RMYC NEWS

A total of seven RMYC Mersey Mylnes participated in this years Menai Regattas led by

There were days of light winds and days of very strong winds, but from the first opening

race at Beaumaris throughout the whole of the two weeks of the Menai Regattas the Mersey

Mylnes, along with fourteen other Classes of yacht, enjoyed keen and enjoyable racing.

On the RMYC Regatta day the Commodore expressed the Clubs appreciation for all the work

of the Regattas' organising committee, boatmen, and the volunteers on the different Club

Congratulations to Kevin Goulding on his ten year restoration of 1913 Royal Mersey

Restricted Class yacht 'Phyllis', which was craned into the water for the first time in

Kevin has traced three other RMRC yachts being restored - 'Myfanwy Bach' 'Coral' &

shaped up for an inshore start. It proved to be very exciting sailing on a big flood

tide, where unfortunately two Etchells suffered rigging damage, hopefully without

background of a commercial vessel outward bound from the Manchester Ship Canal.

the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE, Patron of the Trust.

people of all ages, but particularly the young, who would otherwise not have the

opportunity to experience the excitement of being afloat and the satisfaction of

Monday 12th July saw the lift-out of four Mylnes ready to go to Anglesey for the Menai

Strait Regatta fortnight starting on 25th July. It is anticipated that six Mylnes will be

participating in this historic sailing tradition beginning, as always, at Beaumaris kindly

On the Saturday the fleet of Mylnes raced with guest helms from other nearby

racing with two races being held. But with a strong spring tide running, strangers

to the Mersey found the tide quite a challenge. The first race was won by 'Mercian'

the grandaughter of Alfred Mylne II, Mrs Susan Ritchie, who very kindly presented

the Club with a framed Mersey Mylne building plans print. Commodore, David Massey,

paid tribute to the Royal Mersey Mylne owners over the years who had ensured that

the Class continues to thrive 75 years from its commencement.He also conveyed the

Members thanks to Class Secretary, ian Diamond, for all his organisation of Mylne

On Sunday due to very strong westerly winds it was not possiblfor the Mylnes to race,

but the Etchells managed a shortened course race in very challenging conditions.

Throughout the weekend the RMYC were delighted to have a photographer representative

from 'Classic Boat' magazine present for all the proceedings. It is anticipated that an

article about the Royal Mersey Mylnes will appear in the magazine later in the year.

On Saturday 19th June a team of RMYC members and friends participated in the

'2010 Round the Island Race'. Skippered by Peter Ball, the crew included RMYC

To see how they fared and some super shots of the massed fleet of yachts - visit

On Saturday 5th June the Royal Mersey Yacht Club welcomed the 'Glen Class' Fleet Team

Saturday started very unpromisingly with no wind a dull sky and the river like a millpond

which, with Mersey tides, can make life very difficult if not impossible. However, the Race

Officer went off to the Committee Boat and everyone went off to the moorings, somewhat

dubiously with the prospect of being towed up tide of the start line. After a postponement

of about half an hour with a breeze picking up all the boats made it off the moorings and

The course, of about 7 miles, was set from the start off Rock Ferry, to Egg buoy off Wallasey,

and back to Rock Ferry. Gradually from a dull sky and no wind there came a good stiff

N'ly breeze and bright sunshine. The fleet of 8 Mersey Mylnes and 2 Etchells tacked their

way North against a N'ly breeze, running down with last of the ebb, round Egg buoy on the

start of the flood tide and with spinnakers flying ran back for Rock Ferry. There was much

changing of places during a very tactical race as boats sought more tide and wind in different

areas of the river. The race ended with a very close finish with 4 Mylnes vying for first place,

but Mercator just made it with Glen Class SLYC member Luke Hamill at the helm. The next

So, all in all, a fanatstic days racing was had by all on the River Mersey, followed by a most

enjoyable dinner in the evening. The RMYC Commodore, Dave Massey, was delighted to receive

on behalf of the Club a framed presentation SLYC Burgee commemorating their visit.

