Broxbourne Open Meeting 4th September

Conditions were tricky at Broxbourne for the penultimate open meeting in the 2011 Southern Paddle travellers' series on Sunday 4th September. 12 boats competed, including 5 from the home club.

The breeze was light and shifty for the first race and Veronica Falat and local sailor Peter Selway gradually pulled clear of the rest of the fleet. It was quite difficult to steer a good course through the calmer patches and not to get impeded by the lasers that had started 5 minutes before us but which were sailing slowly! Peter tried to put his local knowledge to good use and attempted to sail low on one of the reaches to avoid the wind shadow of some trees but this cunning plan backfired when the breeze headed him and he ended up having to tack away from the lee shore while Amy Robinson calmly cruised past to take second place! This meant that, with Veronica first and Amy second, lady sailors were dominating – how often does that happen in Streakers?!

After lunch the skies darkened and the rain came. Heavy rain – but at least the breeze had picked up a bit. On the first beat of race 2 some boats got caught up with the laser fleet which was sailing another beat to a different mark. Ian Mansfield and Veronica rounded the first mark ahead of the bunch and eventually Veronica established a good lead. Meanwhile Steve Garrett, sailing the oldest boat in the fleet, came through to second and Amy to third.

By the start of race 3 the rain had eased (it might have actually stopped but by now everyone was too soaked to notice!) but the wind was swinging so that the first beat was almost a fetch. Peter led from the first mark and, although he had to contend with catching up and passing slower lasers, was never overtaken. Veronica took second and again Amy was third, demonstrating good boat speed with her new sail which she herself had played a big part in designing and constructing (all part of her university coursework!).

So overall Veronica won the event with Peter second and Amy third. It was impressive that despite the weather everyone sailed all three races with no retirements. Alan Simmons was the first 'master' and the Perseverance Award (for the first boat outside the top 3 counting all three race results) was won by Steve Garrett who came 4th overall.

Many thanks to Broxbourne SC for a very pleasant day despite the conditions. The free coffee on arrival and the free tea, cake and sandwiches at the end of the afternoon were much appreciated.

Report by Veronica Falat

6th September 2011

More 'Social Racing'

Of course I have not forgotten the climax to the Streaker Southern Paddle Travellers series – Sponsored by Rooster Sailing. There are only 2 events left;

Broxbourne
Sunday 4th September

Alton Water
8th October

Both are excellent venues at which to join the fun in some 'social racing'. If it is your first paddle meeting this year then either would be a good choice. The Streaker Class are well aware that we have a large number of members who have not tried one of our Streaker paddle open meetings. Please dust of the trailer, load up your Streaker and come and join us. You can be assured of some friendly racing, advice on all subjects 'Streaker', be it tuning or boat handling. All is freely given.

The opportunity to win a new Streaker mainsail from Rooster Sailing should also encourage you along, and all you need to do is sail a race to get an entry in the hat. There are currently 166 entries to win the sail.

9 Races is all it needs to qualify on the Southern paddle, which would win you the coveted Streaker Burgee. The current leader (9 races to count) in the Rooster Southern Paddle series is our new Class Sec. Veronica Falat, with 19 points, in 2nd place is that long distance traveller (with new car) Alan Simmons, Gary Hogen is holding onto 3rd place. These guys had better watch-out though as a group of sailors all on 6 races sailed, including Ian Bradley, Paul Burgoine, John Burgoine are still in with a shout for overall Southern paddle winner.

The final prize giving for the Southern Paddle and the Rooster Sail will be at the Alton Water meeting. This is also the Southern Area Championship so there is plenty to sail for.

27th August 2011

Social Racing.

Streaker Northern Area Paddle Travellers Series – Sponsored by Sail Register.

As the Streaker fleet enters the 2nd half of the traveller’s series there is still all to sail for. 14 races are required to qualify, leading the series overall is Alan Gillard – Sheffield Viking counting 20 points, Nick Lovell - Ouse Amateur is a close 2nd and Peter Cogill - Rotherham 3rd. So far the series has attracted 61 Streaker’s. For each race sailed each Streaker sailor will be entered into the prize draw for a new Streaker sail – supplied by Sail-Register. The more races you sail in the series the better chance you have of winning. So far there are 306 entries for the sail. The following are the meetings that are left still to be sailed;

3rd Sept – Ripon SC
18th Sept – Yeadon SC
1st Oct – Girton SC
15th Oct – Welton SC

Ripon Sailing Club, home to one of the largest fleets of Streaker’s, rumoured to be 28 boats strong! Is no doubt going to be a popular event? Welton SC will be the final meeting in the series and will also see the overall prize giving and the draw for the Sail-Register sail taking place. All boats that qualify will receive the Streaker Burgee.

Streaker open meetings are one of the friendliest sailing events on any traveller’s circuit. Where ever you are in your Streaker sailing abilities there is sure to be a level of competition which compliments your sailing skills. Why not try some ‘Social Racing’ in the Streaker Fleet at a Northern open near you before the end of the season? You never know you could win a new Sail Register sail!

25th August 2011

Streaker Inland Championships report

The Streaker Inlands were held at Bassenthwaite SC on the weekend of July 30th-31st, the first weekend of the club’s annual regatta week. 23 Streakers attended, along with about 200 other dinghies of various classes, so it was quite a spectacle and it’s amazing how well the Streaker event fitted into the regatta programme.

The breeze took a while to fill in on the Saturday and, after a postponement, only one race instead of the scheduled two was possible for the Streakers. Dave Smith made an excellent start and he and Alan Gillard pulled away from the rest of the fleet. Eventually Alan took the lead and finished first, with Dave second, while a tight group of boats were battling for 3rd in the light, shifty conditions. In the end Peter Tyerman took 3rd spot, ahead of Peter Coghill and Chris Wright.

The RO announced that 3 races would be sailed on the Sunday and so everyone was ready for a prompt start that morning. Again the wind looked unpromising – large calm patches were clearly visible on the lake when viewed from the club but the RO had taken the committee boat southwards, well down the lake, and reported back that there was a good breeze down there. The Streakers and all the other boats headed south and soon found the breeze, plenty of it in fact. Some people were regretting that they hadn’t dressed for such cool, breezy conditions! Bassenthwaite certainly seemed to be a lake of two halves – the warm, calm north and the chilly south!

