The First 50 years by Maurice Wilde, 1988

Commodore’s Letter of introduction to the MYC Handbook for 1988
Dear Member
On May 30th, 1938 Bryan Andrews convened the meeting which resulted in the formation of the
Mumbles Yacht Club. Now, fifty years later, we can look back on the progress made since that time
and the success we have had in meeting the aspirations of the past, the present and future members and
in following the Club's objectives of "encouraging yacht cruising and racing ...... and the
provisioning of suitable accommodation for the use and benefit of members".
Over the years various aspects of our sport have flourished and then diminished. During the '60s
dinghy racing grew to be the main club activity. A mid week turnout for the club racing programme
could exceed sixty boats. There followed a boom in cruiser racing. Boat numbers grew. The creation of
the Yacht Haven solved the Mumbles mooring problems and contributed to the sustained growth in
cruiser ownership. Then, as now, a large proportion of the cruiser owning membership had a prime
interest in family cruising and day sailing. At the other end of the scale the fast growing sport of
boardsailing has engaged the interest of young and not so young sailors.
Of late the club has engaged in a policy of hosting, for various National class associations, major
prestige events. Not least of the attractions for such guest bodies are the facilities afforded by the
commodious club premises created and established so many years ago. Since 1979 the club has hosted
two National, two World Dinghy Championships, one International Regatta and two National
Boardsailing Championships.
Through the fifty years of it's existence the club and it's membership has enjoyed the benefits of the
hard work and dedication of a large number of workers. At this time I would like to make special
reference to Mrs. Meg Stephens who has served the club as executive committee member, club
secretary and latterly chairman and president of the ladies committee. A total term of service of some
forty years. In passing I record that the ladies committee was formally organised in 1959 and has
always rendered invaluable support. John Parfitt has given stalwart service for forty years -first as an
executive committee member and for the last fourteen years as club secretary.
This edition of the Handbook has been extended to include some historical and reminiscent content
relating to the whole subject of sailing and racing in Swansea Bay. The narrative tries to stay close to
the subject of people, past and present, and what they did and do in pursuit of our common interest in
the sport and pastime of sailing - the reason for our coming together as members of the Mumbles Yacht
Club.
In this our fiftieth year we have a special programme of social events to celebrate the anniversary. On
the water the major cruising event is the Cork Week and for the dinghy classes the GP14 and Laser
Welsh Area Championships.
I wish you all a full and fulfilling club year and good sailing.
Commodore
SAILING AND RACING IN SWANSEA BAY
EARLY TIMES
In the early nineteenth century numerous sailing matches were contested in the bay. In 1807 Swansea
Pilot boats raced over a course from the harbour entrance to Mumbles and back. The event aroused
great interest with numerous spectator boats lining the course. Sailing matches were regularly held
through the summers of 1819 to 1828. Pilot boats comprised the main class with entries from Cardiff,
Neath and Newport participating. There is a record of a return match being scheduled to take place at
Penarth. Spectator interest was well maintained. On one occasion the Bristol-Swansea steam packet
cruised the bay during the whole of one regatta day, permitting those willing to purchase tickets the
opportunity to enjoy 'both the scenery of the delightful Bay and the manoeuvres of the boats'. Adding
to the enjoyment of all, colours were hoisted on vessels, and on shore bands were playing. All this
activity on the water was only part of a wide range of pleasurable diversions created and organised at a
time when Swansea had aspirations to be a fashionable resort and tourist attraction rather than a
trading town.
During the second half of the nineteenth century the annual summer regattas were attracting entries of
up to thirty boats. The majority were skiffs rigged with bowsprit, foresail and jib.
The Bristol Channel Yacht Club was founded in 1875 and ran it's first regatta in June of that year. The
classes raced were boats under 12 tons and boats over 12 tons. In 1890 the club commissioned ALERT
and ALARM, the black and white yachts. These two well known boats were regularly sailed and
campaigned until the 1920's Both were broken up and lost in 1926
In 1896 the BCYC sponsored and organised the first 'Royal' Regatta when the Royal Yacht
BRITANNIA raced against the Emperor of Germany's METEOR and other J class yachts. During the
event METEOR was dismasted. In 1909 the Town Authorities and the BCYC organised a regatta with
a programme and prize list catering for six classes of yachts, trawlers and local small boats. Another
event of note was the 1913 regatta jointly organised by the BCYC and the Mumbles Sailing Club. The
entry included NORADA, MARQUITA, ISTRIA, BEATRICE, HYACINTH, EILEEN, and ZIMITA.
The entry for the 1926 regatta included SHAMROCK, WHITE HEATHER, WESTWARD, and
BRITANNIA.
The Swansea Bay and Bristol Channel Yacht Clubs jointly organised the 1929 June Regatta.
The entry for Race 1 was SHAMROCK, WHITE HEATHER, CAMBRIA, ASTRA and LULWORTH.
The entry for Race 3 included PAMELA, helmed by Alfred Ley, and KELPIE, helmed by William
Davies. In Race 4 the two boats entered were A. Williams' ELSIE and
W. Symns' KINGFISHER. The regatta programme included swimming and rowing events and motor
boat racing.
Both PAMELA and KELPIE were commissioned and campaigned by Alfred Ley. They were regularly
manned by members of the Mumbles Lifeboat crew and competed in events as far away as Anglesey.
PAMELA'S Indian silk light weather sails were an example of the technology of the time. She was
eventually lost on the rocks in Fishguard harbour. KELPIE passed into other hands and was eventually
purchased by Bryan Andrews in 1934.
MUMBLES YACHT CLUB
Whilst sailing and racing activities continued through the thirties there was a lack of collective effort
to encourage, maintain and improve the level of competition and no organisation to cater for the
widening interest in sailing and the desire to participate in the sport. Bryan Andrews convened a
meeting at the Pilot Hotel on May 30 1938, with a view to creating a club dedicated to promoting and
encouraging regular racing cruising and allied activities. Thirty-five signatures appear on the
attendance register for the inaugural meeting. On June 1 letters and proposal forms were circulated to
all interested parties inviting enrolment for membership in the MUMBLES YACHT CLUB and
requesting payment of a [half-a-crown, (2s 6d)] 12½p annual subscription. Headquarters was
established at the Pilot Hotel.
