SSC News - 2018 Summer Sailing

SSC News – 2018 - Summer sailing at Seasalter.

The Club Regatta was held on 27 May, a day which turned out to be the beginning of our very long heatwave. 9 catamaran sailors were joined by a few dinghy sailors, more preferring the freedom of cruising. Only 2 of the 3 races were held since the second race included a spell of tidal drifting and paddling in the intense heat. By popular request sailing was abandoned in favour of chilling out on the beach or balcony. Andy Carter was rewarded for his persistence, winning the cup.

The Weta trimaran Open meeting was held at Weston SC on Southampton Water on 2 June. Club member John Fairclough attended, sailing against keen competition from 7 other sailors to win this event over 2 races. His full report and results are on Facebook. Well done John!

Kevin and Dave on their Tornado have used every opportunity available to practice for the Tornado Worlds in July, providing some spectacular sailing for us all to watch. The Dart 18 fleet is seeing an increase in numbers with keen competition now, especially as racing with PY’s to include single handed sailing has encouraged even more take to the water. Dinghy sailors have been thwarted to some extent by the Seasalter persistent onshore sea breezes, bringing very choppy conditions for sailing in north easterly winds.

The club hosted a charity day on 23 June for “Spread a Smile”, supporting Amy Foster and her family following Amy’s hospitalisation for most of last year, this was well attended, Amy and family raising over £2000 for charity.

Push the Boat Out 1 July – Seasalter’s Friends and Family Day – was one of “those” days – testing conditions, but nevertheless enjoyed by the few who set sail.

7/8 July saw a few SSC sailors enjoying a perfect sunset sail with a picnic on the beach, whilst a group of Dart 18 sailors, joined by a few from Tankerton decided to sail to Marconi Sailing Club on the Blackwater estuary for the East Coast Piers Race, then sail back to SSC, a marathon effort, well done.

Kevin Dutch and David Oakley took part in the Tornado Worlds 7-14 July held at La Grande Motte, France, an adventure of a lifetime, putting Seasalter on the map, thank you lads! Competition was fierce throughout the week and they did a brilliant job to attain 17th place overall in light winds. We at Seasalter were delighted to support their efforts with some sponsorship. The thought, preparation and attention to detail before this event was immense so the club is proud of their achievement. Well done!

Summer sailing means warm seas, some leisurely cruising and enjoying our perfect surroundings during August. Camping and sailing week to come in August with a pirate trip to Sheppey, don’t miss the fun!