Hi Everyone , It has been a long year but we are fast approaching the end of 2020 with our last official race of the year on this Sunday being our club marathon and this year we are including our Youth training team as part of their training for racing next year both at the club and the occasional away regatta,s . Two weeks later we are holding our annual Try Sailing Fundraiser on sunday the 13th starting at 8.30 am and fingers crossed it will be our best yet ! then finally its our annual club christmas party the following sunday the 20th starting at around 11.00am . Please remember there will be no juniors both those sundays although there will still be plenty of sailing on the try sailing day and hopefully a bit of a sail before the xmas party Charlie and I might even join in !!!
8.30 am Sunday Juniors ;
With perfect weather to start the day with a light s/easterly popping up and a large crew of sailors signing on ( 21) we were scrambling for boats and virtually had every usable boat on the beach by briefing time where we discussed wind directions and sail setting then it was down to the water and away . Thanks to all our experienced junior sailors who came up to me and offered to take the less experienced sailors out and show them the ropes . Our new bic sailors in Daniel and Cooper are looking much more comfortable in their boats with them getting better boat speed and we are definitely going to get Daniel into gybing as cooper is already into it. Another stand out sailor on the day was Willow who was one of our sailors who offered to take someone else out even though she was keen to sail alone but after half an hour her crew wanted to return to shore so she got the chance to sail alone and I have to admit in her last few sails she has really got the idea with both her tacks and gybes improving so well done Willow .
10.30 am Youth Training; 
With the club end of season marathon race on next weekend we decided that the group needed to practice both starts and actual racing . With the winds coming out of the s/e at around 4/5 knots and an occasional extra puff near the rounding buoy it was perfect conditions so we used the pontoon as a start platform and set the top mark on a close hauled angle about 100 metres away , The first start was a bit chaotic but everyone soon got the hang of it and all of a sudden their was lots of tacking and gybing with 30 seconds to go with people desperate to get the jump at the start . In the lasers it was really between Abby and Taylah as early in the session Mason lost his clew strap so he couldnt point as well as the others but he still hung in there . Jade was right in the mix as well in her skiff and even Kaia in the Tera sailed really well . As a group they were right with each other in every race well except when Taylor capsized and went from second to last but she was only just behind Kaia at the end of the race . Now the big test next weekend and its rumoured that a certain sailing instructor might even dust his boat off and join in !
1.30 PM Open Racing ;
With the winds settling into the n/e  we set a course with a start down near runners and a top mark between ephriam and soverign , wind speeds were around 8/10 knots but you guessed it by the time we got out there the winds had moved more e/n/e and increased to around 15 knots . Adrian didnt even make the start as he was too overpowered and had four swims on the way down to the start so he pulled out and Lance also pulled out at the end of race one again just too overpowered for his weight in the radial . The starts were hotly contested with everyone skirting with being recalled as they sailed down the start line and actually John Brown was actually well over in one but we let him go as it was such a good start and being a no points race it didnt really matter overall .
Steve was having blinder starts but Tom and Nic ran him down each time with Tom first Nic second and Steve third in all the races oh and Roger a good fourth in the 4.7 each time which was bloody awesome considering it wasnt really his conditions as the winds at times were up around 18 knots so well done Rog!

Upcoming Events 
29th Nov ; Club marathon race
13th Dec ; Try Sailing Hospital Fundraiser 
2oth Dec ; Club Xmas Party booking is essential cost per adult $12.00 children $7.00 Family of 4 $35.00 this is a catered event so we need toi know numbers early to order food and drinks 

CU on the water
​J Murphy

Hi Everyone , Firstly a reminder that our annual Try Sailing Hospital Fundraising day is getting ever closer ( Sunday the 13th of December ) which means firstly that there will be no Sunday Juniors that morning as well as no Training group so for all those budding sailors who want their sailing fix come down with your friends and show them your sailing skills while supporting the Gold Coast University Hospital and the great work they do!. We will also need on the day some adult volunteers to help our usual volunteers in making it a great day both on the shore and on the water so if you have an hour or two come along and join the fun .
8.30 am Sunday Juniors :
With a total turn around from the previous sunday where the winds blew 20 knots and we had to use Casey and Charlie as skippers taking everyone for a sail last sunday turned out perfect with good winds from the s/e at around 6 knots making it just perfect for this session . We had two sailors trying the Bic skiff for the first time in Cooper and Daniel so we had two very excited boys learning how to rig the boats which is just a bit more technical than a Tera and also a bit more slippery than them as well . We had our usual first timers as well and Abby took them under her wing and showed them how to steer the boat and soon had them out with the fleet they even avoided Timothy who was again sailing alone and as usual having some trouble with sailing straight lines but most people avoided him and he was improving as the session went on . Oh how did Daniel and Cooper go in Bic,s well as predicted there were a few capsizes as we warned them but from all accounts they really enjoyed their first go in a true race boat so well done boys !
10 .30 am Youth Training ;
The conditions had improved by the time everyone had their boats rigged and ready with Ross Abby and Taylah in lasers and Maddy and Jade in Bics and finally Kaia in the Taz where she was trying the gyb for the first time . The winds had come up a bit from the first class to around 10 knots S/E so we set a triangle course just south of the club . Abby Ross and Jade soon had the course in their head and at first so did the rest but the winds soon picked up and Taylah and Maddy started to find it hard going . Taylah came in and picked up Andrew to show her how to handle the stronger winds while Charlie and I looked after Maddy who eventually in a capsize lost her rudder which meant we had to tow her in to shore but at least we still had her ruuder in the safety boat Kaia gave it a good go but as the winds increased she struggled with the gyb and started practicing capsizes not on purpose of course and I have to say she is getting very good a jumping back in and giving it another go . Ross and Abby were scooting around  but eventually tiredness had them capsizing and finally coming in while you guessed it Jade just sailed around the course and I could be wrong but I dont remember any capsizes ?

