CRUISING
On all days (with the exception of scheduled Open Events) when the club is open and OD / Safety Coxswains are provided, members are allowed to participate in general cruising on the lake.
SERIES RACING
These races are open to any club member.
Series:
The club runs five standard series and a youth series throughout the year. These are as detailed below;
- Main Summer Series (MSS) – April, May, June, July and September.
- Twilight Series (TS) - Thursday Evenings - May, June, July and August - see below note.
- Sizzling Summer Six Series (4S) – July and August.
- Early Winter Series (EWS) – November and December.
- Late Winter Series (LWS) – January and February.
- Youth Summer Series - July.
All above series are further sub-divided into mini-series’ using the weekend day and race time sailed (i.e. Saturday 11:05 General Handicap Main Summer Series).
The number of qualifying races for each series is half the number of races run in the series +1.
Weekends: All above series use the standard ‘club racing timetable’ that appears at the back of every issue of the club magazine ‘Littleton Scene’. Prizes for the top three qualifying boats are awarded for each race of the series. Note that the Sat 14:30 race is a personal handicap race, and an excellent opportunity for crews in double-handed boats to helm. There is a 16:00 race run on demand during the Summer Series. Racing is organised and run by the rostered duty teams.
Thursday evening Twilight series: The first Thursday starts with Handicap race at 19:15, this alternates with a pursuit race until the last week which will always be a handicap race (due to the earlier start time/available light). You would be advised to check your pursuit start time a week ahead.
In 2011 the race start times will be adjusted for a Comet start at 19:15. A full list will be located in the clubhouse nearer the time.
OD / Race Team and Safety Boat cover will be arrange from helms finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd onwards in the 2010 Twilight series. In the instance where they might be unavailable then the next person will assume the role. If a person is skipped then they will be the next automatic choice. The rota will be displayed on a club noticeboard. The duty officer standing in will be awarded average points of the races counting for the series. The list of ODs and Rescue Coxswains with dates will be published in the Scene in advance of the start of the 2011 Twilight series.
On TRAINING DAYS a team will be rostered, additional training powerboats will also be on the water. Watch out for adverts place in the ‘Scene’, on the website (www.littletonsc.co.uk) and on the club noticeboards for further details.
Buddy Sailing (BS) with LSSC: On summer Wednesday evenings from May to August LSSC host free practice sailing sessions for those members just coming off beginners courses and for those who just want a relaxed sail after work on a pleasant evening. Anyone is very welcome to join in – we may even hold some short practice races occasionally. A post sailing drink is often a feature of the evening!
LSSC Introduction to Sailing: These sessions are held to give those completely new to sailing a taster and to impart some basic boat handling skills, wind knowledge and capsize drill. The course, held in April each year, is only open to LSSC members (LSSC membership is open to BP employees, ex BP employees and pensioners and elected associates). The initial sessions use the four LSSC Wayfarers although there is the opportunity to try single-handed sailing later on. Members staying the course generally go on to take one of the RYA courses on offer at the Club, or opt to become crew. The course fee usually includes one trip to Chichester Harbour which is the 'hook' which makes committed sea-cruisers for some.
Club Events: Series racing is not scheduled every weekend, and the table below provides a description of all other events. The dates of these events may be found in the programme, where it will also give any additional important information (i.e. start times and/or whether any other sailing is permitted that day). With the exception of the CSSA Championships at Netley there is no need to register in advance for any of the Club Events. Just turn up and sail.
| Event |
Description |
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| Icicle Trophy |
If you are determined to get rid of those pounds after the season of indulgence then join the crowd on the water for a nippy winter sail. Best 2 from 3 General Handicap races. Prizes awarded to the top 3 after sailing. |
|
| Brass Monkey |
We are now in the depths of winter, but unless the lake is frozen (it has happened!), wrap up warm and sail best 2 from 3 General handicap races, competing for the Brass Monkey. This little fella always raises a smile. Even if you don’t win him, you can still learn the true meaning of the expression. Prizes for the top 3 boats, after the event. |
|
Littleton Burgee Trophy
2 day event |
Competed over two sailing days on consectuve weekends (one Sunday and one Saturday), this great new event will be a mini series of 10 General Handicap races in our popular 'Short Race' format. On both days there will be 5 races, 3 in the morning and 2 more in the afternoon. Each race will be shorter than standard (30mins or 1-2 laps - dependent on wind). Best 8 from 10 races to count.
