on and surveyed the carnage aboard. I
II di
oupe
di
oo apases
apases
oupe ff te
te jttyfor
jttyfor
photographic purposes and then offlI
went down the river under main alone. I
needed to stop and sort myself out. Where
was I going to stop for the night? What
navigational problems were there? Did
I need any provisions? I pulled into the
transferred
all thespace
heavy
to portJim's
and
created an open
to stuff
starboard.
Abbot built Mk2 is a bit different from
UK built boats, it doesn't have floorboards
it has a false floor like a Wayfarer World.
This means that there is a lot of room to
sepbtenteforadtetwr
u
slee baeweth rfulyo
and
u
dwrtyu
Spring 2004 Issue 101
47
VtSt
John River Cruise
the floor. 1 sorted out my self-inflating
mattress, sleeping bag and pillow (luxury)
and had a reasonable nights sleep,
Next morning was perfect. A bright blue
sky, Kingfishers and Ospreys flying about,
a fisherman tending his pots (eels) and the
boat still anchored where it should be.
The next bit is one of the joys of boat
camping-breakfast in bed. You roll back
half of the tent, fire up the Coleman stove
and have several cups of tea. Cereal and
boiled eggs are enjoyed whilst listening to
weather radio or CRC. This definitely beats
working I thought,
Eventually, off I went. The wind had
lightened and turned onto the nose. I tacked
lazily along, the slight flow of the river
making the tacks look easy. However,
progress was too slow and I motored along
to Upper Gagetown.
The huge river was quiet, hardly a soul to
be seen. It had not always been like this,
The river had once been a major highway
with riverboats serving all the communities
along its banks. At every bend and landing
place were old concrete wharves. These
often had two levels to cope with the
different heights of water in the river,
Everything was brought in and out of the
country by river, as there were very few
roads. In addition the enormous amounts of
timber felled in the last 150 years was sent
down the St John. Some of the mysterious
structures on the chart like cribs were used
for logging,
Modem Health and Safety Executives
would have had a field day. Unblocking log
jams in the river with a long pole whilst
standing on them with spiked boots would
generate an avalanche of paperwork!
At Upper Gagetown I stopped at the wharf
and walked up to the convenience store.
I was able to buy some bits and pieces
48
'phone home and make contact with Jim.
Because of its industrial past the river
was well buoyed and proper charts were
available. This was lucky as the St John
River system is vast and intricate. The
buoys employed the dreaded IALA
system B with red cans to starboard going
upstream. Because 1 was a Brit going
downstream they were perfect for me and
I felt quite at home and just left all red
buoys to port as usual. The other odd things
were the charts. Because the river is mostly
linear the charts were produced in strips
with north being anywhere but at the top
and lines of latitude running diagonally
across the page. This was fine until you
came to measure distance or interpret the
effect of forecast wind directions on your
passage.
I decided to spend the night up Mount
creek on Gagetown Island. The pilot talked
of an old house up there that sounded like
it was worth a visit. The creek was narrow
and I motored along. The weeds began
to close in from both sides and I decided
to stop and moor up to a floating raft. To
progress much further would have required
African Queen tactics.
The creek looked like a 5 star mosquito
site so I liberally applied industrial strength
flEET. This was when I discovered DEET
dissolves the print off UKWA tee-shirts
(probably not within the UJKWA tee-shirt
specification). I spent a most comfortable
night up the creek, as I was able to dump
a lot of bulky stuff onto the pontoon and
luxuriate in the space thus created.
Next morning I was off to Gagetown itself.
There was the usual bright blue sky and
display of exotic bird life, but I was getting
used to it by now. I made a note to camp
in future where the morning sunshine fell
on the tent. It was very cold at first this
morning. I tied up at the marina and walked
into town. The convenience store was my
main target and Jim will be amazed to hear
Spring 2004 Issue 101
St John River Cruise
that, despite it also doubling as a stealth
liquor store, I abstained! Truth to say with
one taking the place of two, stocks were
high and it's really not the same drinking
alone.
Gagetown was a pretty place but time
was pressing and a fair wind was not to
b~e wasted. I sailed until 2.30 and awarded
myself an early stop at a sandy beach on
Long Island Bend. Here I first noticed a
slight rise and fall of the tide by about 9
inches. There was also a heavy mosquito
presence so I elected to sleep aboard again,
I watched a bald eagle fly past.
Thursday was the anniversary of the
infamous 9/Il and many flags were at halfmast. I remembered watching that terrible
event unfold whilst on a previous Wayfarer
trip in Mahone Bay.
I set off in a light following wind passing
eagles nests on poles. These had been
placed there to encourage nesting. One
c'ontained a young bird that complained
loudly 'Kri...Kri...Kri...etc' at my passing.
The cable ferry at Evandale soon came up.
The chart cautioned 'Boaters are warned
not to pass ahead of cable ferries as the
towing tension brings the cable close to
the surface'. You can say that again! In
the UK such ferries, as at Cowes or across
the Kyles of Bute are chain ferries. They
run on chains not cables. The chains sink
rapidly ahead and astern of the ferry so,
unless you have a death wish, they are
easy to avoid. The principle danger is from
the ferry drivers themselves. These poor
enslaved mariners are condemned like
inhabitants of Groundhog flay to travel
endlessly back and forth across the same
bit of water. Their only fun is to lurk on
the bank until a passing yacht appears and
then to dash out and try to claim another
victim. In contrast, the St John drivers are
politeness itself, stopping the ferry with
its load of commuters to allow a Wayfarer
to pass. They can afford to be. The lethal
Spring 2004 Issue 101
cable is exposed for most of its length both
ahead and astern of the ferry. I approached
the pontoon that was placed enticingly
both upwind and up tide of the ferry. My
plan was to head for the ferry then round
up and stop head to wind at the pontoon to
the undoubted applause of the passengers.
Well, it's surprising what a difference just
a bit of tide makes! The rivets on the side
of the ferry were looking very large when
I managed to pull out and scramble onto
the pontoon. Needless to say the Evandale
hotel, where I had planned to have a coffee
and 'phone, was closed for the winter.
Setting off'again would have to be finely
judged. The river flow was stronger than
expected-although I should have knownthey put ferries at narrow parts of the
river don't they? I waited until the ferry
had departed then pushed off. Instead of
gliding gently into the centre of the river
before bearing away across the cable I was
swept smartly sideways onto it. Visions
of capsizing and losing all Jim's gear in
the river loomed. I desperately lunged for
the plate and pulled it up as we graunched
over the cable. My heart rate didn't get
back to normal until I rounded the next
bend. The wind had strengthened and
was dead astern. In the St John as in most
valleys the wind is usually either straight
up or down the valley. I wanted to take
maximum advantage and pressed on to
Oak Point where I stopped at the old wharf.
The pilot book promised stores, water and
other delights at the end of the jetty but was
sadly out of date. I walked for a mile to the
campsite to phone home. Engaged for 20
minutes-Sue was surfing the net! I trudged
back to the boat. A sudden loud crashing
in the bushes alarmed me. This was after
all bear territory. A large black shape burst
into view but it was only a playful dog. So
playful in fact that it followed me back to
the boat where I only escaped by leaping
aboard and sailing off.
Passing Oak Point I put my nose around the
49
tSt
John River Cruise
corner to examine Long Reach. This can
be a had spot in a blow but with the strong
following wind was no problem. The
forecast for the next day was for the wind
to come around onto the nose so I pressed
on along the next I10M of Long Reach to
Craigs Point. Naomi was sailing splendidly
mostly under main alone. A large yacht that
had been following was left comfortably
astern. It was late when I anchored behind
Craigs Point. There was no sign of life in
the large houses on the shore, presumably
they were holiday homes.
Next day I re-entered civilisation as I
sailed into St John marina Jim arrived the
next day and we started our non-sailing
part of the trip. This involved a visit to St
John Maritime Museum to investigate the
birthplace of my Great Great Grandfather's
Island where the 'Marie Celeste' was
built and an exploration of the wonderful
geology and big tides of the Bay of Fundy.
But that's another story. Poor Naomi
was towed around the campsites as a
conversation piece. Outside the Parrsboro
Geological museum a lady who looked
as though she was about to tell us off for
parking on the grass approached us. 'Is that
a Wayfarer?' she demanded. On being told
that it was, she told us that her husband
used to sail with Ian Proctor in the Solent.
'Is he still sailing' we asked. 'Oh no,' she
said,' when he was 70 he moved on to wind
surfing'.
My grateful thanks go to Jim and his family
for looking after me and to Jim for lending
me his boat.
Allan Parry,, W7556, Oct 2003
brigantine 'Liffey', a stay at Spencers
Together with your Class Association we
"
1
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for members with the UK's leading pleasure
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Tel: 01626 775237 Fax: 01626 777666
E-mail: insurance@wayfarer.org.uk
50
A member of the
§
Zurich Financial Service, Group
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Wayfarer International203Rally
Having attended the very successful
international rally in Freisland, Holland
in 2002 and developed a taste for cruising
in foreign waters, I took little persuading
to attend the 2003 rally in the Swedish
archipelago just north of Gothenberg.
Dennis and I had already realised the
potential for cruising in these waters when,
on a flight to Norway, we had been diverted
to Gothenberg airport and flown in over
amaze of tiny islands. They looked the
perfect area for cruising in a small dinghy
and this certainly proved to be the case.
Up to 18 Wayfarers attended the rally
at different times over the week, with
representatives from the U.K., Norway,
Denmark, Holland and even the U.S.A.
Surprisingly there were no Swedish boats.
The whole event was ably masterminded
by Bo and Neel Christensen, who, although
themselves from Denmark, had an intimate
knowledge about the area and had devoted
a lot of time and planning to ensure the
smooth running of the event, right down
to finding the perfect camp site with
launching facilities,
The British contingent all arrived on
the same day with a pincer movement,
Ralph Roberts and Cedric Clarke having
borrowed Ken Jensen's boat and sailed
fr'om Norway and the Kells with 'Emma'
(W247) having trailed from England
to Denmark and then sailed across the
Kattegat. As we sailed in, the rest of the
fleet were just returning from the first day
of the rally, a circumnavigation of Malon
and Flaton. We were welcomed and in no
time at all made to feel at home. 'Home'
for the next five days was to be our land
tent (a little smaller and less luxurious
than our boom tent), pitched amongst the
Wayfarer contingent in an area designated
specifically for the rally. It seemed to take
an eternity to lug all our provisions from
the boat to the tent - who'd ever believe a
Wayfarer could hold so much!
Each morning at 0900 reveille was sounded
Spring 2004 Issue 101
by Paul Ammentorp on his trumpet and
we gathered for the morning briefing,
which, thankfully, was in English (how
pleased we were that English was the
international language). Any new corners
were introduced to the rest of the fleet
and warmly welcomed. Plans for the day
were discussed and details of navigation
problems and forecasts were provided.
Generally by 1100 we were all on the water
and on our way.
The destination each day was different
but normally involved some very fine
navigation through a maze of tiny islands;
with a lunchtime stop either tied to a rock
or on a beach in a remote location. The
waters and weather were so warm that
often this was followed by a quick dip and
a period of sunbathing, before returning to
the campsite with the end of the sea breeze
in the late afternoon. Everything was very.
leisurely, with no rush to have to meet a
tide gate. However, although the tides were
negligible (about 50cm rise and fall), we
did encounter some quite strong currents,
especially off Mallon, which, as luck would
have it, always seemed to be in against us.
Tight tacking in the narrow channel with
the tide against us and a fleet of I5 boats
all vying for position was rather like being
on a start line of a very competitive race.
Generally, we covered about 10 to 15 miles
each day in relatively light airs (force 2 -3)
and glorious sunshine. Certainly, we never
had the need to reef down and shorts and
T-shirts were the order of the day.
