Saturday Racing! JHYC organizes regular Saturday afternoon racing
to CSA rating and Club Performance Handicaps. Come and compete
for the "JHYC Rum Ration" and other sponsored prizes.
< See here for more details. >

NEWS

Posted 3rd June 2008 - JOLLY HARBOUR YACHT CLUB NEWS UPDATES.
(5 new updates - Please continue scrolling down.)

Upcoming Events
2 dates for your diaries in June.
The weekend of 14th and 15th sees yet another joint Cruise to Green Island with AYC. Last years event turned into a challenge match between the 2 clubs and various silly games and competitions were enjoyed by all with a wonderful beach party on Saturday evening. The leeward bay of Green Island is a beautifully peaceful place and those who missed out last year will not be sorry for making the effort this year. For those interested in kicking the competitiveness off early, Elizabeth Jordan of AYC is interested in anyone wishing to race to Green Island on Saturday morning with a second leg on the way back on Sunday. The skippers briefing will be at 7.00 p.m. at AYC.
It would be good to know in advance those who wish to participate so please let me know as soon as possible.

Breakfast at Green Island June 2007

The following weekend on June 22nd AYC stage another of their very successful “Fun Days on the Lawn” at the AYC Club. Unfortunately, we have been unable to attend any of these yet due to other commitments but I am making a special effort this time as Elizabeth has very kindly invited me into Annual Honorary Membership for 2008 and I am delighted to accept. I understand this is a particularly good event for the kids with dinghy sailing and games on the lawn and so far every “Fun Day” has proved a resounding success.

Brian
JHYC Commodore 2008

-----------------------------

The search for your next Commodore begins!
Having already decided that 2 years was long enough as your Commodore it was always my intention to stand down in 2009. I was brought in as “new blood” and it is now time for a further transfusion!
You are being advised of this now as Pippa and I are making plans for a move ahead in our chartering careers which will almost certainly see us “off island” for 3 months from September.

Despite the Constitution, which quite rightly states a new Commodore has to be elected at the AGM, I strongly believe the momentum the Club has gained over the past 18 months needs to be maintained and we should all start addressing the issue of who is going to take over now. I am not resigning, and will see my term through, but I doubt if there will be a queue of willing volunteers and any enthusiastic and willing person who steps up to the plate should be welcomed by the Membership. An opportunity to work with the future Commodore in a transition period would be most beneficial so I would ask you all to scratch your heads, give some thought to what the job entails and come up with some suggestions for who might want to take it on. It is an important job in a terrific Yacht Club that is proving ever more successful. The foundation is there will someone please offer to build on it further!

Brian
JHYC Commodore 2008

-----------------------------

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & PIG ROAST
Due to our presence on the Rum Cruise I had been unable to attend the first training session on May 17th. I was delighted, however, to make it along last Saturday morning and witness a wonderful sight and the realisation of what many members have worked so hard for in recent months.

Eight young people turned up accompanied by as many willing volunteers for a morning of dinghy sailing training in the idyllic setting of the Old Castaways on North Beach. I had to leave early to help prepare for the Pig Roast in the afternoon but I am reliably informed that the “ear to ear” smiles on the youngsters faces after their training session ended was a sight to behold. Our two Sport 16 dinghies are perfect for training up to 4 young people at a time in superb calm water conditions with a nice offshore breeze.

"Getting Ready To Go"	Underway

There are so many people to be thanked for this achievement by JHYC and they know who they are BUT special mention must go to the leadership of Lawrie May, the energy and enthusiasm of Rick Gormley, the generous support from Wayne Gruden for the location and storage facilities, financial support from La Perla and Anjo Insurance and all you wonderful people who have dipped their hands in their pockets for cash donations that have helped to make it all possible. A HUGE THANK YOU!!!

Fittingly, the Pig Roast at the Foredeck Bar in the afternoon was in search of further financial input for this great project. I am delighted to inform you that EC$2,000 was raised during the event. Almost 100 tickets were sold and the pork was fabulous! Thanks here to Angie and Alecks of the Foredeck, my Pippa, Glyn from Black & White Construction and Rafe from Chef Around for their roasting skills, Kenny Ramsey for the loan of a barbeque and Teresia Matthews who yet again did not disappoint with her begging bowl rattling skills! Also many, many thanks to all who bought a ticket and contributed these additional funds to help keep the Youth Development Programme going.

Brian
JHYC Commodore 2008

-----------------------------

Caribbean Rum Cruise
From May 9th to May 26th, Pippa and I enjoyed what can only be described as the best cruising holiday we have ever been on.

