What's On

Last Sunday - just like the cat in the Samsung TV add says -“WOW!” It was an absolute ripper! We had wind and waves, rain and sunshine. Okay, that last one was a lie, but we did have the rest in copious amounts. 15 to 20 knots steady from the NW with plenty of breaking waves to surf and the odd rain squall to remind us that it’s spring in Melbourne. That floating about in the sunshine on opening day was nice, but this was real sailing, like in the good ol’ days.
 

Being the first round of the Club Championship series for Keelboats and OTB made for an early start for the race team to set up a turning mark for the KB’s then a quick change to set the first of two courses for OTB. There was plenty of activity in the yard but I think the heavy weather had a few thinking twice before putting their toes in the water as the first warning signal found quite a few boats a long way from the start line. Luckily for them there was a minor hiccup with the flags and a postponement let the catch up. Don’t expect that luxury too often!
 

With the new division 3 for the 420’s in play, the div 2 start wasn’t so hectic, but there was still plenty of action all around with boats going over left, right and centre even before the start. Once we were all away the racing got going in earnest. With all classes having at least two boats( with the exception of Neil W in his Contender) it made for some good one on one battles around the course. Unfortunately the heavy sea was the winner in many of those battles with quite a few breakages whittling the fleet down in size for the second race( tiller extensions aren’t for sitting on guys), but those that were still there had an absolute ball with some really good waves for surfing and that invigorating spray in the face going upwind. It was definitely a day to leave the auto bailer open as there was plenty of water coming over the bow!
 

All to soon the racing was finished, and that’s when the fun really started. Poor old Duncan in his nice new Sabre finished both races only to tip in after the finish( not his first time for the day) and couldn’t get it back upright long enough to get in, eventually having to accept a ride from the friendly guys in Sutherland while Stu Scott hopped into the Sabre to sail it home. I’m sure I heard Stu say afterward that he enjoyed the Sabre so much he was going straight out to buy one!
 

Talking about the A class guys, we all know those boats are highly strung( A Class Anthony couldn’t even get his into the starting barrier and had to sail around the edges for the day) but in a complete snub to its owner, as Glenny L was leaning over the stern of his flighty beast lifting the rudders, a wave dismounted him and the boat saw its chance to say “Goodbye to Safety Beach, I’m off to play with my mates at McCrae”. With a couple of Sabres trying to head it off, it was finally brought to heel by Ewan ‘The Man From Snowy River’ Campbell.

 

All in all, a great day was had by all and many thanks to the race team of Geoff E and Judy Champion on Start, Mark L and Keith B in Woodsy and James A and Stu S in Sutherland. Great course laying on a difficult day.
 

Finally, to those that are using the 20/20 rule, ie: I’m not coming out if it’s under 20 degrees or over 20 knots, you are missing a lot of fun- even if you don’t know it’s fun until after it’s over!
 

Cheers Pete Chippy

 

1st – Friday Twilight Pursuit	Renaissance	David Donaldson
1st – Friday AMS	Shimmer	Steve Twentyman

 

Thanks to everyone that was out sailing on Friday evening in some very chilly conditions for the Inaugural Tony’s Trophy Race.  It was quite a sight from the tower.  It was great to see so many people back at the club to enjoy the celebration including a number of faces on the big screen that were streamed to us from all over the world including Tony’s happy face from hospital. 

 

We were thrilled to have Tony’s sons out on E’toile for the race and back at the club to be part of the presentation ceremony. Congratulations to David Donaldson and the team from Renaissance for being the winners of this year’s Tony’s Race.  The trophy will take pride of place in the SBSC trophy cabinet and will be awarded to the winner of the first race in  Friday Twilight Pursuit series annually.

 

Big thanks to John Gordon and all those involved in making this happen

 

 

1st Club Championship Div 1 - PHS	Marrakesh	Neil Hawker
1st Club Championship Div 1 - AMS	Shimmer	Steve Twentyman
1st Club Championship Div 1 – ORCc	Shimmer	Steve Twentyman
1st Club Championship Div 2 – PHS & AMS	Rells	Mal Winder

 

Big thankyou to all our volunteers both in the tower and on the water.

For all the weekend’s results please click HERE

Twilight Pursuit Series 1 -  Race 3

 

First Warning Signal:	17:25H Pursuit Start
	Race Officer:	Judy Champion
	Duty Boat:	Christela
	Tower Set Up & Results:	Judy

Sunday Summer Series – Race 1

 

 

Attention is drawn to SI Item 11 – Starts and in particular 11.1.2

Except for pursuit races, Divisions 1 and 2 will start separately. There will be a 1-minute delay between the start of Division 1 and the Warning Signal for Division 2. Starts will be as per the instructions in Appendix 1 of these Sailing Instructions.

For all boats planning to head to Geelong for the FOS 2024 please get on board with the Passage Race from Mornington YC. 

 

This is part of the Festival of Sails Entry and sounds like a great fun way to get your boat and crew to Geelong.  To enter CLICK Here and select the ‘Mornington Peninsula Series’

Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron is pleased to announce entries are open for the 2023 Petersville Regatta, December 27-30 sailed in the pristine waters off Blairgowrie and surrounds. Join us for four days of fun, on and off the water.

Free marina berthing for the event with option to stay on.

Limited to 39 visiting boats and filling fast.

NoR, entries and more info at petersvilleregatta.com.au. or call Race Director Phil Beattie on 0408 502 698

 

Get you order in now to ensure that you are decked out in the latest Club Merchandise for he start of the 2023-2024 season Contact Marg Fleming on her email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your options. The youth t-shirts (with names on them) will have another order put in soon, so if you missed out on first round orders, please contact Marg to make sure you get one in the next batch, which will be processed by end of March. These t-shirts have been a hit with the juniors and will be great to wear to regatta's etc. 

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