LOCH BROOM SAILING CLUB

Flying Fifteen 2020 Series

Overview of the Season

Despite the Covid enforced late start, the season has seen hot competition for places down to the last race.

Highlights include:

up to 8 boats competing in 26 completed scoring races.
three new entrants to the series Freedom, Yellow and Baccarat.
six boats scored wins and seven scored seconds.
four Classics scored wins: Dolphin, Norma B, Yellow & Baccarat.
a total of 155 race entrants took part
Covid meant that over 75% of racers were singlehanded (119 of 155). Heavy weather gave crewed boats a clear advantage, much less the case in lighter airs.
the club boats need newer sails however the way boats are sailed has a big impact on position. Anthony proved this year that the club boats can compete with a win and a second! Improvements in the club boats are planned.

Although a close run thing right up to the last race, there is a winner by only one point! With 11 race wins, Adrian pips Sandy to the series with 32 points to Sandy’s 33.

Dolphin sailed a very consistent series and is in a clear third place, John also sailed more races than any at 23.

Norma B, Baccarat and Yellow fought hard for fourth pace.

Sail Mhor showed very good boat speed and would have been much further up the table but for six missed races.

Freedom was held back by tired sails in this Chris’s first season.

Boat	Racer	Series points	Wins	Seconds	Series Position
Ffly	Adrian	32	11	3	1
Fulmar	Sandy	33	6	9	2
Dolphin	John	42	4	6	3
Baccarat	David	64	3	3	4
Norma B	Paul	66	1	3	5
Yellow	Anthony	69	1	1	6
Sail Mhor	Dave	105		1	7
Freedom	Chris	119			8

Setting Portsmouth Yardstick (“PY”)

Research was carried out on a large sample of the national FF fleet clubs to determine the trend in PY numbers across the three classes, Open, Silver & Classic. Contact was made with the RYA technical department, the FF association, and individual fleet captains. Whilst the Open PY number is reviewed each year by the RYA, and currently sits at 1021, it is for individual clubs to set PYs for the slower classes of Silver & Classic.

Of importance is the relative increment between classes, and this tends to remain constant within clubs. Generally fleets compete within the range: Silver (+11 to +15 v Open); Classic (+25 to +30 v Open), with a few outliers and one club adopting individual PY’s. Individual PYs are not favoured as competition tends to drive improvement to both vessels and sailing ability. It may be appropriate to review this once relative performance begins to show a clearer pattern and once club boats in particular are brought up to date. In selecting PY numbers for this season, the Silver increment has been set at the lower but average end of the range, and for Classic at the upper end; this to slightly advantage the Classics. The PY numbers chosen for 2020 are thus:

Open 1021

Silver 1032

Classic 1051

Scoring Methodology

We have tried to follow standard RYA scoring.

Race times are adjusted by the PY to rank racers by corrected time
Points are awarded for ranking (1 for 1st, 2 for 2^nd etc). i.e. lowest total scores win the series
Every boat is awarded points for each race whether or not it races
Not starting a race earns the total number of racers in the series plus one. We had 8 racers so 9 points are awarded for each ‘no show’
Starting a race but not completing is awarded the number of finishers of that race plus one point
The total number of races in 2020 was 26 but as is normal, racers are allowed to discard a number of races
This season we have elected to allow a relatively high number of races to be discarded 30% of the 26 races rounded up to the next whole race i.e. 8.
The scoring automatically discards the races with the highest points first.

Tips from the Top from Dave Delenbaugh (US)

Steering Upwind

Steering a boat upwind has always been one of my favorite parts of sailing. One thing that’s important is to sit (or stand) in a good place. Position yourself as high off the water, as far forward, and as far outboard as possible. This will give you the best view of your sails, the waves in front of your boat, and the rest of the racecourse. Be sure you are comfortable, so you minimize distractions and maximize your attention span.