1.30 pm Open Racing
With the winds building from the S/E we set a course starting in the canal corner and a top mark the other side of the x special mark because Ben wanted an upwind and seeing we had the expert ( Greg ) on board we let him set the start line and informed everyone that all complaints on the day went to Greg ! It was actually a good fleet with 10 boats on the water although Adrian had to pull out with rig failure but the rest were soon lined up for the start which unfortunately Ben slightly got wrong and I had to call him back ( half a boat length over ) but to his credit he fought back and came home fifth . Peter Fell pulled clear early as his normal rivals were missing in Tom and Greg although he had to come from behind to do it with Matt out in front earlyand sailing well and Roger yes Roger who has been missing for a few months in third  in the only 4.7 rig . Greg brought a neighbour along and he sailed unfortunately a club boat with no turbo but he also showed some forgotten skills just a pity the boat is old and tired but I think he will be back . To top off what was a great day on the water we think provisionally that Roger might have even one on handicap on his first sail back !

Upcoming ;
Try Sailing Day 13th December 
Club Xmas Party 20th December 

C U on the water 
​J Murphy

Hi Everyone , Well its been a long road but the storage extension to the club is definitely getting closer with council fully supporting the upgrade and all documents signed its now time for our builder to sort out dates for the project to begin and fingers crossed it will be before Xmas and if so we will be able to enjoy the extra area just in time for both our Try Sailing Day and our Club Xmas Party . We have to especially thank our local councillor Cameron Caldwell who,s support of the club has never wavered and each time we have gone to him for advice or support he has always done his best to help us out so a big thank you to Cameron.
8.30 am Sunday Juniors ;
It was looking a bit iffy for the day with a forecast of 25/30 knots but earlier on in the morning things were looking good with the wind speeds hovering around 8/10 knots at the Seaway . I had a few early enquiries but the weather seemed to be holding on so I decided that Juniors would be on , things were looking good early and as everyone arrived the conditions only came up to around 10/12 knots so after a short briefing we took the boats to the beach and made ready to launch . Charlie and Abby set a reaching course in the S/E winds and we soon had as usual Cooper and Dan ready to go and you guessed it the moment they left it went from 10/12 to 20 plus knots and the boys only made it about 50 metre,s from shore and a big bullet caused them to nose dive so I turned around towards everyone else and just said know and we just put the boats back on the grass and packed up . Cooper and co had a struggle getting the boat up in the conditions but with a bit of help from the safety boat they soon had it up and back to shore with both boys looking decidely wet . We decided then to offer everyone and sail on the laser and both Charlie and Casey ( day off work ) took turns in taking everyone out and yes even the old laser was humming .
10.30 Youth Training :
With conditions worsening most of the group decided not to sail but we knew that for one Abby would go out as she had to try the new boat ( hull number 210 ) We did warn her it would be a wild ride as these newer boats are very quick especially compared to her old boat but she was determined so off she went and she soon found out that it was true with the boat soon humming on the reach but ultimately she blundered and went for a swim ! at least the new boat is easier to get up.
Ross and Jade also went out and as Jade said to her dad its only 20 knots dad so Iam going and yes she had an early capsize but then was just flying while Ross with the ever overuse of the main sheet had a few swims well at least until he put Emmerson on board for ballast which really worked resulting in a lot of yahooing on the broad reaches and yes he did use the 4.7 and not the radial which was a very smart move . They were back in by 11.45 apparently because the safety crew who were wet were just too cold and pulled the pin . These youth sailors totally impress me as this isnt the fir4st time they have ventured out in 20 plus and actually enjoyed the rush so well done everyone !
1.30 pm Open Race;
With Cconditions getting even windier most of the silors pulled the pin but the die hards in Greg Tom Ben and Nic were still keen to give the conditions a go and seeing that it wasnt a championship race we decided to set a start down at the canal and a rounding mark at the x ( which is illegal ) at crab and a shallow wing mark and have a series of 1 lap races . Conditions were around 25plus knots with some nasty gusts so it was going to be a real test even the starts were tight with the odd yell of starboard . Tom just relished in the conditions and was never headed while Ben nad Greg fought over second and third while nic who is non turbo brought up the rear but not by much . The down winds were awesome with some great speed but the best was Greg and Ben in the last race fighting over second and coming right at the finish boat and you guessed it they both picked up a bullet about 5 boat lengths out so yes they were just holding control so much that we on the finish boat started moving over to the starboard side as we thought they would capsize over the top of us but no they cruised past with big grinns on their faces not sure if the grins were because they had a great finish or that they actually made it ?