We also visited a couple of small towns,
the most notable of which was on the tiny
island of Gulholmen. This is the most
densely populated part of Sweden - in
the summer at least, as it mostly consists
of beautiful old wooden summer houses
so closely packed together that the only
access is on foot along narrow twisting
paths. On our final day with the rally we
sailed to the island of Bassholmen and
visited a fascinating boat museum, packed
51
International Rally
~Wayfarer
W
2003
to the gunwales with traditional craft and nautical artefacts. There was even a model of a
Lowestoft trawler that had been built there in the early 2 0 b' century.
The hallmark of a good international rally is the hospitality and camaraderie of fellow
Wayfarer sailors and this rally was no exception. Evenings were spent in good company,
exchanging stories and plans for the future. We had a couple of notable barbeques
accompanied by music and songs from the Wayfarer songbook.
International rallies are a great opportunity to extend your cruising experiences and it
would be great to see a larger British contingent at these rallies. Why not consider joining
this year's rally in Canada?
Many thanks to Bo and Neel for organising such a successful rally. If you want to see
more photos from the rally why not visit the Danish website www.wayfarer.dk.
Anne Kell
Emma W247
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SpringF2004 Issue 10Ll
Cruising Calendar
MAY
1st Lymington (Sea) A day cruise from
Lymington Town SC to Coiwell Bay
(lOW). Destination will depend on tides
and wind direction on the day. Cruises are
organised by LTSC for all classes of dinghy
and will be accompanied by one of their
safety boats. Further details of the planned
cruise for the day can be obtained from Ian
Blundell.
Contact: Ian Blundell - 01 425 629 838 or
ian.Blundell@btinteret.com
Lymington Town S.C., Bath Raod,
Lymington, Hants. S041 3SF
l st-3rd Loch Lomond (Inland) This
3day event will be based at Milarrochy
f
coastline on a three day rally, with views of
Snowdonia, Harlech Castle and Criccieth
Castle. Coastal sailing experience and boat
tents are essential. Full details on: hugo:
//www.harland.me.uk/rallv/
Contact: Bob Harland -01952 462630 or
bobthharland.me.uk
20 Silvermnere Park, Shifnal, Shropshire,
TFI ! 9BN.
15th Harwich Old Town, River Orwell
(Estuary) A club day cruise to Harwich
Old Town down the beautiful River Orwell
from the Royal Harwich YC.
Contact: Alan Cameron - 01473 253427
4, Parkside Avenue, lpswich, Suffolk. lP4
2UL
B~ay Camp Site near Balmaha and have
15th - 16th Brancaster, North Norfolk
the use of the Loch Lomond Sailing Club
facilities, including the clubhouse. It is an
ideal event for the novice helm, those with
families or anyone who has never attended
a Wayfarer gathering before as there will
be a number of more experienced Wayfarer
sailors on hand to give advice whenever
needed. A relaxing three days will be
spent cruising on beautiful Loch Lomond,
visiting some of the islands and gorgeous
sandy beaches. The views are some of the
loveliest in Scotland and for the last few
years the weather at this time of year has
(Sea) This is your chance to visit one of
the picturesque harbours of North Norfolk.
The whole of the North Norfolk Coast
is designated one of outstanding natural
beauty, with large sections owned by
the National Trust and supporting large
colonies of seabirds. It is possible, even on
busy weekends at the height of the holiday
season, to find remote unoccupied beaches.
The cruise will consist of two one-day
cruises along the Noath Norfolk coast,
starting from Brancaster.
Contact: Mant Sharman- 0l553 631557
been glorious.
-
Contact: lain McRobbie - 01 865 881 II]
or iainmcrobbierhotmail.com
5 I, Fynsham Road, Cassington, Oxford.
38 Ford Avenue, North Wootton, Kings
Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 3QS
0X29 4D1
29th - 31st Norfolk Broads Rally
matt( sharman.screamin2.net
(Inland) A 3 day cruise based on the
1st - 3rd ilarlech Castle, North Wales
to Barmouth (Coastal) Sail
Northern Braods around Hickling and
Horsey.
this spectacular stretch of the Welsh
Contact: Mike Playle - 01162 776687 or
-Pwllheli
Spring 2004 Issue 101
53
rCruising Calendar
wuffa(Ttiscali.co.uk
sc.co.uk and for location www.deesc.co.ulclubi nfo.htm
JUNE
5th Lymington (Sea) A day cruise from
Lymington Town SC to Gumard Bay, lOW
or Lepe Country Park. Destination will
depend on tides and wind direction on the
day. Cruises are organised by LTSC for all
classes of dinghy and will be accompanied
by one of their safety boats. Further details
of the planned cruise for the day can be
obtained from Ian Blundell.
Contact: Ian Blundell - 01 425 629 838 or
ian.blundell~Wbtintemet.com
Lymington Town S.C., Bath Raod,
Lymington, Hants. S041 3SF
5th - 6th River Dee (Estuary) A combined
open racing and cruising event held
at Dee Sailing Club on the river Dee
at Thurstaston Wirral . A combination
of estuary and coastal sailing with
the club RIBs on hand should anyone
have problems. This event would be a
reasonable introduction to estuary sailing
for those with limited experience of tides
and waves as well as being suitable for the
more experienced. Main and kedge anchor
recommended for the pub trip proposed for
the Saturday.
Hard-standing available for motor-homes
& boat tents. Limited amount of grass
available for pitching land tents. Within
easy reach of Liverpool and Chester for the
non sailors, with plenty of coastal walking
nearby. Dee is a friendly club and this is
our first Wayfarer event, so come along for
some northern hospitality.
Contact: Adrian Mould - 0151 342 7938
or wavfarerc' dee-sc.co.uk or www.dee54
5th - 6th River Blackwater (Estuary)
This cruise is timed to coincide with
the Nationals held at Blackwater S.C.
However, to make better use of the tides
from a cruising point of view, we will be
starting from Stone S.C. a little further
down river. On the Saturday we will be
sailing up to the picturesque town of
Maldon, traditional home of the Thames
Barge, and on the Sunday we will head
down river towards Bradwell. On Saturday
night we will join the racing fleet at
Blackwater S.C. for the usual celebrations.
Contact: Anne KelI -01473 730087 or
the.kells(a talk2 Il.com
9, Pheasant Rise, Copdock, lpswich,
Suffolk. [P8 3LF
12th - 13th Practical sail training (All
at H-ollowell S.C.
welcome)
Northants, this is a training weekend
for people new to Wayfarer cruising, as
well as for those wishing to gain further
experience. A practical demonstration and
training of cruising related techniques.
Includes an opportunity to practise your
bridge shooting and recovery from capsize.
Contact: Mike Playle -01162 776687 or
wuffa~itiscali.co.uk
-Based
19th Ipswich Docks, River Orwell
(Estuary) A club day cruise to lpswich
Dock up the beautiful River Orwell from
the Royal Harwich YC. Lunch at the new
marina.
Contact: David Pinckard - 01449 711452
Cherry Tree Farm House, Forward Green,
Stowmarket, Suffolk. 1Pl4 SET
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Cruising Calendar
JULY
3rd Lymington (Sea) A day cruise from
Lymington Town SC to Newtown Creek
(lOW). Destination will depend on tides
and wind direction on the day. Cruises are
organised by LTSC for all classes of dinghy
and will be accompanied by one of their
safety boats. Further details of the planned
cruise for the day can be obtained from lan
Blundell.
Contact: lan Blundell -01 425 629 838 or
ian.blundellGbtintemet.com
LymigtonTow
S.C, Bth Rodbe
Lymington, Hants. S041 3SF
10th - 11 th River Orwell /River
Deben(Sea) A 2 day cruise from the Royal
Harwich on the River Orwell round to
the River Deben and back, with an over
night stop at Woodbridge. Overnight under
boom tents, ashore in land tents or in local
B3& B for those who prefer their creature
c'omforts.
Contact: Anne Kell - 01473 730087 or
the.kells(Wtalk2l1.com
9, Pheasant Rise, Copdock, lpswich,
Suffolk. IPS 3LF
17th River Thames (Inland) A day cruise
from the Upper Thames S.C. to Marlow
and back.
This will be an ideal cruise for anyone new
to cruising, as well as for those with more
experience who would like to explore a
new area. There will be one lock and one
bridge to negotiate, so you will need to be
able to lower your mast. Camping with
land tents will be available at U.T.S.C. for
anyoe
woldwoike o say oer.14th
Contact: Liz Motherwell -01628 520896
Spring 2004 Issue 101
lizmotherwell(ntlworld.com
I I, Burroughs Crescent, Boumne End,
Bucks SL8 5NR
24th Calshot to Buckler's Hard on
the Beaulieu River (Estuary) This is a
one day event which explores the River
Beaulieu and its beautiful surrounds.
It also gives an opportunity to sail on
the sea on a short coastal passage from
Calshot in Southampton water through
the Solent to Beaulieu. Lunch will be
available at Bucklers Hard and there will
an opportunity to stroll around the old
village of Beaulieu. Accommodation will
be available at Calshot on the Saturday.
Camping or the use of boat tents are also
a possible at Calshot. Nearer the time, full
details, a navigation plan and fact sheet will
be available.
Contact: John Norman 07929-863858 or
iohn.norman(i.fco.2ov.uk.
AUGUST
7th Lymington (Sea) A day cruise from
Lymington Town SC to Yarmouth (lOW).
Destination will depend on tides and wind
direction on the day. Cruises are organised
by LTSC for all classes of dinghy and will
be accompanied by one of their safety
boats. Further details of the planned cruise
for the day can be obtained from Ian
Bune.
Contact: Ian Blundell - 01 425 629 838 or
iabunelbitmeco
Lymington Town S.C., Bath Raod,
Lymington, Hants. S041 3SF
- 15th Swanage (Sea) A club cruise
heading west from Swanage. Destination
5
WCruising Calendar
day.
the wind on each
safety boats. Further details of the planned
cruise for the day can be obtained from lan
Contct:Tim
age- trn~pue~~defa.~i~a
Blundell.
Contct:TimPag
- im.Dce(defa. i.
Contact: lan Blundell - O1 425 629 838 or
ovukian.blundellci~btintemet.com
will be determined by
21st - 22nd Poole Htarbour (Sea/Estuary)
A club cruise from Swanage to Poole
Lymington Town S.C., Bath Raod,
LymigtnHis.S43E
Harbour. Is is envisaged that this cruise will1th anigeRvrSou(Eury
include an over night camp/stay in Poole
A8clbayncnistedote, River orEllury
Harbour, with an exploration of the harbour from
a cuedw
the RoylvhYah C lub
on Sunday before returning to Swanage.
frmteRylawchahtCu
Contact: Tim Page - tim.oa~e~hdefra.gsi.2
round into the River Stour and, hopefully,
ov. uk
up as far as the limit of navigation at
Manningtree and back.
Contact: Anne Kell - 01473 730087 or
21st - 28th Ullswater Gathering (Inland)
the.kells(Ttalk2 l.com
A weeks holiday with like minded people
9, Pheasant Rise, Copdock, lpswich,
in a fabulous part of the country with easy
Suffolk. IP8 3LF
access from most places. The Gathering
can be described as an activity holiday (but
OCTOBER
only as active as you want it to be) with
lots to do if you don't want to sail.
2nd - 3rd Southwold to the Broads (Sea)
Ideal for families and all levels of sailing
A round trip from Southwold into the
ability.
Broads at Lowestoft, via Oulton Broad and
Contact: Simon McEvoy - 0115 989 4616
Burgh Castle (overnight stop - boat tents
(eves) or simonfmcevov~vahoo.co.uk
necessary) to Great Yarmouth and then
back down the coast to Southwold.