In the racing schedule, the Streakers were the 8th class to start and so spent plenty of time watching others beating into the breeze. But just after our start the wind played tricks and died in the middle of the course. Alan had made a good start but he and all the others who had headed right were now struggling while those on the left were still making reasonable progress. At the first mark Veronica Falat was narrowly ahead of Dave Smith. The race consisted of one lap of a large course and, having completed the long windward leg, the fleet now had a long run northwards. Veronica maintained her lead but Alan caught up with Dave by the leeward mark and then the two of them had a good battle on the final windward leg to the line. Veronica chose to cover Dave, which was a mistake because it was Alan who played the shifts to advantage and gained the win with Veronica 2nd, Dave 3rd and Peter Tyerman 4th.

Continued............

Author : Veronica Falat

6th August 2011

STREAKER NATIONALS 2011

The Streaker class attracted an entry of 48 boats from 30 different clubs to their National Championships, sponsored by Noble Marine, held over the weekend of June 25th-26th at Pennine Sailing Club in Yorkshire. It promised to be a particularly competitive affair with last year’s champion, Tom Gillard, keen to defend his title from the challenges of past champions Steve Cockerill and Ian Jones, and so it proved. Tom had spent the week competing (and just failing to win by the narrowest margin) the Fireball Worlds in Ireland and while most Streaker sailors were arriving in relaxed mood at Pennine on Friday afternoon, he was just coming off the water and rushing to the airport to get back to England in time for the Streaker event.

On Saturday the conditions were challenging to say the least, with a strong and gusty south-westerly wind driving rain clouds across Winscar Reservoir. In the first race the favourites (Steve, Tom and Ian) were soon at the front of the fleet but Tom’s chances of overall success were dealt a severe blow when his forestay fitting broke and he had to retire, leaving Steve to take the win with Ian second. Race 2 saw Tom back in action but again it was Steve who finished first, with Tom second. This meant that the pressure was on Tom and he duly responded with a win in race 3, but Steve’s second place meant that, with just Sunday’s two races to go, Steve was well on course for overall victory.

The forecast for Sunday was for sunshine and lighter winds. However, as people climbed bleary-eyed from their tents there was general consternation at the sight of clouds racing overhead and white horses on the water. Fortunately the wind had moderated somewhat by start time and race 4 got underway. To stand any chance of winning the championship Tom had to win both races of the day and he was leading the fleet at the end of the first lap. Unfortunately for him the race was then abandoned as the race officer realised that many boats had been obstructed in rounding a mark by a motorboat that was moored too close to it. Tension mounted. There was the first and only general recall as the restart was attempted, but eventually race 4 was underway again. Dave Smith and Matt Jenkins led to the first mark but Steve was soon hot on their tails. Tom was having to fight back from further down the fleet but made huge gains on each leg of the course and at the finish of what seemed a marathon race, had pulled into 2nd place, but Steve was always ahead of him.

Continued here.........

Photos here.........

Author : Veronica Falat - Photo : Bett Simmons

3rd July 2011

Streakers at Stewartby

With a forecast of sunny spells and light airs of an indeterminate direction, it was always going to be a difficult day for the race officer when setting courses. However after a short delay the first race of three was underway. Starting five minutes after the Solo fleet, the Streaker fleet would get some indication of the best way to the windward mark but the two starts could not have been different, in both wind direction and in particular the strength.

The course being short there was always going to be some jockeying for position, even with the boats relatively spread after the first beat , the light airs and tight course made it difficult to get ‘clean’ away. The fickle nature of the wind would also play its part in allowing the bulk of the fleet to remain within striking distance of each other. However with the lead boats in amongst the Solo feet by lap two and the rest of the Streaker fleet not far behind the wind finally gave up. The lead changed hands several times the middle of the fleet were also exchanging places regularly, if frustrating it certainly kept the mind sharp trying to make the best of what little air movement there was whilst picking a way through to the mark.

Race two started in a slightly fuller breeze almost enough to register on the Beaufort scale...but not for the whole race. The same course produced a reasonable start for the fleet and with the increased pressure the race track was clearer for longer. Now with more to pull on, the fleet became keener and more adept at spotting shifts and lifts with the mid fleet placings becoming as much about sailing well and fast as making fewest mistakes however little they seem to be. The resulting yoyo of positions again, making for tight racing for the duration of the race.

The final race of the day was threatened to be an absolute drifter if it ran at all, but with the race officer showing unerring faith in his local knowledge by only postponing it. Again after short delay his faith was rewarded with the strongest breeze of the day from a steady(ish) direction, quick course change and race three was away, all be it with a substantial port start bias. The breeze held reasonably well, allowing for a longer course but with the mornings vagrancies of direction beginning to creep back into play the final downwind leg of the race became more of a gybing duel for many if only to maintain the shortest distance between the marks.

Final placings
1st....Barney Proud....Stewartby Water Sports Club
2nd...Veronica Falat...Waverney and Oulton SC
3rd...Alan Simmons...Lancing Sailing Club

Author : Barney Proud Stewartby SC - Photo : Bett Simmons

3rd July 2011

JUST PUBLISHED

Another Streaker Newsletter has just been published – and it has been distributed exclusively to members of the Streaker Class Owners Association. If you’re not a member of the Association but would like to see the full story, or if you are a member but have not quite got around to renewing your subscription this year, download the 2011 application form here.

15 June 2011

SAIL-REGISTER SPONSORS THE STREAKER NORTHERN AREA TRAVELLERS SERIES.

This weekend sees the start of the Sail-Register sponsored Streaker Northern Area Travellers Paddle Series at Tamworth SC. The continuing success of the Streaker Class is never more evident than the numbers who turn out for the Northern Paddle. The Streaker Northern Paddle Series for 2011 has a total of 15 open events, which cover the Northern region from Tamworth to Helensburgh in Scotland. 15 races count to qualify for the series, with all qualifiers receiving a prize. There is also a special prize for the 1st qualifier who has a boat which is 15 years and older.

Whether Streaker sailors qualify or not for the overall series, all those that take part in any series race will be entered into the final draw for a new Streaker sail supplied by Sail Register, of course the more races an individual sails the more entries into the final prize draw.

