News Archive
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.
Rules relating to the Mainsheet system.
7. Permitted Optional Equipmentvi. Type of mainsheet Centre Jammer and/or Pulley/Ratchet Block for mainsheet to hand is optional.
xxvii. Centre mainsheet - the mainsheet system shall be fitted to the hull using no more than the following fittings: 4 deck eyes, 2 deck bushes, 2 cleats, either a bridle or fixed/adjustable strops. Mounting blocks for reinforcement of the hull is permitted to facilitate attachment of the centre main fittings. Note: The listed fittings may be fitted to the thwart, side tank, angled side deck carline, false floor, dagger-board case or keelson. The fittings shall not be fitted directly to the deck.
v. Rear transom bridle - Deck-eyes for the attachment of the rear transom bridle must be placed outside the sheer-line of the boat and positioned on the gunwale, as per measurement rule 26.
vi. The rear transom bridle shall be fitted to the deck-eyes.
vii. One cleat for adjustment of the rear bridle may be fitted on the angled side-deck below the main deck.
xi. Mainsheet to hand may be led from the fixed centre take-off point or direct from the rear transom bridle.
xii. The number of purchases and type of main-sheeting system used are optional.
xv. The boom may be tapered at its outboard end up to a maximum of 350mm of its length (not including the end fitting). A slot may be cut underneath the boom to allow the mainsheet to exit from inside. The slot is to be a maximum of 250mm long.
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..........
STREAKER NATIONALS AT LANCING SAILING CLUB
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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. |
 
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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 Special Prizes Scaling Belle (first lady)- Sarah Kennedy |
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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
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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. |
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Streaker Competition is stonking success!
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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.
Images by Graeme Sweeney and Dave Shuster now online
Streaker Nationals 2008
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.
Endeavour Trophy 2008
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
Tom Gillard Wins Southern Area Championships
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)
Hot news!
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
It'll be Alright on the Night
Moved from Front Page 20th May 2008 It all came together at this year’s Dinghy show where all of the publicity, the Henri Lloyd competition, new Rooster deck mould and the Woman’s hour ensured that there was a never ending supply of visitors to the stand. With 2 fabulous boats to show off what the Streaker has to offer there was never a quiet moment. This is the first show that I have been involved with but I got the real sense that visitors felt that they had found the boat that they had been looking for. With an impressive 26 visitors keen to have a test sail things are looking rosy for the class. 
The occasion gave us the opportunity to make inroads into rebuilding the class database by meeting existing members, renewing memberships and enrolling some new members too. Nick and Ian worked tirelessly all weekend with laptop and printer whirring when not dealing with enquiries about Streakers. Large quantities of Alan’s excellent reworked year book accompanying the renewals too. The Name a Streaker competition attracted 117 entries (all clean) and very creative too. Unfortunately when I accosted Ben Ainslie with an entry form and the quip that he would look nice in some Henri Lloyd gear he had a sense of humour failure but did say “Nice try”. Shame really because that would have been a good name had he given me the opportunity to tell him about the competition. With that attitude that guy will never win anything. The winning name was won by James Brotherston who came up with “The Golden Behind” He will now be suitably equipped with some quality Henri Lloyd kit. Unfortunately not a Streaker sailor………..yet.............. |
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Yachts and Yachting Test 
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Measurement Rule 52 – Depth of Rudder
29th April 2008
There has been some confusion over the correct way of taking this measurement. Consultation with other Streaker class measurers showed 4 different methods of taking the measurement. The Technical Committee decided that the following is the correct way to measure rule 52.
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ROOSTER SAILS
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Streakers at The Dinghy Sailing Show 2008
March 2008
Wow! Good grief! What a blinder, Unbelievable*#?!!**%!
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Chairman’s Message
Firstly, a belated happy new year.
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Rooster/Rondar Streaker Preview
27th February 2008 First pictures of New Design Deck Rooster/Rondar Streaker', A complete boat will be on show at the RYA Dinghy Exhibition this weekend on both the Streaker Class stand and on the Rooster stand. 