29th Snape (Estuary) A day sail
Contact: Ralph Roberts -01502 716776
organised by Orford S.C. from Orford to
9,Oak Avenue, Worlingham, Beccles,
the picturesque village of Snape with its
Suffolk NR34 7DN
famous maltings and concert hall.
Contact: John Colvin - 01206 393104 or
A cruise in the Medway is also planned
olowmancolvinC~sunanet.com
for the autumn but dates have yet to be
finalised. Keep an eye on the web site and
SEPTEMBER
the summer edition of Wayfarer News for
11th Lymington (Sea) A day cruise from
Lymington Town SC to Totland Bay
(lOW). Destination will depend on tides
and wind direction on the day. Cruises are
organised by LTSC for all classes of dinghy
and will be accompanied by one of their
56
further details
Spring 2004 Issue 101
is this what it's all about?
,
Is
this
ss
hat it's all about
?
tiicrited m p1 *nniri'~mude 'i-eicer to ct
\W hat tt ttr,i
in :tdinahx ill abou ' I
'Lispe. t nit' i'n lans diii. rnt ibincs.'>to
ts]o "+e,+[s
oil Lor t I. tlis :t Al \is
tla+Lre!
prmbablx, ha'- 'litlxhd
1m[
t '
nt
diVienna cxp+ectaitoil-.
xxs.\tulder if lao1 [roctor
Was.3
idrer21 iseli'
stiie '
i~lrtsc+*el
thle
ahiiiost lilitless>
ll['
oratiii. cuiosity t.'jtcit
eiiin
aililion.
coln[ipniiioiihip andlt
enjo>t) nl+itt
that xsoild,, resut t i saLilina aboard his
design, u 012 pleasure to so! ltiti peopleU
oall shapes, s,,es, agoes anld ba!ckgrounlds'! '
T hanlk:
hdticn
in tim IS ltit to sttsi
+
i)enrnarllk tO Vs d .i i OsIt',
tt iteett is
a challetlin'' oponi S+CIcossiii
(oia (Oll
tf.
we~[
\ broks. Nit
Is~lt+l
tx\ tn iii timse
-ot.
I lint niii
FHi{sht,expectii tis can
bectank sd titthlemmll
tine, and in the
ilie pus~t+ is a tibute to tone tilline - the
co/uld hats
]here s,sailin
outii
it
[)inish islan]d
I)k
of' .ae,,o. From here: to Niar+,rand. ste
c,perie need large roiling seas v"itbw+inds
eustine to three . and a buss shipping
hue/<
[to
cross. Ii Was alx\bite-kn~uckle ride at
ninies. out oF
tqhe silu}t at lanId dernanlldina
ltust. We,hoth truted "1'Ilinnia
xxho
demontlrated w,;hat ax\ondertlki seal bot)[
Ianl desianed. ]trusted Annelt. or xxhon the
tiller appears, to>hea nattural+ extensiool')
her arm , and reads the.x;axes beati ills[.
Anne~ had to trust in>' tint igation. We'll.
xxgi~l
triuisine inl
tlit ISaic atl
Nt ust+ (elint' Ihert st;as,
tiniarkhl
ibixc i. \\ithiiu
24 hours otlIhoki ]igtup
the trailer in Ipsxxich. xx
bad sailed 'tor
Ilars iel
to Esihera aboard the
fe~rnand launched in thle
harbour at Sacbk at the
nlorth eati of Jtland in
I.)einiark .o DiLanishi
Wtas'Iflrer sailors joinecd
thelprprseMi.Sama.Scee
IronI the hatrbour stall itopaicked
hutge. _on can't reaI],. mIis itL
We didn't.
pln bts.l' ",]
ad,xe "s,4ere experieccing
IS,>conltast ste re.turne d to Sacek' Itoin anl
nIess culttures arid mee¢tingL newt frlienlds by'
island near Marstrand, ai44 nlauticl mile
,,t
lrue of' I vinina'+. urihermore.
o
Ii ke ant
crossing in I i hours atL
about lt
'ree 3. We
cruise, the excitemencft and anticipation cx.ii had theu oars ouLt tbr a shori ssbile.
uIsasbthe traiditiutnal buezler ann~ounlcd
cu~rte.'
S;prina 2fi04 Issuec 10)1
5,
WVIs
this what it's all about?
The west coast of Sweden, north of
Goteborg, right up to the southern end of
Norway, is a huge archipelago. Thousands
of islands provide sailing waters that must
have been put on this earth specifically with
Ian's design in mind. The islands provide
shelter from the worst of the weather and
the fjords wind their way inland, providing
sailing opportunities in most conditions.
We enjoyed a week of short day-sails in
company at the Wayfarer International
Rally. Here, we camped, sailed, swam,
barbecued, chatted, sang and relaxed in the
delightful company of Wayfarer crews and
families from Denmark, Norway, Holland,
the USA and Suffolk. The whole event was
made even mellower by the continuing
Mediterranean summer weather.
Having left the rally, we continued
exploring the archipelago. The sailing was
varied. Some days involved short passages.
Others required a longer day's sail. We
ventured out to sea to visit offshore islands
in search of breeding sea bird colonies,
We followed an inland route around the
immense island of Orust. Some days were
relaxed, almost drifting, counting jellyfish
and eider. Some were more demanding.
After one extremely strenuous day, hiked
out, beating into a force 4/5Swind for 25
miles made good, we collapsed in wet
heaps on the pontoons at Stromstad harbour
having finally tied up for the night. A
Norwegian from the yacht ahead bounced
onto the decking beside us and announced,
"I see you in the fjord. I take off my hat
to you. I know English words to describe
what you do, but I must not say them!" He
handed us each a can of beer and bounced
back into his yacht.
58
Beside the sailing experience, a sense of
exploration is part of dinghy cruising,
especially going somewhere for the first
time. The archipelago is just made for
this. I suppose we have never really grown
out of "Swallows and Amazons," and
anchoring for the night on an uninhabited
island is a real treat. We claimed many for
England, scaling summits, swimming in the
bays and absorbing magnificent sunsets.
Either we found a shallow bay in which
to anchor and wade ashore. Or we tied up
the bows to a steep piece of cliff, laid out
a stemn anchor then stepped ashore. This
process was made even easier by virtue
of the fact that there is barely any tide, no
more than 60 cm at most. It didn't take
long to realise that this also obviated the
need for 'crack of dawn' starts to catch a
tide gate. Relaxed, stress-free mornings
quickly became the norm.
Spending the night at anchor on an island
is a real treat for a dinghy cruiser. We slept
aboard, but it is equally easy to pitch a tent
ashore (although it may be hard to knock
the pegs in), and apart from certain nature
reserves clearly marked on the charts,
camping is allowed almost anywhere in
both Sweden and Norway. Some islands
even have litterbins and toilets provided.
We did not find the wildlife as diverse
and abundant as in the Hebrides, but the
views we had were made more special
through their scarcity. Eider, tree sparrows,
peregrine, buzzards and black guillemot
were amongst the birds observed. A herd of
deer were grazing on one island beach as
we arrived. Gazing at the marine wildlife
was a constant source of time wasting, as
a host of creatures went about their daily
lives beneath the boat, and with a snorkel
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Is this what it's all about?
and mask, the amazing iridescent colour of
the anemones was revealed.
ourselves, good company, exploring new
places, camping on uninhabited islands,
discovering new countries and cultures. It
all makes for a truly rewarding experience
and, naturally, it makes us want to go
again. Remarkably, both at sea and in
harbour, many Scandinavians recognised
the Wayfarer. But then, she is a remarkable
boat.
Shopping was easy. There was a good
food store in almost every village and
stopping in the harbours for a couple of
hours was free. A charge of around £1I0 was
levied for overnight stays, and most had
good showers and facilities. We had three
stormbound days ashore. These provided
opportunities to explore inland, climbing
Thank you both "Emma" and Ian.
hills for fantastic coastal panoramas, or
taking a short bus ride to unexpected finds
Anne and Dennis Kell
like the Vitlyce museum. Here, at a world
"Emma"
heritage site amongst the pine forest, we
W 247
discovered the most amazing
collection of Bronze Age rock
c'arvings imaginable. Ships,
deer, hunting scenes, chariots
and the footprints of those
NRA
too sacred to draw had been
;.
carved into the granite by
T
locals some 2,500 years ago,
.
and as your fingers trace the
~
images you begin to share
something with the artist.
.v
"
The call of a buzzard circling
overhead could even be their
-.
spirits begging to share a
,. a
piece of the action aboard a
" 'a
f
ru•€
cruising Wayfarer. Surely,
" "",
Wayfarer cruising is pant of
-
our Viking heritage?
So what does cruising a
Wayfarer mean to you? Our
cruise in the Baltic was our
most enjoyable yet. Over
450 miles made good, all
sorts of sailing, excitement,
testing conditions, testing
Spring 2004 Issue 101
9'o
'
Vt
[7
'
a
.-.
59
Racing
Sails
-
Developed
alongside
top
Wayfarer
sailors.
Successful at all levels. We offer a choice of Mainsail & Spinnaker
designs to suit your crew weight and sailing conditions.
Sport Sails
-
Designed to fulfill all the requirements
of the
recreational Wayfarer sailor. These sails are ideal for cruising and
training use as well as the occasional race.
C-all Hugh Myers at the loft or Email hugh@banks.co.uk
Accessories
-
£150/£161
*Cover flatloverboom l6oz PVC
*
£204/£214
Cover flat/overboom cotton/polyester
All top covers made from high tear strength UV resistant cloth with full velcro, webbing and
buckle ties
£132.00
*Trailing Top Cover PVC
£140.00
£28.00
£52.00
* Undercover nylon
* Rudder Bag padded
*- Sitting-Out Trousers
£17.00
All prices include 17.5% VAT
*- Mast End Bag
Call the loft or Email enquiries@banks.co.uk
Our Agents include Wayfarer Specialists - John Parker Boats - Telephone 01508 531393
East Coast
South Coast - Colin May at C M Marine - Telephone 01202 476145
*I
A North Sea Crossing
In one of my many conversations with
R¢alph Roberts on the topic of Wayfarer
sailing, he mentioned his interest in the
possibility of sailing a Wayfarer across the
Atlantic to the Caribbean. We spent much
time discussing the consequences of such
a trip and I concluded that the venture
was a viable option, which interested me.
We decided that one of the initial stages
of the preparation for the venture would
be for us to make a trip across the North
Seaandaftr
ogeher tis eperenc we
would look further into the possibilities of
an Atlantic crossing. Ralph already had the
experience of a number of North Sea trips
in his Wayfarer, with crossings to Ostend,
lmjuiden, Den Helder, and Esbjerg.
Helder, which is on the North West tip of
the Netherlands.
Bakrudmake
I have been the owner of Wayfarer 5535
for over 25 years, and made many cruises
in the Netherlands and abroad, particularly
in Scandinavia. I am also keen to race
my boat, both locally and abroad, and
perhaps have more of an interest in the
racig
of apec
ayfrin tha Raph.
racig
of apec
ayfrin tha Raph.
I am currently Chairman of the recently
formed NEDWA, the Dutch National
Assn
Clas.
kown
Assn oftheWayare
oftheWayare
Clas. hae
hae kown
Ralph for a number of years through our
various meetings on the Wayfarer circuit.
Two years ago my wife Dieuwke and I had
sailed with Ralph and others in a small
Ewithpallomy
groumalgnte casta of Noahota,.in
the agnieareoabl ttof
M an ay.a It
was vey meorale
tip o anare of
outstanding natural beauty and wildlife,.
the decision not to sail, than to risk
setting off and endure bad weather.
The next possible date was in mid August.