The Streaker class is also growing numbers wise with at least 16 new boats due to hit the water before the National Championships. It is expected that a good number of these new boats will compete at the Class Northern Area Championships at Hornsea SC on the 16th April, where up to 40 boats are expected to compete. The Streaker Class is both competitive in the quality of sailors that take part but is also renowned for its friendly nature both on and off the water.

6th April 2011

Streaker Southern Traveller’s series sponsored by Rooster Sailing.

This weekend sees the start of the Rooster Sailing sponsored Streaker Southern Paddle Traveller’s Series. The Southern Paddle Series consists of 9 events starting with Bough Beech SC on Saturday 26th March. To qualify a sailor will need to sail just 9 races. All Streaker sailors who do qualify will receive a prize.

New for this year and thanks in part to the generosity of Rooster Sailing, is the chance to win a new Rooster Streaker Sail. All Streaker sailors taking part in the Southern Paddle series will be automatically entered into a prize draw for the Rooster Sail, one entry for every race a sailor competes in. Obviously the more races a Streaker sailor competes in the better the chance that sailor has of winning the prize.

Also new for this year is a prize for the 1st boat which qualifies and is over 15 years old, sail numbers 1482 (circa 1996) or earlier numbers are eligible. So dust off those older Streakers’s and come and have a sail. The Streaker Southern Paddle open events are for everyone, no matter what standard you are, you will find just as warm a welcome at the back of the fleet, as at the front. Streaker sailors enjoy their sailing and racing, which is conducted in a friendly but competitive fleet.

Photo ©: Dave Treagust

27th March 2011

Early season success for Streaker’s.

Streaker sailors have ‘stripped off’ their covers to bare all for early season success; fortunately the weather has been kind, with gentle breezes and sunshine.

Many congratulations to Paul Harwood, Streaker 1695 from Sutton Bingham SC on a great performance in finishing 2nd in the Exmoor Beastie, a 3 hour pursuit race at Wimbleball SC, which attracted 65 entries from the usual plethora of classes.

There is also news from the opposite end of the country, where our friend Ruairdh Campbell of Clyde Cruising Club was the winner of the Helensburgh Sailing Club Winter Series. Again many congratulations on your success.

Photo ©: Roger Battersby

27th March 2011

So how long was that piece of string?

RYA Volvo Dinghy Show, 5-6 March 2011

Visitors to the Streaker stand at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show were presented with a challenge in the form of the annual Streaker competition. At stake were some serious prizes, generously provided by Streaker approved sail makers Pinnell & Bax, but in order to win one of them you had to answer that old conundrum – how long is a piece of string? The string in question (“suitable for use as a Streaker mainsheet, with a bit to spare”) was on display on the stand, and over 300 visitors rose to the challenge.

The correct answer was 11,040 millimetres. Nobody got it exactly right, but we had a three-way tie at 11,000 mm. So three names went into the hat (actually a P&B shopping bag) and Dave Wade, Pinnell & Bax sail loft manager, drew them out in order. Winner of the first prize – a discount of up to £450 on a Pinnell & Bax sail – was Joanne Chilton of Yorkshire Ouse Sailing Club. Second prize – a £50 P&B voucher – went to Rosalind Warwick-Haller of Tamesis SC, and the third prize was awarded to 12-year-old Jamie Blake of Great Moor SC. Jamie’s prize was the string itself – which we hope he will find useful on his Laser Pico, or perhaps he will be tempted to try it out on a Streaker.

The Streaker Class Owners Association is very grateful to Pinnell & Bax for sponsoring this year’s competition and providing such generous prizes, and to all those who took part. Keep an eye open for next year’s Streaker competition!

Photo by Ian Bradley: Alan Gillard, Streaker Class Chairman, and Dave Wade, Pinnell & Bax Sail Loft Manager, draw the winning entries out of the bag. Click Image for more

8th March 2011

Streaker Inland National Championship 2011

Will be held at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club, over the 1st weekend of Bass Week 30th / 31st July 2011.

I have great pleasure in announcing that in 2011 we will also be having an Inland National Championship. In general we only have an Inland National Championship when the Streaker National Championships are held on the sea.

So having an Inlands as well as a Nationals in 2011 is most definitely new. But in recognition of those Streaker sailors who visit Bass Week at Bassenthwaite SC in the Lake District each summer and their calls for the event to be included in some way in the Streaker Class events calendar, we thought it would be a good idea. More details will follow in due course.

Merry Christmas and successful Streaking in 2011,

Alan Gillard

26th December 2010

As easy as ... 1, 2, streak!

Stand C28 at the Dinghy Show, 5-6 March 2011

The RYA Volvo Dinghy Show is nearly upon us, and once again the Streaker competition will be drawing the crowds. Thanks to generous sponsorship from Pinnell & Bax, we have fantastic prizes to give away.

And all you have to do is ... well, it’s as easy as guessing the length of a piece of string. You’ll find the string in question on the Streaker Stand at the show. It’s a mainsheet, but not necessarily a standard Streaker one. First prize is a massive discount (up to £450!) on a Pinnell & Bax sail – for any class of dinghy, not just a Streaker. Second prize? A piece of string, of course.

Come to Stand C28 at the Dinghy Show to find out more about the Streaker, and to see the latest Butler and Rooster boats – and while you’re there, post your free entry in the P&B Streaker competition. Start your sailing season with a winning streak!

24th February 2011

JUST PUBLISHED

The first Streaker Newsletter of 2011 is now out – and it’s another bumper issue, full of news and information.

There is some exciting news about the 2011 Paddle series, results from 2010, thought-provoking comparisons of the Streaker with other classes, advice from ‘Deaf Dave’ on how to become an instant open-meeting hero, useful information on buying/building a Streaker, an exclusive offer of a free Streaker burgee (subject to certain conditions!) – and much more. And it’s all just for members of the Streaker Class Owners Association.

The newsletter is distributed free to members three times a year, by email or post. If you’re not a member of the Association but would like to see the full story, download the 2011 application form here.

3 February 2011

Streaker Paddle Travelers Series, Report 2010.

Looking back at the 2010 season it is encouraging to see that not only did the Streaker Nationals have an increase in numbers, but a record number of 139 Streaker sailors took part in the Streaker Paddle Series. 5 years ago 74 Streaker’s took part and in 2006, 96 sailed, so this was a significant increase.

