cookies and Steve Cockerel
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3048
Printed Date: 10 May 25 at 8:15am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: cookies and Steve Cockerel
Posted By: tickler
Subject: cookies and Steve Cockerel
Date Posted: 05 Jun 07 at 11:40pm
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It would seem that my "cookies" became disabled, or needed to be disabled or some such nonsense. Even my (4) undergaduate children did not fully understand this. They are a great disapointment to me. However I have re registered as "tickler" rather than "tickel" and all seems right with the world. The point of this post is, did anyone notice that Steve Cockerel and his son won the Graduate Nationals? Is it possible for an exeptional sailor ( as Mr Cockerel undoubtably is) to pop up and win a national championship having not regularly sailed in that class. Has this happened before and which classes are prone to this phenomenon? |
Replies:
Posted By: Isis
Date Posted: 06 Jun 07 at 12:31am
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Steve has quite a bit of history in the class... I think he grew up sailing them? I hadnt heard anything of him on the circuit recently though Theres a boat with a very fancy rooster design built into the transom in stained wood which I think was built by one of the brothers? I used to crew a grad regularly back in the day so try to keep up with whats going on with them and unfortunately at the moment that seems to be 'not a lot' Last I heard they were retracting their national status and open attendance was falling... but I see in the report that Steve is using 'rooster' sails so it sounds as if theyve found a high profile suporter to give them a boost... I hope its enough... ------------- |
Posted By: tickler
Date Posted: 06 Jun 07 at 7:27am
| I now realise that the Cockerill family do have a history in the class and some years ago we did sail in a Graduate open against Steves brother, but I did not realise. That boat was called Rooster and we also saw it at a Bloody Mary. It was the boat built with a central spine and ribs making it seem very exotic.......for a Grad. It would be an uphill climb for this class to survive but perhaps this will raise it's profile and make it a little easier. I could always buy back my old Supergrad.........mmmm. |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 06 Jun 07 at 11:08am
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Steve came in to the Blaze class a few years ago and made big waves. We are hoping he comes back this year for the nationals (would be great to pick his brains he is a really nice guy). This is the reason why the Blaze now sails with a very floppy rig (Solo style). Paul ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: tack'ho
Date Posted: 06 Jun 07 at 12:22pm
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He definatly tends to raise the standard in any fleet he chooses to compete in for any significant period. Mostly down to his willingness to share his knowledge. ------------- I might be sailing it, but it's still sh**e! |
Posted By: Stewart2880
Date Posted: 06 Jun 07 at 1:54pm
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Steve did win the nationals, crewed by his son Jack. He didn't win all the races (there are other very fast Grad sailors!) and it was pretty windy. However it's 23 years since he last entered (and won!). Ironically he wasn't sailing G2900 "Rooster" though it was at the event. Steve's brother Dave build several Grads; Rooster was the last. I was pleased enough to be close behind Steve in one of the races this year, but he just got faster all weekend! The Association has indeed denationalised, as there's nothing of value for the class to remain so. Members will see cheaper certification, etc as a result, and with Steve's help, we're going to update the boat. Steve is proposing a Cherub-style mainsail, and possibly a new hull mould and interior layout. But definitely no spinnaker! The class associationis suffering from low membership (despite many active sailors), and we are interested in anyones view on what direction to take. Please post your constructive comments at http://www.graduatedinghy.com - www.graduatedinghy.com Stewart |
Posted By: Isis
Date Posted: 06 Jun 07 at 2:55pm
Id love to hear exactly what a 'cherub style' mainsail is  Good luck with the changes though stewart... its a gamble for the class but I hope it works out Ben Howett ------------- |
Posted By: Stewart2880
Date Posted: 06 Jun 07 at 4:32pm
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Hi Ben! Thought it was you! I was worried about using the "Cherub" word on this site! Stewart |