We left Jolly Harbour in the company of Paul & Marguerite Jackson with Hans & Cathy Lammers on “Mackenzi”, Will & Margaret Rudd on “Atlantia” and the brave Marx and Christine on “Shantie”.

Our first stop was Deshais where we met with Elizabeth Jordan & Peter on “Arc Angel” and Alan Bryon & Helen Kruk on “Double Trouble” who had along a couple of guests Uta & Mats who, unfortunately, were the only 2 boats that were able to make the joint JHYC/AYC Guadeloupe Whit Weekend gathering.

After a terrific pre dinner drinks party on “Mackenzi” followed by dinner at “Le Terras” restaurant on the south side, we bid our farewells to the Whit Weekenders and the 2008 Caribbean Rum Cruise was under way.

Over the course of the following two weeks we took in 6 islands and 4 rum distilleries in weather and sailing breezes that can only be described as fantastic, ending up in the recently developed Marigot Bay in St. Lucia.

Unfortunately, in Marie Galante, Marx & Christine suffered a motor scooter accident which brought a sudden end to their cruise due to a broken leg and hand for Christine and bruised ribs for Marx. Wonderful treatment from the hospital in Marie Galante brought some comfort to their injuries but en it was then a case of getting them and “Shantie” back to Jolly Harbour. The following morning, “Shantie” was on her way home and their cruise was over. X-rays were then radioed to an old colleague of Marx at a hospital in Boston and they were off again to the States for surgery. I am happy to report that everything has gone extremely well and we are expecting them back in Jolly very soon.

One of the most memorable highlights of the trip, of which there were many, was making the acquaintance of Christine Ozer, the Marketing Manager of Depaz Distillery in Martinique. Of the 4 distilleries visited, all of which bought new insights into the skill of making rum, Depaz was the jewel in the crown and Christine spared no effort in showing us around. She kindly gave us all a tour of the historic chateau (her “Castle”) in the grounds and fascinated us with the story and records of the fateful day in May 1902 when St. Pierre and the distillery were wiped out by the explosion of the Mont Pelee volcano that towers above the area.

A chance comment over lunch that suggested Christine might like to join us for the rest of the cruise brought us a new guest! A few phone calls and dog sitting arrangements later and Christine was part of the team and off we all went to Grande Anse d’Arlet, Martinique followed the next day by our sail down to Marigot Bay, St. Lucia.

No doubt you will hear more from the participants over the next few weeks and I will leave it to them to pass on their own anecdotes and impressions of this wonderful trip. I cannot thank Paul & Marguerite enough for all the organisational effort and information they amassed to make this cruise possible and our fellow cruisers who made it such an enjoyable social event. I can certainly recommend that the cruisers among you, who are looking for a cruise with a difference and some wonderful social interaction on the way, put the 2009 Caribbean Rum Cruise in your diaries now. Look forward, it will be worth it!

The 2008 Caribbean Rum Cruisers	Historic Distilling Machinery – Marie Galante

Brian
JHYC Commodore 2008

-----------------------------

SATURDAY SAILING PROPOSALS
I have produced draft proposals for a change to Saturday Sailing aimed at encouraging a more realistically competitive situation for this weekly event. I hope these new proposals, which have been approved by your Vice Commodore and Sail Fleet Captain, will encourage more sailors to participate given the opportunity it offers for regular measurement of sailing performance and a the rare chance to win something even when the CSA boats are taking part!
These are proposals at this stage and feedback is required from all interested parties to determine whether they go forward or not. A measure of this will be the number of skippers prepared to sign or submit the declaration at the end of the proposal.

Saturday afternoon sailing is a keystone in the sailing and social elements of JHYC. The sailing is great and the social at the Foredeck Bar for prize giving is often better. Let us get as many as possible participating and increase the fun and entertainment even more in the future.

The proposals are:

JHYC SATURDAY PERFORMANCE SAILING (SPS)
Draft June 2008
Purpose
To provide a measure against which yacht skippers and crew can improve the performance of their sailing skills and their yachts. SPS is NOT to be considered as RACING, and Cruising Yachts are encouraged to participate.
Requirements

• Open mailing list of all skippers, and crew, potential and active. Recipients must be encouraged to “Reply All” to let others know who is participating on any given week.
• Weekly e-mail notifications of event and course to be sailed. (Sail Fleet Captain responsible).
• Regular Time Keeper ashore with VHF radio sound signalling horn.
• Participants pre registration and Local Rules Declaration ( see below)
• VHF on all yachts
• Third Party Insurance (minimum) on all yachts.
• Weekly Performance prizes in 2 classes (see below) and a 4 weekly “Most Improved SPR” (see below) prize.

