Hi Everyone , Well I have been mentioning how cold it was for a whikle now but now its really cold even my nose is cold sitting in the club office so look out this weekend and definitely bring spare warm clothes to sailing this weekend . I would just like to thank everyone for making my birthday last Sunday such a memorable day from Andrew cooking sausages in the carpark so I wouldnt see him to all the assistant instructors and junior sailors who had me totally oblivious to the fact that they were setting up for a party and yes it was a shock when I first walked in to see cake and candles and everyone standing there to wish me a happy birthday so again thanks everyone for an awesome day . Dont forget everyone who is entering the Midwinter cup that sunday the 20th will be race start training at 10.30 am
​8.30 am Sunday Juniors :
With light winds from around n/w it was a perfect day for sailing and towing practice which Jason and Guy had plenty of practice at as did Charlie and Casey who had a rare day off from work . While they were out on the water I was in the water and yes it was cold teaching Alex how to steer which he did manage to master even in the light conditions . We even had one of our newer sailors in ella with her girlfriend give it a go but it was a bit of a struggle for them as it was truly light and shifty and even Jade couldnt get them going luckily the sand banks stopped them from drifting too far south . The Bics did managed to sail in the conditions but the tera,s struggled especially the one that leaks which I keep forgetting about fixing but no fear I will send it away soon !
I have to say it was a hard day on the water with the light wind constantly shifting and the current getting stronger so any lapse of concentration and you were drifting south and then getting towed back by the guys in sarah.
10 30 am Youth Training :
We were a bit late starting because of surprise birthday parties including sausages and cake but to my surprise all the training group were soon out there rigging boats . The conditions had changed only slightly from 8.30 class with the wind turning s/e at around 2/4 knots so we sailed away down to the canal to grab whatever wind there was . In the bics jade and daniel were soon away as was Maddison and Linc although they both struggled a little with the light winds but in general went well with good tacks and gybes . The lasers all listeded and really cruised around the course with excelent boats speed and some really good roll tacks and gybes especially from Ross who really nailed some . This group each week shows better understanding now all we have to do is get them to read their telltales more .
1.30 pm Open Racing :
By the time we went out to set a course the wind had turned slightly north of east so with an incoming tide we set a course down near runners with an upwind over to the edge of the bank in fron of crab then a third mark up behind the yellow x mark to create a triangle . With the wind around 1/3 knots I thought this would take an average of 1 hr which would be enough for everyone considering the conditions .
So you know what happened yep as we started the race the wind filled in to a staedy 3/5 knots so the course I set was too short and we had boats finishing in 25 minutes so with everyones ok we decided to do a second race . With race two ( non points ) everyone were soon circling around the start line but they picked the pin end with an incoming tide so with ten seconds to go and at least 4 boats over and greg running into the start boat we had to call a restart . The second time everyone remembered the current and we had a clean start well except for jade who hooked our anchor while daniel sailed away but thanks to Charlies enchouragement she took of behinf Daniel and slowly caught him and then sailed away so remember Jade never give in even Ross learnt tha lesson after starting last in race one due to a undone clew strat but he still managed to catch the bics and a couple of lasers before the end .
Finally who won the points race well greg did the skinny bugger but he did come from behind to do it.

