Showing posts with label bluejade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bluejade. Show all posts
Monday, 30 July 2012
Les Rapetous
Arch Nemesis Les Rapetous came second on the Dielette - Guernsey leg, the one Blue Jade won. We caught up with them later, and they weren't bitter...
Tour Des Ports 2012
We did well in the sailing, 4th overall in a class of 23. Two Semi -pro boats above us so not bad for a bunch of old duffers. We had a 1st place on handicap in the Dielette to Guernsey Race (finishing 6th over the line out of 110 starters) and a 3rd place on the Guernsey to Jersey Race in difficult conditions. Light winds on the last day let us down from 3rd to 4th overall but we were predicting top ten so very pleased.
Here's crew at Guernsey Prizegiving demonstrating the ancient art of using a short Frenchman as a coffee table.
Results: http://tourdesports50.fr/
Here's crew at Guernsey Prizegiving demonstrating the ancient art of using a short Frenchman as a coffee table.
Results: http://tourdesports50.fr/
Thursday, 22 September 2011
New boat?
Woah - it has been a very long time since our last Blue Jade update, but here's a quick snap from this year's Tour des Ports (only two months ago!) of our own master shipbuilder Mick, checking out France's latest offering, the 'Smart Boat'.
Mick's verdict? "I'd rather burn €50,000 then spend it on that thing."
Mick's verdict? "I'd rather burn €50,000 then spend it on that thing."Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Clean Bottom
Blue Jade has been out of the water this weekend for a polish and brush up...
She is now so shiny, you can see your face in her...
Although, everything will look a little blue...
She is now so shiny, you can see your face in her...
Although, everything will look a little blue...
Friday, 4 March 2011
Friday, 17 December 2010
Last race of the Winter Series
Sunday was the last race of the Winter Series, and although it turned into quite a nice morning, there was still a fair bit of wind around, averaging at 19-20 knots for most of the race.
Weird winter light did funny things to my camera phone as well!
Oh, and we won, Skipper's decision to re rate the number one up to 20 knots seems like it was a good idea... now...
Weird winter light did funny things to my camera phone as well!
Oh, and we won, Skipper's decision to re rate the number one up to 20 knots seems like it was a good idea... now...
Friday, 2 July 2010
Broken furler
A Thursday night race? Very light winds? Must be time to break something: in this case - the furler.
Snaggly rope all caught up round the bottom required some fixing. Which required the skipper and Fingers to assume 'the position'.
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Fingers also took the opportunity to nip below and pinch the anchor...
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Snaggly rope all caught up round the bottom required some fixing. Which required the skipper and Fingers to assume 'the position'.
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Fingers also took the opportunity to nip below and pinch the anchor....jpg)
Inter Island Race and Governor's Cup
Less said about these the better really. 6 hours 15 for the crossing to Jersey, plenty of sunburn and 22nd overall. First two hours of the race wasn't so much sailing as drifting on the tide.
The wind picked up near Jersey, which was fun, but by the time it did, White Rabbit had already finished.
Sam Field took a load of photos (check out the one of the Jade underneath Condor!), as did I.
Sunday's governor's cup was also a bit of a let down, as the Guernsey team lost to the pesky crapauds 2-0. Light winds eh? What can you do.
The wind picked up near Jersey, which was fun, but by the time it did, White Rabbit had already finished.Sam Field took a load of photos (check out the one of the Jade underneath Condor!), as did I.
Sunday's governor's cup was also a bit of a let down, as the Guernsey team lost to the pesky crapauds 2-0. Light winds eh? What can you do.
Friday, 14 May 2010
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
A special visitor
Blue J'Ade had a special visitor recently, and had to hurry around the course to make sure he wasn't late for an appearance at the club.
Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas from the J'Ade...
Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas from the J'Ade...
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Photoshop evidence!
I was being half facetious when I said that the Tour des Ports race advert was clearly photoshopped.
But - conclusive proof!
Compare this photo with the Tour Des Ports leaflet I posted yesterday, and see how there's nary a spinaker in sight!
