Captains Log

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