Mudeford Sailing Club

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On not racing in strong winds on 6 december 2009

Alan Dalziel has a say.

I think everyone made the right decision Mike!

Average wind speeds between 11-1pm on 6 December, according to the Highcliffe online wind indicators were 23 knots (F6) and max gusts were 31 knots (F7) – in my opinion too high for fair and safe club racing. It was forecast and indeed it delivered.

We were walking the harbour at the time and noticed one mast breakage at Highcliffe on a Laser and the one rescue boat on duty was struggling to keep up with capsizes taking place on both sides of the harbour. There are only a few who can handle such conditions and safety is paramount. I would suggest that 2 rescue boats should be a minimum for any wind speeds averaging over F5 and if that cannot be provided then racing should be cancelled.

It should be remembered that on the 6th the water was very deep for the harbour with a very high tide and flood and booms can swing very violently – anyone can get caught out.

Does MSC have a safety policy, do we need to set a max wind speed for racing to assist Race Officers?

I wonder what others think. Open for debate?

Regards, Alan

Not evrryone agrees...

Hi Mike - on a serious note, I do feel that over the years members are not so keen to go out when its 'windy' but that definition seems to get lighter and lighter as the years go by, meaning sailors do not get so much expereince of sailing in heavy weather - their choice obviously.
But I remember (is it like winters?) racing regularly in much worse winds than Sunday, before we had all the rigs us girls (me and Gill G) used to reef the full rigs. Perhaps an opportunity for heavy weather tips sessions or something to make it all less scary?

Jane

What the Racing Calendar says is this:

The safety boat is to be manned and operated in accordance with the MSC Safety Boat Handbook, but will not normally be provided for the Evening, Saga or the Saturday Series. The Race Committee and/or the OOD have the right to postpone, cancel or abandon racing if circumstances warrant it. In potentially hazardous conditions the OOD must consult a Flag Officer or the Sailing Secretary before Juniors (i.e. those under 18 years old) are allowed to race.

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