Otter Week 2010 - Day Four
Tuesday 5rd August 2010
The senior Otters braced themselves for an intensive day of sailing for their long distance race. After starting from the club line, the Lasers, 420, Cadets, Fevas and Toppers set off towards the Roach. Meanwhile, the Oppies piled into RIBs and made their way to the White House to enjoy team games and swimming.
Read more about Otter Week 2010 - Day Four...Otter Week 2010 - Day Three
Monday 2nd August 2010
Today we sailed in four to five knots of wind which was interesting. After the racing there was a Treasure Hunt and the Oppie sailors piled into the seniors' boats which was really good. I think everyone enjoyed it because we interacted with the younger generation.
Read more about Otter Week 2010 - Day Three...Otter Week 2010 - Day Two
Sunday 1st August 2010
Today we went out for our second set of series races. On the way down the river it wasn't very windy but as we passed the barges, it picked up. We managed three races on a very good course.
Otter Week 2010 - Day One
Saturday 31st July 2010
The first day started Otter Week with a bang! After an excellent show of entries at registration, everyone rigged and launched for the first race. This started with llight winds that gradually increased throughout the afternoon which gave us all a chance to spot where there would be stiff competition for the rest of the week.
RS Tera National Championships
Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th June 2010
This year there were seventy-four entrants at the Tera Nationals held at Netley Sailing Club in Southampton. Otters taking part included James Hutton-Penman, Hamish Eckstein, Flynn Davies and Zac Bikhazi in the Tera Pro fleet and Niamh Davies in the Tera Sport Fleet. There were two further sailors from the Burnham Sailing Club taking part, Josh and Jamie Aldridge.
Otter Camp Out & Pursuit Race
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th June 2010
Again the weather was kind to us for the Otter Camp out and Pursuit Race 2010.
The afternoon started with a pursuit race, the slowest boats starting first. These were the first Oppi river group who put in a heroic performance to battle against the tide. A couple of these managed to obtain adult crews, although little Abby Jayasakera said once Nick Hutton Penman got in her boat she could not get rid of him!
The 2010 Otter Season so far...
June 2010
I write this at the beginning of June. In spite of some miserable weather, not much sunshine and sometimes too much wind, the Otters are following their various programmes with enthusiasm and some real success.
Read more about The 2010 Otter Season so far......Otter Easter Egg Regatta
Saturday 27th March 2010
On Saturday the 27th of March the Otters held the annual Easter Egg Regatta. With the sun shining and a breeze of about 8 knots it looked as though the conditions were perfect.
The Otters are back!
Saturday 13th March 2010
The Clubhouse was thronging with returning Otters and their parents, all anxious to get the Sailing Season 2010 underway. As all the groups had moved on this was a chance to meet the new trainer for the season and lay some plans for the summer.
Otter Programme - download
13th March 2010
Download your printable version of the Otter programme here.....
Read more about Otter Programme - download...Cadet World Championships, Argentina
22nd December 2009 to 4th January 2010
Wow, the Worlds in Buenos Aires were an amazing, once in a lifetime experience for everyone and which, for me, will be remembered as one of the best! The training began on the 22nd of December, the winds were light and the team did not go out until midday, which seemed to be the pattern for the whole event. This late start to the day reflected the entire atmosphere of the Worlds, off the water, relaxed and calm.
Oppie Christmas Lunch and Party
Sunday 6th December 2009
The Christmas period is always an exciting time and it brings the Oppie Christmas Lunch full of festive cheer complete with carols. The children and adults enjoyed a special Christmas meal with all the trimmings and everything!
Time for the River!
Saturday 26th September 2009
The largest pond group for many years graduated to the river as the finale to their season. Under the watchful and patient eye of lead pond trainer Phil Aspinall, 14 new Otters made the big trip to the RCYC and the River Crouch for their first formal taste of sailing on the river and to demonstrate to onlookers and proud parents just how far they have come in one short season.
Otter Success at the RS Tera National Championships
Weekend 19th &20th September 2009
Four Otters, Zac Bikhazi, Flynn Davies, Hamish Eckstein and James Hutton-Penman, travelled to the RS Tera National Championships at Dabchicks Sailing Club. Zac, Flynn and James competed for the National Championships, using the smaller Sports sail. There were nearly 40 entrants from all over the country including a team from the Isle of Man. Five sailors competed in an Open meeting for the larger Pro sail - Hamish competed in this class.
