Saturday Specials
Once or twice a year, GXSA organises training courses for the benefit of its members. These are usually "one day events" held on a Saturday which cover various topics according to demand. Where appropriate, these have the benefit of RYA approval and certification. Topics have included: astro navigation, radar, knots and splices, diesel engine maintenance, boat electrics, GRP repairs and first aid.
GXSA Masterclasses
These are significant one day events organised around a particular topic and open to a wider audience than GXSA members.
The last event was in Autumn 2011 when Jimmy Cornell, author and highly experienced yachtsman explained the intricacies of Ocean Cruising. It was very well attended.
Longer Practical and Theoretical Courses
Day Skipper, VHF and Yachtmaster Theory Courses
Our locally based RYA approved sailing school Westview Sailing gives RYA and VHF/DSC radio courses courses locally.
The proprietor, Duncan Wells is a long-standing and well respected member of the association and an occasional contributor to the yachting press. His courses make ideal presents for "those that have everything"!
Follow link or telephone Duncan 01753 890555 for details of forthcoming courses.
Saturday Specials
Once or twice a year, GXSA organises training courses for the benefit of its members. These are usually "one day events" held on a Saturday which cover various topics according to demand. Where appropriate, these have the benefit of RYA approval and certification. Topics have included: astro navigation, radar, knots and splices, diesel engine maintenance, boat electrics, GRP repairs and first aid.
GXSA Masterclasses
These are significant one day events organised around a particular topic and open to a wider audience than GXSA members.
The last event was in Autumn 2011 when Jimmy Cornell, author and highly experienced yachtsman explained the intricacies of Ocean Cruising. It was very well attended.
Longer Practical and Theoretical Courses
Day Skipper, VHF and Yachtmaster Theory Courses
Our locally based RYA approved sailing school Westview Sailing gives RYA and VHF/DSC radio courses courses locally.
The proprietor, Duncan Wells is a long-standing and well respected member of the association and an occasional contributor to the yachting press. His courses make ideal presents for "those that have everything"!
Follow link or telephone Duncan 01753 890555 for details of forthcoming courses.
Cruise 1 – Destination: Brittany
Saturday July 13th to Sunday July 21st
For lovers of French Cuisine (Brexit notwithstanding), the initial plan is rendezvous in St Peter Port, and day-sail along the Brittany coast, aiming for Morlaix, then heading home from there.
Likely ports en-route:
- St Peter Port
- Paimpol
- Treguier
- Ploumanac’h
- Trebeurden
- Perros Guirec
- Morlaix
More information about the events that we organise is available to users that Register with the website, and Fully Paid members of Gerrards Cross Saiing Association
GXSA Crew List
Do you sail less often than you would like ? Perhaps we can help.....
What is the Crew List?
The GXSA Crew List is a mechanism for:
- Skippers to find crew when they need crew or company on a sailing trip
- Sailors who would like to sail, to find a boat for a day, weekend, or longer
- Making Friends
It's a way for Skippers to offer berths for short-term or long-term trips, today, tomorrow, next week, next month, etc..
It's a way for Crew to get in-touch, and.or keep in-touch.
How does it work?
The Crew List is an email-based system, based around an email address - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. People join an email-group, so that they can send/receive messages. Only GXSA members can register.
Only GXSA members registered as members of Crew-List can send messages. Only GXSA members registered as members of Crew-List can receive messages. It's a closed group. Messages sent by people that are NOT members of the group will be deleted, and not forwarded.
Messages sent to the group will be monitored - please respect other members and be aware of their sensibilities. Users that are disrespectful will be discontinued.
How to Sign-Up
Skippers and Crew need to sign up to use the Crew List.
Sign-up to this system is entirely under your own control - GXSA will not sign you up automatically. By signing up, you agree for the details you provide in emails to be published to all the GXSA members on the Crew List.
To sign up, you simply need to login to the GXSA website, then start the "My Mailing Lists" option on left hand "User Menu"
Next, simply click the "Crew List" button to "Yes", and then "Save" the updates.
Now, you will receive all messages that are sent by your fellow members of the Crew List email-group.
You can post to the group, and receive messages from the group.
Happy sailing !....
How to Remove Yourself from the Crew List
If you would like to be removed from the Crew List, you simply need to reverse the joining process...
- Login to the GXSA website
- Select the "My Mailing Lists" option
- Select "No" for the Crew List
You can always re-subscribe, if you want to.
