Captain's Log

Captains Log - August 2008

With three quarters of the JOG races over already this season am I the only one still waiting for summer!!
The good news is our racing has continued at a pace. The re-scheduled St Vaast race was a success and even the weather was not too bad. After returning home from St Vaast I do remember feeling very tired and it seemed to take much longer than usual to recover after an offshore race.

Concerned, I thought I was getting old until it was pointed out Electron had raced several consecutive weekends in May and June. Four of those weekends were JOG offshore and two were JOG inshore - no wonder I was tired. The partying alone was exhausting enough without the racing!

The Cognos Illingworth Challenge in July was a resounding success. Crews were sent off with a warm and hearty breakfast courtesy of our sponsors, Cognos. Even the sun tried to shine! The race started with eight boats in each class on a windy day. A wet and windy beat out of the Solent was followed with some fast off the wind sailing. So fast in fact, the first boats arrived in La Trinite around midday on Tuesday - three days after the start. All of the competitors were in by Wednesday morning.

The local yacht club, SNT, who are used to running by far larger events than ours were perfect hosts. They welcomed all the Illingworth Challenge competitors and provided a fantastic prize giving celebration (and the sun shone all day too!).

We also managed to squeeze in a Committee meeting in July. You will notice the Committee has updated some of the Club Rules. We have made the changes to reflect the way the Club is now operating whilst still keeping that relaxed and generally informal atmosphere so unique to JOG.

Another item discussed at Committee was that of advertising. It was my privilege to chair that meeting and listen to our Committee Members discuss the matter in a highly motivated and intelligent manner. Without reservation the Committee concluded that JOG must keep its Corinthian roots and the Club will continue to race under ISAF Regulation 20 Advertising Code, Category A, 'No additional advertising' and IRC Rules, Part 4 IRC A, 'No additional advertising' without any prescriptions or modification.

JOG continues to grow and prosper - it is our formula of true Corinthian racing in a relaxed style which is the key to that success.
See you on the water.

Paul Harding
Captain

Captains Log - May 2008

I hope you have enjoyed this seasons racing so far as much as I have! After a shaky start with the Easter Cherbourg postponement we have had some fantastic races, both inshore and offshore, with an excellent turn out in all three classes.

With Easter being so early it was always going to be risky and so it did not come as too much of a surprise when the race was postponed. I think it is worth noting that the Race Officers thought long and hard before issuing the postponement. The clincher for me was when we sought professional advice regarding the weather and were advised the wind chill on the Friday would be around -9 degrees Centigrade with gales - that's very cold!

The postponement did cause other issues too, inasmuch as we still needed to run the race because some competitors needed the miles to qualify for entry into the Illingworth Challenge. I apologise for the disruption to the racing calendar caused by changing St Vaast to accommodate a new date for Cherbourg. Looking at the Cherbourg entries, however, shows it was the right thing to do!

The inshore races so far have seen mixed conditions (don't they always?). Nab was a blustery, wet day. The hailstones hurt and it's been a while since I have seen a JOG competitor laid flat by a nasty gust as they beat toward the finish.

Hayling Bay was an excellent course and lovely weather. Equally, Yarmouth was fantastic; particularly the foul tide beat round Hurst toward the finish. It was exciting racing in very tight conditions and I am pleased to say that all the Competitors can congratulate themselves not only on their seamanship skills in the race but also their gentlemanly and sympathetic behaviour toward their fellow competitor - very JOG like.

It's fair to say that Peter Chartres and his Race Officers, who set the courses for our races, have had a few sleepless nights regarding the weather and the choice of courses. Their concern is what gives us such excellent racing and they are to be congratulated for the racing they have given us so far this season.

The subject of "use of engines" has come up a few times this season and there is some possible confusion between RRS Rule 42, Propulsion and JOG General Condition 14. In simple terms, if the engine is used as a means of propulsion whilst racing the boat will have to retire or may be disqualified. Obviously there are exceptions. General Condition 14 (a) specifically refers to 'grave emergency'. If you are in the path of a large ship and there is no wind you put the engine on having marked your position on the GPS/Chart and return to that position when the ship has passed 'gaining no advantage' Competitors should then report this on their Declaration Form with as much detail as possible.

Equally, the racing rules talk of giving boats "room to manoeuvre". This "room" is subjective and based on a number of factors such as type of boat, its manoeuvrability, the sea state and weather conditions at the time etc. So it can be a different amount of room even for the same two boats in different conditions.

The JOG fleet do behave extremely well and competitors take into account that "room to manoeuvre" is variable and dependant on conditions. What is not generally known is that we do have competitors in all three classes that race double handed. These boats will generally need more "room to manoeuvre" than fully crewed boats - please bear this in mind.

Finally - The Illingworth Challenge to La Trinite has taken on a life of its own. Not only do we now have over 35 entries across three classes but we have secured an excellent title sponsor with Cognos.

