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PERIHELION 134PERIHELION 134
Comet Class Association Comet Class Association
NewsletterNewsletter
Autumn 2021Autumn 2021
Nottingham SC Comet Open - © Neil Brinkworth
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NEWSLETTER NUMBER
Contents
Page
Association Officers 3
Reports Author
Editorial Nigel Fern 4
Chair Peter Mountford 5
Secretary Liz Hossell 6
Builder Andy Simmons 7
Articles
Dinghy Show Chris Robinson 8
Comet Connections Chris Robinson 13
Endeavour Trophy Eddie Pope 25
Comet Trophies Norah Jaggers 31
Open Reports
NSC Open Sue Jones 9
NSC Open - a personal view Nigel Fern 12
The Nats that never were Chris Robinson 16
SeSC Open Roger Lemmon 18
MTSC Open Mark Govier 19
CMYC 21
OgSC - a personal view Nigel Fern 22
SHSC Open Various 28
Overall Results Ben Palmer 32
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President
KEITH LAMDIN
8 Second Avenue
Clacton-on-Sea
Essex
CO15 5AN
Tel: 01255 421862
Chairman
PETER MOUNTFORD
11 Cleave Close
Folly Gate
Okehampton,
EX20 3FG
Tel: 07761-082255
E-mail: [email protected]
Secretary
LIZ HOSSELL
3 Crump Way, Abbey Vale
Evesham, Worcestershire,WR11 3JG
Tel: 07801 656662
e-mail: [email protected]
Membership
STEVE GREGORY
33 Abbey Road
Medstead, Alton, GU34 5PB
Tel: 07977 215581
e-mail: [email protected]
Treasurer
RHIAIN BEVAN 2 Hall Lane,
Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN15 7LJ
Tel: 07834 186247
e-mail: [email protected]
Events
EDDIE POPE
Flat 6, Penhallow Court, Well Way,
Newquay, Cornwall TR7 3LR
Tel: 07903 350261
e-mail: [email protected]
Results
BEN PALMER 18 Gloucester Road,
Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 4SD
Tel: 07751 814294
e-mail: [email protected]
NewsEditor
NIGEL FERN
3 Cheltenham Drive
Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 2YE
Tel: 01530 469691
e-mail: [email protected]
Committee member
CHRIS ROBINSON
86 Scrivens Mead,
Thatcham, Berks, RG19 4FQ
Tel: 01635 865733
e-mail: [email protected]
Committee member
MICK PARNELL
Tel: 07757097255
e-mail :[email protected]
Trophies NORAH JAGGERS
(Non Committee)
Committee member
STEVE BELLAMY 18 Westmorland Road
Sale, Cheshire, M33 3GU
Tel: 07757 959218
E-mail: [email protected]
OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
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Over the past 18 months, communications between the Association
Committee and membership have undergone a big change for the better.
By moving to completely non paper versions of Perihelion we have cut
our costs considerably whilst still providing a, hopefully, quality
publication.
Several members requested that Perihelion be available in the ‘standard’
A5 booklet form so that they could print it off at home. This request was
heeded, complied with and ‘back dated’ so that all the new copies of
Perihelion are available in a dual format. Additionally thanks to Keith Lamdin I hope to fill in the
gaps in the Perihelion archive.
We have also attempted a non regular email update; this seems to have worked well, especially
with regard to Open advertising! I would ask that for next and future seasons that such requests for
‘advertising’ are planned in advance, rather than waiting until the last minute, as has happened
earlier this year – I do have a life outside of the CCA, although Lesley would disagree! Trying to
put out an update whilst in the Highlands of Scotland on holiday with limited internet speed and
access is not conducive to marital bliss!!
Immediate communication using Facebook has been used to tempt non members to use the
website and possibly join the Association.
Going back to Perihelion, I, as all previous News Editors, am indebted to the contributors of news,
information and reports etc. without which Perihelion would die. However I can never have
enough! Now being electronic, Perihelion costs nothing to produce whereas the 40+ page
Perihelion of old had the £ sign appearing on my shoulder. This edition would not hyave gone out
without serious editing!
Open reports are the bane of my life and I suggest that OODs / Comet fleet captains for our Opens
feel the same when reminded that we would like a report on the day’s sailing. Some take to it like
a duck to water, e.g. Martin Loud at WFSC who has rewritten his Association Championships
report and added more photographs! (Sorry Martin I will hold that over until P135) Others shy
away until they feel that they can forget about it. This year the number of Opens without reports
has been quite large. Therefore if you enter any event PLEASE spend a few minutes putting down
your thoughts in some digital format – most phones have a ‘speech to text’ or voice recording App
in-built so the ability to type is not paramount anymore! Such personal comments bring life to
what could be a very short and somewhat dull piece. The addition of a map of the water, wind
direction and race courses is a boon.
The website continues to grow and develop. Over this winter I hope to completely revamp it.
If you have any ideas on future developments for the website and or Perihelion please let me
know.
Nigel Fern
Comet 845
p.s. Just to prove that Comets can get free publicity, I was pleased to see on page 37 of
November’s edition of the Caravan and Motor Home Club’s magazine an image of the Comet
Open at Baltic Wharf!
Editorial
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Chairman’s Report
The 2021 season has drawn to a close, and now perhaps is the time to reflect on
any lessons to be learnt on how we can improve our racing for next season. Now
is also the time to identify any repairs which the boat needs and perhaps to put in
a request to Santa for those items of kit sorely in need of replacement.
After a start delayed by the lockdown restrictions, I hope you have all managed
to have an enjoyable season’s sailing. Our thanks must go to Steve Gregory, the
Events Co-ordinator, for salvaging an almost complete programme of events for
us to enjoy. We will all have our own favourite memories from the past season.
The standout event for me was the Association Championships at Winsford
Flash where we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Comet. Personal circumstances prevented
me from sailing at as many Open Meetings as I had planned. I only managed to get to 8 of them,
but from my new home, 5 of them could be reached there and back in the same day, a real boon to
my personal enjoyment. One feature of this season for me was that because of the restrictions, I
mastered the art of changing in and out of a wetsuit in a car!
It was especially pleasing to welcome two new clubs into the programme – Nottingham Sailing
Club held their first Comet open meeting on the River Trent at the end of July and Ogston Sailing
Club in the Derbyshire Peak District at the beginning of October. The strong winds at Ogston
produced for me what was a most memorable Open Meeting - the second race was sailed in what
could only be described as “survival conditions”. The sight of so many capsized Comets
throughout the day caused some helms in the Challenger fleet competing at the same time to thank
us for providing the entertainment.
Congratulations to Bob Dodds and to Eddie Pope for winning two Aphelions each, and to Eddie
again for winning the Orbital Trophy and the Pingewood Trophy which is awarded to the Comet
sailor who attended the most Open Meetings. The Club Travellers Trophy was won by Winsford
Flash Sailing Club. Eddie Pope also represented the Class, with Chris Hatton as crew, at the 2021
Champion of Champions Event for the Endeavour Trophy, sailed in RS200 dinghies.
The Annual General Meeting was held at Staunton Harold after the final open meeting of the
season. It was very pleasing to learn that the Association membership has recovered through the
season to a healthy level of 91 members. I hope that the high turnout at the Association
Championships and some of the opens show that the class is recovering from the lockdown.
The Committee are already giving their attention to the coming season. First on the calendar is the
Dinghy Show (now to be known as the RYA Dingy and Watersports Show) to be held at its new
venue at Farnborough over the weekend of the 26 – 27th February 2022. This more accessible
venue should help to attract more exhibitors and attendance by the public. It should provide an
excellent opportunity for us to promote the Comet dinghy. If you would like to “man” our class
stand and talk to potential new Comet sailors, then please contact Chris Robinson. The
Association Championships will be held at Staunton Harold Sailing Club on the 14 – 15th May and
we hope it will be third time lucky for the National Championships to be held at Bala Sailing Club
over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Please put these dates in your diary.
I look forward to seeing you at the Dinghy and Watersports Show or at an Open Meeting early in
the season.
With best wishes for a Happy Christmas and New Year 2022.
Peter Mountford
6
Secretary’s Report Just a few notes from the AGM which was held on Saturday 23 October 2021
at Staunton Harold Sailing Club
The winners of the Fate, Hossell and Jaggers Trophies are as follows:-
Fate plate goes to Steve Gregory for his tweaking of the Sailing Programme
during a difficult year.
Hossell Trophy goes to Martin Loud for his role in promoting Comets at
Winsford and the organisation of the Association Championships during very
Covid restrictions and very light winds.
Jaggers Trophy goes to Phil Roberts for his excellent article on the Training Day held at Staunton
at the beginning of the season.
