Latest News

Safety Beach Sailing Club NEWS 29th July 2026

Annual General Meeting 2026

Thank you to all members who were able to attend the AGM on Sunday. With 59 members in attendance, we were able to make the quorum.

The meeting began with Andrew Martin giving a speech about the Tasar World Titles in Japan that he and brother Ross competed in recently.

After all necessary reports were given, the election of Office Bearers was conducted with our new Commodore, John Wemyss, being appointed. The role of Vice Commodore was voted on by way of a secret ballot. The Executive Committee are pleased to announce Ross Martin as the successful candidate. Fiona Lowe has chosen to remain on the Executive Committee as a General Member. The role of Rear Commodore and Treasurer were not filled at the AGM.

With regard to the Proposal to change S48 (2) of the Constitution.

Proposal to change S48 (2) of the Constitution.
S48(2) currently states that, “ Any Member, having served at least 1 full term on the Executive Committee, is eligible to nominate for, or accept appointment to, the office of Vice Commodore or Rear Commodore. Proposal by Tim Bardon and Seconded by Peter Chipperfield

The proposed changes read,
“To change the current requirement for the Vice Commodore and Rear Commodore to have served a full term on the executive committee to any senior club member who has been a club member for a period of two years”.

A constitutional change is a Special Resolution which required 75% of voting members at a general meeting to approve (s37 SBSC Constitution).

The 75% of required votes was not met on Sunday, therefore the new Executive Committee will discuss what to do next.

The Executive Committee for Season 2026/2027 is as follows....

Commodore	John Wemyss
Vice Commodore	Ross Martin
Rear Commodore	vacant
Secretary	Amanda Malin
Treasurer	vacant
General / Sailing	Bill Manning
General / Training	Fiona Lowe
General	Grace Lazzar
General / Security	James Anderson
General	Jonathan Embrey
General	Linda Wooley
Memberships	Mark McAuliffe
General / IT	Neil Whitaker

The Executive Committee would like to thank the outgoing committee members for their contribution and time on the decisions made for the direction of the club over the last few years.

Thank you, Past Commodore - Tony Christmas

Thank you, Past Rear Commodore - Tim Bardon

Thank you, Past Secretary - Veronica Psaila

Thank you, Past Treasurer - Duncan McColl,

Thank you, Past General Member - John Bacon

Thank you, Past General Member - John Di Martino

The newly elected Committee are planning to hold the first meeting during the second week of August.

If there is a matter you would like the Committee to consider or discuss, please contact our Secretary, Amanda by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. She will ensure your enquiry is forwarded to the appropriate Committee member for review and discussion at the meeting.

Please Support Me

For those that don’t know, I’ll be walking from Brisbane to Melbourne on August 24th this year. Four years ago I undertook a walk from Melbourne to Sydney with the aim of making the 900km distance in 16 days and I’m proud to say I made it, walking an average of 57km a day. I was tired but my body and legs felt I had more to give and it was about a year later that decided to double the distance and walk Brisbane to Melbourne, 1800km in 30 days. Now the maths isn’t hard, but that’s 60km per day! Of course there’s no point in achieving something extraordinary if it has no purpose, so I’ve teamed up with an organisation called “Challenge”, a cancer support network. I have been doing catering work for these guys for 28 years and once a month my business, donates a meal for the parents to come off the ward and take a break with other parents living a cancer journey, giving them space to talk and enjoy a home cooked meal in the confines of the hospital, whilst their children are taken care of by Challenge volunteers. A couple of Safety Beach members have been through the Challenge program. Challenge provide support for families enduring a cancer journey, they look after not only the patient but the siblings and parents also. They do this by providing a weekend away at one of their many donated properties, hospital visits by celebrities, a massage at the Challenge House retreat, a dad’s fishing day, home help and
many camps for the kids, to name a few.

To run these programs, Challenge requires the funds to continue this valuable work. This is an organisation that is at the forefront of care for families. They are always recognising new ways to help, when others give up. David Rogers OAM has been a tireless leader of the organisation for over 30 years and has been recognised for his tireless commitment to the families that enter the hospital and inevitably, Challenge programs.

To find out more about Challenge, here’s the link Challenge - supporting kids with cancer : Home

So, I will be walking for these families that are going through the program now and for those who are to come. I’m asking my fellow members to support me in any way you can by donating to my walk. My goal is $50,000. I also ask that you follow my progress via Instagram or facebook @walk4challenge. Your support will mean a lot to me as I endure some pretty trying hours on the long road to Melbourne and ask that if you’re able, come and cheer me home on the 22nd of August at Challenge House, 329 Kings Way, West Melbourne at 4.00pm (my scheduled arrival time).

