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Our 2007 boating season has just ended. Now the dark evenings
are here we have made a start on our winter program to prepare the boats and
equipment for the next summer season.
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In August this year the RYA renewed our recognition
as an RYA Training Centre for both Dinghy Sailing and Power
Boating. We have completed courses for the Youth Sailing Scheme, level
2 Power and Safety Boat courses. With the five new Picos we have just purchased
we are putting together an exciting training programme for 2008.
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Once again there will be a strong emphasis on canoeing
instruction and training for individual B.C.U. Star awards and inter-scout
competitions. The success of the
Hamble River Raid and the growing number of Bursledon Giggs on the river
has renewed interest in rowing.
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Stonechat has represented the Group at a number of events
this summer, including the
ASTO Small Ships race in October, achieving 12th overall and 4th traditional
vessel. In addition a group of scouts and leaders took her down to the
Old Gaffers Festival
at Yarmouth his June. Many friends of the group visited us for a rest
and a drink whilst they were at the festival. We even managed to
receive a cup, for the most improved boat, at the
Solent Old Gaffers
race last summer, achieving over 7 knots at one point, down hill with the wind
behind us. We intend sailing Stonechat throughout the year, weather permitting,
with visits to Cowes, Yarmouth, Lymington and Portsmouth, ask Terry or Brian
for details.
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Dinghy sailing
Our four Bosuns, three Wayfarers (now with new sails),
two Larks, 420, ISO and Spice sailing dinghies and small keel boat have
fared well this year and are now being readied for next season. We have
taken part in events such as the Solent Scout Sailing Regatta, and Bursledon
regatta, in addition to normal sailing sessions both on the River Hamble
and in the Solent at weekends In addition to a week of sailing at our 2007
summer camp. 2008 sees the arrival of 5 Laser Pico dinghies for teaching
the basics of sailing to our members.
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Kayaking
Traditionally one of our most popular activities, a lottery
grant in early 2007 has allowed us to update our kayak fleet with 10 new
kayaks. Once the basics have been mastered on the River Hamble, members
have the opportunity to attend white water and surf trips to locations such
as North Devon, the River Dart, Teifi, Wye, and the Nene White Water Centre(link).
In previous years we have been represented in the
Devises to Westminster canoe race, and compete regularly in the Solent Scout
Regatta. Our Canoe trailer has enabled us to transport up to 30 canoes at a
time to locations around the country. Luckily
Eliot's Land Rover
keeps on going, despite his and Ian's
best attempts to sink their vehicles when off-roading. Download details of the
Hamble Sea Scout Rash vests.
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Canoe Polo
Thanks to sponsorship from Dyke Services Auto engineers,
who in 2006 provided a set of canoe polo boats and equipment, we now field
two teams in the BCU South West League, Divisions two and three. We
also participate in matches against local teams such as Southampton University,
and attend the Merseyside international canoe polo competition.
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Rowing
Following the generous donation of a Bursledon gig by
Dr David Pointer of Point Source
and the Bursledon Regatta Committee, interest in rowing has been renewed.
Indeed we now compete in many events such as the Hamble Week gig race,
Bursledon Regatta and
Great River Race on the Thames
through London, and continue to organise the Hamble River Raid. Before
moving to the Gig, members develop their skills in our five, strong, four
oared ‘pulling’ boats which may also be fitted with an outboard.
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Dragon Boating
Our Dragon boat formed the centrepiece of our contingent
at last years Chinese themed Bursledon Regatta, in addition to providing
opportunities for our Cubs to get afloat.
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Power
Safety cover is provided from Hamble Sea Scouts trusty Avon Sports Rib, white safety boat,
aluminium work boat (no name as it was donated and we did not like to ask),
Dell Quay Dory and two Avon Seariders, invaluable for supervising coastal sailing.
A donation in 2002 by the Southern Branch of the British Marine Industries Federation
(BMIF) of a new 25hp outboard has enabled us to put a third safety
boat on the water. A new 30hp Mariner was purchased last year, with assistance
from the RN fund, to replace the worn out engine fitted to second safety boat.
For the last two years we have competed in the
Honda RYA Youth Rib Championship. Many members have found the powerboat
handling experience gained useful in later employment.
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News
We have recently acquired a
Cork 1720 Sportsboat, whilst in need of some work, and short of some equipment,
it is hoped to have it sailing for summer 2008 allowing us to offer keelboat
training in addition to competing in yachting events on the Solent.
Our wish list for this year includes equipment such as sails, rigging and
spars for our 1720, improved canoe polo equipment (carbon fibre polo kayaks),
and a second rowing Gig in addition to items such as dinghy sails.
Longer term we are looking to replace our RIB, in addition to improving the
provision of both open canoeing and windsurfing within the group. Should
you wish to sponsor boat or activity, or wish to donate a boat or equipment
to a worthy cause please send an email to
Hamble Sea Scouts
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