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Hyde Jib helps 'Hard on Port' to victory
Friday, 30 October 2009
The performance of his J/24 'Hard on Port' earnt Flor O'Driscoll the title of Sailor of the Month by Irish Sailing Magazine 'Afloat'
Flor O'Driscoll was overall champion of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2009, a permormance which earnt him the title of Irish Independent/Afloat.ie 'Sailor of the Month' for what was described as "An inspirational performance which saw his veteran J/24 'Hard on Port' emerge as supreme champion from a fleet of more than 450 boats."
He was credited with having shown what can be achieved with what was described as "a highly motivated and well coordinated crew of friends, and an immaculately maintained and expertly-tuned veteran boat." 'Hard on Port' was sporting a new Hyde jib, which O'Driscoll had purchased the previous Autumn.
HYDE SAILS DUBLIN
18 Springfield Park
Foxrock Dublin 18
T: +353 (0)86 344 5651
F: +353 (0)1 2896937
E: doyle.gavin@gmail.com
W: www.hydesails.com/ireland
Flor O'Driscoll was overall champion of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2009, a permormance which earnt him the title of Irish Independent/Afloat.ie 'Sailor of the Month' for what was described as "An inspirational performance which saw his veteran J/24 'Hard on Port' emerge as supreme champion from a fleet of more than 450 boats."
He was credited with having shown what can be achieved with what was described as "a highly motivated and well coordinated crew of friends, and an immaculately maintained and expertly-tuned veteran boat." 'Hard on Port' was sporting a new Hyde jib, which O'Driscoll had purchased the previous Autumn.
HYDE SAILS DUBLIN
18 Springfield Park
Foxrock Dublin 18
T: +353 (0)86 344 5651
F: +353 (0)1 2896937
E: doyle.gavin@gmail.com
W: www.hydesails.com/ireland
posted by Hyde Sails at
11:50
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Hyde J/24 wins North-eastern regionals
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
The Hyde Sails-powered J24 takes regional championship in Marblehead, USA.
'SpoilSport', skippered by Stuart Challoner, beat 16 other boats to win the 2009 J24 Northeast Regional Championship hosted by the Corinthian YC of Marblehead, Massachusetts.
The event started with a strong 18-25 knot northwesterly and choppy seas, providing challenging and fun conditions for a talented group of racers. Three races were held on Saturday with 1.2 mile windward/leeward legs. 'SpoilSport' dominated the day with two seconds and a first. Other notable competitors were Mike Ingham sailing a new Italian boat who finished the day with two firsts and a sixth and Will Welles sailing 'Paraloc' who finished third on the day
Sunday brought completely different conditions with a southwesterly breeze of 6-12 knots and flat seas. Two races were run in slightly shifty conditions. Will Welles and team posted a first and a third, but 'SpoilSport' sailed very conservatively, making sure to keep close to their competition, and posted a fourth and a second place to win the regatta.
HYDE SAILS NORTH AMERICA
326 First Street Suite 35B
Annapolis, MD 21403
T: +1 443-255-6797
F: +1 832-383-7347
Email: scott@hydesailsnorthamerica.com
Web: www.hydesails.com/northamerica
Photos by Brad Earl Photography
posted by Hyde Sails at
16:23
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Hyde dominates Squib fleet at Burnham
Hyde Sails fills the top four places of the class series during Burnham Week, an impressive display of their strength in the class
A three-day series was run for he Squib class during Burnham Week, with some 23 boats going on to compete in the whole week. Coming out of Squib 'retirement' for three-day series was Hyde's Cowes loft manage Rob Larke, who sailed Nigel Grogan's boat for the event.
The fleet was greeted with 15 knots of breeze over the weekend from the west, so competitors enjoyed the entertainment of running starts all weekend. First overall was Peter Marchant's 'Tears in Heaven', which was driven by Hyde Sails, second was another Hyde powered boat, Malcom Hutching's 'Lady Penelope', while Robert Cole's 'Humphrey' in third completed a Hyde sweep of the podium, with Hyde's Rob Larke taking fourth.
I was a challenging return to the fleet for the Hyde loft manager. Rob Larke commented: 'I last sailed a Squib nine years ago. The fleet hasn’t changed much and is still as competitive as ever! It was always going to be hard with running starts and 25 Squibs arriving at the first mark at the same time, so you have to be fast downwind to make sure you got in a good position around the mark. As I hadn't sailed a Squib for a while it did take a bit of time to get back into the swing of things, but I got better as the weekend went on, finishing second in the last race!'
For more information on Hyde's range of Squib sails see www.hydeshop.com, or contact Peter White of White Marine Services, Hyde's Squib agents
T: +44 (0) 1394 275557 www.whitemarineservices.co.uk
posted by Hyde Sails at
16:12
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Hyde Sails J/80 success
Hyde Sails-powered J80 scoops runner-up spot in the class nationals
Rob Larke, manager of the recently-announced Cowes Hyde loft, finished second in the championship, a promising result ahead of the class worlds later in the year.
The eight-race J80 championship took place in Hamble over the course of three days. Conditions were predominately light, although the wind ranged from 5-28 knots, with the best breeze appearing for Thursday's second race.
Kevin Sproul and his team on 'Jane's Sister' started the event with two wins and a second, but Rob Larke and his team on the Hyde Sailspowered 'Joystick' followed a third in the first race with a second and then a win in race three as they found their feet. Racing was tight at the front of the fleet, and the top three was only decided on the last day, when a 2,3 secured second for Larke and his crew, two points ahead of Ian Atkins on 'Boats.com', and just five points adrift of Sproul.
