September Cruiser News

Published 15:57 on 1 Sep 2019

September Cruiser Fleet Newsletter

The WhatsApp Cruiser Fleet Carsington has 19 members regularly posting messages and information about a range of things from racing, to safety issues.  For those not yet registered download the App from the Google PlayStore or Apple App Store and send me your name and mobile phone number to cruisers@carsingtonsc.co.uk

In respect of safety everyone who has a retractable keel or centreboard needs to ensure that it can be locked into place to prevent it falling out during a knockdown.  The Marine Accident Investigation Board made this recommendation in June following an incident where a sailor drowned.  More details at  https://www.gov.uk/maib-report...
This is an important issue even upon the sheltered waters of Carsington.  We have had three incidents in recent years where cruisers were swamped (two of which sank) following a knockdown because the lifting keel fell out when inverted.  Albeit, fortunately, no one was injured.
Some boats have a lightweight centreboard for steerage that doesnt provide any righting moment and instead use inbuilt water or lead ballast.  These include the Swallow series of Baycruisers, Hawk20, TS230, Sunfast 20 and Sportina 730.  
However, with other craft where the keel is critical for stability and righting then a strop or pin must be fitted.  This applies to the First 18, Parker 21/235, Sailfish 18, Jeanneau Fun, Hunter F1 and the Dyson 22.  Could everyone please check their stability status.  
If anyone is unsure about their stability, or needs advice about fitting a pin or strop, please ask the Sailing Committee.

Finally, on a more cheerful note a Hawk 20 attended the Royal Fowey Regatta during August and won an armful of prizes: one 1st, four 2nds and one 3rd; a tremendous week.