To donate, I’ve added my donation page link below.

You can also follow me on Strava at Walk for Challenge

Warmest Regards,
Andrew Martin (Mono)

Challenge - supporting kids with cancer : Andrew Martin Walk 4 Challenge

SBSC Member ID - Digital System (Fobs)

SBSC is introducing an electronic identification (ID) system to streamline member benefits and the associated member management processes. Underpinning this system will be new individual membership numbers and electronic fobs.

This will bring SBSC in line with most sailing clubs around the bay. Numbered fobs will allow for easy member ID and by using various permission levels, can be assigned for building access, etc.

From the 2026-27 membership year, there will be a one-time cost of $10 for the fob. You will see this on the invoices currently being sent out. This is once-only and not an annual fee. Additional and / or replacement fobs will be as follows:

Additional & Replacement Fobs

Additional fobs under Family memberships may be purchased for $10 each.
Lost or replacement fobs will be $15 each.

Key Points

The system is very flexible and can be configured multiple ways to meet our evolving requirements.
When needed it authenticates membership discount when purchasing food and beverage.

Electronic ‘Readers’ will be located:

outside front door (for building access),
in upstairs foyer,
at bar and meals-cash registers,
outside the OTB change room hallway

Access Permissions

Each fob can be individually programmed with area access as required.

Important Information

Members are expected to have their fob when at the club.
Fobs are issued for the exclusive use of the assigned member and must not be shared or transferred to others.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we introduce this new system. It will take time to settle in and any feedback is welcomed. Please extend this patience to Snooks staff as it will be new to them as well.

It will provide improved security, better management of club facilities, and hopefully a more convenient experience for all members.

Fobs are planned to be distributed in the weeks soon after the AGM.

ORCV News

Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster

Entries are now open for the 2026 Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster, a blue-water ocean classic with more than 50 years of history and the highest-ranking race in the ORCV Offshore Championship. The 435NM course takes the fleet across Bass Strait, south along Tasmania's rugged and remote West Coast — a true test of strategy and seamanship for full crew, 4+ autohelm, and double handed boats alike. Join the legacy of more than 900 yachts and 7,000 crew members who've made this passage. Click here for more details and to enter the race.

Winter Training Courses

The ORCV Winter Training Courses are still open for bookings. Winter is a great time to top up knowledge and get ready for the next season.

Foredeck Essentials (eLearning + practical on 9 August 2026)
Tactical Navigator (in-person, starts 1 September 2026)

Photo of the Week

Sunday sailing - Thanks Lori Wilson for the pic.

Submissions

If you wish to contribute anything to the Enews, please submit your content to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Tuesday 8pm each week to make the deadline. Please note submissions may need to pass through Executive Committee for approval from time to time. Love photography? Submit your Photo of the Week to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in high res, (and it does not have to be about sailing). Follow us on our socials: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Spotted a mistake or omission from the newsletter.......please let Fiona know as soon as possible to rectify immediately!

Latest News

Safety Beach Sailing Club NEWS 22nd July 2026

Annual General Meeting 2026

The AGM will be held this Sunday 26th July at 2.30pm. To reach a Quorum, the club requires 20% of the following member category to be in attendance.

Senior,
The primary adult members of a Family membership, and
Life members.

As we have received two nominations for Vice Commodore; there will be a vote at the AGM to determine the successful candidate. Previous communication with instructions on proxy voting is no longer valid, please refer to email that was sent to all members at 2.15pm today. Eligible votes can only be accepted by members in the above categories who are in attendance at the time of the vote.

Candidate statements from the two nominees were sent out to all members on Monday 20th July. Here they are again if you missed them:

Nomination for Vice Commodore - Fiona Lowe

I have been a member of the Club for over 10 years. During that time, I have enjoyed
watching my family grow as sailors and, more importantly, being part of this wonderful
community orientated sailing club.

For the past three years, I have proudly served as a General Member on the Executive
Committee. Some of my achievements during my time on committee include;

• Junior Sailing Coordinator and revamping the programme to where it is today.
• Created the preputial Ciaran's Cup Trophy - Junior Keel Boat sailing.
• Yard Improvements - Storage solutions for OPT's, improved OTB yard storage
system and Spa Loacker use.
• Assisting with the Race Tower refurbishment
• Managed the club's social media and newsletters
• Attended several Australian Sailing Conferences to ensure SBSC is compliant.
• Advocating for improvements to our club website.