Cognos are an IBM Company and are World leaders in business intelligence, planning and performance management systems. Not only will Cognos be supporting the JOG race and its Competitors but they will be working closely with Marine Track to provide Competitors and their followers a web site to track the progress of the boats. Information to the site will be updated regularly and provide up to the minute details of the race.

Exciting times ahead and I am looking forward to seeing you on the racecourse and at the destination "watering holes"

Paul Harding
Captain

Captains Log - March 2008

You may be forgiven for thinking that our club, like the majority of yachts, is laid up for the winter. Then, as spring approaches it is dragged out, dusted off and refitted for the coming season.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Apart from our hard working secretary, Peter, the JOG Committee is manned by racing enthusiasts whose love to go racing. For that reason alone the Club is very successful but it also means we do a lot of preparatory work throughout the dark winter months. Last winter is no exception.

In fact, last year on the 20th October Nick Barlow hosted an open forum for JOG members to discuss what they wanted from the Club. As we do not have a club house building it is often difficult to get a group of members together and have a heart to heart about the club. Last October's meeting achieved that with incredible success and raised a number of points the Committee promised they would attend to and report back on.

If you were at that meeting in October you will recall a lot was discussed. This meant there was a huge amount to points to attend to at the next Committee meeting. To cover as much ground as possible and to make sure each issue receives the best attention we have formed a number of sub-committees, each chaired by an appointed JOG Committee member.

Now you might think the above comment regarding sub-committees reads like some stuffy old "blah-blah" report from a 200 year old club with people in committee who love to hear the sound of their own voice. I can assure you that is not the case! It is the only way to get a lot of work done in a short time by people who already have very busy working and sailing lives - and it's been very gratifying to watch the enthusiasm and effort of those involved - all for the Club and it's future.

The main issues which arose from the meeting last October are detailed below with our progress to date:

West Country destinations: Suggested ports were Brixham, Torquay, Dartmouth, Salcombe, Plymouth, Fowey and Falmouth. To be included in next seasons calendar and as potential ports for the 2010 60th anniversary event: Under review Peter Chartres & Nick Barlow.

Occasional Friday morning starts will be considered for 2009: Committee

The opportunity for more back to back Cat 4 races will be looked at. Under consideration as part of the membership: action Martin Banfield

The idea of a touring race was discussed where a number of category 4 back to back races from one port to the next could potentially become the basis for a JOG week. A sub committee has been set up to devise an event for 2010. Proposals are being drafted for consideration by the committee: Nick Barlow

The idea of a triangle race was discussed and will be considered. This may be the basis for the 2010 Illingworth challenge.
The question was raised about the early finish to the season. Planning for future seasons will take this into account along with other pressures on the calendar: Committee

The issue of the number of races qualifying for points was raised and it was agreed that it should be given further consideration at committee. This is now under review Paul Harding

The long distance race should count for points This was discussed and met with an even split across the people present . It is believed that the decision should stand for 2008 that it will not count for points and it will be reviewed before the next race programme.

The long distance race to La Trinite.
Concerns were expressed regarding the eligibility of certain vessels for category 2 racing. It was stated that members are not to assume that their vessel is not eligible and that the base SSS will be increased by attention to the prescriptions for category 2 eg. the addition of a second bilge pump and the addition of an EPIRB etc. The committee will also take into consideration the racing history of each vessel on an individual basis. Prescriptions for Category 2 equipment stand: Completed

ISAF and RYA safety courses were discussed and it was considered a good idea if JOG can organise some courses on behalf of the race entrants Courses available through KTY Yachting: Completed

Publicity for the race was discussed. The race has gained some publicity in the yachting press. Further publicity can be gained through class associations, TV and boat shows. An owner from the committee has been assigned to look at publicity in general: Andy Phelps

The Website.
Discussion centered around making the Website interactive with the capability of making the site capable of housing secure crew listings, and making it capable of handling on line declarations in the same way as the Cowes Week Website. The Update of the Website was discussed and for now the use of Email for post race declaration needs to be communicated. Under review Steve Liebmann

The health of JOG/ Promotion
Ideas for promoting JOG were requested and a number were suggested. The Yachting press, Cowes on line, U tube, Thedailysail, 1 page flyer in various clubs inc the London Corinthian & French Clubs, Website links (google & ask) An owner from the committee has been assigned to look at publicity in general: Andy Phelps

Review wording on advertising to make an exception for sailing schools as it is accepted that sailing schools feed JOG with potential new crew. This will be reviewed by the committee.
Promote the image of JOG. "What makes JOG fun for young and old alike" An owner from the committee has been assigned to look at publicity in general: Andy Phelps

London Boat Show
Crew match party, New members party, Make new boats welcome. All Committee members will work to meet new boats and crews at after race gatherings.