Rob Larke explained: 'It was a good test of boat speed to go up against Kevin as he finished in the top five in the worlds last year, so we could find how we would compare. We were definitely fast in the breeze and should have won the windy race, but an unlucky hoist put us in second. Our light airs speed got faster as the weekend went on and we definitely felt like we were the fastest boat on the water on the last day.'
The J80 worlds are due to take place in Santander, Spain in July, where Rob and his team will be competing. Meanwhile, Rob is busy running the Hyde loft in Cowes, which is ideally situated to serve the sailors of the Isle of White and the Solent for many of the season's biggest events.
HYDE SAILS COWES
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Cowes, Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
T: +44 (0)1983 281100
M: +44 (0)7737 853914
Email: cowes@hydesails.com
posted by Hyde Sails at
16:05
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Squib East Coast Championship
With four Hyde-powered boats in the top five, it was a successful weekend of racing ahead of the class nationals.
The Squib East Coast Championship was sailed at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk YC in conditions that could reasonably be described as 'testing'. Saturday had a steady Force 4-5 and Sunday marginally less breeze, but the strong tides and onshore breezes made for rough seas and frightening white water over the ever-present sandbanks. A quality fleet included visitors from as far afield as Yorkshire and racing was very close with many crews seeing the event as the last real practice before the Nationals later in the month.
Race one started with a heavily port biased line, and with the tide setting towards the pin there was only ever one place to be. Grogan and Cripps stole the pin and led from start to finish. The breaking seas on the sandbanks meant that the course was very short and with tacking being so hard in the waves overtaking lanes were restricted to the markroundings, which could be eventful in the conditions. Gerard Dyson and Tony Saltonstall in the oldest Squib still sailing - the beautifully restored number 11 - chased hard with Dave White and Pete Ballam in third. Race two got under way after chaos at the pin end resulted in a recall after Sam Cole and Denise Sinclair wrapped 'Flying Fish' securely around the buoy's mooring line. Former National Champion Lloyd Crisp emerged from retirement to win by a huge margin with Gerard and Tony consolidating their overall lead with another second. Malcolm Hutchings and Andy Ramsey showed good pace and excellent boat handling to take third.
After a night of Abba at the club, the fleet went afloat in shocking weather for two further races, which did no one with a hangover any favours. Race three got away with slack tide and a starboard-biased line. Grogan and Cripps again led from start to finish with ex-505 World champion Pete White and Sarah 'Agnetha' Hastwell close behind, going fast in their new Parker boat. Brother Dave was just behind again. Grogan and Cripps then made a schoolboy error by miscounting Lloyd's finishing position and thinking that they only had to sail Gerard and Tony lower than fourth to win. They sat on Gerard who limped into eighth place, but Lloyd went on to win the race by a mile and beat Grogan and Cripps who had retired, on the tie break. Pete White and hard-hiking Sarah beat his brother again to come third overall with Dave and Pete fourth. A consistent Robert Coyle and Mel Titmus came sixth being in the top five in all three races. Lloyd and Nick Barret of the home club secured a very narrow, but well deserved win and Grogan and Cripps had the ignominy of winning the 'Dick of the Day' and the contempt of their peers for their limited maths skills.
Generously the club gave prizes to the top 12 boats, adding some smiles to the battered, rain-soaked competitors. Four out of the top five were sailing old boats and using Hyde Sails. Crew weight mattered and lightweights like the three times nationals winning Rileys could only manage 10th. The fleet now looks forward to the nationals in Weymouth at the end of June. Entries for the event have now been limited at 108, promising to make it the biggest Squib event ever and probably the biggest one-design keelboat event in the UK this year.
For more information on Hyde's range of Squib sails see www.hydeshop.com or contact Peter White
of White Marine Services, Hyde's Squib agents T: +44 (0) 1394 275557 www.peterwhitemarine.co.uk
The Squib East Coast Championship was sailed at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk YC in conditions that could reasonably be described as 'testing'. Saturday had a steady Force 4-5 and Sunday marginally less breeze, but the strong tides and onshore breezes made for rough seas and frightening white water over the ever-present sandbanks. A quality fleet included visitors from as far afield as Yorkshire and racing was very close with many crews seeing the event as the last real practice before the Nationals later in the month.
Race one started with a heavily port biased line, and with the tide setting towards the pin there was only ever one place to be. Grogan and Cripps stole the pin and led from start to finish. The breaking seas on the sandbanks meant that the course was very short and with tacking being so hard in the waves overtaking lanes were restricted to the markroundings, which could be eventful in the conditions. Gerard Dyson and Tony Saltonstall in the oldest Squib still sailing - the beautifully restored number 11 - chased hard with Dave White and Pete Ballam in third. Race two got under way after chaos at the pin end resulted in a recall after Sam Cole and Denise Sinclair wrapped 'Flying Fish' securely around the buoy's mooring line. Former National Champion Lloyd Crisp emerged from retirement to win by a huge margin with Gerard and Tony consolidating their overall lead with another second. Malcolm Hutchings and Andy Ramsey showed good pace and excellent boat handling to take third.
After a night of Abba at the club, the fleet went afloat in shocking weather for two further races, which did no one with a hangover any favours. Race three got away with slack tide and a starboard-biased line. Grogan and Cripps again led from start to finish with ex-505 World champion Pete White and Sarah 'Agnetha' Hastwell close behind, going fast in their new Parker boat. Brother Dave was just behind again. Grogan and Cripps then made a schoolboy error by miscounting Lloyd's finishing position and thinking that they only had to sail Gerard and Tony lower than fourth to win. They sat on Gerard who limped into eighth place, but Lloyd went on to win the race by a mile and beat Grogan and Cripps who had retired, on the tie break. Pete White and hard-hiking Sarah beat his brother again to come third overall with Dave and Pete fourth. A consistent Robert Coyle and Mel Titmus came sixth being in the top five in all three races. Lloyd and Nick Barret of the home club secured a very narrow, but well deserved win and Grogan and Cripps had the ignominy of winning the 'Dick of the Day' and the contempt of their peers for their limited maths skills.