The first Commodore and the holder of membership card No. 1 was F.H. Treharne Thomas.
The first committee comprised Messrs. Leyshon David, William Davies, N.W. Fischer, F.M.Morgan,
Douglas Probert, W.W.Ward and Albert Williams together with the treasurer Trevor Evans and
secretary Bryan Andrews. With a race organisation quickly established , a full racing programme was
enjoyed throughout the 1938 season .The club racing fleet comprised the following :Class 1. (over 20ft o/a.)
BARRACUDA
CARLOTTA
KATHLEEN
KELPIE
LUCY
SHEARWATER
VANNA
Class 2. (under 20 ft o/a.)
Joe Worstall,
Mendi Morgan,
Campbell Johnson &
John Varley
A. McFarlane &
W. Morgan
Bryan Andrews
T. Evans
J.C.Jeremiah
S.H. Treharne Thomas
ELSIE
A.E.J.Williams
HAPPY CHANCE.
OSPREY
A.G.Bishop
NAOMI
PORCUS II
E.R. Eaton
SHRANGRHILA
SILVER MIST
The five set club courses included one offshore configuration 17 miles long. Light weather racing
required the use of topsails, balloon staysails and jib topsails.
Bill Simmons usually presided as Race Officer.
One difficulty and restriction to mooring boats in Mumbles has been the lack of protection from strong
easterly weather. This has always limited the expansion of sailing in the area. This was highlighted in
May 1938 by Bryan Andrews by way of a letter to the S.W. Evening Post together with two very
illuminating sketches of boats moored off Southend with and without a protective breakwater. His plea
that "the authorities must use a little foresight and look beyond the objective of direct return on capital
outlay. A little reflection would show that the indirect benefit from the improvement of facilities at
Southend would be immeasurable", has never been answered.
The club racing programme restarted in the spring of 1939 but ceased with the outbreak of war.
KELPIE was recommissioned in the spring of 1940 and during the period of the phoney war engaged
in a little gentle cruising - complete with Admiralty identification number. The boat was left on a
Mumbles mooring, in the care of a local boatman, when the owner went away to war. During his
absence KELPIE was lost.
During the war another founding member David Gwyn Johns kept a watching brief on the club's
affairs, in 1946 the club was re-activated with J.C.Leader being elected Commodore, Bryan Andrews
Secretary and D.Gwyn Johns Treasurer. The headquarters was again in the 'back room' of the Pilot
Hotel. Later a move was made to the Mermaid Hotel. A small hut on the 'promenade' served to
accommodate the Race Officer and the necessary equipment. In these immediate post war years
suitable boats were difficult to find. A lot of D.I.Y. work was done converting ships lifeboats into
sailing cruisers and 'clinker type' rowing boats into sailing dinghies. Navy and Merchant Marine
surplus stores were well patronised. The need to obtain a suitable competitive boat was obvious and
eventually the club initiated the creation of a centreplate day boat, effectively the MYC one design J.F.
d'E. Jones Aberystwyth designed an 18ft. carvel built boat with 6ft. 7in. beam. There was 400 lb
inside ballast and 620Ib keel, total displacement 2620 lb. Two boats were built by Williams of
Aberystwyth. The rig was high peak Gunter with 8oz. cotton sails. The boat was raced by nominated
crews, was used for cadet training and when not so engaged were hired out to competent members for
7 ½ p per hour.
One particular example of D.I.Y. cruiser building during this period was the ketch rigged TARKA.
This creation was the result of three years work by Trevor Lewis, John Nener, Gordon Reynish and
Phil Sansum. The boat's performance owed much to the fine lines of the clinker built hull which,
arriving from overseas by troopship, had apparently barely touched the water before it's acquisition by
the syndicate.
Club members supported Regattas in other venues in the channel and generally managed to make their
presence known. Not least of the episodes recounted is the notable attendance at a post war
Saundersfoot Regatta. With their boats secured against the harbour wall two crews stepped ashore to
savour the hospitality of the Cambrian Hotel momentarily forgetting that when the tide goes out the
water level falls. The first member of the first crew to return attempted to repeat the step across
technique successfully employed when going ashore. The unexpected twenty feet difference in level
resulted in a body going through the closed hatch. As is usual in such circumstances the injuries were
minimal. Alerted by the noise, as were most of the occupants of the harbour, the crew of the other boat
attempted to make use of the appropriate wall ladder. This unfortunately terminated ten feet above the
deck level. Ingenuity in rigging a tackle ensured that one particular member of crew reached his berth
in safety. D. Gwyn Johns, also berthed in the harbour, assisted by switching on his searchlight to
illuminate a scene best hidden by the cover of night. The whole of the harbour population was now
awake. The crew of a Mumbles Dragon anchored offshore played no part in these dramas. Their
problem was that no fresh water had been shipped. Teeth cleaning was carried out using whisky of
which there was a plentiful supply.
THE CLUBHOUSE
The increasing membership and the difficulties in accommodating visitor competitors and guests were
factors in the logical process of obtaining or building a Clubhouse. An early scheme to build on piles
on or near the Knab Rock was abandoned because of the obstructive presence of the Mumbles
'Railway'. The desire and need for a building was enthusiastically pursued and with the successful
application for a lease for the present site planning and fund raising continued apace. Present members
should ever be mindful of the work of the committees and others of those days whose efforts have
provided the location and facilities we use (or under-use) today. An appeal to members for support in
the form of money or in kind was answered. Support from outside sources was also forthcoming. It
should be recalled that members personal contributed such items as professional services, the
steelwork, the roof, the verandah, the plumbing and the wiring. In March 1959 the Commodore Sam
Jeffreys presided at the opening ceremony performed by Bryan Andrews. B Symons who was still
active at 80 years of age, fired the starting cannon. Two very good friends of the club present that day
were Gerald Bellingham and Harry Libby.
