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[Butts]

Hi folks,


Another opportunity to sail at Balne Moor.
On Sunday 3 July we will have a tug towing and scale sailing event. You can test your skill at towing or just have a go at the scale sailing course. The cost will be £1 per boat put on the water.
As usual activities will start about 10.30 and hot sandwiches will be available until about 13.00  Tea,coffee and cakes available all day.
Instructions for you sat nav: DN14 0ER. Check out our website on the link below.

[yewgarth]

Hi, is it a towing competition or just a free for all?
Thanks

[Butts]

This is not a competition event.


Recently we have experienced a reluctance from members for competitive events and so we have been experimenting with more informal events.  The jury is still out.


We do have true competitive events later in the year for the Svitzer Shield (18th September) and the North Sea Winches Shield (2nd October).  There is also a fun competitive event (Roses Regatta) on the 14th August.

[ballastanksian]

That's a shame as I love trying to hit as many bollards with my tug as possible. (Thats the idea isn't it? )

Seriously though, has anyone said why they are disinclined to compete?

[poll]

      Hi Kris.
   The Roses regatta is for you, you can come for the sunset sail & social evening on the 13th Aug & towing on the 14th

   John

[Butts]

To be honest I believe it is less about people changing their minds about competitive events, it has more to do with changes in the Club membership and there now being fewer people inclined to competitions. Providing judges is also a problem.  For scale sailing we have adopted a self scoring system, but that does not work for tug competitions.


My wife's view is like yours, she believes a good score is indeed to hit as many obstacles as possible, and she is very good at it


It may well be a temporary position as I know there are members who are not comfortable with the current events as they believe there is a lack of focus.  We will keep adjusting until we get the balance right.

[ballastanksian]

In that case have  afew years of just sailing for sailing's sake, and then after a while maybe the idea of doing a few contests will gain some popularity.

At Yeovil we are currently just having fun while we sort the weed out finally and then hopefully our Contest mojo will rekindle.

Related to hitting obstacles, I ran a live wire game ata fete a few years back and a mum let her toddler have a go. Neddles to say, the littl'n scored a complete run not breaking the loud buzz once as she slid the hoop along the wire! Needless to say I rewarded her skill with a mini mars bar!

[Butts]

Yes, on a similar note my wife recently lent her tug to a youngster who was visiting Balne Moor with his grandparents.


You need to know that my wife is happier with her tug controls set up so that left is right and forward is reverse if you see what I mean (don't ask!).  The only way I can control it is to turn the transmitter upside down.  The youngster had absolutely no problem with the transmitter controls or mastering the black art of tank steering.  He sailed on until the battery went flat.

[ballastanksian]

That is great to hear. It is lovely to hear of children getting a good experience from a hobby. I hope he has enlightened parents who might support them in coming years.

[Butts]

It's rather grandparents than parents, but granddad is very much a model boater and has now got the "tug bug".


I reckon both boys will be very much encouraged.  There is a third grandchild (a 2 year old) and he has also now got a tug!


It would indeed be welcome to see younger enthusiasts.