Generously the club gave prizes to the top 12 boats, adding some smiles to the battered, rain-soaked competitors. Four out of the top five were sailing old boats and using Hyde Sails. Crew weight mattered and lightweights like the three times nationals winning Rileys could only manage 10th. The fleet now looks forward to the nationals in Weymouth at the end of June. Entries for the event have now been limited at 108, promising to make it the biggest Squib event ever and probably the biggest one-design keelboat event in the UK this year.
For more information on Hyde's range of Squib sails see www.hydeshop.com or contact Peter White
of White Marine Services, Hyde's Squib agents T: +44 (0) 1394 275557 www.peterwhitemarine.co.uk
posted by Hyde Sails at
15:57
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Hyde Sails fill podium at Squib gold cup
It was a 1,2,3 for Hyde-powered Squibs at the hotly-contested Gold Cup in Burnham.
The prestigious Squib Gold Cup took place at Burnham On Crouch over the Bank Holiday weekend with 21 competitors, including visitors from Lowestoft and Felixstowe, three times nationals winners Brian and Jenny Riley and former 505 world champion Peter White, debuting his new boat.
The eight-race programme got off to a bad start when all but three competitors were timed out of race one after a twolap struggle as the sea breeze tried desperately to establish itself. Robert Coyle and Mel Titmuss claimed victory after just making it into the new breeze on the Creeksea shore.
Sunday provided perfect conditions with four back-to-back races on short windward leeward courses in a consistent force 4-5. Nigel and Jack Grogan managed two firsts and two seconds, showing great pace upwind using the new design Hyde flat-cut sails developed over the winter. Dave White and Pete Ballam also scored a win, as did Malcolm Hutchins and Andy who had retired from the previous race with spinnaker problems. The short port-biased line made starting skills critical with Robert Coyle damaging his chances with a marginal OCS.
Monday saw the course in the mouth of the Roach and race six comprised five laps where the only place to be upwind was as close as you dared to the Foulness shore. Malcom Hutchins scored his second win with Dave White taking the overall lead with an important second.
The last race decider saw Dave White in pole position at the pin and rivals the Grogans betting on the wind staying right at the committee boat end. Dave comfortably crossed the fleet to win the race, with Pam and Max Evans securing second and Malcolm third. The Grogans climbed to fourth, leaving Dave White two points ahead to take the Gold Cup with the Grogan's in second place for the second year. Robert Coyle was third overall ahead of the consistent Rileys on equal points. Last years winner Paul Buckley had his moments but ending up fifth ahead of the unlucky but fast Malcolm Hutchings.
The event also saw the Grogan's using the newly-developed prototype Hyde Hiking Pads which demonstrated their worth in what were fairly testing conditions.
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Squib Sails and accessories are available direct from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com or contact Paul Austin (T: +44 (0) 7801 907458) or Toby Barsley-Dale (T: +44 (0) 7872 816918).
The prestigious Squib Gold Cup took place at Burnham On Crouch over the Bank Holiday weekend with 21 competitors, including visitors from Lowestoft and Felixstowe, three times nationals winners Brian and Jenny Riley and former 505 world champion Peter White, debuting his new boat.
The eight-race programme got off to a bad start when all but three competitors were timed out of race one after a twolap struggle as the sea breeze tried desperately to establish itself. Robert Coyle and Mel Titmuss claimed victory after just making it into the new breeze on the Creeksea shore.
Sunday provided perfect conditions with four back-to-back races on short windward leeward courses in a consistent force 4-5. Nigel and Jack Grogan managed two firsts and two seconds, showing great pace upwind using the new design Hyde flat-cut sails developed over the winter. Dave White and Pete Ballam also scored a win, as did Malcolm Hutchins and Andy who had retired from the previous race with spinnaker problems. The short port-biased line made starting skills critical with Robert Coyle damaging his chances with a marginal OCS.
Monday saw the course in the mouth of the Roach and race six comprised five laps where the only place to be upwind was as close as you dared to the Foulness shore. Malcom Hutchins scored his second win with Dave White taking the overall lead with an important second.
The last race decider saw Dave White in pole position at the pin and rivals the Grogans betting on the wind staying right at the committee boat end. Dave comfortably crossed the fleet to win the race, with Pam and Max Evans securing second and Malcolm third. The Grogans climbed to fourth, leaving Dave White two points ahead to take the Gold Cup with the Grogan's in second place for the second year. Robert Coyle was third overall ahead of the consistent Rileys on equal points. Last years winner Paul Buckley had his moments but ending up fifth ahead of the unlucky but fast Malcolm Hutchings.
The event also saw the Grogan's using the newly-developed prototype Hyde Hiking Pads which demonstrated their worth in what were fairly testing conditions.
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Squib Sails and accessories are available direct from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com or contact Paul Austin (T: +44 (0) 7801 907458) or Toby Barsley-Dale (T: +44 (0) 7872 816918).
posted by Hyde Sails at
15:00
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Swallow nationals won by Hyde boat
Sunday, 11 October 2009
'Gwaihir' takes the championship in Bracklesham Bay
The Swallow National Championship was sailed in Bracklesham Bay, just outside Chichester Harbour, with the five race programme hosted by Itchenor Sailing Club being completed in a blustery and shifty NE Force 4/5.