Thank you all for your nominations.
The Dinghy Show renamed the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show is at Farnborough in 2022 on
26/27 February. Let Chris Robinson know if you can help.
Committee news is that 2021/22 Committee will be:
Chairman – Peter Mountford,
Secretary - Liz Hossell,
Treasurer – Rhiain Bevan,
Membership Secretary – Steve Gregory,
Events Coordinator - Eddie Pope,
Website and Newsletter Coordinator – Nigel Fern,
Results Coordinator – Ben Palmer,
Dinghy show Coordinator – Chris Robinson,
Plus Steve Bellamy and new member Mick Parnell.
Trophies – Norah Jaggers (non Committee member)
Mark Govier has been appointed to be our Auditor/Independent Advisor due to Helen Leivers
resignation.
The Association Championships will be at Staunton Harold Sailing Club on the weekend of 14/15
May 2022.
The Nationals are going to be, for the third time of trying, at Bala over the August Bank Holiday
Weekend.
Our Zoom meetings continue and we have one in February. Keep looking on the Website and the
Facebook page for information
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and let’s hope our double jabs and boosters do the job and
we can get back to a normal 2022
Liz Hossell
7
Quite a bit has happened since you last heard from me. A couple of
weeks after Winsford I made a last-minute decision to attend
Nottingham’s first open meeting and I even managed a couple of races
in the red Comet I had in stock. What a friendly bunch they were and an
interesting addition to the calendar.
In mid-August that “slightly-used” Comet went to Gunfleet Sailing
Club at Clacton in Essex where our President Keith Lamdin sails. I
remember delivering Comets 7, 8 and 9 there forty years ago to a father
and two sons. One son is rejoining the club, not sailing a Comet anymore and I think Comet 7 has
been discovered somewhat un-used at Bowmoor.
I always travel with a spare sail or two in the car on these trips, so another sail was sold to another
Clacton Comet, two White Xtra’s were dropped in at Chipstead but were replacements for a
couple of “early adopters” but after a cheeky phone call, one of the few original rigged Chipstead
Comets was finally converted.
You’ve probably read all about Bala already but those that went still enjoyed some sailing in
fantastic scenery. Jackie and I had a lovely time exploring the lovely local roads etc.
With the red stock boat gone, I recently built another, a Deep Turquoise with waterline if anyone’s
interested!
I also called in at Ogston’s first open meeting as well as Staunton Harold’s last meeting of the year
where the Comets and Solos had 21 entries each. A few more White Xtra’s have been sold with
another to go to Staunton and Nottingham.
I’ve invested in an alternative thinner 7mm mainsheet of slightly stiffer construction to the floppy
soft black mainsheet we’ve always used. It’s available for people to try (and buy!) but at the
moment I haven’t had any experience with it.
As for next year, hopefully it will be business as usual with the season starting early with the
Dinghy Show at a new venue at Farnborough in late February.
See you there!
Andy
Builder’s Report
8
RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show
After the virtual show in 2021 the RYA Dinghy Show will return in its normal format on 26th-27th
February 2022. However, it will be a new normal. Firstly, the date, being the last weekend in
February, is a week earlier than the traditional first week in March. Secondly, as announced in
2020, the show will be at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre. Finally, the RYA have just
announced that the show will become the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show, sponsored by
Suzuki Marine. This will include not only dinghy cruising and racing, but also windsurfing, paddle
boarding or any of the other ways you can get afloat.
As in previous years the Comet Class Association will have a stand at the Show displaying a
Comet supplied by Comet Dinghies. We are looking for some additional volunteers to help out on
the stand and with the new location it may now be easier for some to get to the show.
So, if you are interested please let me know.
Chris Robinson
Comet 63 & 867
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Nottingham Sailing Club
Comet Open Meeting Sat 31st July 2021
The growing group of Comet sailors at Nottingham Sailing Club had been waiting for this day for
quite a few years. We had made the decision to hold our very first open meeting in the summer of
2019 - so long ago! And, finally after 2 postponements/ cancellations, the day had arrived. A
group of 11 club Comet helms (including 4 "guest" helms taking over boats either from those on
holiday or "spare" boats) welcomed 9 visitors, from all over the country.
The conditions for racing looked good (and better than suggested by the Met Office) with a good
westerly wind (10 - 12 mph) over most of our river. There was some current on the river after
sharp showers over previous days, meaning care needed to be taken near buoys, but nothing to
make racing difficult.
In our club races, where there is normally a variety of
large and small boats, there is normally a maximum of 15
boats on a single start line across the River Trent. Due to
the amenable conditions, and also the lack of club
Albacores, GPs and even Lasers on the start line, it was
decided to start all boats at the same time, without
dividing into flights.
All took to the water for the first race, timed to start just after 11am. It was a busy scene on the
river and a joy to our home Comet fleet to see so many Comets sailing on our bit of river. There
was a simple course for the first race: with one bouy upwind (and upstream) and a second bouy
downwind (and downstream); a beating and running course on the river. The first incident of the
day happened at about 6 minutes before the start, just above the start line: Tom Fletcher, one of
the club "guest" Comet helms went for a quick capsize when toe strap fittings broke. Tom quickly
righted the boat, and chose to sail the race without toe straps. To be fair, the boat he was using
was a recent purchase at a good price by one of our club Comet sailors with the intention of
making it a boat for new club members to use / hire. Modifications/repairs weren't entirely
complete.
The first race started, with 4 or 5 boats clearing the start
line relatively easily. The rest of the boats battled it out
for space on the river and some occasional clear air. Good
upwind conditions required sitting out most of the times
whilst frequent wind changes, together with various mild
"wind obstruction" features (i.e. trees) on the river, gave
ever changing conditions. After the first lap, Bob Dodds
was leading the race, with Eddie Pope following and Steve
Bellamy third. These places were held for almost the next
2 laps. After almost 3 complete laps the race officer team
were just ready to signal a "shorten course" signal. At this point there was a change of position at
the front of the race: Eddie Pope took the lead from Bob Dodds. The race team decided to not
shorten so the whole fleet continued for the full 4 laps given on the course board.. Eddie held onto
his first position, with Bob finishing in 2nd place. The final lap allowed Sue Jones to overtake
Steve Bellamy, giving Sue 3rd place.
After a delicious cooked lunch (thank you, Zeny!) the fleet prepared for the second race. Tom's
borrowed Comet had been quickly fixed, with toe strap back working. There was an altered
course, with 2 buoys added to the downwind leg, to give a (hopefully) short dog-leg reach section
© Neil Brinkworth
© Pete rStaples
10
to the course. Again, at the start, a handful of boats easily cleared the line and started their upwind
leg leaving the rest of the fleet to fight for clear air and starboard tack rights. The wind was
generally quieter during this race, with some busy buoys giving tough positional changes. Andy
Simmons chose this race to test a reef in his White Xtra sail, giving him some speed problems on
the lighter wind. With hindsight, the first or last race would have given better test conditions!
However, this didn't stop his reefed sail looking good. Results: Eddie Pope won the race with a
good performance throughout. Bob Dodds had a particularly strong last lap to come 2nd; Steve
Bellamy came third. The closest finish of the race was between Chris Robinson and Sue Jones,
with Chris piping Sue by a second for 4th place.
There was a break for a cup of tea and (for some) a piece of cake before the 3rd race. By this time,
first place for the day had already been decided (Eddie Pope), but 2nd place could still have been
taken from Bob Dodds (with two 2nd place results). The course for the race was not altered, with
a long beat upstream and the downwind leg broken in the middle by a short dog-leg reach. There
was also interest added during the starting period from a large group of paddle boarders, who were
finishing a 100km trek about half a kilometre below the club start line. The last busy start of the
day gave way to a good reach to the top buoy. The wind was stronger at times during this race,
giving exciting sailing and more good racing. There were even some planing reaches on the short
dog leg for the lucky few. Again, Eddie Pope and Bob Dodds took 1st and 2nd places, with Chris
Robinson taking 3rd place. Tom Fletcher had an especially good race in his borrowed Comet to
finish fourth, just beating Steve Bellamy by a couple of seconds. Nigel Fern was delighted to
have finished the race in 7th position.
After packing away boats, everyone enjoyed a good selection of home made cakes, washed down
with teas, coffees and the occasional alcoholic beverage. The prize giving followed, with thank-
you's said by Roger Chilvers (Club Commodore and Comet sailor) on behalf of Nottingham SC
and from Eddie Pope on behalf of the visiting helms.
