Howdy Gang.

What an absolute cracker of a sailing day we had on Sunday. What started as a potential blowout due to the morning gale warning from the BOM, morphed into perfect sailing conditions for the afternoon. It was a pity we only had about 12 boats on the water for such a great day. I suppose it was partly due to the looong weekend, and partly my text about the gale warning. Sorry, but what are ya gunna do? Damned if you do and damned if you don't.

All in all though, those that did sail had a ball. Race one was fairly light, go figure, and shifty as well so if you picked the wrong side, or tacked on a knock you were toast. I did and I was, as opposed to yard master extraordinarie, Muzza McNeil. In a flash of Devine inspiration, Muz decided to ditch that tippy old Laser and jumped in a real speed machine for a change. Yep, another happy Sabre convert. Makes a change from the losses to the Impulse gang! Muz took to the Sabre like he was born to it ( too syrupy ?) and gave me a right flogging for the whole race.

In a good lesson for all sailors, Matt W and Jess L in Dad Neil’s Tasar had a mishap before the start of race 1 when one of the pins holding the port shroud popped out and de-masted them. Not being familiar with the boat, they had problems getting the sails down and were stuck, outta luck, and had to get a tow home. Check those pins and shackles before hitting the water. In a twist of fate, Matt and Jess were rostered on for rhib duty but due to our non sailing helpers putting their hands up, they were given the chance to sail. They could have been the tow-ers instead of the tow-ees.
 

By race two, the wind had picked up nicely to around 12 to 15 knots and with a good clean start, every one was away. Perfect breeze for A Class Anthony who took the opportunity to finish two, yes two, races for the day. Div 4 had just the two Tasars, but they fought it out to the end and the biggest group, Div 3 managed to stick pretty close together as well. Back in Div 2, with only three Sabres, we were fairly well spread out ( not so good this time eh Muz? ).
All was good for Fi M, who looked like backing her convincing race one win with another trouncing of the boys, when all of a sudden, that shroud pin evil spirit struck again. Same side, same result. As with Matt and Jess, a tow home was needed- oh the shame!
 

With the stronger breeze blowing, race two was fairly short so I was looking forward to a third race, but alas, as they were still involved in getting the rowboats ( can’t call them a Yacht without a mast can you?) back to shore, we were all out of rescue boats. With safety always coming first and the estimated time for the rhibs getting back on the course putting it a bit late for starting a third race, RO Ewan C reluctantly ran up the AP over A and that was all she wrote, bummer.
 

Back to the beach ( why is that sail back always so good?) and the onshore chop made for some interesting landings, but no casualties so all good. End of the day and every one was happy, none more so than Muzza, who is now in the market for a new boat. His final remark on Sunday was “ If you weren’t on the water today, sucks to be you!” Harsh Muz, harsh but true. So everyone, get ya bum in a boat and get it wet. The boat, not ya bum!
 

Thanks this week to Ewan C for ROing and Judy ‘The Champion’ Champion for filling in for Super D as Asst RO, Happy Birthday D !  Hamish McC and Simon H in Sutherland and the two Rockin’ Robs ‘ C and W in Woodsy, what a team!
 

Last item on the agenda this week, it was mentioned by the fabulous catering staff that the last members out left the gate and the change room door wide open, and while probably not OTB, the tower door was wide open as well. It is not their job too check or close these and it would be sad to see damage to the club rooms or loss of hard earned gear due to this oversight. If you are last out or the last boat heading out of the yard, just take a moment to check and close up properly ( and make sure the flags are down- they just go in the sign in cupboard ).
 

That’s all for now folks, see you next Sunday, Club Championship.
 

Cheers, Pete Chippy
 

PS; check out the great shots of A Class Anthony flying along and the tight start of the Div 3 boats. Compliments of Ewan C multi tasking on Start.

 

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

 

1st	Patriot	Jason Close
2nd	Vamonos	Fiona Jones
3rd	Marrakesh	Neil Hawker

Click here for full results for Friday

Race Start Time (AEDT)	17:30H Pursuit Start
Race Officer	Andrew Stocks
Duty Boat	Fransiska
Tower Assistant	Amanda

 

Female Helm Series

By way of update, we have set up a new 'Individual Series' for the 2024/25 Margaret Hollamby Female Helm Series (4 races) in SailSys. Previously, the series was set up as a sub-series under the 2024/25 Inspire Marine Friday Twilight Pursuit Series. However, this would cause all boats that entered the Friday Twilight series to be automatically registered for the Female Helm (regardless of them having a female helm or not).

 

Accordingly, if you intend to race in the 2024/25 Margaret Hollamby Female Helm series, please register again using the separate (individual) series in SailSys. CLICK HERE   If you just intend to race the Friday Twilight Pursuit series but not the Margaret Hollamby Female Helm series, you do not have to do anything.  We apologise for the confusion and wish all our female helms a successful series.

 

2 cabins are available for an awesome sailing experience in the Ionian Island in May 2025

Dates: 24th to 31st May 2025

Marina base: Lefkada, Greece

Nearest airport: Preveza (30 minute taxi transfer)

Yacht: Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 catamaran, 4 double cabins each with it's own separate en-suite

Video tour: https://youtu.be/P8KLg4RKOD8?si=Ls_hIkRB8LJxeEYR

Accommodation available: 2 x double cabins with en-suite

Price per person: 750€ twin share, 1,500€ per double cabin

Costs to be shared: diesel fuel, food and drink provisioning ~50-80euro

The yacht is based in Lefkas, with Preveza airport 30 minutes away by taxi transfer. 

From Lefkada we will sail south to Kefalonia, Ithaka and Zakynthos and the smaller islands Meganisi, Kalamos and Kastos. 

We will have a mix of overnight stops at anchor in secluded bays as well as overnights at the town quay in small villages we visit along the way. 

Distances between the islands are relatively short so we have lots of time for swimming, relaxing and going ashore each afternoon.

 

Click this link for a preview of some of the places we visited last time we sailed the area in 2022.

Photo album from the last trip there: - https://jonathanrosssailing.com/.../ionian-islands-greece...

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

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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