Notice of Race from Marconi

(For all except Burnham and Stone!) The venue can be approached from either the M25 and A127 or the A414 and B1081. The final part of the journey in either case is along the B1012. Drive through the villages of Latchingdon, Maylandsea and Steeple. On leaving Steeple, Stansgate Road is a turning on the left just past some old red brick farm buildings, it is a single track, private, road with passing places, about 2 miles long. It also leads to some private house, please make sure you do not turn off into one of these!
At the end or the road there is a blue gate which will be open on your arrival, at other times it requires a club member with a key card for entry or departure
When arriving by car to the Marconi site. please note that the speed limit on site is 5mph. Please proceed to the OOD for parking instructions (he will be between the flagstaff area and the hard / sea Wall gates. Please avoid driving on the wet grass fields, as they will get rutted (and you may get stuck!)

Cars are not allowed on to the hard unless directed by the OOD or Launch Marshall. – please park in field as signposted / directed, and wheel your trailer or launch trolley, where you will be assisted by lowering on a winch
(For information – the mobile phone signal is not good in the low lying fields ashore at the sailing club, for best reception stand on the sea wall)
High Water 12.30
09.30 Launching commences from (approx. half tide).
Please be aware of very slippery conditions caused by Ice if cold, and seaweed, plus trip hazards of blocks, wires, and winch ropes.

The floating pontoon has a very harsh surface – no running, please be careful when climbing on and off boats. Lifejackets must be worn by all on pontoon and to and from boats. Please be careful to avoid overloading or unbalancing the pontoon. No unsupervised children.
Wet boat Launching assistance will be from Marconi Club Members (Colin Wardell and his team)

Registration commences, in the clubhouse (the Galley – upstairs)
The Galley will be available for food and hot drinks from 9.30 until approx. 14.30 to enable everyone to get breakfast rolls and lunch. A vegetarian option will be provided. (the galley is upstairs in the clubhouse)

Changing facilities with toilets and showers on site, room to leave bags and coats etc. there too for easy access through the day. Our site is easily accessible to people of all abilities, with level access to the club house, special toilet and shower facilities, and a stair lift to access the galley (where views of most of the race can be attained). Our sewage system is “Off Mains”, powered by our own pumps. Flush human waste only down toilets please to avoid blockage and associated unpleasant tasks. Dogs are allowed on site, but must always be on a lead (please clear up after your dog). Dogs are not permitted in the clubhouse (mooring points are provided).

We are hoping the rising tide should mean pontoon will be becoming accessible from this time to tie boats to, if not RIBs can take boats or crews to/from designated mooring buoys.

10.30 Briefing for all in the clubhouse (the Galley – upstairs)
We will highlight our facilities, risks and local conditions to all here

A Chart/Map of the course will be demonstrated at the briefing, and the course marks pointed out (through the window)

Races
11.00 – Ladies
11.45 – Mens
12.30 – Mixed
12.30 – High Water
13.00 – 13.30 – Retrieve boats on to trailers will be at high tide. Please recover your boats with the assistance of our OOD / Marshal to road trailers. Hoses are provided to wash down. You can then attend the clubhouse for refreshment and results / Prizegiving.

Only bring cars to collect boats & trailers as you leave site please

13.45 – Prizegiving
The bar will be open from approx. 12.00 (until it goes quiet!), it is located below the galley.

There will be a raffle which will be drawn after prizegiving. We would gladly receive any prize donations
Entry Fee – £ 10 per boat, per race

Rules
Harkers Yard Rules to be adhered to.
Collision regs apply. Gigs Pass Port to Port if head on, Overtaking Gig keeps clear, Overtaken gig maintains course. The 2 length overlap rule at marks will be highlighted at briefing and a diagram provided (unwitting courtesy of Maldon! – Thankyou).

Signing On
When Registering / signing on the team captain or responsible person will assess capability of coxswains and crew for the prevailing conditions and course, and is responsible for briefing his cox’ns and their crews accordingly. It is the responsibility of each individual to decide whether he/she should race, that they understand all rules and weather conditions, and retire or withdraw if unhappy.

Please radio check to “Marconi Race Office” on VHF Channel M2/P4 before casting off to race.

The Course
An exciting Massed Start race course will be set on the day, and will be dependent upon conditions – we are aiming for approx. 1 1⁄2 miles, and to be in view from the clubhouse & sea wall, most of the time, coming close by to finish.

The start will be from the race box, which is about 300m to the East (to the right if looking from the hard) of our Hard / slipway. The start line will be by alignment of the point of the triangle above the race box with the Mete (Post) in front of the race box. All boats must start outside of the aforementioned post, and inside a distance mark (to be identified if required in the race briefing). Timing will be 5-4-1-GO, for info – the sequence of the hooter is pre-set.. Radio will relay countdown with addition of a 10 second countdown – please use VHF Channel M2/P4

Retrieving – Will be at high tide, please recover your boats with the assistance of our OOD / Marshal to road trailers. Hoses are provided to wash down. You can then attend the clubhouse for refreshment and results. Only bring cars to collect boats & trailers as you leave site please.

Raffle – We will be holding a raffle in aid of the RNLI, we would be grateful for any donations of prizes.

Contact Details
Any queries, please feel free to contact me for help. I look forward to welcoming you on the 26th.
Kevin Stubbs, Rowing Captain (Gig Elettra)
Marconi SC Rowers
07957 797099 / 01245 226190
kevinstubbs@btinternet.com

Crews:
Ladies
Cox dawn
Nic
Sarah
Bridie
Trish

Mix
Dawn
Kay
Jaime
Angus

Men’s
Smiffy cox
Jaime/ Paul Smith
Robin
Paul
Angus

Reserve
Vanessa
Babs

Location

Steeple Essex CM0 7NU