The continually increasing membership and the expanding sailing activities soon brought about the
need to enlarge the premises. Through loans and gifts and with some grant funding the club was soon
able to put in hand the planned extension In September 1968 the Commodore H.D.Clement presided at
the reopening ceremony, this time carried out by Sam Jeffreys.
The amenities were then, and are now, adequate to provide for the needs of competitors and visitors on
the occasion of Open and National events. The attraction of the facilities has no doubt contributed to a
rising membership roll. This at times in the past has topped 900. The established membership at this
time is 576 full, 54 country, 74 young members in various categories,
24 university and 40 local service personnel.
Plans for a further extension were considered in 1979 but with uncertainty as to the future level of
activity the plan was put aside. One element of progress was brought about by the building of the Knab
Rock car park. Apart from moving the club further away from the sea this development removed the
promenade and the club hut. An enlarged and rather stylish new boathouse has resulted. Mike Watkins
played a big part in this initiative.
THE FIRST CLASS DINGHY
Returning to the racing scene.....
There was obviously a need for the club to adopt a suitable class dinghy suitable for both racing and
day sailing and suitable for mooring in the far from ideal Mumbles location. Interest in and the
acquisition of 18ft. Bristol Channel Class boats was a preliminary to the adoption of the National 18ft.
Restricted Class Dinghy. The decision was no doubt influenced by a visit to the club by Uffa Fox,
pioneer in the development of the planing dinghy. Kimber, the Porlock Weir boatbuilder, also visited.
The first owner of the National 18ft. was Dr. Hudson. Another early owner, John Clement, had
successful 1952 season in his new boat. It is noted that a miscellany of 'no class’ boats were still
prominent on the Bill Symons controlled start line of that year. Fred Yeo's ACHATES,
Albert Williams' ELSIE, Mark Glover's GANNET, J. Brewer's VICKEY and SHARPIE
(W. Johnson/F.G. Tasker) are a reminder of those times.
The fleet grew strongly thru' the '50s and early '60s. The roll of boat names include :BANTRY BAY, CHLOE, FANTOM, FIDELIS, HARMATTAN, HAWK, HURRICANE HIGH
HOPE (later NO HOPE), JOHNNY DOREY, JEZEBEL, LILIAN, MANON, MARYBELLE, MINX,
MISCHIEF, NERINA, NIMROD, NOCTURNE, PELICAN, RAINBOW, SAMANTHA,
SCARAMOUCHE, SEA WYF, SHAMAI, SONATA, SQUIRREL, TANNHOUSER, TOLEDO and
VIXEN.
There was an ever changing pattern of ownership with some members owning different boats at
different times. This list of very active members included H.D. Clement, Jack Clement,
John Clement, G. Daniels, G.T. David, H. Davies, F, & G. Fryer, D. Gold, G. Hancock,
N.A. Hardie, R. Harvey, P.I. Harry, J. Hatfield, A.J.R. Hudson, K.H. Jenkins, W. Johnson,
G. Morgan, P. Jordon, J. Lewis, G. Ley, E.J. Nash, T.P. Owen, J.S. Parfitt, G. Reynish,
J.E. Richards, D. Scott, R. Simmons, T. A. Stacey, W. Stephens and N.C. Thomas.
The development of the restricted design progressed through the years. High Peak Gunter rig was soon
replaced by Bermuda rig. Wide plank glued plywood construction began to replace the conventional
clinker method. (Memories of hull maintenance carried out in Harry Wilson's shed thru' the winter
week ends.). Then fibreglass hulls began to appear.
Keen club racing was the basis for successful forays to away venues. The Club was well represented at
National Championships and International Team and other open events. Records show attendance and
achievement at Barry 1957, Skerries 1957, Royal Munster 1959, Island S.C. Cowes 1960,
Torbay 1961, Barry 1964, Cowes 1968, Isle of Man 1969, Findhorn 1971
and Whitstable 1972. Peter Harry won the Championship at Findhorn.
Considerable initiative was displayed in the early days both in the matter of the delivery of boats from
Appledore and in transporting boats to distant venues. On one occasion three boat hulls were shipped
on a trading ketch from Appledore and delivered to their owners by lowering into the water in the bay.
The problems of getting to Skerries in 1957 were solved by negotiating the shipment of some boats on
a coaster which at the time was loading coal in the docks.
The negotiations were conducted by Dr. Howell and others who 'borrowed' a boat and rowed out to the
vessel moored in mid dock. Combining with the Barry crews a flight from Rhoose [Cardiff] to Dublin
in a Dakota was negotiated. With the hospitality organised at Dublin Airport, the account of how the
crews joined up with their boats, how they faired in the races and how they returned home is unclear.
At another time a small group organised transport for their boats and themselves on a very small vessel
to and from Ireland. A major problem on the return passage required a tow from the Navy. The
outcome is unclear. The economics of crossing to and from the Isle of Wight were well understood by
Gordon Reynish when planning to compete in the 1960 Championships. Sailing across was cheaper.
Joined by Harry Wilson complete with luggage for the return crossing the trip terminated in mid Solent
in a capsize. The rescue by a passing service vessel did not go quite to plan.
The crew was retrieved but the rescuer managed to drive over and sink RAINBOW.
Mumbles hosted the National Championships in 1958, 1961, 1967 and 1976. In 1961 the
Championships were in two parts with the Southern Section in Torbay a week before the Northern
Section, in Mumbles. (Organised jointly by the BCYC and MYC).
RAINBOW (Gordon Reynish and Clarke Thomas) managed to compete in both.
With the attraction of smaller, lighter and more easily maintained dinghies and with no new blood
joining the fleet numbers diminished during the'70s and the class died out. Sadly the boat which did so
much to promote and expand the club in the two decades after the war has gone.