Approach the local universities, Southampton, Solent, Portsmouth, Winchester, Bournemouth,

Others
Fun Race
The idea of a sub-race based on CORA was discussed. The "Fun Race" would involve boats having the option to record the time where they reached a predetermined waypoint during a JOG race. This would give the finishing team the ability to award a prize for vessels even when they have not managed to finish a race due to lack of wind etc.

Guest Race
links to 1,2 & 5
Whilst it is acknowledged that one of the positive aspects of JOG is the cross Channel destinations that crews enjoy visiting each year, it was also recognised that crews would like an element of variety which could be introduced as a "guest race" The general idea that the West Country race could be a guest race was considered as an idea.

Start Line
Concerns over the long start line. The Secretary agreed to look into the issue regarding course flags and the option regarding Easterly courses.

JOG Week links to 1,4 & 5
Consideration for an alternative to Guernsey was requested. It was suggested that Torquay could be considered. Reasons given were ease of access for crew who may not be able to spend the whole week racing, better access to the shore and a new and different destination. Other considerations were Falmouth because the thriving local environment and because of the possibility of estuary racing in poor weather. Jog Week is being given special consideration by a sub committee consisting of Martin Banfield, Tim lester, Mark Wynter and Nick Barlow Nick Barlow

It was agreed that another JOG week should be considered for the 60th Birthday of JOG. Jog Week is being given special consideration by a sub committee consisting of Martin Banfield, Tim lester, Mark Wynter and Nick Barlow Nick Barlow

The question was raised whether Sopranino can be bought out of "retirement" to take part in the classic yacht event in Brest. It was agreed that any opportunity to display the spirit of JOG would benefit the club. Jog Week is being given special consideration by a sub committee consisting of Martin Banfield, Tim lester, Mark Wynter and Nick Barlow Nick Barlow

Paul Harding

Captain's Log November 2007

To have been elected Captain of JOG at the Club's 57th Annual General Meeting has made me feel both proud and honoured. Proud because the Club is unique in how it operates and in what it offers to Members. Honoured because of the fame, stature, quality of seamanship and leadership shown by previous Captains, and in particular Phil Hagen who has given so much of his time and energy to JOG's Captaincy over a period when he was also under great pressure from work and travel. I wish him a really enjoyable sailing season in 2008! I will work hard and do my best to follow their example.

I am looking forward to working with our President, Vice Captains and Committee to ensure the long term future of the Club. Nothing can stand still these days and the long term success of JOG continues because, as a club, we are prepared to go with the times whilst never forgetting our roots. Having already served six years on the Club Committee, three years as a Committee member and three years as Vice Captain, I understand that whilst change is inevitable, it should be managed.

That is where the Club's Committee comes in. Our role is to manage the Club for the benefit of its Members. We are there to keep the Club financially healthy and to ensure the races are managed for both the enjoyment and the safety of the competitors - no easy job!

The new look web site is a good example of the above philosophy. It looks fresh and modern but in fact, its function and content has changed very little. Over the coming years I hope we can continue to improve the web site and add more function for the benefit of Members and to ease the administration of the Club and its races.

The Illingworth Challenge (Cowes to La Trinité) will have its inaugural start in July 2008. There has been four years of hard work from several Committee Members to finally get the race off the ground. There is, of course, still a lot of hard work to do with the race's organisation, helping boats and crews get qualified, gathering in the entries and providing the appropriate authorities with an accurate risk assessment to keep them happy.

I do believe the Illingworth Challenge represents the roots of JOG. Interestingly, our very first Captain, P J Ellam, who held the tiller of JOG from 1951 to 1953, had the following to say:
"The race had started on Saturday morning. The first of the big boats had arrived at Santander on Wednesday morning and they kept on coming in, in ones and twos, all through Wednesday night , the last ones arriving on Thursday morning. These were the ocean racing fleet, the cream of the big deep-sea yachts. And little Sopranino had turned in only a few hours later."

Patrick Ellam wrote the above comment in his book "Sopranino - 10,000 miles over the ocean in a midget sailboat" which was co-authored with Colin Mudie. His comments were about proving that small boats could sail and race across oceans and was about the 1950 RORC Plymouth- Santander Race. In that year RORC's longest and most important race.

He added:
"That winter a small band of enthusiasts met at the Royal Ocean Racing Club under the presidency of Captain Illingworth, to form a club to promote the development of this new breed of midget offshore racing boats. We called it the Junior Offshore Group; which shortens nicely to JOG, and drew up a set of rules intended primarily to ensure the highest possible standard of safety."

JOG was founded by men who were willing to be adventurous and try new ideas - rebels if you like. It was founded by men who were prepared to put their ideas into practice and prove them. Who am I to argue - JOG is a fantastic concept and a great Club!

I look forward to seeing many members out on the water from Easter next year!

Paul Harding