Laser and 420 Open Meeting
Saturday 12th September 2009
On a lovely early Saturday morning, the unfortunate Laser and 420 trainers were faced with tired and weary students. The nine competitors, six radials, two 4.7s and one 420, sailed in glorious sunshine and force 3-4. There were five short and sharp races. Everyone was pushing hard to do well - so hard both the Toms ended up in the water a few times. With a skilled Race Officer, the courses were brilliant, giving perfect racing.
Otters in Burnham Week
Saturday 29th August to Saturday 5th September
Although Burnham Week was originally designed for the adults, it is nice to see so many Otters and ex-Otters taking part in several classes, for example the 707s and Dragons. I was sailing in the 707 class and the event started with a very competitive first weekend, 14 boats in the class and 10-15 knots of wind. After a day's sailing, the ex- Otters were taking advantage of the Pimm's tent in the bar while the oldies complained about aches and pains! Struggling to make an early start again on the Bank Holiday Monday, it proved to be worth it as it was another great day of sailing with perfect conditions.
Otters at Stone Week
15th August 2009
Help!
I've got the pictures, which can be a problem but I don't have any words!
Who can send me some copy? Please send to wendy@eagling.co.uk
Well Done, Emma!
August 2009
Emma Tavinor has just completed her year as Vice Commodore to Alex Willsher and normally she would have become the new Commodore. But, sadly for the Otters, Emma has other plans...
Otter Week 2009 - Summing Up
Friday 31st July 2009
It's all over for another year and this year's Otter Week has been voted 'one of the best'! Otters aged over twelve years were invited to give their opinons at the AGM with comments and suggestions for Otter Week 2010. The new Flag Officers were elected and their first comment was that the outgoing Flag Officers, Alex Willsher, Emma Tavinor, Rory Page and Tamsin Witchard would be a hard act to follow!
Otter Week 2009 - Day Six
Thursday 30th July 2009
The strong winds kept up for the last day of Otter Week, to bring us another fantastic day. There were a few nervous smiles as everyone rigged for the pursuit race, but they were soon lost as the morning of sailing turned into a great success. The pursuit race was won by a Cadet, but with two Lasers in hot pursuit after catching up nearly twenty-one minutes.
Otter Week 2009 - Day Five
Wednesday 29th July 2009
Wednesday morning started with the trainers deliberating the best plan for the day - the weather report sounded ominous and the annual 'on the water treasure hunt' was scheduled. With a quick change of plan the treasure hunt was moved to the morning and the pirates were on their way.
Otter Week 2009 - Day Four
Tuesday 28th July 2009
Although an early start the Oppie, Topper, Cadet, Feva, Laser and 420 fleets took to the water at 09:30 for more competitive racing, with the sails cracking alarmingly as we launched. These blustery wind conditions saw multiple boats the wrong way up but this did not affect the Otter Spirit!
Otter Week 2009 - Day Three
Monday 27th July 2009
Despite the poor weather conditions, Day Three provided much better racing conditions. The Lasers and 420s both completed four races before a rush back in to get to the cinema; however the Toppers, Cadets and Oppies alike managed only two races in the constant force 3-4 breeze. The difficult tides had provided a late start, only worsened by the well needed lay in on Monday morning for all involved!
Otter Week 2009 - Day Two
Sunday 26th July 2009
Sunday morning began with a strong south westerly breeze. Walking into the dinghy park the familiar Otter Week laughter of children and parents alike could be heard. Having been briefed about the day's racing, all fleets rigged and changed into their sailing clothes and lined the ramp eagerly. Although launching was difficult with the low tide and the wind direction, everyone cooperated and showed great 'Otter Week
Spirit’. Dominic Woodhill and Tom Waples led by example with the laborious task of taking an endless number of trolleys up and down the steep ramp.
Otter Week 2009 - Day One
Saturday 25th July 2009
The sun shone for the first day of Otter Week 2009. The breeze was steady, not too little, not too much, just right if you were a tiny bit nervous... Briefings took place in the morning and launching was scheduled for 13:00 after an early lunch.
Otters blessed with Fair Weather
Saturday 13th June 2009
Saturday 13th June represented our annual Pursuit race followed by camping at Creeksea. The Pursuit race was held under blue skies and a nice breeze, the junior Oppies starting first followed by the Senior Oppies, Cadets, Toppers, 420s and Lasers.
It was a great race with the final places only sorted out in the last two minutes.
A Murder Mystery Party
Friday 15th May 2009
Nearly a hundred would-be detectives joined forces with the Murder Squad for the annual Otter fundraiser. The Murder Squad, an amateur dramatic company from Leigh-on-Sea, was headed once more by an ever enthusiastic Inspector Banks.