Once you’ve settled into a “batting stance,” you’re ready to start looking around and driving. To steer fast, you must assimilate information from a number of sources. Let’s discuss some of the guides you can use:

Jib telltales: This is where I look most often when steering upwind. Like a lot of helmsmen, I probably depend too much on this single source of information. But telltales are a very good indication of how close I am sailing to the wind. By watching the exact position of the windward telltales, I have a clear idea of whether I am slightly pinching, slightly footing, or sailing a normal upwind angle (see diagram). Remember that easing or trimming the jib will affect the telltales; also, if you’re watching only the lower telltales, you may be misled if they are breaking differently from those at the top part of the sail.

Angle of heel: A lot of good sailors steer by watching and feeling how much the boat heels. They find a heel angle that feels fast, then steer to maintain that angle (and the corresponding amount of weather helm). The easiest way to keep track of heel is by watching the angle that your forestay makes with the horizon. Using heel angle is actually another way to gauge how close you are sailing to the wind; the higher you head, the less you heel, and vice versa.

Instruments: If your boat has instruments, one of your priorities should be to post target speeds for each wind velocity within easy sight of the helmsperson or tactician. These are helpful for knowing whether you should steer the boat faster or slower or lower or higher) at any given time. Be sure to mount your boatspeed readout (and other important instruments) on the mast or in a location where it is easy to read while looking forward. That way you can simultaneously watch the instruments, telltales, waves and angle of heel without looking away.

Look outside the boat: It’s a good idea to make sure someone is always assigned to watch for puffs, lulls, waves and flat spots. Anticipating a change in conditions is key for steering. It lets you know whether you will have to head up for a puff or head off to punch through waves. On small boats, the lookout is usually the skipper; on larger boats it might be the tactician. Communication should include comments like, “There’s a puff coming in 20 seconds” or “Two steep waves in a boatlength.” Make sure these are loud enough for both the helmsperson and sail trimmers to hear. Other boats: Steering technique depends a good deal on how you’re moving relative to other boats. I like to have one crewmember (it could be the lookout) give me continuous readouts on our speed and height compared to our “neighbors.” This helps me know whether I should steer higher or lower. If we’re having a problem, I’ll ask for feedback on what the other boat is doing. Often a slight change in my steering technique will make a difference.

Practice and experience: Time in the boat is often the best way to learn how to steer fast. The first time we sailed Heart of America in Fremantle, for example, Buddy Melges tried to steer the waves as if we were in a Soling. Unfortunately, this didn’t work for a 12-Meter. It took us at least a month of sailing every day to figure out how to get through those seas quickly.

Steering Downwind

Steering downwind seems easy at first. After all, you just head for the mark and trim your sails. But it’s not so simple if you want to go fast. Finding a groove downwind is usually much harder than upwind. You don’t have the positive feel of weather helm, and it’s tough to settle in on a heading where the boat feels like it is effortlessly making its best VMG downwind. Fortunately, there are a few guides you can use.

Course to the mark: The shortest distance between any two points is a straight line, so you can often steer straight for the next mark, and trim your sails to match. This is especially true on a reach. I’ve used a point on shore, a compass heading, a light on shore, the stern light of a boat ahead, and even a star to help me steer a steady course. Just be careful not to get so fixed on one heading that you ignore changes in the wind and other variables.

COVID UPDATE

Loch Broom Sailing Club.

Date of Issue 25^th July 2020

LBSC will follow government Guidance, with enhanced advice from RYA and also take note of other Highland Sailing Clubs. A covid-19 group has been set up to communicate advice on club facilities and activities.

General

1. Follow FACTS, Face Coverings, Avoid Crowds, Clean Hands, Two meters social distance, Test if symptomatic.

2. 5 households can meet up to 15 people.