Structure
Classes
Upon submission of Declaration, skippers must elect to be scored against their JHYC Sailing Performance Rating
(SPR –   see below) in CLASS 1 OR their current CSA Rating in Class 2 Sailing Performance Rating (SPR)
JHYC has collated time data over a 16 event period ending April 12th 2008.

Elapsed times over regular course A2 have been averaged for each yacht. Across the fleet these averages range from 5,685 seconds. (High Tension), to 8,483 seconds (1221). Once skippers have elected Class 1 or Class 2, the former will be given their SPR based on their average time divided into that of the fastest Class 1 boat. This will produce a 0.XXX rating figure. Averages will be recalculated every 4 weeks and updated ratings produced and applied to the following 4 weeks. The yacht with the largest change in SPR over the 4 week period will be awarded the “Most Improved” prize.
For information the current SPR for each yacht before Class election is:

High Tension               1.000   7 sample times
Biwi Magic                  0.920   4 sample times
Forty Two                    0.917   2 sample times
Augustine                    0.914   11 sample times
Elethea                         0.908   9 sample times
Sunshine                      0.906   2 sample times
Blue Peter                    0.889   12 sample times
Gypsy                          0.820   5 sample times
Miramar                       0.769   9 sample times
Fiesta                           0.763   4 sample times
Cydia                           0.762   12 sample times
Sultan                          0.686   5 sample times
1221                            0.670   5 sample times

NOTE: These ratings will be amended once skippers have elected Class 1 or Class 2.

Courses
All yachts will sail the same course as notified by JHYC Sail Fleet Captain in the weekly group e-mail. All JHYC course variants can be viewed on the JHYC website here: http://www.jhycantigua.com/course_diagrams.html

Starts
The “Timing Start” line will be between a white post on the north eastern corner of JH narrow entrance and a vehicle ashore on South Finger.
Time checks over VHF12 will be given at 13.50 for Class 1 and 14.20 for Class 2.
Count down warnings will be given on VHF12 and horn ashore as follows:
Class 1: 13.55, 13.59 with “Timing Start” at 14.00
Class 2: 14.25, 14.29 with “Timing Start” at 14.30
Pursuit Starts may be used from time to time for variety. Participants will be notified and individual start times will be given in accordance with current ratings.

Finish
The “Timing Finish” line will be between the eastern most edge of the concrete octagon at the north western corner of JH entrance and a vehicle ashore on South Finger. Warning: There are shallows to the north of the RED Entrance Marker on the South Finger.

Sailing Performance Awards
Class 1 yachts will have their Elapsed Time corrected in accordance with their SPR.
Class 2 yachts will have their Elapsed Time corrected in accordance with their CSA rating.
Results will be calculated after sailing and awards presented at 18.00 at the Foredeck Bar, Jolly Harbour. Winning skippers not present at 18.00 will forfeit their award which will then be presented to the next best yacht.
A “Rum Ration” award will be given weekly to the best performance in each Class, with an additional “Rum Ration” to the “Most Improved” SPR every 4 weeks.

JHYC SATURDAY PERFORMANCE SAILING LOCAL RULES & DECLARATION
NO Yacht will be included in any SPS event unless the following Local Rules and Declaration has been signed as understood, accepted and agreed on paper copy or by e-mail beforehand.

JHYC Local Rules

• ALL participating yachts MUST HAVE minimum third party insurance cover current for the date of the event.
• Any incidents that occur during a SPS event should be resolved between the individual parties involved. JHYC accepts no responsibility or liability for deciding fault except in cases where participants have failed in their insurance obligation under Rule 1 above.
• All yachts should monitor VHF12 for at least 30 minutes before their appointed start time.
• In the event of a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver when entering or leaving the marked channel a delayed start will be notified on VHF12. The starter will advise details of a delayed start sequence by VHF12 once the vessel is clear.
• At no time should participating yachts impede a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, particularly in the JH marked channel. International COLREGS, courtesy, and common sense should prevail at all times. Persistent abusers of this rule may be excluded from future events. ISAF Racing Rules do not apply to SPS events but participants are encouraged to have some knowledge of them particularly in respect of:
• The difference between being on Starboard or Port (tack or gybe) and your rights and obligations.
• The difference between being “astern” or “ahead”, and the definition of an “overlap”.
• Keeping clear, overtaking, windward & leeward marks & obstructions and avoiding accidents, collisions or groundings.
• All boats at mooring or anchor, both inside and outside the Marina should be treated as obstructions and room given by participants in order to avoid collisions.
• Although “Luffing” prior to the Start is acceptable, after the Start Horn there will be no luffing within the channel until after the concrete octagon on the north side has been passed.
• For all “Timing Starts”  boats over early should NOT turn back but will take a penalty of 30 seconds for every second “over early” (starters decision and not subject to protest).
• Any skipper receiving payment or reward in any form from crew or guests will be excluded from participation in SPS. Such payments or rewards are considered outside the spirit of SPS.
• Each skipper will be charged an “Entry Fee” of EC$25 (subject to change without notice) to cover operating costs and awards.
• Before participating in SPS, ALL JHYC Members and NON Members MUST sign a paper copy or submit an e-mail acceptance of the following declaration which will be held by the Time Keeper.