Prizes for the top 3 boats awared after sailing on the second day of this event. Overall winner receives the Littleton Burgee Trophy first presented at our 50th Anniversary event in 2008. |
|
| Victory Trophy |
Once a year the club is closed to normal club sailing while Littleton hosts and competes against the Civil Service Sailing Association, Navy, Army and RAF in a team racing event. Come along and see how to do it as a spectator! |
|
| Short Race Day |
Following a hugely popular new event in 2007 we are retaining the Short Race Day. This will be a hectic day of racing for all. 3 races in the morning and 2 more races in the afternoon. The races will be shorter than standard races (30min or 1-2 lap(s) - dependent on wind!). All races will be General Handicap, with best 4 from 5 to count. Prizes for the top 3 boats awarded after sailing. |
|
| Pioneer Cup |
Keep those 'Top Dog' sailors in check using your Personal Handicap to level the fleet. Every extra 20 points difference between your personal handicap and that of other helms gives you about 1 minute’s advantage. Sailed in both the spring and autumn. Prizes for the top 3 overall awarded after sailing. Personal handicaps are revised every 6 months just in time for both Pioneer cup events. |
|
| Mid-Thames Trophy |
Open to all members of the local Thames river clubs (Aquarius, Desborough, Hampton, Laleham and Staines) as well as Littleton sailing club. Minimum 3 and maximum 5 boats from each club to count toward the team prize. The trophy is 3 General Handicap races of which best 2 from 3 count. A chance for Littleton sailors to win the trophy for the club. This years event will be hosted by Staines Sailing Club. |
|
| Pepper Pursuit Race |
Named in honour of the owner of this inspirational idea, this event is usually a monster 3-hour pursuit race. In 2012 we will try breaking this down to 2 x 1 hour pursuit races both to count. Great for novices because being a pursuit you will be able to tell on the water how you stand in the race and the start line should be a little less frantic than usual for all but the OD! Prizes awarded to top 3 boats after the event. |
|
| 6-Hour race |
One boat, two crews, 1 hour on the water 1 hour off repeatedly for the whole 6 hour race. Choose wisely as you don’t get to speak to your team members all day, but you may yell and shout at each other on the changeovers! Watch out someone might be observing giving marks out of 10. Prizes awarded on general handicap and personal handicap after the event, if you don’t make either of these there is always the Capsize trophy! |
|
| Summer Cup |
Not Midsummer madness brought on by the Pimms, but a chance for you to win the elegant “Plank” trophy. This best 2 from 3 General Handicap event always attracts a good turnout. If you are an LSSC member, there’s the “Summer Plate” and “Naft Lamp” too. Prizes for the top 3 after sailing. |
|
| CSSA Champs |
Sailed at Netley Sailing Club and sailed on Southampton Water, this a great taste of sea sailing in small waves without having to be on the water all day. Open to all LSC members and members of any civil service sailing club, prizes available to all, with an additional prize for the winning civil servant as well as a prize for the best performing Civil Service Club. A full weekend event. This year Littleton goes back as defending champions of the club prize. |
|
| Holiday Week |
Training and informal racing is arranged, look for notices at the club nearer the time. |
|
| Club Regatta |
Summer holidays just a memory? Need some excitement before the winter sets in? Look no further than the Club Regatta. Traditionally an LSSC event this years event promises to include serious racing as well as other on and off the water family fun activities. Keep you eyes pealed for full details of this event closer to the date.
The overall event winner will be awareded the amazing ‘Costain Galleon’ trophy, (plus there is also the ‘Drake Bowl’ if you’re an LSSC member.). Prizes for the top 3 after sailing. |
|
| Allen Vase |
Only appearing once in the 2008 programme. The presence of a pursuit race in the middle of two general handicap races gives more people a chance to upset the form book. Prizes for the top 3 overall after sailing. |
|
| Junior Cup |
Run in conjunction with the Allen Vase. |
|
| Class Championships |
So who is the fastest in your fleet? Separate starts for RS200s, Solos, Comets and the General handicap fleet which always includes a good number of Lasers. Trophies for the winners and prizes for the top three overall, plus a prize for the winner on personal handicap in each class will be awarded after sailing. |
|
| Trophy Day |
Three general handicap races that will include: |
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| 11:00 Single-handed Trophy: any person sailing any boat single-handed |
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| 11:00 Crews' race: For double-handers with the regular crew and helm switching positions. |
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| 12:45 Veterans' Cup: any person who has passed their 50th birthday |
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| 12:45 Married Couples' Trophy: any persons married or with partner living at the same residence. |
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| 14:30 Ladies' bowl: Female entrants of any age |
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