Axe One Design

Review of 2011

Nigel Daniel — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:39:35 +0000

Looking back over the 2011 season one could be forgiven for thoughts of not the best. But looking more closely perhaps the lack of sunshine in August (well below average) clouded our memories of what has been a reasonable sailing season – at least on the river. One race early on in the season was postponed due to inclement weather and similarly one late on in the season, otherwise its been fairly successful. The two non series races proved to be very popular with excellent turn outs

The annual trip for the Axe One Designs to Fowey Classics coincided with a reasonable spell of weather during the first week of August. Five AODs took part, three from Axe, Whimbrel, Gemini & Teal and two from the Solent; Gannet and Swallow. This was Gannet’s first West Country outing west of Axe and a return to her place of build. The two of them brought along their own support craft (large white Benetau’s), which provided additional aspects to the social side, tea and G&T.

This was the 20th anniversary of the event and the majority verdict was that it was the best so far, Roy Downes – FC impresario has certainly bowed out on a high and we thank him for making FC such a hugely enjoyable event over the years. This year the races were held in light to moderate winds (unlike last year’s survival conditions) and the only period of rain occurred overnight. Mike and Jane in Teal put in their usual tip top performance and came away with the Trafalgar Cup – overall winners of the Thursday race. The social activities were equally enjoyable both ashore and afloat, one member surprised the team by doing rather well in the wine tasting competition…..

Back to the Axe, an old salt who used crew in Axe Ones back in the fifties reminisced of river races that incorporated sailing around some of the estuary islands as part of the course. So the last river race in August became the Round the Island Race – this should not be confused with that lesser event held east of Lyme. Timing was essential to ensure sufficient depth of water down the Willoughby channel between the embankment and the islands. The tide served and the fleet hull down behind the islands presented an interesting spectacle to those viewing from Coronation Corner – some wag has suggested that we’ll now have to find a Gold Roman Bowl as a trophy!

The River Race Dinner

Simon Wood — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 00:18:52 +0000

At the annual river race dinner, held at the Harbour Inn, trophies were awarded in a number of classes. These included recognition for the winner of the first harbour race, and the first time an AOD has been capsized for many years (the latter being won by the same crew who won the AOD cup and the new Shower Flow race). Appreciation was expressed for the official time keeper and the webmaster, who was presented with the Axe Mouse One Design.

Latest News Flash for AOD 2010

Simon Wood — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:32:09 +0000

During September the West Country contingent of AODs made an end of season visit to the Beaulieu River joining up with the two Solent based AODs Gannet & Swallow.

Bucklers Hard provided an excellent launch site and the Beaulieu River a beautiful stretch of water to sail on. A warm welcome to the visiting boats was received from the RSYC at Gins Farm, with coffee served on the veranda and a handsome view of the Solent; it almost rivalled the Axe!

Now that the season has drawn to a close, it is time to reflect on the River Race results. This years series has been one of the most successful ever with eight of the nine programmed races being sailed, in addition a separate river race was held on the Axmouth Flower Show day (to be known as the Shower Flow Race – Cup to be presented with it becoming an annual fixture). Plus the Harbour Race below the bridge.

AODs racing within the AYC general handicap series fought a close battle to the very end, but with just a two point lead, the River Shield was secured by AOD No.1 – Whimbrel sailed by Nigel Daniel. The Jack Drew Cup specifically for the AOD class ended up in a tie between Whimbrel and Jane & Mike Calvert sailing No.22 – Teal. However no ties withstanding, Jane won on the best to worst score comparison.

The River Race Dinner is next on the agenda and of course we eagerly await the 2011 tide tables to plan yet another series of river races, lets hope next year will be as good as this.

Seasonal Greetings……….

The largest fleet of AODs on the Axe for 50 years….