CRUISER RACING
Towards the end of the '60s there was a growing interest in cruiser racing. Joining the older boats such
as AMULET (Harry Wilson), CIRRUS (H.D. Fletcher), DOLPHIN (Bob McKay),
NAOMI (W. Doughty), NIMROD (D. Heale), SWIFTSURE (B.Easton), TERN (Phil Sansum),
and WISHBONE (Smith/Yeo) were Cliff Brown's Elizabethan 23 AEOLUS,
Henry Thomas' Snapdragon CAPELLA, Peter Gourlay's Hurley 22 SPINDRIFT,
Peter Perkin's Achilles 24 Morfach, Brian Case's Achilles 24 JEANNIE,
Sonny Brent's POSEIDON and others including GALETIA, PLAYBOY, SCARLET O'HARA,
GLENCOE, LADY BLANCHE and ROBMANDA. Later still John Morse’s YNYS-Y-BIG
and Walter Thomas’ SUNDANCER appeared in the fleet. All added colour and movement to the Bay
scene through the summer evenings and week-ends of those years.
A consistent supporter of the racing and cruising scene from 1926 until well into the '70s was D.G.E.
Probert with his boats IXIO, MORANDY, ZEPHON and DOROTHY MARY. Still active in Milford
Haven waters is ZEPHON, home built in Bishopston between 1938 and 1950.
A high point of the '70s was undoubtedly the 1977 Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Rally and Race....
Mumbles - Dunmore East - Mumbles. A spectacular start with a fleet of 36 yachts over a line laid
near the pier by Sam Jeffries' FAIRWOOD and the Royal Navy duty minesweeper was led by the
Achilles 24 DUET. One of the co-owners was a former National 18 protagonist looking for fresh fields
to conquer. DUET did not lead for long but as part of a diminished fleet plugged away against strong
headwinds and seas well into the Irish Sea until she retiring and turning for home. A large part of the
fleet had previously turned into the Haven to shelter and then retire. The outstanding performance on
the outward leg was that of Gwern Pritchard in MAD TRAPPER. His only problem was finding the
entrance to Dunmore East. The fleet eventually returned to Mumbles. It was said that for a while the
small boats were available, on the moorings, at very attractive prices. Spirits revived at the well
attended party at the end of the week. It must have been the best dressed gathering ever at a clubhouse
function.
June 1977 - Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Rally and Race
Mumbles - Dunmore East - Mumbles
[ mouth of Waterford Estuary, Southern Ireland]
Force 9 Westerly, 36 yachts started only 8 or 9 arrived in Ireland !
Only one dry locker in the fleet of finishers, that’s where the skipper kept his Wet Suit !
With such strong wind and waves “on the nose”, most yachts abandoned the race and headed for
shelter …
Great parties were held up and down the channel coast, everywhere including Ilfracombe in North
Devon and Dale in Milford Haven, South Wales, even one Catamaran or Trimaran went to the Scilly
Islands !
After our yachts tied-up, a stranger arrived “sailing” a Fisher 36 [ a comfortable motor sailor with
enclosed wheelhouse ]; he’d heard the “gossip” over the radios and decided to
“join the Party”…
“Because it sounded like fun !”
When I asked “What sort of crossing he had ?” he replied…
” Terrible…. Every time I put the kettle on - the windows steamed up !!”
My result…Crewed on Achilles 9m “Robmanda” 7th on First Leg, 1st on Second Leg = 5th Overall.
Some competitors received souvenir Tee shirts and mounted awards with Q E II Silver Crown.
MK
The performance of Mad Trapper in the 1976 Race may not have been the only reason for a growing
interest in a boat in about the 1/2 tonner size. Whatever the reason a growing fleet of Trappers
eventually included BERSERKER (Brian Case & Trevor Thomas), EISA (A. Davies), MOUSETRAP
(Russ Whitford), MAD TRAPPER (Sid Ackland - previously the owner of Achilles 24 Mallea),
DUET (P. Harry & C.H. Brown) and PANDEMONIUM (Tudor Phillips). Peter Perkins' Queen 38
MARY POPPINS also joined this group.
Racing activity peaked at this time with 72 racing cruisers having certificates issued and no less than
121 boats on the safety register. Moorings became a real problem necessitating the plotting of
"claimants" position on a master chart.
Later again there was the not unexpected move by some cruiser class members into ¾ tonners in the
quest for advantage and faster sailing. FIONA 5, GREENEYE, MICKI FINN, NENNO and
SALAMANDER joined the racing fleet.
The quest for speed then brought into the club fleet the ex R.O.R. boats SARACEN, SECONDLUV
and SOLENT OYSTER. Peter Perkins’ S&S.47 MABINOGION, on the scene much earlier, now sails
elsewhere in much warmer waters.
For whatever reasons the turnouts for Class 1 racing has not always been maintained.
The adoption, of the Channel Handicap System for Class 1 boats was hoped to change this.
The smaller, Class 2, boat fleet has never lost it's attraction and added to the original group of
enthusiasts has been an intake of club sailors moving out of dinghies and newcomers attracted to this
size and type of boat for whatever reason. The favoured boats have been the Achilles 24
(in all it's variations). Stalwarts in the fleet have been, and mostly still are,
CARIAD (Dyson Dodd), DRUMBEAT (Russ Whitford), IGAMOGAM (Mike Kircough),
ISIS (Andy & Hazel Goddard-Jones) and TAIR-AR-DDEG (Dewar Neill). the arrival later of the
quartets NAYIKA (Chris Stacy), and WHITE SPIRIT did much to enliven the scene. Another early
Achilles 24 protagonist, Trevor Dyer, a proponent of the one design - equal boat racing concept (just
like dinghy class racing). The desired choice of boat being the Hunter Impala, a class with widely
established one design boat racing fleets.
The initial and continuing popularity of the Achilles boats - 24s, 9 metres, and 840s and other
favourable factors resulted in the establishment of the popular Achilles Weekend Rally.
