Sailing Today	500+
Issue 2  Issue 1
The RS Vareo associations e-Newsletter - Issue 3
RS Vareo Breaking News... The 500th Vareo has hit the water….latest hull number to leave LDC was #505 we hear. 2007 RS Vareo Fat Face Series has kicked off at the favourite venue in the south Burghfield SC The 2007 Nationals at Netley SC at end July are looking to be one of the best.
Welcome Welcome to the third edition of RS Vareo Sailing Today, the e-newsletter from the RS association. We plan to keep you up to speed with the latest news, views and technical articles of interest to the RS Vareo sailor. To keep the news as broad and fresh as possible we do need your help with providing material so please do email us any RS Vareo articles – especially pictures. In this issue we have: Report from Fat Face RS Vareo Open Burghfield April 21st 2007 RS Vareo National Championship 2007 – What’s it all about – and why you and your Vareo should be there ! The RS Vareo Diving Club….an amazing but true story Modifications – this time looking at the continuous kicker! Gul’s New Code Zero Range Battens…..a review from our former Training Rep - Eddie McDonald       Opposite: Action from the recent Fat Face open at Burghfield Sailing Club.
RS Vareo Open Meeting 21 April 2007 Burghfield Sailing Club Overall Results
Sailed:3, Discards:0, To count:3, Entries:19, Scoring system:My scoring system Fleet SailNo Helm Club R1   R2   R3   Total Nett Vareo 188 Matt Moore Middle Nene SC 2.0 3.0 2.0 7.0 7.0 Vareo 126 Dan Partington Bala 3.0 5.0 1.0 9.0 9.0 Vareo 354 Martin Barrett Yorkshire Dales SC 4.0 1.0 7.0 12.0 12.0 Vareo 361 Chris Larr GWSC 1.0 2.0 11.0 14.0 14.0 Vareo 322 Mark Hayzelden Burghfield SC 7.0 7.0 5.0 19.0 19.0 Vareo 206 Dave Machin Netley SC 6.0 8.0 6.0 20.0 20.0 Vareo 213 Darran Smith Teign Corinthian 11.0 6.0 4.0 21.0 21.0 Vareo 340 Chris Romans Portishead YC 8.0 4.0 10.0 22.0 22.0 Vareo 431 Jim Hood Weston 5.0 10.0 8.0 23.0 23.0 Vareo 261 Martin Peters Llandegfedd 10.0 11.0 3.0 24.0 24.0 Vareo 485 Anthony Payne Broadstairs SC 9.0 9.0 9.0 27.0 27.0 Vareo 402 Scott Butler Hardway SC 12.0 14.0 12.0 38.0 38.0 Vareo 243 Gavin Clark Swanage SC 15.0 15.0 13.0 43.0 43.0 Vareo 263 Chris Wood Broadstairs SC 19.0 12.0 14.0 45.0 45.0 Vareo 156 Steve Trigg Burghfield SC 14.0 13.0 18.0 45.0 45.0 Vareo 148 R Norris HLSTC 13.0 20.0 DSQ 15.0 48.0 48.0 Vareo 133 Neville Champion BC YC 16.0 16.0 16.0 48.0 48.0 Vareo 450 Flora Ellis Alton Water 17.0 17.0 19.0 53.0 53.0 Vareo 212 Nigel Best Alton Water SC 18.0 18.0 17.0 53.0 53.0
Report Nineteen RS Vareos met at Burghfield SC in much more than 19 degrees for the inaugural event of the Fat Face circuit, many having travelled from distant clubs. Race 1 started cleanly in generally light breeze but with strong enough gusts leading to swimming for the unlucky.  Close racing was enjoyed by all wherever they were in the fleet as the wind direction meant a tight windward/leeward course across the lake. Matt Moore looked set to win after rounding the final mark (which was very close to the finish line) but a quick tack by Nationals champ Chris Larr snatched him victory by an inch. The traditional at Burghfield SC hospitality; lunch on the club verandah then so fortified by chilli and other delicacies -the fleet set forth for the second race in an increasing breeze. A slight change of course due to a wind change now left the fleet an interesting challenge  - an island almost smack in the midst of the beat/run! Perhaps it was the chilli but more likely another wind shift 30 second before the start caused most of the fleet OCS at the start and to the first ever RS Vareo general recall.  Second time around the fleet was away and this time Martin Barrett won closely followed by Chris Larr with Matt Moore third. Going in to race 3 Chris seemed best positioned to take the event. But the shifty wind near the windward mark and the difficult tactical decisions led to many place changes throughout the fleet. Dan Partington mastered the conditions to take the race followed by Matt and Martin Peters with his best result of the day.