A forecast of Westerly winds up to F.6 a
few days prior to our projected departure
Prepaationwhere
~he
We started the planning of our North Sea
trip last October, by first putting aside
some possible dates for the cruise, and then
planning the best routes, times, and tides. It
is important to do as much of the planning
and preparation as possible beforehand,
since this lessens the pressure of decision
making at critical times and thus the
chances of making a decision that is later
regretted. Our plan was to sail from Ralph's
base at Southwold in Suffolk, across to Den
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Our first provisional date for the trip was
June 2003. The long-range weather forecast
had initially been good, but 3 days before
oudeatrdteafnthdsredo
fourmdpruedtaothdsatdt
fomwhich was forecast to cross our area
of the North Sea at the start of our trip,
brniglhtngadsogwns.Ts
obiningsligtnn
mand
stron winads.e Ts
we made the decision to postpone our trip.
By next morning, the front had changed
direction, and the weather would have
been absolutely ideal for the trip, but by
then it was too late to reverse our decision.
However, it is always better seamanship to
was expected to decrease and veer to an
unhelpful North-easterly by the time we
were due to set off. We therefore brought
forward our departure by 24 hrs, after
checking
from
number
different to
sources that
theawind
wasofscheduled
decrease to a F.4.
Icagthe6.0fryro
teHok
itcagh the p60erry feroin3teroo
personaltgearNina3Swaterproo
'drysacs', including offshore sailing gear,
extra clothing, sleeping bag and mattress,
lifevest, and lifeline. Ralph picked me up
tHrihaddov
et i oe
hitched
which
had we
made
readyupforhistheWayfarer,
trip. It was
atrmdih ytetm
earvda
Southwotd to put the boat in the water and
stow all our gear securely in the boat.
The Crossing
We set off down the river Blythe just
beoe0.0 t w rs he ea Wihlte
windrand2an0inomings tie, eWt
needed
thedoubad to helpomake oure
waytoethe
tharboutr tncep
Once ourtoasea, the
hroretac.Oc
u osa h
61
WA
North Sea Crossing
Northerly wind picked up, but protected
by the coastline, we were able to sail under
full main and genoa. Once beyond the
protection of the most easterly point of
Lowestoft, the sea became much rougher
so we set a reef in the main and furled
a good part of the genoa (see footnote).
Under a clear sky and full moon, it was
wonderful sailing,
Although the sea was rough, with waves
of varying heights, it was a magnificent
sight sitting low in a dinghy looking at all
the white horses around us. Some waves
looked quite enormous, and one initially
wondered how the Wayfarer was going to
cope with such conditions, but the boat just
rode over the top of each wave, rather like
a cork bobbing about in rough water.
Ralph took the first opportunity to have
a sleep by sitting on the floor of the boat,
and resting his head against the foredeck.
It doesn't sound very comfortable, but
using cushions to absorb the hardness of
the fibreglass, it is not quite as difficult to
sleep as one might think, particularly when
one becomes very tired! To my pleasure, 1
found that under a reefed down main and
genoa, the boat was very stable and we
sailed with a fine speed.
Sescns
The constant motion of the boat caused
me to become seasick by the following
morning. Ralph also started to feel queasy,
but took some seasick pills in time to
prevent his condition worsening. Ralph
was later able to continue eating, whilst
I needed to continue the trip on an empty
stomach. However, sitting quietly on the aft
floor, I was able to do my share of helming
the boat throughout the trip.
Throughout the next day, we each did
The wind was a good deal stronger than
a watch of about 2 hours, though we
that forecast of F.3 to 4, and on a close
generally changed over when the helm felt
reach, it became a very wet sail, with the
in need of a break, rather than operating
sea spray giving us an unpleasant shower
a strict time schedule. We found the most
every time a wave hit the bow. We needed
comfortable position was for both to sit
the full protection of our off-shore sailing
side by side on the cockpit floor, just
gear and thermal under layers to keep
behind the thwart. From this position we
us warm and dry. The conditions meant
could both operate the tiller, without having
that we had a lot of water coming into
to change places.
the boat, but the self-draining capacity
of the Wayfarer World caused it to be
immediately drained away through the self-Nvgto
We had set our course directly from
bailers. All our gear was kept completely
Southwold to the entrance at Den Uelder.
dry throughout the trip in the various
We calculated that the tidal flow taking us
waterproof bags and containers we had
north and then south every 6 hours would
on board. Sailing the boat on a close
virtually cancel themselves out, and any
reach meant steering at all times, with no
correction needed could be made as we
opportunity to set the tiller on any sort of
approached the Dutch coast.
self-steering arrangement. This required
constant attention on the helm's part, but
Ralph noted our position from the GPS
the considerable sailing experience of
every 2 hours, roughly checking it against
both Ralph and myself meant that steering
our track line on the chart in its waterproof
became semi-automatic, without the
cover, and also recording time and position
need for any great concentration. It was
in a waterproof notebook. In the wet
only occasionally necessary to check the
compass to make sure we were keeping our conditions we were sailing, this worked
extremely well. It was the first time I had
required course.
seen such a notebook that could be written
Spring 2004 Issue 101
62
f
A North Sea Crossing
on with an ordinary pencil even when
the page had been made completely wet
from the spray. When the recorded GPS
positions were plotted on the chart later, we
found that the slightly wavy line through
our projected course could be traced as
a place in the marina for us, and after
mooring up, we erected the boat tent, and
collapsed into our sleeping bags for a wellearned rest.
Fast Crossing
primarily due to the tidal flow.
We had left Southwold around 02.00 on the
Shinning
We saw many ships during both the night
and the day on our trip, but whilst the track
of each ship was carefully noted, only once
did we need to heave to in order to allow
the ship (a DFDS ferry) to pass before us.
We had an all-round white 12V light at the
masthead, together with 2 radar reflectors
Friday morning, and arrived at the marina
in Den Helder a little after 07.00 the next
day. For the first 24 hours we had sailed
at average speed of around 5kts, which
was a good speed for a small dinghy with
a reefed main and furned genoa. A more
northerly course would have reduced the
overall time for the crossing by at least a
couple of hours. But even with this error,
-
one of which fell down after 24 hours due
we still made good time overall, improving
to the pin of a shackle being shaken loose
by the constant jarring as each wave hit
the bow. I think it unlikely that a big ship
can see a dinghy of less than 5 metres at
sea, and for our own safety, we considered
it was up to us to keep a constant lookout
in order to keep clear of them. With the
number of ships that passed by during our
on Ralph's previous trip to Den Hielder by
3 hours.
trip, I considered we were lucky that only
experienced. For me too,
one of them was on a collision course with
us.
wet and rough experience. Sleeping in full
sailing gear to withstand the constant spray
was not at all comfortable, and neither was
sitting on the cockpit floor by the mast
and resting your head against the foredeck
when sleeping off-watch. Though this can
be tolerated for a 30 hour crossing of the
North Sea, it would not be practical for a 3
to 4 week crossing of the Atlantic.
Arrival at Den Helder
On a previous trip to Den Helder, Ralph
had sailed over the shallow waters of the
Zuiderhaaks sandbank at the entrance to
Den Fielder. In order to ensure he didn't
repeat the experience, we sailed rather
more south than was necessary. The wind
died just at the very time it would have
been most useful to us, making the error in
navigation more onerous, and caused us to
take an additional 2 to 3 hours to beat the
last few miles into Den Helder.
Ralph had notified the UK coastguard
of our proposed trip, and they had asked
us to report in to the Dutch Coastguard
on our arrival. My sailing friend Hans
Vandersuiissen had also warned his
contacts in the Coastguard Station at
Den Helder to watch out for us, and they
notified him of our arrival even before we
had reached the marina. Hans had arranged
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Conclusion
After we had fully rested from the trip
we made an evaluation of the crossing.
For Ralph it was the wettest and most
uncomfortable open sea cruise he had
it
was a very
The problem of needing some sort of
shelter and comfort for a proper sleep
would need to be resolved before an
Atlantic crossing could be made, otherwise
one would become so tired after a period
of time that it could become dangerous.
However this is not a major problem for a
shorter open sea crossing. A trip across the
North Sea in a Wayfarer is a perfectly safe.
and viable option provided the crew are
very experienced long distance, open sea
sailors.
Jan
Katgerman W5535
.63
North Sea Crossing
~A
["outfnote:
be ax~c thcrc n notihne to .[op thc -xx ixt\
it t hc top ol t}hc
ul}unsx Eindin" x hnl pxiliinz in
xas ulitnt ri n lthc lxii cd
lix ~th
to plc'cn it 'lppin
d utxclin" though±
this' cnrainix tldn' dotthc: ,lcioth
mnx "~id'
xxS' couxlr
In" 1 m.ill]
pit(
x hich I could.
have.
c ehmnt ed do" ii to bult inl
the: r~ow-h lnieht tim .n.{dlitns
p irntlli [in"trhe
"hent[oa
.seenn.d thx ' ,icbr and nmor
am.onimtlkc Option. ( ros-,in" the \l ~ihi in a \\a' Iorcr hiad
beenC~ tin3imbliton l l
min stincc L~dcltt
unlC
[ik £hc' to'p in1
loot yachlt and cxpcricnctn"
''
Readin": [lie n \|le \rihn" ,hook tirther inspired me. thou-h ii no Itimet did I his * li.
ittteilltiOlill
1tikmiii dlu
o orI,lie piot It ha noxx, bi)\
n1putl on/ litc baek-hUrlncr-i nct
n1ote. V' Jin hl'
sobscx'\cd, it s Ihe. ctitliloris and pros I5,011>n hor the erex xxhich arc the
in a iot proicm xxuiti the prolcdl I huer is [11.1 tithi, in}
iit\ mind iiiU it sprcii,ll ttcd ot
\\ix firerc
xx ldt.he mole tFhan Se'xF olrth' enough to) makei a1sucsfl¢*Il crsn'|o.
Ralph Rohetr
\\%9885
Ding/hy Rolle r Reefing
Our foresail rollicr rc
•,
tnc sys tem is,
destn
t nned
lb r di ghlics. It xx orks anrd
beha\x s as it WO Iud
on a \ ac hi but rat her than
ha ing a ridged metl spar it has, a flexible
plastic one. You can buy a comle~te sy steml
or just add a reeling itube to xoolr fu rIing iiear.
specifieall\
either wayu.3on wil hb able redunct. saill arc_ a
whecn voU need Ito. inl
seconds. T'he flex i i Iitx
of the tuibe all >*,;
S yon to stow, the furled sail
.
just about anyxx here.
L65 inctiding postage.
le/'ar Innc, vation
[Rob/ //,/
i>f *I/t 0 / yG3 "02605,
A/mino 1U ppmt~
( tct/emd.
-,,,,,/
I duo
'l)/ 11il ( K.
CIi
robhelyarw. honiaaii.co
Patent Vo. 6B2?550
1K
Fitted as Standard Equipment kr,Topper International on the new
OMEGA
64
Spring21)114 Issue Iitt
A Wayfarer Cruising
in Pakistan
Foreward:
I am writing this Log primarily for the
sailors, as many things that inthis log only
apply to Sailing Boats. I admit, however
if the power boater wishes to make an
overnight trip than he will find many things
o)finterest.
The colour of water is of great interest to
the sailor not only for its esthetic beauty
but it also shows depth and the wind.
1, Humayun Qureshi and my friends had
been toying with the idea of taking an
overnight trip on a sailboat somewhere.
Now came the great opportunity of 5
c'onsecutive EID holidays,
A friend of mine, Zia called me and
convinced me to take the trip in these
holidays. Hence we set forth organizing
the various aspects of the trip, the fun, the
safety and the logistics. Working up to
the trip was a great pleasure. But since
no one had done this before, we were a bit
apprehensive as to how the sea would be
in the night, where would we sleep and are
there enough places to visit once we leave
the safety of our Club.
