Novice & Casual Racing Returns: Saturday 27th April!

Published 01:00 on 18 Apr 2024

Novice and Casual Racing Is Back On Saturday 27th April - Here's Tony Bell, our intrepid Novice Fleet Captain:

Hi All,

I'm very excited to announce that this seasons first Novice and Casual Racing event is back on Saturday 27th April. It's the beginning of OSC's most sociable and inclusive racing series.

This is a fun event open to all members, regardless of age or experience. If you're new to the club this is a fantastic way to go sailing and meet other sailors, it would also be great to see the regular competitors back again. Its always great to see families competing, either in the same boat, or against each other on the water.

This is a monthly event that happens, generally, on the first Saturday of the month, May- October, although due to other events the May and October events are in April and September respectively!!

This years dates are as follows, although I will post a reminder a week or so in advance of each event:

27th April

1st June

6th July

3rd August

7th September

21st September

For those new to racing:

- Friendly introduction to racing (no experience necessary)

- On-the-water support

- An ideal place to put into practice what youve learned on Saturday mornings and Pay and Play

For the improving or experienced sailors:

- Short-course racing

- Test your skills

- Compete with your friends, family and others

- Sail the near the course, in whatever boat you want, to take advantage of the safety cover

How the Event Works

The first race will start at 11.00 on the water with several back to back to races (likely to be 4-5), over two sessions (AM and PM). We race over a fairly short course, with each race lasting about 20 minutes, so you should never be alone on the water.

I would recommend arriving at just after 9.30; get your boat down to the beach with a view of launching at 10.30. There is only a limited quantity of club boats, which are allocated on a first come basis, so I would recommend not being late.

We will give a briefing prior to racing, explaining the start sequence and general points and rules. However to avoid any mishaps it would pay to brush up on the rules of sailing prior to turning up.

After you have got your boat to the beach, if you could let me know your name and sail number (on the sail not the front of the boat!!), so I can calculate the results. As many of you know there are prizes at the end of the day. (Wine and chocolate, with spot prizes for any competing youngsters) Although, prizes are secondary to the actual fun of the sailing.

Several safety boats will be on the water, and will help should you need assistance; however you should be confident to get back into your boat unaided. We, the race team, are very keen to help you improve your skills, so advice and tips will be hollered from the committee or safety boats.

There will be two races before lunch, which we normally have about 12.30 (remember to book your lunch in the morning before you sail), followed by a debrief, then as many races as we can manage in the afternoon from 1.30, generally three. Feel free to sail in either the morning or afternoon session if you are pushed for time.

Im very much looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday. 27th.

Tony Bell, Novice Fleet Captain

Last updated 15:30 on 18 April 2024