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Santa Irene Club de Vela Newsletter - 2nd February 2010
Things are looking good , another three members to Federate with the Andalucia Sailing Federation and another three boats to take to the water: a “Pastinaca”, “Osprey” and my “Kittiwake” a Gaff-rigged Yawl. It was very quiet sailing last Sunday with light airs but during the week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Jim has taken “Pelwist” out of her marina berth with a couple of contented crew, to enjoy the comfort of a small sailing cruiser.
My plans changed when Houria, who was in Melilla, due to return by Ferry into Almería on Monday, had her plans changed!! she had to take the Ferry to Malaga. I went down to meet her, to stay the night and hopefully visit the Nautical Club. I have to say, I was disappointed expecting to see sailing dinghies every where, all I did see was a few sailing cruisers.
On the outskirts of Malaga at el Candado, there is a Club, with “Optimists” and “420´s”, also a sailing school. I know there are far more dinghies just down the Coast at Benalmadina.
However, my day was made !! there alongside the Quay was a “Tall Ship”, a new mast was being prepared to fit her. She was the good ship “Astrid” a “Brig” a two-masted square-rigged vessel.
Built in 1918 with a steel hull, a total length of 42 metres, she carries 16 sails with a total sail aera of 5.250 sq. ft. Built as a Cargo Ship, she traded in the Baltic until the mid Seventy´s, later she was almost destroyed by fire, her Steel Hull saved her. She was found afloat by two ex navel officers, who saved her, She was restored to become a Sail Training vessel.
About 10 years ago, she returned to her native Holland. Now, fully restord and equipped as a luxury
sailing Tall Ship. What a sight it must be to see here with full sail, she has 4 or 5 officers.
Accommodation for 24 guests on long trips, I would guess more than that on a short passage.
I left a Santa Irene Club Card with “William” one of the Officers and an invitation to visit us at Garrucha along with ASTRID naturally . This year, there will be Tall Ships racing in the Mediterranean. Garrucha and Mojacar should invite them to visit us with No Harbour fees.
Think what it would do for the Holiday Trade, when the Extreme 40 Catamarans raced in Almería Harbour, there was a 19% increase in Hotel Bookings and that is Official.
What do you think the “America´s Cup”is doing for Valencia? And they don´t compare with the Tall Ships !! Who the hell do we talk too? Give it some serious though.
Come and have a chat with us at Garrucha Dinghy Park or at the Cafe Bar “Rufus” opposite the Marina extension.
Take care, John
John Talliss
Tel : 950 475 157
Movil: 658 548 790
E-mail johntalliss@gmail.com
Sailing News Sol Times - 27th January 2010
Maybe we haven’t had a Regatta but every Sunday in January we’ve had boats on the water out of Garrucha. With members and friends meeting for coffee at the cafe bar Rufos, which over looks the new marina extension. Our Club "Rincon del Puerto" is closed, it will reopen at the end of February. A date to remember, is the 21st of February; it’s the Aguilas Carnival Regatta. then another Regatta on the 27th. Some of us maybe involved, it’s possible the Garrucha Cruisers will be looking for crews. While we’ve been enjoying the Winter sunshine! It’s been good on Sunday’s, the story has been much different in the UK.
The 37th "Bloody Mary Race" at the Queen Mary S.C. on the 9th of January took place in freezing conditions, with snow and winds of 25 knots. 61 dinghies entered the race only 29 finished. It was a Pursuit race, the slow dinghies starting first and the faster dinghies later ,trying to overtake them. It all depends on the handicap system being used- first across the finishline is the winner. The winners were Andy Smith sailing a "505".designed in 1954.
I have very happy memories of the only pursuit race I ever won. I was sailing a "Mirror 16",which I had bought because it needed some TLC. My crew was an enthusiastic youngster, It was a light weather race and with good use of the spinnaker on the down wind run to the finishing line we were able to keep the "Contender" in second place. We crossed the line Winners, the helm of the "Contender" was a Champion ! and a "cocky" young man as I recall, Happy Days.
I see they have taken up pursuit racing in London,s Dockland,sounds a very good idea. 59 dinghies took part in a recent race, First was a"Graduate" designed in 1952, 2nd an "Albacore" designed in 1954, 3rd a "Finn" designed in 1949.
Back in the UK.you can buy many of these early designes with out breaking the Bank
Look out for a "Snipe",or "420", both are raced at local Spanish Clubs, we are trying to build up our "Topper" fleet too.
Come and join us and learn to sail, it’s a Sport for Life
Hope to see you next Sunday at 11am, mas o menos. at Garrucha for Coffee
Take care,
John Talliss
Tel : 950 475 157
Movil: 658 548 790
E-mail johntalliss@gmail.com
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