The Streaker Northern Paddle Series again showed that in the Yorkshire and Humberside region it is the most popular of any Class Open Meeting Travelers Series, with a total of 97 sailors taking part. The average open fleet size being 14 boats.

The number qualifying for the series was slightly down on previous years but, for 2010 the Streaker Class had increased the number of races required to qualify to 14 races. Even so 14 boats did qualify, Ian Bradley from Ouse Amateur SC taking the overall prize. 2nd was Alan Gillard from Sheffield Viking SC and 3rd equal was Nick Lovell from Ouse Amateur and Dave Smith from Welton SC.

The Southern Paddle series was not quite as well supported but even so 42 Streaker’s took part in the series: the much traveled Ian Bradley winning the Southern Paddle as well, but in 2nd and 3rd places were Alan Simmons from Lancing SC and Gary Hogan from Haversham SC. Special mention should be made here of Alan and Gary who took part in all of the Southern Paddle events.

The Streaker Class Owners Association would like to thank all those sailors who took part in the Paddle Series, many thanks for your support. We would also like to thank the sailing clubs, who generously ran a Paddle meeting for the Streaker Class.

3rd December 2010

The Endeavour Trophy

The Endeavour Trophy is taking place this weekend, the annual Champion of Champions event at the Royal Corinthian YC. This year it is the 50th anniversary of the Endeavour Trophy and past winners of the event are being invited to compete in a Masters race on Sunday 3rd Oct and enjoy the hospitality of the Royal Corinthian YC on Saturday evening.

Mike Rimmer and Alan Gillard have both been invited to attend. Although I don't think Mike is feeling up to the challenge of the racing or perhaps that's just the excuse in advance of the Saturday Evening festivities.

Under normal circumstances Tom Gillard the 2010 Streaker National Champion, would be representing the class at this years event, unfortunately the Endeavour Trophy clashes with the FIREBALL EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS being held between 25th Sept and 1st Oct 2010. The venue is Nové Mlýny, Czech Republic, the host club being YC Dyje Breclav and Czech Fireball Association. The good news is that Tom with his crew Sam Brearey have won the Fireball Europeans with a day to spare. Many congratulations to them both.

1st October 2010

PINNELL & BAX SAILS

We are pleased to inform members of the Streaker Class Owners Association that Pinnell & Bax Sails have been granted ‘Approved Sail’ status following a recent Committee Meeting.

Alan Gillard
On behalf of the Technical Committee.

15th September 2010

Nationals Results

This years event was held at Stewartby Water Sailing club. The racing was completely dominated by Tom Gillard of Sheffield Viking Sailing club, who won all five races easily. Three races were held on Saturday in a light to moderate wind. Sundays races were held in a light and variable wind.

Overall
1 - Tom Gillard - Sheffield Viking - 4 pts
2 - Ian Jones - Dovestone - 9 pts
3 - Chris Catt Downs S.C - 12pts
4 - Steve Cockerill Stokes Bay S.C - 17pts
5 - Paul Burgoine - Tamworth S.C - 19pts
6 - Alan Gillard - Sheffield Viking - 28pts
7 - Dave Smith - Welton S.C - 29pts
8 - Mike Haynes - Deben S.C - 33pts
9 - Robin Parsons - Deben Y.C - 39pts
10 - Ian Lees - Dovestone - 40pts

So Tom Gillard becomes national champion after a number of years in the top three. Steve Cockerill defending champion, was sailing with a broken wrist and so sailed with his arm in a cast. The home club, Stewartby Water S.C were faultless on and off the water. Triangle and sausage courses were used for all five races.

Check out the full report here....

20th June 2010

The REAL election 2010:

Your Association Needs YOU.

Dear Members

Although we are not as a class hung up on electoral reform issues, a certain amount has taken place following the adoption of the following at the 2009 AGM:

"Changes to the Rules of the Streaker Class Owners’ Association With effect from AGM 2010 the AGM will elect a Chairman, Honorary Secretary & Treasurer plus three other committee members. All committee members will normally be elected for a period of three years, but at the 2010 AGM the chair and one other committee member will be elected for a period of 2 yrs, the Honorary Secretary and one other committee member for 3 yrs and the Treasurer one other committee member for 4 yrs. 16 for 0 against 1 abstention"

This means that elections will be held for all six committee positions at this year’s AGM.
The positions to be filled are:
Chairman
Honorary Secretary
Treasurer
plus 3 committee members

Mike Rimmer will stand down as Chairman and has announced his intention not to stand for the position of Chairman. Ian Bradley has announced his intention to stand down from the committee at the AGM and will not seek re-election in any capacity. This means that there will be vacancies on the committee, so if you are prepared to serve your class as part of the committee, please stand for election.

Obviously if there is only one candidate for a particular position, they will be elected without a ballot, but where there is a need all elections will be decided by secret ballot of the full members and nominated family members of the Association who are present at the AGM.

If you wish to stand for election, please notify the Honorary Secretary by letter, email or telephone before 1800hrs on Thursday June 10th stating your name, membership number, the position you wish to stand for and the names of your proposer and seconder who must both be current full or nominated family members of the SCOA. If you would like to know more before putting yourself forward, please telephone the Hon. Sec. for an informal chat.

A full list of candidates will be posted at Stewartby Water Sailing Centre before the AGM on Friday 11th June 2010.

Please note that the Honorary Secretary cannot be held responsible for letters, emails or telephone messages that are delayed or not received, so you are advised to register your intention to stand for election at the earliest opportunity.

The Honorary Secretary can be contacted at ian.bradley@nea.org.uk or on 01406 364235.

The Postal Address for registering your intention to stand for election is The Honorary Secretary, SCOA, Lowgate House, Tydd Low Road, Long Sutton, Spalding Lincolnshire, PE12 9AR.

See you at Stewartby!

Ian Bradley
Honorary Secretary
SCOA

23rd May 2010

2010 STREAKER NATIONALS – ENTER NOW!

We are counting down the days until the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals 2010, to be held at Stewartby Water Sports Centre, Bedfordshire, over the weekend of 12/13 June. And you can also take advantage of some free training, exclusively for Streaker Class Association members, on Friday 11 June.

