Safety Beach Sailing Club NEWS 1 March 2023
Sail Peninsula 2023
Sail Peninsula 2023 was another weekend of fun and fantastic sailing on our special part of the Bay. Feedback from competitors has been great and Sail Peninsula is growing in status as one of the must-do Bay regattas, with a number of ‘first-timers’ this year after hearing about SP from around the traps.
The three days produced a trifecta of weather; starting with a beautiful warm evening for the Friday twilight race, a wayward, messy, but still warm winds for the Saturday Passage race, and a nice solid SW to cap it off on Sunday. Fortunately there was only one parking lot – under Arthurs Seat on Saturday. And except for some pesky exceptions, the magical 20/20 Rule – nothing under 20degs and nothing over 20 knts – was a done deal. Sailing veterans do become true believers in this rule.
The Friday twilight drew 61 boats and the sight of a mass of boats bunched close behind as she finished was very impressive.
Saturday was the day when Huey, after a promising start, played hard to get. A brisk northerly and a few opted for reefs after pondering the what-ifs. Up around the jumping castle and one boat (remaining nameless) thought it looked nice and tried to drag it home. Luckily for all behind it didn’t stick and they were able to round a buoy that was still fixed to the planet, albeit in a different spot.
The wind swung on the nose to Blairgowrie and then started to peter out. Movements slowed, tense times. And then on the return, too close to Arthurs Seat, the usual Black Hole snared many for what seemed eternity, while the rest of the fleet behind slowly closed-up. Definitely a ‘DOH!’ day as the mixed-up fleet crept to the finish and welcome respite ashore.
Sunday really was the pick of the weather for racing. The cool change cured any dustiness from the night before, and even a few waves appeared – enough to tease the surfer types to point anywhere to catch a ride on the run home. A beautiful way to finish a great regatta.
Check out the full race results on the website and the SBSC photo gallery 2023 will be populated over next few days.
Chris Parks’ (Effective Working Image) excellent camera work on the water will become progressively available on his website - it takes a few days to edit through a few hundred photos! For owners, this is the opportunity to get a great shot of your boat up on the wall, so check them out at this link here. and download for not many $, or call Chris 0407 526 396 if you want anything special like larger prints or display prints.
One of the key tasks for SP 2024 is people for the next planning committee. Some key players who have worked on SP for many years are taking a well-earned back seat, one being club stalwart Ross Martin, who very capably led the team this year. Watch for more on this, but if anyone is willing and keen, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Looking forward to SP 2024!
Sail Peninsula Onshore Report
Friday evening was stunning - a nice breeze to keep us all a little cooler. All enjoyed a Greek style buffet back onshore from David & his team at Snooks Catering, whilst enjoying the awesome talent of “Dean & Carruthers”. Thank you to SBSC member, Joe Siliga of - McLardy McShane, Morning Peninsula - for sponsoring our Friday night pursuit race.
Saturday threw in a little challenge with the rain until it cleared later in the evening but it didn’t seem to put too much of a dampener on the night, with everyone enjoying another magnificent buffet and up dancing until late to “The Baker Boys” big band. They certainly gave us all a work out. What a night - thank you to Christoph & Barbara from The Original Spirit Co. for sponsoring our “Ginfusion Passage Race” and congratulations to all our winners who got to take home some terrific prizes. Speaking of prizes - our Auction went “off” with the aid of our talented MC, Keith Greaves and his very creative sales assistants Fiona & Greg Lowe, who had bids coming from every corner of the room. Well done guys ! Thanks to Sports Phillip Marine, Quantum Sails, The Boatyard, St. Andrew’s Beach Brewery & Provincia for their generous donations. Great to also have representatives from Berwick Land Rover, Australian Sailing, Phaedrus Estate & Martha Cove Marina, Quantum Sails & McLardy McShane present enjoying the festivities on the night also & without whose assistance we could not put on such a Regatta.
Sunday’s presentations back at the clubhouse were officiated again by our wonderful team, Ross Martin (SP Chair) and Andrew Clarke who kept it all running smoothly and believe you me - there were a lot to get through. Linda Wooley - your fantastic labels kept us all organised & on track. Thanks to Chris Parks and his media team from “Effective Working Image” for being on the spot to capture all the action and prize winners.
We again would like to say a huge thanks to Geoff Searle, who has been one of our Sail Peninsula Jury and Protest Committee Officials now for at least five or six years and is soon to be retiring. We are extremely grateful for all your time, efforts and expertise down through the years. We will miss yourself and Wendy, but hope you will pop in and see us every now and then. We wish you all the best for your retirement together.
It takes a mighty team of people behind the scenes to plan, organise and execute Sail Peninsula and we wish to thank all our awesome members who volunteered their time to the cause. Every committee & team requires an amazing coordinator - and this year it was Ross Martin (SP Chair) - thank you Ross for everything you do behind the scenes and for being a wonderful leader.