____________________________________
The Nottingham Sailing Club Comet helms would really like to thank all of the visiting helms for
attending the first Nottingham Open Meeting, and we hope everyone enjoyed their day. As
individuals, we haven't travelled to many open meetings (most of us - none at all), so we were
delighted to meet so many friendly Comet sailors.
Sue Jones
C835
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Comet Class Association Results Sheet
Event: Nottingham SC
Date: North Aphelion
Helm
Boat
No. Sail Club
Race
1
Race
2
Race
3 Points
Final
Position
E.POPE C377 Xw OgSC 1 1 1 2 1
B.DODDS C869 Xw CMYC 2 2 2 4 2
C.ROBINSON C867 S BuSC 5 4 3 7 3
S.BELLAMY C311 Xw WFSC 4 3 5 7 4
S.JONES C835 Xb NSC 3 5 6 8 5
T.FLETCHER C397 S NSC 12 7 4 11 6
J.COPPENHALL C532 S HuSC 6 6 11 12 7
M.LOUD C705 Xw WFSC 7 9 14 16 8
J.CHUEN C839 Xb NSC 8 8 8 16 9
N.FERN C845 Xw SHSC 16 10 7 17 10
H.BABER C402 S NSC 21 12 9 21 11
R.CHILVERS C887 Xw NSC 11 21 10 21 12
T.HIGGS C849 Xw BuSC 10 16 12 22 13
M.MARSHALL C119 S NSC 14 11 21 25 14
G.HASNIP C351 S NSC 13 13 13 26 15
N.BABER C83 S NSC 17 14 16 30 16
D.CHURCH C804 S NSC 23 15 15 30 17
I.HORROCKS C601 Xb NSC 9 23 23 32 18
A.SIMMONS C896 Xw RYA 15 21 23 36 19
P.ROBERTS C784 S NSC 21 17 21 38 20
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Nottingham SC Comet Open
A View from the middle for once!
On arriving it was good to see some familiar faces in the process of unloading / rigging their
Comets. I was surprised to see that Andy had decided to travel up from Devon as only the previous
night he had told me that he didn’t think he would.
Once rigged we gathered by the race box for the briefing only for one sailor, one of our long
distance travellers, to be castigated for forgetting their buoyancy aid – no names no pack drills!
The course was easy to remember – go up river to a buoy, turn around and come back beyond the
start to another buoy, even I couldn’t get lost, could I?
The start was frantic with 20+ Comets on around 80 yards of river. I could not get my bearings as
to where the start line was and as a result had a poor start. If the start was frantic the first 5minutes
was pandemonium, Comets all over the river, attempting to find some space and wind whilst
avoiding everybody else. I needed eyes in the back of my head like never before!
Eventually relative peace descended as the fleet spaced out and individual battles ensued, my
individual battle on lap 2 was with the top mark as it I hit it! Local rules demanded that I re-round
the mark only to hit it again, I blame the current! Absolute disaster, how I got up to 16th I’ll never
know.
Back to the shore and lunch, but not before another disaster. I had decided that to stop my dagger
board from dropping out I would fit a clip on rope. On landing at NSC out I crawled as they have
a convenient height path running down the river bank. As I was about to lower my White Xtra I
remembered that I needed to use my dagger board to hold the sail down. I tried to lift the dagger
board and as I fell into the river I realised that I hadn’t unclipped it!!! Fortunately I was rescued by
a couple of passers-by as there was no bottom!
Race 2 was a little better in all respects except for one thing I hadn’t heard about nor spotted the
change of course! The OOD had put in a short dog leg across the river on the downward leg of the
course, adding in a couple of gybes and, hopefully, a brief reach. On arriving at the dog leg, for the
first time, the anticipated reach turned into a beat as either the wind had changed or had been
changed as it came through the trees! As the race progressed I slowly moved forward and
estimated that, for once, there were more boats behind me than in front – happy days!
Race 3 began with my best start and I was in the top dozen by the top mark. The dog leg was now
an established reach and quite interesting. It turned out to be my best friend as a group of 4 or 5
boats almost ground to a halt in front of me as they exited the dog leg AND they conveniently left
a Comet sized hole at the mark which I gratefully accepted! Going back up the beat I slowly
caught Steve Bellamy and realised that I was now in 4th place! Never been known before! Steve
and I swapped places but neither could get the upper hand and then we were joined by Chris
Robinson. The three of us then traded places for some while but their skill and fitness paid off and
they pulled away. On the final beat Sue Jones came by as I was absolutely shattered and could
hardly move. Fortunately I held onto 7th by a few seconds, my best Open result ever!
A great day out, typical Comet banter plus good close racing and my best results ever what more
could I ask for – oh yes, for more of you to join in!
Nigel Fern
Comet 845
13
Comet Connections
When Scott and Tom Waterland first visited Bristol and Avon SC for their Comet Open they were
shocked at how narrow the water was. I was quite surprised, as although Bristol Avon is narrow
because it is on the river Avon, Scott and Tom are from Tewkesbury SC which is also a river club.
I’d have thought they would be accustomed to narrow waters, but I guess when sailing in a
restricted area a few inches is considered a big difference. Anyway, I pointed out to Tom and Scott
that not only is Bristol and Avon narrow, but the length of river they sail on is short too. Tom
replied, no its not – you could sail all the way to Tewkesbury from here. This got me thinking –
how many clubs could you sail too?
A good place to start would be the River Avon at Arden SC, where we have had Comet Opens in
the past. Sailing down river you soon come to Severn SC (which despite its name is on the Avon!)
followed by Tewkesbury SC. The River Avon then joins the Severn and you can sail all the way
down to Bristol and then up the other River Avon.
The next club is Baltic Wharf SC in the floating harbour at Bristol. This used to be on the River
Avon until the river was diverted around it and dock gates were added to keep the water in at low
tide. Sailing on up the River Avon you eventually get to Bristol and Avon SC. The River Avon
and River Kennet are part of the Kennet and Avon canal as both rivers were canalised to make an
inland route from Reading to Bristol in the early 19th century. The middle section is pure canal and
connects the River Avon and River Kennet. Hence you could sail from Bristol Avon through the
canal and onto the River Kennet, although it may be rather narrow if you have to beat! Although
Burghfield SC sail on a gravel pit, it is alongside the river Kennet. Although there is no water
connection, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too difficult to get the lightweight Comet across.
Carrying on down the Kennet you get to the Thames at Reading. From here you can sail down
river to Hampton SC, another club that has held Opens for us in the past. Eventually you will
arrive at London and the Thames Estuary. Sailing along the North Kent coast gets you to Hampton
Pier YC, where we have had Opens and several Association and National Championships.
Alternatively, you could sail North past Gunfleet SC, another Comet Championship Venue, and
then up the River Crouch to Up River YC.
Of course, once you reach the sea if sailing along the coast is allowed then any sea club is
reachable, and possibly some of our other river clubs. Getting to Cardiff YC, where we have had
two Nationals would be straightforward from Bristol, but I doubt sailing up the River Taff to
Merthyr Tydfil SC would be possible. Even if you could get as far as the Pontsticill Reservoir
getting over the dam would be a challenge!
This may sound a bit far-fetched. However, a similar journey has been done, although in a Mirror
Dinghy rather than a Comet. The book ‘The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow’ by A.J.
Mackinnon describes a journey starting on the Llangollen canal. He travelled across to the River
Severn and then down to Bristol. He too sailed along the River Avon, Kennet & Avon Canal and
River Kennet to the Thames. After a short detour up to Oxford he sailed down to London. Here he
got a bit more ambitious and sailed around to Dover and across to France. After sailing through the
inland waterways of Europe he ended up on the Black Sea!
Chris Robinson
Comet 63 and 867
Similarly Cometeers from Swarkestone SC could haul there Comet down their driveway and along
the road to Swarkestone bridge (site of a famous battle) and launch into the Trent, eventually
14
making a short detour into Attenborough SC and then onwards to Nottingham SC. Unfortunately
this trip would be punctuated by many stops to dismast caused by the number of low bridges along
the route and at least one lock transit!
If you can add a similar routes please let me know, especially if you have actually done it!
Nigel
Results from other Opens where no report has been submitted
15
16
The Comet Nationals that Never was – Racing at Bala
The 2020 Nationals should have been at Bala over the August bank holiday, but along with the entire
2020 Comet season, it was cancelled due to Covid. However, as I already had my accommodation
booked I spent the weekend at Bala. The lake at Bala is very large, with the sailing club at one end – a
superb sailing location. Therefore, I was pleased when Bala agreed to run this year’s Nationals over the
August Bank Holiday.
As it is a long trek to Bala from the Thames Valley I decided, like many others, to travel up the day
before. I arrived to be met by Steve Gregory, our events organiser. Have you heard the news, he asked?