On the second day, Sunday 6th June it was time for Team Racing. In contrast to the previous

days glorious sunshine the day was dull, and damp at times, but with a NW'ly breeze about force

2 increasing nicely to force 3, all was well set for racing. Eight Mylnes in two teams of 4

The first race was from the committee boat, North to Rock Ferry buoy and then to Bromborough

buoy before returning to the line. A good close start with one Mylne pulling away and leading all

the way to an alternative shortened course finish after one and a half laps, with the rest of the

fleet finishing close together some two or three minutes astern of the first Mylne. The team point

The second race was another good close start heading south east to Dingle buoy, and then round

Bromborough buoy, through the line, over two laps. This time the fleet were well spread out with

Corrin from SLYC leading again to a finish, which saw the SLYC Glen class team winning the most

The overall result then was of course a win for the SLYC Glen Class team, who are to be warmly

After prize giving, with the presentation of a glass trophy to SLYC, a buffet concluded events before

our extremely friendly and successful guests from SLYC set off back to Northern Ireland.

Everyone at RMYC is looking forward to meeting up with the Commodore, Officers and Glen Class

A brilliant weekend, organised primarily by Ian Diamond, who was warmly thanked for all his efforts.

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The event was held over two days of glorious sunshine with the Mersey looking superbly clean

& blue with harbour dolphins to keep us company. The first day had the Race Officers thinking

hard about where to send the fleet as there was only a breeze of 3 to 5 mph and a heavy tide

running. Due to their commendable perseverance two races were run giving a result for that

day. Day two was also bright and sunny, the wind however could not have been more different

with a good stiff breeze arriving as main’s were hoisted on the moorings. Three races were

held on day two all of which were keenly contested with a lot of close action at the newly

repositioned Rock Ferry buoy, there is not a lot of room now between it and the old Tanker

Cleaning Berth with heavy wind shadow. As you can see first and second place were very Boar

close with Impulse eventually victorious, winning both the Victoria Cup & the Reliance Trophy.

It is a considerable number of years, possibly as many or even more than twelve years, since

the last holding of the Tranmere Sailing Club (now Liverpool Y.C. & Tranmere S.C. Alliance)

and Royal Mersey Yacht Club Admiral's Cup race but, on Sunday 16th April, it was very

With a 9 metre tide and WNW force 4 winds it proved to be a a challenging day for racing on

the River Mersey. Twenty two yachts of several classes lined up for the start and there ensued

couple of hours of enjoyable but highly competitive sailing. A well chosen course by the

LYC/STA Race Officer set some challenging legs with plenty of short tacking going North.

On handicap the eventual winner was Etchells 'Disco Volante' from Royal Mersey, and with

a very close overall points score between the two clubs Royal Mersey were the winners of

A brief but convivial after sailing 'get together' was held at Royal Mersey for members from

both clubs and the Cup was duly presented. Royal Mersey Commodore David Massey thanked

the LYC/LTSC Officers and members and expressed the hope that the Admiral's Cup race

[The apparent origin of the Admiral's Cup was due to a fondness of member's for the nearby

The RMYC was extremely honoured to receive the visit of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway to lunch

David Massey and RMYC Boatman George Collings inspect the yachts at the Club House.

After the lunch His Majesty was taken on board the yacht Momentus on the River Mersey to a view the

The RMYC was also extremely honoured to entertain His Majesty King Harald V of Norway and

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester at a reception and dinner in his honour at Liverpool Town

The Royal Mersey Yacht Club is delighted to announce that His Majesty King Harald V of Norway will be visiting the Club

on Tuesday 4th May 2010. On Tuesday, Dr. Jedynakiewicz will escort His Majesty to the Royal Mersey Yacht Club in

Rock Ferry where he will be welcomed by Commodore David Massey and the Flag Officers of the Club. The Mayor of

Wirral will be in attendance. His Majesty will take lunch in the Club and view the racing yachts.

In the afternoon after viewing some of the boats out of the water, the Commodore will escort His Majesty on board the

yacht Momentus where he will be received by the owner, Mr. Peter Price and taken on a cruise of the racing waters

where he will view the Club fleets on their moorings. After sailing past the historic UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront of

Upon arrival in Liverpool, Dr. Jedynakiewicz will escort His Majesty to the firm of G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd., the oldest

dedicated yacht design firm in the world. His Majesty will be received by the Managing Director, Dr. William Collier and

In the evening, His Majesty will attend a reception and dinner in his honour that the Club will hold at the Town Hall in Liverpool.