The final departure:
The 3,d day of Eid festival holidays came
and we left for the harbor where we had
sent the boats a day earlier. We had the
day before sent and put all the provisions
and our luggage into the boat and asked
our Tindals to take the boat to the Karachi
Harbor. When we got there we found out
that we could not manage two boats with
Spring 2004 Issue 101
four people as the bigger boat, the J-22,
would require at least 3 people to manage
it in the Arabian Sea. Hence we went on
to the village of Shamspir and picked up
another of the Tindals we had used earlier
at the Club. Now we were 5 people, the
2 of 3 boatmen and us. This included the
Pakistan Team Coach who was to be more
of a guide for the sailing conditions, etc.
We put the Wayfarer in tow behind the I22 and started the journey. The wind was
good, the temperature was cool and the
prediction on the Internet was good winds
in the day and the night for the next 2 days.
We had found a great site on the Internet
called the "underground weather". This
had wind prediction of almost all areas
in Pakistan. The prediction was that the
wind would be approximately 8 knots in
the day and 15 in the night. The night
temperature would be at 8 degrees and the
day temperature at I8 deg.
The wind on the day of our departure,
Friday the 28's Nov had started from early
morning. We left the harbor around 1 pm
we were a couple of kilometers offshore
as the area of Hawkesbay is a curling
beach and hence we took a beeline to our
expected arrival point. This was a small
village called Abdur-Rehman Goth. By
5 pm we had got to Abdur-Rehman Goth,
anchored the boat and went on shore.
Abdur-Rehman Goth
As expected, all villagers are nice and very
friendly. Here we bought some nans from
a hotel there. The hotel is located on the
main Hawkesbay Road, just outside Abdur
65
A Wafarer Cruising
in Pakistan
Rebman Goth. These people made us some
nans and hot tea, which we brought back to
the boat.
The people of this village are non-Muslim;
they are from a religion called Zikri.
They have the mosques that are the Zikri
mosques. They also seem to be the largest
fishing village in this area with a number
of boats of various sizes. While we were
busy talking to them on the Beach they
explained to us that they owned fishing
launches of various sizes. They fish
throughout the year, including the monsoon
months of June and July.
They were very happy to see our sailboats,
They also used sailboats for fishing 10
years ago, but now use engines on the same
boat. 1 wondered to myself, if these boats
had no keel, how could they be used with
a sail. However, my question was soon
answered when they explained to me that
they use a plank to sit on like they use on
the Bender boats.
The Evening:
We used the Wayfarer to go back to the
anchored J-22. The Wayfarer was our
kitchen and the nook. The Sea Eagle is
very broad from inside and when you take
out the seats you have a 2-meter space to
do whatever you wish. Here we opened
our cooked tinned food, heated it up, made
some coffee and tea, and had our dinner,
As you might expect the darkness comes
very fast on the sea; it was 7.30 pm where
all around us was complete dark, except
the beach at Abdur Rahman Goth which
66
was very well lighted. For those people
who want to venture overnight trip I would
suggest this to be a good camping area,
because if you do need to go on shore in
the night it is well lit.
As is the custom in the small villages
people go to sleep after dusk and so did we.
We slept on the i-22, 2 in the cabin inside
and 3 outside. As was predicted the wind
picked up in the night and gusted to what it
seemed to be was a lot more than 15 knots
but then again I have never experienced
high wind conditions in the open sea. The
night was quite comfortable; the rocking
of the boat was even more pleasurable as 1
had accepted the fact that while at sea this
would be the case.
The high tide apparently brings stronger
wind along with it. This meant more
rocking.
Day Two:
After going through the morning rituals
we started the journey. Our plan was to
go to the French Beach area, however
we ventured much farther, thanks to my
friend, Zia. We went right out to the
Lighthouse that is off Charna. The wind
condition was still quite strong; we glided
along at an excellent speed. I was a bit
apprehensive as my friend, Zia, was putting
up a spinnaker on the Wayfarer. However,
everything went on smoothly. Initially, we
thought he will not be able to make it back
to the French Beach and we might have
to go anchor at Nathia-gali or somewhere
on the way perhaps the Power House.
However, the wind was good, everything
Spring 2004 Issue 101
A Wayfarer Cruising
in Pakistan
seemed to go very smoothly, we were back
b~y 5 pm, and at this occasion we anchored
the boat off French Beach. There was a lot
more confidence in us. After all it did not
take all that long even on the sailboats and
the journey was quite comfortable.
French Beach:
Finally we were back on the land and this
time we cooked on the land and had our
dinner. Quite tired as we had been sailing
for the whole day. We slept at the room
available next to the mosque. Those people
were very kind. They wanted to provide
us with pillows and blankets, however we
thanked them as we had brought our own
sleeping bags but it felt good. There were
at least 8 to I10 people from the village who
came and asked if we needed anything else,
Next morning we had cooked our breakfast,
had our tea and were about to leave when
we saw a number of villagers coming with
a heavy feast that was very tempting, so of
course we ate again,
Day Three:
We left at 8.30 in the morning; the winds
were much lower. This time I was on the
Wayfarer and Zia was on 1-22. We set
off and decided to race till Manora. J22 obviously had the advantage that it
would beat much better, especially inthe
low wind condition They went deep into
the sea and we did some coastal hugging
and pointing towards the wrong direction
which we thought was Manora, as the day
was quite hazy and we could not see very
clearly. However, we met up at Manora
Spring 2004 Issue 101
f
with the J-22 in the lead. The second race
started to the Sun-well. Primarily, because
of better tactics and navigation we got
down to Sun-well much earlier then the
1-22 where we waited for a while just to
make sure they arrived, as they not have
very good navigation. Then we proceeded
towards the Marina Club. The time of
hitting the Bundle Island was I pm. This
meant even inthe low wind condition and
with some fooling around we had reached
here in 4-1/2 hours from the French Beach.
I think we could have saved another 45
minutes to an hour were we not going the.
wrong direction which meant that we had
been beating for quite a distance instead of"
reaching.
Here we entered the Marine Club with the
wind from behind which was perhaps 2 to
3 knots. We started with our spinnakers in
the air and arrived at Marina Club. Here
we were given a royal treatment; every
body around welcomed us, took some
photographs. This was the largest venture
anybody had done on a sailboat from this
club. They were all very happy to see us.
They had rescue boats ready in case we
required.
Summary:
I now feel it is much easier than we had
anticipated. There are a quite few things
we have learnt from the Trip. Let me
summarize as below: *
*
French Beach can be a day trip. It
does not have to be an overnight
trip.
Mobiles work quite well in the
Sea we tried them as far as 5 miles
67
~A
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
68
Wayfarer Cruising
in Pakistan
from the coast right up to Light
House.
Watch is essential as sleeping time
is Dusk to Dawn and your body
clock does not work.
Mobile phones not to be locked as
in emergency any mobile can be
used.
Small Life Rafts are essential for
all vessels intending to make a Sea
passage.
Marine VHF is also essential.
Depth in Light House area is 60ftf
Hence Anchor to be at least 3
times the depth. 1would suggest
Anchors to be at least 200ft.
While Anchoring at French Beach
or beyond a Stone anchor to be
used as the other types can get
caught up in the Rock.
A system to charge up your
various batteries through a Dry
Battery should be available with
you.
Electricity is available at the 2
Villages where we were and hence
you can carry your chargers. Even
Solar cells can be used for Battery
charging.
In case you would like to go
beyond Light House than plan on
Anchoring at Mubarik village
*
*
*
*
from the French Beach you can set
a course at around 137-degrees to
reach Bundle Island, and then 30deg to come into the Channel.
For smaller boats like Wayfarer,
no need to go to Sun-well, almost
on all tides you can go directly
over the breaker. About 50
yards from the wall the water is
approximately 2 to 3-feet deep.
Night becomes quite cold and
warm clothes are definitely
recommended for the night. A
sleeping bag is a must.
A large Arabian type cloth
with good sunglasses is a good
protection from the sun.
Finally, a good handbook on
sailing is a pleasure on such a trip.
Human Qureshi
Pakistan
One of the main reason of the fast
trip back is the tide favored us
while on the way back.
Overnight trip is definitely
recommended if one plans. The
villages are a fair shelter with very
good people.
Not many swells. However, when
the wind picks up there are some
chops about 1-1/2 to 2-feet, which
are much easier than one would
think.
Good compass is essential as right
Spring 2004 Issue 101
My Introduction to
Wayfarer cruising
The Southern Broads May
2003
I had been nursing a secret ambition to
go Wayfarer cruising since I first heard
about it from Mike Playle at the New Parks
evening class. He didn't say much and
because I didn't know much about boats
and sailing I didn't know quite how to keep
the conversation going. But I do remember
a really strong feeling of ' that iswhat!1
want to do '.
It seemed impossible I could go. I don't
have a Wayfarer and I didn't really know
how to find out if!I could crew for someone
who would take a novice. 1also felt a bit
shy, my sailing is quite often mortifying
and I wasn't sure about the etiquette of
sleeping in someone's boat tent or bringing
a land tent. This classification of tents was
quite new to me, as a previous wilderness
backpacker. A tent can never be a plain tent
again,
Next Easter I persuaded husband Mike
to come with me to intercept the United
Kingdom Wayfarer Association Soar/
Trent Cruise that 1 had read about on their
website. We had a beer at the White Horse
Birstall then slipped down to the locks to
eat sarnies and wait to see the Wayfarer
masts coming up to the bend.
What a treat! Their intrepid leader, Mike
Playle said hello and then, quietly,
' get aboard'. His wife Helen directed me
into Wuffa and 1 sailed with them, very
slowly to the next locks at Thurmaston. In
the time it took us to sail, Mike (Pepper)
had another pint and walked there across
Watermead Country Park.
And then 1 was invited to stay with the
cruise to Barrow -upon-Soar. 'Shanghaied'
said Mike Pepper as he wandered off to
look for a bus back to Leicester. Mike
Playle said he'd heard of women who bum
their way around the Med from boat to
boat, but never on the Soar. The wind was
gentle causing some to use their motors,
Spring 2004 Issue 101
but there were bridges and overhead cables
to get under and locks to go through. I
got very cold not having anticipated this
opportunity. At Barrow it was thrilling:
suddenly everyone pulled into the bank and
leapt out and started hammering in huge
pegs with big mallets. It was time to moor
for the night and put up the famous boat
tents. I joined them for a pub meal and then
shared a taxi back to Leicester.
Just before Christmas 2002 I plucked
up courage and sent Mike and Helen a
Christmas card to enquire whether people
ever wanted a crew on the cruises Mike
leads. And, just a few days before 1 was
off to Devon for a training week on Yacht
Sundart, Mike put me in touch with Hilary
Shaw from near Oxford. Her Wayfarer
was on Windermere and she had to make
the long journey to fetch it and could only
come from Friday to Sunday. I couldn't
get there from Dartmouth until Saturday
midday.. .but.. no matter.. .with phones,
emails and new texting skills we sorted it.
I would bring the washing up liquid, and
two plates and she would bring everything
else.
I got in just after 10pm on Friday night and
left again just after 7am for the train on
Saturday morning. 1 did a quick swop over
of sailing gear from yachting to dinghy
cruising, had a bath, a quick conversation
family and a sleep, then away! 1was a bit
apprehensive but it was going to happen!
Wayfarer Cruising.
Mike Playle had told me that I would see
the route from the Lowestoft train as the
railway followed most of it. Once we left
Norwich 1 could see a few yachts, motor
cruisers and sometimes just masts, on the
Rivers Yare and Waveney. We slowed right
down at Reedham and swung cautiously
round towards the swing bridge. Were they
checking to see it was swung in our favour?
I was later to sail through the opened
bridge and the next one at Somerleyton.
69
~(My
Introduction
to
Wayfarer
cruising
New Cut, a dead straight channel linking
the Yare and Waveney was very clear from
the train window.