Mid Winter Cup 26th / 27th 
Manly Youth Week 2nd / 5th July 

CU on the water
J Murphy

 Hi Everyone , Its getting to a busy time  for our youth sailing year with the annual Mid Winter Cup just around the corner and then a few of our laser sailors and Bic Skiff sailors will be off to Manly for queensland youth week so all in all a very busy time for our young sailors who have been practicing hard for both these events .
Booking for the midwinter cup will open this weekend and with only two club Bics left to lease its time to hurry up and grab a boat . I should also mention the awesome job Kelly and her team are doing in the canteen the coffee is great and I even had a hot chocolate on sunday and it was perfect , the girls also have big plans for midwinter cup as well so its sounds like we will be well looked after over that weekend .
8.30 am Sunday Juniors :
Even though it was predicted to be cold on sunday morning it was actually quite mild and with a good bunch of junior sailors signing on and yes we had another first timer in Ella who was lucky enough to have Jade help her out through the morning so thanks Jade for your efforts . Once everyone was rigged and heading for the beach we launched Charlie in Sarah cooper and then watched as he got some paddling practice while drifting under the bridge why ? well I had been working on the fuel system on friday and turned the fuel off so yep he ran out of fuel about which he became very vocal but as I said the person driving the boat is responsible for checking the boat and it was very funny watching him paddling! Tristan in the bic made a bet with charlie as well that he would not look at his rudder when tacking and at first he was going well even his dad Jason was getting excited but old habits die hard and we were soon back to capsize practice so keep working on it Tristian . Ben brought a friend along for his first try at sailing and he did well showing the ropes Iam not sure if they capsized or not but they looked very wet at the end and finally Jason was kept busy on sarah c dragging boats back from under the bridge right Finn !
10.30 am Youth Training :
This group of sailors in bics and Lasers are really rising to the challenge and are at times even listening to the coaches even in the classroom where all the curly questions are asked like if my outside telltales are curling toward the mast on a reach what does it mean and how can I fix it ? If you would like to know the answer maybe ask one of them on the weekend should be an interesting exercise and hopefully the right answer .
The conditions were good with winds around 6 knots from the south so we started with a bit of mark rounding then a sail south upwind then bearaway roundings nearly like charlie showed them the week before and generally we had some pretty good results . We even had Maddy sailing better around the marks rather than miss the marks and hiking out more and looking comfortable . With no Ross as had had a sore throat which none of us wanted it was a bit quieter than normal but he was back on wednesday afternoon for coaching and definitely was over the sore throat . I know I have said this before but this group of Youth sailors are really starting to surprise both Charlie and I and work well as a team which will be invaluable in the Mid Winter Cup , Manly Youth week and the Yepoon so well done everyone on you awesome efforts .
​1.30 PM OPEN RACING :
 The days racing was a non championship race and after consultation with Greg we decided on a series of short races from in front of the club to a turning buoy just short of the yellow x in the middle of the channel so basically a dead upwind and then virtually a dead downwind back to the finish line . The wind was around 5/8 knots from the s/s/e so just perfect for starting practice and upwind and downwind, The start line was hotly contested each start with the Youth group really mixing it with the adults no yelling but a lot of close racing and the occassional bump but the surprise package was Jade who nailed one start in her Bic and was first over the start line yep in front of the lasers and just took off upwind great work Jade . Greg Tom Steve and JB had some really good tussles with some really close finishes but I did have a quick word with Tom afterwards when he asked if he was pumping and rocking too much and I said he should include hooching ??? yep look it up it actually exists and yes he was making it too obvious . Another Bic sailor who is improving week to week is Daniel who is out there every sunday from helping juniors to training and racing so Charlie in race four coached him upwind and then downwind and instead of being 100 metres behind Jade at the finish he was about five metres so dont forget what Charlie showed you next weekend he was a really good Bic sailor when he was little emphasis on little !

Mid Winter Cup 26/27 June bookings open this weekend
Manly Youth week early July check their website for details 