The reception will also be attended by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester.

At the Dinner Dr. Jedynakiewicz will introduce His Majesty to the Club and he will be welcomed by Commodore David

Massey who will present the flags of the Club to His Majesty.

Of His Majesty’s visit, The Commodore, David Massey said “We are delighted to welcome such an accomplished

and passionate sailor as His Majesty to the Club.

The Royal Mersey is proud of its traditions and long heritage whilst currently in the vanguard of imaginative and

exciting Rock Ferry regeneration proposals.

The Club currently race three classes of modern and classic keelboats and is active in racing at both Club and

International levels.

We are proud that His Majesty is recognising this by joining us and now with this visit”.

Notes:

HM The King does not give interviews.

A Photo opportunity will be provided at the Royal Mersey Yacht Club in the Boatyard at approx 14:10.

Contact details:

Minister Councillor Arne Bjørnstad Royal Norwegian Embassy. (+44) 020 7591 5521; (+44) Mobile: 0777 552 5013;

Arne.Sannes.Bjornstad@mfa.no

The Commodore, Mr. David Massey, The Royal Mersey Yacht Club. dave@massey-family.co.uk

Mrs Jenny Whittingham-Jones, Hon. Secretary, The Royal Mersey Yacht Club. Jwj01@homecall.co.uk

Dr. Nicolas M. Jedynakiewicz, Immediate Past Commodore, The Royal Mersey Yacht Club.

Email: Jedynakiewicz@msn.com

King Harald of Norway is a passionate yachtsman. In earlier years His Majesty represented Norway sailing in the Norwegian Olympic team three times.

He has won gold, silver and bronze in the European Championships. In 2008 his yacht “Sira”, which was built for his father King Olav V, celebrated

first place in the 8 metre class in the World Championship of traditional sailing. He is a President of Honour of the International Sailing Federation.

The Royal Mersey Yacht Club was founded by Royal Charter in 1844. The Prime Minister of 1844, Sir Robert Peel, was one of the founder

members as was His Grace The Marquis of Anglesey. The first Patron was Her Majesty Queen Victoria and each reigning monarch continued

the patronage until 1952 when patronage was passed on to His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness visited the Club

The Club has been active as the premier yacht club of Liverpool and the Wirral (collectively known as Merseyside) throughout its history. The

Club enjoys excellent sheltered waters on the Wirral side of the Mersey where its vessels are kept on swinging moorings through the racing

season. A long slipway allows full access to the water no matter what the state of the tide – and the Mersey can draw a 10.8 metre tide!

The Club sails only keelboats and cruisers; the waters of the Mersey do not allow smaller vessels to be sailed easily in safety. There are

three racing fleets which are active on the Mersey Estuary during the racing season; namely the Royal Mersey Mylnes; International Etchells

and National Squibs. Some fifty cruising vessels are owned by members and many sail wearing the Blue Ensign of the Royal Fleet.

In 2009, the Royal Mersey Yacht Club hosted both the Northern and the European Championships for International Etchells class.

The Club is currently leading development projects together with Wirral Borough Council and other agencies for the redevelopment of the

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Following the unfortunate damage to Mesey Mylne 'Merle' when her moorings broke

In a small, out of the way boat builders in Bethel, near Bangor, North Wales, unknown

even to many yachtsmen in North Wales and the North West of England are a group

of woodworking craftsmen working away on a variety of boats. Situated amongst fields

some considerable distance from the nearest sailing waters, 'Merle' sits on her trailer

surrounded by beautiful new-build, alteration and repair work on a variety of wooden

boats. 'Merle' is nearly ready to return to the Mersey having been hull-repaired, mast-

repaired and re-painted. The standard of workmanship is awe inspiring, to see such

traditional skills still being practised in 2010 is hugely encouraging, they are to be

In this the 75th Anniversary year of the Royal Mersey Mylne Class it is gratifying

to know that 'Merle' will soon be back amongst her peers on the River Mersey.