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Battle of the Classes Pursuit Race Thanks to Ian Jones and Wendy Shingler for representing the Streaker class at the “Yacht and Yachting Battle of the Classes Pursuit Race” held on the last day of the Excel Boat Show at Docklands. The overall results can be found by clicking here. |
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Pentex®
6th December 2007
The SCOA committee have also considered the introduction of ‘Pentex®’ sail cloth. A number of sails have been made from this cloth. Our class rules say that the ‘ply fibres shall be of polyester’. |
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STREAKER CLASS APPROVED SAIL SUPPLIERS 'A Partnership'  |
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Website alterations
11th November 2007 Regular visitors may have noticed a slight style change to the website. Changes have been made to enable an easier and more consistent navigation throughout the website through the use of a drop down menu system on each page. We hope this will make visiting the site much simpler and if there are any problems with the navigation please relay these to the webmaster. |
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Website back online The website has now been re-instated after an unfortunate recent loss of data. Certain sections of the site were lost entirely and should any member have retained copies of these files the webmaster would pleased if you could contact him via the contact form. The files lost were those stored in the 'members only' area. |
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Tack & Gybe
3rd May 2007 To accomodate articles that don't have a natural home elsewhere on the Streaker site, a new page called Tack & Gybe has been created and this can be found with the Information area. To make room within the navigation bar, the Rules & Reg's page has now been relocated within the Racing area. |
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Streakers Look Set for a Bumper Year Hot on the heels of last year's brilliant total of 24 new Streaker registrations, record sales over the winter months look set to herald a bumper year of Streaker sailing across the country. In little over two months Butler Boats & Rooster Sailing have taken orders for a total of 15 new Streakers and there was a hugely encouraging amount of interest shown in the boats on display on the Streaker Class Owners Association stand at this weekend's Dinghy Exhibition at Alexandra Palace. So much so, both companies feel confident that a number of other orders will be placed in the next few weeks.
With just over two weeks to go before the 2007 Paddle Series kicks off with a joint SP & NP event at Tamworth SC (24th March) it is genuinely hoped that the fleet's recent growing popularity will continue to blossom throughout the season. Anyone who hasn't taken part in a Streaker Paddle event before can be certain of a warm welcome from all the regulars. They can also be guaranteed some highly competitive racing no matter whereabouts in the fleet they are sailing at any of the 22 different Streaker events that will be held between 24th March and 28th October - click here for full details. |
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Supersized Streaker Site Further to the recent inclusion of On-line and Standing Order membership options and the continual updating of reports, results and adverts, the Committee of the SCOA are delighted to unveil the latest evolution of the Streaker Class Owner's website. These improvements mean the site now boasts a staggering total of 88 separate content pages (including 28 downloadable PDF's) containing 3 years worth of event reports & results, 12 Top Tips articles, a complete Trophies archive, 30 video clips (plus 2 combined movies) and more than 1100 photographs. All of which makes the Streaker website arguably the biggest & best single class on-line resource going. In addition to the changes that were made in July 2006, the most recent growth in size comes from the creation of the following new pages;
Regular visitors to the site will find that a number of pages that were previously 'free to view' now require a user name & password which is automatically provided to all Association members when they join the SCOA. Although this might be unpopular with some, it is felt that by re-structuring the site in this way the Association can not only provided greater value to it's existing members, but ultimately encourage more Streaker enthusiasts to join the SCOA. It is felt that this can only serve to enhance the development of the class in the months and years ahead and it will ultimately lead to a stronger and more vibrant Streaker fleet. |
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Top Accolade For Streaker Sailor
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We are pleased to inform members of the Streaker Class Owners Association that Rooster Sails have been granted ‘Approved Sail’ status following a recent Committee Meeting. Rooster joins the other three sail manufacturers Evolution, Sail Register and Speed Sails who SCOA confirmed as approved sail manufacturers earlier this year.
Peter is a stalwart of the Yorkshire sailing scene. He was a keen Enterprise sailor from Filey Sailing Club in the 1960s, after which he became involved with Race Management and was the Commodore of that club for 20 years. At that time membership of the club began to wane so Peter and others attended a Dinghy Instructors’ Course in order to be able to recruit and teach more members. |
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