29th of November is our annual last race marathon so everyone should wipe the dust off and join in to celebrate what has been a very interesting racing year!

CU on the water
J Murphy

Hi Everyone , With our two major events coming up next month we are looking for volunteers to help out on the day with both firstly our Annual Try Sailing Fundraiser on the 13th of December and then our Christmas Party which is again being held at the club premises on the 20th of December . 
The try sailing day will ned people to help with booking people in , rigging boats , sailing  , safety boat crew , and help with the canteen so if you think you can spare an hour or so just let us know . The Christmas Party just needs people to help decorate the club for the day ( as Iam useless at it ) and set up tables and chairs with the party hopefully starting around 11.30 am and yes there is sailing from 9.00 am just for fun !
Our summer break Sailing Camps are starting on the 14th and 15th of december so I would suggest that if you are thinking of booking the kids in for either the december or january camps do it sooner rather than later as if the last school holidays are any guide we will be swamped with applications again and quickly run out of spaces forms will be available from the office or by request via email , the last holiday camps were a lot of fun and certainly developed many new sailors skills so well worth the effort..
8.30 am Sunday Juniors ;
After saturday weather and yes Charlie and I were out in it !!! Sundays forecast for much lighter winds and no rain was always going to attract a big group of sailors and with people booking in last minute on saturday afternoon it was surely looking that way . Sunday arrived with perfect conditions well except for lack of wind and with 18 juniors signing on we new we were going to be in for a busy sussion especially with Charlie joining in by taking a school friend out for his first sail . With Charlie busy sailing it was my turn to drive the safety boat and Abby as crew it had been a while and wouldnt you know it I got the very shifty winds which meant everyone was going backwards , sideways and not at all well except for Charlie of course just shows what experience can achieve and boy did he let everyone know it ! It did take a while but eventually the wind settled in and everyone started cruising around the course which was roughly a reach so easily doable . I could go through and mention everyone individually but I think tha just saying that our current group of consistant sailors are starting to look really comfortable in boats and a special thanks to Taylah who gave Willow her first real steering experience on the laser and she did really well with some good lines and smooth tacks . I hear the two sailors have been offered the chance to sail bic,s next sunday providing the winds are reasonable so fingers crossed that conditions are good and Cooper and Daniel get the first go .
10.30 am Training ;
With conditions settling to around 4/6 knots it was always going to be a struggle setting up something that would challenge this group so we started out front but soon left and headed down to the canal area where there was more wind even if it was a bit inconsistant . To help the team understand the course we set we decided to show the group around the course which included sail set and tacks gybes and bearaways so no problem right ? well not exctly as the first thing that happened was that Abby and Jade followed Ross who instead of going upwind back from the green went off on a reach  over towards the trees on ephriam where you guessed it there was no wind and just to make it more friendly Kaia decided to join in as well , we did finally get them all back on track so we went off to help Masison which was another mistake as you guessed it again they all started going the wrong way again oh joy oh fun !!! Charlie is truly becoming an instructor as he spat the dummy with everyone constantly getting it wrong so he is truly starting the intricacies of being a sailing instructor , welcome to my world Charlie ! 
1.30 pm Racing;
With me feeling a bit off colour Charlie decided on the course for the day which was a start between ephriam and Soverign and a top mark up above the last green and a turning mark over to the east of the start line .
Conditions had improved with a good n/e wind around 12 to 15 knots and a half metre wave on an outgoing tide so yes it was a bit of a struggle on the upwinds . We figured on a tight start as the boat end was favoured and with Greg squeezing Kate at the boat it was definitely tight and competitive . Tom broke away and we thought he went the wrong direction with the current but he soon caught up with Greg and Kate and it became a tight struggle between the three of the as they rounded for their second up wind . Kate had a swim at the gybe mark so dropped back a bit while tom and greg kept battling it out while Russell just cruised along in fourth . Chris did turn up as well but just cruised the course as apparently he had forgotten his battens and had to go back to the club and put them in well at least he didnt forget his PFD right greg and st6eve ? Adrian made it around while stuart lost a tiller while going up wind ( gotta remember the rudder pin next time ) at leaast he had a laugh after the race ! I became a bit of a passenger as i finally sucumbed and vomited yes vomited on the boat on Charlie and the finish sheet folder and in the water apparently there is a stomach bug going around so lucky me as I must have been the lucky reciepient oh and Charlie to vomit even though I was sick on his foot tough stuff Charlie .

CU on the water
J Murphy