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Page 2 Commodore’s Letter

Page 3-5 Social Events

Page 6 Medway: Pilotage/Notices

Page 7 Vice Commodores Cruise to Hoo

Page 8 Cadets / Motor Boat Section

Page 9 IYC Boats For Sale

Page 9 How to get a new mooring

Page 10 IYC Boating Activities Calendar

Page 11-12 Faux-Pas on the Briny-“I Love the Marshes”

Page 13 -14 Water Rat

June 2012

IYC Newsletter

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Dear Members, Let’s hope that by the time you read this Newsletter

we will have had some sunshine. The boating

season, although already underway has not been

very encouraging, weather wise. We have seen a

few brave souls out on the water, the dinghy racing

has been going ahead and also the Rib training for

the Cadets well done to all of you. Also some of you

managed to get to Queenborough for the CCS cruise.

Speaking of cruising, and reminiscing, I was speaking with some of the

older Club members about the cruising we did back in the 70’s, 80’s and

90’s to France, Belgium and Holland. The Calais Rally was very popular, at

one time and if you fancy being moored up with 10 boats hanging on your

side, nose to tail then this is the Rally for you. At least 30 people traipsing

over your boat at all hours and by no means quietly. Ostend, Niewport and

Blankeberge were favourite places where you could always meet up with

Sailors from everywhere and enjoy a few beers or even some Geneva if you

came across a friendly Dutchman. The furthest we ever got on one of these

cruises was Fecamp and we were fogged in for a couple of days. It would

be nice to hear of some of the cruises that are done now.

I do not know if any of your have been in the Member’s Bar lately, but you

will see on the wall the original drawings of the Chapman Lighthouse,

together with a painting of it which was donated by Chas Carey MBE and

family. Sadly Chas passed away recently, he was a wonderful ambassador

for all Sports and served on the Council as a representative for many years.

The Jubilee Celebrations will be over by the time you read this I hope that

you managed to support the Club during the three days period of

celebrations. A lot of work goes into these events and it would be a shame

to lose the enthusiasm of the Social Committee.

I hope this newsletter find you all well and ready to enjoy the summer

sailing.

Best regards

Valerie Deane

Commodore

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SOCIAL EVENTS

The new social year started with a Mexican Meal on 21st

January with 55

Members and guests attending. It was a very enjoyable evening with John

Linton playing a few numbers on his guitar and a lot of fun was had by all

trying to break open a Pinata.

This was followed with our monthly Quiz Night on the 28th

January.

In February we had our Valentine Dinner and Dance on Saturday 11th

February with 39 Members and guests attending an enjoyable evening was

had by all and we danced the night away to popular tunes with Johns

Disco. (Photos on Social Website)

This was followed with our monthly Quiz Night on the 25th

February.

In March we tried something new we had a Bingo Night it was not very well

attended but each table had a win.(£8 a line and £13 a full house) 10th

March we had Sinatra/Rat Pack Tribute with 35 Members and guests

attending, a good time was had by all.

In April we went back to tradition with the Fitting out Supper on Thursday

5th

April with 60 Members attending, we also had a live singer for

entertainment which was something we have not done before, it was

enjoyable but some felt not necessary.

7th

April Easter Bonnet Dance, due to people going away was not very well

attended but those that did attend participated in the fun with their Easter

Bonnet.

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Best Bonnet for Girl was Lahni Dow and Best Bonnet for Boy was Joshua

Irving. Best adult was Chase Haase.

8th

April was the Childrens East Egg Hunt with 14 young children attending

and having fun in the hunt and all receiving an egg at the end.

This was followed with our monthly Quiz Night on Saturday 28th

April.

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Queens Diamond Jubilee In June we will be celebrating the Queens Diamond Jubilee with a dance on

Saturday 2nd

of June, a royal quiz on Sunday the 3rd

of June(evening) and a

Diamond Jubilee Party on Monday 4th

of June (during the day) including

games out on the green (weather permitting) so come and join in with the

celebration.