Conclusive proof that nobody beats the J'Ade
But - conclusive proof!
Compare this photo with the Tour Des Ports leaflet I posted yesterday, and see how there's nary a spinaker in sight!
Conclusive proof that nobody beats the J'Ade
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Tour des Ports
New Tour des Ports flyer is out. Looks like a pretty familiar boat!
I reckon those other boats in the background are photoshopped in - only explanation for them being ahead of the mighty J'Ade.
I reckon those other boats in the background are photoshopped in - only explanation for them being ahead of the mighty J'Ade.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Blenheim JOG - yet another victory for the Jade...
Report from Blue Jade, X362 Classic, Class 4
We love this race although we always feel a touch guilty at only doing one JOG Race a season. We positioned the boat to Cowes from Guernsey on Thursday leaving at sparrow cough and enjoying a brisk ride across the Channel surfing at 13.8 knots bringing a smile to the Skippers face as he took back the boat speed record from Chilli who sadly witnessed three years of one-upmanship come to an end. Shephards Wharf provided their usual warm welcome and excellent facilities; nice to meet smiling and cheerful marina staff. The traditional Blue Jade pre race lunch at the Island Sailing Club with the crew of Moojo another Guernsey boat was followed by a few boat jobs
Having experienced the wind getting up on Thursday (35 knots at the Bridge Buoy is no fun – even from behind) we spent Friday anxiously checking the weather forecast and I have to say were relieved by the sensible decision of JOG to postpone the race to Saturday morning. Unfortunately the delay cost us a crew member as Ron had to get to Birmingham for Saturday evening for a steam train outing – don’t ask; it’s too complicated to explain. Of the rest of the crew; Aden and Chilli are old hands at the Race (well – just old really), Fingers had last done this race 14 years ago and had been tempted out of retirement, Spike was fresh and gung-ho from this year’s Fastnet, Young Charlie just loves sailing anywhere, anytime and Mike saw it as a convenient (and cheap) way to get home from Southampton – typical student.
On Friday morning we had a good start and stayed Island side only crossing as we passed Yarmouth for the run to Bridge Buoy. We had gone for our new No 1 which we have had a few issues with as we don’t seem able to hold it as long as our much loved old one. However, while undoubtedly overpowered we bore off a tad and could see we were doing well against the rest of our class. We actually ended up holding the No 1 to the finish.
We had an uneventful run to the Casquests and despite being lower than our opposition were able to take the forecast tide offered there to get round without tacking. We had expected big seas at the Casquets given the weather but were pleasantly surprised at how benign it was. Onto our home turf now and we fairly flew down the Little Russel to the finish. A slight panic near the end as the wind dropped then filled. We headed up to our usual race finish line between the Castle and the GYC distance buoy and lost time to other boats that finished ‘up to 3 cables’ from the Castle as per the race instructions. (Longest finish line I have ever seen – especially in the dark! Ah well RTFI as they say.) I would add a big well done to JOG finish line crew for clearly announcing the finish procedure.
The Vin d’Honneur was excellent and the Castle proved, once again, to be a superb venue at reasonable rates (a shameless plug for more business from Chilli here) and Blenheim a great sponsor with excellent prizes.
We were delighted to win our class, to be the first Channel Island Boat and to have the best time overall. Thanks to Peter and JOG for a great race and see you all next year.
Postscript – Sadly Fingers has announced his retirement (again).
