News

November

Barbara Payne

It is with sadness that we report that Barbara Payne died on November 18th. She had celebrated her 96^th birthday earlier this year.

Barbara was in many ways a stalwart of the XOD Class. She was introduced to the X by her father George Matson in the early 1930s and together with her sister Kathleen campaigned X6 Coquette. She later owned X1 Mistletoe which she subsequently donated to the National Maritime Museum. X1 is now at the museum in Falmouth.

For many years Barbara was the XOD Class Historian and the records we have today owe much to her research and attention to detail.

All visitors to “The Bollard” were welcomed and entertained to many stories of the founding of Itchenor Sailing Club and in particular the X class.

A remembrance service for Barbara is to be held at St Nicholas Church, Itchenor on Tuesday 1st December at Midday - 12.00.

1930 - Barbara second right, with her sister Kathleen and father, George Matson, left.

October

Competitive end of season for XODs at Itchenor

Over the last couple of weekends the season came to an exciting climax for the XOD class at Itchenor Sailing Club. The Beadle Bowl is awarded to the top XOD in the Saturday series that runs from mid summer. Of the 27 boats that competed in the series, seven had a chance of taking the trophy as the last race started. As the fleet set off down harbour in a strong wind in became apparent that only one of three of the contenders would be victorious. Ted Roose was sailing Thora superbly upwind to edge out Wenda, not a contender, at the windward mark. Wenda’s superior downwind speed enabled her to overtake Thora at the leeward mark. It was the same story at the next two marks. All the time the two other contenders, Peter Taylor’s Felix and the Lawrence brothers’ Catherine were not far behind the leaders. At the final mark it could hardly have been closer with the leading four boats rounded within a few seconds of each other and well clear of the rest of the fleet. At the gun it was Wenda that took the race but the trophy would be decided by the positions of the next three boats. Thora was second, Catherine third and Felix fourth which resulted in all three having the same series points. So it came to a count back with Catherine emerging as the victor.

During October the Autumn Trophy is competed for by over 20 XODs. As the final race of the season arrived it was clear that one of three Xs would be the winner. The consistently performing Thora (Ted Roose, Chris Blevins and David Priscott) was again in the mix; this time with Damian Ash who is now successfully deploying Wenda’s possibilities and the real “dark horse”, Ilex sailed by Stu Haill. It was these three who set the pace right from the start in very light airs on Saturday afternoon. A decisive moment came when Ilex went hard aground near the Chalkdock beacon. This left Thora and Wenda to fight it out. Although Wenda established a significant lead that she held to the finish, the crew on Thora were content in the knowledge that their second place was sufficient to take the Autumn Trophy.

Results: Beadle Bowl Autumn Trophy

Thora - photograph Guy Partington

September

Team racing victory at Parkstone

Bill Barnes reports:

On Friday 18^th September, the Itchenor Division team lead by Class Captain Alan Perry travelled to Parkstone Yacht Club in Poole, Dorset to participate in the annual inter division match against Parkstone Yacht Club’s XOD Division.

Parkstone Division organised 3 boats per side (6 in total) the local division’s members kindly loaning their boats for the Itchenor team to race.

Four races were held, with the first two races using the same boats, with just the helmsman changing. For the second two matches all the crews transferred to the other team’s boats to ensure fairness of racing with the boats used.

Racing took place in the south western sector of Poole Harbour with little or no commercial traffic. Weather conditions although mainly overcast, stayed dry with a gentle 6 – 12 knot NE breeze, allowing spinnakers to be used. Committee boat “Holly” was used with a windward – leeward course requiring the start/finish line as a gate to pass through to windward, but outside on the downwind legs.

Results (low score system): Itchenor won 3 races and Parkstone 1 race. The total points result was much closer: Itchenor 41 to Parkstone 45.

Afterwards Parkstone generously hosted lunch at PYC and local Class Captain - Hugh Deavin awarded Itchenor with “Bridget’s Cup”. This silver trophy was originally presented by Bridget Bowerbank who was a renowned XOD crew for nearly 30 years. Itchenor Captain Alan Perry responded by thanking Parkstone for a good days racing and their very kind hospitality. He reminded all competitors that this annual match would be held at Itchenor in 2010 and stated the importance of maintaining this competition and camaraderie as an important ongoing tradition.

Itchenor team members included: Alan Perry, Ron Parker & Barry Field / John Tattersall, Jasper Bardon, & Liz Powell / Bill Barnes, Robin Wootton & Linda Tattersall.