Future Social Events 15

th June IYC at Home

16TH

June Quiz Night

17th

June Fathers Day so don’t forget Dad treat him to dinner and

a pint at the Club House. (contact Sheila to book a table)

14th

July Caribbean Meal

28th

July Quiz Night

10th

August (friday pm) a night with The Blues Brothers

25th

August Quiz Night

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Pilotage Issues

Nick Ardley has been looking into restrictions on vessel movements during the Olympics and apparently the Port of London (PLA) will have restrictions on recreational craft

movements on the River Thames from Gravesend inwards. Apparently not a problem out at Canvey but worth looking into if

you want to go upriver during that time. However there was some indication Peel Ports - Medway - were considering similar restrictions and Nick got this response from the Peel Ports Harbour Master:

We will not be issuing identification cards and access to the Medway will not be subject to such severe restrictions as the Thames. However, vessels intending to visit the Medway are advised not to come unless they have a pre-booked berth. There will be increased harbour / police patrols during the Olympic period and vessels may be stopped and questioned.

MEDWAY RIVER FESTIVAL (May effect Vice Commodores Cruise, See adjacent notice) Saturday 2nd June 2012 the MEDWAY RIVER FESTIVAL will take

place in Chatham and Upnor Reaches. There will be various events and activities taking place on and above the

river at various times between 1000 hrs. and 1700 hrs. The patrol boats

“MEDWAY LEADER” and “WESTBOURNE” will be in attendance.

Persons in charge of craft navigating in and through Chatham and Upnor

Reaches must exercise CARE and CAUTION and proceed at SLOW

SPEED whilst any events are taking place. There will be NO CLOSURES

to NAVIGATION, but, if in the interests of safety it is deemed necessary to

temporarily prevent craft from transiting the area then the patrol boats will

move into position to do so. Persons in charge of craft MUST OBEY

INSTRUCTIONS from Peel Ports Medway staff on the patrol boats. Further information on the event may be obtained from the Medway

Navigation Service on VHF Channel 74, call-sign “Medway VTS”, or

telephone 01795 663025 or contact the patrol boats direct on VHF 74.

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Vice-Commodore’s

Cruise to Hoo

Join a relaxed and social sail to Hoo Marina, Kent

2nd to the 5th June 2012, including a cheese and wine

get together on the 3rd June.

Children, pets and less experienced sailors

more than welcome!

Phone Bob Hough for more

information.

Sign up on the sheet at Club:

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Cadets Report

It has been a busy few months for the cadets since the last news letter.

We have had the Paul Metson cadet race the weather was kind and the disco in

the evening was well attended. An enjoyable day was had by all of those who

took part.

Result 1st Luke Baker 2nd Harry Lucas 3rd Dan Memet

The cadets also took part in the RYA Honda youth rib challenge area finals

which was held at Stubbers activity centre. The Island yacht club has 3 cadets in

the 13 to 16 year age group and 2 cadets in the 8 to 12 year age group

representing our club in the East of England regional finals to be held at The

Island Yacht club on 23rd

June as always it is only the first place in each age

group that gets to take part in the finals that will be held in September at the

Southampton boat show.

IYC RIB Challenge over 13 Eastern Region Finalists

Harry Lucas, Lawson Heys and Phoebe Hawkins

IYC RIB Challenge under 13 Eastern Region Finalists

Liam Marshall and James Heys

I would like to thank our cadet’s parents and members for their support the help

and support given to the cadets with RIB training and sailing

Many thanks

Martin, Mark and Karen.

Motor Boat Report

Most of the motor boats are now back in the water after a bit of a wet start with

the weather.

We have one member who will be taking part in the Queens diamond jubilee

river parade Alan & Jan Antony with Wight Sprit

I would like to wish the best of luck and a safe trip

Also those motor boats and sailing boats who are taking part in our vice

commodores cruise to Hoo this June bank holiday weekend I hope you has a safe

trip

Those of you who are not cruising this bank June bank holidays please come

along to the club and support our social committee who have arranged events for

you and your families

Please look on notice board in the club house for trips and notices

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable boating season on and of the water

Martin.

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IYC Boats for saleIYC Boats for saleIYC Boats for saleIYC Boats for sale (More details on the IYC Web site)

Looking For a New Mooring? Has your current boat outgrown its mooring? Are you just looking for a mooring that

gives you less of a walk along the jetties?