If elected, I will work alongside the Executive Committee to continue improving our club
by:

• Providing more regular feedback to all members regarding committee projects,
improvement plans and going ons' around the club.
• Work with Snooks Catering to improve storage solutions and upgrade equipment
were necessary.
• Consult with all membership categories (OTB, Keelboat, Social etc,) to better
understand their needs for our club and yard.
• Establishing a dedicated House Committee to better coordinate maintenance and
facility

I would be honoured to have your support for the position of Vice Commodore and
offer a fresh perspective t this role

Nomination for Vice Commodore - Ross Martin

Dear Members,

I am seeking your support for my nomination for the position of Vice Commodore at the 2026
Annual General Meeting.

Having served on the Executive Committee for 12 years, including four years as Commodore, I
have developed a strong understanding of how our club operates and the importance of working
collaboratively for the benefit of all members.

One of the most rewarding aspects of club life for me has been welcoming new members and
introducing prospective members to Safety Beach Sailing Club. I take great pride in sharing the
benefits of membership and encouraging participation in the many opportunities our club offers.
Whether you are a keelboat sailor, an off-the-beach sailor, or a social member, I believe every
member deserves equal support and representation. If elected, I will continue to work in the best
interests of the entire club.

Having been a member of Safety Beach Sailing Club for more than 50 years, the club is truly my
second home. I am passionate about preserving our proud history while helping guide the club
towards a strong, harmonious and inclusive future.

By working together, respecting our traditions and embracing new opportunities, we can ensure
Safety Beach Sailing Club continues to thrive for generations to come.

I would be honoured to receive your support.

Yours sincerely,
Ross Martin

SBSC Member ID - Digital System (Fobs)

This will bring SBSC in line with most sailing clubs around the bay. Numbered fobs will allow for easy member ID and by using various permission levels, can be assigned for building access, etc.

Additional & Replacement Fobs

Additional fobs under Family memberships may be purchased for $10 each.
Lost or replacement fobs will be $15 each.

Key Points

The system is very flexible and can be configured multiple ways to meet our evolving requirements.
When needed it authenticates membership discount when purchasing food and beverage.

Electronic ‘Readers’ will be located:

outside front door (for building access),
in upstairs foyer,
at bar and meals-cash registers,
outside the OTB change room hallway

Access Permissions

Each fob can be individually programmed with area access as required.

Important Information

Members are expected to have their fob when at the club.
Fobs are issued for the exclusive use of the assigned member and must not be shared or transferred to others.

It will provide improved security, better management of club facilities, and hopefully a more convenient experience for all members.

Fobs are planned to be distributed in the weeks soon after the AGM.

🎹✨ BOY FROM OZ MEETS ROCKET MAN ✨🎹

WHAT A NIGHT - “Peter Allen meets Rocket Man”

“Oh what a night”

On Saturday, 11th July, Matt Hadgraft brought us an amazing show bringing us the music of Peter Allen & Elton John which was enjoyed by club members & friends.

The committee consisting of Gwen McAuliffe (chair) Sallylou Hamilton (secretary) Jill Knight, Sheryl Schumacher, Deirdre Snooks, Robin Wemyss, Pamela Gilbert, Veronica Psaila (retired), have been a hard working committee bringing the club lots of fun social events.

Some of the highlights our 2025-2026 year:-

FRANKIE - “HAPPY DAYS SHOW”
CAPTAIN’S CREW - “80’s NIGHT”
BOGAN BINGO
MATT HADGRAFT - “PETER ALLEN MEETS ROCKET MAN"

Thank you to all our club members & friends for your support, your energy & your dancing. You are the reason we enjoy doing this. We have more in the pipeline - so make sure you WATCH THIS SPACE.

ORCV News

Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster

Winter Training Courses

The ORCV Winter Training Courses are still open for bookings. Winter is a great time to top up knowledge and get ready for the next season.

Foredeck Essentials (eLearning + practical on 9 August 2026)
Tactical Navigator (in-person, starts 1 September 2026)

Geoff Eldridge's Report from Battle

I arrived in the UK last Thursday morning and after a brief pause in London caught the train down to Battle in East Sussex. The town of Battle is built around the site of the Battle of Hastings which was fought on 14th October 1066. After winning the battle and becoming King of England William of Normandy decreed that an Abbey should be built on the site of the battle where King Harold died as penitence for all the deaths. The town of Battle grew up around the Abbey to support it.

The High Street in Battle really plays on “Battle” and “Senlac”. Senlac is the name of the hill the battle was fought on and where the remains of the Abbey sits to this day. On Saturday I spent 5 hours looking around Battle Abbey and the battlefield which is in the Abbey grounds. There is a short walk and a long walk over the battlefield. The short walk just runs along the terrace at the top of the hill by the Abbey where Harold’s forces had their shield wall. The long walk takes you down the hill to the South where the Normans attacked from. There are a number of wooden statues along the trail with information boards. From what I can gather the slopes of the hill and the top where the Abbey is have been terraced over the years and the Western side is perhaps a bit more treed these days. Anyhow, I took the long walk down the Western side along the bottom and then back up the Eastern side of the battlefield.