Questions
Any questions? Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Report on Chichester Rally - 28th June
by Chris Green
GXSA Rally Regulars (plus some very welcome first-timers) met at Chichester Marina, on the south coast, for the Mid-Summer Rally. Dinner was held at the new facilities of Chichester Yacht Club. The weather, location, welcome, accommodation, facilities and food were all first class.
See the Full Chichester Rally report and more photos here
Many thanks to Stuart for organising us.
On the Sunday morning, some went to Chichester cathedral, some walked to Dell Quay sailing club and some stayed in bed.
Gallery Below
Gallery Above
Annual Dinner and Awards Presentations
Each year in April after the AGM and close of the Spring Talks programme, GXSA holds an annual dinner which has approximately a hundred attendees. There is a prestigious speaker from the world of sailing who also awards three silver trophies which have been donated to the association by past members who have been most appreciative of the companionship they have enjoyed during their membership.
Hello GXSA Sailors,
Our next rally is approaching at Bucklers Hard on the Beaulieu river on Saturday 22 June. This is a new location for GXSA and will be the first time we have been up to Bucklers Hard as a rally.
Alongside moorings are reserved and evening dinner will be ‘pub style’ in the Lower Yachtsmen’s bar, reserved for us. It is an interesting and lovely location and hopefully a really great spot for a rally!
I hope you will be able to come along and look forward to seeing you.
Best wishes and kind regards, Nick
GXSA Rally ‘Bucklers Hard’ Saturday 22nd June
The Harbour Master knows we are coming. Moorings are on the LHS as you approach the fuel pontoon.
A booking fee has been paid that gives our boats a 10% discount - Boat names / length requested in advance please.
There are some great walks & plenty of things to wander around and look at!
PLAN: Arrive Saturday afternoon at Bucklers Hard.
Pontoon Party starting @6.00 on Saturday.
7.30pm walk to the Lower Yachtsman’s bar for 3 course evening pub dinner.
Sunday morning – Local walk / look at local attractions / museum etc. followed by coffee back at the boats or whatever takes our fancy.
Sunday departure – Afternoon.
NEXT ACTION: Names of boats plus number of crew?
Make your menu selection & please send back to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Costs each – Please send £32 BACS payment to the usual GXSA account (give your name in the reference so we know who it is, thank you).
MENU
Starters
S1. Fried Chicken Wings (GFA). Lightly spiced BBQ Sauce
S2. Welsh Rarebit. Roast Tomato and Onion Chutney
S3. Fried Calamari in Sea Salt and Spices (GFA). Homemade Tartare sauce
S4. Homemade Soup of the Day (V/GFA). Fresh Baked Bread
Mains
M1. Charcuterie of Dorset Meats: Sloe Gin and Garlic Cured Venison, Coppa Loin & Fennel Salami Bread, Olives, Tomatoes, Gherkins, Artichoke Hearts, Mustard
M2. Angus Beef Burger in a Brioche Bun, Chips and Coleslaw (can add Cheese or Bacon )
M3. Veggie Burger in a Brioche Bun (V), Chips & Coleslaw – (can add Cheese)
M4. Fresh daily Battered Fish (GFA), Homemade Tartare Sauce, Minted Pea Puree and Chunky Chips
M5. Chicken, Leek & Bacon Pie with Assorted Green Vegetables, Mash and Gravy
M6. Fragrant Vegetable Curry (GF/VGN) with Coconut Milk and Coriander, Basmati Rice
Desserts
D1. Red Wine Marinated New Forest Strawberries (GF) With New Forest Ice Cream
D2. Chocolate Brownie (GF) With New Forest Ice Cream
D3. Rhubarb and Lemon Compote Topped with Chilled Cinnamon Custard, Shortbread Biscuit
V – Vegetarian
VGN – Vegan Adaptable
GF – Gluten Free
GFA – Gluten Free Adaptable
Please specify menu options in advance. Notify in advance if you have any food allergies and speak to a member of the team.
THEYACHTMARKET.COM SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW
14th– 23rd SEPTEMBER 2018
GXSA : DISCOUNTED TICKET OFFER from John Goode
USING PROMOTIONAL CODE
to obtain the code, GXSA members should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Buy between 1 and 5 tickets at £13.00 each – and get a FREE ticket with each purchased ticket
WEBSITE BOOKING:http://www.southamptonboatshow.com
IMPORTANT NOTES
• Tickets are Standard Entry tickets and valid for ANY one day of the Show.
• Tickets can be ordered up to 23:59 on Saturday 22nd September.
• A SINGLE transaction fee of £1.99 applies whether ordering one or more tickets.
• Youngsters 15 years or under go free (up to 2 per accompanying adult) if their tickets are requested when ordering adult tickets.