The event was ultimately dominated by 'Gwaihir' (Mike Wigmore/Mark Struckett) and 'Marengo' (Carolyn Brigg). In the opener 'Skua' (Harry Roome) lead from a black flag start around the Olympic triangle course, with 'Marengo' and 'Gwaihir' following. The next windward/leeward race went to 'Gwaihir' with 'Echo' (Chris Body) in second and 'Marengo' third. In the third and final race of day one 'Marengo' made no mistakes and comfortably won the Olympic triangle race from 'Skua' with 'Gwaihir' third. This left 'Marengo' in the lead overnight with 'Gwaihir' just one point behind.
'Gwaihir' came out with full guns firing for the fourth race to post her second win of the championship, while 'Marengo' gained steadily from another poor start to take third. In the final race and after another black flag start 'Spectre' took early control and stayed there with 'Echo' taking second. Meanwhile 'Gwaihir' was indulged in some pre-start and first beat match racing to sail 'Marengo' down the fleet. Job done, 'Gwaihir' then advanced to fourth while 'Marengo' eventually finished fifth - enough to secure 'Gwaihir's' championship title.
Mike Wigmore was delighted with the win, adding: 'We had won the event crewing 15 years ago but this is our first win as owner and helm.'
Regarding the sails, he explained: 'We have worked with Hyde since the boat was new to develop the sails. The rig is now fast in all conditions. It's particularly good in the flat water of Chichester Harbour whilst retaining good speed and flexibility in championship conditions. The mark three spinnaker is particularly good on windward leeward courses.'
For more information on Hyde Sails and the Swallow class, see www.hydesails.com go direct to the class page at www.hydeshop.com/swallow-112-c.asp or contact Paul Austin (T: +44 (0) 7801 907458)
The Swallow National Championship was sailed in Bracklesham Bay, just outside Chichester Harbour, with the five race programme hosted by Itchenor Sailing Club being completed in a blustery and shifty NE Force 4/5.
The event was ultimately dominated by 'Gwaihir' (Mike Wigmore/Mark Struckett) and 'Marengo' (Carolyn Brigg). In the opener 'Skua' (Harry Roome) lead from a black flag start around the Olympic triangle course, with 'Marengo' and 'Gwaihir' following. The next windward/leeward race went to 'Gwaihir' with 'Echo' (Chris Body) in second and 'Marengo' third. In the third and final race of day one 'Marengo' made no mistakes and comfortably won the Olympic triangle race from 'Skua' with 'Gwaihir' third. This left 'Marengo' in the lead overnight with 'Gwaihir' just one point behind.
'Gwaihir' came out with full guns firing for the fourth race to post her second win of the championship, while 'Marengo' gained steadily from another poor start to take third. In the final race and after another black flag start 'Spectre' took early control and stayed there with 'Echo' taking second. Meanwhile 'Gwaihir' was indulged in some pre-start and first beat match racing to sail 'Marengo' down the fleet. Job done, 'Gwaihir' then advanced to fourth while 'Marengo' eventually finished fifth - enough to secure 'Gwaihir's' championship title.
Mike Wigmore was delighted with the win, adding: 'We had won the event crewing 15 years ago but this is our first win as owner and helm.'
Regarding the sails, he explained: 'We have worked with Hyde since the boat was new to develop the sails. The rig is now fast in all conditions. It's particularly good in the flat water of Chichester Harbour whilst retaining good speed and flexibility in championship conditions. The mark three spinnaker is particularly good on windward leeward courses.'
For more information on Hyde Sails and the Swallow class, see www.hydesails.com go direct to the class page at www.hydeshop.com/swallow-112-c.asp or contact Paul Austin (T: +44 (0) 7801 907458)
posted by Hyde Sails at
21:30
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Hyde - sponsored Sandhopper nationals
Success on the water for Hyde's sails, and new sails for the happy winners.The Hyde Sails-sponsored Sandhopper nationals took place in champagne sailing conditions at Thorpe Bay YC. Glorious sunshine with 20mph westerly breeze was the order of the weekend, and some 29 boats entered the event, which was spread over four races with a windward/leeward course.
The first start was extremely exciting with 27 boats storming into the pin end on starboard with seconds to go and one brave soul attempting a port hand flyer! A few raised voices and a 720s later the race was underway; many battles ensued throughout the fleet with Satisfaction 158 (Crawford/Kennedy) taking the first bullet of the day followed by Sand Star 159 (Thompson/Hopper) in second and Squiffy 41 (Binnendijk/Saunders) in third.
Race two again was very close with Sandstar 159 taking the bullet, Squiffy 41 in second and new boy to the fleet Scruffy 11 (Junior Binnendijk and Paul Dell) taking third.
Sunday's first race was subject to a general recall. On the second try the fleet got away and Sandstorm 12 took the bullet and proved their status as worthy championship contenders followed very closely by Sand star 159 in second and Apollo 156 third. With a discard in hand, this was enough to assure Sandstar’ overall victory, and with big smiley faces Peter Thompson and Steve Hopper relaxed for the final race.
Race four saw some extreme wind shifts with a building swell Apollo 156 popped out a mile ahead around the windward mark and took the bullet, Sandstorm 12 was second and Pheonix 18 third. The winners chose a brand-new Hyde Genoa for their prize, and Windrush 39 was the lucky winner of the draw for a new Hyde spinnaker.
For more information on Hyde Sails see www.hydesails.com, for Hyde's Sandhopper sails speak to Charles Devenport (+44 (0)845 54 38 957) or see www.hydeshop.com
posted by Hyde Sails at
21:25
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Merlin nationals victory for Hyde Sails
Glen Truswell and Olly Turner scoop victory in WhitstableA healthy turnout of 57 boats gathered in Whitstable, Kent for the 2009 Merlin Rocket National Championship. The first race took place in 12-14 knots of breeze with a slight swell. The event started steadlily for Glen and Olly, who finished third in the first race, which was won by Matt Biggs and Rob Kennaugh.
