G’day gang,

What a cracker opening day we had last Sunday! Perfect sunny skies, plenty of boats and plenty of wind. Sooo much wind that we didn’t quite know what to do with it! We started off praising it, but after looking at the heel on some of the Keelboats, went down the track of remembering some of those little jobs on our boats that perhaps we should see to before getting them wet. Before long it was “Well, they probably won’t start a race in this anyway, shame the footy’s not on TV”. But finally there were  some toes in the water. Ross and Tash M to start, of course, then Luke M in his big Cobra cat, gutsy. And once Ewan C hit the water in his A class it was “Last one in’s a Jet skier!” and it was on for young and old. I tell you what, if there were any spiders left in your rigging after that, they must have known how to swim! I don’t remember seeing that many boats with their keels in the air in recent years, I think nearly everyone went for a swim at some point, I know I did. And  while the water wasn’t arctic, it certainly wasn’t tropical either.
 

Eventually with enough boats on the water, 22 to be exact, RO Geoff gave in to the crowd mentality and got a race started. Just a simple windward return with a gate at the top parked under the lee of the cliff for added turbulence and fun, man, that last 100 meters was tough going! Most people managed to finish, the last of us dodging the returning keelboat fleet. Nobody seemed too keen to call “Starboard” on those flying machines, they didn’t look they could get out of our way even if they tried! A side word to some of the youngsters in that regard; if crossing the line of those big guys, keep an eye out all the time because they come on a lot faster than you think and they can’t maneuver anywhere near as quick as a dingy. They don’t “appear out of nowhere”, they were always there, you just have to keep watch.
 

Finally, after we had all had our fill of fun (and salt water) it was back to the beach to pat ourselves on the back for such bravery in extreme conditions. Katrina M, who sailed magnificently and didn’t tip in, said it was her best sail in years. As did Rick P, returning after quite a while away from the water. And Russell T, on the front of the Sharpie, was enjoying himself so much that he was inspired to sing. All morning we could hear him belting out “Take Me Home Country Road”, or something like that anyway, perhaps I misheard the “Country Road” bit.
 

Well done to those that went out, and kudos to those that were smart enough to stay on land if they weren’t comfortable with the conditions, the rescue RHIBs had enough on there hands as it was. Thanks Alister M and Rob C, Stu S and Dave B in the RHIBs, Geoff and Super D on Start, they were out there for a lot longer than any of us. Thanks also to Geoff for getting the results done in time for the presentation of that magnificent 18 ct gold cup in honor of the Commodore. Congratulations to Ross and Tash M in First place, Mark and Will B in Second and Campbell and Emma M in Third. A huge thanks to everyone for their efforts in making the day a huge success.

 

This week is the first round of the Club Championship so don’t miss out. Your Race Officer for the day is Stu Scott, with Deirdre as Asst RO and Rob C, Simon H, Norm K and one of our new friends from the Coast Guard, Nadine Huels on the RHIBs, so look out for her and play nice, OK?
 

Cheers till Sunday, Pete Chippy

 

 

To better manage the rescue / power boat operations and all that comes with that, we’ve put together a few initiatives that we believe will help all volunteers better understand what do when, and how, meaning when on duty your role will be much easier. It also helps with risk management and personal / sailor safety 😉

1. All rescue boats will feature a laminated checklist ( A5 size reverse), that highlights specifics. ( see attached )  We’ve been asked for this for sometime and here it is. We may add / delete at any time,  but for now we feel this is a good starting point. Check it out and let us know your thoughts.
2. All power boats now feature an approved AMSA sticker that clearly details what to do in an emergency. More specifically how to make a mayday radio call and what radio channel to use. I certainly hope this is never needed but I trust you would all understand the importance of knowing how to do this in the event of a heightened emergency is knowledge worth having.
3. All power boats now have an extended lanyard attached to the “kill switch” that needs to be attached to the actual skipper of the boat at all times. It’s super easy to do you’ll see it just needs you to clip to your lifejacket or wrap around your wrist, either way that works for you. It is law in Victoria that all power boat operators “wear” the kill switch when underway ( moving) , but that aside the kill switch is designed to “stop” the vessel in event of the skipper being incapacitated in any way. Makes sense yeah??

Over and out for now, and looking forward to Sunday and please any suggestions / thoughts are welcomed!

Rob C

1st	Bombay Sapphire	Michael Manson
2nd	Time Out X2	Drew Price
3rd	Fransiska	Peter Morrison

 

Friday night saw 21 boats hit the start line in brisk conditions. Some nice close racing for the first race of the season. A few retirees but everyone returned to the marina safely. And there was a great turnout back at the club for dinner and the presentation, where 'Tony's Trophy' was presented by (L-R below): Tony's son Ewan Lohman, John Gordon and Nick Jones (KB Captain) to the winning skipper Michael Manson.

