Off The Beach News
Howdy Gang.
Another cracking day on the water last Sunday, although it didn’t look like it to start with. I was on RHIB duty and thought I was on a winner as we floated around on the Port Phillip Mill Pond waiting for the slightest zephyr to stir some interest. We didn’t even have Rob C with his usual wind breaking antics to get the show on the road ,( he is quite multi talented, I’ve heard him play the National anthem and there wasn’t an instrument in sight! ). The race team were monitoring all the weather apps and things finally things looked a bit promising, so down came the AP and by the time the boats reached the race area there was a sailable breeze blowing, around 5 to 6 knots and building- noice!
It was Club Championship week and we had 22 starters, which is pretty good considering we’re still down a few bods due to unforeseen circumstances, like the slow boat from Italy with Stu S and Dave B’s A Class cats not back yet. Silver lining though, Stu and Dave have been on the RHIBs each week to give the rest of us a chance to sail. Thanks guys.
Race one got away nicely in three groups ( only one individual recall, unlike last week, so no need for the black flag ) and by the time most of the boats were on their second lap, the wind had built substantially - extra noice ! Everyone was zipping along nicely and the cats were purring, sorry Stu and Dave. The only mishap i saw was Luke Marchesani in his Cobra cat cleaning up the wing mark dead centre. I thought he would need untangling as the mark was well and truly wrapped up in his forward shrouds, but with some vigorous yanking he was free, did his penalty and was off again in hot pursuit of the other Luke M in the other Cobra cat ( only their Mothers can tell them apart ). I heard a big shout from Katrina M as she crossed the line first of the Sabres so she was pretty happy with herself, but I’ve just been looking at the scores on the sailor app, and she has a big NCS against her name, maybe did a sausage instead of the second triangle , bummer Kat.
A bit of a delay as we waited for the stragglers and a decent wind shift meant moving the marks and laying the bottom gate, but then off they went again. This race saw stronger, gusty wind and quite a few opted out in favour of an early beer on the deck. Those that stayed enjoyed som close racing, and again the only casualty was poor old Luke again. This time, with no marks in sight he managed to tip in and no amount of effort could right her. There must have been some water in the mast as when he went completely turtle the only way back up was a tow from one of the RHIBs and then a lift of the mast tip to stand her up. Not his day!
Back to the beach for the sailors and back to the dock for the race team to retrieve, wash down, pack up and put away the boats. That meant that by the time we got back to the Club, not too many were left and I missed out on all the Goss. Of course Rob C was there, belting out his rendition of “Oh When The Saints”. Again, not an instrument in sight!
That’s about it for this week, thanks again to Stu and Dave in Sutherland, RO Geoff and Super D in Start with Gregg W behind the wheel and I had the pleasant company of Rob Wells of Coastguard fame in Woodsy.
Last but not least, a request from Rob C to PLEASE send him via text your power boat licence details, date of expiry and emergency contact for the power boat register. His number is 04AGOODTIME- sorry, that’s his business number. Boat details to 0498 208 007, this is very important and makes his job as power boat Captain a lot easier.
Cheers till next Sunday, Pete Chippy
When two boats meet…….
It doesn’t happen too often, but occasionally the OTB dinghies and the keelboats end up in the same part of the bay. Usually when the keelboats are approaching for their finish. This occurred a couple of weeks ago and it has raised some valid discussion points.
Due to timing, any conflict is only likely when the keelboats are doing a club championship with an on-water start. The OTB RO’s are aware of the keelboat course and when possible, will try to position the OTB course to avoid any possible conflict. The point has been made that some of the dinghies were not aware that a keelboat was approaching. The message has gone out to the OTB sailors to keep an eye out for bigger boats and that they need more room to manoeuvre than you might think.
On the other hand, a keelboat sailed through the OTB start area just before a race start where lots of dinghies were gathered, equally this shows a lack of awareness as to the situation on the water.
Simply the message is. Keep an eye out for each other, keep clear in plenty of time and as always in the case of who has right of way the standard collision avoidance rules apply.
Thanks for your cooperation and understanding.