Glen and Olly went on to post wins in the next two races, which left them with a five piint lead at the head of the table, with Tom Stweart and Liam Dempsey lying second and Richard Whitworth and Sally Townend third.
With no racing on day four of the championship, two races were held on day five. The Hyde Sails-powered boat posted a 6,2, which left them just one point ahead of Richard Whitworth and Sally ownend going into the final day.
The fleet was greeted with champagne conditions for the final showdown, with 18 - 20 knots from the west, and a short chop. Richard and Sally led the fleet up the first beat, but a capsize at the leeward mark pushed them back into 23rd place. Andy Davis and Ellie Bremner claimed the lead in their absence, with Glen Truswell and Olly Turner in second. The Hyde-powered duo sailed a conservative race and crossed the line in third place, ahead of Richard and Sally who had worked their way up to 6th - enough to secure the runner-up spot. It was a well-deserved victory for Glen and Olly. The pair are also currently leading the class's competitive Silver Tiller circuit with a range of results in a variety of venues and conditions, showing consistency and speed throughout the wind range.
Glen and Olly were using a complete suit of Hyde’s sails, developed by the company's experienced design team over the last few seasons. It is typical of the way that Hyde approaches its sailmaking, working closely with the sailors in a wide range of classes to develop ever improving designs that make the most of the latest developments in technology.
Hyde Sails prides itself in its continual sail development, Hyde's Merlin Sails are available direct from the company's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
posted by Hyde Sails at
21:20
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Speedy '3 Rivers' for Hyde-powered A Rater
New sails prove fast as record time is recorded by the first two boats to finish.
Just because a class looks beautiful, it doesn't mean that performance isn't important. Hyde Sails Cowes loft manager Rob Larke has been working with the Thames A Rater class to deliver first class sails for these beauties, which enjoy close and competitive racing.
In the recent Navigators and General Three Rivers Race, Thames A Raters set a new race record, with the first two boats to complete the course finishing just two minutes apart. The second placed team of Kevin Pearson, Nick Fribbens and Melanie Hardman were racing with a brand-new set of sails on 'Lady Jane'. Kevin Pearson enthused: "They have made a dramatic improvement to our boat's overall performance already, although we are only just beginning to find out how to get the best out of them.
The race, which runs annually from Horning SC, is approximately 55 miles long and teams have to drop the mast four times to go under bridges. This year's event saw a record entry of 135 boats, which enjoyed moderate, sometimes fresh, south westerly.
Kevin explained: 'We completed the race in the second fastest time ever (although unfortunately two minutes behind the leader) having lead for half the race. Our time was six hours 59 minutes and 45 seconds and beat the previous record by about half an hour."
Rob Larke explained: "When Kevin came to us and showed us his current sails we thought that we could definitely improve the shape and profile. Kevin asked for a bigger head on the mainsail so that he could get more area above the trees! The A Raters usually race on the Thames, which is surrounded by trees. The big problem we had is that the class rules only give an overall sail area of the main and jib combined so we had to work out the best place to take the area from so that we could add the area to the head of the mainsail and also create a roach profile that will work."
For more details see www.hydeshop.com or contact Rob Larke (T: +44 (0)7737 853914) to find out how Hyde Sails can help your boat find that extra bit of boatspeed.
Just because a class looks beautiful, it doesn't mean that performance isn't important. Hyde Sails Cowes loft manager Rob Larke has been working with the Thames A Rater class to deliver first class sails for these beauties, which enjoy close and competitive racing.
In the recent Navigators and General Three Rivers Race, Thames A Raters set a new race record, with the first two boats to complete the course finishing just two minutes apart. The second placed team of Kevin Pearson, Nick Fribbens and Melanie Hardman were racing with a brand-new set of sails on 'Lady Jane'. Kevin Pearson enthused: "They have made a dramatic improvement to our boat's overall performance already, although we are only just beginning to find out how to get the best out of them.
The race, which runs annually from Horning SC, is approximately 55 miles long and teams have to drop the mast four times to go under bridges. This year's event saw a record entry of 135 boats, which enjoyed moderate, sometimes fresh, south westerly.
Kevin explained: 'We completed the race in the second fastest time ever (although unfortunately two minutes behind the leader) having lead for half the race. Our time was six hours 59 minutes and 45 seconds and beat the previous record by about half an hour."
Rob Larke explained: "When Kevin came to us and showed us his current sails we thought that we could definitely improve the shape and profile. Kevin asked for a bigger head on the mainsail so that he could get more area above the trees! The A Raters usually race on the Thames, which is surrounded by trees. The big problem we had is that the class rules only give an overall sail area of the main and jib combined so we had to work out the best place to take the area from so that we could add the area to the head of the mainsail and also create a roach profile that will work."
For more details see www.hydeshop.com or contact Rob Larke (T: +44 (0)7737 853914) to find out how Hyde Sails can help your boat find that extra bit of boatspeed.
posted by Hyde Sails at
21:19
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Hyde Sails FD wins Northern areas
Challenging conditions saw Hyde's Toby Barsley-Dale take a hard-fought victory in Ullswater.
Conditions were varied for the Flying Dutchman Northern Area Championships held at Ullswater YC. A Force 1-3 greeted competitors on Saturday, followed by a Force 3-5 on Sunday, with significantly bigger gusts, particularly on Sunday. Both days were also very shifty providing plenty of scope for gains and losses!
Overall winners after seven races were Toby Barsley-Dale and Gareth Russell, second was Jon Williams and Ales Rogers, third was Tony Lyall and Colin Burns.