I walked about haifa mile, between
overhanging bushes and through
engineering workshops and deserted
boatyards until I came to a yacht cruising
club that was clearly closed. I mobiled
Mike to say ' I don't know where I am
supposed to be'. For simplicity I suppose,
he sent me back to the station and kindly
came to fetch me. I had actually got quite
close. 'You went to the salt water side
said Mike in the tone of 'dear me you
really should have known better' But he
very helpfully carried my bag and led me
to where the fellow cruisers were packing
up after their lunch. He introduced me to
my helm, Hilary. There were nine boats on
the expedition. I stowed my gear, put my
waterproofs on and warned Hilary of my
very limited experience,
The wind was quite brisk and gusty, and
I hadn't crewed in a dinghy since the
previous autumn. That is my excuse for
nearly capsizing in Oulton Broad within
three minutes of setting off. I should have
'released the jib sheet' as we 'heeled'. "Get
up!" shouted a desperate Hilary, "Lean
out!" which of course I did. We took in
quite a lot of water over the leeward side.
Oh dear, oh dear, it doesn't bear thinking
about. I had only just met her and if we'd
capsized.. .dear me, well.. .1 would have
just been sent back on the next train, wet,
bedraggled and mortified beyond the
telling,
Hilary seemed very skilful as we tacked
up to Oulton Dyke and then sailed onto
the Waveney. We had a rolled reef in the
main, using a sail bag. I was quite intrigued
to see this actually used as the method of
providing a kicking strap; I never quite
believed it when we were shown on the
dinghy course at Asfordby. The sail was
a bit bunched and not very smooth, but
the boom was nice and high and I was
70
grateful for that. In a sort of a daze Ijust
did my best with the jib and the balancing.
Remembering the centreboard too was, at
this stage, a bit beyond me. Wuffa came
back from time to time to round up the
stragglers. I felt we were little goslings
being watched over by Mother Goose.
Towards evening we came to the end of
the dead straight 'New Cut' and swung to
starboard onto the Yare. We could feel the
strong current carrying us downstream.
The plan was to moor at Bemey Arms for
the night. "Now" said Hilary "'we'll have
one chance at this, when I turn up wind
and go into the side you must be ready and
lean out to grab something. There'll be no
second goes.. .we'll be swept out to sea."
Right. OK.
Hilary was spot on; nipping us in between
two big white monster motor cruises. "Get
your hands dirty! Grab the chain!" How
could I not? We were next to the piled
bank, well below the ground level as it
was low tide. The chains between each
pile were set at different heights so that
you could grab something, whatever the
height of tide. They were dirty and smelly.
No matter, we moored and Mike came by
and told us to use 'springs' attaching one to
the 'horse' at the back of the dinghy. Now
1began to feel more confident, we'd just
spent a week on Sundart putting on springs
and I knew what the horse was because it
had featured in Nigel Thorpe's 'Parts of
the Boat' quiz. Hilary's Wayfarer has not
yet been adapted to cruising (the potential
adaptations are, however, endless as we
were to learn) but for now the bit of line
her dad had provided came in handy. And
I felt very proud of my horizontal fenders,
learnt from Chris Mitchell when mooring
on the pier side at Gaol [slay distillery. The
fenders were cute, like little flasks instead
of giant jeroboas.
It was Saturday night and on the horizon
we could see the bright lights of Great
Yarmouth, across the marshes and estuary
Spring 2004 Issue 101
My Introduction to
Wayfarer cruising
mud fiats. Later we were to hear that a
little boy was missing in Yarmouth that
afternoon and there was a search on.
Our night out was at Bemney Arms Inn,
lt's a perfect spot, no road but you can get
there by water, train or a long walk over
the marshes. The Berney Arms serves
huge plates of food. Hilary and I sat with
P'hil Scott, from Hollowell S.C. and his
crew. The pub formerly served quite a
settlement of houses, long since gone,
that were lived in by the workers at the
mill, which first was used to crush cement
c:linker and then was convened to pump the
marshes. We all enjoyed our hearty meals
and then Helen Playle produced a plug for
the washbasin. She carries them, (Michael
Palmn style, except she has two sizes) on all
such trips, so we were able to have a wash
before returning to the BOAT tent.
The tide had risen so it was easy to step
in. Despite the printed warning not to,
I used my buoyancy aid as a pillow and
slept soundly. Hilary was obviously more
attuned to the boat and was up in the night
adjusting warps, like a Mum waking to the
slightest snuffle of the baby while the man
sleeps on oblivious.
Mike Playle came by in the morning as
we tucked into our freshly cooked bacon
butties. When I enquired about loos he
laughed 'haven't you got a ships bucket?' I
decided to stick with land tent practice and
found a convenient hedge. So I am not yet
fully initiated into wayfarer cruising.
The Sunday morning briefing was 8:30am
sharp, at the foot of the windmill. Before
we set off we reefed again, this time more
neatly and sailed, in sunshine, back up the
Yare through Reedham Bridge and past the
Sugar Beet factory. The Broads landscape
is wonderful: this years green reed growth
was halfway up the old reeds. When the
tide falls the river edges are striped, black
murd, new green and pale yellow mature
reeds above. The sky is huge, huge and
Spring 2004 Issue 101
l
blue with wispy clouds. There is lots of
tacking, and sailing on most points of sail
as the river winds around the bends, then
there are wind shadows and shifts as we
pass clumps of trees and buildings on the
banks.
Mike has planned the cruise with great
thought. We call in at Buckenham Sailing
Club for a mid morning cuppa and loo
stop. At the tea bar we are greeted as 'the
Wuffas'. Phil Scott says '1 can't think of a
better way to spend a Sunday morning'
The foray up river continues. We turn west
into Short Dike, a cut into Rockland Broad.
Mike had briefed those with outboard
motors to wait at the entrance, in case those
with just sails need tows up wind. But we
were fine. Rockland Broad is a tranquil
nature reserve. Beautiful willows edge the
water. We anchor, although H-ilary and I
drift off into the middle. We later learn we
should have 30 metres of chain and rope
and a much more significant anchor if we
are to take this cruising seriously and sleep
peacefully at anchor. After lunch we leave
through 'The Fleet', eating oranges, all the
Wayfarers sailing in a row. At the end of
the peaceful Fleet we can see the wind and
The Yare ebb rushing past. It is springs. We
turn back down river: we need to get back
to Buckenham and then to Berney Arms
for the night. At Buckenham, sadly, Hilary
has to take her boat out of the water to go
home. We help her unpack it and get it on
the road trailer. I transfer to Dave Kirk's
pristine boat, 'The Lynette'.
No work to do with Dave, he's sailing
on just the main and later we motor. We
give a tow to fellow cruisers who have a
rudder problem. Dave is a big, older (very)
Norfolk man who begins to fret for his
dinner. It's about eight and dusk when we
tie up at Berney Arms. This time I go and
pitch a LAND tent, next to the windmill,
between the tower and the wheel that
scoops the water out of the marsh and into
the river. Another big plate of food in the
71
WtMy
introduction to
Wayfarer cruising
pub and this time I sit with Helen, Mike,
their daughter Charlotte and her friend
Anna.
8:30am and it is time for the days briefing
from Mike. We can inspect the chart and
learn a little local history. Then the English
Heritage warden comes and offers to open
up the mill early for us. It is seven storeys
and there are good views from the higher
floors although the cap is off for repairs
and lying beside the mill. It will need a big
crane to lift it back. We can see across the
marshes to Burgh Castle, a Roman Fort.
While we enjoy the views, the information
boards and the nice old interior, James has
mended his rudder borrowing a drill and
other essential equipment from the wellstocked Wuffa.
Mike's itinerary has been planned so that
we work the tides. This morning we set off
onto Breydon Water at low tide and turn
up into the Waveney to get the incoming
tide to help us home. Breydon Water is
atmospheric- all shallows and swirling
sandy grey water. We slip outside the
channel markers and touch the bottomDave shouts something I don't follow so he
does a quick gybe and we swirl round and
free ourselves. There are three beautiful
Gaff rigged yachts from Hunter's Yard
tacking and playing on the water. Dave
tells me they are 1930's classics, built of
mahogany with gas lamps and beautiful
interiors and there is a long queue to
charter them from the trust they now
belong to. He is patient with me and
explains a bit about crewing. He tells me
to go to the library and read some sailing
books. There are lots and lots of tacking.
'Ready about' sounds reassuring and steady
in a broad Norfolk accent. As we beat up
the Waveney 'Lynette' hums. "All boats
sing, your boat will sing to you too" says
Dave.
The Wayfarers carry out this upwind
manoeuvre in a number of different ways.
We simply motor through, tie up again and
put the mast back up. Mark with daughter
72
Harriet drops the mast well downstream
and rows through with enormous oars.
Mike and Helen demonstrate a neat coordinated approach, which Hilary and I are
to have fun practising the next weekend at
Hollowell Resevoir. The main is already
down when Wuffa makes another steady
turn head to wind and the jib is furled.
They lower the mast and Mike nips to
the bow and sits astride. He paddles
decisively while Helen stands looking
casually confident with the mast resting
on her shoulder. All is in order for just
the right moment to shoot the bridge. I
stand on the bridge and take some photos.
Next Charlotte and Anna attempt the coordinated way, but oh dear, the mast won't
come down and they drift slowly onto the
bridge.
On the next reach of the river we hear owls
and sail silently under a large grey -white
bird of prey with distinctive black wing
tips, a male hen harrier, I should think. We
hear a cuckoo calling from the wooded
parkland across the marshes. Dave steers
us into the reeds for a lunch stop: "Grab
a handful, tie her up". He seems keen I
learn the art of reed walking and sends me
ashore so I can 'spend a penny ' when I've
walked over the bank. When I get back,
with muddy trainers, he tells me to shuffle
my bum onto the bow and get back aboard
in my socks. He hands me a cloth so I can
clean the trainers. They won't quite recover
from the Norfolk mud, which is a shame,
they are brand new, and I just won them
with a pot of Flora! Dave's boat is the
smartest, cleanest boat you can imagine
and full of useful equipment. He tells me
how to make up my own bungee clips for
a few pence instead of the extortionate
chandler's prices. Wuffa comes up and
moors alongside midst the reeds. Lunch is
once again in an idyllic spot and we relax
and watch the Broads traffic go by. A young
lad from the nearby but isolated house
strolls out to check we aren't in trouble. A
train trundles along behind the bank and
Dave guffaws at the thought I would have
Spring 2004 Issue 101
My Introduction to
Wayfarer cruising
w
been caught in an embarrassing position if it had passed a few moments earlier
More fun and plenty of tacking for the afternoon. We keep the centreboard slightly up
because of thie shallows by the banks. We need two tacks to get through between the piers
of the (open) Somerleyton Railway Bridge. A year ago [ would have been scared to bits,
not realising how a dinghy can swing round on a penny at what to the novice, feels like
the last minute before you hit the side. Dave thanks me for 'helping the nose round' with
the jib. Earlier he had been explaining about when to move it across. More luck than
judgement, I feel, but we are through and on the other side is a magnificent Broads wherry
yacht, White Moth, with its vast single gaff sail.
The junction with Oulton Dyke is ahead, which Hilary and I had sailed out of two days
before. We stay with the Waveney to Burgh St Peter where the trailers and cars are waiting
for us. I help Dave unload 'Lynette'. There are lots of goodbyes and heartfelt thanks
from all to Mike for his planning and leadership. Then Dave gives me a lift in his van to
Norwich station to catch the 5:12 through train to Leicester. What a great weekend. Thank
goodness it is only four days to the Wayfarer practical training course at Hollowell.
