Author: John Nickalls

The number of Lasers sailing at MSC is rising, and looks set to rise further, so we thought it would be interesting and fun to take up the challenge of the Laser Inlands at Rutland on 25th – 26th October. We sailed in different fleets: Dan in the Radial (with 103 others) and David in Standard rig (with 43 others); with the 4.7s, there were nearly 180 Lasers on the water, sailing off the same line but with inner and outer loops to keep us reasonably separate. It was windy! Finding a good slot on the line had to be balanced…

The Eastern Region Zone Champs will be on 27th – 28th September, hosted just down the Blackwater by West Mersea YC and Dabchicks SC. This regatta is a great first-time event for club level Junior class sailors, giving them the opportunity and support to get a real feel of a Championship atmosphere. It is a fantastic stepping stone into regional and national racing and race training programmes and also a key event for any young sailor wishing to be selected for the RYA Zone and Home Country Squads. Racing (for the Easter Region) will be for Topper, Cadet and Optimist (with ‘regatta’ sailing also for…

MSC was host yesterday to a dozen youngsters living in the area devastated by the 1986 nuclear catastrophe at Chernobyl. As well as direct medical effects, the explosion left a legacy of ongoing environmental problems and deprivation. The Billericay branch of the Chernobyl Children Life Line charity provides recuperative holidays for affected kids, and we were delighted to be asked to give them a day on the water. They sailed large dinghies ‘offshore’, paddled Picos and canoes and raced terrifyingly bitey crabs. Much water was thrown and much fun had. Thanks to everyone who provided equipment, time, effort and smiles to make…

Following our trip to the Lakes last year, MSC is again entering a team in the NSSA Youth Regatta at Deal in Kent. Team training next Saturday at MSC, 10:30 start in wet gear, CU there!