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The RMYC Spring ball was held at the Imperial Hotel, Llandudno on Saturday, 6th March

The weekend was a great success, the dinner was excellent with very friendly service

from the Staff at the Imperial Hotel and it was thoroughly enjoyed by members and guests.

Our thanks to the Commodore and his wife Kath for organising this most enjoyable event

The Royal Mersey Yacht Club are looking forward to welcoming the 'Glen' class sailors

from the Strangford Lough Yacht Club to a Team Racing weekend on Saturday 5th and

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The Royal Mersey Yacht Club, (Bedford Road East, Rock Ferry) are extremely pleased

to announce that they have been awarded significant funding from The Crown Estate

The Royal Mersey Yacht Club are tenants of The Crown Estate over moorings in the river

Although details have yet to be finalised, it is the intention of the club that the fund will

3. Installation of interpretation boards providing the public and users of the moorings with

information as to the importance of the Royal Mersey Yacht Club's connection with The

Crown Estate. The signage will make the presence of the Crown Estate more widely known

4. It is anticipated that the majority of the works will be carried out in the Spring of 2010.

Crown Estates Marine Stewardship Marine stewardship was established in The Crown Estate

to support practical projects, relevant research, and other initiatives that improve the status

and management of the marine estate. Since 1999 the entire programme has provided over

£5 million to research into aquaculture, dredging, and community projects. With around 55%

of the foreshore, approximately half of all estuary beds and tidal rivers and the seabed out to

the 12 nautical mile territorial limit, the marine estate is the largest and most diverse within

long-term management of these unique assets. Marine stewardship helps deliver these aims

and contributes to the corporate responsibility policy and plan. The programme comprises two

funding streams: · Marine Communities Fund - community initiatives that further good

management of the marine estate · Marine Research Fund - scientific projects that underpin

Over the past year projects and schemes run for the benefit of coastal communities all around

the UK shared over £750,000 in funding from The Crown Estate's programme of marine

The RMYC 2010 Menai Strait Regatta date has changed to Tuesday 3rd August 2010 - start 1200

On Saturday 21st November, following a well attended dinner, the Commodore, Mr David Massey, ably assisted by the Cup Bearer, Mr John Baragwanath, and accompanied by their wives presented the Trophies to the 2009 Season Series winners.

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On Saturday 7th November, the Commodore, Mr David Massey, was pleased to receive the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside,the Chief Executive of Wirral MBC, Officers of our kindred clubs and other distinguished guests to a cocktail party at the RMYC. The Commodore was joined by Officers and members of the Club on this very convivial evening which is considered extremely important in the Club calendar as an occasion for the Club to maintain and strengthen its links with the local community and kindred Clubs.

In late 2008 the Commodore set the goal to develop RMYC as an RYA Recognised Training

Centre with the objective of providing training for the benefit of RMYC members and also

A questionnaire was sent out to establish the demand for training within the club. The

responses received indicated that there was a significant demand for courses such as VHF,

First Aid, Performance Sailing and Intermediate and Advanced Racing. There was also

In October, the first step to achieving the goal was realised when RMYC received its

Mike Blaylock has volunteered to be the Principal of the Training Centre, responsible for

ensuring that RYA standards are maintained. Other members of the training sub-committee

Further details of the training on offer in the coming months can be found on the new

For some months RMYC General Committee members have been studying the potential for

improvements to the environment of the area surrounding the Club where a degree of

gradual neglect has for some time caused members to have concern for the future activities of the Club. As part of this exercise a sub-committee has studied the areas of land in the vicinity of the Club and the potential for enhancing the sailing opportunities if they were re-developed. The RMYC General Committee, after consultation with other parties, approved the outline plans. This outline re-development plan was then submitted to Wirral Borough Council for inclusion in the Wirral Waterfront plan for the River Mersey coastline from Eastham Country Park to Rock Ferry. The plans which have now been widely publicised in the Press locally are intended to stimulate re-development of the Rock Ferry area in order to enhance facilities in the area for the community and at the same time to establish a sailing centre, based on a new Club House, capable of hostingNational and international sailing events.