Parkstone Division boats which raced: X25 Morven/X37 Arial/X74 Fiona/X107 Carolet/X143 Skiffle/ X167 Xerxes

August

A festival of XOD racing

Points Week at Itchenor Sailing Club is a festival of XOD racing. Last week 29 boats entered and enjoyed a variety of conditions in Chichester Harbour. Whilst the aftermath of Hurricane Bill contrived to disrupt the sailing on Wednesday over six races were possible on the days when the conditions were more benign.

With a dozen trophies to be won competition was keen. First to strike was David Humphrey sailing David Corsan’s Skua in Monday morning’s single handed race. The winds were light and David made the most of the little breeze there was. Enjoying the breezier conditions the afternoon’s race for fully crewed boats was won by Peter and Steve Lawrence’s Catherine. Sweet X (Mark Palmer) and Lass (Richard Jordan) were 2^nd and 3^rd. An excellent course was set by race officer Roger Wickens and the crews that chose the Thorney side got to Treloar before those on the Rookwood side.

Tuesday morning’s race was for the Grenfell Cup when the ladies were given the helm. The popular winner was Liz Powell sailing Stu Haill’s Ilex. 2^nd and 3^rd were two Sunbeam helms – Gayle Palmer and Becky Wickens. As with Monday the “right” side to go to the windward mark in the afternoon race was the Thorney side and the leaders arrived at Dunes in close order. It was Felix who emerged with a lead and was never headed. Sweet X scored another 2^nd and Robin Bromley Martin enjoyed his best result of the week -3^rd - in Lafia.

With an enforced rest on Wednesday, the fleet gathered on Thursday morning to make up the lost race. With a weak breeze, strong flood tide and low water, conditions were challenging. Catherine made the best of them with Sweet X again 2^nd and Chartreuse (Colin McKinnon) making her first appearance of the week in 3^rd place. With fair conditions in the afternoon and a brisk South Westerly the fleet again went to Dunes as their first mark. For the first time Roger Wickens decreed that the fleet need not pass north of Sandhead and Copyhold so the Rookwood side, with the option of passing close to East Head, proved to be the more favourable route. Chartreuse was first to Dunes with Ted Roose’s Thora in close order. Catherine came off the alternative course to challenge the leaders. By the end of another excellent race Chartreuse held off Catherine with Thora 3^rd.

More strong winds on Friday also caused the abandonment of racing.

Although chased hard by Mark Palmer’s Sweet X, Peter Taylor’s Felix and Ted Roose’s Thora, the Lawrences dominated the week’s competition and took the coveted Benson Platter for the overall winner of the series.

Results: Benson Platter – Catherine (P & S Lawrence) 1^st, Sweet X (M Palmer) 2, Felix (Mr & Mrs P Taylor) 3, Thora (E Roose, C Blevins, D Priscott) 4, Lafia (R Bromley Martin) 5, Lass (R Jordan, R Bullock) 6.

Treloar Cup – Falconet (A Perry, R Parker), Onward Trophy – Kittiwake (R Wilson), 75^th Anniversary Bowl – Catherine, Measurer’s Model – Felix, Dick Hoare Trophy – Ilex (S Haill), Skua Trophy – Catherine, David Lipscombe Trophy – Chartreuse (C McKinnon, N Hart, D Foster), Lone Star Cup – Skua (D Humphrey), Grenfell Cup – Ilex (Miss E Powell).

Peter Lawrence enjoys a victory pint - photo - David Foster

For full results Click

Success for Itchenor at Cowes

Even before Cowes Week started a team of three XODs from Itchenor Sailing Club were doing battle with teams from Lymington, Parkstone and Yarmouth in the annual precursor to the regatta proper. In the round robin team racing tournament Itchenor had already scored decisive victories over Parkstone and Yarmouth before they faced Lymington in the final race. This was to be the decider because the Hampshire team had also beaten Parkstone but had lost to Yarmouth.

Up to the final mark Itchenor were in the lead but were eventually overhauled. This left the two old rival teams each with two victories. However, on points count back Itchenor came out ahead and took the XOD Team Racing Shield, a trophy they last won in 2004.

Itchenor’s team was Colin McKinnon, David Foster, Neil Hart, Peter and Steve Lawrence, Paddy Smart, Peter Taylor, Guy Partington and Andy Shaw.

Alan Perry joins members of the successful Itchenor team: David Foster, Steve Lawrence, Paddy Smart, Peter Lawrence, Neil Hart and captain - Colin McKinnon

...and they did it, too!

Andy Shaw, George Yeoman and Alan Roberts were the winners of the Zephyr Trophy. This is a new trophy awarded to the top under 25 XOD team in Cowes Week. (See below and also the photo gallery for details of their accommodation.)