Held every other year in Swansea Bay and enjoying the hospitality of the M.Y.C attracting visitors
from the Welsh coast and Channel venues and tempting or cajoling Achilles owning members and
others who do not normally race to participate. Records show that visitors have come from a wide
range of home addresses whatever their berth location might be. The alternate venue at Neyland
[in Milford Haven] in turn, being well supported by Mumbles boats.
Cruiser class participation in away events has always been good. Apart from the regular attendance of
both Class 1 and Class 2 boats at the Neyland and Dale events the club has been well represented at
Cowes. On the occasion of their separate visits both MABINOGION and SALAMANDER (Brian
Case, J. Davies and Bill Morris) won their class.
SECOND LUV (Rod Manning and G. Morris) have competed in the I.S.O.R.A. at
Dun Laoghaire. Mumbles boats have regularly competed in the Cock of the Channel series and at
different times the winners have been BERSERKER (B.Case & L.T Thomas), MABINOGION and
MICKI FINN (S. Ackland & Co.).
The biannual Waterford Crystal Trophy, started in 1978, and combined with the Cork week provides a
comprehensive mid-summer racing and holiday programme for all Channel cruiser racers. The later
introduced Swansea Bay Week, run in the alternate years, completes the package. The provision of an
annual week or fortnight sailing and racing brings prestige to the club and reflects credit on the hard
working committees responsible over the years for the creation and organisation of the events.
It is evident of the 50 or more boats listed in the cruiser list that the majority of cruiser members do not
race. The main interest is extended cruising, day sailing, just plain pottering or a combination of each.
Members have and do sail as far as Brittany and regularly visit Ireland,
The Scillies, the Haven and further and frequently make the trip to llfracombe and other North Devon
ports. The day sailing fraternity take full advantage of the Gower coast bays and anchorages.
For this non-competitive side to the sailing activity there is an annual award (Cruiser Wheel)
for the best log. It is not often awarded. It was awarded to Andy and Hazel Goddard-Jones in 1997 for
their achievement of sailing their Westerly Seahawk ‘Happy Hawk’ to the Mediterranean via the
French canals from Bordeaux to Grau d’Agde. Then south to the Bay of Rosas.
H G-J
OSPREY MEMORIES.
To quote an Osprey enthusiast - 'In the beginning there were National 18s. Large heavy boats sailed by
a crew of three. Not much fun for young athletic teenage dinghy sailors.
Then there appeared the OSPREY. - Ian Proctor's fast and exciting plywood planing hull which swept
the board in the 1952 Around the Isle of Wight dinghy race. 'Long before the 50's and Flying
Dutchman were thought of‘.
The first local boat was MISTRAL; built in 1956, in Caswell, by Paul Davies and his Dad.
Les Mayhew's varnishing job made him much in demand ever after.
The class grew over the years the first championships in 1958, in Saundersfoot, were won by
Ian Procter. Following Mounts Bay, Stone, and Lyme Regis the 1962 Championship in
New Quay was won by Paul Davies sailing BANSHEE. His subsequent racing achievements a Gold
Medal Crew award in the Kiel Olympics.
Most boats at that time were home built. Small local commercial builders were Smiths of Bridgend
and Hirwaun Wagon Repairs, Ystradgynlais. David Miles of Plycraft, Bristol was the most successful
builder, his boats being the envy of all.
National entries were increasing, 52 at Hayling Island in 1963 and when hosted by Mumbles for the
first time in 1966 there was an entry of 70. 117 boats competed in the 1970 Mounts Bay event. At this
time the class chairman was Gordon Cooper and the list of owners then and in subsequent years
included Alan Sevan, R. Blundell, Henry Burgess, David Charles (the only remaining active member),
Jeff Court, Roger Cranfield, Glyn Daniels, H.S. Davies, Don Howell, Bob Mckay, John Marsh,
Bill Owen, Harold Williams, Brian Scott, Peter Shapton and Stan Simpson. The intrepid crews
included, in the early days, Dicky Beynon, Roger Johnson, Tony Parfitt, and Peter Watts. It is recorded
that this group enhanced the Mumbles reputation for après-sail dinner and bar entertainment by
removing articles of clothing. Other crew members of the time, who presumably did not indulge in
such practises were Bill Tew, Roger Gammon, and the ladies Mair Burgess and Dorothy Scott.
Boat names to conjure memories were APHRODITE, BIG SPENDER, BLUE MOON,
BUCERPHALUS, CAROL ANNE, CRUD-Y-GWYNT, GURU, ELLEN, HERON, HOBGOBLIN,
JACKPOT, MISTRAL, NEW MOON, PACELOT, RAPIER, SENSATION and DAEDALUS.
Local open meetings were very popular and always well supported. These included Ferryside,
Saundersfoot and Tenby. the latter featured the Around Caldey Island race. Prizes were not the reason
for competing. In one Neyland regatta a frozen chicken was awarded. (Who supplied the bird ?)
Local Ospreys performed well in the early '80s. Tony Powell and Gwyn Davies, sailing for Ferryside
and S.C.O.W. [Steel Company of Wales / Corus / Tata / ?] won three Championships. M.Y.C. members
Oscar Chess with crew Julian (Tiger) Bridges won in 1982 and 1984.
John Marsh and Malcolm Smith won in 1983. Sadly the Mumbles Osprey fleet is no more. Again to
quote an enthusiast and retired Osprey sailor....' There is no better sensation than to helm or crew an
Osprey on a broad spinnaker reach, crew well out on the wire, sunshine and the fleet well behind'.
THE NATIONAL ENTERPRISE CLASS
The Enterprise dinghy sprang from the prolific drawing board of Jack Holt. Sponsored and promoted
by the News Chronicle [newspaper] (now defunct) in the early '50s, it's distinctive sky blue sails
appeared in most place where people 'messed about with boats'. Ken Attwell's KENMARRA was the
first boat to appear. Crewed by Tony Martin, Ken sailed his boat to many victories in the early years.
By the late '50s the growing fleet was awarded class status.