CU on the water
J Murphy

Hi Everyone Winter is definitely setting with the days getting shorter and the on water conditions definitely getting cooler so its definitely wetsuit time especially when Iam just standing up to my waist teaching tacking .
We can be thankful that at least the sun is shining most days especially for those of us on the safety boats as the wind chill out there is very uncomfortable so you will see most of us sitting at the sunny end of the boat especially when we are racing in the afternoons .
8.30 am Sunday Juniors 
We had quite a few cancellations in this group and I am not actually sure why as the weather was perfect with 4/6 knot winds from the south and blue skies . We only had three sailors sign on being Tristan , Alex and Aidan so it was a perfect day for Tristan to work on not looking at the rudder while tacking so Jason and Charlie took him out and coached him around the course while I had a learning to steer session with Alex who had never steered before while his brother Aidan after taking a bit of convincing to leave the shore finally got out there and joined Tristan sailing around the course . Alex was very nervous about sailing alone but we soon had him sailing away and tacking and coming back with a big smile on his face . Tristan did succeed in facing the front mostly even if he got a bit tangled up and had the odd swim but even that didnt stop him from giving a real go so well done Tristan !
10.30 am Youth Training 
Well it was a very different day with Charlie laying down a challenge that if he sailed no one would catch him and he also added to his challenge that he would be the only one who wouldnt capsize so you know what happened yes thats right he capsized but not only did he capsize but he was the first to go over and copped it of everyone out there and on shore . He did redeem himself after that as we set a close reach broad reach course down at the yellow x marks with tacks and bearaways where he really did excel showing everyone how to bear away fast . Everyone at first was sailing well but the first to go was Kaia who all of a sudden started capsizing so I sent her back after 4 swims because of the cold , when she got back it was found that her boat was full of water and I mean full so well done just sailing it back Kaia . Ross also went in at the gybe mainly because the outhaul was to loose and the vang too tight so we will have to work on that right Ross? Daniel is improving each week but Jade is still just to fast in her Bic and even Lincoln sailed well especially in the conditions which were a bit choppy and occassionaly gusty but he never gives in so well done mate . Towards the end Taylah was really starting to pick up some extra boat speed and was chasing Charlie around the course so all in all a great practice session. 

1.30 pm Open Racing
 With the wind speed filling in from the s/s/e at around 10 knots we set a course starting near the canal with a top mark down behind the x mark and a bottom mark down near the club so basically upwind down wind well you would think so but somehow a few of our racing sailors worked it out as a triangle ? and it took some convincing that no its upwind downwind but luckily the all went the right way from the start . Greg was first over the line and flying with the pack close behind even our youth sailors were much closer than last week well except for Ross who was way to slow to wind up and had a poor start .
Matt and Steve who also had a poor start were soon after Greg but try as they might greg was in his perfect sailing conditions especially as the wind speed increased to around 16 knots . In the Bics Jade did her usual upwind and was pulling away from Daniel but he had a capsize near the top mark and try as he might couldnt make up the ground on Jade I also hear that he got his first sailing blisters so new gloves are on the way . Ross had one of those days so fell back heaps while Taylah had a battle with Lance and actually got in front on the last upwind to the finish but capsized right near the finish so that Lance just sneaked over before her , apparently her capsize was all me and Charlie,s fault ??? as we had told her to tack just before the finish why did we tell her to tack well she was going to beat Lance and truthfully we were getting a bit excited so maybe! The best sailor on the day especially for max effort was Daniel who just kept sailing on and he might have been the last boat to finish but it was a great effort so well done Dan.

Upcoming , Mid winter Cup ( for those who are looking at competing in the event we are looking at holding a practice saturday just before the event and we will discuss it more on the weekend .

