International Shrimpers Week (ISW) Scotland June 2022

Posted on 15th August 2022 by MasterAdmin

SKYLARK, skippered by John with Geff as crew, joined the ISW rally based from Largs, in Scotland.

A description of this trip formed the basis of the presentation given by Geff at the September meeting.

Hence this post will for the moment only a short synopsis to hopefuly ensure your attendance.

SKYLARK was towed over 500 miles on July 19th to Largs in Scotland to join another 30+ Shrimpers for the rally,.some had already been in the vicinity sailing for a few weeks before. We arrived late Sunday night where we stayed at a local B&B and arranged for SKYLARK to be hoisted into the Marina the following morning

SKYLARK was then taken out for a shakedown trip for the rest of the day to Little Cumbrae to check all the re-masting and rigging etc had been performed correctly. In the evening there was a group meal at NARDINI’s OF LARGS, Scotland’s most famous cafe, restaurant & ice cream parlour re-opened in December of 2008 following a multi million pound refurbishment that has seen the landmark Art Deco building restored to its past glory

SKYLARK flying SOCA Flag.

The next day, Tuesday, was the first official day of the rally and consisted of sailing Sailing around Little and Great Cumbrae.

On Wednesday the fleet set out sailing across the Firth of Clyde, passing PS Waverley on the way. whilst continuing onto the marina at Port Bannatyne on the Island of Bute, just north of Rothesay, where a few of the Shrimpers choose to berth for the night. The group had an evening meal at the Victoria Hotel in Rothesay.

Lunch in Kyles of Bute

On Thursday the majority of the fleet then set sail anti-clockwise in light winds around the Isle of Bute, through the Kyles of Bute, with amazing scenery all the way to Tarbet on the Kintyre Peninsular.

SKYLARK set out early Friday morning, into a reasonably strong headwind, which meant we motored all the way to south of the Isle of Bute, where we decided to seek the shelter by retracing our steps through the Kyles of Bute, Sailing north up the Kyles we were managing 6 to 7 knots on jib alone. We completed the 30 Nm trip in the early afternoon.

Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute

For the next few days sailing was impossible so we resorted to land based activities. On the first day taking the ferry as a foot passenger from Wemyss bay to Rothesay to take a bus to Mount Stuart House, A 19th-century mansion with extravagant interiors and expansive landscaped and wild gardens.

Engine Room of PS Waverley

The next day we decided to have a trip on the PS Waverly around the Isle of Bute. However the weather was too bad for the paddle steamer as well, we had decided to catch Waverly at Largs, but it was impossible for her to berth there so we had a mad rush to Greenock to catch it there, arriving with a few minutes to spare.
The paddle steamer struggled to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, where some of the passengers disembarked to visit the town, we continued to the Kyles of Bute but had to turn back before we reached the end due the weather. The return trip then returned to Rothesay to pick up passengers and then onto to Greenock where she berthed with difficulty due to the offshore wind.

The weather was only beginning to improve so we joined a few of the others and decided to start the journey home the next day.

More details, with lots more photos, were presented at the September meeting.

Ariel Spirit Sails South to new Home May 2022

Posted on 3rd July 2022 by MasterAdmin

Sunday 1st May left Bradwell on Sea at 10 am and fought the tide out through the Spiteay and South West Sunk through Fisherman’s Gat and on to North Foreland staying at Ramsgate.
A quick dinner in Wetherspoons and bed ready for an early start, unfortunately the boat full of Belgians on the on the other side of the pontoon returned at a 11 pm with a number of partying Ramsgate girls , this carried on until 2.30 am when a neighbour poked his head out the fore hatch and asked them to leave halfway through a rendition of sweet Caroline, they eventually left about 3 am and we had a couple of hours kip and left.

Tucked up in Eastbourne for the night

At 6am for Eastbourne, a second day with nil wind saw 9 hrs of motoring.
Arriving at Eastbourne a quick trip to Wilko to get a spanner as the stern gland had decided to leak rather than drip, a quarter turn sorted it for the long treck to Hythe on Tuesday,
Tuesday 71 miles on the engine in eleven and a half hours with the tides in our favour at Beachy Head and the Looe channel
Brighton Wind farm took so long to pass that Wolfie went to sleep.

