Safety Beach Sailing Club NEWS 29th November
Rear Commodore's News
Seasons Greetings members!
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is nearly upon us. It’s been great to see the Keel Boat fleet increase in numbers despite the weather with those whom headed North returning to our fair state. Great also, to see a number of new boats hitting the water for the first time. A quick shout out to Tim Bardon SB20 and our club RO Geoff Eldridge who were both desperately in kneed of new knees. We wish you both a speedy recovery and we look forward to having you both out on the water soon.
Please remember that there is a change to sailing instructions posted on the website for this weekends racing times. Keel Boat first warning signal will be 12.25pm. The change to SI’s is attached. OTB’s warning signal will now be 12.57pm. This change was made so that we could accommodate 3 OTB races in the Club Championship Series due to the previous session of races being abandoned.
I am seeking expressions of interest from members willing to help on a sail training committee. The role of this committee will not be to facilitate training but rather guide the club on a structure moving forward. The Club Executive Committee is willing to release funds to ensure we can attract the right coaching talent to the club to help the club deliver Tackers Courses, OTB and Keel Boat Training, youth pathway programs and Adult pathway to participation programs. This is an area critical to the clubs success. Please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you can help in this area.
Sail Peninsula entries are now open! To ensure entry to this annual marquee regatta, enter now to receive your early bird discount and ensure you book your spot for this incredible event.
Members who store their yachts and kayaks in the yard need to be aware that the keys to locks on all gates, spar locker roller doors and change rooms are changing. It’s been a number of years since the last change of keys. These keys will be registered and a bond of $50.00 will be required to get a key, refundable when the key is returned to the secretary, should you resign from the club. This change is likely to occur early in the New Year or earlier.
There is a Tasar training day being hosted by SBSC this Saturday, run by Tasar Victoria with head coaches and former World Tasar Champions Chris Dance and Pete Hackett. A few SBSC Tasar sailors have registered for this event, aimed at improving our tactics and boat speed. Fingers crossed the wind and weather play their part.
Cheers! Mono
Off The Beach News
Hey there troops.
What a ride, eh? Sunday certainly was a crazy day that's for sure. When they say "It was a game of two halves", they could have been referring to the half that got off the beach and the other half that couldn't. In a bizarre twist, first we were held on the beach because of a squall that blew through that was way over the comfort zone. Then things calmed down nicely and we were called out by the race team (who had been out there the whole time mind you). The first six or so boats out got a reasonable breeze and made good time, while the rest got stuck on the shore as the wind died out to nothing. It took nearly half an hour to get to the start line, which mercifully was brought in much closer to shore to meet the fleet, otherwise it probably would have led to an abandonment.
Once there, enough breeze came through to get a start, albeit a slow one. The Cats and Tasars made the most of it with Ross and Amy picking a great line, even beating the A class guys to the first mark. The Div Two boats didn't fare so well as the wind died to almost nothing and at 30 minutes in and we hadn't reached the top mark. Things didn't look good for our one hour cutoff limit. Then out of the blue (or grey in this case) another front came through and wow, what buzz! From two to fifteen knots in a matter of seconds really makes you pay attention. And with that also came a massive swing to the left, so if you happened to be on the good side the beat was suddenly pointing straight at the mark. Conversely if you were on the bad side, tough luck Chuck. A game of two halves again! Sorry Doc, some times ya pick 'em and sometimes ya don't. The wind held and while the first leg took 30 minutes, the next four only took 15.
The big shift stayed in, so a bit of mark shifting was needed and in an inspired move by first time RO, James Everett, ably advised by VERY able advisor, Rick Potter, turned the wing mark into the new top mark, dropped the top mark back a bit to be the wing mark, a minor shift of the start pin and then throw up the old green, starboard course flag and bingo, off you go people! All this course changing was carried out in near record time (considering the waves) by old timers Rob C and Drew M in Sutherland, as well as first timers Steph K and Abbey E with Greg L as mentor in Woody. Yes, we finally got there with the juniors, and they did a great job too, having to set the course three times before the first race!
The second race was an absolute flier with the first Div two 420 getting around in 11 minutes and the first Tasar in 17 minutes and I know I wasn't the only one to pull a granny tack at the wing mark rather than try a right hand gybe while barely in control! The Taipans and A class guy wisely pulled out before the second race( except Ewan, respect. ) although he didn't last long before it got a bit too hairy even for him. Rob Fleming did manage both races on the mighty Windrush, but then he did have his granddaughter Grace on board to keep him calm and in control. Very good effort guys.
All in all, Sunday was a great day's sailing. Lots of excitement, like in the good old days. Thanks again to the race team, Deirdre, James and Rick on start. Rob, Drew, Abbey, Steph and Greg in the rhibs. A great job in tough conditions, both heavy and light.
That's about all for now. Don't forget, next week is a Club Championship race and we are starting ONE HOUR EARLIER to try and get three races in. So that's a 12.57 first warning. Oh, and by the way, all that sludge is gone from the beach, so get yer bum in a boat and have some fun!
