What happened to the offshore entries then?

[Steve Vyse]

First we had the Dieppe race with just three starters - the low entry was put down to many factors including boats stuck in France.

No matter we thought, the Pactolus will be the one to enjoy. Once again Moonlight Saunter was on the line with ourselves, joined this time by Crazy Daisy and a plucky French boat that had come all the way for the race. That was it - just three Sussex boats.

After R.O. Doug Beanland set us of from the beach, David took Moonlight Saunter on an Easterly wind and tide gamble, showing us the way home into Fecamp with a massive lead - well done! Barda and Crazy Daisy took the more conservative route and enjoyed a great sail over followed by a great weekend. Quite where the French entry got to I never found out, which was a shame as we'd have bought them a drink or five.

The forecast stiff Westerly going North the next day prompted us all to leave after dinner on Saturday night, and we managed to get quite a few calm miles under our belts before taking something of a beating into the early hours from the over enthusiastic breeze. Anyway we all made it back, perhaps damper than we'd like, into Shoreham during Sunday morning.

Best wishes to John Ramus who was sucked out of the companionway of Crazy Daisy by a rogue wave and came ashore cut and bruised. That the Daisy and Moonlight kept an eye on the semi-submersible Barda by VHF was much appreciated, even if we were a bit busy for a chat.

All in all a fabulous weekend of hard sailing for all. Which begs the question, why did we few get all the fun? Can we do anything different to get the numbers up, or was it just down to the weather or the move from  holding the Pactolus on a Bank Holiday?

Steve V

[Ben G Evans]

Hi Steve

It was aparent from early last week that numbers would be low however the office confirmed to me that 6 boats would be attending and on that basis (after liaising with Alan Saunders) I estimated 30 peopel would turn up to the dinner in St V.

I did my best and corresponded several times with Soc de Regatte de Fecamp and also with the office and via forum however it seems that support this year was not good. I welcomed the french sailors into port on the Wednesday evening as well.

I heard some grumblings/heckling in my direction from the syc bar as I walked by the club yesterday so I guess the numbers dwindled further?

Perhaps the lack of numbers is partly due to the new date as I know a lot of people are preparing for Cowes and Fastnet (including me) and this was my only weekend off sailign for the whole summer.

Will raise at keel boat committee.

Well done to you all for what sounds like quite an adventure in any event!

[Steve Vyse]

Numbers did dwindle with just David and his Moonlight Saunterer's attending. Ourselves and Crazy Daisy dined together which in retrospect wasn't the most PC thing to do so apologies to SRF for that, but I guess without somebody on the spot to chivvy things along it was too easy for us to fall into one of the excellent harbourside restuarants.

Ben, I'm not having a pop at anybody in particular, especially yourself and Alan who do a sterling job. I'm just disapointed that after spending so much time and money getting the boat up to scratch to take part in my first cross channel racing it seems to be a match between Moonlight and ourselves (and David has shown me just how much I have to learn).

Those skippers going to the Solent or braving the Fastnet need to be consulted to see if there is anything that can be done to get them home for a race or two next season. Perhaps we could even consider turning one or two of the offshores into advertised open events and get a few of the Brighton/Sovereign Harbour fleet out to play?

Of course sods law dictates that the St.Valery event, which we'll be missing whilst sailing in Turkey, will be a hugely succesful affair with fair winds both ways.

Steve V

[robin]

Apparently the gallic contingent was called "Cœur d'Artichaut" and arrived safely in Fécamp sometime after 22.00 hrs - or so I was told!  At all events, he gets a win for Line Honours (French) so jolly good luck to him, say I!

The race over was good; and being in Fécamp is a pleasure your correspondent is still finding a never-decreasing novelty.  If others had other fish to fry, equally jgl to them also.

Many thanks to Barda & Crazy Daisy for providing some of the best radio comedy moments since HMS Troutbridge.  "You know what he's like", forsooth!

Glad to hear all got back in good order.

See you in St Valéry!

[djskinner]

I havent rushed to print-waiting to see others views before giving my own.The Pactolus started many years ago (An idea of Lady Hermione Collwyn who owned Pactolus)when the French Rallied to the Solent ending up at Shoreham.We entertained them to a Dinner and we all raced/rallied back to Fecamp the following morning followed by another Dinner and Prizegiving.I did my first Pactolus over 20 years ago and still have the paper knife which Hermione presented to every competitor.Times have changed but without tradition our Club would not be what it is.
So this year?These views may upset some but they are strongly held and those of a veteran.We havent got the mix right!here I take blame as I am on the Keelboat Committee.The racing fraternity are leading the way and those who just Rally with a Race for company,in general,are not attending.So numbers are down.Three trips tp France close together have not helped especially with Cowes Week looming.
Yes Steve to not attend the "official function"was a mistake.After all we have free moorings by way of hospitality organised by SRF.My crew were on a three line whip-as ever.You-the up and coming all important younger Members-shopuld make the effort to socialize with the French-as they should with us.Just smile kiss everyone and kep saying "Dacor" and "Ca Va"to everyone.Seems to work for me.
I apologized to SRF and offered to pay for their loss from SYC funds.This was well accepted but refused.As my personal guests I have invited Dominique Chalot and Isabelle to come over to our November Prizegiving Ball.Perhaps a chance for others to make new French friends.He is a super guy and shares my views as SRF have similar challenges to our own.
I must say publically that I do not hold our Rally Secretary to blame for what went on.He did all he could.Things change and life goes on.I have done many Cowes Weeks ect.I have spent a fortune in the past on High Tec sails to no great success.I have had younger -more thirsty-crews.Through it all I have remained loyal to ou great Club and in my dotage I will struggle to keep the traditional values which have taken since 1892 to build up.Here endeth the lesson!
PS Jennie is doing well in the Nuffield,Brighton after two new tin knees operation and should be home on Satutday a rareing to gfo.Pray for me!