It was certainly the 'satisfying passage making' as promised by Mike in UKWA
programme. Great fun too. Many thanks to Mike for being so inspiring, to Hilary for a fun
time -1hope there'll be more- and to Dave K for letting me crew and, with his soft accent
making sure that not only my eyes, and the feel of the boat, told me 1was on the Broads.
Ann Branson
30 May 2003
Stop Press
A messagefrom your new Chairman
As in-coming Chairman, 1 would like, on behalf of the membership, to record our
very heartfelt thanks to both Chris Sayer, Commodore and Mark Munday, Chairman
for the enormous amount of work they undertook & diligently carried out during their
terms of office. You will all join me in wishing them a very well deserved rest from
their duties with, hopefully, more time to enjoy sailing their Wayfarers. Thanks, thank
you & thanks again to you both!!!
Liz Feibusch
Spring 2004 Issue 101
73
ii.enRacing?
help, advice & a fast friendly service
*or
'!
;
-
]UK
check
The Dinghy Shop on the Web
cai 0191 490 1736
click
www.trident-ukxcom
contact Trident Quay, South Share Rd, Gateshead. NE8 SAE
enq uiries~trident-uk.com
T4
Spratw 2(04 Issue ]01
Boats For Sale
Updates available on our website
www.wayfarerorg.uk
PLEASE READ FIRST ... IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT IDENTIFYING
BOATS - All Wayfarers should have their boat number recorded on their hull. This is how
a boat is identtfied. The number is either carved on the inside of the upstand of the transom
(wooden boats) or on a metal plaque (usually but not always, fixed to the aft slope of the
centerboard case). This number should correspond to the number on the sails; but, if the
numbers differ it is the number on the boat that is the boat X official number A boat without
a plaque/carved number may not officially be raced as a Wayfarer
If you wish to advertise your Wayfarer on this list, please contact the Association Secretary:
Sarah Burgess, 49 Sea view Avenue, West Mersea, Essex COS 8B Y Tel: 01206 384043 Fax:
01206 386821 Email: secretary~wayfarer:org.uk
W 263 woodie for sale. New deck, new
rudder 2002; hull stripped and painted
with 2-pack epoxy 2003. Approx £5,000
spent over past few years. Aluminium spars
(wooden boom available, in need of minor
repairs). Combi trailer 3 years old. Offers
in region of £2,750. Contact Peter Lock
0 1953 888697 or email doc.lock@tesco.net
02-04/05-04)
plate. (Outboard may also be available.)
Polycotton cover. Proctor finted self-bailers.
Oars & rowlocks. Combi trailer. Sound
boat in good condition having been much
loved. Available end January on. Lying
Bowmoor Sailing Club, Lechlade. £1500 or
good offer. Tel: 023 8024 3944 (01-04/0404)
W 333. A beautifully restored wooden
Wayfarer with yellow hull and varnished
topsides.
Set of sails and spinnaker,
aluminum mast and boom, cover and combi
trailer. Rigged for racing. Wintered in
garage. £2,900. Contact Alistair Broadhead
01579 35018$ (Saltash Cornwall) (01-04/
04-04)
W 1180 White Swan Mark I in wood. Built
by Moore's of Wroxham and carefully
owned by just 2 families from new. Rigged
for racing, proven winner on Rivers
Blackwater and Orwell. Professionally
repainted and centerboard casing renewed
2001. Complete with combi trolley/trailer
in v.g.c and at least 2 suits of sails. £3250
Phone 01473 743080 or 07818 055100 (01-
Much loved Wayfarer for sale.
MKI
wooden No. 335. Complete with touring
tent. Good condition but not been used for
3 years. On trail but no means of delivering
£1750. Contact M J Everson 48 London
Road Halesworth 01986 873775 E-mail-ev
ersonmaurice@hotmail.com (01-04/04-04)
Wooden Wayfarer, no: 515, 'Whimsey'.
Blue hull. Rigged for cruising. New mast
with standing & running rigging. New
mainsail with masthead buoyancy. Engine
Spring 2004 Issue 101
0/44
W 1720 "Walloping Window Blind". A
beautiful example of a wooden wayfarer.
Blue hull and varnished top sides. Two sets
of sails including spinnakers. Aluminium
mast and boom. Separate trailer and trolley.
£1,800. Contact Mark 02392 814064
Portsmouth) or 07887 826296. (I12-03/0404) Wayfarer
W 1722 Mkl GRP with trolley, sails
etc. Sound condition but would benefit
75
~Boats
For Sale
from a little TLC. Hence price of
£850.oo. View Lymington Hampshire.
sk.guard~virgin.net. Tel: 01923 855841
(01-04/04-04)
W 1751 Wood. VGC, little used. Now
stored indoors. Gold anodised mast, full set
of sails inc spinnaker. Boat only used for
cruising. Many extras including road trailer.
Price £1500 ono. Contact Mike Ellis Tel:
01590 676319 / Bob Haristone Tel: 01425
614777(01-04/04-04)
W 4292 Mark I I. GRP Blue hull Red
topside with hardly used Mainsail &
Genoa, but older Jib. Newish Combi
Trailer, lying Bosham, £1750.00 Telephone
01483 273805 (02-04/05-04)
W 4347 Mk2 grp. White hull, grey deck.
Main (built in masthead buoyancy and
r eina nolirjc aenpn nn ih F om(
ar: and trail r
ucover.I
Iard (roadtrai er--'as new bearn gs,
trolley regalvanzsed). O/B bracket
(fitted but unused). Oars. Bruce anchor.
Located Angus. 2200 ono. 01575
572416. Mobile 07816459097. Email
jimsboatl 6@hotmail.com (01-04/04-04)
W 4385 Mk 2 Westerly in excellent
condition. One owner since new and
retld h qirq, l',ll,'llow fully
fl cruising £1950.
eq ipped fo O
.'.
r further
B d C, . '. '. L.,~
details. Mark Brookman 01306 877933 or
markbrookman@hotmail.com (01-04/0404)
W 8200 Femme Fatale. Wood by Proctor!
McNamara. Well maintained and wintered
in garage for 12 years. Racing trim, black
spars, 2 suits sails (Mac's). Overboom and
under hull covers. £4,900 Contact Tom
Lock 01202 694325 Mob 07970 021768
(10-03/04-04)
W 8511, double skin self-baler fitted with
bilge pump. Includes mast, sails and road
trailer. All in reasonable condition. £1750
76
or offers. North Wales. Tel. Adrian 01492
530146 or email ceufad@aolcom (01-04/
04-04n)
W 9386. MK2 GRP with white deck &
green hull. Recent new mast and rigging
with furling jib/genoa, self-bailers, single
line reefing and quick spinnaker system.
Comes with combi trailer spare trolley &
trailer wheels and overbook cover. All
£3,800 Lying
in excellent condition.
01394 272361,or
Woodbridge, Suffolk.
email rhk~giles4.freeserve.co.uk (01-04/
04-04)
W 9872 Porter's built Wayfarer World
white/light blue ("windy blew"), good
condition, slab reefing, furling genoa, 2
spinnakers, central mainsheet, extended
outboard motor pad, storage bag, combi
trailer and boom up cover. £5,500.To view
near Emsworth call Greg on 023 9241 3323
or 078 7010 5291 (01-04/04-04n)
Wayfarer World, (Porter
W
10011
Bros Built). This boat is in an absolute
immaculate condition. Turquoise sides with
White Waterline and White below waterline,
lettering on side 'Stillintack'. Comb trailer,
launch trolley, over boom cover, Black
mast, spinnaker and boom, removable
benches, and rear canvas bag. Spinnaker
chute, North Sails, Main Sail with reeling
points and Furling Genoa. Has been kept in
dry storage and had very little use. Bargain
at 5995 pounds. Telephone 01208 75394 or
e' mail trevissick@hotmail.com (12-03/0304)
W 10021. Wayfarer Composite Plus
S. Danegeld II. Built by Porters 1999.
Wooden deck, glass hull (red) with blue
waterline and white underwater section.
Pretty and fast boat. Fore and aft side
benches, self-bailers. Proctor black mast,
boom and spinnaker pole. Lightly used
North cruising sails and one set P&B racing
sails. Currently in racing set-up but has
transom sheeting. Cruising and racing
Spring 2004 Issue 101
Boats For Sale/Wanted
c'enterboards and rudders. Over boom cover
and cocoon. Galvanised combi-trailer/
trolley. Always garaged in winter. Can be
seen near Colchester. £6,000 ono Tel: 01206
262305 (11-03/02-04)
Wayfarer World. Sail number 10067. Built
by Porters. Very lightly used. North sails
(Main (slab reefing) furling Genoa/jib,
asymmetric spinnaker, side seating, and
canvas storage box. Outboard mot mount.
Combi trailer, over boom cover.
Can
be viewed Cornwall. £4500 ono 01872
862097 or email mary.ashdown~virgin.net
(01-04/04-04)
W 10148 Plus SYOYO Ill is for sale. This
Beautiful example of a Foam sandwich
Racing Wayfarer comes in light blue side
sections with dark blue waterline stripe and
white below waterline. It is fully equipped
for racing with several added Harken ratchet
blocks for Genoa and Spinnaker. Two suits
of McNamara sails, fine and medium cut
Mains. Two Spinnakers, one used at three
open meetings only.
Top and cocoon
covers. Full combi. YOYO has enjoyed a
creditable racing record including winner of
open meetings and Falmouth 'Millennium
Plate'. It is in lovely condition and is
located in South Devon. First to see will
buy. £6500. Telephone: 07730 929500
(01-04/04-04)
W 10206 Plus S. Superb boat. White with
blue waterline stripe and grey topsides.
Fully kitted out for racing with dual controls
on kicker, outhaul, cunningham. Harken
ratchet blocks on genoa sheets. Little used
Mac sails including medium cut main,
light and medium cut genoa and 1/2 oz and
Ioz cloth spinnakers. Good cover and on
combi trailer. Boat lying Poole. £6250.00
Contact Dave Mitchell 01202533055 day_
mitch@hotmail.com. (01-04/04-04)
Wanted: Wayfarer GRP MK2 in good
c'ondition and to include combi trailer and
c=over. Value around £1,500. Travel l00ish
miles radius Worcester. Tel: 01905 840388
Spring 2004 Issue 101
(02-04/05-04)
Wanted: Wayfarer in good condition for
family sailing. Must be GRP and also
need trailer. Have £2000 ish available.
Preferably in the North of England but will
travel further for the right boat. Telephone
07714 680531 or 01663 732999 or e-mail
david@abbott95 I2.fsnet.co.uk (02-04/0504n)
Wanted: Wayfarer any age/condition
considered. Within reasonable distance of
North East. Contact Paul 07763108334.
Paul Ridley paulridley@bt.com (01-04/04-
04)
Wanted: Wayfarer in good condition for
family sailing. Must be GRP and have a
road trailer but otherwise interested in any
boat you might have. I have up to £2500
to spend for the right boat. Ideally located
in the North but prepared to travel. Please
ring George on 0771 55 47471 or email on
geobrittain~aol.com (0l-04/04-04n)
Wanted: Wanted - Old boat for family
pottering - we only have up to £500 so
are not expecting a mint quality example!
We're based near Bath but could travel a
reasonable distance. Please contact David
on 01225 722716 or
d.williams@stonar.wilts.sch.uk (09-03/1203n)
Wanted: Mark 2 GRP Wayfarer
reasonable condition with combi trailer
for cruising. Price around £2000, ideally
South of England. Contact Matt on 023
80274019 or 07802 427153 or email
mattmarsh@tesco.net (06-03/09-03)Wanted: Fibreglass Wayfarer in sound
condition, complete with cover and
launching trolley suitable for training.