Bala had cancelled the Nationals along with the D-Zero Open and their August Bank Holiday regatta at
the last minute due to an outbreak of Covid.
It turned out the Bala organisers had met up the week before, but then found that there were people
with Covid present. They were now all self-isolating, which left them with no race committee, safety
teams or club officers. Therefore, they had no choice but to cancel the Nationals along with all the
other events.
By mid-afternoon it was clear that a number of Comets, like myself, had made it to Bala before being
told about the cancellation. Bala had enough people left to put out a safety boat and a club member
offered to put on some racing on the Saturday and Sunday for those who had travelled. I dropped off
my boat as planned and then checked in to my B and B. In the evening I met up for a meal with Steve
Gregory and the Winsford Comets.
By Saturday morning twelve Comets had made it to Bala. The format for the racing was set as three
races Saturday and three Sunday using the club line. There would be a single start for the Comets, the
lone D Zero that had arrived and a few club boats consisting of a range of dinghies – a Solo, Pico,
Osprey, Javelin, Fireball, Shadow Catamaran and Laser SB3 keelboat.
We started the first race in very little wind and the Comet was able to keep up with the other boats.
Despite a reasonable start I lost concentration as the wind dropped to nothing on the first downwind
leg and I ended up at the back of the fleet. However, the next mark couldn’t be easily seen as its blue/
green colour merged perfectly with the background. I followed the boats ahead until they suddenly
changed direction. It was at this point I realised we had all being heading to the wrong mark! This
worked in favour of the boats behind and I was able to catch up with the fleet. Steve Gregory, who had
done the sensible thing and followed the local boats went into the lead.
Finally the wind finally filled in a little, which allowed us to sail back across the lake to the finish.
Peter Coop caught Steve on the last mark to take the win.
As the wind filled in it had also changed direction, so the race officer changed the course, also
shortening it considerably as the first race had taken one and a half hours to do one lap. The port end of
the line had the most wind, but would mean coming in on port to the windward mark at the end of a
very short beat. Most boats started on the starboard end of the line hoping to make it in one to the
mark. I elected to start in the middle in clearer wind and managed to find a gap between the starboard
boats at the windward mark. This put me in third place, but on the downwind leg I sailed lower than
Nigel Austin and I overtook him. To get back on time the race was shortened after one lap, so this left
me in second place behind Peter Coop who had won again.
The wind was holding up, so the course was kept the same. The first three to the windward mark were
the same as race two. However, this time the three of us sailed clear of the rest of the fleet. Unlike race
two Nigel kept ahead of me on the runs, so I stayed in third place. The Race Officer elected to let us
sail a second lap despite the dropping wind. On the last run the inevitable happened and the wind filled
in from behind allowing the boats behind to close the gap to the top three. John Sturgeon started to
17
overtake to windward, so I sailed high of the mark, which allowed me to bear off and break the overlap
at three boat lengths. This also had the advantage of bunching the chasing boats so that they took each
other’s wind. Therefore, I had enough lead over them on the final beat that I could easily cover them to
the mark to take third place behind Peter in first and Nigel in second.
Bala had cancelled their evening meals along with the rest of the regatta. However, the club has a
separate Café on site and they stepped in and provided an evening meal.
Sunday morning, as the weather forecast predicted, had no wind. However, as we set off from the
shore it began to fill in. Unfortunately, there was also a 180 degree wind shift so we had a downwind
start. Despite a reasonable start and a good first lap, I chose to go high on the last run, which dropped
me towards the back of the fleet. Peter won the race followed by Steve Bellamy and Henry Jaggers.
A new course was set for race five. Having been too far behind the line in the previous races I was
more aggressive at the start. However, sailing past John Sturgeon, who had tacked underneath me left
me, further towards the line than I intended. Looking at my position I was sure I was over, but it was
too late to do much about it. Therefore, I hardened up and hoped that either I was mistaken about being
over the line, or the Race Office was asleep or would call a general recall. To my relief it was a general
recall. I lined up on the starboard for the re-start, but was t-boned on the start by John with thirty
seconds to go. The bang was loud enough that I felt sure my gunnel must be damaged. However, an
inspection by Andy Simmons after the race showed just a small scratch – a testament to how well the
Comet is built. However, after the collision John ran over my mainsheet locking us together. By the
time we had untangled ourselves the fleet had started and it was a case of catching up. The wind was
continued to build in strength so we had some good sailing. The wind was very steady, but there were
still wind shifts and the wind did vary in direction and strength across the course. Peter won again
followed by Charlotte Coop and Andy Dale.
The last race had a short beat to the first mark. It was possible to make this from the starboard end of
the line, where most of the boats started. However, I hadn’t spotted this and started from the other end,
but fortunately managed to tack through the fleet on port without a problem. The first leg of the course
was dominated by the Comets as the other larger boats didn’t have the manoeuvrability to tack through
the fleet. However, once on the off wind legs they were able to get going and quickly disappeared into
the distance never to be seen again. The laser SB3 keelboat made quite a sight with its spinnaker
pulling it over onto its ear despite the three crew being on the windward rail. The wind continued to
increase, so the Race Officer let us sail for three laps, which made it the most enjoyable sailing of the
weekend. Steve Bellamy got into the lead early on and kept ahead of Peter, denying him the grand
slam.
The café put on a second evening meal, and the prize giving, organised by Norah Jaggers, was held
just before dinner. Peter Coop was the winner, followed by Steve Bellamy and Charlotte Coop. These
three are all from Winsford Flash, so Winsford will be the club to watch for the Team Trophy next
year. The results in the middle of the fleet were really close with only one point separating each place
from second to seventh.
Overall everyone who made it to Bala really enjoyed themselves. The close racing and enjoyable
company was what we came for, and this is what we got – it just wasn’t ‘the Nationals’. Our thanks go
to the Bala members who jumped in at the last minute to put the racing on for us. Bala is a fabulous
place to sail and I hope we will be able to have the Nationals there in 2022.
Chris Robinson
C867
For images of the event please see: https://balasc.smugmug.com/2021/Comets/
18
Comet Open at Severn Sailing Club – 4th September 2021
7 visitors travelled to Severn to compete with 4 home sailors in a Force 1 to 2 easterly which, coming
off Bredon Hill and around the clubhouse, produced fluky winds but with few actual dead patches.
The club start line was angled across the river. This produced a close start but with everyone some way
below the line!
Tricia Peacock from the home club got away well with David Peacock close behind. However, Eddie
Pope worked his way through the fleet and was leading on the first downwind leg followed by Chris
Robinson, Mike Weaver and Ben Palmer.
By the second lap Eddie was still in the lead but now followed by Peter Mountford, Chris, Henry Jag-
gers and David Peacock.
Final top positions in this first 3 lap race were Eddie, Peter, David and Henry.
In Race 2, after a welcome lunch, David was leading Eddie, but missed the starboard intermediate
mark, having to return and ending up 2nd behind Eddie. With the wind dropping the course was short-
ened to 2 ½ laps, finishing in the opposite direction to the start. The final top positions were Eddie,
David, Ben and Mike.
In Race 3 Peter was over the line and had to return. Eddie, David and Ben had a very close race. As the
wind was again dropping the downstream mark was brought nearer and again the race finished after 2
½ laps.
The final overall positions were:
1st Eddie Pope
2nd David Peacock
3rd Ben Palmer
The presentation and excellent tea followed and Eddie Pope gave a much appreciated thanks to Severn
Sailing Club.
Roger Lemmon
19
Comet Class Open Meeting
Merthyr Tydfil Sailing Club
5th September 2021
The forecast was for light winds F2, gusting F3 from the
southeast veering to south as the day goes on. As is often the
case in September we have those lovely autumnal windless
mornings. To avoid these, we’d even scheduled the event for
May this year – but “other circumstances” got in the way.
Here we were with almost no wind, but what there was, was
coming from the north-east. Hey, the Brecon Beacons Na-
tional Park is a lovely place to sail anyway; but can, like
many places, be frustrating at times…
Race 1
The wind was light from the north. So, a course was set, 10,
8, 9, 7, OM ( chart) the briefing held and everyone
launched. The wind remained light and patchy for the start
and first away from the line was Ben Palmer (597, Baltic
Wharf SC) ahead of Robert Wookey (165, Merthyr Tydfil
SC). Chris Robinson (867, Burghfield SC) and Eddie Pope (377, Ogston SC) started closer to the
pin end and were initially slower. Eddie picked up a gust and was on the tail of Robert before half-
way to the number 10, windward mark. Ben got there first, about 45 seconds ahead of Eddie and
Robert.
