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Santa Irene Club de Vela Newsletter - 21st July 2010
Sunday morning the 18th, there we were feeling cool in the shade of the “Rincon del Puerto” our Club House; chatting with old and new friends,waiting for the wind to arrive. A few of them had been on the water on Saturday. Houri and I had been out with Rodolfo on his 10.4 metres Yacht on Friday evening with Boating fraternity of Garrucha, celebrating their Saints Day, The Virgin del Mar, it was a Great Celebration.
The very light winds of the last couples of weeks has been disappointing for some of our dinghies sailors but good news for our “Osprey” sailors, who were able to practice their capsize drill in the in the calm waters of the new Marina.
So what happening in the new Marina? We have spoken with the Manager of the Port Authority, the new pontoon which has arrived is for the use of the Visiting Competitors in the forthcoming Garrucha Regatta. Sailors will be arriving from Aguilas, Mazarón..., the date of the Regatta is July the 31st and August the 1st . They are racing for the “Ebercaja Trophy”, Does that mean the Bank is paying for the Pontoon!! because I belive it could be temporary ! The Manager told us that the contract for the Marina Pontoons will be signed and agreed too, at the end of this month with a completion date early next year. In the mean time, we are enjoying the Grand Lagoon.
The Temporary!! pontoon has given me some grandiose ideas, could we and the Andalucian Sailing Federation invite the “Laser SB3” sailors to a winter Regatta; not a bad idea for winter tourism. Many of the European Olympic and aspiring Olympic Sailors spend time in the Balearic Islands during the winter. They should test the Eastern Coast of Almería; we have the best winter climate in Europe. What could we do to encourage them? First, we need to tell them we are here.
We need to encourage Young! new members to sail the Olympic Classes. So, what are they.
For Men: 470, 49 er, Laser, Finn, Windsurfer RS X, keel boat, the Star.
For Women: 470, Laser Radial, Windsurfer RS X, Keel boat, the Elliott 6 metre.
I just don´t understand why the Keel boat have to be so obscure! Why not the SB3 or similar then we can all have ago, the others are all popular Dinghy Classes. If you are wandering where are the Catamarans? Ask the “ISAF”the International Sailing Federation, they decided 10 classes were enough! Not what is best for the Olympics.
That reminds me of the Sad News that Reg White, Gold Medalist in the 1976 Games, sailing a Tornado Catamaran, died on the 27th of May after a heart attak as he completed a race at his local Club. He was 74 year old. Do you remember the “Little Americas Cup”? He was our Champion many times in the 1960´s.
Hope to see you at the weekend,
Take care.
John Talliss
Tel : 950 475 157
Movil: 658 548 790
E-mail johntalliss@gmail.com
Sailing News Sol Times - 28th July 2010
My youthful bones seem to be complaining about the hot weather; here in Southern Spain. So my plans for August are to visit Asturias and Northern Spain, looking for some cool rain.
The Lads and Lasses will continue sailing, you will find them on Sunday morning , having coffee on the shady side of the “Rincon del Puerto” or in our Dinghy Park behind the Chandlers shop, Garrucha.
Its been good to welcome new friends with a back round of “messing about in boats”, but that does´nt have to be the case, you are all welcome. Sorry about this late news: I enquired about the new pontoon which appeared at Garrucha, to be told that it was for the Visiting Cruisers, taking part in the “Iber Caja” Trophy Regatta”; on the 31st of July and 1st of August. Its a big event in the Cruisers Calender. Is also seems they wish to keep it Quiet!! My guess is the Bank have payed for the Pontoon, if that is right, you would think they would be shouting it from the Mast Tops!!
I hope our local Champions, Miguel and family (Mojacar Chemist) do well. I will at least bring you the results.
The pontoon is NOT part of the new Marina; I think we can expect a year to elapse before it is up and running. . In the mean time as Dinghy Sailors, we can enjoy the “Grand Lagoon” that has been created.
News of the Catamarans Sailors: Vic, Ralph, Jim, Peter plus the Ladies to keep them in order, took a Dart 18, Hobie 16 and Ralph´s RIB, to the Southern end of the “Mar Menor”, staying at Honda Playa for several days. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Imagine being on a Reach ( wind on the side of the boat) for a dozen or more kilometres, sailing on flat water.
I´m sure they are planing their next trip. Vic tells me: its only one and half hours from Vera on the toll road.
Keep cool, drink plenty ( Water Only), wear a big hat.
Take care,
John Talliss
Tel : 950 475 157
Movil: 658 548 790
E-mail johntalliss@gmail.com
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