3. The club has a sanitizer supplied by Visit Ullapool.

4. Arrive in the gear required for outdoor activity.

5. The Clubhouse is out of bounds, but preparations and cleaning instructions are being made to open up the toilet.

6. The wee pier and surrounds are a public space, and tables are used by the public.

7. Be sensitive to additional measures for people ‘shielding’.

Flying Fifteens

1. Boats and their tenders are used by single households.

2. Club boats are allocated, but can be used by others by arrangement and 72 hours spatial separation.

3. Co-ordination by What’s App Group (administered by David Maxwell)

Club Dinghies (Pico’s, Feva)

1. These can be used, with boats numbered and allocated to households but can be used by others by arrangement and 72 hours temporal separation or disinfection.

2. All users must make good any breakages and ensure boats are cleaned and stored properly after use.

3. Dinghies can be used without a safety boat subject to

a. Competence of sailor (Endorsed by committee confirmed by email)

b. Suitable weather (< F5 gusts forecast).

c. Restricted range – (within view of sailing club).

4. Safety boat:

a. Users to look at and follow videos guidance, includes Covid-19 compliant rescue techniques and operation by single person.

b. Private safety boats can be used, (committee approval by email).

c. Club Rib can be used by approved by persons, single person crewing OK.

d. Generally club rib to be kept ashore, if in regular use over a week can be kept on mooring for a maximum of 10 days.

5. Dinghy and safety boat use to be co-ordinated by what’s App group (administered by Jason Leon). Those sailing without safety boat should also post a note.

Coastal Rowing

1. Scottish Coastal Rowing Association advises that rowing does not currently comply with government guidance. Loki is therefore not to be used.

Yachting

1. Up to individual boat owners, but see RYA guidance. Harbour is open for use and up to 3 households can cruise, while maintaining 2 meter spacing aboard!

Relevant Guidance

1. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: Scotland's route map update https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making-scotlands-route-map-through-out-crisis-phase-3-update/

2. RYA Scotland Guidance. https://www.rya.org.uk/scotland/representation/Pages/Return-to-Boating.aspx

3. Channoryhttps://www.chanonry.org.uk/return-to-boating.html

4. Gairloch http://www.spanglefish.com/gairlochboatclub/?fbclid=IwAR0vUjISOESXRFl1nQYfdcnQwDntoaf7x6l24hVk-EXR6MVt4G3IEN5nSEI

5. Scottish Coastal Rowinghttps://scottishcoastalrowing.org/2020/05/28/scra-guidance-for-a-safe-return-to-rowing-on-the-sea-when-revised-government-guidance-permits/

6. Scottish Canoe Associationhttps://www.canoescotland.org/#gsc.tab=0

7. Ullapool Harbourhttp://www.ullapool-harbour.co.uk/

Safety Boat Guidance

1. Single crewing of a safety boat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xny40ijRMnI

2. General safety boat tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuMJ2ExA79k

Latest Committee Meeting Minutes 11th July

Minutes of Meeting 11^nd July 2020 at 16:30 outside the clubhouse

1) Present/Apologies

Donald Buchanan (Chair & Commodore: DB), Paul Copestake (PC), David Dawson (Secretary: DD), Sandy Osborne (SO), John Osborne (JO), Dave Maxwell (Treasurer: DM), Robert White (RW), Adrian Morgan (Vice Commodore: AM), Anthony O’Flaherty (AF), Nat Wilson (NW).

Apologies: Gilly Meighan (GM), Alison Osborne (AO), Bobby Osborne (BO), Gill Wilson (GW), John Mitchell (JM),

2) Approval of Draft Minutes of Previous Meetings

There being a quorum, the minutes of the committee meeting of 30^th May 2020 were approved unanimously.

3) Matters Arising carried forward

Seasavers no longer want to erect marquee in dinghy park.

4) LBSC Covid Response

Tourism is opening up as government restrictions ease. The slip, dinghy park is public space and the exterior of the club is also accessible by public. In response PC outlined the formation of a small group to advise members on the correct procedures for.

· Club house – currently closed, but subject to rules, use of toilets.

· Yachts and tenders, visiting yachts.

· Flying Fifteens

· Dinghies and Safety Boats.