Ben also reached the top windward mark, 9, well ahead of Eddie. As they were running down to-
wards no. 7, the wind petered out. Eddie stayed a little further offshore and managed to sneak past
Ben. Meanwhile Robert was swallowed up by the following “peloton” of five boats. Why the lull
in the wind? The forecast southerly was filling in, so within seconds Eddie was away “beating” to
20
No. 7; Ben quickly got similar wind and was also away. Eddie and Ben concluded their first lap
and Alun Bevan (420, Merthyr Tydfil SC) had manged to break away from the bunch alongside
Andrew Brazier (460, Merthyr Tydfil SC). Alun Was third around the first lap. Followed by An-
drew then Stephen Waldron (426 Merthyr Tydfil SC) and Robert Wookey.
For the second lap the “convergence zone” (i.e. huge awkward patch) of wind was heading north
up the reservoir but Eddie stayed clear ahead of Ben. For the conclusion of the second and final
lap, Eddie rounded 7 ahead but into a very patchy wind still trying to fill in from the south. Eddie
finished first, about one minute behind was Ben, several minutes later Robert got third place just
ahead of Alun.
The boats then all returned to shore for a lunch break.
During lunch the wind did fill in “properly” from the forecast southerly direction. The course was
reset to be 1, 6, OM, X, 8.
Race 2
The fleet got away with no incidents, but Alun did try a “port flyer” and cleared a couple of boats
before having to tack into a wind shadow. Peter Mountford (864, Staunton Harold SC) was ahead
after about 30 seconds. This time there was a reasonably constant wind and more of a proper tacti-
cal battle to the windward mark, No. 1. But Henry Jaggers (800, Beer SC) prevailed ahead of
Eddie who was closely followed by Peter. By the time they were heading from X to 8, Eddie had
pulled a little further from Peter. As they continued upwind Peter was being chased by Ben. But
this order was maintained to the end, Henry first followed closely by Eddie then a short distance
back was Peter.
The fleet stayed out on the water to enable a back-to-back race over the same course as the wind
was reasonably steady at this time.
Race 3
This time Ben seemed to get away first from the line but there were several boats alongside each
other and tacking away upwind. Initially it looked as though Peter may have got ahead. But Eddie
tacked below him into a favourable gust and nosed ahead. Eddie had built a lead of ten boat
lengths by the time he reached No.
6 and Ben had sneaked into second
place very closely followed by
Henry and Peter. By the finish
Eddie got a considerable way clear
of Ben who finished ahead of Peter
who was just ahead of Henry.
Congratulations to Eddie for a hard
fought and well defended victory.
Thanks
Thanks go out to the organisers,
caterers and safety boat crew and
all who helped at the club on the
day and before in these strange
“socially distanced” times.
Mark Govier – injured!
21
Crawley Mariners Yacht Club – Comet Open
It’s unusual for anyone to finish ahead of Bob Dodds in races held at his home venue of
Hedgecourt Lake, and this once again proved to be the case at the Crawley Mariners Comet Open
meeting held on 18 September, when twelve club members were joined by three visitors. Over the
course of the day Bob faced strong challenges from visitor Eddie Pope and from locally based
helms Dan Gibson and Izac Dodds, but drew on all his skills and experience to hold them off to
secure victory with three first places out of the four races sailed.
The prevailing southerly winds made course selection problematic, resulting in three short beats
across the lake, together with one longer diagonal downwind leg. The wind remained shifty and
unpredictable all day, even by Hedgecourt standards, putting skills and wind awareness at a
premium. The downwind section proved as tricky to negotiate as the beats, with the breeze often
evaporating both in the centre of the lake and around the leeward mark.
Throughout the day smaller groups developed within each of the races, meaning that good tactical
skills were required around the marks in order to maintain hard-won gains. In the second race of
the day, with Bob distracted following a start line contretemps, Dan took an early lead and held it
throughout, only to be pipped at the line by Izac in a very close finish. In the third race Bob made
amends with a textbook start taking him into clear air and well on the way to overall victory.
Second and third places overall went to Izac and Eddie, followed by Dan, Simon Thompson and
our other two visitors, Michael Ettershank and John Sturgeon.
22
Ogston Comet Open
Sunday 3rd October 2021
Alternative titles:
“A day of firsts” or “A view from the front the front, the bank and the back!”
Why I hear you cry do you need 2 alternative titles for the same event, read on and all will be
explained!
Ogston was my ‘home’ club during the late 1960’s until 1971 and as such it was the FIRST time I
had sailed on Oggy for 50 years! It was eerily strange to go back and as you would expect so much
has changed but then again so little had changed in reality. Back then the facilities were two red
huts that were used for everything and I mean everything. One of those two huts I am reliably
informed now forms part of the clubhouse! The Safety boat store, a vast modern building, sits on
the site of the original huts. Obviously the water hasn’t changed but I did not remember it.
On arrival I was met by and ‘forced off’ the road by Eddie! It transpired that his road base had
died and he was borrowing a spare double stacker to retrieve his Comet. I was ‘forced’ off the road
as he could not unhook it to let me through so I had to take to the grass! Needless to say that was
the last we saw of him until the prize giving!
The car park was busy with some very long distance travellers, Henry and Peter backed up by
Martin Loud (WFSC) and Sue Bull (NSC). This car park is in a sheltered bay and it is very
tempting believe that the favourable condition there are what you will receive once out on the
lake! Therefore I put the reefing ring on the mast, just in case, but was fairly confident that it
would not be needed! Famous last words!
Once out and around the bay it was clear that the calm conditions in the bay were a complete
contrast to what we were about to face! I quickly noted the course but where were the marks? Also
we had a 3 fleet start, the first fleet were the Challengers, a trimaran for disabled sailors who were
holding their Nationals (I think) at Ogston, then there were Ogston Handicap fleet followed by the
Comets. The fly in the ointment was the race timing, we were using 5, 4, 1, Go but there was a 2
minute gap between starts – brain fade quickly set in as to when to start my watch! In the end I
gave up but noticed there were two Ogston boats hovering around the start line! If in doubt follow
someone who might know more than you! It paid off, the three of us were soon out front and
before long I was in a strong 2nd place (another FIRST).
The beat took us to the far end of the lake; a short screaming run / broad reach towards the dam
wall, the wind eased as I approached the 2nd mark and a successful gybe was completed, another
scream back across, another gybe another scream across and then back towards the committee
boat. It was here that I met one of the Challengers, both of us on the same tack and not knowing
how manoeuvrable they were I gave way to be on the safe side but in doing so I lost two places
and nearly a third. The gybe at the penultimate mark left me facing to Starboard with the sail way
out on the Port side. I was going so fast I dare not move as the boat was stable!!
23
As we approached the final mark the Comet in
front of me suddenly capsized, the helm
disappearing down the starboard side and all I
saw was a falling mast! Suffice to say despite
attempting to bear way I hit the mast at mid
height level. The next few seconds felt like
several minutes as I wrestled the dagger board
up out of its slot to free both boats. Once the
dagger board was free, obviously the rudder
then hit. Fortunately it rotated free but then
stuck and had to be pushed back losing more
time. By now my initial strong 2nd was a very
weak 5th!
Back up the beat was very wearing as gusts would hit at differing angles and at differing speeds,
the boat often taking on a lot of water. At the 2nd mark I attempted to gybe but failed and in I went,
the boom stayed up and the boat had to be turned to drop it back so that I could right the boat.
Eventually I was back in and on my own! The next reach, one of the longest on the course if not
the longest, was the fastest I have experienced outside of a Rib plus 40hp Honda engine!
Everything was just right, the boat was buzzing and was stable and boy was it fast! Needless to say
I did not gybe at the next mark!
At some stage, brain fade stops me from knowing where I went in again, but I was determined to
get to the finish. After the last gybe I felt that I was home free with only a short run followed by
the beat back to the line. The wind gods had other ideas and threw me in again and then to add salt
to the wound decided to allow 845 to remain upright for 20 yards before falling over but not before
the boom had rotated through 360 degrees! I am not a strong swimmer and had to be rescued and
taken back to the boat. We spent a long time attempting to get the boat upright without damaging
the decking or sail due to the excess tension in the rigging due to the boom rotation. All lines were
loosened / removed and the boat came upright and another unfortunate ‘FIRST’ I retired from the
race, just as the 2nd race was about to start! I did not feel too bad when I saw the number of Comets
already lined up on the bank, their helms having decided enough was enough before my debacle.
The 2nd race was watched from the bank as we discussed the merits of reefing for Race 1, the
consensus being that as no-one seemed keen to reef everyone else did not want to be the first to
mention it!!