CU on the water
J Murphy

Hi Everyone , Well firstly thank you to everyone who spent some time at the club last saturday for our clean up and maintenance day , we managed to do some grinding , cutting , welding , Painting more grinding , digging , grass laying , buoy cleaning and painting , window cleaning especially window cleaning so thank you Kelly for doing a great job on the windows they have never been so clean ! We still have some more projects to do so we will have to work out another date and a new list before next summer . 
8.30 am Sunday Juniors ;
Sundays forecast was a bit iffy with reasonable winds predicted of up to 20 knots so we had a few early cancellations and of course when that happens you guessed it the strong winds dont arrive . Harvey and Tristan couldnt wait to get out there so their boats were soon on the beach ready to go and we soon had everyone else ready  so it was off to the class room for Charlies briefing . The winds were roughly south at around 4/6 knots and with Guy and Jason on sarah cooper we soon had everyone on the water , some people miss behaved and were jumping off boats but it was soon rectified when the safety crew used the old standard warning which is if you keep it up we will tell JOHN!! and you will be sent to shore , works every time . There was also the odd drift under the bridge  so while sarah cooper was busy towing people back Charlie in the white boat kept an eye on everyone else . Tristan had some troubles after tacking but we talked about it back on shore and he has promised to stop looking at the rudder when he comes out of the tack ! otherwise he was sailing well , Jack and Dean are also really improving especially their tacking just so smooth boys .
10.30 am Youth Training ;
Well this group of sailors are just improving every week so we have decided that rules are now part of their sail training so we spent some time discussing basic rules before hitting the water . We did discuss one aspect of sailing though and that was roll tacks and their benefits and why we do it and we had some very good answers there . As usual Jade just cruised but occassionally took a bit of convincing to gybe using the old chestnut that the tiller extension is too long ( its new ) Ross slowed up just a bit in his rolls and Taylah is still working on roll technique . Linc and Daniel in bics also are really getting their act together and improving every week , oh where was Abby well she was there but had an infected ingrown toe nail removed ( ouch ) during the week so no sailing day but plenty of boat driving. Finally I should mention what the conditions were like well winds were turning s/e at around 6/8 knots so we set two courses with one close reach and broad reach and one basically upwind down wind but we did push the upwind downwind as the bearaways were a bit tricky.
1.30 pm Open Racing;
We again set the start finish line at the club pontoon as it was perfect for a solid upwing to A mark down at the x then a long run up the outer channel before returning to the finish so yes not a long race but some good fun . Unfortunately for Ross he didnt make the start having capsized just before the start and hurting his back so back to shore for one very disappointed sailor and we also had Greg out due to surgery so Jade was happy as she calls him seagull why ? because he is always yelling uup ! uup ! at the start which unnerves her but he will be back next week . Adrian had the best start on port and actually cleared the fleet with Matt flying and also Jade who was the first bic to cross . The upwind was a bit of a slog to A with just enough wind to keep up boat speed , Matt soon got in front with Steve behind him and trying desperately to catch him but a poor start didnt help . Jade in her Bic really sailed well especially upwind and even gybed the B mark well , Daniel found another sand bank and capsized but we new he was ok because he walked around his boat and got it up and continued on , dont worry Dan your not the only one to find the sand banks we have all been there .
Last boat home was Daniel in 58 minutes with the fastest being Matt in just under 40 minutes , overall on handicap I think it was a pretty close thing with Taylah finishing well but probably Jade with the Bic handicap looking very dangerous to take it out.

DONT FORGET MIDWINTER CUP 26/27 JUNE 

CU on the water
J Murphy

Hi Everyone , We have a big saturday this weekend with a planned maintenance day at the club wher we will be cleaning, painting, storing, welding and repairing a list of items so if you have sme spare time drop in and give us a hand we will have plenty of paint brushes cleaning products and tools to hopefully complete us much as possible on the day . We will be building a new grass ramp where the new concrete is , repairing club boats , sorting sailing gear so there will definitely be a job for everyone . 

8.30 AM Sunday Juniors 
With it being mothers day we as usual didnt expect a very big turnout and those that were coming would be late , well we didnt get the first part right because we again had a great turnout but the second part we nailed it as everyone was a bit late with everyone looking after mums first . With conditions really light it was a perfect day for young ben to finally have a sail in a laser 4.7 rig and with help from Charlie and Ross he was soon ready to hit the water for the first time . Charlie as usual did the briefing and had his first episode of a rowdy bunch of sailors and the challenge of quieting them down and yes he was successful.
With the white boat out of action we decided to put Jason and Guy in Sarah and Charlie and I stayed on shore for a change . It was definitely a challenge in the 1/3 knot winds that were slowly shifting n/e then stopped but slowly came back again so slowly everyone a got bored and b drifted south . Some people did manage to occassionally sail around the buoys but generally it was just a drift and sail day at least everyone came in smiling.
10.30 AM YOUTH TRAINING ;
Conditions had not changed much from 8.30 class so we spent some time talking about rules as we have midwinter cup and Youth week at manly coming where everyone watches the rules so while the winds are light its a perfect time to introduce them . We also talked about telltales and I think I promissed that I would make up another set of reading teltales lets hope I find the time as by looking at the blank stares on sunday that part of their sailing needs a bit of work .We finally got on the water in about 3 knots n/e wind so we sailed down to the canal and then back up to a buoy near the club , sounds easy right ? but no as it was shifting and dropping out all over the place so very frustrating . Abby was doing the best early but somehow she capsized and went for a drift south , Ross just couldnt get going upwind and Taylah found another channel marker to run into this time she reversed into the port marker so now she has a matching pair in a green and a red but to be fair she couldnt help the red there was just no wind . Ben didnt care how much wind there was he was just excited to be out in a laser while our Bic sailors in Jade , Daniel and Lincoln just struggled with lack of water line length and as soon as the wind died they started drifting south so a tow home was on the cards and yes we towed the lasers as well as it just died .
1.30 PM Open Racing
You guessed it cancelled , even greg agreed it was just not going to happen we even waited to 1.00 oclock just in case but no chance so we sat around chatting