Up the top a lot of the monastery buildings were destroyed when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries. The church that was built on the spot where Harold is believed to have fallen is gone though the footprint is still there with a large stone marker. The monks dormitory building is still partially in existence. The top floor where the monks slept is open to the weather, however the ground floor where the monks worked is still there. Besides the outer walls and the gatehouse the main building still in existence is what was the Abbot’s house. After Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, he gave the Abbey to one of his followers and the Abbot’s residence became a “country house” until the early 20th century. It then became a school as it is to this day.

You can also go up the tower above the entrance to the grounds onto the roof at the top for a great view all around the area. There are a variety of displays in the various rooms as you go up the tower. Over and above this, there is a much newer café and information building nearby in the grounds. I did the information part early on seeing the building is near the start of the walk and raided the café when I got back from the walk before doing the tower.

All in all it was a good day. I wasn’t pushing myself or anything on the walk and found a number of shaded benches on the way where you can sit for a few minutes and just enjoy the surroundings. The pictures I’ve attached are as follows:

The map of the layout

A wooden warrior on the way down the hill,

A horseman at the bottom on the Western corner,

An archer at the bottom on the Eastern corner looking back up the hill

The marker where Harold fell,

Looking South towards the battlefield from the top of the tower,

Just for laughs in a charity shop in Battle!

Submissions

Latest News

Safety Beach Sailing Club NEWS 1st July 2026

🎹✨ BOY FROM OZ MEETS ROCKET MAN ✨🎹

Get ready for a night of incredible music, unforgettable costumes, and pure entertainment as Matt Hadgraft – Tribute Artist Extraordinaire brings together two of the greatest performers of all time in one spectacular show!

Watch as Matt seamlessly transforms between the charisma and energy of Peter Allen & the flamboyant showmanship of Elton John, performing the songs that made them legends.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Peter Allen, Elton John, or simply love great live entertainment, this is a show guaranteed to have you singing, clapping and reminiscing all night long.

Gather your family and friends and join us for what promises to be a fabulous evening of music, laughter, costume changes and the timeless songs of two entertainment icons.

Bookings are essential, including free member tickets.

🎫 Book now:

https://www.trybooking.com/DMTDU

Annual General Meeting 2026/2027

Election of Executive Committee Members

The following positions are to be filled and nominations are invited for the 2026/2027 season: - - -

Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Treasurer
Secretary
Executive Committee Members (2 minimum)

If you wish to nominate or have someone in mind for any of the above roles, please CLICK HERE to download the form.

The Proposer, Seconder and Nominee are all required to personally sign this form, which must be
received by the Secretary no later than 5.00pm Thursday, 9th July 2026.

Keelboats

This Week’s Racing - Keelboats

Friday 3rd July – Winter Fun Series Race #4

Start Time:	14:00H Tower Start
Race Officer:	Lynlee Coutts
Duty Boat:

ORCV News

Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster

DYSC Marine Supplies Winter Series (Saturday 4 & 18 July 2026)

Entries are still open for the 2026 DYSC Marine Supplies Winter Series & Novice Return Series. Race 2 is a destination race to Blairgowrie on 4 July with the Novice Return Race on 5 July. Race 3 is a race around Fixed Marks on 18 July starting off in Sandringham Yacht Club.

Special thanks to DYSC Marine Supplies for proudly supporting the ORCV and the sailors who make offshore racing in Victoria a strong and growing community.

Winter Training Courses

The ORCV Winter Training Courses are still open for bookings. Winter is a great time to top up knowledge and get ready for the next season.

Fundamental Navigator (in-person, starts 14 July 2026)
Prepare your Yacht for Cat 2 & 3 (in-person, starts 22 July 2026)
Foredeck Essentials (eLearning + practical on 9 August 2026)
Tactical Navigator (in-person, starts 1 September 2026)

Submissions

Latest News

Safety Beach Sailing Club NEWS 10th June 2026

Off The Beach News

Tasar Worlds

I'm not going to say much about the Tasar Worlds, as I am not there. But if you've been following along on the socials, you'll know that the Martins are bringing home A LOT of stories from this one. Please keep following their journey, we cannot wait for the report once it's all finished up. Follow on their website and socials. I've taken a few photos from Facebook to share at the bottom of the newsletter. Current results for our crew after 6 races; Mono 17^th and Ross 37^th - out of 113

TASAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 in KUNIGAMI – Tasar Worlds Official Site

Tasar Victoria Facebook Page

Keelboats

It was breezy. We were on the dock preparing Ninjo for last Friday’s race when David Mason walked past; but stopped for a chat. “Are you going out?” we asked, knowing he would be sailing solo. “No” was his answer. Just checking that Amity was resting comfortably on her lines. This meant that Little Ninjo would be first off the mark at 14:31. She was two-up. Who would catch her?