The boat was designed for D.I.Y. construction. Local successful examples were Brian Evan's BUDDY
BUDDY and Henry Thomas' LUCIFER. The latter was reputed to sail closer to the wind on one tack
than on the other. Some cynics claimed that the hull was asymmetrical. Difficult to judge from behind
as Henry crossed the finish line. Not all the 'back yard' boats were successful. Evans Thomas'
DANCING D. turned out oversize and underwent surgery to the vital statistics. As with other classes
G.R.P. took over and changed the characteristics of the boat.
Husband and wife teams were prominent in the Enterprise fleet. Early participants were
John and June Stanton, Henry and Mair Burgess (IANTO), John O'Kane and wife,
Howard Bowen and wife, Alan John and Silvia and Brian Scott and Dorothy Brian's early sailing
career involved competing in the handicap races in an 18ft boat purchased from the sewage outfall
contractors and remembered for its colour-all green-sails and hull. He succeeded
Howard Bowen as class captain in 1963. Joyce Bladen was class secretary during this period and also
crewed for Ian Park. Other competitors of the period were the Flood family, Prof. Morgan and son
Richard,
T. O'Riordon, A. Vickers, R. Carter and J.O.C. Owen, Frank Holland, from S.C.O.W. (DAI) joined
later.
The class with a week end turn out of 20 boats was a good support base for open events and away
fixtures. Penarth for regatta and team racing and Newquay (Welsh Area Championship) were well
supported. Fog at one Newquay event did not deter the Race officer who set compass courses.
Enterprises did not, at that time, carry compasses. In later years the class through the initiative of
Richard Morgan, shared with the G.P. 14s. the task of representing the club in the Southport 24 hour
Race. [ I even went one year cos I was the only one who knew what a Spinnaker looked like !! MK ]
For many years the class represented all that is best in club activities on and off the water Members
moving into other classes, brought with them the experience and advantage of having sailed in the
Enterprise Fleet.
THE G.P. SCENE
The growing interest in sailing in the '50s and '60s stimulated a variety of small dinghy designs, mostly
having the hard chine concept and specifying glued plywood construction. Both these features made
home building a possibility. One of the most popular designs was the GENERAL PURPOSE 14ft.
dinghy. One other favoured feature was the inclusion of a spinnaker in the specification.
One of the earliest enthusiasts was Colyn Thomas - sailing POGEY. Joined by
Arthur Whitford (SAPPHIRE) and D. Hacker, who travelled from Merthyr Tydfil to sail
ACKERBILK this nucleus of the future G.P. fleet raced in the handicap class.
Eventually class status was applied for and granted. Colyn and Arthur were committee members at the
time. Norman Thomas built BEAVER, joined the fleet, and set about establishing himself as the top
club G.P. sailor. The fire brigade was well represented when John Morse (BLOSSOM) and Bernard
Cole (EXALIBUR) joined. Other notables were B.H.Bellingham, Jeff Ace,
Doug Williams (CADNO) Roger Williams (OUR BOYS), Richard Lord - second in a
National Championship in (LORDSHIP).
Jeff Ace is remembered for his spectacular reach along the start line of a Welsh Games event in which
he was not actually competing at the time. - all a long time ago.
Other boats and owners of note have been EAGER (again Norman Thomas and then Noel Short, John
Clark and Les Hickson NOVICE (A. Blundell), WHOOSH (T. Smith) and
YANKEE CLIPPER (L. Davies and R. Read and later C. Graddage). One of a small band of lady
sailors - Mary Viner owned and raced a G.P. Two enthusiastic supporters of the class,
Don Morgan and Tony Watts, acquired and competed forcefully in BEAVERS.
Eddie Ramsden (GEORDIE GIRL) had a number of successful seasons before moving to the Laser
class. The class, in the years passed has supported away events notably the
Welsh Area Championships wherever held, the Southport 24 hour Race and latterly the
National Championships in Marazion in 1986.
The club hosted the 1969,1976 and 1980 National Championships and in 1985 the World
Championships. It goes without saying that the club has hosted its share of Area events and
in the 50th year the Welsh Area event again was to take place in Mumbles.
THE ALBACORE
Derived from the Swordfish this classic design - frameless hull configuration was in it's original
conception a hot moulded 3 ply lay-up product. It is basically an Uffa Fox design. Conceived as a dual
purpose family/racing dinghy, development and refinement has brought about the 'conservative' racing
machine configuration of the modern boat. The introduction of built-in buoyancy tanks and high
performance bailers resulted in a very quick 'sail the water out' feature - an advantage that the boat has
a propensity to quickly invert from a knock down situation. The smooth rounded hull is no help in
such a situation.
Completed boats were mainly supplied by specialist builders from mouldings supplied by
Fairey Marine. Brian Evans, turning from Enterprises, built four boats in various lofts and sheds in
Mumbles and fitted buoyancy tanks into and re-decked others. Not least of his renovations is NEGRI almost a permanent feature of the Mumbles scene.
Albacores began to appear on the scene in the early '60s. The early protagonists were Haydn and Peter
Jenkins and Percy and Linda Owen. Claude Browning brought over the first B.P. boat.
Nick Moulding and Dyson Dodds were not far behind. The early boats were WINDYPOPS,
SUNBEAM, MUDJEKEEWIS, IMP and SIAN. Class status being established and with a growing
fleet racing became interesting and purposeful. New participants at that time were :
Cliff Brown (TRODDY), Maurice Wilde (ZULU), Tony Martin/Brian Evans (LUCKY LAST),
Gordon Reynish (TWINKLETOES), NEGRI acquired by Geoff Cottle joined the fleet later.
Club racing in those days was over fixed courses with the start line in front of the club and with the
generally prevailing wind the windward mark was at Oystermouth. With two group starts for the seven
fleets racing the Albacores were given the honour of starting with the 18s and Ospreys. The
combination of the stately but blinkered progress of the 18s and the macho outlook of the Ospreys
made for good experience in the art of starting and in the charge to Oystermouth the fine difference
between being “in the right” and being dead was soon appreciated.