· Skiffs

· Additional cleaning kit

PC was asked to lead this activity with DB, JL & GM on the group. Sources will include other sailing clubs.

5) Clubhouse Roof

Structure: SO reported that a builder will visit 13^th July to quote for the structural repairs and also look at the roof covering. DM reported that in the awareness of the condition of the roof had given the club a few years to complete the work.

The Covid response group will advise on use of the clubhouse and the club’s other facilities.

6) Finance Report

DM outlined the current position having £10.8k in the bank after paying for insurance. The Club has received Rates relief of £0.5k. Very few membership fees are outstanding and over/under payments are also limited.

7) Subscriptions

The various proposals were discussed and the following agreed

- No reduction in annual subs but recognition of restricted activity perhaps at Christmas.

- Club mooring fees confirmed.

- No change to dinghy park charges.

8) Junior Sailing Week Update

DM outlined the current Covid restrictions rendering the Junior Week impractical.

9) AOB

AF asked about use of the Club Feva, informal discussions to be had.

Trolley for ffredom needs wheel/hub attention. NW and JO

SO proposed the purchase of new LBSC embroidered clothing – agreed.

FFs

The club FFs need at least one buoyancy bag and AM to coordinate ordering with other FF owners adding to the order as required.

Discussion of moving default racing days. Aim 2 per week possibly Wed & Sat – forum discussion to follow.

There being no other business, the meeting finished at 17:30

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OUR PHILOSOPHY

Self reliance rather than certification is a strong tradition in the Highlands, both afloat and ashore. We may appear to be among the most laid back sailing clubs in the country, which doesn't mean that we take safety lightly; far from it: you soon get bitten, sailing up here, but we rely on commonsense and the expertise of members, rather than an over reliance on certificates.

Take advice from an experienced sailor if in doubt about going afloat. Less confident sailors should stay in an area where you can be easily seen and quickly reached.

Do not sail in a boat or in weather conditions that are beyond your competence.

In short: respect the weather conditions, which can change rapidly, and the advice of those who know the area from many years’ experience of its moods.

Welcome to the Loch Broom Sailing Club. Our club is one which has traditionally had a fairly informal and non-disciplined attitude towards its running. As membership and facilities continue to grow there is, however, a need to be more rigorous and structured in our approach with safety being paramount and we do demand that certain safety standards are adhered to at all times.

The club was founded on the competitive edge of racing in largely single class boats. From there it developed into cruising/racing and thence to long distance cruising. Currently, the fleet of Flying Fifteens and more recently Picos has stimulated the competitive edge and we now see a resurgence of interest in racing in general - and this is to be encouraged.

The club is run by an elected committee and it has generally been the case that a regular core of committee members have been the mainstay of annual maintenance and repair to the clubhouse and its assets. We currently have a desire to improve the clubhouse and its surroundings, to maintain and look after the club boats, to organise training, to organise racing, to supervise Pico sailing, to be race starter, to chase grant aid - to name but a few of the ongoing requirements. We therefore welcome assistance from members who feel that they could help with, or perhaps take ownership, of any of these roles. We welcome new blood on the committee. If you would like to volunteer for any of these roles or feel you could contribute in any way to the running of the club we would be pleased to hear from you. Alternatively, please feel free to attend any of our committee meetings and offer your assistance.

The club occupies a very prominent position and we are under scrutiny from locals and visitors alike. It is essential that we maintain the appearance of the club, its environs and its assets - and for this we rely mainly on the enthusiasm and commitment of members. We would encourage you therefore to take your share of work during the many work parties that we intend to convene over the summer and winter periods.

Work parties unfortunately (or fortunately) have to fit between summer racing and cruising commitments and between winter training and boat maintenance - and that is before even considering the demands of normal family life - such is the life of a sailor.

SAFETY

Loch Broom Sailing Club recognises that there are always risks associated with sailing. The club policy is based on the following principles:

Responsibility for the safe operation of the club rests with the members.