The Otter Easter Egg
Saturday 18th April 2009
A good day, it was enjoyed by all sailors of the Optimist fleet. We had about ten boats out including five sailors from the RYA winter Zone squad. 15-20 knots provided a challenge for the fleet, especially those who had not sailed through the winter. Duncan Ayre, as Race Officer, set a windward leeward course for us which kept us all on our toes, especially the downwind leg.
Cadet Inland Championships at Grafham Water
Wednesday 8th -Thursday 9th April 2009
There were ninety entrants for the Inlands this year, which were held over two days. The first day was bright and blustery and produced three different winners. Katie and Emily Kinver from Exe Sailing Club won the first race, Arthur Henderson and Matt Currell from Salcombe Yacht Club won the second and Hugo and Guy Pullen from Parkstone won the third, but through consistency with 13 points Hattie Eyre and I were over night leaders for the Otters.
The First Meeting of the Season
16th March 2009
The Otters are back! Saturday 14th March was the Start of the Season Lunch and Otters and Parents turned out in force. Judy Waples, the Otter President, made the journey south to meet everybody and Alex Willsher, Commodore and her Vice Commodore, Emma Tavinor, made everybody welcome.
Otters take up the Volvo Eco Challenge
20th February 2009
The Otters' ideas and efforts to help with pollution on the River Crouch have earned us a grant in the Volvo Eco Challenge. This project, which has been promoted by the Royal Yachting Association, is designed to make us think about the environment around us and how easy it is to spoil it.
Learn to sail with the Corinthian Otters...
Pre-Season 2009
Applications are now invited from kids wishing to be part of the wonderful world of sailing. Whether you want to be in the 2020 Olympics or just want to enjoy sailing with your family, life on the water can begin as part of our Pond Group under the watchful eye of our qualified and fun-loving trainers. We're dedicated to bring the enjoyment of sailing in a safe and fun environment and at the same time we're seeking to find the next Ben Ainslie or Ellen McArthur.
Otters benefit from Ford Britain Trust
11th December 2008
It was with great pleasure that Clive Page handed a cheque for £1300 to Stuart Munro from Ford Britain Trust towards a replacement engine for one of the Otter Spotter rescue boats.
The RYA awards Liz Chowienczyk
10th December 2008
Have you sailed with Liz? Have you visited the AHOY Centre? Did you go there recently to train in RIBs? If you can answer "yes" to any of those questions, you will know all about AHOY and be pleased to know of Liz's award from the Royal Yachting Association.
Otter Wins First RS Tera Inland Championship
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October 2008
The first RS Tera Inland Championship took place on the 25th/26th October at Draycote Waters Sailing Club. The overall winner was a Corinthian Otter, James Hutton-Penman.
Otter Week Report
26th - 31st July 2008
Well, what a great Otter Week we had. With 40 Optimists taking part in three separate fleets, there is no doubt that our younger sailors are coming through and the fleet is building. Thanks to those who joined from other clubs; the addition of outside sailors really added to the competion.
Try Sailing Day
Saturday 17th May 2008
The Corinthian Otter and RCYC Try Sailing morning on Saturday 17th May attracted over 30 children as well as their parents and adults (50 in total), some of whom wanted to try as well.
Otters' Murder Mystery Party
Friday 18th April 2008
On Friday the 18th of April a group of eight actors and actresses travelled to the club to provide members with an evening of investigation. Split into teams of ten, each team had to play the role of detective for the evening to see who was causing the trouble at Rilloby Hall.
Read more about Otters' Murder Mystery Party...OTTER ACHIEVEMENTS 2007
20th December 2007
2007 was a year of great performance and achievement for the Corinthian Otters; a gold medal in the 470 Women's Junior European Championships, first places for Cadet sailors in both the Inland and the National Championships, eight places in the team for the Cadet World Championships and the East Coast Champion in the Optimist Class were among the successes of a long and varied season.
Read more about OTTER ACHIEVEMENTS 2007...Toby flies the flag!
15th November 2007
Toby Harris has moved on and is now studying hard, (we hope!) at Southampton Solent University but is still managing to sail! SS University was selected to represent GB at the end of October in the Student Yachting World Cup (SYWoC)at La Rochelle in Jenneau Grand Surprise 32s.
The Mailspeed Cadet Trophy - Eastern Region
6th & 7th October 2007
This year a new trophy was given to the Cadet Class, The Mailspeed Marine Cadet Trophy, to be awarded to the winner of an Eastern Area Series, which consisted of Waldringfield Open, Otter Open, Stone Open and Fisher's Green Open with 68 boats taking part altogether.