In 1967 the National Championships were organised and hosted jointly by the B.C.Y.C. and the
M.Y.C. In 1970 the club again hosted the Nationals with an entry of 80 including 9 local club boats.
Prior to 1970 recruits to the fleet had included the N.C.B. boat ZIPHIAS mostly sailed by
Ron Barfoot, SCUBEEDOO and later PERSUADER (Bruce Rees),
ALLEGRO (A.G. Sims/P. Stephens), Cliff had a new boat SWEETPEE and a second B.P. boat SIAN
had arrived. Jack Evans and John Morris had a confusing miscellany of boats. Jack used to grow them
in a field in the Mayals. Peter Brown bought DADDY-LONG-LEGS from Roy Barfoot. The fleet
was enhanced also by the presence of Don Howells in his later years and by Dick Lewis (MACHA)
who nowadays prefers to stand up all the time. Names of other former class members who sensibly
chose the ALBACORE were Robin Brooks, Hywel Jones, Denis Lenthall, Vicki Blewett, Oliver
Hartree and Phil Stapleton. Not least Brian Evans and the boats he built should be remembered ARIES and JANITA'S FRUSTRATION - not forgetting his ever cheerful helm/crew Tony Martin.
The class enthusiastically supported many open and national events over the years. Regularly attended
annual open meeting events were Barry and Fishguard. The meteorological office in the Manor House
Hotel in Fishguard was regularly visited by all crews in the early hours of the Sunday morning.
The view from this second floor toilet window is probably the best in Wales. Weather and sea
conditions could be carefully studied and breakfast planned accordingly. Bala was well supported and
class members made frequent forays to National Championship venues. Herne Bay (twice),
Littlehampton, and Crammond (Edinburgh), Lee on Solent, Llandudno and Plymouth.
MIRROR REFLECTIONS
The Mirror dinghy appeared on the scene in the mid '60s and the combination of it's design concept,
the fairly simple D.I.Y construction features and the promotion efforts of the sponsoring newspaper
assured it's national success. This was reflected locally and in the club. Not least of the boat's virtues
was it's car topability and the price in kit form of £70. Even so for some the £70 had to be found or
earned. A particular junior member took on a paper round for the purpose of acquiring the necessary
capital. His call at one house was nearly always prolonged by the need to pop in the garage, look over
the stock of fittings and other goodies and if possible negotiate a favourable deal - like for free. [Who
was he ? Name names ! MK] The required assembly area was quite modest and if the weather was cold
the average living room area was adequate.
One club member did take advantage of this and got 'hardly any resin on the carpet'.
Popularity and numbers grew, membership benefited, the fleet obtained class status and with 40 boats
in the park (before the Knab Rock improvement) a racing turn out of 25 plus was a regular feature. A
large new section of membership, young and not so young, was learning to sail, racing, enjoying the
racing and learning the rules and tactics in a practical manner. What a boon to the club. The fun
continued. Capsize races, relay races etc. etc.
Inevitably some members moved, often with distinction, to other classes. Others stopped sailing and
the fleet diminished as have the other dinghy classes. Set against the attractions of the new exciting
ways of getting on the water the element of off season work required to maintain the boat and the
apparently sedate progress through the water may have all weighed against sufficient young people
taking up the boats and maintaining the class.
Boat names such as ADERYN BACH, SEA SWAN, SPIRIT OF DRACULA, PIP. OUR BOYS,
POLO, and THAT BLOODY BOAT (named by the owner's wife)
are all reminders of the early days.
In 1971 Phil Harvey (of GREENEYE fame) entered his one and only Mirror National Championship
in Llandudno and finished 15th overall in a fleet of 200 boats.
The club hosted the National Championships in 1974. The best memento of this event are the two
photographs displayed in the club. Both show the spirit and skill of the young Mirror sailors. In 1983
the club hosted the Mirror World Championships, a young Ben Ainsley competing and winning, who
later went on to win several gold Olympic medals.
Last thoughts.. ....
You could car top a Mirror on a Ready Mixed Concrete lorry... .....
You could call water on Mabinogion (a local 47 ft racer !), from a Mirror.....
THE LASER EXPERIENCE.
There has been a long standing interest in single handed sailing. In the early '70s three OK class boats
were regularly sailed and raced by Trevor and Gareth Morgan and 'A.N. Other'
Gordon Cooper was keen that the club should have a single handed class and eventually
Richard Morgan was able to arrange with Paul Davies of Performance Sailcraft for a consortium of
club members to purchase a 'batch' of boats. Some of these first owners were Trevor Dyer, Harvey
Edwards, Trevor and Gareth Morgan and Richard Morgan. They were joined later by Frank Holland
and Henry Thomas who by now had tried most dinghy classes. All began to enjoy the exciting
experience of racing in a 'sailing alone - only have yourself to blame' situation.
This must have been a change for Harvey Edwards after experiencing for so long Trevor Dyer's
constructive criticism from the front end of their Enterprise. At this time Mike Watkins arrived on the
scene and produced 3990 from wherever.
Racing with enthusiasm but with experience yet to be gained the fleet added new dimensions to the
concepts of heavy weather downwind sailing.
In the 'middle' period of the Laser story two of the more prominent sailing members of the class were
the two Rees - Phil and Phillip. Phillips' first away experience in (or on) a borrowed boat, namely Mike
Watkin's 3990, was at the Llangorse Welsh Area Championships. He held the record for the number of
capsizes. Subsequent improvement in performance and technique resulted in his selection and
participation in the British Youth Sailing Team events in Calshot in 1979 and in Cowes in 1981.
Kevin Williams sailed in the 1986 National Championships at Littlehampton and finished 40th in a
very big fleet of 195. In today's fleet Wyn Williams is the man to emulate.
The class is attractive to young sailors moving on from the 'learn to sail phase'. It has a positive policy
for recruitment including the annual 'try sailing a Laser day' and not unnaturally has an increasing
membership. It runs well supported and successful open meetings, and it is appropriate that the club,
created to cater for the growing sport of small boat sailing and racing, should, in it's 50th year, host the
Welsh National Championship of this growing Laser class.