We love this race although we always feel a touch guilty at only doing one JOG Race a season. We positioned the boat to Cowes from Guernsey on Thursday leaving at sparrow cough and enjoying a brisk ride across the Channel surfing at 13.8 knots bringing a smile to the Skippers face as he took back the boat speed record from Chilli who sadly witnessed three years of one-upmanship come to an end. Shephards Wharf provided their usual warm welcome and excellent facilities; nice to meet smiling and cheerful marina staff. The traditional Blue Jade pre race lunch at the Island Sailing Club with the crew of Moojo another Guernsey boat was followed by a few boat jobs
Having experienced the wind getting up on Thursday (35 knots at the Bridge Buoy is no fun – even from behind) we spent Friday anxiously checking the weather forecast and I have to say were relieved by the sensible decision of JOG to postpone the race to Saturday morning. Unfortunately the delay cost us a crew member as Ron had to get to Birmingham for Saturday evening for a steam train outing – don’t ask; it’s too complicated to explain. Of the rest of the crew; Aden and Chilli are old hands at the Race (well – just old really), Fingers had last done this race 14 years ago and had been tempted out of retirement, Spike was fresh and gung-ho from this year’s Fastnet, Young Charlie just loves sailing anywhere, anytime and Mike saw it as a convenient (and cheap) way to get home from Southampton – typical student.
On Friday morning we had a good start and stayed Island side only crossing as we passed Yarmouth for the run to Bridge Buoy. We had gone for our new No 1 which we have had a few issues with as we don’t seem able to hold it as long as our much loved old one. However, while undoubtedly overpowered we bore off a tad and could see we were doing well against the rest of our class. We actually ended up holding the No 1 to the finish.
We had an uneventful run to the Casquests and despite being lower than our opposition were able to take the forecast tide offered there to get round without tacking. We had expected big seas at the Casquets given the weather but were pleasantly surprised at how benign it was. Onto our home turf now and we fairly flew down the Little Russel to the finish. A slight panic near the end as the wind dropped then filled. We headed up to our usual race finish line between the Castle and the GYC distance buoy and lost time to other boats that finished ‘up to 3 cables’ from the Castle as per the race instructions. (Longest finish line I have ever seen – especially in the dark! Ah well RTFI as they say.) I would add a big well done to JOG finish line crew for clearly announcing the finish procedure.
The Vin d’Honneur was excellent and the Castle proved, once again, to be a superb venue at reasonable rates (a shameless plug for more business from Chilli here) and Blenheim a great sponsor with excellent prizes.
We were delighted to win our class, to be the first Channel Island Boat and to have the best time overall. Thanks to Peter and JOG for a great race and see you all next year.
Postscript – Sadly Fingers has announced his retirement (again).
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Spinnaker trimming made easy
After our little mishap in the swinge at the weekend, Martin has very helpfully sent through this guide to the successful flying of a spinnaker.
Looks easy doesn't it? Can't understand how we got it so wrong.
Looks easy doesn't it? Can't understand how we got it so wrong.
Carey Olsen race to Alderney
Less said the better really, it chucked it down with rain and we came ninth or something. Then we went to the Divers.
We had been doing alright, max speed 10 knots, wind on the beam the whole way up and then a spinnaker run to the finish. Hmmm, spinnaker run. It's traditional to hoist a spinnaker, and attach it to a pole like device on the front of the boat. If you don't do that, it flaps around quite a lot, and generally looks a bit embarrassing. Needless to say Spike owes us all a few beers.
We probably would have been third!
Here's a shot of the skipper enjoying the nice weather...
More photos are online here: www.samfieldphotography.com
We had been doing alright, max speed 10 knots, wind on the beam the whole way up and then a spinnaker run to the finish. Hmmm, spinnaker run. It's traditional to hoist a spinnaker, and attach it to a pole like device on the front of the boat. If you don't do that, it flaps around quite a lot, and generally looks a bit embarrassing. Needless to say Spike owes us all a few beers.
We probably would have been third!
Here's a shot of the skipper enjoying the nice weather...
More photos are online here: www.samfieldphotography.com
Tour des Ports - Chilly Snr's round up...
The mighty Jade is back in Guernsey now, so we spoke to Chilly Snr about the crews performance in the Tour, winning a stage and generally showing the frenchies how this sailing lark is done...
Blue Jade Blog:“So, let me get this straight - we sailed to Carteret to race straight back to
Chilly Snr: “Yup”
“Did they feed all 800 of us that nice rotisserie chicken and chips, lots of wine and calvados and sing that loud sailing song”
“Yup – and a Russian marching band”
“A Russian marching band?”
