EDITORIAL

The month since my last newsletter has been quite an interesting one. Changes in the weather caused the cancellation of races, boat owners have continued with their launching plans, not always successfully and on the social side we enjoyed a very good barbecue last weekend.
Sadly the Commodore was unable to attend the barbecue as he has had a very bad back for the last couple of weeks. The word is that he is slightly improved. As I spent last Christmas and New Year crawling around with a similar problem Mike has all my sympathy and I hope he will soon be much improved. This has led to the postponement of the Commodore's Cruise. The 22nd June is the new date for this event, by which time we hope that Mike will be fit to sail again.

Unfortunately there has been a series of accidents in the laying up yard. The main casualty has been Singing Wind
now back in the yard and in need of repair. These accidents have had a spin off in that they have led to a great deal of discussion throughout the club and have especially dominated some of the meetings. Most people have their own ideas about how accidents should be viewed and even what constitutes an accident. Dictionaries vary in their definitions but mainly seem to point to an event that is without apparent cause or is unexpected. From a health and safety point of view an accident has been described as "a product of a hazard and a coincidence". Please take care.

We have reached the time again when we need your help. The annual Lifeboat Day is almost upon us and much planning is still needed. Last year the help that members gave was very generous and the day was a tremendous success, which we hope to repeat this year. We would be very grateful for anything you can offer, bric a brac bottles of anything for the Tombola, food, prizes, your time and your body! As most of the club committees are involved please speak to Dave Wilcox, Carole Fielding, Maggie Kennan or me if you can help us. The Committees are listed in the front of your diary.

The Champion Newspaper, came out today with a front page article about the Burbo Bank wind farm, it gave the news that the decision of the Department of Trade and Industry on this has been delayed. The reasons are that they are still weighing up the pros and cons of having wind turbines in Liverpool Bay as the guidelines may be changed by a new white paper on "Greenhouse" emissions. They have also noted local objections. The delay will be about a month.

The same newspaper also reports that consideration is being given to the creation of Wetlands along the River Alt in Formby and Hightown. Some areas of land currently defended against flooding would be returned to a floodplain, thus providing natural storage for excess floodwater from the Alt. The environment Agency expects to make an interim recommendation on the future of the Alt's flood defence next year and a final recommendation by the summer of 2005. Climate change makes flooding more likely and the effectiveness of existing defences less certain. David Wilcox told me that he thinks it will make very little difference to our moorings and of course it will be around ten years or so before anything happens.

Several people have come forward to say how well the new slipway works and to congratulate David Wilcox on the slip's design and the organisation of the work involved. News from the laying up yard for those interested in the 'open secret' of the thrushes' nest, the young birds have now flown.

SOME NOTES FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 13th MAY

THE VICE COMMODORE Dave gave the news that the Commodore was unwell but slowly recovering and best wishes were sent to Mike.
Although the Commodore's Cruise has been postponed the Rattray Race and the Dee Visit dates still stand. The cruise will now be a separate event.

In a message from Maggie, Dave told the committee of the success of the Barbecue last Saturday. Maggie thanked all her team and especial thanks were given to Stan Warren and Trevor Mayers for their valiant efforts with the cooking.

A very long discussion then took place about accidents in the club. A similar discussion had also taken place in the Sailing Committee using up most of their time. The outcome of this was a request for me to print the following:

From the sailing note Dave reported that the May Bank Holiday Series was cancelled because of bad weather.

The date for The Altmouth Cup Race for 2004 has been fixed for 11th July 2004

The Yellow Buoy has now been repaired and will be on station soon.

Seven members have STILL not given details of their insurance to The Yard and Berthing Master. Needless to say, these boats will not be allowed to launch and furthermore insurance is needed to remain in the yard.

Eddie Chatterton has tarmac-ed the entrance to the yard, which is a big improvement, and the committee send him their thanks.

