The new format Travelogue is now available. I do hope you enjoy it. Several of your talented Tinker members have put a lot of voluntary time and energy into its publication and sorting out the most suitable delivery platform.
The new format gives greater freedom to Nigel (Travelogue Coordinator) to add extra articles and pictures etc, whereas previously if he wanted to add an extra page, he had to find material to fill four! We are also able to finance it’s publication and distribution for the foreseeable future provided the membership can provide the articles to put in it.
Seasons greetings to you all and best wishes for 2026
After arriving at Swarkestone on Friday night it looked like the weekend might not include any sailing as extremely light winds were forecast, (Gusts of 2mph!). It was agreed to meet for our briefing on the Saturday morning but expectations weren’t high.
However Saturday did bring some wind and although light allowed 4 races to be held. At times the win came and went so it was a good test of the quality of the sailors.
After four races the positions are Stuart, Lindsey, Al & Isolbel, JR, Ken, Nigel, Jim & Pam, Mike and Mark.
A group meal is planned for tonight and we will see what tomorrow brings.
Day one racing at Bassenthwaite has proved a challenge with the base winds being comfortable but a succession of squalls coming through causing some damage to the fleet. Three races so far.
Sunday morning and early afternoon is looking quite favourable with the wind building to gale forecast in the late afternoon / evening. Therefore, planning two races starting at 11am.Now of to the Sun Inn for a group meal.
After the first two days of sailing in Chichester harbour comprising of five races in variable winds the results were announced and Al Parker took 1st place at this long running venue for the Tinkers. The cup being awarded was first presented in 1978. 2nd place was Lindsey and Joint third being Nigel and Pam/Jim. There was just one point between the joint 3rd positions and 4th position. Day 3 will be a motor cruise around the harbour.
Following a very nice meal in the Wheatsheaf on Saturday evening was a windless wet Sunday. Racing was postponed untill Monday in favour of watching the Silverstone grand prix and Wimbledon.
Monday the wind was back and the racing was fairly brutal with short wave sets on the starboard tack beat that were at 45° to the wind. After the grind of getting to the windward marks the downwind legs failed to deliver the anticipated excitement. Perry managed the conditions well putting his sea sailing skills to good use. The series finished with Lindsey Weatherley third, Perry Milton second and Al Parker first.
Tuesday dawned nice and bright with a pleasant North westerly light breeze. We had two personal handicap pursuit races, starting times calculated from Mondays individual finishing times. Both races were closely contested, Al Parker winning the first and Mike Turner the second, both by less than 30 seconds.
Today is Wednesday, a couple of us are heading home, and the remainder are off for another sail cruise. We have had a great time here at Rutland Water, hosted by Rutland Sailing Club an excellent sailing centre. Many thanks to Perry and Wendy for organising the event and to Neil for running the racing.
Our next rally is at Chichester Harbour, hosted by Chichester Yacht Club 9th to 12th August. If you are interested in attending contact contact the Rally Secretary using the form at the end of the events section of this Web site.
Two days in and there has been a dilemma, ” to reef or not to reef” with the exception of the Thursday night club race that two of us joined in with.
Friday 3 boats cruised over to the café where they were met by the “support crew” for lunch. One boat stopped to reef on the way, another furled the jib while Perry and Isobel went large all the way. The return trip was a challenging beat!
Saturday racing two reefed, one small jib, one big jib, big jib swapped for small after the first race. The water was lumpy and the winds 15 plus gusting 30, Neil’s photos tell the story. Three races were completed, results are yet to be disclosed.
Tinker Tramp, sail No 2031, with all sailing equipment as shown in photos, owned since 2020 and much enjoyed.
For sale only because of buying another boat and not having enough time to make good use.
Sailed much at Llangorse (Brecon Beacons), Lake District, Bala and once at Salcombe.
Previous owner painted trim and spraydeck blue and added very useful dolly wheels for launching. Make sure you lift them once afloat!
I have added the strut across the base of the mast for stability and ease of stepping, but easily removed if not wanted. Have also added a simple kicking strap (riveted to spars). Have replaced pintle and one valve diaphragm, and repainted/varnished all woodwork twice.