THE KEELBOAT
The transition from dinghy to cruiser, small or large, is, from the racing point of view, something not
everyone wants to do. Keelboat racing could be a means of continuing a desired sporting pastime. For
many reasons no doubt the club never pursued the introduction of a Keelboat class. Obviously the
mooring situation aggravated by the lack of protection (despite at least three attempts to raise interest
in the desirability of a breakwater) was a major factor.
Nevertheless between 1970 and 1973 an 'unrecognised' class of Dragons competed in the bay.
A total of seven boats were around during this period although not all at the same time.
Some of the participants in the class were Bill Stephens/Clarke Thomas, Howard Davies,
Dr. Hudson, David Brewer, "Sifter" Sam Hammond and Haydn Jenkins/"Protest" Jones.
THE SUPPORT FLEET
Over the years a number of craft and their owners have given good service to the club. On many
occasions in their past FAIRWOOD (Sam Jeffries) was present on and added prestige to the start line
of major events. For many years QUO VADIS (Jim Newbury) provided accommodation and a steady
platform for the Race Officer controlling National and Open dinghy events. A regular helper on these
occasions was Gwyn Parry, SHIRALEE (with Shirley Cole in command) accommodated Les Hickson
and his assistants on more than one occasion. Ken Thomas with ANNA CAPRI/DOVERTIDE and
more recently with ZENNOR'S ARROW gave valued service. Lou Williams of the M.M.B. & F.C. in
ANDRE PIERRE frequently assisted the running of club events.
The club boats KENDA and KESTREL have given good service over many years and in return have
received good service in the close season from Mike Watkins, Dick Lewis, Billy Lynch and a lot of
un-named helpers. Kenda, towed from Appledore and manned on that occasion by Messrs Howells,
Owen and Stephens has served the club since 1964. KESTREL, built in Penryn, Cornwall, came to the
club in 1972. In it's role as Committee boat it has probably steamed 2500 miles in the time. The need
for a small high speed rescue boat was met when ALCOA presented the club with the dory in 1969.
In recent years, with the club policy of hosting prestigious events for various Class Associations, the
support of club members in the provisioning and manning guard and safety boats is regularly
requested, and provided.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AND “FIRSTS”
1960
NAT. 18. National Team Championship won by Welsh Team. RAINBOW (G. Reynish),
JOHNNY DORY (H. D. Clement) and SAMANTHA (A. J. R.Hudson)
1960 Cock of the Channel three years in succession. LA JOYETTE (A. J. R. Hudson).
Won again in 1965 in MAID OF TROY.
1962 Osprey National Championship, Newquay. Winner BANSHEE (Paul Davies)
The club's first National Champion.
1967 Represented Wales in Junior World Championships at Expo 67 in Montreal -Peter Jenkins and Tony Jones sailing a Flying Junior.
1971 NAT. 18. National Championships. Findhorn. Winner NOCTURNE. Peter Harry.
1973 Welsh Games Keelboat Championship. Mumbles Winner Peter Jenkins.
1976
O.S.T.A.R. Chris Butler ACHILLES NEUF was a finisher.
1979 Three MYC boats competed in the AZAB race.
PLAYBOY (Peter Robinson & John Blewitt), ACHILLEA (Chris Butler),
and MARY POPPINS (Peter Perkins & Roger Owen).
1980 O.S.T.A.R. Chris Butler ACHILLEA was a finisher.
1981 Cowes Week. Three class wins MABINOGION. Peter Perkins.
1983 Three Peaks Race. DUET, skipper Cliff Brown, navigator John Ayreton, Crew Nat Eynon
and runners Tom Chitty and Charles Higgins - won the "LAST" CUP and through
sponsorship
raised £3400 for the R.N.L.I. Appeal Fund.
1983 The first Swansea Bay Week. This established the format for what has become a major
biannual event in the cruiser racing calendar.
1983 O.S.T.A.R. Chris Butler SWANSEA BAY won his class.
1984 Dick Lewis sailed a windsurfer non stop from llfracombe to Mumbles in 2 hours 41 min. and
through sponsorship raised £2000 + for the Lifeboat Appeal Fund.
1985 R.O.R.C. Caribbean Race. Overall winner and class MABINOGION Peter Perkins
and 5
MYC members.
1985 Cowes Week. Winner Class 2. SOLENT OYSTER. Bob Jones & Doug Williams.
1986 Cowes Week. Overall winner of class SALAMANDER. Brian Case.
1987 Las Palmas to Barbados Race. Winner of Single-handed class Noelle Corbett on
SWEET DREAMS, ..............beating all the men.
1987 The club was well represented in international events.
Two of it’s younger members crewing on prestigious boats in prestigious events.
Stephen Dodd, a crew member on CONDOR for the Sydney Hobart race and on
NARWANA for the Round Denmark race.
Meredith [Led] Pritchard, currently crewing in YEOMAN XXIII, in competing boats in the
Sardinia Cup and Southern Cross Cup races.
Lady members equally prominent. Sarah O'Kane competing for the second time in the
Antigua Race Week and Noelle Corbett entered the OSTAR in her boat OUTRAGEOUS.
The attendance of members at the start at Plymouth on June 4th would be welcome
support for this MYC member in this the club's 50th Anniversary year.
Stephen Ace and Simon Brewer training hard with the Welsh youth squad , hoped to gain a
place in the National Youth Team sailing in 420s and the venue is Ullswater.
Acknowledgements
With two exceptions the photographs reproduced have been supplied by club members.
The picture of Nocturne is reproduced by permission of Beken of Cowes and the Swansea Bay cruiser
picture by permission of the South Wales Evening Post, as are Bryan Andrew's sketches.
We are grateful for the assistance of Cliff Brown, Brian Case, Peter Harry, Don Howells,
Peter Perkins, Gordon Reynish, Brian Scott and Evan Thomas in the compilation of these notes.
Written and compiled by Maurice Wilde, 1988.
Document created by Mike Kirby, a while ago.