Ariel Spirit enters the Solent.

We did actually Sail the last 5 miles up Southampton water to her new home.

Ariel Spirit at new berth at Hythe

Martyn

Fish & Chip Night June 2022

Posted on 18th June 2022 by MasterAdmin

The June meeting was held at the Royal Naval Association Welwyn Garden City.
The format was a Fish and Chip Supper, provisioned from Peartree Chippee.

The Fish and Chips were very good with plentiful supplies of chips and Mushy Peas (e.g. Too Much),

The meal was followed by a group quiz organised by Stewart, which involved the ensemble trying to identify the vessel from the displayed lights.
General outcome, is everyone knows what Starboard and Port lights are, but in identifying the actual craft when it was large, towing, dredging, trawling or mine sweeping, the general consensus seemed to be the MORE lights = Stay further away !!!

A case of a lot of revising required before most of the audience try night sailing again!!!
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Three men in a boat

Posted on 20th May 2022 by MasterAdmin

The May SOCA meeting was a retro style presentation given by Stewart Warren, using 20th Century slides (taken at the time) and a borrowed slide projector, about his 1994 ocean passage from Cape St Vincent, the south-western-most point of Portugal and of mainland Europe to Porto Santo, Madeira and Tenerife.
Three men in a 27ft Jeanneau Fantasia named Buzzard for six weeks in the Atlantic Ocean.
One of many passages that Buzzard and various crews enjoyed on Jonesy’s journey to Venezuela.

Buzzard owner Stuart Jones (Jonesy), Johnathon Bentley and Stewart Warren started the trip by flying to Faro Portugal. Below is a picture (taken from the Slide Show) of them at Portot Santo,

The following is the log of the journey as narrated by Stewart.

“We took a rickety train to Lagos where Buzzard was moored in a creek off Ribeira de Bensafrim. Buzzard had been sailed here from the UK by Jonesy and another group of SOCA members. Neglected for a few months she was in quite a mess so we set about preparing her for the ocean passage. Lagos is a nice town so we enjoyed down time looking around and drinks in the Irish bars. We then had to provision for food, water and beer. All items had to be unpacked and checked for cockroaches and other infestations before loading onboard.

North Atlantic Destination Porto Santo Distance 575 nm

The North Atlantic first leg would be around 5 days at sea, I was seasick for the first day and a half in the rough seas, Atlantic rollers, waves on rollers, waves on waves. The Walkers Log measured speed and distance travelled as it spun on a line off the stern. These mechanical logs have now been superseded by electronic equipment and GPS navigation but they may make a return if the Russians scramble the GPS satellites. We soon got into a routine of cleaning and maintaining the boat. Night watches were 3hrs for each crew, alternating rota every night.

You know land is there but you don’t see it until it’s around 10 miles away. The camera came out at first sight of land, slide film so limited photos available, 24 exposures, 36 was too expensive. For those that didn’t know the answer to our recent quiz question the Yellow Duster was raised. a yellow flag, designating the letter Q International Code of Signals: flown by itself to signify that a ship has no disease on board and requests a pratique, or flown with another flag to signify that there is disease on board ship.

This was hoisted below the Portuguese courtesy flag at the starboard spreader.

Porto Santo

Marina de Porto Santo is located on the South coast of Porto Santo Island, inside the commercial harbour. The Marina had 140 berths on floating pontoons. 11km long and 6km wide, Porto Santo has a wonderful 9km long natural sandy beach. Promoted as the Golden Island to the many tourists from Portugal and europe. We took a walk to town to hop at the market and also visited a “pension house“. We enjoyed a few glasses of wine in the elderly woman’s front room, dark and dingy but cheaper than a bar.

We took part in an age old tradition to make a mark of passage. The island is a crossroads in world navigation and passing yachts make their mark on the harbour wall by leaving a mural depicting their crew, boat and future intentions.