Toby Barsley-Dale describes the win: "The event as a whole was quite challenging for us. The conditions meant that consistency was going to be the vital with all boats potentially having to count bad results. In the end we won the first race and managed to follow this with a second and another first. This left us in a strong position until the majority of the fleet made a navigational error in the last race on Saturday and the results were turned upside down, we were fortunate to be able to fight back to third for that race. Sunday was much breezier and despite much place changing we managed to get another two wins to secure the event before posting a third in the final race after a big capsize!"
Toby explains: "The sails are the 2008 designs we have produced for other boats in the fleet. We have used them in a couple of events now and have always felt that the speed and height offered is great. This was our first opportunity to use the heavy weather genoa and we were particularly pleased with the speed of this sail. We are one of the lighter crews in the class, but feel the sails are very versatile and can be depowered very efficiently to allow us to remain competitive across the wind range."
The next event for the FD class is the Nationals at Royal Torbay YC in June. This is the first sea event for the year and is likely to be very fiercely contested.
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Flying Dutchman Sails and accessories are available direct from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
Conditions were varied for the Flying Dutchman Northern Area Championships held at Ullswater YC. A Force 1-3 greeted competitors on Saturday, followed by a Force 3-5 on Sunday, with significantly bigger gusts, particularly on Sunday. Both days were also very shifty providing plenty of scope for gains and losses!
Overall winners after seven races were Toby Barsley-Dale and Gareth Russell, second was Jon Williams and Ales Rogers, third was Tony Lyall and Colin Burns.
Toby Barsley-Dale describes the win: "The event as a whole was quite challenging for us. The conditions meant that consistency was going to be the vital with all boats potentially having to count bad results. In the end we won the first race and managed to follow this with a second and another first. This left us in a strong position until the majority of the fleet made a navigational error in the last race on Saturday and the results were turned upside down, we were fortunate to be able to fight back to third for that race. Sunday was much breezier and despite much place changing we managed to get another two wins to secure the event before posting a third in the final race after a big capsize!"
Toby explains: "The sails are the 2008 designs we have produced for other boats in the fleet. We have used them in a couple of events now and have always felt that the speed and height offered is great. This was our first opportunity to use the heavy weather genoa and we were particularly pleased with the speed of this sail. We are one of the lighter crews in the class, but feel the sails are very versatile and can be depowered very efficiently to allow us to remain competitive across the wind range."
The next event for the FD class is the Nationals at Royal Torbay YC in June. This is the first sea event for the year and is likely to be very fiercely contested.
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Flying Dutchman Sails and accessories are available direct from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
posted by Hyde Sails at
21:18
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Albacore sail development proves a success
Hyde Sails-powered Albacore, sailed by Nigel Potter and Mark Fowler, wins the class Inlands
The Albacore Inland Championship, held at South Cerney on May 2-3 was hard fought on the water with a high calibre fleet and close racing throughout. A light, shifty Force 1-2 greeted competitors on day one, with Norman Halstead and Ruth Birkett taking the first two races. However, by race three, Nigel Potter and Mark Fowler in their Hyde Sailspowered boat made their presence felt, following their second in race two with a win to finish the day second overall behind Halstead and Birkett.
For the second day of racing, the sun had gone, but a welcome Force 3-4 made an appearance. The first race was won by Judy and Paul Armstrong, Potter and Fowler second and Halstead and Birkett third. Potter and Fowler then took the final two races to clain the inland title from Halstead and Birkett.
It was a well-deserved win for the duo, who showed good speed and consistency all weekend in their Paintcraft -rebuilt boat (sail number 7143), and their sights are firmly set on the class's International Championships in Largs this July. Mark Fowler explains: "We will be attending events at Lyme Regis and Ogston S.C prior to the International Championships, other weekends are spent sail tuning on the water at Notts County SC."
The sails have been developed in close collaboration with Potter and Fowler, and Hyde's Charles Devonport, a former Albacore national champion. Mark Fowler explains: "We are finding the sails extremely powerful, with work over the winter we now have the ability to manage the power with improved rig control, This is enabling improved off wind speed with the ability to maintain upwind performance. The final design is now with Charles Devenport who is a previous Albacore Champion, it is Charles's experience and feedback from Nigel and myself that has enabled the development to proceed quickly with only minor alterations to sail shapes."
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Albacore and accessories are available direct from Hyde’s online shop, www.hydeshop.com
The Albacore Inland Championship, held at South Cerney on May 2-3 was hard fought on the water with a high calibre fleet and close racing throughout. A light, shifty Force 1-2 greeted competitors on day one, with Norman Halstead and Ruth Birkett taking the first two races. However, by race three, Nigel Potter and Mark Fowler in their Hyde Sailspowered boat made their presence felt, following their second in race two with a win to finish the day second overall behind Halstead and Birkett.
For the second day of racing, the sun had gone, but a welcome Force 3-4 made an appearance. The first race was won by Judy and Paul Armstrong, Potter and Fowler second and Halstead and Birkett third. Potter and Fowler then took the final two races to clain the inland title from Halstead and Birkett.
It was a well-deserved win for the duo, who showed good speed and consistency all weekend in their Paintcraft -rebuilt boat (sail number 7143), and their sights are firmly set on the class's International Championships in Largs this July. Mark Fowler explains: "We will be attending events at Lyme Regis and Ogston S.C prior to the International Championships, other weekends are spent sail tuning on the water at Notts County SC."
