Dart 15 Forums

Maddie Fenner wrote:

Hello. I am interested in buying a dart 15 and i was wondering if i coyuld have someones opinion on the suitability of this boat for teenagers? Whats the social scene like?

Bob replied:

Hi Maddie,
This extract below is from a flyer we did to promote our 2001 National Championships last year. We divide it into 2 parts. The serious racing (3 days) and fun / family events (3 days) which is not racing but cruising, tripping and generally having fun. It give you the feel of our social side. In 2002 we will be doing the same sort of thing at Whitstable (Kent) - see Events 2002. We have not got the same chatty promotion together yet.
Cheers
Bob

"We are returning to Pentewan to try out our old format again (3 days racing and 3 days fun events). The reason for this change of plan is based on (a) the fact that a lot of our old timers who have been there before have requested it and (b) we have many new members who have young children who will appreciate this super beach venue to combine a bit of sailing with a family beach holiday.
For those that have not been to Pentewan before it is a glorious east facing sandy beach located in Mevagissey Bay, just south of St Austell (see pictures). It is a private beach adjacent to a large holiday park which offers 450 touring pitches, 105 luxury static caravans, a swimming pool, games room, shop and much more (see site map). Adjacent to the holiday park is the Pentewan Sands Sailing Club, which is a catamaran centric (mostly Dart 18s) club with a really friendly group who run and take part in our events. Then just beyond the sailing club, still in easy walking distance, is the Pentewan Harbour and village. The harbour is a disused old harbour once used for exporting china clay but the entrance from the sea is now blocked. The village is very picturesque and has 2 pubs, several shops, newsagents, post office and a couple of restaurants. There are many scenic walks around the village and a booklet is available to guide you on them (the walk to Mevagissey (picture) takes 40 minutes and is a super way to spend a morning). All of this is within a few minutes walk of the campsite, so it is easily possible to book in for a week at the campsite and abandon the car for the entire week.
The approximate draft programme we are arranging is as follows:

Saturday 25 Aug Travel Day. Welcome Drinks in the Bar in the evening.
Sunday 26 Aug. Practice lap & 1 Nationals Race. Lunch.
2 further Nationals Races Back to Back.
Evening AGM (other TBD)

Monday 27 Aug 3 further Nationals Races (2 Back to Back,
lunch & then one pm).
Evening Championship Dinner.

Tuesday 28 Aug 2 further Nationals Races (2 B to B, Lunch, prizegiving) Evening Free.

Weds 29 Aug to
Friday 31 Aug. Fun Events

Thus hardened sailors who just want to take part in the Championship racing can get away Tuesday afternoon and just spend one extra day holiday (Monday 27 August is the August Bank Holiday) to attend the Nationals. Those who want to stay the full week will be free to organise their own amusement (there are many places of scenic beauty and places of interest within easy reach) or take part in the Dart 15 fun events. Steve Petts has agreed to organise these in conjunction with the Pentewan Sands Sailing Club.

The following are examples of sort of thing we have done before:
? Sail in-group, 5 miles east across St Austell Bay (with rescue) to Polkerris (picture) for a pub lunch and there is a cheap Gul wetsuits outlet. With cars bringing any non-sailing members to meet up for lunch.
? Crews Race ? a chance for junior, wife, partner, etc. to sail the boat with the assistance of another more experienced member of the family.
? Non sailing outing such as Fal River Steamer trip (picture), bus trip to a local attraction, etc.
? Evening treasure hunt around the picturesque village of Pentewan. Followed by drinks in the bar to recover.
? Sail in-group, 3 miles south to Gorran Haven for pub lunch, etc.
? Games on the beach
? Sail in-group to Fowey (picture), 7 miles east.
? Water Ski-ing or riding ring behind rescue boat (no wind days).
? Fishing trips out of Mevagissey (picture) in fishing boats.
? Group pub meal on the last day (Friday) at some local hostelry

Steve will be publishing the actual arrangements in due course. It is great fun. In the past many members who do not care much for racing, have come for a family holiday and to take part in the fun events. If you race a little but have never sailed in an open meeting or Nationals don?t be put off. The standard at the front of the fleet is good but many novices take part and there is fun to be had at all levels. Also the campsite and beach is so good that we find wives and families have a great time on the beach while dad (or mum) is out sailing."

PS We also do a training weekend to get new members started. This year it is at Stewartby (near Bedford) 27/28 April. Our extert sailors give up their time free to train new members but you need to have a boat to take part.