After three races each with different winners Matt Moore showed his consistent mastery of the conditions and won the event by 2 points followed by Dan Partington and Martin Barrett.  The Merit Prize was awarded to Nigel Best – who had driven a long way to his first Fat Face event.  Well done Nigel.
The 2007 Nationals at Netley SC July 27th-29th 2007 Planning for this year’s RS Vareo Nationals, which will take place at Netley S.C. from 27th to 29th July, is well underway. Netley S.C. is based in the grounds of Royal Victoria Park on Southampton Water which makes it an absolutely ideal location for families with easy access to Southampton, Portsmouth and other South Coast attractions. The Park itself has around 200 acres of grass and woodland to explore, a miniature railway to ride and children’s play areas. We’re also hoping to have some RS Fevas and RS Teras available for competitors’ families to use so there’s no excuse not to bring the little darlings. What of the sailing? There’s access to the water at most states of the tide with easy launching and room to lay reasonable sized courses for all wind directions a short (5 minute) sail from the beach. The unique double high tide in Southampton Water adds interest. The plan is for 3 races on Friday and Sunday, and 4 races on Saturday, with the first race on Friday not starting until early afternoon giving time for competitors to travel. We’re hoping to have an RS Coach on the water for Friday and Saturday racing taking a video of the action with a debrief in the clubhouse during the evening. As for accommodation, the easiest thing to do is camp. There’s a camping field in the club grounds where you can pitch a tent or park a motorhome and forget the car for the weekend. Camping is included in the entry fee (probably about £75) along with breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, an evening meal on Friday (chilli, curry or similar) and a barbeque on Saturday evening. If camping is not your bag then there’s a few B&Bs in Netley, Hamble and other places close by. For details see the Netley S.C. website, http://www.netleysc.org.uk (click the ‘Where to Stay’ link under ‘About Us’ on the home page). Finally, there is a training day scheduled for Thursday before the event (26th July) giving you a chance to hone your skills and gain valuable local knowledge before racing begins on Friday. The club will be geared up for accepting visitors from Wednesday evening (in other words the bar will be open and there are local pubs and takeaways to grab some nosebag). Hopefully this has whetted your appetite and if you have any questions please ask. Also, if you want to visit the club before the event you’d be most welcome (with or without boat) – just send me an email or give me a ring to let me know and I’ll be happy to show you around. Alternatively talk to me at one of the RS Vareo open events. See you there! Dave Machin, Vareo 206 Useful Links: Netley S.C - http://www.netleysc.org.uk Hamble Valley - http://www.hamblevalley.com Royal Victoria Country Park - http://www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp/
The RS Vareo Diving Club ….a true but amazing story During one of last year’s events the editor came to learn about a story that gives an insight as to how determined some of our fleet are to sail – even in the most adverse of circumstances .
Our man was participating in a particular race and was placed quite well when – as often happens - was caught by a large unexpected gust and ended up performing the full-on underhull spider hunt. So far nothing too unusual – that is until the Vareo concerned did an automatic “down periscope” manoeuvre with regard to the daggerboard…shockcord having self-detached. The board surfaced alongside the boat and by this time a safety boat was hovering close by offering assistance. At this point (the point when let’s face it the chance of a hot shower with no queues and an early pint becomes extremely attractive) our hero swam over to the daggerboard, tucked it under his arm and made way smartly to the upturned hull. Completely undaunted he part lifted / part ducked under the gunnel got underneath and proceeded to hoist the daggerboard affixing the shockcord in process. A quick duck back outside, he then brought the Vareo back upright, climbed in, sheeted in, and set off again in the race. The safety boat crew not surprisingly awarded a spontaneous round of applause and moved on quite unable to believe the spectacle just witnessed. Lesson for us….nothing is impossible in a Vareo…also if you tangle with a sailor like our mystery man, take very very great care; this guy is seriously motivated. Also – serious safety note: it should be stressed - do not go under an upturned hull – standard advice would be if the boat starts to turtle when you are alongside, get out of the way quickly to avoid entrapment. This is particularly relevant where you may be lowering the kite after a capsize.
Modifications from the basic spec – what about the continuous kicker? The perils of triangular courses are that invariably that that piece of kicker line available gradually becomes a knot in the jaws of the cleat. The very fact that you have to lean inwards doesn’t help especially in anything over a F3. So – either you become disciplined to evening up the lines whenever possible or you try for a continuous kicker. Essentially all you are doing is joining the 2 loose ends together in a way that there is a free running loop of line which can be tightened or slackened any time. The technique is in itself a little tricky but with a splicing kit (together with the loops and lines available from LDC) is do-able. There is a link on the RS Vareo Yahoo site in the “Files” section. LDC can supply a kit which contains all the required components for the job. The following photos give a good idea to the rigging / routing of the line. The takeaway arrangement is optional.