If you are, the way to get a new mooring, or even your first one, is to volunteer at the

club. Moorings are allocated based on their availability and the number of hours the

Member volunteers. There are always lots of things to do and frequently the same

volunteers helping out. So if you feel like giving up a bit of your time, making new

friends and working towards getting that new mooring, contact the following:-

Phil Rich Compound and moorings

maintenance

Chris Irving General maintenance of the

clubhouse

Kevin Turner Dinghy sailing or maintenance

Martin Dobbs Cadets &

Dinghy sailing or maintenance

Jan Mason Social side of the Club

Sharon Bell Gardens

If you want to go on the mooring waiting list, contact Phil Rich as above. The waiting

list is displayed on the notice boards in the clubhouse and in the tea hut in the

compound.

Just a quick reminder while talking about moorings; if you swap or use someone else’s

mooring, however short the period, please advise Phil, so the Committee can be aware

of whose boat occupies which mooring.

We look forward to seeing you at the various work parties!

McGREGOR 26X 50hp O/B Motor/Sailor 26ft £16,000

SUSIE-B GRP 28ft £18,750

WHISKY JACK TRIMARAN 13m £18,000

TRAPPER 300 FLYING FOX 26ft £7,000

FAIREY FISHERMAN JENNY F 26ft P.O.A.

MACWESTER ROWAN MOUNTAIN ASH 22ft P.O.A

McGREGOR EMILY 26ft £10,500

VIVACITY GRP 20ft OFFERS

SADLER 25 NIPPA II 25ft £10,000

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IYC BOATING ACTIVITIES 2012 Adjusted for BST

Date HW HT CRUISER RACE CRUISE CADET

JUN Sat 2 11.18 5.6 V/Com Cruise 10:00 PRACTICE

Sun 3 12.12 5.8

Mon 4 13.02 5.9 BH

Tue 5 13.51 6.0 QDJ V/Com Cruise

Sat 16 11.19 5.1 Boatacs Race Stangate Cruise

Sun 17 12.05 5.2

Sat 23 15.48 5.6 RYA RIB Regional trials

Sat 30 09.47 5.3 Nore Race (BYC)

JUL Sun 8 16.37 5.8 Ladies Race

Sat 14 09.30 4.7 Harty Ferry Race (LSC) Harty Ferry Cruise

Sun 15 10.35 4.8

Sat 21 14.55 5.8 Canvey Supply

Sun 22 15.32 5.8 Greene King

Sat 28 08.06 5.1 Blackwater Race (EYC) Bradwell Cruise

Sun 29 09.20 5.1

AUG Sat 4 14.53 6.0 ComCruseYantlet

Sun 5 15.31 6.0 ComCruseYantlet

SEP Sat 1 13.53 5.9 Ellen Rapkin

Sat 15 12.49 5.7 Upnor Race(IYC) Leigh Reggatta

Sun 16 13.27 5.9 Leigh Reggatta

Sun 23 18.47 5.2 Town Cup Race (IYC)

Sun 30 13.27 5.8 Konningstein DinghyTeamRace

DINGHY RIB Crews and Race Officers Date Event support 1 support 2 RACE OFFICER

JUN Sat 2 Practice

Sun 3 Brinkman Clint Turner / Lee Woods Mick levett / TBA *

Mon 4 Bank Holiday Dan Bell / TBA Paul & Pam Soderberg *

Tue 5 Bank Holiday Ken Hawkins / TBA Adrian & Julien Linton Beryl Bouchereau

Sun 10 LT Grafix John.Linton / TBA Dan Bell / TBA *

Sun 17 Summer Series. Mark Mawditt / TBA Andrew & John Dobbs Alison Metson

Sun 24 Halcon Mick F / TBA Steve W / Chris H Beryl Bouchereau

Sat 30 NORE RACE

JUL Sun 1 Summer Series Kevin & Sue Turner John Metson / TBA TBA

Sun 8 Ladies Race TBA TBA TBA

Sun 15 Summer Series. Andy Bouchereau /TBA TBA TBA

Sun 22 Whitbread TBA TBA TBA

AUG Sat 4

Sun 5 Autumn Series TBA TBA TBA

Sun 19 AlphaMarine John Bell / TBA Adrian Pharro / TBA TBA

Sat 25 Evening Brian K /TBA Mark M / TBA B.Bouchereau

SEP Sat 1 Cat Open

Sun 2 Cat Open

Sun 16 Autumn Alex Burling / lollipop Colin Ebdon / TBA Alison Metson

Sat 22 Autumn Mark Woods/ James Heys John Bell / TBA TBA

Sun 30 Konningstein Chris Irvin / TBA Garry & James Marshall TBA

OCT Sun 14 Gin & Rum Adrian Pharro / TBA Chris Irvin / TBA TBA

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Faux Pas’ on the Briny

I love the marshes...