The overall plans are only at an embryonic stage but already the RMYC suggestions have received a generally positive reaction and looking to the future it is hoped that they will successfully progress over the next five years creating a greatly improved environment

in the area together with much improved sailing facilities for the people of Wirral.

The Royal Mersey Yacht Club is delighted to announce that H.M. King Harald of Norway has

accepted an Honorary Life Membership of the Club. The Club offered this honour to His Majesty

in recognition of his most outstanding and valuable contribution to the sport of yachting.

The invitation to H.M. King Harald was the concluding item of business for the Commodore Dr.

Nicolas Jedynakiewicz at the end of his term of office. Upon taking the office as the new

Commodore of the Club, David Massey said “We are delighted that His Majesty has accepted

The Royal Mersey Yacht Club has enjoyed royal patronage since its foundation in 1844. The

present patron is His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh who visited the club in May 2008.

In March this year His Royal Highness received Dr. Jedynakiewicz at Buckingham Palace so that

King Harald of Norway is a passionate yachtsman. In earlier years His Majesty represented

Norway sailing in the Norwegian Olympic team three times. In 2008 his yacht “Sira”, which

was built for his father King Olav V, celebrated first place in the 8 metre class in the World

Championship of traditional sailing. He is a President of Honour of the International Sailing

His father King Olav V, a keen sailor, was in the winning crew of the 8 metre class Olympic

gold medal team sailing the yacht “Norna” in the Amsterdam Olympics of 1928.

Earlier this week it was discovered that 'Merle' had broken adrift from her moorings and, perhaps

fortuitously, then become entagled with the club tender 'Gwyllam' on her moorings further North.

However, in the process, 'Merle' has suffered a broken mast and some damage to the hull above

the waterline. The only positive news is that the hull is not letting in water, so hopefully when

she is lifted out she will prove to be only slightly damaged below the waterline.

Our commiserations to owner Max Cooke, and we trust that in due course 'Merle' will be returned to her former fine condition and be back on the Mersey along with the rest of the

The first week of the Menai Strait Regatta fortnight has seen somewhat mixed sailing conditions for the four Mylnes - 'Mersey', 'Merrimac','Meridian' and 'Mercantile' - which have made the journey from the Mersey this year.

Reportedly torrid conditions prevailed on the Tuesday with boats retiring and much bailing taking place. Then on Wednesday a fine and fair day with southerly winds arrived for the Beaumaris to Caernarfon race. After a lot of beating to windward and a variety of positioning for the tidal currents it ended with a relatively close finish off the Royal Welsh Y. C. at Caernarfon after about four hours of good competitive sailing. Meridian led the four boats over the finishing line, all finishing within about two minutes of each other. The transit of the Menai Strait was delightful for its scenery, enhanced as always by the sight of so many yachts under sail tacking their way along its length.

The Commodore helms 'Merrimac', accompanied by a relaxed crew, in the Swellies

On Thursday the Royal Welsh Y. C. race was held off Caernarfon in brighter almost summery weather, which saw a shortened course as the fleet became almost becalmed half way around the course. The light zephrs of wind which eventually arrived and an ebb tide ensured that just about everyone managed to sail back to the finishing line. The Mylne's staying moored up as usual in Victoria Dock overnight.

Friday was the Caernarfon Sailing Club race, again off Caernarfon. With a worsening forecast doubt continued as to it starting, but fortunately the southerly winds reamained hovereing about 18 to 20 knots and racing went ahead. A short choppy sea ensured that everyone enjoyed a fair amount of spray, but it enabled the fleet to have a lively race. Afterwrads the fleet sailed off with a following wind down to Port Dinorwic (y Felinheli) with some boats going on to moorings whilst the Mylnes and one Fife sought the safer shelter of the historic and delightful surroundings of the enclosed dock. This facility, arranged by the harbourmaster, was greatly appreciated.

Due to the horrible forecast the Mylnes were scheduled to return to Beaumaris on the Sunday ready for the remaining week's races, including of course the RMYC Regatta on Thursday. Hopefully this second week will be blessed with some summer weather - whatever that is!