July

Team racing squad announced

Alan Perry has announce an experienced squad to compete for the XOD inter divisional team racing trophy. Squad members are:

Colin McKinnon (Captain), David Foster, Neil Hart, Peter Lawrence, Steve Lawrence, Guy Partington, Andy Shaw, Peter Taylor.

Top British Universities sailors challenge for new Cowes Week XOD Trophy

Three top sailors in this year’s British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) sailing championships are heading for Cowes Week in early August with their eyes firmly set on bringing home the Zephyr Cup. This new trophy will be awarded to the highest placed XOD with a crew containing at least two crew members under 25.

Andy Shaw and George Yeoman from Itchenor Sailing Club will be joined on board the XOD Phoenix by Alan Roberts from Hayling Island.

Andy sailed the Southampton University boat to win the BUSA match racing championships. George was third in the same competition helming the Newcastle University boat. Alan was tactician on the Southampton Solent University boat that won the BUSA yachting championships.

Andy and George are no strangers to success as they were selected to represent Great Britain in the international match racing championship in California USA last year where they finished a very creditable third. Indeed one can trace their successes back to the early years of this century when they were competing in a variety of dinghy classes such as the Mirror and 420.

The choice of the XOD class at Cowes shows that the three are not overawed by reputation. It is widely recognised that the X class, that attracts Olympians and world champions from many other classes, is the toughest of all the Cowes Week classes in which to succeed.

The Phoenix team join a strong Itchenor XOD fleet intent on regaining the Phillipson Shield which they last won in 2007 as the top XOD division in Cowes Week. The Itchenor team is:

X 26	Catherine	Peter and Steve Lawrence
X 55	Falconet	Alan Perry, Ron Parker, Chris Williams
X 71	Wenda	Damian and Peter Ash, Adrian Murphy
X 80	Lass	Richard Jordan, Richard Bullock
X101	Thora	Ted Roose, Chris Blevins, David Priscott
X103	Minx	Johnny Lyell
X141	Madame X	Tony Probert
X169	Perdix	David Humphrey, John Shaw, Mike Shaw
X171	Chartreuse	Colin McKinnon, Neil Hart, David Foster
X177	Relaxation	Tina Scott, Alastair Ashford, Nick Warner
X182	Sweet X	Mike Martell
X186	Phoenix	Andy Shaw, George Yeomans, Alan Roberts
X191	Judy	Bill Mallam, David Haines
X192	Felix	Peter Taylor, Guy Partington, John Long

Consistent Thora wins Matson Trophy

Ted Roose and his crew put in a series winning set of results during the Saturdays of May, June and July. When it came to the final race, X101 only needed a 4th place to seal the trophy and they did it with a 3rd. Despite a victory in the last race Peter Taylor in Felix had to settle for 2nd place behind his long term friend and rival. The Stocker fleet prize goes to Terrapin and that for the Pilsey fleet to Kittiwake.

Thora's victory also ensured that Clare Blevins won the Coquette Cup as the top lady in the series.

Full results CLICK

June

Mid-season supper - "Punch up on the balcony"

The Mid Season Supper on June 27th will have a Caribbean theme, with a nice relaxed atmosphere.

Dress is 'casually Caribbean', so dig out that bad shirt you bought in Barbados!

We will be serving rum punch from 1900, and also our new balcony will have just been be opened, hence the headline 'A Punch up on the Balcony.'

For a change, we will be presenting the early season prizes at 1945, so you have a choice of just coming along for rum punch, if you like.

Prizes are going to Chartreuse, Felix, Perdix, Relaxation, Onyx, Amber and Xanadu as well as the Joan Shaw series winners on that day.

At 2000 will be serving a 3 course meal in the buttery - numbers are limited, so book soon.

Leuw Cup

In its first foray out of harbour this season the Itchenor fleet was treated to bright sun and fair winds. As can always be expected with the wind from the north east, the breeze came and went and shifted. Racing was close with all the Xs finishing within a few minutes after two and a quarter hours. At the windward mark Thora, helmed by David Priscott in Ted Roose's absence on the Help for Heroes bike ride to Paris, led squeezing ahead of Chartreuse. Peter Taylor's Felix drew ahead of Thora by the leeward mark - Dean Elbow, but by only a boat's length with rest of the fleet close behind. The race was decided on the beat back to Chi and the course taken critical. Thora went inshore to catch the expected breeze close to land as other boats stayed out in the stronger tide. As it turned out the middle course was best as demonstrated by race winners Tina Scott and John Long Relaxation and second placed Tom Tait in Xtravagance celebrating his 88th birthday. Thora was third.