Andy then gave a master class in reefing my White Xtra in a blow and he made it look easy. I,
then, re-rigged the main sheet, kicker and downhaul; all had been removed / loosened by the safety
crew.
We then adjourned to the club house for a wonderful pasta bake etc lunch. Even with this inside
me I still felt cold from my immersions so I decided to change into my dry suit for the afternoon
race.
Feeling a lot warmer and more confident of staying upright I followed my usual practice of
dunking the Dry Suit Zip end to check that it was securely closed. I felt a little damp so I gave it a
good tug to fully close it.
Earlier I mentioned the wind gods, well they had it in for me again as the wind had dropped
considerably and the reef was not needed! Additionally I discovered I was sailing a wounded boat,
© Norah Jaggers—Yes it was that hairy!
24
not caused by the 3 capsizes but by ‘yours truly’, in rethreading the main block I forgot about the
ratchet and fed the main sheet through back to front – deep joy!
Race 3 followed the same course and soon became two separate races, unreefed and reefed! The
unreefed boats soon disappeared whilst the 4 reefed boats fell by the wayside. At one stage I was
last of all, nothing new there to my regular readers! Just in front of me was Lee Purslow whom
some will remember from the Association Championships, where he took the first newbie prize.
We swapped places until he fell right away and I closed on the 2nd reefed Comet. The gap between
us opened and closed over the various legs but I could not get close enough to overtake. Lee
managed to close up on the last leg but I was safe in 3rd reefed Comet place! On the way in Lee
explained that he had had to empty his boat twice during the race, no wonder he fell back!
Needless to say I did not feature in the results but, as always, I thoroughly enjoyed the day.
On Tuesday morning, I sorted out my sailing bag and noticed some whiteness around the zip of the
dry suit. On closer examination the rubber seal had deteriorated in several places along the length
of the zip so had I taken a 4th swim I could have been in real trouble! Needless to say, a new dry
suit is being delivered and I will be checking the zip on a regular basis!
Nigel Fern
C845
25
ENDEAVOUR TROPHY - 8-10 OCTOBER 2021
BACKGROUND
The Endeavour Trophy is an annual invitation event for dinghy championship winners, usually
limited to around 30 boats. It is held at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Burnham-on-Crouch.
The 2021 event was the 60th anniversary. For this and the last few years racing has been in
RS200s, which the competitors source themselves. A full suit of new sails is normally provided,
but due to a shipping problem only new jibs and gennakers were available. Competitors therefore
provided their own mainsails.
The Comet class has been invited to compete on a number of occasions, although not in the years I
previously won the championships. When Peter Mountford phoned me to advise that the Comet
championship winner had been invited to take part in the 2021 event, my immediate reaction was
guarded. I knew that the level of skill there would be exceptional, and I was sceptical that at my
advanced age (70) I would be sufficiently competitive. I nevertheless thought that it would proba-
bly be the final opportunity for me, and would be a truly memorable experience. I decided that I
would send off my entry fee and application form if I could find a crew and boat for the event.
I initially approached Ben Palmer, because I knew he owned an RS200. Sadly Ben could not get
time off work in order to take part. I recalled that Chris Hatton (former Comet Nationals winner
and Endeavour participant) was now working for RS, then got in touch to see if he was interested
in crewing and whether he could access a demo boat. I was delighted that he was happy to oblige
on both counts. I therefore filled in the application form to include our sailing achievements, and
was accepted for entry.
THE CLUB
The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club was formed nearly 150 years ago. 90 years ago the current club-
house was designed and it was completed the following year. It is a listed building (grade 11*) on
a grand scale being a rare example of International style in the period of art deco. It requires a lot
of maintenance with really high heating bills - the club is not allowed to replace or supplement the
extensive original single glazing. Club racing is signaled by a very loud foghorn and huge flags
flying on the flagstaff. To my eyes the building resembles the upper decks of a 1930s liner. Great
food was provided including a Championship 3 course dinner.
THE PEOPLE
The entry list of 31 boats was really impressive, including two Tokyo 2020 Olympians (Stuart
Bithell and Luke Patience) and champions from most leading classes. There were junior entrants
from Optimist, Cadet and RS Feva. At the Championship dinner there were brilliant speeches
about Tokyo and racing from Keith Musto (silver medalist in Flying Dutchman at Tokyo 1964),
Luke Patience (470 silver medalist at London 2012 Olympics and Tokyo 2020 helm) and Stuart
Bithell (470 silver medalist with Luke at London 2012 and gold medalist in 49er at Tokyo 2020).
I had sailed against some of the participants in team racing when representing the Civil Service
against the Armed Services. Chris knew more people than me because the RS Aero fleets were
26
represented, and he had competed in the Endeavour twice before (2017 and 2018). It was a great
social event as well as a great racing event.
The race team and organisation at RCYC were faultless, as befits such a prestigious event.
PREPARATION
Chris and I managed to have some practice in the RS200 at Lymington a couple of weeks before
the Endeavour. We were accompanied by Izac Dodds using Chris’ Aero. There was no racing or-
ganised at that time, but we seemed to have good pace upwind in the light conditions by compari-
son with the Aero. Due to a rigging issue we were not able to use the gennaker.
The first day of the Endeavour on Friday 8 October was devoted to rigging and training. Chris was
also representing RS at the event and had a company van with spares which needed to be sorted
out before he was able to set off from RS headquarters. This delayed his arrival so that our boat
was not ready for launching at the published time. We attended a lunchtime training session in the
clubhouse run by Steve Irish, then went afloat (a bit later than most) for a couple of hours to get
used to the new sails and using the gennaker. The wind was light. We also attended Steve’s feed-
back session in the late afternoon. I found the brand new Mylar mainsail provided by RS very hard
to read and we considered replacing it with the old mainsail we used at Lymington. Setting up rig
tension, mast rake and jib slot were critical factors. However, the biggest issue was the strange
feeling of sailing in a very strong current in light winds. In fact a big spring tide was forecast and
evident throughout the weekend, with a current speed of at least 4 mph at times.
THE RACING
The plan was to have 4 back-to-back races both days on a windward/leeward course, with each
race of around 45 minutes duration. Food and water would be provided by RIB deliveries. The
course would be based in the River Crouch and/or the River Roach, depending on wind direction.
They are quite narrow rivers and not typical of championship venues. The wind forecast was light
for both days, switching from easterly on day 1 to northerly on day 2. Our finishing position in the
event (next to last) was disappointing, but not surprising given the quality of the opposition. It was
really tough and any mistake was punished. Our boat speed was generally OK, but my tactics and
boat handling need improvement.
Day 1
There was a delay of over 1 hour waiting for the wind to fill in. The speed of tidal current meant
that progress would have been impossible. In race 1, with starboard line bias at the committee boat
end, we started rather conservatively. We soon learned that RS200s produce a lot of dirty air. In
view of the strong tide all the boats were hugging the shore on the beat, so passing opportunities
upwind were few and far between. Downwind on the run with the tide meant that only 1 gybe was
required. We managed to finish in front of a couple of boats. In race 2 we started closer to the fa-
voured end. Conditions were very similar to race 1. However, I made some tactical and handling
errors meaning that we repeated our race 1 performance. For race 3 the wind had swung around
more to the East and there was very little line bias. The tide was also quite slack being near to high
tide time. We started very close to the line at the pin end in clear air. I think that we picked up
some weed, because our speed was poor. There was no time to check the rudder, but some weed
27
was there at the end of the race. We also suffered some gear issues, and the result of all this was a
last place! In the final race of the day the tide had turned and was pushing the fleet towards the
line. Two general recalls meant that the black flag came out. The starboard line bias had returned
and the best place to start was again the committee boat end. We started well and after a good first
beat were about half way up the fleet. By then the current was strengthening and the wind was fad-
ing. Most of the boats compressed and hugged the shore on the run to get out of the tide. One esti-
mate was a total of 67 roll gybes per boat before reaching the next mark! It certainly seemed that
many to us and no quarter was given - calling for water to gybe with minimal space, lots of sur-
rounding boats and quite a few “foul” moves. After one altercation we ran firmly aground in the
mud. All our good work on the first beat was undone and we were last again!