The 2009 Silver Salver Races were initially postponed due to unsuitable weather on the scheduled evening. The races were then held a week later, the Squibs on Thursday 30th July in beautiful sunny conditions with a brisk westerly wind and then the Mylnes and Etchells on the Friday in lively SSE wind conditions under a leaden sky which led to some lively racing.

The annual team racing event with Royal Anglesey Yacht Club was held in fickle conditions on Sunday 19^th July.

Each team had 4 boats with a pilot on each. The RMYC team included experienced Menai hands such as Ronnie Hampton, Sally Collings , Paul Flower and Roy Brennan with the youth team led by Peter Smith, with Peter Ball, John Collingwood and myself. Surely an unbeatable squad!

Conditions for the first of the two races were wet and miserable but with a light and steady breeze from the South West. Sally and Nigel were very fortunate to sail aboard Tac’s newly rebuilt and splendid Peggy, recently returned from a Classic Yacht rally in Brittany, however it is apparently not yet fully tuned for maximum boatspeed. That was our excuse anyway!

We were soundly beaten in the first race, however, the second race, sailed in even lighter and wetter conditions, gave us the chance to retaliate. Ronnie sailed splendidly, leading from virtually the start to the finish, however the rest of us could not quite match his speed or boatspeed but we were beaten by only 2 points.

My earlier team talk had obviously not hit quite the right note, however, we enjoyed excellent hospitality from all at RAYC both in their cLubhouse followed by a splendid and convivial lunch in the Bishopsgate House Hotel, much recommended. Special thanks to Mike Butterfield and Nick Tebbutt.

2010 will mark the next opportunity for a return match, to be held on our home waters in the Mylnes. With the 75^th Anniversary looming lets hope we can have a full turnout, and perhaps we can do better at 5-a side!

Congratulations to everyone at the Mylne Classic Regatta 2009

from David Gray, Director Mylne Ltd.

and friends of the many Mylne yachts and support boats taking part in this inaugural

from near and far to celebrate the ongoing design heritage of two Alfred Mylne's and

The Mylne yachts taking part were:- in class two, Trefoil, Maid of Lorn, Shona, and Isla

(South Coast), and Eileen II (Norway). Full results of the racing will be posted shortly.

We must also thank all the Mylne owners who sent in their messages of support for the

Official Programme, as well as advertisers. We had excellent service from Rhu Marina

The Mylne Regatta organising team of Margaret, Katrina, Natalie, Natasha, Maureen,

Alastair, Kenneth and our camp entertainer Alex were crucial to the overwhelming

success of the event. Thank you to them from myself and everyone who took part and

made such unanimously positive comments about their enthusiasm and professionalism.

A special thank you to the daughter of Alfred Mylne II, Susan Mylne who joined with us

to celebrate the wonderful design legacy of her father and great Uncle, a legacy

We will shortly be posting up the photographs of the event, and please sign up to our

newsletter service to keep abreast of developments as we continue to build on this first

successful event. It is the job now of A.Mylne and Co and every owner of a Mylne yacht

to promote the virtues and heritage that owning such a great mark bestows on the world

of yachting. Together it is time to tell the world that not only do we enjoy owning a

Finally we have been asked when the next regatta will take place. We will be taking

soundings from those who took part, and looking at event diaries. Plus we will be asking

for feedback on this first event so we can make the next event even better. So watch this

On Saturday 27th June a special Mylne event was held at the Club organised by Ian Diamond, Mylne Secretary with special guest David gray, Director of Ace Marine who own Mylne and Co Ltd.

David joined the Commodore and Ian Diamond on Mersey Mylne 'Meridian' for what proved to be a very enjoyable sail on the River Mersey for him. David Gray very kindly provided prizes, and Mylne regalia was available for purchase after the dinner organised by Carys Jarvis.

It was greatly appreciated that David had joined us in advance of the Mylne Regatta on the Clyde being held from 12th July which the Commodore and Ian Diamond are attending.

After two disappointing years where the strong south-easterly winds prevented the Regatta from taking place Regatta day dawned this year sunny but with rather light winds. Happily by the time of the first race at 1400 the wind had inceased enough to enable some brisk sailing. A fine array of Club and visiting yachts partook of a really super day's racing and a good time was had by all.