With over 200 acres of lake, SWSC is home to top-quality dinghy racing. We look forward to two days of glorious competition, plus the AGM, a social evening, hog roast and entertainment on the Saturday evening, and free camping – all included in the entry fee.

Send in your entry now to take advantage of the early-bird entry fee. Until 28 May it costs £40 – after that date it’s £50.

Full details, including the Notice of Race and the entry form, can be found at the Streaker Championships micro-site:

2nd May 2010

April Newsletter

The latest Streaker Newsletter is just out! It’s packed with news and information – the 2010 racing calendar, a full explanation of the Paddle series, news from the Dinghy Show, the latest on the Wave sail and new self-build options, the continuing story of re-decking Streaker 1446, and much more – and it’s all just for members of the Streaker Class Owners Association.

The newsletter is distributed free to members three times a year, by email or post. If you’re not a member of the Association but would like to see the full story, download the 2010 application form here.

11th April 2010

Streaker competition draws the crowds

Over three hundred entries were received for this year’s Guess the Weight of the Streaker competition, with online entries pouring in until the last minute and brisk business at the Dinghy Show over the weekend of 6/7 March. Generous prizes from our sponsors ensured a good entry as soon as show visitors and Streaker sailors got wind of the competition.

The Streaker stand at this year’s Dinghy Show featured both a wooden Butler boat and the latest epoxy offering from the Rooster Sailing mould, so it seemed especially appropriate to ask Dave Butler and Steve Cockerill to do the honours and draw the prize-winners’ names out of the box.

Streaker sailor Chris Woodard from Deben Yacht Club scooped £200 worth of Rooster kit, Karen Bishop won £150 worth of boat repair or refurbishment from

Butler Boats, Richard Stedman won a £100 voucher for insurance from Noble Marine, and Liz Hall found herself £50 better off than she expected when she went to buy a Sail Register boat cover.

We are very grateful to the competition sponsors, and to all of you who put in an entry. If you didn’t win this year, never mind – better luck in 2011!

12th March 2010

STREAKER throws down the Gauntlet and WINS!

Our own Tom Gillard took up the challenge of the Shustoke Gauntlet sailed at Shustoke SC in the West Midlands. The event was held on Sunday the 14th of February. This is a very popular well organised event open to all classes between PY's 1386 (Mirror) and 952 (RS400). The racing consists of two 80 - minute pursuit races for monohull and non trapeze dinghies. Entry is limited to 60 boats. The Streaker starting time was 12mins. 56secs after the Mirror. The Solo's started 13mins. 20sec. after the Mirror.

This shows just how organised the Shustoke club were as most pursuit races of this nature (the Battle of the Classes) just start Streakers off with Solo's Grad's et all. Which as we all know handicap wise is not correct. Below is the report from Yachts and Yachting and the winners smile as the Streaker's take home the Gauntlet Trophy along with a copy of the full results.

A light NNW wind greeted the 24 home club boats and 25 visitors who gathered to compete for the annually held Shustoke Gauntlet challenge trophy at Shustoke Sailing Club on Sunday 14th February.

The first of the two 80 minutes pursuit races saw Tom Gillard from Sheffield Viking in his Streaker soon overhauled the slower dinghies to establish a convincing lead and was never caught by the faster boats. At the end of the 80 minutes in 2nd place was Neil Wilkinson from the home club in a Solo, 3rd was Andy Couch from Blithfield in his Phantom, 4th were last years winners Matt Biggs and Ben Hollis also from Blithfield in a Merlin and 5th was Hannah Showell from Shustoke in a Solo.

After lunch the second race started in some winter sunshine but with the same wind. Once again Tom Gillard got through the slower boats and held the lead through to the end of the race, followed by Andy Couch in 2nd place, Pete Evans from Nantwich and Borders in his Phantom was in 3rd place, in 4th place was Neil Wilkinson and 5th Hannah Showell.

For the record 2nd was the Phantom of Andy Couch who beat our own Steve Cockerill and Ian Jones at The Battle of the Classes Boat Show race last year. The Merlin Rocket sailed by Matt Biggs recently won the Tiger Trophy at Rutland.

A great performance from Tom, well sailed.

Photo copyright H2O by Andrews Photography

Battle of the Classes 2010

STREAKER SAILORS 1st and 4th at the BOAT SHOW - BATTLE OF THE CLASSES 2010.

Streaker sailors finished 1st Steve Cockerill (Our National Champion sailing his Rooster Graduate) and 4th was Tom Gillard (Our Inland National Champion).

The Streaker Class had planned for 2 Streakers to sail but unfortunately Ian Jones could not make it. Tom though had a good race representing the Streaker Class exchanging the lead with Steve Cockerill on numerous occasions.

A Finn came 2nd, with an Albacore coming 3rd. The Streaker, Graduate, Firefly and Solo's all started together off the same handicap! Tom was sailing Alan's Streaker 1691, gave him a chance to have a look at the Selden mast with the P&B sail.

Check out the Photos

Just published

The January 2010 Streaker Newsletter.

The first in a new series of newsletters exclusively for members of the Streaker Class Owners Association. Six pages, A4 format, full of news and information.

Distributed free to members, by email or post. If you’re not a member, and would like to receive three copies of the Streaker Newsletter a year, click below:

To join the SCOA, Download the 2010 application form here.

DINGHY SHOW – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Once again the Streaker class will be making a splash at the Dinghy Show, held at Alexandra Palace over the weekend of 6/7 March. We will be on the same stand as last year – C28 in the Great Hall. We will have two Streakers on display (one Butler, one Rooster), heaps of information about the boat, lists of clubs where Streakers are sailed, all sorts of things to attract newcomers to the class – and of course the STREAKER COMPETITION (watch this space for further information).

If you haven’t been to the Dinghy Show before, come along and discover what you’ve been missing. It’s a great day out for anyone interested in sailing. For full details and advance ticket purchase visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk.

And if any Streaker sailor would like to help out by manning the Streaker stand for a few hours, please let me know as soon as possible. If you can devote half a day to this, your reward will be free entry to the show on an exhibitor’s pass. Interested? Drop me a line through the committee contact page on this website, or phone 01904 490576.