Yes, well, it was like this. During spring it didn’t seem as if I’d had as much

time out on the water as I would have liked, however, the log book shows that I’ve not

actually done so badly... On the approach to the May bank holiday it was forecasted to

be largely wet so I said to my mate that sailing away for the weekend was out of the

question. But I was desperate for a bank holiday sail.

A large group had come over from the Strood YC for the weekend and I

understand they all had a great time. A cruise to the Medway was mooted but didn’t

happen. I later learnt that a friend (from another club) went round to Harty and had a

torrid time getting back – although the conditions seemed fairly benign in our patch!

Anyway, Monday came round. The mate was meeting a friend for lunch and

said, “Why don’t you go for a sail...” What a grand idea ... I needed no further

encouragement.

The creek was eerily quiet when I arrived, early, to get the boat ready. A few

Strood members had clearly only just through their breakfast: pans could be heard

clattering below as clearing up was in progress on boats that I passed.

The covers were soon off ... a coffee was made. As the tide crept up the rudder

the sails were set: with a pleasant south-southeast sailing off (and onto) the mooring

would present few problems. During the preceding week I’d been doing some sanding,

vacuuming and painting inside the boat – then I’d been champing at the bit to get out.

It all smelt of fresh paint and contentment pervaded. Sipping my coffee I watched the

tide creep inexorably higher centimetre by centimetre. “Soon I’ll be away,” I thought,

casually.

The boat soon lifted... The engine start button was pressed ... click ... silence ...

again, click ... silence. “Damn!” I said, muttering, “...too much use of the vacuum...”

With all the motor boats around I leapt ashore and ambled along the walkway to

ask anyone had one of those magic packs ... no joy. I rang ‘the boy’ and he was at

home and not near the creek ... he has access to the much needed kit ... kids eh, never

where you need them...!

Undaunted: I’ve done it loads of times, and with the wind with a little east in it

which would allow sailing back on, I pushed off and gaily sailed out of the creek,

feeling on top of the world. An enjoyable time was had with a frolic down towards the

pier, then up the Ray to the old Salvation Army wharf, before turning for home,

tacking into a south-easterly. I dropped the mainsail outside the creek and started my

run for home... Memory of Kent had come out for a spin too and was puttering in

ahead of me...

It seems incredible, but as I passed the entrance to Oyster Creek the wind took

on a handful of west in it – not good. I called to a member to catch me as I came

towards my mooring... I’d had the first faltering thoughts of, “I’m not going to make

this ... it’s all going wrong...” Astern was a motor vessel ... there was no room to gybe

round, run out and set the mainsail ... the jib was luffed ... the boat stalled ... and as the

motor boat passed by Whimbrel crabbed across the tide and fetched up in the little rill

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on the north bank off the end of my mooring surrounded by saltings. I was mortified. I

later learnt from one of my rescuers that the look on my face was of ‘abject horror’ as

I passed his boat!

Memory of Kent’s owner, Brian, bless him, called out, “Hold on I’m coming” as

another member leapt aboard to help. The kedge could stay where it was: that would

have been my only option... Other members, bless them too, and you know who you

are, also leapt into action. Memory of Kent got me across the creek and we handed

Whimbrel into her berth.

I’ve been there before... Sketch by my Mother from, Mudlarking – Thames Estuary Cruising Yarns, published

by Amberley, 2010.

When I got home I told the mate about my adventurous sail. It was when I got to

the part about leaving the berth with a flat battery that remains in my mind: her

stinging words are still ringing around my ear drums!

Well, if you don’t go for it...

And a week later I did. I sailed back into the creek and onto the mooring with a

pleasant south-easterly wafting me along ... the engine silent, but ready to go!