The date in the diary for the young people of West Lancs Sailing club to visit our club at the end of this month will not be as in the diary and will need to be re-arranged.

Alan Roe reported that the arrangements for the Mersey River Festival are going ahead but that the visits to the Albert Dock will have to be arranged individually.

THE HOUSE COMMITTEE Carole was pleased with the work done inside during the working party. There is still some painting to be done and the disused window to be blocked up properly. The paintings will be replaced selectively. There is now a notebook behind the bar containing all the information that may be needed for the clubhouse.
There are some items to be sold off and they will be put in the porch.

The new bar top is looking good and it is hoped that all the work will be completed on the bar soon.

The outside lighting has to be re-assessed and there have been complaints about children playing on the roof of the clubhouse. Some were seen to be on there when the club was open. Steps are being taken to block off any method of climbing up but one boy has been seen leaping off the large sand hill to gain access and leaving by the same method.

Carole has received a letter from Peter Williams about youngsters throwing the loose stones around the flagpole at boat tenders and he suggests that they should be cemented in. Carole feels that this won't necessarily stop the stone throwing, as there are so many stones about.

THE HON SECRETARY Nark has received quite a number of items and booklets/newsletters from other clubs all of which he has made available to members via the notice board.

THE HON TREASURER reported that the finances are looking healthy as a result of receiving the subs.

THE HON MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY reported that there are just seven outstanding membership subscriptions, which he is chasing up. There have been four resignations from membership.
The Sub Committee had interviewed three prospective members and had recommended them to the General Committee. They were unanimously accepted by ballot and are as follows:-

Steve Haworth of Crosby will become a full member. Peter G Adams of Hightown and Anthony Ian Crook will become House Members. Welcome to the Club!

BOB CHAMBERLAIN reported that he is still trying to get the repairs/replacement roof sorted out and to this end he is seeing two people about the work this week.

FOR SALE

There are some large timbers available at a small cost. If you are interested in them please contact Dave Wilcox.

A LETTER FROM PETER WILLIAMS TO THE EDITOR

Subject Vandalism 18th April 2003

Yesterday at high water I had to make a half hour dinghy visit to my boat on its Alt mooring. On my return to the dinghy park I noticed that my dinghy had acquired a lot of water in that short time, between the double skins. On closer examination I found an almost invisible tear in the transom below the water line. The ground around the dinghy space was covered with 2" limestone chippings.

It became obvious that the local yobbos had sat on the low wall around the flagstaff and using ammunition supplied F.O.C. by the Club, had used my dinghy as target practice.

Had my visit to my boat been of the usual four hour duration, the dinghy could have sunk or worse, become so unstable with the weight of water that there could have been a disastrous outcome.

I would suggest that all the potential missiles in the Club grounds a) be removed or b) have a light cement slurry poured over them to firmly locate them in place. This event could explain why the club has to replace the exterior lights on an almost weekly basis.

I would also suggest a "zero tolerance" approach to all youth trespass on the grounds, a policy that has not been implemented in the past.

Yours Sincerely
Peter Williams.

Peter was obviously a very angry man!

A VERY UNUSUAL EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT WEEK.

WEDNESDAY 21ST MAY AT 8.30 pm
John Myerscough will kindly present an illustrated talk and will show tools and samples of wood
that he used in the construction and finishing of:-

A TRADITIONAL ENGLISH PERIOD ROCKING HORSE

There is no charge and the bar will be open throughout the evening.