Day 2
We waited all morning for the wind to fill in and veer towards the North, to enable racing in the
upper area of the River Roach where it meets the River Crouch. One consolation was the continu-
ing lovely weather, as we sat in the sun chatting and watching the river traffic. The black flag was
again in place, and due to the delay in starting there was only time for 2 back-to-back races. The
tide was still coming in fast. The long, broad reach from the club to the start area under gennaker
was fast, because the breeze was building to planing conditions. In the first race we started quite
well, but I chose to tack up the West bank of the Roach in the incorrect view that side of the beat
could be favoured. In fact we and the other boats on that side ended up a long way behind the East
shore boats by the windward mark. Then I forgot about the spacer mark, had to get back against
the tide and the distance lost was impossible to make up! In the final race there was massive con-
gestion at the committee boat end, because the only way to succeed was to start there and head to
the East shore. We decided not to get involved with the chaos and started beside the committee
about 10 seconds late at speed. There was however too much dirty air to get into a clear lane. We
had good pace and had our own battle at the tail end of the fleet. A good drop and rounding at the
final mark gave us a chance to have 5 boats behind us. However, we were just a few metres short
of achieving this in a very tight finish between several boats and ended up beating only 2. The
long tight reach back to the club enabled us to enjoy the RS200 when powered up under gennaker.
REFLECTIONS
Attending the event was a wonderful experience. Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves despite
our overall finishing position. There were important learning points, especially relating to starting,
tactics and taking appropriate account of the impact of currents.
Eddie Pope
28
Staunton Harold Sailing Club
Comet Open Saturday 23rd October 2021
A fresh breeze and a good turn out!
Saturday 23rd of Oct saw the final Comet Open of
the year at Staunton Harold Sailing Club near Mel-
bourne in Derbyshire. It was a grey day with a fresh
southerly wind of 12 mph and over with gusts in the
low 20's and lots of wind shifts as usual.
There were 3 races with 2 to count. John Robinson,
the Officer of the Day set 3 interesting courses using
the full extent of the Staunton Harold Reservoir.
21 boats turned out for the event, the largest number
of all the 2021 Comet Opens.
Race 1 – Course – 4s, 1s, 8p, Dp, G(M)
In the first race, Eddie Pope (Ogston SC) was in the lead at the first mark, Pete Coop (Winsford
Flash SC) was second and Ben Palmer (Baltic Wharf SC) third with Kris Kenmuir-Hogg (Staunton
Harold SC) in fourth. Usual front runner Alan Bennett had a poor start but by playing the shifts he
moved through the fleet. Everything was up for grabs. Places were changing as the race pro-
gressed. By the second lap, Kris gained the lead and at the end took first place with Eddie second
and Ben third.
Dave Waymont (Staunton Harold SC) remembers -
On the second leg I was behind Helen Leivers
(Severn SC) approaching Mark 1 and the wind
seemed to intensify and there was a bit of a swell on.
Helen, I noticed, had decided to tack around the
mark and I was just thinking that seemed a sensible
option but before I could copy, the wind had taken
over and I was past the mark, sail was on the wrong
side and I was out of control. This speedy rounding
of the mark had left me ahead of Helen and I didn't
now dare gybe to get the sail on the right tack as I
was certain I was heading for catastrophe probably
right in front of her. I can't remember how the boat
stayed level or how I recovered but somehow I beat nature for once.
Further down the pack Nigel Fern (SHSC), Henry Jaggers (Beer SC) and Charlotte Coop
(Winsford Flash SC) were battling it out with Nigel gaining 11th place followed by Charlotte and
Henry.
Meanwhile Pete Mountford (SHSC) executed a spectacular capsize to windward on the second
beat from which he never caught up.
The fleet then adjourned for lunch.
Norah captures the moment
29
Race 2 - Course – 4p, 6p, 7p, 12s, 1p, 10s, G(M)
This time Kris led from the start and built up a good lead over Alan Bennett (SHSC). However
Kris was in trouble, he went the wrong way, wrapped his mainsheet around Mark 8 had to do turns
then went round Mark 12 the wrong way and had to round it again. This gave Alan the chance to
catch up but the gap only became a bit shorter!
The fleet slowly became separated, quite literally at mid
point; Paul Hinde, Henry Jaggers and Nigel Fern were in
contention at the back of the leading group. Going from
Mark 12 to Mark 1 Henry and Paul immediately went left
whilst Nigel went well into the bank before tacking, he
was lucky to catch a lift that saw him reach Mark 1 well
ahead of the pair of them. Eventually Henry caught and
passed Nigel whilst Paul slipped further back.
Boats behind Alan did catch up but the final result was
Kris 1st, Alan 2nd and Ben Palmer 3rd.
Race 3 – Course – Fs, 1p, 2p, 7p, 8p, 10p, G(D)
There was a very competitive start to the third race which was held back to back with the second
race. Kris sat this one out with his unassailable position of first place. It was everything to play for
at the first mark. Pete Coop had a close lead over Alan and kept it for the race. The gap extended
to about 5 lengths but closed after the third lap. The final leg up to the finish was excitingly close
and was tack for tack but Alan couldn't get past Pete.
The battle for third place was fierce between Steve Bellamy (Winsford Flash SC), Sue Jones.
(Nottingham SC) and Ben Palmer and Eddie Pope. Eventually Eddie captured the third place with
Sue hot on his transom!
There was also the moment when Chris Robinson (Burghfield SC) (on port) and Dave Waymont
(on port) tried to make a sandwich with Nigel Fern (also on port) as the filling. No shout of star-
board from Nigel, just a commanding order "David, tack NOW!" Reason – Chris had sharply
tacked onto starboard and Dave needed time to react to my plea so that I could also tack without
causing a collision - NF
There was also a hotly contested battle between Chris Fowler (Ogston), Charlotte Coop (WFSC),
Chris Robinson (BuSC) and Nigel Fern going into the final marks of the race. At Mark 10 Nigel
held a slender lead over Chris F, with Charlotte closing quickly, Chris R rounded a little while
later. The leading three took a conventional line back to the finish whilst Chris R bore away to-
wards the club bank. It was a tacking battle between the leading 3 until about 20 yards from the
line when Nigel noticed that Chris’ gamble had paid off handsomely. Chris was barrelling in on
Starboard and there was nothing that Nigel could do to stop Chris crossing the line ahead of him!
Overall Result
The final positions for the day were 1st Kris Kenmuir-Hogg, 2nd Alan Bennett and 3rd Pete Coop.
Sue Jones in 8th place was the first woman.
A great day was had by all. Staunton Harold, with its extensive water and good facilities was a
perfect venue and the grub at lunch was good too.
Kris when asked how he felt about the day said ' I feel lucky and flabbergasted! There was nice
Norah on hand to witness the ‘lift’.
30
sailing with a good friendly fleet. Lesley and Sam's chilli at lunchtime won it'.
Nick Baber (Nottingham SC) wins the quote of the day – “I have finally managed to plane a
Comet”, with a massive grin on his face! That’s what it is all about.
Steve Boud C740
With contributions from
Kris Kenmuir-Hogg C683, Peter Mountford C864, Alan Bennett C126, Dave Waymont C527 and
Nigel Fern C845
31
Comet Trophies:
Trophies, prizes and mementoes: Part 2
I know that I said the finding prizes is a challenge, but sorting out mementoes can be even more
problematic. For a start, cost is a consideration. Then they need to be meaningful without being
too showy; tasteful without being too naff.
Coasters have always been a favourite, with the earliest that we have in use being square ones
which have a shiny silvery surface showing Comets sailing. They were used at several events,
including the Chipstead Open meeting in 1988, the Travellers’ Series (now the Orbital) in 1988
and 1989, and, I think, the Association Championships in 1991. In 2012 I asked a local artist to
make coasters as mementoes for the Championships. He came up with pictures of a narrow boat
(named Miss Me) for the Associations at Severn and an Oast house the Nationals at Bewl Valley.
Pens have also been popular. Fiona, when she was sourcing trophies, found some really nice
Parker pens which take a refill. She also came up with leather-bound diaries for the Aphelions.
We’ve followed that idea in later years with desk calendars and wall planners.
Liz found some really practical mementoes like hand towels and cool bags. They matched up
with her picnic theme which included insulated mugs and a rug.
One year we had sticks of rock for a seaside Championship, and in 2000 and 2001, small bottles of
wine. I seem to recall bars of chocolate for one Championship, but I can’t find the (empty)
packaging for details.
Over the years headwear has been popular, with a variety of caps having been presented as
mementoes. 2005 saw some knitted bobble hats marking the Aphelions. I guess that the snoods
will come into the same category. We’ve given several presents to members as a “thank you”.
These aren’t technically mementoes, and have included several car stickers, lapel badges and
brooches.
One of my favourite mementoes comes from Winsford Flash when they held a championship for
the first time (I think that was in 2000). Ros said that they wanted to give all the competitors
something to remind them of the event. The result was that everyone went home with some small
blocks of salt from the Cheshire salt mines!