Nick (Whimbrel)

P.S. Someone said, “You’ll not write about this...” however, my readers will know of

a past faux pas or two: they’ve been recounted in my books:

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Down on the Down on the Down on the Down on the waterfront…waterfront…waterfront…waterfront…

What a glorious late winter and early spring this year, dry, very warm at times, and

full of good many days for all that essential maintenance... One man, with a boat built

from a sustainable material, even painted the sides of his fine vessel during mid

January.

Some weeks later, I was wandering across the yard with a group of workers when

someone called out to a man bumbling about around the bottom of his marooned lady,

“You ready to go in yet?” We all guffawed: he’d been out a while!

“No ... but I’ll have to be...” the chap called back.

“Why’s that then?”

“Been told I’ll have to pay double bubble otherwise ... me missus won’t like that!”

“Looks finished...”

“Yeh, on the outside ... the inside’s still rough.”

“Do it on the mooring. Get some use out of her!” was the final comment we heard,

continuing our path towards the tea hut.

I thought, “The boat, surely!”

He got her in and has been seen out beyond the creek’s distant horizon too...

What’s happening to all those others loafing around the pound?

The spring period, having got off to a grand start, hit back with a vengeance in

April: showers, bucket loads, came streaming from the skies above us. It stopped me

in my tracks, praying that half started varnishing didn’t break down.

A man I know was out on the water one Saturday ... apparently it was glorious until

cloud crept up on him, before clearing again. The rest of the men around the yard were

dumping boats in the water ... but, he had been at it too, beforehand.

As a near neighbour, on the trots, commiserated, the sailor busy tidying his sails,

said, “I thought it would miss me ... but it dumped as I was passing Two Tree

Island...” adding, while wringing his hands and grinning like a little boy, “I got rapidly

colder – far colder than when sailing in the winter...” He wasn’t dressed for it.

Ah, lulled into a false sense of security – can be dangerous!

I thought it was funny...

In recent months I have noticed a few new faces on the Saturday work mornings,

which is most unusual. Strangely, although new members arrive as the membership

ebbs and flows most new faces are never seen unless they want something.

The people I spoke to were pleased to be warmly welcomed and immediately felt at

home ... one even proffered advice on his first showing which, of course, was listened

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too ... by those around ... politely, with knowing smiles: we were trying to get a boat

out of a tight spot... All fresh ideas are welcome: the old ways are not always best.

There are many owners of vessels along the walkways who, since joining, haven’t

lifted a finger to help around the yard or moorings – you know who you are – that

surely, is quite shameful...

Like many others even I’m not present every weekend, but it is our duty to assist

the team looking after our collective resource, so do try and offer your services from

time to time and join the merry band!

Continuing along the previous theme: Is a fresh breeze filtering down from the

heady spires of Westminster, the ‘home’ of our political masters? On a couple of lift in

sessions this spring far more of the recipients of the time freely given by club

members also gave some of theirs too to help before their own turns came round – it

was refreshing. It’s something that has been lacking over recent years. Perhaps

Cameron’s ‘big society’ is now working wonders amongst us lot - or was it a glitch?

Time will tell!

Moving on from the first story, here’s a question, have you heard of the ‘Push the

Boat Out’ campaign instituted by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)?

No! Well, it is due to take place on Saturday 21st July – that’s over the weekend

before the start of the world jamboree taking place, mainly, in London.

The RYA want to get as many people afloat as it is physically possible to do so.

Ostensibly, it is in support of Team GB’s sailors competing at the jamboree’s

sailing event taking place on the generally smooth water beneath Portland’s towering

grey stone edifice. (Did you know that the hinterland on top of that rock is a different

world; scenic, beautiful, and has some absolute gems dotted about?) I think it is more

about the other initiative started last year. Do you remember? No! Well that was about

prizing apart deeply age hardened mooring lines between boats and pontoons to get

people out on the water actually using their boats.

One could, perhaps, if you were that way inclined, argue that we don’t want more

people cluttering the water ... but I think it’s great to see a sea of sails and motor craft

out enjoying themselves. Our east coast waters aren’t like the ones down south where,

so I’ve heard, one can almost walk across from Portsmouth to Cowes on a busy day...

Whatever the reason: both are worthy, all should ask, “What will I be doing?”

Water Rat