Within reasonable distance of Rochester,
Approx £1500 Telephone 01634 730195
(05-03/08-03)
WatdNerynw
afrr.Ihva
WatdNerynw afrr.1hva
77
VFor Sale/Wanted
Hillyard 28ft wooden sloop 4 berth with
tan sails lying Southwold, Suffolk. Value
apprx £8500. Call Mark Jennings 01449
710109 (0l-0l/04-01)
02890 291618
W 5898 Mk2 GRP Smallcraft. White hull
light yellow deck.
Wanted: Wayfarer (GRP) rigged for
cruising, value up to £2500. Must be in
good condition and available for viewing
in the North West, North Wales, Cardiff or
London areas. Contact Richard Spencer on
07747 107323. (02-02/05-02n)
W 6501 Mk2 GRP Westerly. Mustard deck,
whthl.
W 3325 Mk2 GRP. White hull, light blue
deck. Contact Simon Blackwell 01489 790
36
36
Wanted: wanted any age / condition W 8130 Mk2 Composite. Wood deck and
conideed
50-150 pefeabl wih ared GRP hull. Stolen from Cumbria on
road trailer. Can view anywhere Norwich- 52210-96. Contact ober Swan 0172 371
Southampton range. Please contact Gary 52 rPC alo 16 7 0
Holmes on mobile 07789 654 8417 or email
People wishing to buy a secondhand boat
gah~midnav.com (05-03/08-03)
in the UK, and export it to another Country,
Wanted: Wayfarer, any age/condition
are now advised to contact the Customs
considered. Price range £750-£1250,
& Excise Advice Centre Tel: + 44 (0) 845
preferably with combi trailer. Anywhere is 0109000 or www.hmce.gov.uk to seek
Central Scotland location to view. Contact
advice following the new EU Directive,
brought into place 16 June 1998.
Andy on andy@restonl.freeserve.co.uk
(07-03/1 0-03n)
Other sources
Wayfarers:
of
new
and
used
Licensed Builders: Porter Brothers,
Unit 1, Tarquin Yacht Harbour, Thomney
Rd., Emsworth, and Hlants. P010 82W.
Tel: 01243 377 522 Fax: 01243 372 929
E-mail: sales~porters.org.uk
Web site:
wwprrsoguk
www~ortrs~rg.seaworthy.
John Parker Boats: Medabeck, Ipswich
Road, Long Stratton, Norwich, NRI 5 2TA
Tel: 01508 531393 Fax: 01508 530897 Email: janej ohnparkerboats, freeserve.co.u
k Web site: www.johnparkerboats.co.uk
STOLEN BOATS: The following boats are
reported stolen:
Wayfarer 1500. Mark I GRP. Stolen
from house in East Belfast, Christmas
day. Blue hull and white deck on brown
painted trailer with green 10" spud wheels.
Oakwood square trim. Marine ply hatch
covers, DIY Fixtures. Good reward Tel:
78
This list is provided for the benefit of
members and enquirers.
Details of
boats and equipment, and descriptions
of condition, are those provided by the
seller: The Association has not inspected
the boats on this list,
has not checked
that details or descriptions are accurate,
and has not checked that the boats are
Prospective purchasers should
satisfr themselves about the condition and
seaworthiness of a boat offered for sale on
this list
This list of boats for sale is constantly
changing so feel free to ring the secretary
for an update. In return we would ask
you please to inform her when you buy a
boat from this list so that the boat can be
removed. Thank you. Our secondhand
boat list is also published on our web site,
http://www.wayfarerorg.uk/with additional
information on Wayfarers and the UKWA.
Spring 2004 Issue 101
SALEi OFBOUGH
CLlUB
WAYFI
BEECH
SCW ARER~V
I.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
1I.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
The Club invites sealed bids for purchase of the Club's Wayfarers.
The boats will be offered for sale in sequence, which will be published on the
Club Notice board.
The base price for each boat is £800.00.
Sufficient time will be given between each sale to allow unsuccessful bidders to
bid again for the next boat in sequence.
The Club does not have to accept the highest bid.
In the event of equal bids a second (or more) round of bidding will undertaken
until a successful bid is achieved.
Sales will be formalised no later than 2 weeks after opening of bids.
Purchasers should make their own arrangements for insurance and attention is
drawn to the Club's stipulations for boat insurance.
Sold boats will be allowed a space in the boat compound for up to 6 months
following sale, or will be allocated a "boat space" in the main boat park.
Sold boats, which do not have an "annually allocated space" in the boat park or
have failed, to pay the requisite fee will, after the expiry of 6 months must be
removed from the Club's premises.
The pro rata fee for "annually allocated boat space" will be payable from sale
date and annually thereafter (or adjusted for winter only).
Club insurance for the sold boats will cease on date of completion of sale and no
later than 2 weeks after the successful bid has been accepted.
The boats are sold with their inventory as seen, and in the condition as seen, but
will include a trolley (but no trailer).
The successful bidder must satisfy{ him/herself as to the condition of the boats
and equipment, and no warranty as to seaworthiness is given.
The equipment and sails (including numbers) are, to the best of the Club's
knowledge, applicable to the boat but no warranty is given.
The boats may be inspected at any reasonable time, without notice, up until the
opening of sealed bids for that boat.
Aggregated values from the sale will appear in the Clubs annual accounts.
In the event of one or more boats remaining unsold these will be advertised in the
yachting press.
Bids for each boat must;
(a) be delivered to the Club, addressed to the Vice Commodore
(b) state (on the outside on the envelope) which boat the bid refers to
(c) clearly state the bid price
(d) full contact details (name, address, telephone etc)
Philip Moppett, Vice Commodore, Tel: 020 8462 1412 Mobile: 0777 613 1507
Spring 2004 Issue 101
79
Sale
~Wanted/for
Genoa (cruising) £50.00, Genoa (racing)
£75 Centreboard ply, unused, unvarnished
£95 Pair Series 11Floorboards; grey, nonslip £60 Pair IROKO fendoffs, unused,
unvarnished £95 Pair self inflating air beds
£15 each All plus postage. Liz Feibusch
Tel: 01394 450444 email: elisabethfeibusch
@uku.co.uk
For sale - Moores Easyload combi trailer!
trolley c/w docking arms, 10" road wheels.
Years old, but still in good condition.
£225.00 ono. Contact: matthew.sharman@
virgin.net or phone 01553 63 1557.
For sale - Swiftech M 198 VHF radio,
boxed, with instruction booklet and three
batteries. £60. matthew.sharman~virgin.ne
tor tel. 01553 631557.
Road Trailer, Brambler D0560/1 6 to suit
Wayfarer. Flexitors and fully adjustable
mast prop. 16 x 4 Hi speed tyres and
spares. Keel and chine rollers. 50mm
coupling. Full history. £150 secures.
Buyer to collect. Basil Hodder Tel: 01202
694686
Two genoas used for weekly racing for 3
seasons. Any reasonable offer considered,
Will sell separately. Rosemary Schlee Tel:
01394 382740
Moores Easyload conmbi trailer.Altered
to take mini wheels and with addition of
docking arms. £250ono. Harken mainsheet
block ratchet jammer. Superb piece of kit
for aft sheeting. £40ono.
Contact - matthew.sharman~virgin.net or
phone 01553 631557.
Rear side benches for Wayfarer ones from Porters are over £200).
0161283782,
Dve Mrto W
0161283782,
Dve Mrto W
£75 (new
Tel.
548
548
One very good set of McNamara racing
sails, Genoa and mainsail both in very
good condition. £450.00 o.n.o. Also Mk
2 rear locker hatch, glass fibre, colour
light blue, front locker hatch for Mk I
80
also in light blue glass fibre, open to
offers. Reason for sale, I no longer own a
Wayfarer and as such the above are surplus
to requirements. David Grummitt Tel:
01462 815812
For Sale: Nook device for removing stones
from centreboard casings. Manufactured
in 1mm thick stainless steel 600 mm long
x 20mm wide - hook formed one end and
hole the other for rope. Highly effective.
A must for all Cruisers. Don't be caught
out without one! £12.50 including packing
and postage. David Hewett Tel: 020 8657
3571
For Sale: Road trailer for a Wayfarer
- believed to be "Rapide" Fair condition.
Offers invited. David Hewett Tel: 020
8657 3571
Pair Wayfarer Mark 2 floorboards, unused.
£45 Collect from Draycote Water SC Geoff
Wood 01604 858800
Wanted:
Inflatable launching rollers and Smallcraft
trolley wheels. Derek 0161 225 3229.
Cruising Mainsail. John Heather Tel:
01647 277438
Roadworthy trailer for Wayfarer. Contact
Pat David, Tel: 01452 730146
Crew wanted for Wayfarer racing in 2004
season (probably Sundays only) at Medway
Yacht Club. Experience immaterial (very
little myself), but must be tolerant!/ easygoing and not mind coming last. Call or email Mike Pimm on 020 8295 1824 / 07803
50 6661 or mike@pimm.fsbusiness.co.uk
If you have any items you wish to be
included in the next edition of the magazine,
please send your advert to Sarah Burgess
by 4/05/04.
Spring 2004 Issue 101
ORDER FORM
Please state Colour & Size required
Cohon
T-Shirt
£8.50
Polo Shi.n
£12.5)
C lea s Polo Shtt
£8.50
Ra.,ghn Sleeve Steat.diflr
£ 17.50
Chiren's fI
£ 11.50
S~weSA='etshif
No rd
Price
£28.W0
Rugty Sh",ii
Pola-bJ
Sae
eJadet
£27.52
Posta.ge & Pacing'
TOTAL
All prices are inclusive of Embroidery & VAT
Please include Boat Name/No if persanalisation required
-Cheqzes sk'ourid he made paya~ble b UICWVA arnd sent wib te caiipiet--l order (ojin ta¢
Kent B~13 1-iX
Sie1Jir, LUtleGabhs, VW otwna Rod bkola,,
www.wayh.rw.arg, Uk
Nar
clolh h 4ayfmw.org.uk
..................................................................................
B N'
TeAd ........................
o...................................................
Postage £250 (or up to 2 itais and £1t.00 each a,'dliomi kim eaz
For O'eisea orders plese a.d! £3.W to pcstal cha.
£1i.00.
Index to Advertisers
Wayfarer News welcomes articles
Banks Sails
Batt Sails
Boats Plus
Chipstow
Clamcleat
Edge
Helyar Innoation
Kazun
McNamara
Navigators and General
60
27
19
29
32
8
64
52
23
50
Solent Dinghies
34
Staysail Holidays
Trident
W Class Clothing
W Class clothing order form
9
74
43
81
When responding to any of the
adverts, please mention that you
saw the advertisement in the Wayfarer News. Thanks.
on all matters relating to Wayrers.
Please submit your article to the
editor.
Pamela Geddes
editor@wayfarer.org.uk.
Kirkbrae House,
Langhouse Road.
lnverkip.
Greenock.
PA160BJ
01475 521327
Photographs or illustrations to
accompany the article would he
particularly welcome.
The editor reserves the right to
edit material prior to publication.
The next copy date is 4th
May 2004
Please note that views and comments expressed in articles reproduced in
re magazine do not necessarily reflect that of the Editor, or the UKWA
S82
Spring 2004 Issue 101
---"Sole
builder of the
World
MKla, MK2 & + S
~WAYFARER
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John Paker Boats
New & UI e d Wayfarers in Stock
Also all ,ou need to sail &Trail
WayfarerS cecialist for over 15 years
All popular Wayfarer S res,
Combination Trailers
Masts,
Booms,
Spinnaker Poles,
Covers: Trailing, Overt am
and flat etc,etc.
<
East Coast age :s for Banks sails, proven to be
undoubtedly the ultimate in choice for fast Wayfarer Sails
Also Sail Repair Facilities Available.
All these and much more, usually from stock
Mail Order and credit Card Facilities Availab!
Parker Boats
leas
....