The guidelines will ensure, as far as is reasonably practical, safe conditions are maintained within the clubhouse and compound, and minimise the risks associated with activities on the water.

Club members have a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to avoid injuring other club members and water users or damaging others equipment.

Members participate in all activities, which are not club training events, at their own risk.

Children are the responsibility of their parent, guardian or a supervising adult during these activities. The club does not carry out risk assessments for members taking part in these activities; it is the responsibility of individual members to make their own assessments of risk, taking into account factors such as weather, tides, skill, experience, equipment etc.

Members are free to use club facilities and assets at any time, subject to the individual rules for the club’s Picos, Flying Fifteens and St Ayles skiff. However they should remember that safety cover is only available at organised club events and therefore they are sailing entirely at their own risk.

A fundamental principle of maritime law is that the skipper is responsible for the safety of his vessel and crew. It is the skipper's responsibility to decide whether to start or continue a race.

The club has only one Rule covering all water activities at all times: Life jackets or buoyancy aids (appropriate CE approved, eg min.150N life jackets or 50N buoyancy aids) must be worn by all those on or in the water.

Fair Winds!

LOCH BROOM SAILING CLUB

We may appear to be among the most laid back sailing clubs in the country, which doesn't mean that we take safety lightly; far from it: you soon get bitten, sailing up here, but we rely on commonsense and the expertise of members, rather than an over reliance on certificates.

We have a number of members who have qualified as safety boat drivers, and coaches at various levels, and some of the older ones also have qualifications ranging from level 2 powerboat to Yachtmaster. RIB drivers must have level 2 Powerboat, minimum.

But self reliance rather than certification is a strong tradition in the Highlands, both afloat and ashore.

Nevertheless we are constantly debating our approach to safety, anxious however not to spoil the ethos of a club that prides itself on being not only laid back but responsible.

Members and other users of our facilities must take responsibilityfor their own safety both afloat and ashore. The club will do its best to provide on-water safety cover, but that does not alter individual responsibility. The safety boat is not always deployed for races, which puts the onus on fellow racers to assist if another boat is in trouble. Acceptance of this policy is a condition of going afloat.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

As a club member or visitor, you have a duty to both yourself and to other club users as regards safety. This duty means acting responsibly whilst on club premises, including in the use of the boat park andin the supervision of your children.

You can improve your own on-water safety by adopting the following:

Take advice from an experienced sailor if in doubt about going afloat. Less confident sailors should stay in an area where you can be easily seen and quickly reached.

Do not sail in a boat or in weather conditions that are beyond your competence.

In short: respect the weather conditions, which can change rapidly, and the advice of those who know the loch from many years’ experience of its moods.

But above all, enjoy your sailing, within your personal limits.

FACILITIES

Picnic Tables and Barbecue: The club has two substantial picnic tables in front of the clubhouse and a basic barbecue. These are used for social events and are available for use on an ad-hoc basis.

Club Room and Kitchen: The Clubhouse has a main meeting room and kitchen which is equipped with a kettle and microwave.

Noticeboard: Events and matters of interest are posted on the noticeboard on a regular basis.

Access to the Clubhouse: A key can be obtained from the treasurer for a small fee. Keys are controlled and should be kept secure and returned in the event of membership being discontinued.

Whilst the Club does not have a formal non-smoking policy, it is requested that those members who do smoke take the wishes others into consideration at Social events and meetings in the Clubhouse.

In recent months the club has been given a much-needed makeover, and a changing room made from the old storage room.

Improvements are ongoing, and now include a new galley bar.

The club room is available for a modest hire fee for functions and barbecues. Its aspect, overlooking the harbour, is one of the best in the village.

LOCH BROOM SAILING CLUB

Flying Fifteens, Picos, cruisers, skiffs -

Flying Fifteens, Picos, cruisers, skiffs - we welcome all those who enjoy messing about on the water. LBSC is a friendly club that welcomes new members.

Loch Broom Sailing Club is open to all with an interest in the sea and sailing. You don't have to own your own boat or even have much experience.