Hello Junior Sailor,
The club is pleased to announce that our Junior Sail Program will be continuing for season 2024/25. If you missed out on junior sail training earlier in the year (or enjoyed your time on the water last season) and wish to come and have some fun in the sun while learning a new skill, please let us know. Our instructors for the season are Nick Meijer, Jess Lowe, Matt Whitaker and James Anderson and they are ready to get you out on the water gaining confidence as a junior sailor.
- The Junior Sail Program will be held on Sunday mornings. Start time 9.00am – 11.30am.
- The program is designed to accommodate all learning levels from “never sailed” to “have sailed and want to get better”.
- Our instructors will assess and tailor programs catering to your child’s needs in accordance with the Australian Sailing “Start Sailing” program. Australian Sailing - Start Sailing
- Parents are to remain at the club during all training sessions and are encouraged to assist with rigging/de rigging of boats.
- Life jackets will be provided, however if you have your own you can us it (needs to be in date and certified), Waterproof shoes are ideal, wetsuit booties, or sailing booties are also ideal but not compulsory.
- Children must arrive at the club dressed and ready to sail (bring change of clothing, towel, and hat. Sunscreen will be provided).
- All attendees must be a member of the club, Junior Membership starts at $145. Membership Options
- Cost for November – December 2024 Program is $100.
- Cost for the February – April 2025 Program is $120.
- Not compulsory to do both programs.
- If you are completely new to sailing, we can offer 2 free sessions before committing to the program, as a try before you buy.
Please email Fiona Lowe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .au for further information
Keelboat News
Results
Friday Twilight - Race 3
1st | Cirrus | Tim Bardon |
2nd | Just Cruising | Neil Whitaker |
3rd | Patriot | Jason Close |
Friday AMS – Race 3
1st | Patriot | Jason Close |
2nd | Maximum Limit | Rick Rogers |
3rd | 2Xtreme | Andrew Clark |
It was great to see 25 boats out on Friday evening for a pleasant albeit chilly sail and even better to see many of the crews back at the club after the race enjoying a drink or meal with their fellow sailors.
Great job by this week’s tower team from Marrakesh along with Lynlee Coutts - there were plenty of close finishes to keep them on their toes!
We hope to see another big fleet out this Friday.
Sunday Summer Series - Race 1
Division 1
|
||
1st
|
2Xtreme
|
Andrew Clark
|
2nd
|
Yknot |
Rob Rainsford
|
3rd | Mr Bojangles | Linda Wooley |
AMS Winner | 2Xtreme | Andrew Clark |
ORC Winner | 2Xtreme | Andrew Clark |
What a lovely morning for a sail although a bit more wind may have been appreciated. As always a big thankyou to the tower team of Ian and Glenn from Lumiere.
Click here for full results for the weekend
This Week's Racing
Friday Twilight Pursuit Series 1 - Race 4
Race Start Time (AEDT) | 17:30H Pursuit Start |
Race Officer | Andrew Clark |
Duty Boat | 2Xtreme |
Tower Assistant | Lynlee |
NO Keelboat Racing on Sunday 3rd November
MOB Declarations - Deadline
ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT! Your Man Overboard exercise must be completed and the declaration form emailed to 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 it's after 31 October) to avoid a penalty. Click here for a copy of the Declaration. This exercise can be completed out on the water before or after a race and is a requirement of your race entry.
Fixed Marks Update
There is currently a delay in the manufacturing of the new fixed marks (SB1 and SB2). The ETA is late November and we are pushing them to be fast tracked.
ORCV Melbourne to Devonport Race
This year, the Melbourne to Devonport, The Rudder Cup, Australia's oldest ocean race, will be honoured as the ORCV race that runs on the "Melbourne Cup" long weekend. The 195nm Devonport race starts off Queenscliff at 1400 AEDT on Friday (1/11/2024) and proceeds across the Bass Strait to the finish line at the entrance of the Mersey River. All vising yachts are kindly hosted by the Mersey Yacht Club.
This year Safety Beach SC is represented by Rob Rainsford and the crew on YKnot along with our Rear Commodore , Tim Bardon, who is sailing on Faster Forward and Rod Smallman on Maverick.
We wish them all a safe and speedy trip. To follow their progress, go to the ORCV tracker by Clicking Here

Discover Keelboat Racing – Exclusive Offer to SBSC Club Members
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.
Program dates:
Sunday, 10th 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, 15th Nov 2024, 17.30h – Start time of your 1st Friday Twilight Race
Friday, 22nd Nov 2024, 17.30h – Start time of your 2nd Friday Twilight Race
Friday, 29th Nov 2024, 17.30h – Start time of your 3rd 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.
Petersville Regatta
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
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
Community Bank Southern Peninsula
Rye | Rosebud I Dromana

ORCV News
Melbourne to Hobart ‘Westcoaster’ (Friday 27 December)
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
Submission's
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