• Tickets are only available as ‘Print at Home’ via TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show website.
WEBSITE BOOKING PROCEDURE
• Click on BUY TICKETS at top of homepage.
• Enter and submit Promotional Code. This will bring up the ticket ordering sequence which is straightforward to follow.
• You may be asked to select the day you expect to visit. This is merely to help predict visitor numbers.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
See TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show website: https://southamptonboatshow.com/terms-conditions/
Saturday Special - 10th March 2018
Visit to North Sails and Gunwharf Quay
The coach will depart from Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre at 09:00 to travel to North Sails (Gosport), where we will have a tour of the sail loft. Everything from dinghy sails to sails for superyachts is made here. There will then be a light lunch (included) and a talk by North Sails about Volvo racing and the design of your sails.
Following this we will go to Gunwharf Quay, where we can go up 100m in the air to see amazing views of Portsmouth harbour from the Spinnaker Tower (weather permitting), sit in a pub or go shopping in the Outlet stores.
The cost is £20.00 per person. The cost of going up the Spinnaker Tower will be extra, since it is dependent on weather.
Minimum number for the trip is 20, for North Sails. Please book early to avoid disappointment (closing date is 28th February)
If we have more than 15 definites for the Spinnaker Tower, regardless of the weather, a group booking at reduced prices will be possible at £7.45 for seniors, £8.35 for adults.
Alternatively you can pay for the Spinnaker Tower independently - it costs £11.00 on the day or (if you book online the day before) £9.00 for seniors, £9.90 for adults.
Book by signing up on the noticeboard at a Wednesday meeting or by emailing GXSA on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Payment in advance to confirm your booking, please, to GXSA by cheque or bank transfer to the usual GXSA account (details available to members by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Please reference your name on the transfer. Include Spinnaker Tower money if definite to go up regardless of the weather.
Closing date for bookings and payment is 28th February.
GXSA Day Trip to North Sails, Fareham
By Stuart Gaunt
Timeline: 10th March 2017
Another pleasant day drip for the GXSA membership, ably organized by our Chairman, Bernie Smallman.
In this article I’m going to cover the Day Trip, and provide some interesting educational articles about Sail Trimming that we can all use to improve our technique, and make our sails last longer.
North Sails
Areas of the sail have between 6-80 layers of tape,
depending on load
North Sails are one of the world’s leading sail makers, with many significant racing crews and events amongst their customers. North make the sails for America’s Cup, Volvo Round the World Race, and many One-Design Dinghy classes, together with fitting out many of the individual yachts entered into global yacht races, such as Antigua Week, Sydney-Hobart, and Cowes Week races. Also, 80% of their business is making, repairing, and renovating sails for cruising boats, like you and I sail every weekend. North are very proud of their sails, and their website contains lots of educational tips about how to get the most out of your sails, by tuning each of the strings that you probably hardly ever touch!
Several GXSA members are regular, and occasional North Sails customers, which led us to persuade David Swete of North Sails to host a trip around their new sail loft facility in Fareham, followed by a detour to Portsmouth and up the Spinnaker Tower to see the view over Portsmouth, Gosport, and the Isle of Wight.
Old Sails
If you currently have sails, that are getting a bit old and baggy, North reckon that there is a good chance that they can renovate them by re-cutting. They suggest that you send photos of your sails, “at‑work” to their experts who will be able advise the optimal way forward. Just contact North Sails in Fareham to get the ball rolling (023 9252 5588).
New Sails
There are several general groups of sails in use today, made from a very limited number of materials, with varying properties – the choice is yours, and depends on the depth of your pockets!:
|
Sail Groups |
Materials (Brand-names in brackets) |
Properties |
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All sails are a compromise of these features and materials.
Materials
There have been a variety of materials used in sailmaking over the years. The chart shows some of the properties:
North have been building 3D laminate sails for 25 years, and they claim that their new(ish) 3Di technology is 25 years ahead of any competitor’s product. They reckon that 3Di is a market-beater, so watch this space (spoiler alert: I bought some – currently awaiting delivery; March 2018).
Lifetime Cost
Sail Types
|
|
|
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Education
Here some links to North Sails training resources that you might find useful:
There are lots more guides on the North Education website.
Tour of the Sail Loft
The day started with a 9am (early for some) departure from Gerrards Cross on a very comfortable Heyfordian coach. At 10:30 we arrived at an un-presupposing industrial unit on Fareham Industial Estate, for refreshments in the staff canteen, and use of the facilities, before the tour began.