The Club owns some Flying Fifteens, 22ft keelboats which are ideal for racing and regatta events. Newcomers to sailing can get a good taste of the pastime by crewing a Flying Fifteen, without much danger of getting too wet (or traumatised!).

Private FF owners number around 10, making a potential fleet turnout of a dozen boats. There are a range of larger cruising sailboats which undertake trips to the Summer Isles, the Western & Northern Isles and further afield.

There are a growing number of children in the club who enjoy sailing accompanied in the Flying Fifteens and on the larger boats but also have fun on their own in the in the Picos, an ideal craft for small beginners.

The Feva is a high performance dinghy for those who have graduated from Picos and can also be sailed by adults.

Use of the Club House

Keys are available to purchase at cost. The Club House has a small lounge area, small store, toilet and small kitchen. There are no showers.

Club Discount

Members of the Club are eligible for 10% discount at Caley Marine Chandlery Inverness. Bulk purchasing of items from other suppliers, such as wetsuits has been organised and members can enjoy discount of up to 30% on this type of order.

Grants

The Club endeavours to obtain grant aid for group training and has been successful in obtaining a 50% grant for children's' training in 2003 and 2004.

Training

The Club is not an RYA accredited training centre, but has organised various training courses using visiting instructors and endeavours to give junior members every encouragement to learn to sail.

Ullapool UHI can organise RYA shore based courses such as: RYA Day Skipper, Yachtmaster, Competent crew, RYA powerboat level II, First Aid, Liferaft and lifejacket use and safe use of flares.

We have close links with local clubs which can offer formal training for those working up their RYA qualifications.

Use of Club Equipment

Members of the Club are eligible to use Club owned assets (including the Picos, Feva and the Flying Fifteens). Use of all Club equipment should comply with club safety requirements.

Flying Fifteens

The Club has two Flying Fifteen classic racing dinghies afloat during the summer, moored just off the Wee Pier. Each boat is available for use by club members. Racing takes place most weekends, and on Friday evenings weather permitting, and Saturdays, 3pm.

Picos and Feva

The Club owns three Pico dinghies and a Feva. These are launched each summer weekend, with safety boat cover, for the use of adults and children in the Club, weather permitting. Although the club is not a recognised RYA sailing centre informal instruction is given. Parents of children using the boats are expected to help out with launching, recovering, shore support and safety boat cover on a rota basis.

Every season a week, Pico Week, usually the first or second week in July, is set aside for more formal junior training.

General Information

www.ullapool.com

Navigational Points Click here for a map of the village

See the Ullapool Harbour web site here

Moorings

There are eight moorings at around £15 per night payable to the Harbour Assistants any time day or night. To get in touch the boats should either use the VHF channel14 or 16 or telephone 01854 612091 (24hrs). The harbour is trying to keep the outer steps clear so yachts can come alongside for water and stores etc.

If visitors wish to come to the pier they should use the same contact arrangements.

CONTACTS

Where are we? Follow this link for a map. The Wee Pier and Clubhouse are at the junction of Mill Street, Garve Road and Shore Street.

Loch Broom Sailing Club, The Clubhouse, Garve Road, Ullapool, Ross-shire

Harbourmaster

Mr Kevin Peach - 01854 612091

Banks

Royal Bank of Scotland, Argyle Street, 01854 612112

Bank of Scotland, West Argyle Street, 01854 612693

Doctor

Ullapool Medical Practice 01854 612015 (night and day)

Swimming Pool

Lovely indoor 25m pool Quay Street 01854 612884

Public Toilets

At the rear of the ferry car park on West Argyll Street

Fuel

Marine diesel is available at Ullapool Pier. Contact Harbour Office for details 01854 612091.

There is a petrol station on the Garve Road just by the Wee Pier

Groceries

Tesco Latheron Lane, Ullapool. Open 0800 - 2100 Mon - Sat and 0900 - 1800 Sunday

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