Read more about The Mailspeed Cadet Trophy - Eastern Region...The Otters in Hamburg
31st August 2007
After the visit earlier this year by some members of the Hamburg Sailing Club the Otters were invited to make a return visit to the Alster Piraten in Hamburg. So on 31st August all nine of us (Katherine, Billie, Sophie, Alex, Jamie, William, Tom, Dom and me) plus some stray parents, got up at 4am to catch our flight from Gatwick.
Read more about The Otters in Hamburg...The Otters visit the AHOY Centre
1st & 2nd September 2007
It was way back in early June that the Otters entertained the AHOY Centre and we promised to return the visit later in the season. And we did and it was really fun.
Read more about The Otters visit the AHOY Centre...470 Gold for Katrina at Medemblik
9th - 16th August 2007
Hannah Mills and Katrina Hughes took the Gold Medal in the 470 Women's Junior European Championships in rough and gusty conditions at Medemblik, Netherlands. The gruelling twelve race series had a truly international flavour with strong competition from the Dutch and Belarusian Women's teams who finished second and third.
Read more about 470 Gold for Katrina at Medemblik...Promoting Youth Sailing
BCPS 27th June 2007
Once again the Otters put on a display at the Burnham on Crouch Primary School's Open Day joining various other national and local organisations such as the Police, a recycling company, St Peter's High School, Burnham Rugby Club and many others to promote local recreational sports and social clubs offering out of school activities
Read more about Promoting Youth Sailing...Cadet Open Meeting
23rd & 24th June 2007
The Otter Open Meeting consisted of five races, two on the Saturday and three on the Sunday. We all hoped for six but, because the wind suddenly dropped on the Saturday, we were only able to complete two races before we all drifted off down the river.
Read more about Cadet Open Meeting...Otters 'Try Sailing Day' 2007
Saturday 9th June 2007
Contrary to the forecast, the weather on the day was perfect to take the 20 or so eager children afloat for this year's Otter 'Try Sailing Day'.
With a warm breeze and a fair helping of sunshine the day went off smoothly, unlike previous years when the weather did its best to deter any
newcomers from ever venturing on the water again.
The AHOY Shipmates visit Burnham
2nd & 3rd June 2007
Last weekend ten children from the AHOY Sailing Centre in Deptford, London, visited the Corinthian Otters at Burnham on Crouch, Essex. The sun shone and a light wind blew as Otters and AHOY Shipmates sailed down the river in AHOY's RS Visions, and a mixture of Cadets and Toppers.
Read more about The AHOY Shipmates visit Burnham...The Alster Piraten visit the Otters
11th, 12th and 13th May 2007
Any visit between the Alster Piraten, (the Pirates) and the Corinthian Otters was bound to be something special; something more than a meeting of two sets of youngsters, enjoying fun on and off the water with some serious racing thrown in.
Otters versus the Piraten
12th &13th May 2007
Over the weekend of the 12th and 13th May, the 'Norddeutscher Regatta Verein' sent a Dragon Team to race against the RCYC Dragons. And with them came a team from the Alster Piraten YC to race against the Corinthian Otters. How did this all happen? It's the result of a real co-incidence......
Read more about Otters versus the Piraten...The Alster Pirates are coming!
11th, 12th &13th May 2007
Ten members of the Alster Piraten YC will be visiting the Corintian Otters this weekend. There is an exciting programme of match racing in asymmetric Visions as well as training in Cadets and Lasers on Saturday morning.
Full details in the programme which you can download.
You should also read the Fleet pages for details of signing up.
RYA Training
Saturday 21st April 2007
I hope the training on Saturday went well and cobwebs were blown away, it sounds like you had more wind than the Zone Squad sailors had at Rutland!! This weekend we have an RYA trainer coming down to train the Gold fleet. This training session is being run in conjunction with the Burnham Sailing Club so we are hoping for a good turnout and some fresh faces.
Read more about RYA Training...Katrina's Quest for Gold
Mar-07
Otter Katrina Hughes spotted my plea in the Club newsletter for news of her progress in the recent 470 event held in Palma de Mallorca and has sent this report.
Read more about Katrina's Quest for Gold...Otters' Easter Egg Regatta
31st March & 1st April 2007
Are you planning to hunt for Easter Eggs with the Otters this year? The Otters have arranged an exciting weekend, open to all Juniors and Youth Dinghy sailors.You'll need to be at the RCYC clubhouse to register between 10.00 and 11.00am on the Saturday. The afternoon includes three back-to-back races, the Easter Egg Hunt and a Disco, starting at 8.30pm. Enjoy bacon rolls for Sunday breakfast, starting at 8.30am. The morning includes two races and Prize Giving after lunch.