The sails have been developed in close collaboration with Potter and Fowler, and Hyde's Charles Devonport, a former Albacore national champion. Mark Fowler explains: "We are finding the sails extremely powerful, with work over the winter we now have the ability to manage the power with improved rig control, This is enabling improved off wind speed with the ability to maintain upwind performance. The final design is now with Charles Devenport who is a previous Albacore Champion, it is Charles's experience and feedback from Nigel and myself that has enabled the development to proceed quickly with only minor alterations to sail shapes."
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Albacore and accessories are available direct from Hyde’s online shop, www.hydeshop.com
posted by Hyde Sails at
21:16
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Hyde Streaker wins at Alton
A very shifty Force 4-5 greeted competitors at the Streaker Open at Aton Water last weekend, with Jonny Shuster's Hyde Sails powered Streaker taking the top spot ahead of Chris Woodard. Mike Haynes, also sailing with a suit of Hyde's, finished third.
It was a convincing win for Jonny, who recalls; "I felt good going into the first race, it was my kind of conditions so I felt comfortable in my ability to perform well. Halfway up the first beat I realised it was going to be a real battle against my body as my legs were on fire, despite the increase in my fitness recently. I went round the windward mark second. Went onto the long shifty reach, which is my forte, and pulled through into first. Stayed like that for the remaining two laps with no challenge, pulling out a bit towards the end."
However, the second race didn’t go to plan for Jonny as he was a bit keen at the start and had to work his way up from the back of the fleet. By the end of the first beat he was up into fifth, then the reach and by the gybe mark he was up into third. "Chris Woodard, who had a great start and had established a big lead looked un-catchable with well over a minute's lead, I grabbed distance wherever I could and by the finish was just over 10 seconds behind."
So it was all down to the third race. A good start for Jonny, but Chris got the better of the beat and rounded in the lead, however Jonny had the pace on the reach and held his lead to the finish. "An exhausting open," concludes Jonny, "I'm very satisfied with my win, it was a great first open meeting with the Hyde sail."
The new sail
We asked Jonny what he thought of his new sail. "It has a lovely shape to it and maintains its shape in the lighter airs which is something I really appreciate as it is my weakest in terms of conditions to race in. It performed brilliantly at the open, and I was able to depower it very effectively, whilst harnessing all the power I could manage downwind. I am still new to sailing with it but it has been great so far, and I look forward to continuing to race with it."
Jonny will be competing in as many of the Streaker events as he can this year, including the upcoming Northern Area Championships, the Nationals and the Inlands.
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Streaker Sails are available direct from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
It was a convincing win for Jonny, who recalls; "I felt good going into the first race, it was my kind of conditions so I felt comfortable in my ability to perform well. Halfway up the first beat I realised it was going to be a real battle against my body as my legs were on fire, despite the increase in my fitness recently. I went round the windward mark second. Went onto the long shifty reach, which is my forte, and pulled through into first. Stayed like that for the remaining two laps with no challenge, pulling out a bit towards the end."However, the second race didn’t go to plan for Jonny as he was a bit keen at the start and had to work his way up from the back of the fleet. By the end of the first beat he was up into fifth, then the reach and by the gybe mark he was up into third. "Chris Woodard, who had a great start and had established a big lead looked un-catchable with well over a minute's lead, I grabbed distance wherever I could and by the finish was just over 10 seconds behind."
So it was all down to the third race. A good start for Jonny, but Chris got the better of the beat and rounded in the lead, however Jonny had the pace on the reach and held his lead to the finish. "An exhausting open," concludes Jonny, "I'm very satisfied with my win, it was a great first open meeting with the Hyde sail."
The new sail
We asked Jonny what he thought of his new sail. "It has a lovely shape to it and maintains its shape in the lighter airs which is something I really appreciate as it is my weakest in terms of conditions to race in. It performed brilliantly at the open, and I was able to depower it very effectively, whilst harnessing all the power I could manage downwind. I am still new to sailing with it but it has been great so far, and I look forward to continuing to race with it."
Jonny will be competing in as many of the Streaker events as he can this year, including the upcoming Northern Area Championships, the Nationals and the Inlands.
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Streaker Sails are available direct from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
posted by Hyde Sails at
21:12
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New Osprey wins on first outing
Eighteen Osprey crews competed at Blithfield Sailing Club for the two-day open meeting event held over the weekend of April 18-19.
The local Osprey boat builders Mark and Richard Hartley, sailing their hastily fitted out new MkIV (which was only finished the previous day) started as they meant to go on, demonstrating outstanding form to win the first two races.
Viola and Mike Scott in 'Think Again' (1314) went on to win race three, ahead of the Hartleys, who were hampered somewhat when Richard Hartley partd company with the boat during a particularly determined tack on the final leg of the race.
After a lively social on Saturday evening, the competitors woke to much reduced wind and increasingly shifty conditions. The Hartleys posted second in race four, behind Viola Scott and then won the final race ahead of Dave Carroll and Jonno Baker in 'Doris' (1302).
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Osprey Sails are available direct from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
The local Osprey boat builders Mark and Richard Hartley, sailing their hastily fitted out new MkIV (which was only finished the previous day) started as they meant to go on, demonstrating outstanding form to win the first two races.
Viola and Mike Scott in 'Think Again' (1314) went on to win race three, ahead of the Hartleys, who were hampered somewhat when Richard Hartley partd company with the boat during a particularly determined tack on the final leg of the race.
After a lively social on Saturday evening, the competitors woke to much reduced wind and increasingly shifty conditions. The Hartleys posted second in race four, behind Viola Scott and then won the final race ahead of Dave Carroll and Jonno Baker in 'Doris' (1302).
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Osprey Sails are available direct from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
posted by Hyde Sails at
21:10
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Hyde Sails Merlin wins Salcombe Silver Tiller
Glen Truswell and Olly Turner sailing a Hyde Sailspowered Merlin Rocket continued their winning form with victory at the Salcombe Silver Tiller event.