Hugh Brazier

Celebrate the Dinghy Show with a winning streak

The famed Streaker competition is back! This year, thanks to generous sponsorship, the Streaker Class Owners Association has £500 worth of prizes to give away at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show. The prizes are

• A substantial collection of Rooster kit
• A voucher for a boat makeover from Butler Boats
• A great-value insurance deal from Noble Marine
• A voucher for a boat cover from Sail Register

To enter, click on the link below or come along to Stand C28 at the Dinghy Show. All you have to do is answer a simple question, and you could win one of these fabulous prizes. The competition is free to enter, and is open to all UK residents (except for members of the SCOA committee and their families). You don’t even have to sail a Streaker to enjoy a winning streak.

Email and web entries close at 5:00 pm on Friday 5 March, and show entries close 3:00 pm on Sunday 7 March. The winners will be drawn at 3:30 pm on Sunday 7 March.

Introducing a New Wave

At the 2009 AGM a proposal was put forward for a smaller standardized sail. Although this proposal caused a good deal of interest amongst members it did not get the required number of votes for it to be carried. The proposal did not really give enough detail and explanation, but interest from the members present was sufficient for the committee to consider that this proposal was worthy of further investigation.

Why do we need such a sail?

For the majority of sailors the Streaker has just the right amount of sail area, which gives the boat a lively performance without too many demands on the helm. But not all are comfortable sailing the boat when the wind blows upwards of a force 3. In general our older, less agile and lighter members will find a smaller sail beneficial – and also there is the potential to attract a younger group of sailors, who perhaps find the standard Streaker sail to big.

Why do we want something different from the storm sail already allowed in the rules?

Dimensions of the storm sail are only suggested in the rules, so the cut-down sails tend to vary in size and shape. In general, the sail-area reduction is achieved by cutting a piece from the foot, but in other cases the sail is reduced in area by scalloping out the leech of the sail, taking out all the sail battens and roach. This variety in area means a PY handicap cannot be applied universally to all cut-down storm sails. The Streaker was also found to be unbalanced using some of these storm sails. Performance is not good either, as the storm sail is generally cut down from an older standard sail which is past its best, resulting in a sail with a rather make-do shape.

So what are we after?

A modern progressive sail that looks cool, that’s attractive to a younger sailor. A reduction in sail area to approximately 5.3 square metres (similar to a Topper mainsail; the current standard Streaker mainsail is 8.25 sq m). A sail that can be used on a Streaker without having to make any changes to hull, spars or rigging. A boat that is still balanced when using the new smaller sail. A sail that is standardized in its dimensions, which will allow a Portsmouth Yardstick to be developed for club handicap racing. Possibly a fully battened sail.

The new sail added to a Streaker would effectively create a new class of dinghy for all handicap racing. We are therefore proposing that a Streaker using the new sail will be known as the ‘Streaker Wave’. For this reason the sail will have a new insignia in the form of a blue wave. This is in keeping with the current Streaker class insignia of the blue stripe, but distinctive enough so that there is no doubt as to which type of Streaker is being sailed, without completely losing the Streaker identity. Sail number identity will not change; the registered boat number will not change.

How do we see this sail fitting in with the existing Streaker fleet and club racing?

At Streaker Class Open Paddle meetings and Championships, the smaller sail will be regarded as no different from a reefed or cut-down sail. As such, no handicap shall be applied in class races. It is hoped that sailors will regard the sail as an opportunity to fully take part in events where they might otherwise decide not to sail because it is too windy.

A good deal of Streaker sailing at clubs around the country takes place in the handicap fleet. In such a fleet a Laser has the option to reduce sail area by rigging as a Laser Radial, and if taking part in handicap racing will gain a handicap appropriate to that rig. Streaker sailors do not at present have this option, but with the ‘Streaker Wave’ it will be possible to apply a PY handicap.

Handicap

The Streaker Class Owners Association has discussed a provisional Portsmouth Yardstick handicap for the ‘Streaker Wave’, this we expect to be somewhere in the region of 1185 to 1195. It’s a little early to say exactly at this stage in the sails development.

Development

The ‘Streaker Wave’ sail is being developed by Dan Rimmer at Sail Register with input from Andrew Elliott (Ex. Redeye) and the SCOA Committee. Once the size, shape and performance of the sail have been established, the Streaker Class Owners Association will look for approval for this sail to be made ‘class legal’ through a postal vote. It is considered by the SCOA Committee that this will be a popular development for the class, but even so we want to hear your views, both positive and negative. A forum discussion thread has been established for this, but if any of you would like to voice your opinions directly to the Committee then please feel free to email; Ian Bradley, Hon Secretary, or myself.

ALAN GILLARD
SCOA Technical.

CENTRE-MAIN UPDATE

Highlighted below are the revised rules which relate to the Streaker mainsheet system.

Apart from having to set parameters for the centre-main it has been necessary to update, and where necessary to change some of the existing rules so that; which ever mainsheet system is used it is clear what is allowed. In terms of the centre-main, only a certain number and type of fittings can be used. The attachment and position of these fittings is also stated. No other fittings other than those listed can be used.

I have grouped these mainsheet rules together like this so that they can be seen as one. The current rules are rather fragmented; a job of rewriting so they are better set out is in hand.

ALAN GILLARD
SCOA Technical.

Inlands Results

21 Streaker’s gathered at Leigh & Lowton SC on the weekend 5th/6th September for the classes Inland Championship.

Conditions were near on perfect with steady force 2-4 winds, cloudy on the Saturday but the sun made an appearance on Sunday. PRO Paul Allen and his team conducted some slick racing with minimal time turn round for back to back racing, good courses and start lines, no recalls and a race time that gave all a chance to show.

Race 1 was started in a force 2-3 SW on a figure of 8 course, Ian Jones lead around the 1st mark followed by a group of boats which included; Alan Gillard, Nick Lovell, Ian Bradley and Tom Gillard. Ian Jones held the lead until the 2nd lap downwind. Alan was making good ground on a gust well to leeward of the leading 2, Ian Jones and Tom, who were having their own private battle, Tom was able to gybe away into the gust which unluckily left Ian in less wind, losing the lead. Tom nipped around the gybe mark in front of Alan. Before the finish Ian Jones was seen to test the water, fortunately not loosing any further places.

The final order was Tom 1st, Alan 2nd, Ian Jones 3rd, and Nick Lovell 4th. After lunch, race 2 got underway on a new course, although the wind had shifted to a westerly, giving PRO Paul Allen chance to set a long beat the length of the Flash. The wind had strengthened also to a force 3-4. MORE..........