May

The early May Bank Holiday series was dominated by Peter Taylor's Felix. Counting three 1st places from her four races Felix was top cat ahead of Gone Away, Perdix and the surprise package Xanadu - the Stocker fleet winners. This series now has a trophy and we are delighted to report that Anne and Peter Taylor have generously donated the new Felix Bowl. This will be presented at the Mid Season supper to ....Peter Taylor!

Felix was also a contender for the Hutcheson Trophy competed for over the late May Bank Holiday weekend. However, despite two first places, a disappointed 10th on Sunday afternoon meant that the more consistent Perdix won the Hutcheson Cup. Consolation for Felix is that they win the Hutcheson Cup 2. A dogged performance by Tony Probert in Madame X was rewarded with the Stocker fleet prize.

For full results Click

David Humphrey doffs his cap aboard Perdix

(photo - David Priscott)

April

Close competition for the April Fools Mug

The Itchenor XODs emerged from their winter accommodation looking pristine with bright new varnish work. They sparkled on the water in the bright spring sunshine. The racing for the first trophy of the season – the April Fools Mug - was as competitive as ever with more than half of the19 boats that competed gaining a top three position in at least one of the 10 races.

The early pace was set by Mike Shaw and David Humphrey in Perdix and Tom and Carole Tait in Xtravagance who each won one of the first two races. Then out came Chartreuse and Phoenix – Chartreuse winning races 3 and 6 and Phoenix races 4 and 5.

It was all to play for until the last race. If Phoenix (Alastair Shaw and Chris Froy) won then they would take the series and the trophy. As it transpired a series of uncharacteristic errors by Shaw saw Phoenix come in 8^th and the April Fools Mug was taken by last year’s winner Chartreuse – (Colin McKinnon, Neil Hart and David Foster).

Result of April Fools Mug Series

1^st	Chartreuse	Colin McKinnon, Neil Hart and David Foster
2^nd	Perdix	Michael Shaw and David Humphrey
3^rd	Phoenix	Alastair Shaw and Chris Froy
4^th	Xtravagance	Tom and Carole Tait
5^th	Harmony	John and Linda Tattersall
6^th	Gone Away	Bill Barnes, Chris Leaver, Anthony Gibbon

April Fools Mug winner - Chartreuse (photo - Anne Colbourne)

Stuart Jardine visit a huge success

We were delighted that sailing legend Stuart Jardine came to the club for the day to give a talk to our members.

45 keen XOD helms and crew turned out to listen to Stuart who talked about the new build project at Lymington, the proposed rigging changes and to watch his excellent PowerPoint presentation on how his winning boat Lone Star is set up.

Stuart went through every single control line on his X boat explaining how he has won the coveted Captains Cup at Cowes a record seven times. The interesting point was that his guys are still improving the way the boat is set up with constant changes to ensure that every control line is easy to operate.

Stuart makes a point during his presentation

His talk certainly gave us a lot to think about. I am sure many of us will be off to change a few bits on our boats before they are all launched before Easter. To see Stuart's presentation CLICK

Stuart also showed photos of the new build which has just been turned over following completion of the hull. The topsides will be varnished pine to show she is a made of wood like her 197 predecessors. An old X boat keel has been found so the boat should be sailing soon and is a credit to the enthusiasm of this small group of amateur pensioners!

Stuart was given a coveted Itchenor XOD crystal wine glass as an appreciation of openly encouraging the rest of the fleet. He shared all his secrets with us, so we have no excuse in future.

Stuart explains the experimental rigging changes

Winter skittles

Once again our skittles night at The Richmond Arms in January was great fun. The log fire and excellent curry lifted our spirits and we had three teams representing the Winner, Stocker and Pilsey fleets.

Just like on the water, the cream of the talent came to the top in the end! The Stocker fleet were doing well at one stage, only to be overtaken by Pilsey, but in the final run to the finish it was the Winner fleet who edged a well earned victory.

The defending individual champion, Michael Shaw, proved that last winter's victory was no fluke by winning again! Well done Michael, what is your secret?

The outstanding lady player was once again Ros Hart, who this year was the only player to knock down all nine skittles with her 3 balls.

We are having a challenge match on April 3rd at The Richmond Arms again, this time against the young RS 200 fleet.

Please keep our winter training a secret. I hope all our star players can turn out to maintain our status at Itchenor as 'The Senior Fleet'!

Caption Competition:

Liz: "Is that close enough for you Ros?"