National Championships 2001

For a full report have a look at 2001 Nationals

At the annual Championship get together it was nice to re-establish old acquaintances and also to see people new to the 'Championship circuit'. New to some of us were Richard Vasey and his family from Looe were campaigning 'Rosewing' R166 with daughter Hannah on the wire. New to Redwing championships were Kevin and Christine Williams from Arden in Worcestershire were sailing R178 'Venus' with Children Emma and Paul as pit team. 'Venus' was borrowed from Dave Bowen. It was noticed that Kevin had to spend a fair amount of time working on the boat, and this must be a ploy of Dave's to get the rest of the work done on 'Venus'. However, since the championships, Kevin and Christine have tracked down a Redwing of their very own; unfortunately she is in 'kit form' and the various parts were spread around most of South Pembrokeshire. However R188 'Zipp' is pretty much complete and is missing one or two minor items like a centreboard case and hence requires a bit of tender loving care before she can take again to the water.

Fishguard, from Dave's viewpoint

Well what do I write about this time? I promised the Hon sec another column, but the brains become addled (should take more salt water with it. - Hon Treasurer). What about the championships? Well, everybody who was there had a great time a really warm welcome by all in Fishguard and a lot of people really interested in the Redwing; also the local people knew quite a lot about us and the class. Congratulations from myself go to the top of the fleet for a very competitive and close fought contest especially the last day when they went out with all at stake in what looked quite horrendous conditions, but what a great spectacle it was to watch from the shore. There was quite a crowd dotted round the harbour who were cheering most of the time.

My own highlight of the week was during Thursday's race when I actually sailed with a school of porpoises. Not intentionally mind you, they just appeared around us. Helen's answer to my looking around at them was to concentrate on the sailing, as she did not want to end up swimming with them. This was the first time ever in my life that I had been so close to such a graceful mammals that I had only ever seen on TV before. Having the porpoises so close meant that I delayed my tack for what I thought was a long time. I actually passed a couple of boats unfortunately one was an upside down Jackatoo R212 and the other was Venus R178 my other boat sailed by a friend of ours Kevin Williams. Kevin thoroughly enjoyed himself at his first Redwing Nationals and is borrowing Venus for the whole of next year. That's got me out of varnishing one boat this winter although Hon sec is already sorting me out with plenty of work to do on Discretion.

Kevin had the last laugh though he beat me by one point over the week, still with my steady improvement next year is another thing. Well what about downpoints. The only one I had was on the Sunday when making our first tack the starboard shroud came adrift, Helen later admitted she did that one. As we were already late that meant the end of the race for us, still we paddled well (sabotaged by my own crew). Looking back on my racing so far I have a record I wish to lose because I have not yet completed the first race in any event which has more than one days racing. Not a record to have. Of course the other record I am after is to stop finishing last in championships.

Still at least I can say I was there. Richie in R166, a newcomer, also livened up proceedings with the blond wig, as he pointed out; blonds have more fun! I believe they tried to drink the bar dry on his birthday. My congratulations go to Bud, Gareth, Ben and Roly on making it a great championship race, one of the closest I have had the pleasure to witness. On the health front its funny I had no twinges till I started work on Monday morning so perhaps my hiking is improving (funny I always thought hiking was a long walk). Mind you the Hon sec did it again this year by suggesting I would make a better team manager than sailor, REMEMBER LAST YEAR HE HINTED I WAS TOO FAT and that I should let Helen find a better helm as she is quite a good crew? I can see her head swelling as she reads this (If only it was true -Helen). I did notice mind you that on return to Tenby for the club race he soon borrowed her as a crew.

Unfortunately Bill's Tenby crew is injured after losing an argument with a lawnmower and severely damaging her foot. Hope you get well soon Nan so that I can keep my crew, also a quick 'get well soon' also to Neville Stace I am sure, from us all. My thanks also go to the Redwingers who commented on this addition to the newsletter. I didn't thing anybody read it now I know you do it helps at times like this when the brain goes dead and I don't know what to write!

Dave Bowen

Other News�

Following the commissioning of R246, Nightingale, Cecil has reluctantly decided that 'Flare', R146 must find another keeper. He would rather she did not leave the place of her birth. So, if you feel that you are qualified to take on the guardianship of this rather special Redwing, then you should contact Cecil on 01579 320636.

Jon Cole must have had a funny turn since he suddenly decided that 'Jinx' R187 must go to make way for another one or two 'winter projects'. After a bit of cajoling he has seen the error of his ways and she will remain in Jon's tender loving care whilst he gets plastic boats out of his system.

We were contacted recently by a gentleman who has just purchased a Redwing called 'Skua'. A bit of detective work reveals that she may be R136 but this is yet to be confirmed. Sold through a boatyard in Salcombe she is missing a load of gear including sails. (How can you sell a sailing dinghy without her sails!?!)

Get your order in now for your new Redwing in time for the 2002 season. Contact

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