Dear Members and Friends,
Spring is in full swing now and hopefully nothing is growing on your yacht this year! We are so lucky here in the Mediterranean to not have the humidity of more northern climates where a deck scrub and a comprehensive clean below in the spring means dealing with the green and black mould that has decided to take over the darkest corners of your vessel and leave you with a horrible dank smell and a sense of despair.
Welcome.
The VCYC is delighted to welcome another new member and it is none other than the beautiful “Arcadia”. You all know her well with her gorgeous varnished Honduras mahogany hull and her finely tuned race crew. She is a One tonner from the desk of Stephens and launched in 1969. We look forward to seeing her in Antibes very soon.
Breaking Member News.
“Viveka”, our sole schooner member, has won “The Classic Boat Award 2022” in the category “Restored Yacht over 40 feet”. Congratulations to “Viveka” and her owner and crew. We look forward to welcoming you in Antibes where, I am sure that drink will be consumed!
Rating.
Some of you will be aware that the new CIM rating formula was finally born last week, just one month before the first major regatta. Some significant changes are being implemented and a few of you took exception with the fact that you were not advised in time to prepare. For this reason, a letter was composed to CIM and a vote was held on our website to ask for a delay in the application of this new rule. However, the letter, once sent, was not considered and CIM forged ahead with their new changes. While, I think that we all agree that the rating needs to evolve, perhaps a little advance notice would be well received by you, the members, in order to better prepare your season. I will post the new Rating rule on the website for your analysis. Watch this space for updates as they appear.
Partnership.
We are, at this time, in negotiatations with a potential new partner of the VCYC and we sincerely hope to be able to announce some good news in the near future. Meanwhile, we would like to thank all of our partners who support the VCYC in it’s endeavours to become a real force to take classic yachting into the future.
VCYC.
Here at VCYC headquarters, we are trying to plan the season and much has been achieved. The plaques of the winners from last season have been added to the trophies, they have been polished (thanks Hamish!) and a kind of display has been acquired. I am planning a meeting of the members to mark the beginning of the Championship in Antibes for this season. I will let you all know a little closer to the time.
Top Tip of the month.
This one is perhaps obvious but often neglected.
In order to protect your spinnakers from shredding, take extreme care to cover all split pins and other sharp objects with transparent silicon rubber and/or tape both in the mast and on deck. The one that you missed will be a source of constant regret both on the race course and in your wallet!
Historical Note.
“Stormy Weather” is our only member to have won the famous Fastnet Race and this, she achieved the year after her launch in 1935.
