Nationals Venues (2007 and beyond) [Bob]

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Bob wrote:

At the AGM there was much debate about venues for Nationals. Those present wanted a bigger array of options. We are pleased to collect your suggestions and give them consideration. If you have been to (or know somewhere) that you think would be suitable please make suggestions on this chat page. Key criteria that are taken into consideration are as follows:
1) Must have room on the beach/compound for 50-60 Dart 15s
2) Sailing water needs to be close to the club. Our members prefer to have a lunch break and NOT to disappear onto the water for 7hours at a time
3)Must be able to stage the event in the school summer holiday. Last week of August prefered but 3rd week of August OK.
4)Nice location - sandy beach if possible. Not exposed launching to the prevailing winds.
5) Options for fun sailing trips
6) High standard of race management
Etc.
Any suggestions (where we have not already been)

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Duncan Ford replied:

Hi Bob!

Sounds like Thorpe Bay Yacht Club on all counts to me!

Duncan Ford

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Andrew Hannah replied:

Dear Bob,

To have good numbers attending NCs, consideration should perhaps be given to those clubs that already have have substantial racing fleets, eg Instow and Shanklin.

But if members really do want a change from the usual pattern of TT events, then Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club might be an option.

FFSC is at the entrance to the River Deben in Suffolk. The club is renowned for hosting open meetings, and Dart 15 week is well within their capabilities. B&Bs are a short drive away in Felixstowe. But the club is a bit cut off, i.e. similar to Marconi.

The fun events would be mostly in the river, which is surely the most picturesque on the east coast. But the entrance to the river is tricky. I have never raced there, but have passed it often enough when cruising into the Deben.

It is worthwhile checking out FFSC website.

Andrew, TBYC.

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Bob replied:

Thanks to Duncan & Andrew for thir suggestions but I am wanting more ideas.
Does anyone have any knowledge or views on the suitability of any of the following:
Worthing
Parkstone
Hayling Island
Paignton
Mumbles
Gorestone(?)
Calshott
More ideas and input are required please.
regards
Bob

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Dartful Codger replied:

Re: HAYLING ISLAND
'er indoors' attended an RS Nationals a few years ago, and recalls the following:
Club approached by a narrow concrete road, not too much space once at the club, shingly beach, often with rollers and strong currents, hidden sandbanks at low tide, poor spectator viewing of racing from club-house, not a lot to do in immediate vicinity, large cruiser element to the club, fair distance to travel to anywhere lively, i.e. towns/shops/other places of interest.
All the above would appear to point to a positive NO.
However, looking on the current web-site for the club, now appears to paint a slightly rosier picture, viz-a-viz new club-house, good food and accomodation facilities at the club itself, as well as camp site close by, sheltered sailing, and lots of experience in running high profile events.
My particular conclusion to all that is that it would be a quite acceptable venue for a 'mini-week' racing only event, but would still seem to fall short on 'family/fun week' basis, and therefore not an ideal location.
Paul Smith
PS : I think one of your other suggestions should be Gorlestone, not Gorestone, but don't know anything else about the place.