View of the Weymouth Nationals.

[Ken]

I thought it would be a little different to have a view of the Nationals rather than just results of races. So here goes lets see what transpires.
I would first like to say a big thank you to Nick Frampton of Weymouth sailing club he worked so hard and made the event come together mostly working away in the back ground. You might not know but he could have sailed his own boat Yellow Welly but the event took priority for him. Cheers Nick. The venue was just perfect for the class, the club and the water of Weymouth Bay are exactly what makes for a good Championships.
On arrival at the sailing club the first thing we found was how helpful the members were. Dinghy parking was ample and provided plenty of working space. Trailer parking was not an issue in fact the whole club area for such a small location was better than some clubs with lots of area but badly used. Car parking could be difficult but free spaces were available if you were lucky to find one, some of our guys found the space and stayed there for the duration of the event.
But for £8 a day you could park within 100yds from your boat in a car park at the top of a flight of steps adjacent to the dinghy park. Also at the top of the steps was a little café providing tea, coffee, and snacks at reasonable prices. Changing rooms are vast and showers just perfect, you could also leave sailing gear hanging wet through over night and in full security. This was a most welcome facility we all know how difficult it is catering for smelly wet sailing gear for 4 days. The briefing and registration was held in a very nice new facility in the basement of the club, free tea and biscuits were available also from here every day after sailing. We had a good tally system which was handled very professionally by the beach master at the top of the slip. Trolleys were taken away promptly by members and of course by our very own trolley dollies. Launching could be difficult but I have to say the class members pulled together really well here and helped each other.
Sailing out into Weymouth Bay from a secure harbour was nice, and for some reason it gave me a sense of well being both on leaving and returning to shore. Racing was good and challenging. The race management was just perfect and very little time was wasted in setting courses and the turn around of races. Returning to shore trollies were ready and help was on hand to pull the boats to the top of the slip. The weather was kind and plenty of apres sailing was to be had in the dinghy park. This soon extended onto a wonderful outside balcony where plenty of good quality traditional beers, and ciders,could be drunk.
Food was available from many sources but some guys chose to get fish and chips from the local shops, nobody minded these being eaten on the club balcony. The total atmosphere of the event was so relaxed it certainly was an event you would remember fondly. Prize giving was held in perfect sunshine on the balcony and most, if not all, received a prize of some sort.
I think, for me, one of the highlights was the amount of people sailing this event who have been around for many years, it was a little like old times, but there were also many new faces I had never met.
It was also very special to sail with my son David, home for a summer break before dropping off his daughter, Lily, who has started boarding school just down the road from us and adjacent to Alton Water Sailing Club.
So, for me, this was an exceptionally good Nationals, job well done Weymouth SC. Ken Carroll

[andyt15064]

Well done for capturing this Ken and sharing it with everyone else.

Andy

[leech]

Hi Ken,

I agree it was a great event, well organised and a really friendly place to be.
Would love to see the Worlds back down in that neck of the woods

Lee

[burt]

a very good weekend indeed! there is a full report on Yachts and Yachting as well!!

[NickCraig]

fully agree Ken, whilst I could only join for a day it seemed a great event!
great to briefly see everyone and look forward to doing a bit more next year

[Tony Woods]

Agree with all of above. Add ons would be I thought the Race officer was very switched on. Didn’t put a foot wrong. I also thought the day competitors, two day competitors, etc worked well. Far better to embrace those that can’t get the four days pass. I’m not sure how it worked out financially for those guys but perhaps that could be a part of future entry structure to maximise numbers.

[Author]

Posts