Declaration
I, the undersigned, understand, accept and agree the following:

• That by participating in Jolly Harbour Yacht Club Saturday Performance Sailing (JHYC SPS) events I will abide by the set of JHYC Local Rules as published above and on the www.jhycantigua.com website and will not, under any circumstances, hold Jolly Harbour Yacht Club responsible for incidents, accidents, injuries or any other occurrences that take place as a result of my participation.
• That failure to abide by the JHYC Local Rules will result in my immediate exclusion from all future JHYC SPS events.
• That when participating in SPS the required minimum third party insurance cover will be current OR I will be solely liable for all costs incurred as a result of any damages I may cause.
• That I agree to pay the Entry Fees of EC$25 for JHYC Members or EC$40 for Non-Members after sailing for each week I participate and will be liable for these fees until paid in full.
• That I will only be entitled to receive any prizes I may be awarded if I am present at the designated prize giving location (The Foredeck Bar, Jolly Harbour, unless advised otherwise) by 18.00 p.m. on the day of the event and my Entry Fees are paid up to date.
• That it is my responsibility to ensure I am aware of the running of an event and the course to be sailed at all times.
• That if I am a non-resident Jolly Harbour yacht taking advantage of free overnight dockage for the Saturday night after sailing, I will present my free dockage application to the Jolly Harbour Dock Master or Marina Office upon arrival and vacate the dock no later than 12.00 on the next day. Failure to do either will render me liable to pay full dockage fees.
• That I will carry a working VHF Radio on my yacht at all times when participating.
• That all Time Keepers decisions are final.

Print Name _________________________________ Boat Name _______________________

Signed _____________________________________ Date _____________________________
OR
Submitted by E-mail to chrischitty1@hotmail.com  Date ____________________________    
ELECTED CLASS_________ (SPR Class 1 or CSA Class 2)


Brian
JHYC Commodore 2008                           

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(4 new updates for May 7th - Please continue scrolling down.)

ABSAR - Posted 7th May 2008

“Shear Beauty!”	“ABSAR Cheque Presentation”	“Come on Old Bob!"

I was fortunate enough to take part in the recent Antigua Classic Regatta on “Old Bob” owned and skippered by my good friend Dave Buller. I played a fairly tame, although hugely important, role in the beer distribution department due to my earlier surgery, but clearly I was in my rightful place on board this Ferro Cement Gaff Cutter as we managed to be the slowest boat in the fleet in all races.

Fortunately, this was to our great advantage as we were in the first start every day and come home behind everyone else every time. To you racers, this may sound a little confusing BUT to us lovers of Classics it meant that we got to see all the beautiful vessels from days gone by come streaming past us on a regular basis. The sight of the big “J’s” Ranger and Juno bulleting past us one either side as we approached the Shirley Mark was truly awesome and never to be forgotten- believe me!

This is all leading up to a first race incident in which one of our fabulous female crew had the misfortune to fall head first down the 7 feet companionway, landing, unfortunately, but understandably, on her head!! Naturally, much blood and trauma followed with an immediate call to the Committee Boat to find out where our friends ABSAR were. Not surprisingly they were there in a matter of minutes and although we had to abandon our race and head in, the skill and comfort our casualty received from Jonathan Cornelius was outstanding. It gave me great pleasure to remember that the JHYC members and supporters who worked so hard on our “ABSAR Fun(D) Day” back in March had raised just under EC$6,000 for this very worthwhile and necessary organisation. It seemed very appropriate that I was finally able to hand over the JHYC donation to Jonathan once the dust of the incident had settled. Great work guys, thank you! Stick around, we sailors need people like you!