Nigel Daniel — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:47:30 +0000

Despite the mixed weather at the end of August, a crystal clear morning coincided with high water on Saturday 28th August – with a light north westerly conditions were favourable for a sail on the estuary. The purpose of which was to witness the launching of the latest AOD (on the Axe). All seven AODs took part in a sail up the river, the largest gathering for more than 50 years. Gannet No.23 took to the waters of the Axe for the first time, although having had her naming at Ashlett back in January, a drop of fizz was consumed to celebrate her first sail on the estuary. Resident photographers Jane Calvert & Pete Taylor took a splendid selection of pictures to mark the occasion, see above.

The previous day saw four of the AODs sailing on the Dart, No.s 1, 8, 22 & 23 headed down for the regatta activities. Again the sun obliged and a pleasant sail was had both up and down the Dart with an excellent lunch at RDYC who were very kind in allowing the small fleet to temporarily rest at their pontoon.

As the evenings start to draw in the AYC River Race series draws to a close leaving the annual River Race Dinner as next item on the agenda.

Show Day Racing

Simon Wood — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:14:49 +0000

On the morning of the Axmouth show, Nos 1, 8 and 22 took part in a river race; no 22. Teal winning.

Nigel Daniel presented Mike and Jane Culvert with a handsome posy of flowers in honour of their victory on the day of the Axmouth Flower Show.

Several of the class will be on display at the show this afternoon.

2010 Launching Pictures

hugh — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:43:33 +0000

These photographs were taken at the launching of the new Axe One Design – Gannet – No.23, on 2nd January at Ashlett Creek.

2010 Launching

Nigel Daniel — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:46:21 +0000

After almost a year since placing his initial order Chris Brown has launched his new Axe One Design – Gannet – No.23. The severe winter weather was no deterrent, the launching went ahead on the 2nd January – an undeniably cold, clear and crisp morning. With temperatures hovering around zero there was no requirement to chill the champagne! The launching took place at Ashlett Creek, a light northerly provided just sufficient breeze for the initial sea trial.

Gannet took on hardly any water which is more than can be said for Swallow who accompanied the sea trial – not having been afloat for some time, similarities to sieves and colanders were remarked upon – however there is almost a sixty year age difference.

The launching of Gannet could now deem to be the start of the Solent fleet of Axe One Designs, although she is destined for an official launch and naming at the Axe in the early summer – hopefully all seven will sail together, the largest gathering afloat since 1968.

Autumn 2009

Simon Wood — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:21:42 +0000

Another season has come to an end, the evening river races finally curtailed by the failing light as autumn draws on on.

Overall the River Race series has been well sponsored and a good proportion of the races completed, the only notable non entrant this year was Swallow, she couldn’t be enticed westwards from the Solent.

As ever the Jack Drew Cup was keenly fought over but consistency won through, Jane & Mike Calvert in Teal (and occasionally just Jane) entered the most races and clocked up minimal points to be this year’s winners. Second place went Nigel Daniel in Whimbrel and third went to Bryan Davis in Gemini.

No.23 – Gannet completed build late summer and is presently being fitted out and varnished. Chris Brown is hoping to launch before the first frost, initially at Ashlett Creek, then a proper naming at the Axe.

AOD No.23 Fully Planked

Simon Wood — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:46:14 +0000

Chris Brown’s AOD is taking shape at Pete William’s yard in Bodinnick. AOD No.23 has reached the the fully planked stage with ribs, the thwarts and centre plate box come next, Pete is hoping to finish build in the next couple of weeks.

A keen eyed observer has noted that the Sea View One Design proclaims on its website to be the the only traditional clinker built one design class in the country that is expanding by new building. Well they now share this pleasure with the Axe One designs!

New Year, New Axe One Design

Simon Wood — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:51:03 +0000

Chris Brown of Ashlett Creek has placed an order for a new AOD with Peter Williams at Bodinnick, Fowey. Launching of No.23 is planned for early summer.

Locally, Paul and his son Alex Mears (Axmouth boat builders) have made a start on building an AOD, the stem and transom have been cut in preparation for commencement of build. The completion date has not been designated, construction fitting in with other on going projects.