New! Priory Sailing Club Volunteers' BBQ - 18 September 2011

A warm evening greeted the Volunteers as they gathered for the PSC Volunteers' BBQ on Sunday 18th September. The BBQ was provided by the Club to say a big Thank-You for the time and commitment provided by our Volunteers to make Priory a success. These are a vital part of Priory, enabling to the Club to provide member training courses, the Junior week, Pirates, Buccaneers, mentoring, public promotions, Sailboarding, catering, assisting in hosting visiting Fleets, repair and maintenance activities - to mention just a few.

A superb BBQ was provided by Shane Redding, who catered for all tastes – and even stretched the budget to providing BBQ salmon! And the Commodore swiftly secured some liquid refreshment to accompany the BBQ food.

All was leisurely consumed with the glorious backdrop of the lake basking in gentle sunshine, and the laughter of the Juniors finishing their water activities.

What a perfect end to a Sunday!

Mark Roe
Priory Sailing Club
Bedord

Heron South Championship - 3 September 2011

A total of 9 crewed boats took part in the Southern Championship held at Priory Sailing Club on 3rd September 2011, representing 4 Clubs. A good mix of skills were apparent amongst the competitors which also included Lady helms and Junior crews.

William Armitage set some interesting courses during the day - that offered the opportunity of using Spinnakers which proved to provide a small but critical advantage during some races.

The so'west wind dictated a Committee boat start at the far end of the lake for all three races - the Priory wind provided some interesting challenges around the South buoy into the final leg of the course.

The wind picked up during the day providing more interesting races as the day progressed, with stiff competition between the PSC and Up River YC boats.

An excellent Lunch and Tea provided by Pascale Hewett fortified the competitors and spectators.

Full results can be found on the Race results page.

Mark (Commodore)

Topper Traveller - 27 August 2011

Sarah Poxton did a superb job of Race Officer, ably supported by results officer and front-of house Sarah Stephenson on Saturday when 16 Toppers from 5 clubs attended the Topper Traveller at Priory Sailing Club on the 27th August. With a gentle westerly wind, a Committee boat start at the far end of the lake made the most of the wind - and was a very orderly affair. The prospect of increasing wind did not materialise, and the first race was limited to only 3 laps, The race officers increasingly challenging courses were not to every-ones liking - but all competitors afterwards had to agree they were enjoyable!

Many thanks to Neil and Gabriella Papworth for the superb Lunch and Teas that kept the competitors and guests fortified during the day, and the Safety Boats crews of Caroline and Sue.

Full results can be found on the Race results page.

Mark (Commodore)

Lazy Sunday Racing - 24 June 2011

The second Lazy Sunday afternoon racing was held on 26th June, and was enthusiastically attended by 13 sailors - a good mix of juniors and adults, supported by a few experienced sailors and all under the guidance and control of the Vice Commodore, Tim Hewett. A good mix of craft - from Mirrors, and Herons recently resurrected, to Lasers, Picos and Lasers.

With gentle wind and wonderful sun, the afternoon turned out to be a huge success with two races run and a few interesting "on-water experiences" - and plenty of smiling faces coming off the water - to be rewarded with chocolates!

A fun afternoon - not so much about winning - more about Fun, learning a little more about sailing - and just taking part!

Where were you? - There's still time for the next lazy Sunday - on Sunday 24 July at 14:00hrs!

Mark (aka Commodore)

RNLI Regatta - 19 June 2011

The windy conditions (gusting over Force 4 beyond the island) didn't perturb an impressive turnout of members for our Annual RNLI fundraising event on 19th June.

The three races were well supported with up to 21 competitors racing at some point during the day. The first handicap race showed the broad spread of 20 competitors with between 3 and 6 laps completed within the 50 minutes. The gusty conditions made their mark, however, with some spectacular capsizes and 4 competitors retiring. The agility and stamina of youth had an impact with the top 3 places all going to Junior sailors. The second race was a pursuit race, and the wind had dropped only slightly. It soon turned into ‘catch the Toppers’ and only one Laser managed this as the Juniors were in fine form, coming 2nd, 3rd and 4th. By the third race, tiredness kicked in and just 14 started, battling a new course with interesting gybe marks! 5 or 6 laps were managed by the majority, but the results reflected the continued domination of the Juniors - so much so that the Adults were pushed down the fleet!

In fairness to all competitors, awards this year were made to both the Adults and Juniors in first, second and third positions. Thanks to the Race Officer Sue Baker who managed the day most effectively, to Andy Croft and crew of the Safety Boat which worked overtime, and special thanks to Nerys Illingworth who treated everyone to a superb lunch and afternoon tea – both very much appreciated by competitors most of whom had capsized at least once !

The day raised an impressive £85 for the RNLI, for which the Club already has received a letter of appreciation.

"Priory Sailing Club - Waves, Turtles and Killer Shrimps"
Priory Juniors at Grafham Water SC's Junior Regatta - 23 October 2010

Topper Open Traveller Meeting - 21 August 2010

RNLI Regatta - 20 June 2010

Click here to view more archived stories