Porto Santo to port Funchal, Madeira Distance 72 nm

This second leg had much calmer seas. We set the sails, two headsails goose-winged and cruised the distance in a day sail. Calmer seas allowed for fishing, whale watching – Pilot whales and even making use of the solar shower. Madeira slowly became visible on the horizon. Approaching the island we saw turtles, wildlife-watching speedboat trips are popular tourist activities in Funchal.

Madeira

Funchal Port was historically a stopover for large ships during their passages between Europe and the American and African continents. Now, besides being an important trading place, it is particularly known for welcoming tourists on the many cruise ships which stop enroute to other destinations.

The SS Canberra Ocean liner was in port. She had been Operating on cruises, in the P&O fleet since 1961 and while we were there was offloading passengers from the “bluerinse” ferries. She was also well know as her services in the Falklands War where she had served as a troop ship. As opposed to being mechanically coupled with her propeller shafts, as was the standard when she was built, her steam turbines drove large electric alternators which powered electric motors and in turn drove the ship’s propellers. This was the most powerful steam turbo-electric propulsion system ever installed on a ship and gave her a speed of approximately 27 knots.

We took a stroll around the traditional boat building along the beaches. The three then scoured the taxi rank for a reasonably priced tour of the island, we asked to see the real island not tourist areas. He took us up to the forested area at the peak, formal gardens, traditional houses and fish farm. We had lunch at a roadside truck stop full of locals. We finished our tour at the Monte sledge, a very famous attraction, with cars made of wicker and wood which are scooted down the steep streets. The three men enjoyed beers in the local bars and presented the local Irish bar with a soca burgee.

Funchal to Tenerife Distance 330 nm

Departing Madiera, the wind steering was excellent, we set the blade and the rudder was fixed keeping a very good course. We should have made the distance in three days but we were virtually becalmed and were unsure as to how the diesel would last. We were again getting into the routing of whale watching, cleaning, checking the yacht for wear and tear, solar showers, more whales.

Approaching the Tenerife coast the sea was flat calm with white horses in the distance. We reefed down and in an instant hit a maelstrom, the acceleration zone between Tenerife and La Gomera. The cockpit filled, wash boards went in but at least it was warm water up to our knees. It ended as quick as it started and we could raise the yellow duster, this time under the Spanish courtesy flag, and enjoy the sail up the coast with the whale watchers and pilot whales.

Tenerife

Entering Puerto Colón marina we saw lots of activity with jolly boats and tourist fishing boats. The modern marina is located in the south of Tenerife, just 16 kilometers from the Reina Sofia Airport. Nestled in Playa de las Américas, one of the busiest tourist areas of the island.

Sport fishing for shark is big business in Tenerife. We took the tour bus up to Mount Teide the volcano, It’s summit is the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic. We enjoyed chicken roasted over a volcanic vent at the restaurant. The three men could only get single seats from Reina Sofia Airport so after a week relaxing in Tenerife one by one they headed back to the uk. I was last to leave the yacht Buzzard at the Marina, Jonesy would return in a few weeks to move her to La Gomera.”

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April Meeting Quizzes

Posted on 20th May 2022 by MasterAdmin

The April meeting, (Second Thursday in the Month), unfortunately fell on the Thursday Night before the Eater Holiday weekend. Therefore the attendance was not as high as we would normally expect because most members, it is suspected, would have been taking advantage of the long weekend to either go sailing or to prepare their vessels. The members who did attend enjoyed the various topics but nobody reached “Mastermind” status in their answers.

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Jetstream on Shakedown Trial.

Posted on 19th April 2022 by MasterAdmin

Rear Commodore’s SOCA Pennant flies on Jetstream for the first time in 2022.

Terry, with the help of Geff, completed the task of preparing Jetstream for the 2022 sailing season on Wednesday 14th April and then completed a shakedown trial in the Solent.
Arriving early Tuesday evening the opportunity was taken to install the Genoa as the conditions were perfect for that activity, no wind. Once completed it was time for a nice evening meal at the adjacent Tapas restaurant.

