Judges Report on the Cruising & Other Competitions for the 2017 HYC Yearbook

This year’s judge was:
Rodney Clapson

The McKendrick Cruising Cup

To be awarded each year to the competitor who makes the most successful and instructive cruise. 

I award the McKendrick Cruising Cup for the most successful and instructive cruise to Mel Parish for his account of the cruise from New Zealand to the Austral Islands en-route to the Marquesas via the Roaring Forties with Colin Porteous on his Moody 54 ENDORPHIN. The Pacific is not mentioned often in the Club Year Book but when it is, with a good track chart and log notes (not to mention the Albatross) It makes excellent reading.

The McKendrick Crusing Runner-up Cup

Upon the Judge’s suggestion, a second Cup is awarded to the runner-up.

Stephen Johnson is awarded the McKendrick Cruising Cup Runner-Up for his cruise from Brough to Shetland and Fair Isle with KARANA, his 25ft Hunter Delta. His log includes good instructive information on small, seldom visited harbours such as Paddy’s Hole in the Tees, Fair Isle and Unst and useful notes about eating well after sailing. This cruise meshes in well with Stephen’s cruise of 2015 covering Brough to Cape Wrath, Kinlochbervie, Howth and Brixham amongst others.

The McKendrick Weekend Cup

To be awarded for the best weekend cuise not exceeding four days: Two or these days must include Saturday and Sunday. This weekend may be taken out of an extended cruise, if the rest of the cruise is not entered for any other competition.

The McKendrick Weekend Cup is awarded to Louise and David Wright for their cruise to Wainfleet Haven and the Skegness Yacht Club with their Kelt 29 MIDNIGHT BLUE. Yes, I know I’ve knocked a day off the cruise to make it fit the rules but the first day was only down to Hull. Cruises to Wainfleet haven were commonplace many years ago but very seldom happen now. MIDNIGHT BLUE is perfect for the haven with a lifting keel though relief at actually getting there was commonplace as well, even without overhead cables (whose cables?). At least on the East Coast we still have endless creeks and havens to explore.

The Bluebird Perpetual Challenge Trophy

Awarded for the best presented log of the most innovative and instructional cruise of not less that two weeks nor longer than five weeks, undertaken by a yacht of 30 feet or less, in waters of the British Isles, including the coasts of Ireland, the English Channel, Norwegian Coast and the waters of the Baltic countries.

Andrew and Nicole How are awarded the Bluebird Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the log of their cruise with the 28ft. Dragonfly VEGA round the Brittany coast to the Ile de Sein and the Chaussee. Most of us stand well off lighthouses and their history is not something that every skipper has on his bookshelf but every lighthouse has its own fascinating story to tell. Some took 20 years to build while Ar Men on the Chausee took between 18 and 34 hours per year for 6 years before the base was above tide level and the tower could be started. Something for us all to think about while sailing past a distant lighthouse.

Club Awards 2017

Captain's Cup:

Awarded at the sole discretion of the Captain.

The Captain’s Trophy this year is awarded to Colin Lidster. Colin is always willing to give his time and expertise to help and assist numerous members of the Club. In launching and recovery of boats, driving the tractor, operating the boat hoist, maintenance of Club equipment and the stepping and un -stepping of masts, Colin is the first to lend a hand. He is a man who can be relied upon and always approaches tasks with enthusiasm and good humour. Thank you, Colin. Your efforts are very much appreciated.

Centenary Tray:

To be awarded by the Officers for outstanding services to the Club.

The Centenary Tray for Outstanding Services to the Club this year is awarded by the Officers and General Committee this year to Roger Smith. Roger, ably supported by his lovely wife, Jayne, has always been one of the great advocates of our Club in so many ways. His work in various roles, including Captain, has helped to ensure the continuing well being of the Club. Always there with help and advice, he has helped establish the continuity which the Club needs to progress and move forward. His work as co-editor of the Year Book and as keen supporter of social and official functions is invaluable. Long may his involvement continue.  Good health and happiness to you, Roger.

Walter and Joan Webster Plate:

To be awarded by the Officers and Committee of the Club for a feat of outstanding seamanship.

John Simister – Citation for the Webster Cup, awarded for outstanding seamanship

John Simister with his son as crew sailed Ambanard en route to Filey Bay.In the lumpy seas of the Yorkshire coast, they experience a partial failure of the mast support beam, which caused the rigging to lose tension such that they could no longer carry effective sail.

John’s plans changed to motoring back to Winteringham Haven. However while stemming the tide inside the Binks the engine stopped and could not be restarted.  John therefore anchored off Easington to avoid being set back onto the Binks.

His revised plan to get Ambanard home was to work the tides with a very small amount of sail and judicious anchoring when the tides and wind were against him, a good seamanlike plan which suffered its first setback when they tried to haul in the anchor. It had become fouled and no amount of effort could free it. John took the decision to jettison the anchor and use the spare anchor for their attempt to get home. So with little sail and the tide under them they rounded Spurn Head and made Hawkins point before the end of the flood tide. John anchored here to await the next flood.

In the process of working the tide, John had to anchor off Paull. When the tide changed, they were then dealt another blow. They discovered that their second anchor had also become fouled and could not be hauled in. Reluctantly they had to abandon it, which left them with no anchor, no engine and an ineffective sail.Using the flood tide and a bit of steerage way from his small sail, John managed to gain Winteringham where he was towed into the haven.

John’s self -reliance enabled him to get his boat home without the need of assistance from the RNLI, demonstrated skilful seamanship, and sound judgement.

Spindrift Prize:

Awarded by the Officers and Committee for services to the Club.

The award this year goes to Dorothy I ‘Anson. Dorothy has been a member of the club for more than forty years and in that time has come to represent everything that the HYC strives to be. She has dedicated so much time and effort to the club over the years and contributed and assisted in all aspects of the clubs activities. Everyone knows Dorothy and Dorothy knows everyone. If in doubt ask Dorothy, what would we do without her? Thank you for all you have done, Dorothy. All the very best  - you are a star!