GOING FOR PETER'S PRIZE

On my usual Friday night visit to my club B.S.C and in my usual company we overheard the odd whisper that one or two boats might be having a go for Peter's Prize (the new trophy given by Peter Devine). I thought to myself that this was one trophy I could compete for. As I keep my boat in Liverpool Marina I am unable to sail the races at Blundellsands. I then mustered two of my crew and decided to go for it on Saturday 15th March

My plan was to leave Liverpool Marina one and three-quarter hours before high water, buck the tide to the River Alt and pick up a mooring, hold it, slip it and radio the Coastguard and " Port St Mary, here we come". Great, but nothing goes to plan. The problem was that one of my crew had failed to turn up and this wasted precious time. We had left the pontoon at 07.40 and time was vital as Catch 22 draws 5' 10". We entered the River Alt at 09.15 picked up and dropped the mooring, smartly. The tide was 7.89m at 09.02 Liverpool so there was no room for error. On our way out we did a little bit of "sand yachting". I had visions of lying on my side for a few days but drawing on my past experience of the River Alt I eventually made it to deep water. Phew, it was 1993 when I last navigated the Alt!! On reaching C14 at 10.05 I radioed the Coastguard with my intentions. I also spoke to Tony Woods who was swanning around c14 in a RIB named Tigger. With acknowledgement from the Coastguard Catch 22 with myself and Tosh aboard were off.

With Q2 to starboard at 11.10 we set course for Port St Mary as 312 degrees magnetic. I was half expecting Tarka 2 and Serendipity to be around there so making a proper race of it but they were nowhere to be seen and with no competition we sailed on. By 13.09 the log reading was 3105 miles. We were making 7 knots, goose-winged and poled out with the wind at 18knts SSE we were fair steaming along on course. This carried on until 17.10 when the wind dropped to 15knts. We decided to try the kite, which is 900 sq.feet, but with just the two of us I thought it was a little chancy. We gave it a go but it didn't improve our boat speed and with the wind piping up to 18knts discretion was the better part of valour down came the spinnaker an believe me it took some handling. At 18.13 and 305true the log read 6283(from Liverpool) position 53.52.42 / 4.20 29 17kms to go and sunset at 18.30.

Still goose-winged on port tack and it was going dark. We applied a boom restrictor for safety as the wind had backed slightly and Catch 22 was just by the lee at times. At 20.12 with the course 300true the log read 76.05 the wind SSE 18 knots. Pos. 53.29.36 / 4.34.16 and 3.68 miles to go we started preparing for coming alongside. We sighted the radio mast (red light) just to the left of the harbour wall. With all the shore light pollution it is not that easy to pick things out. At 2100 we downed sails and switched on the engine with Tosh on the bow as lookout we edged our way in past the port light on the harbour wall and tied up alongside the yacht Puffin at 21.25. A good lively crossing!!. From C14 to Port St Mary harbour, passage time was 11hours 25 minutes with an average speed of around 7 Knots. The log reading was from Liverpool Marina

We got Catch 32 ready for the night, checked our lines, made our beds and then went shore sides for a much needed pint and some hot food. We passed the Harbour Master's house only to see him and his wife settled in their chairs watching TV. Not having the heart to disturb them Tosh and I walked on to the Sailing Club hoping that they would have hot food, no chance, the place was closed. Ah well it was still only mid March! We ten headed for the Alfred for some liquid refreshment We were served by the manageress a Celt, dark haired aged around forty with a tattoo, very nice but not my type. The hunger pangs were growing so off we went for a Chinese about a mile up the road. I think it was called Lucky's. It turned out not to be so lucky as you will read later. Back to Catch 32 we ate our food and drank hot coffee laced with Jameson's whiskey then turned in at about 23.50 with heater full on I curled up in my duvet and slept. We had to be up in the morning at 05.30 to slip at 06.00 hours.

Sunday 16..03.03. Up in time for bacon toast and hot tea we slipped our lines at06.10 and called the Coast Guard with our ETA in Liverpool of 20.00 hours. We had a short stay because Tosh had to be back for Sunday evening due to work. I needed the wind to veer 15º to 20º to give us a good close reach home. As we left the harbour, bent on all sail, I thought our luck was with us. For three to four miles steering 120º true we were making 6 knots on a port tack. This was great but as we cleared the island the wind backed from S.S.E to S.E. Yes, you've got it in one. It was right on the nose, we couldn't even motor sail, the sails were just flogging. We dropped the sails at 09.10 and with head winds, a lumpy sea and under engine we were making only 3 knots and to make matters worse Tosh was feeling very sick. We battled on until 12.30 and then decided to alter course to 150º to see if we could motor sail. Now we had concern about diesel, with engine doing 3500 rpms it was using diesel fast. Tosh was not improving so I covered him with his sleeping bag as he lay in the cockpit, thus making him feel better. The alteration in course was taking us way out west and I had to make a decision soon.