Cheers, Pete Chippy
A Word From Rob Campbell
Welcome and an update from the boats ( with motors)
Big shout out to Abbie and Steph for their help on the patrol boats last week I hear they did well, and from what I observed both enjoyed the experience and got to see some of the changing conditions the Bay can present.
Thanks also Greg Lowe for your help and guidance to these two also, and for putting them both through their paces on the varying winds. Good practice!! Also, shoutout for James as RO and Mr Potter for his wisdom behind the wheel of start helping James out also, ably assisted (as always) by Ms Snooks!
We need more on the water so jump on any time.
See ya…..
Rob
Greg Abbey & Steph on duty last Sunday
Try Sailing
Last Sunday was the second session of the Safety Beach Try Sailing! We had a great turnout with 6 kids and 1 adult.
We all had an amazing time with the kids in a quest and the RHIB all going at insanely fast speeds. Just a reminder that this sailing event is for all ages and abilities! Can’t wait to see you all next week!
Jess, Abbey, and Nick.
Jess, Abbey, and Nick.
Follow this link to make a booking.
Beach Seaweed Cleanup
Many of you are aware of the large and deep amount of seaweed on the shoreline out the front of the club. Commodore Tony Christmas has spoken with Council last week, and the clean-up of beach seaweed is on their maintenance works list but they can’t advise when this will be because of the high workload from the recent storms.
What's On In November 
Keelboat News
Results:
Friday Twilight Pursuit (Race 8)
| 1st | Balance | Mark Bulka |
| 2nd | Marrakesh | Neil Hawker |
| 3rd | Y Knot | Rob Rainsford |
Sunday Summer Series (Race 4)
| 1st PHD | Marrakesh | Neil Hawker |
| 1st AMS | Mr Bojangles | Pauline Cleaver |
| 1st ORC | Mr Bojangles | Pauline Cleaver |
Division 2:
| 1st PHD | Fransiska | Peter Morrison |
| 1st AMS | E'toile | John Gordon |
See full results here for the weekend.
This Week’s Races:
Friday 2 December – Twilight Pursuit #9
| First Warning Signal: | 17.25H Pursuit Start | |
| Tower: | Race Officer: | Judy Champion |
| Duty Boat: | Amazing Grace |
Please check your Friday Pursuit Time
Sunday 4 December – Club Championship #4
| First Warning Signal: | 12.25H Boat Start | |
| Tower: | Race Officer: | Graeme Ainslie |
| Tower Assistant: | Amanda Malin |
Please be aware that this Sunday's (4th Dec) race start time has changed to 12.30pm to accommodate the re-sail for OTB's
Get your crew together and head back to the club for dinner Friday night (book a table with David on 0439314179 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) and after Sunday’s race for Tapas and Drinks.
Marrakesh, Fransiska & Mr Bojangles fighting it out.
MYC Navigators Trophy
Saturday 10 December - 9.00am start
SBSC boats are welcome to join in the MYC Navigators Trophy Race on Saturday 10 December starting from MYC at 9.00am. If you are interested in joining this race, please check the MYC website for Sailing Instructions (and Special Sailing Instructions uploaded closer to the race).
Race Officers Evening
Last night, Australian Sailing’s Lou Hutton gave an excellent seminar on the tasks and responsibilities involved in being a Race Officer. Lou is our Principal RO for Sail Peninsula and she serves the same role at many regattas.
The presentation is on Australian Sailing’s website click here to access it. - Club Race Officer Seminar Presentation. It is part of a pathway to become an AS qualified Club Race Officer and of the 17 members who attended, several are interested in exploring this qualification further.
If anybody is also interested, please get in touch through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Resources section on the AS website is excellent with many relevant articles, and note that the ‘Sail Peninsula Risk Management Plan 2019’ is included as a worthy example of an On-Water Emergency Plan.
Lou Hutton at last nights RO Evening
Smooth Operator Update 29th November
We are now just half way on our trip across the Atlantic and if the favorable winds hold hope that we should be in sometime on Wednesday 7th December * fingers crossed*.
Been having a great time and like our latest sail configuration which is two reefs in the main and the poled out big Yankee headsail which we furl in or let out depending on the wind strength. Bobbling along at a good rate of knots. Sea state is a bit awkward today so a bit rolly but all things considered very comfy.
We had a fish find its ways downstairs the other night which was pretty funny - must have come in through the hatch which was a bit open. Every morning we have to clear the decks of flying fish as usually get a couple on deck overnight.
Looking forward to a few Rum Punches when we get in or a beer or two mind you very much enjoying our time at sea.
Team Smoothie 😊
Thank you
Thanks to Floors by Greensborough
The Executive Committee would like to thank Club Member Stuart Scott, of Floors by Greensborough, for recent repairs to the dance floor in the Club House.
Photo Of The Week
Former Junior Member Owen Thompson and his trusty dog Jarrah, on a leisurely walk up the Eiger Mountain, which is not far from their home in Interlaken Switzerland. It is Owens 15th Birthday tomorrow, 1st December.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OWEN! From your mates at the SBSC
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