Our thanks to the visitors for supporting the RMYC Regatta day we greatly enjoyed your company.

Wirral Champion Journal - Summer Edition

Following the Royal Mersey Mylne Cover picture on the Wirral Champion magazine and the later publication of our article about the Club, it is gratifying to see that in the Summer edition of the Wirral Champion Journal there is another Cover picture of on this occasion Mersey Mylnes 'Meridian' and 'Mercator' sailing in company on the River Mersey. The previously published article is also included in this summer edition of the Wirral Champion Journal. On sale in most Wirral newsagents.

INTERNATIONAL ETCHELLS - EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2009

'Northside Dragon' starts the beat to windward Day 1

A very successful and extremely testing three days of the International Etchells European Championship organised by RMYC and hosted by Holyhead Sailing Club saw Irish registered Etchells 'Northside Dragon' helmed by Jay Burke the worthy overall winner of the event.

For the full results list visit:

http://www.internationaletchells-holyhead.co.uk/

Saturday was the most testing of the days with a very cold and strong southerly wind gusting to 28 knots throughout the day. With two dis-mastings and a variety of other mishaps the fleet was reduced from twenty-one to ten for the final of the three races held that day. A special mention should be made of the determined and stoic attitude of the RIB and mark laying boat crews who stuck at it in very uncomfortable conditions on what turned out to be a very long and arduous day, which left them extremely cold, wet and tired. A huge thank you to them all for making racing possible despite pretty awful conditions.

Sunday saw a much better day with southerly wind of 15 to 20 knots but bright sunshine to lift everybody's spirits. Nineteen boats reappeared and the two races were keenly fought and much enjoyed by all the competitors.

A very enjoyable dinner was held at the Treaddur Bay Hotel on Saturday evening and the RMYC Commodore thanked a very long list of all who had made the event possible and as it was already proving after two days, so successful in its organisation.

'Northside Dragon' leads the spinnaker run.

Monday turned out to be another fine day for sailing with winds still southerly, but now in the ten to fifteen knots range with a more inshore course than on the previous two days. As this was a period of big tides, around 9 metres, the tide played a significant part in strategy on all three days. This led to different tactics with some boats going inshore and some offshore so it made very interesting viewing from the committee boat.

Special mention should be made of the leading RMYC Etchells, 'Invader' helmed by rear-Commodore Trevor Tansey who finished a very creditable 12th overall, which considering the handicap of anti-fouling necessary for RMYC boats on their mooring in the Mersey is all the more creditable.

The fleet beating to windward day 2 with Holyhead Mountain providing a fine backcloth as seen from the Committee Boat.

The Race Officer was Mike Butterfield who worked extremely hard every day to ensure that the racing not only complied with all the exacting Championship requirements but properly tested the crews as is worthy of such an important series. This was made possible by the very kind provision by her owner of the splendid catamaran motor yacht 'Bacardee' as a Committee boat.

The warm and extremely friendly hospitality of the Holyhead Sailing Club was greatly appreciated in particular by the RMYC, but also by everyone else involved in what proved to be a most enjoyable and successful three days.

New Sailing Season - Weather Forecasts - Real Time Weather - Mersey Tide Tables and much more!

Friday, 17 April 2009

The new sailing season is happily almost upon us- so please do use the website LINKS PAGE for your Weather Forecasts, Hilbre Island Real Time Weather - Mersey Weather forecasts and more...!

Buckingham Palace 26th March

Sunday, 29 March 2009

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Court Circular - Buckingham Palace - 26th March 2009

The Duke of Edinburgh, Patron, Royal Mersey Yacht Club, this morning received Dr Nicolas Jedynakiewicz upon relinquishing his appointment as Commodore and Mr David Massey upon assuming the appointment.

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Commodore Mr David Massey and ex-Commodore Dr Nicolas Jedynakiewicz arrive at Buckingham Palace.

The Wirral Champion magazine has very kindly published the article we submitted to them, in the April edition of this widely distributed Free magazine, which can also now be purchased for 30p in newsagents across the Wirral. We hope we may attract some new member interest as a result of it. Here's hoping!

To view the article Click on the image and it will open in a new browser window.