 

1st	Unprecedented	Andrew McGrath
2nd	Happy Days	Paul Copeland
3rd	2Xtreme	Andrew Clark

 

Race Start Time (AEST): 17:30H Pursuit Start

Race Officer:  Rob Rainsford

Duty Boat: Yknot

Tower Assistant: Amanda Malin

  

First Warning Signal: 12:55H Boat Start

Race Officer:  Judy Champion

Tower Assistant: Dawn Clark

Thank you to the skippers that have already completed their Man Overboard exercise and sent through the MOB Declaration Form (click here).  As previously communicated to you all, this on-water MOB exercise with your crew is an annual requirement as part of the new sailing season.  The MOB declaration MUST be emailed into This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 31 October 2024 (or before your next race if that's after 31 October) otherwise boats will be penalised. There is plenty of information on MOB procedures available on the SBSC website under Safety Documents and Procedures

Now that everyone has sorted out their entries and dusted off their boats (and crew!) over the opening weekend, the next thing we are asking you to work on is your Crew Register in Sailsys.  Thanks to the many skippers who have already done this!  It really is a simple process and will become second nature.  So take the time to read the step-by-step instructions in the document below.  If you do have any questions after that, please reach out to us as we are only too happy to help.  https://sbsc.net.au/index.php/on-water/keelboats/keelboat-documents/363-sailsys-crew-lists/file

Have you ever considered taking part in SBSC’s keelboat races but don’t know where to start and how to find a position as crew? Have you put off the thought as it felt too intimidating, and as you thought you lack the experience?

Discover Keelboat Racing is an exclusive offer to SBSC club members, and designed for novices in keelboat racing who have not raced before and have no prior crewing experience but are keen to learn the ropes in a fun environment.

You will be able to join some of our most experienced skippers and crew and work alongside them on their boats during some of our Friday Twilight Pursuit races in November. You will learn through hands-on experience, supported by some theory of what it takes to win a race.

And who knows, you soon may get addicted to racing and enjoy it so much that one of the boats will sign you up as a regular crew.

What’s required from you? 

Curiosity, a willingness to work in a team and to follow the instructions of the skipper. Plus, a commitment to give up some of your Friday evenings. As places are strictly limited, please understand that this offer is exclusive to SBSC club members only.

 

Sunday, 10^th Nov 2024, 14.00h at SBSC Sailing Club

Meet your skippers and crews

Overview of the Discover Keelboat Racing program

Safety on board – The Do’s and Don’ts

The basic rules of racing

Friday, 15^th Nov 2024, 17.30h – Start time of your 1^st Friday Twilight Race

Friday, 22^nd Nov 2024, 17.30h – Start time of your 2^nd Friday Twilight Race

Friday, 29^th Nov 2024, 17.30h – Start time of your 3^rd Friday Twilight Race

 

If we have caught your attention, then please register your interest by sending an e-mail to Fiona at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating your full name, your Australian Sailing number and preferred phone number. We will then contact you with further details about the program and next steps.

 

We look forward to seeing you on the water soon.

Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron (BYS) is excited again host the Petersville Regatta for 2023. Historically, the Petersville Regatta attracted keelboat owners from surrounding yacht clubs and was held from 1981 – 1990 before the race was combined with Geelong Week. Successful boats who featured in the historical race include Shambles and Dry Reach skippered by R.Hick and subsequently G.Matthews, both of whom were the most successful boat competitors during the history of the event.

 

 

Are you planning a short - or longer-term investment?
A Bendigo Bank term deposit may be just what you need to get the most from your money. Talk to the team at one of our three branches, Rye, Rosebud, or Dromana, and watch your money grow at ​​​​​​​​Bendigo Bank

 

Bendigo Bank
Community Bank Southern Peninsula
Rye | Rosebud I Dromana

What better way to spend your Melbourne Cup long weekend than competing in one of the most iconic events on the Australian sailing calendar! The Melbourne to Devonport ‘Rudder Cup’ is the oldest ocean race in Australia but features a youthful spirit and energy amongst competing crew, on full display during a warm reception hosted by Mersey Yacht Club. This race is also a qualifying event for the upcoming Melbourne to Hobart ‘Westcoaster’. Entries are now open!  www.orcv.org.au/devonport

 

The  ORCV ‘Westcoaster’ is a legendary yacht race where tactics and sailing well can crown you as the race champion, regardless of boat size. Across the 435nm passage, yachts contend first with Bass Strait before taking on the wilderness and ruggedness of the West Coast of Tasmania and the long ocean swell of the Southern Ocean before turning towards the finish line and the shifting winds of the Derwent. For more than 50 years, the Westcoaster has provided sailors with a unique race full of tactical challenges. Entries are now open!  www.orcv.org.au/hobart

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