Info thanks to Mick Kneale

This May Bank holiday weekend will see at least 40 visiting yachts in Port St Mary. The HAMBLIN Round Mann race starts 8am Sunday from

the Alfred Pier (breakwater). Up to a dozen entrants are expected to race round the island anti-clockwise.

Spectators may also see the yachts rounding Langness between 8.30 and 9.30am. The light easterly breezes look set to continue right into next week, so the race is unlikely to break any records but much tactical prowess will be needed to deal with the tidal gates.

The race coincides with one of the biggest single gatherings of yachts in the port since the Manx Millennium on 1979.Over 30 “Westerly” yachts from all round the North Irish Sea have already entered this rally.Most of these will be bilge-keelers and can therefore comfortably dry out in the inner harbour – perhaps crossing the whole harbour from boat to boat may be possible, echoing the days of the sailing fishing fleet in the late 1800s.

This is the first time the Westerly Owners Association has brought their annual rally to the IOM, at the invitation of the IOM Yacht Club in general and Mike Pollard in particular.The programme includes a coach tour, a fun yacht race at Castletown and entertainment in the club.

Don’t forget the Collins Stewart round the island yacht race takes place this Sunday 4th May, promoted by The Manx Sailing and Cruising Club. A popular event for competitors and spectators a like it is not to be missed, take a look at the MSR Gallery for action from last years race. Further details on the MS&CC website or just post on the MSR Forum.

Also over the same weekend the Laser Acadamy is organising sessions on both days, again info on the MS&CC website or post on the forum.

On Saturday 17th May there will be the rescheduled Easter regatta at Ramsey, start time in 11.00am and there will be food and prize giving afterwards, Sunday will be reserve day.

Finally, don’t forget that IOMYC club racing starts this Thursday 1st May at Port St Mary starting at 19.30, will hopefully see you there!

Details from Angus Jolly

The forecast for Sunday is for Northerly 5-6, occasionally 7, gusting 50mph. Saturday and Monday are similar, indicating that this is not something that will pass quickly, or give a ‘window’. Coupled with this are the low temps forecast – zero overnight with a max of 6 degrees.
As the wind will be from the north, conditions in the bay will be rough, getting off the beach will be difficult and the chop will keep competitors wet and chilled.
I’ve taken the decision to cancel this event.

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Looking ahead to the following Sunday (13th) MS&CC are looking to run an informal race coaching session. All are welcome. Please let Angus know if you have any interest in attending and he is after some experienced sailors to help out. He will need people (dinghy sailors included!) for a RIB, if they are to go out on the water – conditions permitting. There is quite a lot of theory to cover as well, so classroom sessions will take place, especially when it is unsuitable to sail. As an added bonus the bar will be open!
He is hoping to cover things like:

• Improving Tacking/Gybing
• Roll Tacking/Gybing
• Stop falling in whilst going downwind/gybing etc!
• Starts
• Upwind tactics/techniques
• Downwind tactics/techniques

Please feel free to indicate any topics you would like to be included, or areas of particular weakness.

The emphasis will be on enjoyment as well as learning. There is no set agenda and he will respond to people’s needs and the conditions on the day. Don’t feel that you have to be of a certain standard to attend – there should be something for all. Please note, however, that this is NOT a ‘start sailing’ course.

Info thanks to Angus Jolly

It is with regret that the decision has been taken to abandon the event scheduled for this Saturday / Sunday. We have taken an early view on the matter based on a horrendous forecast combining strong wind and very low temperatures over the whole of the Easter period. As we all know Easter has fallen VERY early this year, and this kind of weather is only to be expected.

We will re-schedule the event which will now take place on Saturday 19th April at 11.00. The weather will of course be a balmy 25 degrees and the wind will be a 3 – 4 with flat water (so the OOD has a nice steady platform).
Or maybe not…

Ramsey’s next event is the Bridson and Horrox series which runs on 6th, 20th April and 18th March. Please feel free to join in, especially on the 20th should you have made the journey for the re-positioned Regatta.

Info Thanks to Angus Jolly

The 2008 season is getting ready to jump in to action in 2 weeks time with the IOM Xerox sponsored Easter Regatta held in Ramsey and organised by the Manx Sailing and Cruising Club.

This is always an excellent event with some great racing to be had, check out MSR’s coverage of last year’s here .

Racing will follow the usual format of three races on Easter Saturday 22nd March, back-to-back, with the first start at 11.00am. The prize giving, with food, will be held after the event.

Sunday 23rd will be held as a reserve day in case of bad weather.

Finally, if anybody has any DBYC or MS&CC trophies relating to Injebrek 2006/7, could you please return to Angus Jolly or MS&CC.

Due to popular demand, the Isle of Man Yacht Club will be organising dinghy racing on Sundays during October, November and December.
First race will take place at 11am on 7^th October.
PJ will be OOD, is you want further information please contact him though MSR or just post on the forum.