Sailing Matters 21st October 2026
SAILING MATTERS 211026
Much of this week’s ‘Sailing Matters’ is a follow up from last week’s ‘Sailing Matters’. That’s hardly surprising as we continue on our journey into the winter months with a lot less sailing activity. But that doesn’t stop the grey matter addressing sailing activity to come or the joy of winter boat maintenance. Now some might regard the latter as a chore. The alternative view is one of satisfaction in resolving issues from the sailing season past ready for the new season. It’s not just a question of routine maintenance, but even that has a level of satisfaction attached to it. Then of course there’s the camaraderie that goes along with shed working.
WKSC does shed working extremely well! If you think this is a domain that you don’t belong to, then you would be wrong. Take a stroll in there and introduce yourself to anybody working on a boat. Your interest in their activity will be welcome. It’s our collective enthusiasm in all our boats and boating activity that is part of the driving force for sailing. There are many necessary skills that are on show and they can be acquired simply by being inquisitive. There are always folk there ready to help or advise.
The Mirror working group started to apply themselves to one of the fleet last Thursday evening. This particular Mirror has been leaking quite badly. A thorough inspection soon revealed a screw missing on the keel band which almost certainly is one source of a leak. The other being fibreglass taping round the daggerboard case which is hanging off. Good to complete the hull inspection. This week it will be a thorough inspection of spars, rigging, rudder, tiller, extension and daggerboard.
Saturday morning's Adult Training and Introduction to Racing Group
You may recall that in last week's 'Sailing Matters' I was hopeful of a ten year old boy joining us on Saturday morning last week. He did and I am grateful to colleagues from Training who were conducting the adult course, of taking him ‘under their wing’ for the morning and to Liz for getting him kitted out for sailing and looking after his Mum. Meanwhile the Introduction to Racing gang mustered for a session on the lake in almost perfect conditions. Light and fluky conditions are perfect when you are learning to race as long (as they aren’t too frequent!) Mike De St Paer ran three races for us. At this stage in the game it’s about building boat handling skills in close quarter sailing, wind observation and reacting to it quickly. 20 x sailors involved.
The 'Introduction to Racing' team in action last Saturday morning.
As we came off the lake the University team racers were starting their practise sessions, one before lunch and the other in the afternoon. Good to see plenty of activity on the lake.
Sunday 17/10/26 Autumn Lake Series Handicap racing
The same conditions were experienced for Sunday morning’s Autumn Lake handicap races. The wind was coming from the north east - coming off the promenade. It is surprising how much the sea defence wall has negatively impacted the airflow off the prom. Having said that it’s better than a row of trees! Liz and Andrew Potter (D-Zero and Phantom) were the winners of race one and two respectively in the fast handicap, both making great starts to break away - essential if you are sailing a low PY boat. Steve Jardine and Ioannis Koutsokeras (both sailing ILCA7’s) took 2nd and 3rd places in both races.
The High PY fleet consisting of three Illusions and two Herons was dominated by Mike and Anne De St Paer sailing their Heron, winning both races. Peter Williams and Peter Bramley both had a 2nd and a 3rd. The other Mirror sailed by Derek Lyne isn’t mentioned in the results and that is a mistake which is to be corrected. He retired but he sailed and that's important - it wasn't that warm and he hadn't got the right kit on. Also getting a mention is Gary Davies sailing his Solo. Gary is in the Introduction to racing gang on Saturday mornings and is having a go in Sunday's racing something I applaud and am trying to encourage more of the gang so to do when the weather is right.
In total 20 boats competing.
Storms forecasted for this coming week-end
This coming week-end’s weather looks as if it will be windy with a couple of storms forecasted to blow through.
If the forecast is right the Adult Training Course and the Introduction to Racing is likely to be conducted in doors on Saturday morning!
420
Our 420 sailors are off to Royal Southern YC (Southampton). Good luck to Eve, Tom, Edie and Isobel.
Firefly Class Association 80th Anniversary Raffle
WKSC Fireflies have submitted their bid to the National Firefly Association for the special raffle to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the class. The headline prize of Firefly F4444, a race-ready Firefly built by Ovington Boats, complete with Selden spars, Hyde sails and covers and a launching trolley will be drawn on the 21st November 2026 at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, Knigtsbridge, London.
The Sailing Committee is due to meet on Monday 2nd November and I have my work cut out to complete the first draft of the 2027 Sailing Programme for the meeting's consideration.
Until next week then….
Tony Marston
Sailing Secretary
Last updated 17:26 on 21 October 2026