That about wraps up Sail Peninsula for this year. Should anyone would like to get involved for SP24, please don’t hesitate, you would be very welcome, just get in touch by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ”
Thank You to our SP Committee & Volunteers
SP23 COMMITTEE
Ross Martin (Chairperson), Di Ashcroft, Geoff Eldridge, Di Jackson, Linda Wooley, Chris Parks, Deirdre Snooks, John Weymss, Tim Bardon,
SP23 GRAPHICS DESIGN & VISUALS
Ciaran Snooks
ON WATER TEAM
Alistair Mackie, Ross Martin, Phil Wooley, Lou Hutton (Assist. R.O.) Drew Mattingley, Deirdre Snooks, Greg Lowe, Stuart Scott, Glenn Lazzar, Rob Campbell, Bruce Mansfield
TOWER TEAM
Geoff Eldridge (R.O), Lou Hutton, Di Jackson, Judy Champion, Judy Champion, Elaine Nicholas, Lynlee Coots,
JURY & PROTEST COMMITTEE
Geoffe Searle, Luke Tupper, Chris Wilson & Peter Merritt -Available by Phone
PRIZES / SKIPPER BAG ORGANISATION
Di Jackson (Prizes & Awards), Judy Champion, Elaine Nicholas, Linda Wooley, Deirdre Snooks
REGATTA ADMIN OFFICE
Robin Weymss, Kathy Hudson, Deirdre Snooks
WELCOME OFFICIALS
Bette & Graeme Pearson, Ann Matheson
MEDIA & VIDEO
Chris Parks & his team from “Effective Working Image”
Ken Lardner & his boat team
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Keith Greaves from Mosaic Lab (Saturday Evening MC)
CATERING & EVENT MANAGEMENT
David & Grainne Snooks & the Snooks Catering Team of Chefs & Staff.
OTHER
Andrew Stocks – All electrical work & lighting
Andrew Clarke – Behind the scenes assistance with Regatta, MC’ing & along with his staff - help with set-up.
AMS Challenge Trophy
Congratulations to Mornington Yacht Club for winning this year's AMS Challenge Trophy. The winning club is calculated from the top three Division 1 yachts from each yacht club in the Margaret Crittenden Race held on the Sunday of the regatta.
The winning team from MYC was Ginan, Rush and Javelin with a winning score of 10 points.
This was the first time that Mornington YC has won the Sunday Challenge Race since it was first introduced in 2015. We look forward to seeing them to defend the trophy in 2024.
Goodbye Girls
Today Grainne and Rhylee began their adventure of a lifetime by getting on a plane with a one way ticket to Europe. After many months planning an adventure, getting advice from our community of members, friends and relatives, the girls gave their parents one last hug and walked off into the departure lounge. Many members have watched these two grow up to become the wonderful confident women that they are today. As a special little goodbye, some of these members joined an impromptu celebration with Snooks Catering staff and the girls on Sunday afternoon once the Sail Pen regatta come to a close. Lets just say, I think we gave them a few extra smiles to carry with them on their journey. Thanks to David and Deirdre for putting on a couple of drinks for the celebrations, and a special thanks to Holly, who served us drinks like a boss.
Safe travels girls, we look forward to hearing about your travels.
Fiona xx
What's On In March
Off The Beach News
Hi everyone, it is Abbey and I because we didn't have any OTB last weekend, I wanted to say how amazing our junior girls did in Girl Sail!!
Girl Sail was held on the 24th at Davey’s Bay, and it consisted of great wind throughout the day. Overall, Girl Sail consisted of 24 races and 5 solid hours out on the water.
In Div 1 we had Aurelia and Kristen sailing together and who WON THE FIRST RACE of the ENTIRE day, which was a PHENOMENAL achievement. Everyone was utterly jealous of their speaker whilst out on the water, with them screaming the lyrics of Riptide at the top of their lungs. Their roll tacks were superior. Silvia also sailed in this division and she was FLYING around the course!! I feel like I haven’t seen her sail in AGES and I was literally blown away (haha get it? I was blown away because I could not keep up with her) by how good she is! I also competed in Div 1 and did a well-deserved 720 penalty when I somehow ended up with my stern crashing on top of someone’s bow going downwind (stupid waves). It was overall a great day considering I successfully sailed to the wrong mark and had to be recalled by the start boat because I was over the line… yay.
In Div 2, we had Mika who executed an amazing capsize!! She and her skipper survived the rough conditions with a beaming smile on their faces. Congratulations on her first Girl Sail! We also had Imogen; SHE ALSO PLACED FIRST IN ONE OF THE RACES WHICH IS OUTSTANDING! Also, the highlight of her school’s team was the pink zinc supplied by her… a very fashionable look. In the end, St Leonards (the school of Imogen, Kristen and Aurelia) came second on count back (technically joint first)! Extremely well sailing from all our girls to get a great achievement for their school!