Our first stop was their huge sail-making table – North believe that there are only 2 like this in Europe.
Imagine that you have a sail from a 15m mast (which isn’t that big, really). That equates to a huge piece of fabric. Traditionally, this has meant manually dragging the sail across the floor and through the sewing machine, with lots of room for error when the sewing machine stitches the fabric.
On the North system, the fabric stays still, and the person/sewing machine move on a conveyor belt that is geared to the feed-rate of the fabric through the machine, so each stitch is exactly the right size and tension for the fabric being sewn.
For curved seams (eg. Around tack, clew, or head) they have a moving sewing machine that moves on an arc, again geared to the speed of the machine, making perfect stitches.
Then we moved to the main sail-making table. This looked to be the size of a football field, and filled the warehouse. I’m not sure what is the biggest sail they could cope with, but there were TWO sails from 100ft yachts on the table at the same time, and LOTS of room to spare.
Frankly, this is where the Sail Sales bit took over, as we got to touch/examine/caress/fondle an example of the North 3Di Nordac cruising sails. These are custom built from polyester (dacron) on a mold to a perfect aerofoil shape, with the fabric-thickness depending on the stress/load for each specific area of the sail (North believe that these are the cruising sails of the future). Here’s a YouTube video about how 3Di sails are made. The effect on the GXSA tourists was quite bewildering, as we all felt the fabric, jaws open, and tongues hanging out.
The effect was mesmerizing, but we needed lunch.
After some sandwiches and cake, David Swete gave us a presentation (and a nice red baseball cap). As well as a North Sails Salesman, David is an international yachtsman from New Zealand. His role is usually sail-trimmer, so he really knows about sails, with a pretty impressive CV:
- 2 x Volvo Round the World races
- 2009 World Match Racing Champion
- Held the ISAF World Number 1 position for over a year
- Won 5 World Tour Events
- Has taken part in 3 Sydney to Hobart races
Dave has some interesting YouTube videos to watch about his sailboat racing career; other websites are the Volvo Ocean Race in particular, in Team Alvimedica.
Dave gave us an insight into what it’s like to be a long-distance racing sailor. With each race-leg being typically 25 days away from home, it’s not necessarily something for a person with a young family…or for somebody who likes their bed!! 4 hours on-watch, 4 hours off-watch (if you're lucky), hot bunking, cramped conditions.
It was a very interesting talk….and we got a hat !!!
Spinnaker Tower
After a short coach trip to the other side of the harbour we arrived at Gunwharf Quays Shopping Centre in Portsmouth (now, that’s a day trip in itself for shopaholics), where the Spinnaker Tower is located.
The tower was opened in 2005 to celebrate the millennium in 2000 (yes, I know…there were lots of financial issues to overcome). It’s 170m tall, and gives a fantastic view over the harbour and surrounding area. The internal lift takes 30 seconds to go 100m to the first observation deck, and there are another 60 steps to the top-level observation deck. Surprisingly, there’s not much sense of vertigo, unless you choose to stand on the glass plate where you can see all the way to the ground, beneath your feet – it’s just like flying (but not necessarily my thing…so no picture!)
On a good day, you can see over 35 miles, but today we could only just make out Ryde on the Isle of Wight, but the view was still pretty impressive, as you can see from the collection of pictures, below.
Rat Island, fareham Creek, Port Solent,
HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Warrior
Review
Everyone had a great day out. The coach trip provides an excellent opportunity to chat with friends, and GXSA day trips are a fantastic opportunity to renew and make new friends.
Come along on the next day trip. You'll have a great time!!
Thanks Bernie, Dave, and North Sails. We had a great day out.
Saturday Special - 28th October
Fort Nelson, NMOC Coastguard, Laverstoke Mill
A bus took us from the Memorial Centre, Gerrards Cross at 08.30 on this day trip and returned us there about 19.00. The trip cost £28, which covered the cost of the bus, all admissions and the cocktail at the end of the Gin Distillery tour.
In the morning, 20 people were first be dropped off to visit the new NMOC Coastguard centre near Fareham (10.30 - 12.15). After that visit they joined the rest of the group at Fort Nelson for lunch.
Those people not going to the Coastguard were taken to the Armouries Museum at Fort Nelson, near Fareham. This recently updated museum has excellent displays, a very large and interesting site on Portsdown Hill and fine views over Portsmouth Harbour. In addition to the large area of restored tunnels and ramparts, there are many varied exhibits on miltary life through the ages and a wide variety of artillery is on display. Interesting contemporary items include part of the Saddam Hussein supergun which was intercepted during the gulf war.