MIRAMAR GOES IN SEARCH OF RUM!!! – Posted 7th May 2008 That’s right, for only the second time in almost 2 years (the first being a trip to SXM and back!) Pippa and I are taking “Miramar” sailing with just the 2 of us on board. A rare pleasure that we are really looking forward to. My recent surgery is now all sorted and I can get out on the water again. I can’t wait!!! We’re joining Paul & Marguerite , Will & Margaret, Hans & Kathy, Marx and Christine and Ron Chapman and his lady wife on the Rum Cruise 2008. This promises to be a fantastic trip down through Guadeloupe, Marie Galante, Iles des Saintes, Dominica, Martinique and finally Marigot Bay in St Lucia, to visit... guess what... all the Rum Distilleries on the way!!! Our motto is “Rum is the answer, now what was the question!!”

In addition to the “moderate” rum tasting, (I jest of course!) there promises to be some great sailing and diving en route. We leave early on Friday 9th May and plan to get home again around the 26th. Our first destination is Deshaises in Guadeloupe, where we hook up with 3 boats from AYC on their Whitsun Cruise. A meal in the Terrace Restaurant on the south side accompanied, I feel sure, by a few drinks, should set us all up extremely well for our second leg round to Marie Galante on Saturday. AYC sailors are such a bad influence in this department! If I can stay sober for reasonable periods of time I will do my best to write a report, with pics, for you all when we get back. If I fail, you will all know we had a REALLY GREAT time! “Rum is the answer... who cares what the question was!!!!” Thanks to everyone for their continued support for JHYC and me personally. Much appreciated and extremely gratifying! See you soon!! By the way!!! I do not have sole rights to publishing news and information on the JHYC website! Anyone wishing to spread a few words, show off (racers and your results for instance) or just keep us all informed of  your sailing or travel plans, whatever it is, this website is yours and it would be great if you wish to contribute. Dirty jokes and foul language excluded of course, but please contribute whatever you feel is appropriate to the membership. Scotsman goes into a library and asks “have you got a book on how to commit suicide?” Librarian says” Yes! But you’re not having it................you’ll won’t bring it back.” Byeeeeee!!!! For now! Brian JHYC Commodore 2008

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – Posted 7th May 2008 Many of you may not be aware but this project is cracking on at a great pace. Under the expert stewardship of one of our most experienced members, Lawrie May, who heads up the Steering Committee we have achieved. A donated, ready to sail, Sport 16 dinghy from Sunsail Club Colonna. The very real possibility of a second Sport 16. The  kind support from Ted Isaacs of Jolly Beach Resort with permission to store the dinghy on his land alongside Jolly Dive. An equally generous gesture from Paul Roos of Jolly Dive to use his premises to securely store the rigging and parts required for these dinghies. An extremely favourable insurance premium from Anjo Insurance that will finally allow us to get some youngsters out on the water to begin their training. 3 calls from parents and The New Horizon Club, following recent press publicity, expressing great interest in the program which could lead to as many as 40 young people lining up to take advantage of the project.

This is a great start for which we now need committed instructors and safety boat drivers to volunteer for a few hours on a Saturday morning. Lawrie sees no reason why we cannot begin training on May 17th so please contact him at anned@candw.ag or call him on 464 4247 if you would like to get involved and push this project even further forward. I cannot sign off on this one without a special mention for Rick Gormley and Sharon Gunning, Jim Joste, Colin Jones, Tanner Jones and Shari Potts, David Giroux and all the other helpers whose enthusiasm for this project have pushed it forward to where it is now. There is still a long way to go but with people like these and Lawrie, I am certain we shall get there. Thanks to all of you.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ANTIGUA SAILING – Posted 7th May 2008

I am sure we all know Geoff Pidduck in one, if not many ways!
Among other things, Geoff heads up the ASA (Antigua Sailing Association) which was specifically formed to bring greater cohesion to Antigua Sailing for Olympic recognition purposes.

In a recent report to the CSA (Caribbean Sailing Association) Geoff listed some past history as follows:

In 1993 we also participated at the Pan American Games in Sailing on J24’s Match Racing. Team was Geoffrey Pidduck (Captain), Karl James, Ashley Rhodes, Bruce Harris. Also at that event were Peter Holmberg and team from USVI and Eric Tula and team from PR. Antigua has also had representation at the CAS Games and Laser World and World Master Championships.

There some very familiar names in here and I, for one, found this insight extremely interesting as it all took place long before I arrived in Antigua. I was particularly pleased to see my friend and recent brilliant “Miramar” tactician, Ashley Rhodes, up there with the best!! You might like to know that Ashley never stops learning as “Miramar” was the first “racing yacht” (and I use the term loosely trust me!) that ever brewed tea in between races. There is, as we all know, a first time for everything!!!
I hope you find the information as interesting as I did.