An excellent Course 7 was set, specifically chosen to make life difficult for us; two windward returns into the teeth of the wind using SB1 and the Mussel Farm as the top and bottom marks. Elaine was race officer in her eyrie and said afterwards that we all had good starts. Black Swan started a minute after Ninjo, Marrakesh a minute after that, then from ten minutes later the big boys (and girls) Shimmer, then Patriot, finally Assassin at 14:54.

Black Swan was the first to catch us, not far up the leg to SB1. Little Ninjo headed right looking for the predicted persistent shift then tacked (perfectly) for the mark. Black Swan was visible tracking for the mark and ahead of us, with Shimmer and Patriot hunting them down. The run to the Mussel Farm was fun with the occasional useful wave. Ninjo’s helm failed to listen carefully to her navigator so gybed too late for the farm (it wouldn’t have made any difference to the result). This let the monsters get ahead of us and set the scene for the remainder of the race – Ninjo chasing Black Swan, chasing Patriot chasing Shimmer. Marrakesh finished a couple of minutes behind Ninjo with Assassin not far behind them.

We know how thrilled Steve the first time Shimmer was won a pursuit, so glory to the Shimmer crew.

And thanks to Elaine for looking after us.

The next outing will be this Sunday 14^th. Start time 10:00. Race 3 of the Brass Monkey Pursuit Series. Lynlee will be Race Officer with Summer Breeze assisting.

See you there.

John Nicholas

This Week’s Racing - Keelboats

Sunday 14th June – Brass Monkey Winter Series Race #3

Start Time:	10:00H Tower Start
Race Officer:	Lynlee Coutts
Duty Boat:	Summer Breeze

Note: if you are planning to run a spinnaker then please notify the tower of your intentions on VHF 69 and add 4-minutes to your published start time.

To round out a perfect Sunday head back to the club after the race for a spot of lunch and maybe the odd beverage in front on the toasty log fire – details below.

News from the tropics

Y Knot has now made it back to Magnetic Island after having a fun time at Port Douglas Race Week. It will stay at Maggie Island for the next few months before heading even further south to compete in HIRW. Similarly, Vincitore is tucked up safe and sound at its new home at RQYC and is looking to head a bit further north to Mackay next month where it will have another lay over before also heading to HIRW in August.

L’Espirit and crew have made it safely to Vuda Marina on the western and sunny side of Fiji after a quick pit stop in Port Vila (Vanuatu) due to head winds after departing from New Caledonia. Fiji is going to be their winter cruising ground for the next few months, and I am sure they will enjoy their travels and exploration of the many islands in Fiji and maybe the odd drop of Kava if they are game!!

Rob Rainsford at Port Douglas Race Week

Vadu Marina Fiji

🎹✨ BOY FROM OZ MEETS ROCKET MAN ✨🎹

Watch as Matt seamlessly transforms between the charisma and energy of Peter Allen & the flamboyant showmanship of Elton John, performing the songs that made them legends.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Peter Allen, Elton John, or simply love great live entertainment, this is a show guaranteed to have you singing, clapping and reminiscing all night long.

Gather your family and friends and join us for what promises to be a fabulous evening of music, laughter, costume changes and the timeless songs of two entertainment icons.

Bookings are essential, including free member tickets.

🎫 Book now:

https://www.trybooking.com/DMTDU

AGM documents onto our website, please find them here: 2026 Annual General Meeting

Boatyard Works Over Winter

Postponed until Aus-Sept

ORCV News

DYSC Marine Supplies Winter Series & Novice Return Series

Entries are now officially open for the 2026 DYSC Marine Supplies Winter Series & Novice Return Series. The Series comprises four races including a destination race to Blairgowrie, a destination race to Geelong, and two short passage races around fixed marks, with the first race on Saturday 20 June 2026. We will start the series off with the marine distress practice which is open to participation for those in Race 1.

Winter Training Courses

Winter is a great time to top up knowledge and get ready for the next season. Popular courses like Weather for Sailors and Fundamental Navigator are returning. This year, we are also offering a new course Prepare your Yacht for Cat 2 & 3.