This year we’ve gone back to ‘fridge magnets and pen pots as mementoes for the championships,
Aphelions and the Orbital. The former always seem to be popular, and can be found in the
kitchen of many a Comet sailor. They have the advantage of being simple to make, and can be
adapted and personalized easily. And they don’t take up a lot of space while being on display.
Back in the 1990s I was in contact with a particular company which specialized in give-aways. I
cringe whenever I come across the “Apostle” spoons with their Comet logo! However, in 2002
the mementoes from the Association Championships at Hampton Pier were much posher
“Apostle” spoons celebrating the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Highly collectable!
And of course, our favourite memento of all time is the Comet egg-cup.
Norah.
32
Here are the overall Qualifying results for 2021
Weste
rn
Ran
k
Helm
Nam
e
Sa
ilN
o
Clu
b
BW
SC
S
eS
C
MT
SC
B
AS
C
To
tal
Ne
tt
1st
Ed
die
Po
pe
3
77
O
gS
C
1
1
1
(DN
C)
13
3
2n
d
Be
n P
alm
er
59
7
BW
SC
-2
2
2
1
7
5
3rd
H
en
ry J
ag
ge
rs
80
0
Be
SC
-5
4
3
2
1
4
9
4th
P
ete
r M
ou
ntf
ord
8
64
S
HS
C
-4
3
4
3
14
1
0
5th
C
hri
s R
ob
inso
n
86
7
Bu
SC
(D
NC
) 5
5
4
2
4
14
6th
M
ick P
arn
ell
83
0
BA
SC
6
7
(D
NC
) 5
2
8
18
Ea
ste
rn
Ran
k
Helm
Nam
e
Sa
ilN
o
Clu
b
FG
SC
C
rSC
U
RS
C
CM
SC
C
hiS
C
LiS
C
To
tal
Ne
tt
1st
Bo
b D
od
ds
86
9
CM
YC
1
1
(D
NC
) 1
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) 7
2
3
2n
d
Ed
die
Po
pe
3
77
O
gS
C
-2
2
(DN
C)
2
1
-3
33
5
3rd
M
ich
ae
l E
tte
rsh
an
k
84
U
RS
C
3
(DN
C)
1
3
( D
NC
) (D
NC
) 7
6
7
4th
B
en
Pa
lme
r 5
97
B
WS
C
(DN
C)
5
2
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
1
77
8
5th
A
nd
y D
ale
4
33
E
yS
C
(DN
C)
7
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
2
2
80
1
1
No
rth
ern
R
an
k
Helm
Nam
e
Sa
ilN
o
Clu
b
CaS
C
NS
C
ReS
C
Og
SC
S
HS
C
To
tal
Ne
tt
1st
Ed
die
Po
pe
3
77
O
g S
C
1
1
1
(DN
C)
-3
31
3
2n
d
Ste
ve
Be
llam
y
31
1
WF
SC
(D
NC
) 4
2
(D
NC
) 8
6
4
14
3rd
H
en
ry J
ag
ge
rs
80
0
Be
SC
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) 3
7
1
0
70
2
0
4th
S
ue
Jon
es
83
5
NS
C
(DN
C)
5
(DN
C)
8
7
70
2
0
5th
N
ige
l F
ern
8
45
S
HS
C
(DN
C)
8
(DN
C)
5
11
7
4
24
6th
M
art
in L
ou
d
70
5
WF
SC
(D
NC
) 7
(D
NC
) 3
1
5
75
2
5
33
So
uth
ern
R
an
k
Helm
Nam
e
Sa
ilN
o
Clu
b
FP
SC
H
LS
TC
M
uS
C
CM
YC
L
iSC
T
ota
l N
ett
1st
Bo
b D
od
ds
86
9
CM
YC
1
1
(D
NC
) 1
(D
NC
) 3
5
3
2n
d
Be
n P
alm
er
59
7
BW
SC
-3
3
1
(D
NC
) 1
2
4
5
3rd
E
dd
ie P
op
e
37
7
Og
SC
2
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) 2
3
3
9
7
4th
C
hri
s R
ob
inso
n
86
7
Bu
SC
6
4
2
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) 4
4
12
5th
H
en
ry J
ag
ge
rs
80
0
Be
SC
4
(D
NC
) 4
(D
NC
) 4
4
4
12
6th
Jo
hn S
turg
eo
n
40
0
HLS
TC
5
7
(D
NC
) 4
-9
4
1
16
7th
S
teve
n G
reg
ory
5
7
FP
SC
7
(D
NC
) 3
(D
NC
) 8
5
0
18
Orb
ita
l R
an
k
Helm
Nam
e
Sa
ilN
o
Clu
b
CaS
C
FG
SC
F
PS
C
BW
SC
H
LS
TC
C
rSC
N
SC
M
uS
C
UR
SC
S
eS
C
1st
Ed
die
Po
pe
3
77
O
SC
-1
-2
-2
-1
(D
NC
) -2
1
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) 1
2n
d
Bo
b D
od
ds
86
9
CM
YC
-2
1
1
-3
1
1
2
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
)
3rd
B
en
Pa
lme
r 5
97
B
WS
C
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
-3
-2
-3
-5
(DN
C)
1
-2
2
4th
P
ete
r M
ou
ntf
ord
8
64
S
HS
C
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
4
2
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
3
5th
H
en
ry J
ag
ge
rs
80
0
Be
SC
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) -4
-5
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) 4
(D
NC
) 4
6th
C
hri
s R
ob
inso
n
86
7
Bu
SC
(D
NC
) 4
-6
(D
NC
) 4
(D
NC
) 3
2
3
-5
7th
Jo
hn S
turg
eo
n
40
0
HLS
TC
3
(D
NC
) 5
(D
NC
) 7
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
)
Ran
k
Helm
Nam
e
M
TS
C
CM
YC
C
hiS
C
LiS
C
ReS
C
Og
SC
B
AS
C
SH
SC
A
ss
oc
T
ota
l N
ett
1st
Ed
die
Po
pe
1
-2
1
-3
1
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
-3
1
23
2
6
2n
d
Bo
b D
od
ds
(D
NC
) 1
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) -4
4
36
7
3rd
B
en
Pa
lme
r
2
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
1
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
1
-4
2
32
2
9
4th
P
ete
r M
ou
ntf
ord
4
(DN
C)
(DN
C)
-6
(DN
C)
1
3
-14
-7
4
64
1
7
5th
H
en
ry J
ag
ge
rs
3
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) 4
3
-7
2
-1
0
-6
38
8
20
6th
C
hri
s R
ob
inso
n
-5
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) 4
-5
-1
0
38
7
20
7th
Jo
hn S
turg
eo
n
(D
NC
) 4
(D
NC
) 9
(D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) (D
NC
) 1
1
58
5.0
0
39
34
COMET SPARES, REPAIRS AND ACCESSORIES
Don’t forget all spares and accessories are held in stock and can often be with you in less than 24 hours if you order
in the morning.
New Dinghies / Sails and Spares - a selection is always in stock.
Comet £5400
Comet Xtra £5500
Comet White Xtra £5470
Standard Sail £360
Standard Sail with Zipper £390
Zippered Sail Conversion Kit £30
Mylar Xtra Sail £430
White Xtra Sail £390
White Xtra Sail + Reefing kit etc £465
Bottom Mast £175 - £195 depending on Rig and Specification
Top Mast £100 - £115 depending on Rig and Specification
Boom £160 - £165 depending on Rig and Specification
A full spare parts price list is now available to download from our web page -www.cometdinghies.com
Repairs
Accident damage and refurbishing gladly undertaken.
Write, phone or e-mail but include a daytime phone number.
Comet Dinghies :
Unit 4 Valley View Business Park
Ashreigney
Devon EX 18 7 ND
Tel 01769 520545 Mobile 07860 847845
e-mail [email protected]
35
Usual front runner Alan Bennett had a poor start
but by playing the shifts he moved through the
fleet.
36
COMETS FOR SALE & WANTED
COMET MINO - £400.
Sail no 467 built 1991
Comet Mino has the same hull as a standard Comet but the sail is much
smaller and is roughly the same size as a reefed White Xtra.
The Mino suits smaller sailors down to 35 kg and can be upgraded to the
standard sail or the modern White Xtra.
467 recently had its mast sleeve repaired top and bottom and is therefore
watertight.
It has a launching trolley (folding) in good order with new tyres in 2020 and a
praddle.
Boat is at Ogston sailing club.
Contact Chris Fowler 07785 103304 or [email protected]
37
Perihelion 135
Please send your contributions for the next issue of Perihelion by
To be confirmed once the programme has been finalised.
To Nigel Fern
3 Cheltenham Drive
Ashby de la Zouch
Leics
LE65 2YE