After a quick breakfast on Wednesday it was time to put up the mainsail, again it was possible to do this in the berth as there was little to no wind. Once all reefing lines were installed that just left the canopy to fit and Jetstream was ready to take to the waves.

Leaving at close to high tide through the Port Solent lock gates we entered the upper reaches of Portsmouth Harbour.

After motoring for a while, the time was right to test that the main sail had been rigged correctly, the only item needing attention was rerouting the reefing lines.
There was a bit of excitement before this could be completed provided by two Police Boats and the “SBS” in a rib as they continually practised the boarding of another ship on the move, all armed with machine guns, (assumed to be empty!).

Once the entertainment was finished and the reefing lines sorted, Jetstream left the harbour confines, and it was time to sail.

The wind was a pleasant Force 2/3 with light gusts and the sun shone brightly through a clear sky, sun lotion should have been used.

Jetstream sailed over to near Bembridge then returned to Port Solent, passing 2 unusual craft on the way back, HMS Severn P282, believed to have been recently assigned to Pritti Patel’s channel fleet along with a Whirlwind helicopter that flew low overhead.

Approaching the harbour entrance, the vessel Bravewind, an unloaded Heavy Load Carrier, that usually carries items such as Wind Turbine Blades. passed close by.
Jetstream returned to its berth after 10 hours away covering 25Nm in light winds having had a successful shakedown trial.

The next day, Thursday, Jetstream’s crew awoke to thick mist and zero winds amd called off their plans for a morning sail.

Terry and Geff then decided to have an early lunch and then return home to try to avoid the Bank Holiday traffic, something they both failed to do.

Panpipe ready for 2022

Posted on 19th April 2022 by MasterAdmin

Panpipe on the beach at the Blackwater s.c. for pressure wash, antifouling, variable pitch propeller dismantle and refurbish. All achieved with the help of Vivien, club members and four good dry days of weather.

2022 Annual Review and AGM

Posted on 14th March 2022 by MasterAdmin

SOCA 2022 Annual Review & AGM held on
Thursday 10th March Live at RNA Welwyn Garden City

This was a relaxed, social evening which gives members a chance to look back at the past year and discuss plans for the next season.
Commencing with the Commodores review of the past year and presentation of trophies the club AGM then followed.

The 2022 Trophy Awards were as follows

Kelphil Bell Awarded for the most support to the club.

The Kelphil Bell is one of the oldest awards within the club. It was awarded by the Commodore to Deborah for her support over many years.

Joseph Evanson Trophy awarded for best log

The Joseph Evanson Trophy was awarded to Andrew for his adventures in when he helped Ray bring home “Miss Behaving” from Gibraltar.
Joseph Evanson was a founding member of SOCA, the first Vp and Treasurer,

**Joseph Evanson Trophy awarded to Andrew**

Astrolabe Trophy awarded for most attended presentation

The Astrolabe Trophy (donated to the club by Roy Maynard) for a member’s presentation at a club evening. The Astrolabe Trophy this year was awarded to Andrew for the epic presentation that described the journey and mishaps in bringing “Miss Behaving” back from Gilbrator with Ray and other helpers . This was a marathon presentation that lasted “over a month!!“. Started at the January meeting there was so much to cover it concluded at start of the Febrauary meeting.

The Commodore’s Cup

The Commodore’s Cup is presented entirely at the outgoing Commodore’s discretion.
This year it was awarded to Paul for his services to the club and his willingness to do numerous presentations. This year he regaled us with an ultra high tech presentation which future members will struggle to surpass. Unfortunately Paul could not attend the presentation evening so it will be awarded to him at a future event.

2022 Flag Officers: Rear, Commodore and Vice

The new Flag Officers for 2022
endorsed by the membership at the AGM.

2022 Commodore is Alex
Vice Commodore is Andrew
Rea Commodore is Geff

SOCA The Sailing Club for offshore sailors in Hertfordshire, Beds and surrounding areas

A Sailing Club founded in 1984 in Hertfordshire to extend nautical knowledge and promote the enjoyment of sailing in a social environment.