About 14.15 we all departed on the bus for Laverstoke Mill, Bombay Sapphire Distillery. We had the Discovery tour of the distillery, which includes a choice of cocktails for you to enjoy.There is an impressive glasshouse which produces the specialised botanicals that are used to flavour the gin recipes, an exhibition on the production of gin and the distillery itself.
LONDON BOAT SHOW 10th – 14th JANUARY 2018
GERRARDS CROSS SAILING ASSOCIATION : DISCOUNTED TICKET OFFER
USING A PROMOTIONAL CODE
GXSA members can obtain the code from the noticeboard at a Wednesday meeting or ask a committee member
Buy between 1 and 5 tickets at £12.00 each – and get a FREE ticket with each purchased ticket
.
WEBSITE BOOKING:https://londonboatshow.com
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Tickets are valid for ANY one day of the Show including Preview Day on Wednesday 10th January.
- Tickets can be ordered up to MIDNIGHT on Tuesday 9th January.
- Youngsters 15 years or under go free (up to two per accompanying adult) provided tickets for them are requested when ordering adult tickets.
- A single transaction fee of £1.95 applies whether ordering one or more tickets.
- Tickets are only available as ‘Print at Home’ via the London Boat Show website.
WEBSITE BOOKING PROCEDURE
- Click on BUY TICKETS at top of homepage.
- Enter and submit Promotional Code. This will bring up the ticket ordering sequence which is straightforward to follow.
- You may be asked to select the day you expect to visit. This is merely to help the organiser predict visitor numbers for logistical purposes. The tickets you receive will be valid for ANY single day including Preview Day.
Terms & Conditions
See London Boat Show website: https://londonboatshow.com/Visiting/Terms-and-Conditions/Visitor-Terms-and-Conditions
Rally - Saturday 16th September
Gins Farm / Beaulieu River – Pontoon Party + Dinner
Numbers are now being firmed up for our 3rd rally, at Gins Farm RSYC on the picturesque Beaulieu River in the New Forest.
This rally is open to all GXSA members - If you want to bring friends or family, all are very welcome! £30 each to GXSA.
NEXT ACTION
Please let This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. have estimated numbers and menu selections as soon as you can - 10th September latest, thank you!
Evening dinner menu selection:
S1 - Gins Soup / bread
S2 - Smoked salmon
M1 - Braised belly of pork
M2 - Breast of chicken
D1 - Dark chocolate tart
D2 - Apple & cinnamon crumble/custard
Tea/coffee.
Plenty of sightseeing and the New Forest ponies!
PLAN
Meet at Gins Farm walk ashore pontoon Saturday 16th September.
GXSA has reserved 8 berth spaces - all boats will be close by.
Pontoon party starts at 6pm – Prosecco, Gin & tonics, nice wines, chilled beers and of course there will be some tasty bites to eat!
7.30pm Dinner at Gins Farm / 3-course dinner, tea & coffee.
Sunday – Walk along the river bank - Bucklers Hard.
Special note for ‘Non-boaters’ Ever thought it would be nice to meet up with everyone and enjoy an excellent evening dinner ? Good company without all that messing about ! Why not drive down and stay in a nice local hotel in the heart of the New Forest ? All ‘roadies’ very welcome!
Rally and Event reports 2015
Gins Farm Rally 2015 (9-10 May) 
was held on Saturday 9th May. 31 members and 9 boats attended
It was a breezy beat from Portsmouth on Saturday in F5-6 but a fine close
reach back on Sunday in F4-5. Very enjoyable pontoon party and dinner.
Our thanks to John Gorrie for organising this rally.
Royal Yacht Squadron - Bicentennial Regatta (25-31 July)
The J Class were invited to take part in the RYS International Bicentenary Regatta in Cowes. They were berthed at Ocean Village and racing was from the RYS Line. This will follow on from a J Class Regatta in Falmouth.
GXSA had several boats on-the-water to marvel as these impressive yachts sail around the Solent.
America's Cup World Series at Portsmouth (23 - 26 July)
The foiling AC45 catamarans visited Portsmouth this year in practice for the America's Cup competition which takes place in 2017.
This week marked an unprecedented opportunity to see the world's best monohulls (J-Class) and Catamarans (AC45) on the water at the same time.
GXSA was there to watch, from our "floating hotel" (members' yachts!)
Subcategories
2020 Events
Events in 2020
2016
GXSA Events that happened in 2016
2014
Events that have happened (or will happen) in 2014
2013
Rallies, and other events in 2013
2012
Events and Socials that happened in 2012
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