It was 17.30 and I knew that I couldn't make Liverpool before the tide set against me so I decided to radio the Coast Guard. My position was 53.37.75/3.50.06. This put me 11kms NW of the Douglas Oil Field. The plan was to sail SSE towards Rhyl Flats until I could lay the N Hoyle. I had only 10pints of diesel left but at least we were sailing. I asked the Coast Guard to speak to Doreen as my mobile could not get a signal. And I didn't want her to worry or go to my insurers to make sure all my policies were signed!! By 21.00 hours it was dark except for a beautiful moon and Tosh was on his feet again although still a bit sick. He was able to take the helm whist I went and made some packet soup. The wind dropped off tp 10 knots so I fired up the engine and at 2100 hours tacked to starboard heading to North Hoyle. On leaving this to starboard we proceeded to the 3 and 4 fathom tongue and arrived at our anchorage at 01.25 hours Monday morning. Our position was 53.29.75/3.21.18. The night had become bright in the glorious moonlight but it was Bitterly Cold! The wind had died to 6-8 knots, which suited me. I got Tosh to don a safety line and harness and go forward to drop anchor. The tongue is not buoyed but the depth sounder confirmed our position. With anchor dropped I gave her a few revs astern and Tosh confirmed that we had bitten. I lashed the helm and went to bed cream crackered.

I had asked Tosh to set his alarm for 04.00, as we needed to weigh anchor to catch the flood so now to sleep. No Chance. At 02.40 we had Knock, knock, knock. The xxxx tiller had worked loose. I reluctantly got up and lashed it in good style but it was so cols that I had to put the heater on, bxxxxx the fuel. I seemed to have just got into my bunk when the alarm went off. Toah had set it one hour too early. What a swine. Still, the cabin was like toast so I lay there until 0400. When I got up Tosh was still snoring so I set to with a packet of bacon and four eggs. Extra thick toast and best butter which Doreen does not allow me to eat. Lashed the butter on 8 pieces of bread, spread all pieces with thick brown sauce and large mugs of hot tea which my crew had and enjoyed in bed. Now tell me a better way to cure your mate of seasickness. From then on he was as right as rain and blamed the Chinese meal for his sickness. Now we felt like real sailors again and as ships rules apply at all time at sea we weighed anchor at 05.35

It was still dark and I set a course for Q1 and off Q1 daylight started to break and there was a slight sea mist. At 06.15 we left the buoy to starboard and found the trip down the Channel uneventful other than the passing of the odd container ship until we had a lovely sunrise. At about 07.25 my mobile rang. Guess who it was, yes you got it The Ayatollah with the demanding question "Where are you? You promised to ring me at 7.30. I told her that it was only 7.25 and that I was outside our house. She asked again, after telling me not to be so bxxxx silly. When I said once more that I was outside our house she looked through the window and there was Catch 22 in the bright sunlight. Telling me I was getting too old for all this business she rang off and we continued towards the Marina, which we reached at 08.50.

On our arrival I called the coastguard and reported in and also thanked them for contacting Doreen. I stared to tidy up and all was well until I got to the heads. Tosh in his exuberance to vacate his stomach contents from both ends had blocked the heads. After giving him some very good advice about what he put down there and in his mouth I decided to go home and clean up the next day.

Summing up I would say "A good trip but a touch cold at night" In all we sailed a total of 188·46 miles.

Good sailing. John Myerscough.

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