“Yup”
“OK – then what”
“Then we raced to
“Any race highlights?”
“Charlie puked on a dolphin”
“Oh poor thing”
“Yeah – the dolphin was none too happy either”
“OK – then what?”
“Then we raced from
“Wow – great result !”
“Yup – hard work but a great team effort and nice paella at midnight as a reward”
“Race highlights?”
“Singing the theme from Dambusters, complete with goggles actions as the RAF boat ‘attempted ‘ to pass us”
“Great – then what?”
“Then we raced from Granville to
“Good result ! - Race highlights?”
“Gusts to 29 knots with the No 1 up – Mick trawling with the spinnaker – finding Blue Jade in the middle of Jersey harbour at midnight with a random Frenchman steering – just the usual really”
“ Hmmm – I see – then what”
“Race cancelled so a casual relaxed cruise to Dielette, chicken chute up 10.9 knots surfing – yeehah…..”
“Good party in Dielette I hear?”
“Oh yes”
“Any details?”
“No”
“Oh go on"
“ Well I could relate Spike stealing a 6ft flag on a pole and getting collared, or hoisting flowers up the committee boat masts, or the French kid with the bowel problem or the…….”
“Yes, yes – we get the picture – then what”
“Bailed out back to Guernsey due to a bad weather forecast – as we missed a race dropped to 9th place overall”
“Any new boat names this year?”
“Forward aka fwd aka Fair Weather Dave, Phil as in Phil the Dishwasher (courtesy of Ron’s exploits on Liana), Findus aka Mick following his trawling exploits (Findus the fisherman), and the all time crew favourite - Little Chief Pukes on Dolphins”
“Do it again?”
“Oh – yes”
Friday, 24 July 2009
Impi Shield - thar she blows (chunks)...
Heavy seas, freezing cold rain and fog - exactly what you'd expect for a summery jaunt to France and back. The Impi shield, a new race (for money - not sure what we think about that yet), was to the Roches Douvres and back - and coincided with some pretty rotten weather.
Here's a pic just after the start, before I had to hunker down and try to keep warm and relatively dry!
Alice leading - followed by Moojo
Here's a pic just after the start, before I had to hunker down and try to keep warm and relatively dry!
Alice leading - followed by Moojo
Suffice to say, a pretty glum time was had on the long reach into the wind, huge swells of St Martin's point took their toll on one member of our crew, who spent the remainder of the race looking a very pale green.
Downwind was more fun, as we made the most of good winds and big waves to surf our way to 11.2 knots!
Third over the line, 4th overall as a Sadler 25, finishing 3 hours behind us (and 4 behind the leaders) came through on handicap to win the race.
Never again? Depends on the weather...
Downwind was more fun, as we made the most of good winds and big waves to surf our way to 11.2 knots!
Third over the line, 4th overall as a Sadler 25, finishing 3 hours behind us (and 4 behind the leaders) came through on handicap to win the race.
Never again? Depends on the weather...
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Update from le Tour
Stage two is complete, and whilst some of us have to work, the Blue J'Ade crew are out tireleslly showing the frenchies how to sail.
Race update came in this morning from Chilly Snr.
Results
Carteret to Guernsey - 4th place.
Guernsey to Grainville - 1st place.
The J'Ade is currently sitting pretty in 1st overall, out of 108 boats. 106 of which are French.
Chilly Snr also said something about the French plumbing system in Grainville taking a hammering after a crew outing to the curry house, but details are (mercifully) unconfirmed.
More on le Tour des Ports...
Race update came in this morning from Chilly Snr.
Results
Carteret to Guernsey - 4th place.
Guernsey to Grainville - 1st place.
The J'Ade is currently sitting pretty in 1st overall, out of 108 boats. 106 of which are French.
Chilly Snr also said something about the French plumbing system in Grainville taking a hammering after a crew outing to the curry house, but details are (mercifully) unconfirmed.
More on le Tour des Ports...
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