Some 37 Merlin Rockets entered the event, which saw breezy conditions for Saturday's racing, followed by light winds on Sunday. Glen Truswell and Olly Turner started as they meant to go on, with a win in the first race, followed home by Matt Biggs and Rob Kennaugh in 'Two Pints of Lager'.Richard Adams and Ben Hollis in 'Loosed Cannon' were third. In race two, Truswell and Turner were relegated to third behind Tom Stewart/Liam Dempsey and Andy David/Elie Bremer. However, a win in race three was enough to give Truswell and Turner overall victory, finishing three points ahead of Biggs and Kennaugh who won the final race.
Truswell commented: "We remained competitive throughout though, sailed pretty well and had the necessary element of good fortune required to prevail at such an event!"
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Merlin Sails are available direct from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
Some 37 Merlin Rockets entered the event, which saw breezy conditions for Saturday's racing, followed by light winds on Sunday. Glen Truswell and Olly Turner started as they meant to go on, with a win in the first race, followed home by Matt Biggs and Rob Kennaugh in 'Two Pints of Lager'.Richard Adams and Ben Hollis in 'Loosed Cannon' were third. In race two, Truswell and Turner were relegated to third behind Tom Stewart/Liam Dempsey and Andy David/Elie Bremer. However, a win in race three was enough to give Truswell and Turner overall victory, finishing three points ahead of Biggs and Kennaugh who won the final race.
Truswell commented: "We remained competitive throughout though, sailed pretty well and had the necessary element of good fortune required to prevail at such an event!"
Hyde prides itself in its continual sail development, Merlin Sails are available direct from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
posted by Hyde Sails at
21:00
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Flying Moth development
Hyde's new foiling International Moth mainsail proves a winner.
The Hyde Sails design team has been working hard on a new Moth sail design over the winter months, with a return to a radial panel layout, revised leech profile to promote pointing ability and a slightly bigger top. The sail also sports the suspended cam system for fast rotation during manoeuvres as developed on last year's sail.
A keen Moth sailor himself, Hyde Sails' Technical Director Mike Lennon explains: "Revised cloth layout and seam shape distribution allows the head to go "floppy" when you really go for it on the cunningham."
The sail has one less batten than most and is made almost entirely of ODL04 (2.8 OZ Technora by DP). Only the sleeve and window panel are from other materials. The result is a sail of less than 3kg in weight as opposed to the usual Moth mainsail weight of around 4kg.
Mike comments: "This is an all-round design but requires a strong cunningham system to get the most out of it in 14 knots and above." The sail (order code 2A 2009) is available from Hyde's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
Parkstone Open
The Moth class had its first class open of the year at Parkstone. Some 15 boats entered the event, which saw four 20-minute races were run in Saturday's 12-18 knot breeze. Hyde's Mike Lennon won every race on the water, suffering an OCS in the last race. Unfortunately Sunday's racing was cancelled due to no wind.
Foiling Moth ace Simon Payne had been favourite to win after stealing the show at the recent Australian Nationals with the debut of his new Mach 2 design, but gear failure stopped him from getting started. Mike takes delivery of a new Mach 2 any time soon, so combined with the power of the new mainsail, he should be a force to be reckoned with.
Moth accessories
Hyde has also introduced a range of covers and foil bags for the Moth class. For details on these and any other International Moth products see www.hydeshop.com or go direct to the Hyde Sails Moth page www.hydeshop.com/ moth-104-c.asp
posted by Hyde Sails at
20:53
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Flying 15s enjoy a battle at Bewl
New Hyde spinnaker design proves a winner on its first outing.Some 20 Flying 15s enjoyed a challenging weekend of racing, with Richard Lovering and Matt Alvarado taking overall victory, with the assistance of the brand-new Hyde spinnaker design.
Saturday's racing took place in a blustery breeze, which ranged from 8-24 knots. Big clouds added to the entertainment, with the wind direction predominantly northerly, but some large shifts up to 40 degrees at times - whacky inland sailing at its best!
A relatively short D-shaped course proved very testing with the pressure and angle changes, and the two five-lap races proved a real challenge.
Unfortunately Sunday dawned with just 2-4 knots at 10am, which dropped to zero at 10.30. Racing was eventually cancelled at 11.30 leaving Richard Lovering and Matt Alvarado in the Hyde-powered boat as winners, having won both of Saturday's races, with Robert Hogben and Glyn Morgan second.
Lovering and Alvarado put their win down to simple strategy with good starts, clean air and nice tactics from crew. Matt Alvarado commented: "The event was awesome fun given the massive changes in pressure and direction. Bewl is a beautiful place to sail. The main and jib combination was quick through the range, while the new Hyde spinnaker proved very stable and controllable on the tricky 3-sail reaches."
The first half of last year saw some intensive sail development by Hyde's in the Flying 15 class, resulting in a strong showing from Hyde-powered boats at the 2008 nationals. The main project over the winter and early 2009 has been the development of the new spinnaker design, which enjoyed its first airing at Bewl.
Hyde Sails is renowned for its success in working with one-design classes, and the last year has been a busy one. The Hyde team has been working hard to produce to best sails for each class to enable sailors to achieve their full potential. With the launch of Hyde's new webshop - www.hydeshop.com - you can browse the spec sheets and information for each class as well as being able to buy your sails direct online.
For more details on Flying 15 and other one-design sails, contact Paul Austin (T: +44(0)7872 816918) see www.hydesails.com or go direct to the Flying 15 class page: www.hydeshop.com/flying-15-143-c.asp
posted by Hyde Sails at
20:43
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