Results sheet

Gallery

STREAKER NATIONALS AT LANCING SAILING CLUB

The Streaker National Championship took place over the weekend of 18th & 19th July. The 38 competitors for the first race on Saturday were met by a force 5-6 westerly. 24 decided to launch. The OOD had set a triangle-sausage course. Immediately after the start Steve Cockerill was first to show ; by the windward mark Steve already had a race winning lead, followed by a group including former champions Ian Jones and Alan Gillard, Topper ace Chris Catt and Tom Gillard, who has won nearly every meeting in the North this year. 14 completed the course, some having spectacular wipe-outs in the difficult combination of wind and sea. Finishing order was Steve Cockerill, Ian Jones, Alan Gillard, Chris Catt, Tom Gillard and Nick Lovell.

After a break ashore, with most interest shown around the club anemometer, a depleted fleet launched for the second race, six helpers being needed to get each boat under way. Steve Cockerill capsized on the way to the start but was up and sailing again in a flash. Of the nine starters, Steve was first at the mark by a distance and sailed away. The main difficulty was the competitors sailing at maximum speed into patches of weed which tripped up boats on the reach and run. Ian Bradley lost his mast and rudder. Alan Gillard used his experience to progress through the fleet, the wind touching force seven by the last lap. The seven finishers were Cockerill, Alan Gillard, Ian Jones, Chris Catt, Tom Gillard, Sarah Kennedy (with a storm sail) and Nick Lovell. After a delicious barbeque on Saturday evening provided by this most hospitable club, competitors arrived Sunday morning to an increased wind and sea. In view of the poor forecast sailing was cancelled for the day. Some great feats of sailing were seen by the spectators ; six masts broken or bent on the sea bed bear testimony to the conditions. 1st Steve Cockerill - Stokes Bay SC 2nd Alan Gillard - Sheffield Viking SC 3rd Ian Jones - Dovestone SC 4th Chris Catt - Downs SC 5th Tom Gillard - Sheffield Viking SC 6th Nick Lovell - Ouse Amateur SC Special Prizes Scaling Belle (first lady)- Sarah Kennedy Under trophy (under 20) - Johnathan Shuster Over Trophy (over 45) - Alan Gillard Cadzow Trophy (concours D'Elegance) - Steve Garrett. Altogether Shield (Team ) - Sheffield Viking S.C. Full results can be found here

From the Chairman

After the dinghy exhibition, Dave Shuster expressed a wish to leave the committee for a while. This is a sad loss to us. Dave put an enormous amount of work into the organisation of the streaker stand. We wish Dave and the family well.

We have co-opted onto the committee Hugh Brazier, whose homemade boat was on show. He is one of those with moderate views. I am sure he will be a calming force during our livelier discussions. He has background as an editor; thus he will be coordinating our efforts at communications in the future.

Hopefully he can give impetus to all our contributors. I'm sorry I have not sailed this year, being plagued with back trouble, but hopefully I will see some of you at Lancing for the nationals. More soon.

Mike Rimmer

The Next Big Event

Noble Marine Streaker Nationals 2009,
Lancing Sailing Club, 18 & 19 July 2009

Each of the last three Streaker National Championships has attracted an entry of over 50 boats. Can we do it again this year? Will recent success in the Battle of the Classes, dramatically growing interest in the class, and the large number of new boats sold in the past year, guarantee another huge turnout?

This year our hosts are Lancing Sailing Club – a stunning south-coast venue offering exciting racing on the sea and a warm welcome on shore.

For further details, Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, entry form, information on accommodation etc, refer to the special page on the Lancing Sailing Club website. Get your entry in early!

And that’s not all... The Streaker Class is providing a free training day with current national champion Steve Cockerill on Friday 17 July. Details will be available on the Lancing Streaker Nationals web page, and all we ask is that you register for the training by ticking the box on the entry form.

Action from the 2007 Nationals – join in the fun at Lancing this year!
Photo Bett Simmons

A Record Year – Five Streakers at the Dinghy Show

A larger Streaker stand than ever before in the main hall at Alexandra Palace was filled to capacity with boats, volunteers and most importantly of all visitors throughout the 2009 RYA/Volvo Dinghy Show. A Butler composite with new deck design, Rooster FRP and home built boat built from a Beasley kit by Hugh Brazier drew attention from passers by, but a notable feature of this years’ show was the number of people who came straight up to us and said ‘I’m pretty sure I’m going to buy a Streaker. Please tell me more.’ If you think the title of this article is a little ambitious, there really were five Streakers on show: three on our own stand, one on the Rooster stand and a final one hiding under a Sail Register cover! Visitors covered the entire age range, although we think that our youngest visitor (see above) may struggle in wilder conditions! Special mention must go to Dave Shuster for pulling the stand, sponsorship and competition together so successfully and Cathie Shuster for getting more competition entries than anyone else by dint of sheer perseverance. One person who doesn’t need a special mention is Hugh Brazier: He had plenty of compliments on the quality and appearance of his boat to keep him happy while he worked his socks off across the the days of setup and show. The visitors to the stand seemed different this year. There were a few people just browsing, but there were more than usual who came along to the stand to help them finally choose between a small number of similar singlehanders, and further sailors who came along to meet some streakers before finally committing to a class that they had read or heard such great things about. The key question was ‘have you sailed one yet?’ and a surprising number of enquirers said ‘no’. In my opinion the thing that sets the Streaker above other classes is the way they handle on the water, so we always encourage prospective owners to try a test sail. Over the coming weeks we will be asking Streaker owners around the country to make their boats available for test sails and tell prospective owners about the boat and the class – please make them welcome and help them find out what they want to know. Finally, a massive thanks to all those who made the show another success for the class, particularly all those volunteers who risked dehydration whilst representing the class as the delight it is for all those who sail Streakers of whatever age or construction.

Photos courtesy of Dave Shuster Alan & Bett Simmons and Hugh Brazier

Streaker Competition is stonking success!