The Otter Easter Egg Open Regatta
31st March -1st April
The Otter Easter Egg Regatta took place over the weekend of 31st March, 1st April. For many sailors this was the first sail of the season, it was a real baptism of fire.
Read more about The Otter Easter Egg Open Regatta...Brush up on your rules
Saturday 17th March 2007
Last weekend, Saturday 17th March, rules expert John Doerr visited the Club. John is one of the world's leading authorities on rules and has been involved with Americas' Cup and Olympic umpiring, so is obviously worth listening to!
Read more about Brush up on your rules...RYA Sailsmart Road Show, RCYC Burnham
Sunday 11th March 2007
Please circulate this to all the coaches and sailors in your club. This is particularly important for those Club Racing Coaches that need to revalidate their qualifications this winter. This Roadshow will be an excellent opportunity for anyone that has an interest in coaching and sailing as the training day will be very interesting and will help to motivate you all for the forthcoming season.
Read more about RYA Sailsmart Road Show, RCYC Burnham...Duncan's efforts are recognised
Mar-07
This is LATE NEWS as Duncan received his RYA Community Award for supporting the Otters last November. Apologies to the Members who have been waiting for this!
Read more about Duncan's efforts are recognised...Otter Quiz Night
Saturday 3rd February 2007
Mick Hill, ably assisted by his hard working scorers Hilly and Richard, ran a most enjoyable Quiz night. The graphics and other technological features were amazing! Maureen and I joined a small but select group, Andrew and Lindsey Barr and Steve Jones to form 'Dad's Army'. We found ourselves sitting next to a table of very noisy Mexicans named '118/118'.
Read more about Otter Quiz Night...Charlie at the UKNCCA Squad Training
13th and 14th January 2007
Charlie Matthews has just experienced Squad Training at Grafham Water. He was so pleased with his weekend that he e-mailed the Cadet Fleet Captain, Kay Tavinor, to tell her how he got on.
Read more about Charlie at the UKNCCA Squad Training...Otter Chris attends the Mirror Dinghy Worlds
December - January 2007
When 15 year-old Chris Matthews set out for Port Elizabeth with his crew Oliver Townsend on the 29th December to attend the Mirror Dinghy World Championships, he had the feeling that this could be the experience of a lifetime....he was not disappointed.
Read more about Otter Chris attends the Mirror Dinghy Worlds...Musto Skiff Event
Saturday 9th December 2006
It was way back in the summer that the idea of an exhibition of Musto Skiffs was first suggested. Gradually the idea took shape; a good fleet of boats, sailed by the experts, the possibility of backing the winner of each race, the proceeds to go to charity.
Otter Christmas Party
Sunday 3rd December 2006
Father Christmas uses all forms of transport to reach his destination. If visiting the Otters, you would expect him to arrive by boat, which he did. Fortunately the river was calm!
Read more about Otter Christmas Party...Lookers Volvo Youth Open
14th & 15th October 2006
The Otters took advantage of what was possibly the last good weather of the season and organised the Otter Youth Open on the 14th and 15th October.
Well done, Chris!
1st-2nd July 2006
January 2007 is likely to be a really exciting time for Corinthian Otter Chris Matthews who has been selected by the RYA to represent Team GBR at the Mirror Worlds in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
'Try Sailing Day' 2006
1st July 2006
An unusual convoy left the Corinthian on June 21st, making for Burnham County Primary School. Philippa Munro, Kay Tavinor and Chris Southcombe trailed an Oppie, a Cadet and an Otter Spotter to publicise the 'Try Sailing Day', arranged for July 1st.
Once they were set up in the playground, several Otters were on hand to explain to the interested children how it all works and what fun it is.
The parents could ask questions about safety!
Otter Easter Egg Open Meeting
22nd & 23rd April 2006
The Otters were out in force to compete in the annual Otter Easter Egg Open Meeting when both their sailing and hunting skills were put to the test!
Ex Otters compete in Sydney B14 Worlds
January 7th to 13th 2006
It's years since Jamie Mears and Matt Gill sailed in the Otters, but they met again at the B14 World Championships held at Woollahra Sailing Club in Sydney. Richard Edwards was also there.
Rachel and Chris honoured by the RYA
13th October 2005
It's some months since Rachel Threlfall and Chris Southcombe heard of the Community Awards made to them through the Otters' nomination to the RYA but the Awards Ceremony has only just taken place.
Read more about Rachel and Chris honoured by the RYA...