Gul’s New Code Zero Range Code Zero is a new technologically advanced dinghy and sport boat racing range, made with Gul’s new GCX EVO STRETCH, four way stretch material, to keep sailors warm and dry without over heating in strenuous racing conditions. The Code Zero range has been developed with the RYA Skandia GBR team through rigorous research. Each product has been tested extensively by world-class sailors, their feedback has enable Gul to produce this highly technical, yet comfortable and stylish range. The revolutionary stretch fabrics and carefully designed cut of the kit, offers a closer fit and sleeker shape, reducing wind resistance and drag, for increased performance. Gul’s Code Zero range incorporates drytops, spray tops, smocks, jacket and salopettes; all constructed with ergonomically positioned stretch fabric panels for maximum freedom of movement.
CODE ZERO DRYTOP (ST0014) Technical Features: GCX 2 EVO STRETCH fabric – minimum weight, breathable, waterproof & windproof 100% stretch drytop W / P waterproof 20000 mm MVP (breathability) 20000 g / m 2 / 24hr Neoprene dry collar Neoprene dry wrist seals Low bulk front fastening neoprene waist Slim-fit to reduce wind resistance Colours:          -           Black-           Mercury Sizes:              -           XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL R.R.P.             -           £80.00
CODE ZERO SPRAYTOP (ST0015) Technical Features: GCX 2 EVO STRETCH fabric – minimum weight, breathable, waterproof & windproof 100% stretch spraytop W / P waterproof 20000 mm  MVP (breathability) 20000 g / m 2 / 24hr Adjustable PU neck Adjustable PU wrist seals  Low bulk front fastening neoprene waist Slim-fit to reduce wind resistance Colours:           - Black, Mercury Sizes:              -           XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL R.R.P.             -           £70.00
CODE ZERO SMOCK (GM0201) Technical Features: GCX 2 EVO STRETCH fabric – back, shoulder and elbow panels GCX EVO fabric – minimum weight, breathable, waterproof and windproof 100% waterproof heat taped seams Adjustable PU collar Water resistant front zip Water resistant zippered pockets Venting through pocket lining Internal pocket zip for easy access to salopettes Adjustable PU lined cuffs Removable adjustable hood Adjustable neoprene waist Colours:          -           Black Sizes:              -           XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL R.R.P.             -           £120.00
CODE ZERO JACKET (GM0200) Technical Features: GCX 2 EVO STRETCH fabric – back, shoulder and elbow panels GCX EVO fabric – minimum weight, breathable, waterproof and windproof 100% waterproof heat taped seams Adjustable PU collar Water resistant front zip Water resistant zippered pockets Venting through pocket lining Internal pocket zip for easy access to salopettes Adjustable PU lined cuffs Removable adjustable hood Shock cord adjustable hem Colours:          -           Black Sizes:              -           XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL R.R.P.             -           £120.00
CODE ZERO SALOPETTES GM0202 Technical Features: GCX 2 EVO STRETCH fabric – back and shoulder panels GCX EVO fabric – minimum weight, breathable, waterproof and windproof 100% waterproof heat taped seams Adjustable shoulders 2 way water resistant front zip Front zip fly gusset Deep neck opening Cordura reinforced seat and knee panels Zippered pockets Adjustable ankles Internal shock cord adjustable waist Colours:          -           Black Sizes:              -           XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL R.R.P.             -           £100.00
Vareo Mainsail Battens (Originally a top tip from Bob Pearson at the Carsington Training Day 2003) The mainsail is supplied from Hyde/LDC with no tension on the battens to avoid handling damage, also in older sails your battens may have loosened over time, You need to ensure that the battens are adequately tensioned as:
1: The efficiency of the sail will be reduced. 2: Creases can form in the mylar which can lead to the mylar cracking 3: In extreme cases the batten can push through the batten pocket causing damage to the sail and possible loss of the batten.		Creased sail
Tensioned middle batten		The general rule for tension on the battens is: Top batten: tension sufficiently to only remove creases. Middle batten: tension sufficiently to remove creases and form a slight curve.
Lower batten: tension sufficiently to remove creases and form a deep curve. If the mainsail is supported loosely you should be able to apply pressure on the high point of the batten and it will pop out to the opposite side and stay there.		Tensioned lower batten
Untie lines		Untie the tension lines but leave them looped through the batten end fitting and sail crinkles,
Use both thumbs		Whilst trapping the lines in your hands use both thumbs to push the batten into the sail, retain this pressure while you tie off the line (may need help here). After tying off the lines push the loose ends back into the pockets (needlenose pliers help with this). It may prove to be beneficial to release the tension if you store the sail during the winter months, then re-tension each season. Eddie McDonald
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