Five hundred entries made this the most successful Streaker competition ever - generous prizes from our sponsors ensured a good entry as soon as Show visitors and Streaker sailors got wind of the competition. When ex-Streaker sailor Paul Goodison’s car broke down on the way to the show, John Heyes from Yachts and Yachting kindly stepped into the breach to draw the winners. First prize winner Matt Burnett from Bognor Regis scooped £330 worth of Rooster accessories and sail, second prize winner Ruth Baker from Woodbridge gained £200 worth of Allen Brothers fittings and third prize winner Mark Read from Ipswich won a £100 voucher for insurance from Noble Marine.

Yachts and Yachting’s John Heyes draws the Streaker competition winner assisted by class secretary Ian Bradley Second prize winner Ruth Baker is presented with her prize by Class Chairman Mike Rimmer

Battle of the Classes
Streaker Wins!!

The Streaker dominated Battle of the Classes at Excel this weekend. Outstanding racing by Steve Cockerill and Ian Jones gaining 2nd and 3rd places respectively ensured that they secured an emphatic victory for the class.

With a gusting and shifting wind, a not ideal upwind / downwind course, our sailors showed just what the Streaker can do. 17 National champions and 3 European champions were present so it was never going to be a walk in the park but........ and the rest is history.

All ahead and brace yourselves for the Dinghy Show.

Full results available here.

Images by Graeme Sweeney and Dave Shuster now online

The 2008 Streaker Nationals were held at Rutland water 29th-31st August. The training day on Friday made it a 3 day event for many. Racing was held on the Saturday and Sunday. All eyes were on the weather forecast for the preceding week and unusually and unfortunately what was forecast was what was delivered – very light, OK then nothing. Nothing new there then!

Of the total 58 racers, a massive 42 competitors had pre-entered and more than half of these attended the Friday training session given by National Champion Steve Cockerill. With so little wind the session was held in the classroom and dinghy park with most time being spent unravelling the secrets of the Streaker rig. Steve persuaded us that it is not just the simple piece of extrusion as many might believe and was able to demonstrate that there are some serious tuning possibilities available.

Outstanding for this class and emphatically underlining the claim that this single hander class is going places where others can only dream of - 53% of the field was made up of sailors whose names did not appear on 2007 entry list, the great majority being newcomers (and younger newcomers at that) to the class . Simply incredible!

A great Streaker welcome met all visitors to Rutland over the weekend with 2 superb flag banners proudly, thanks to Dan Rimmer, displaying the name despite the lack of wind. That is if the sight of so many blue stripes in the dinghy park weren’t enough. The AGM merged into the rest of the evening and unlike other years became a friendly discussion amongst enthusiastic Streaker sailors keen to do the best for their class. Good food was washed down by the usual stuff before the sailors went back to their respective accommodation.

Next morning, with the class measurer Alan Gillard insisting that all boats would be weighed, the many sceptics watched with amazement as up to 26 boats were efficiently weighed in one hour. The only hiccup in this production line when Michael Shuster’s older hull proved too heavy for its fittings - One of them failed catastrophically just before the scales were allowed to take the full weight!

During the Saturday Ian Teasdale, builder of Rooster’s boats and Ian Kelly, of spar supplier evolution sailing, took time out to support the event and meet the association members. Impressive, especially when one considers that Ian Teasdale travelled from Beer in Devon. Maybe next time they will bring boats with them to compete!

Steve Cockerill's last race comeback provided the crucial point required to secure the Championship for the 3rd year as Sundays 2 races had to be cancelled due to complete absence of wind.

At the prizegiving. the most successful club was once again Sheffield Viking. First Lady helm and most improved sailor since last year went to Ruth Baker of Deben YC.

Our thanks go to the support of Noble Marine Insurance for supporting the event and Trident for providing the Virtual Skipper 5 prize. Despite the shortage of wind the Championship was one to remember both for the quality of racing, enjoyable AGM, the friendliness of competitors and the astonishing influx of new and younger competitors. RSC provided an excellent venue and skilful and well judged race management.

Well done to Steve Cockerill and Keri Harris for representing the class at the Endeavour trophy.

They sailed in some light and difficult conditions in a fleet of 30 boats to achieve an 11th overall with 2 races cancelled due to lack of wind. For a report see yachtsandyachting.com and for the complete results listings royalcorinthian.co.uk

Photo: Tania & Sergei Samus, www.photoblink.co.uk

The Streaker Dinghy Southern Championships were held at the Deben Yacht Club this Sunday 22nd June.

The Adnams sponsored event endured a week of extreme forecasts ranging from virtually no wind to near gale force. In the end the event was held in a wild Force 6 breeze with near 40mph gusts. This fearsome forecast clearly influenced many sailors who decided to stay at home.

Despite this, the exceptionally warm and sunny weather did make the great display all the more enjoyable for both those on and off the water with some spectacular speed and skill on show. The reaches really were steaming and the water was warm and visitors from as far North as Doncaster and as far south as Lancing went home grinning.

Dave Shuster

Full report and results.... (Photo's Rob Adams & Sarah Metcalf)

Photo Gallery....

We’ve got a sponsor! – Noble Marine insurance has agreed to sponsor the Class Association for 2008 season. Whoop! We have come a very long way since the disruption in 2007 and I view this as a solid endorsement from the trade for the Class, the membership and the direction taken by the present committee. We have a great future ahead - the Streaker is a seriously good dinghy, we have a seriously good Association and we are absolutely being taken seriously.

How exactly does the membership benefit? Well, Nobles have given us a significant sum of money and we now have a discounted insurance scheme for Association members. For all renewals and new insurance policies members need to use the Noble Marine link from our website. This will take them to the Streaker discounted policy application. The rest as they say is not quite plain sailing because you will find that a membership number is requested. At present the Association does not issue membership numbers however, you can use a unique code number obtainable from the membership secretary – Contact Nick Lovell. So, by taking advantage of the scheme nearly 45% of your membership fee is reclaimed

The sum of money given to the class comes with the provision that we must use it to promote the class. No shortage of ideas here – what we will definitely be doing with it is to make sure that we have a damn fine Nationals at Rutland 2008, and that we will have a bigger better stand at the Dinghy Show 2009.

What do we have to do for Noble Marine Insurance? We have agreed to make them our title sponsor for the Nationals 2008 and to ensure that the weblink to the discounted insurance scheme is easily accessible to all members.

Watch this space for more news about the nationals but make sure that you have 29,30 & 31 marked in your diaries.

Streaker at Alton Water Reservoir