We all look forward to Girl Sail next year, and it will be the year that Safety Beach wins (because it is definitely a competition of clubs)!
Imogen, Kristen, Aurelia, Sylvie, Mika & Abbey
Junior Keel Boat Night
On Friday 17th March we will be running the annual Junior Keel Boat Crew Night. This is a great opportunity for all SBSC Juniors to experience keelboat sailing and racing in a fun and safe environment. Approximate timing would be 4.30pm – 7.30pm. Parents are also welcome and encouraged to come along (please note juniors 12 and under will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian). After the event, the juniors are welcomed back to the club for a meal (optional) to discuss their sailing adventure. Bookings for dinner are essential this year due to it corresponding with St Patricks Day.
Also looking for Keel Boat owners willing to take out juniors on this night for this important event. Please contact Greg on the below number/email if you can assist.
So we can start to organise this night we are looking at getting a firm idea of the number of juniors (and parents) that would be interested in attending. Once numbers have been finalised more information around boat allocation, meeting times, contacts and location will be supplied. If interested, please either email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , SMS 0412 247 213 or call before the 9th March. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks Greg Lowe (aka Greg’s GreenFleet)!
Keelboat News
This Weeks Race:
Friday 3 March – Twilight Pursuit (Series 2, Race 7)
| First Warning Signal: | 17:25H Pursuit Start | |
| Tower | Race Officer: | Judy Champion |
| Duty Boat: | Layla Rose |
Please check your pursuit time here
Sunday 5 March – Summer Series (Race 9)
| First Warning Signal: | 09:55H Combined Tower Start | |
| Tower | Race Officer: | Rick Rogers |
| Duty Boat: | Maximum Limit |
Cruising Weekend to Geelong March 11th -13th
A great weekend is planned and weather predictions so far looking good. Come and enjoy a cruise with other club members.
RGYC have organised a berth for us all on the new wave wall adjacent to the yacht club and in front of the beautiful foreshore. Cost of berth $45 per night. Pay on arrival.
Lots to do in Geelong:
- Great restaurants
- Parks and walks
- Shops close to the foreshore
- Museums – eg the National Wool museum
- Saturday night dinner planned at the Centra Hotel (walking distance from the club)
Start Time to leave from front of SBSC – 10.30 Saturday March 11th
Course – Directly to Geelong but being conscious of depths. Leave Prince George Pole (beacon) to Port.
6 boats have registered their interest so far but ITS NOT TOO LATE TO COME.
CONTACT: TERRY JONES (WHISKERS) ON 0408 336626
or EMAIL This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Keelboat Brass Monkey Winter Series
We are looking for some assistants to help out in the tower this winter for the Keelboat Brass Monkey Winter Series.
Some sailing / race administration experience is handy but not essential.
The races are held every second Sunday morning from the 21st May through to the 17th September.
So if you are:
- Not planning on sailing this winter series and have a Sunday or two available
- Are keen to get more involved in club activities even if you are not a sailor
- Want to learn more about Race administration and management
- Always wanted to see what the racing looks like from the other side of the glass
Then please drop a quick email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. au or send a text message to 0428077225 and we will be in touch.
ORVC News
ORCV Rip Tour of Port Phillip Heads – New Date: Sunday 2 April
“The Rip” is the narrow entrance to Port Phillip, where underwater reefs limit the navigable entrance to just 0.6nm and provides a restricted tidal flow between the ocean and Port Phillip, where over 4,000 commercial vessels transit annually.
Once a year, the ORCV runs an on-water tour from a large ferry looking at the navigation aids, tides, how to and which channels to use, radio protocols etc for a safe transit of the heads.
The tour runs inside the bay but travels around the head's region and offers not only an educational experience but a great day on the water. Learn more and book here https://www.orcv.org.au/training/rip-tour-of-port-phillip-heads
Port Fairy Race – Good Friday, 7 April starting 3.30pm
Meet your family and friends over Easter, where you can all enjoy the hospitality of the Port Fairy Yacht Club Saturday night dinner and live music on the banks of the Moyne River.
There’s a 40-year race record to strive to break, Quasimodo completing the 135nm race in 14h 26m 20s. Learn more about the race or enter here https://www.orcv.org.au/index.php/port-fairy-about-the-race
70th Anniversary Apollo Bay – Saturday, 27 May starting 6.00am
Sail in company along the Great Ocean Road on the 52nm to Apollo Bay. Always a popular category 3 race that closes out the ocean season. Check out what’s required to join the category 3 race and enter the race here https://www.orcv.org.au/apollo-bay-about-the-race
Photo Of The Week
Greg Lowe, master of disguise, at Sail Peninsula on Saturday Night.
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