Hi Everyone , With mothers day this sunday the mums who usually run the canteen have asked for the morning off so its going to be up to the dads to open up and make the coffees plus the girls have decided that there should be a sausage sizzle as well so it looks like we will be rolling our sleves up and performing as only us guys can !!!
​We are also having a club maintenance day on saturday the 15th of may starting at 9am , we are looking at some painting and general maintenance so if you have some time to spare let us know or just turn up and dig in .
8.30 am Sunday Juniors;
It soon became obvious on sunday morning with winds reaching up to 20 knots that it would be too much for our junior sailors so at 7.30 am I posted the cancellation on facebook and the website , of course as soon as I did this the winds dropped to 10 knots which had me shaking my head but never fear it was blowing again by 8.00 am with white caps and chop  . We did have two people on the water in Jack and Dean who decided to give it a go and despite an early capsize we soon had them flying around the buoys . its amazing the difference pulling the sail on does for boat stability right boys !!! well done guys it was awesome to watch.

10.30 am Youth Training :
With the winds steady at 15 knots from the s/e it was perfect for this group , Lincoln had his Bic ready at 10.30 as did Jade and soon after so did Daniel and Ross with a bit of help from Charlie fixing his outhaul . Taylah was a bit frustrated because her rigging crew was a bit slow so I suggested a quiet chat afterwards to see if dad could work a bit faster . Everyone trained well with linc and dan working at getting their boats going to windward while we sent the others off down to the canal and back for some true upwinds in winds around 16 knots . We are starting to talk about rules starting on port starboard for both the Mid Winter Cup and then Youth Week , its always the same when I start on this aspect of sailing the look of total confusion on everyones faces as they try to figure out in their heads what tack they are on so remember everyone tiller in left hand starboard tack and tiller in right hand port tack.. 
1.30 pm Open Racing:
The conditions had settled into a s/s/e wind by one pm and the wind speed was still around 15 knots gusting 18 so we set the start right in front the club with a middle buoy just past the canal and a top buoy down near the X which created a really good upwind then downwind course . All the Youth sailors parents were happy as for once they could watch their kids start a race then head off around the course . Tom and Greg had their usual tussle while Roger struggled a bit in a radial which made him slightly overpowered at times and young Ross kept him honest in his 4.7 until Roger slowly made a gap . In the Bics Jade just took of on the upwind as at the moment she points higher to windward than Daniel but Iam sure he is going to work on that . There were a few swims on the day but each time it happened I of course was looking elsewhere but Charlie filled me in on the circumstances so I was always up to speed on what happened each time , so how come Charlie saw each one well he just kept watching Taylah yep she had four swims and apparently it as cold ! thank god dad convinced her to wear a wetsuit at least , we are going to have to teach her dry capsizing especially with winter coming.
Finally after racing each other around the course Tom and Greg were heading back to the club finish line almost neck and neck when tom had the biggest save  I can recall where a bullet got him and she tried to high side herself and to save it Tom had to virtually stand up truly awesome save Tom we all thought you were gone and still managed to finish behind Greg by two seconds .

Upcoming 
Mothers Day this weekend sausage sizzle!
Saturday 15th Working bee at club

CU on the water
J Murphy

Hi Everyone , Iam pleased to say that the cage extension is nearly completed there was a few snags in the construction but it all seems to be on track now . So what is the extension for and the answer is to give us more room so that there is less work opening and closing the club which up until now has meant removing all boats in the morning and putting them back at night and yes its a tight fit but hopefully now it will be a lot easier .
The extension was funded by Gold Coast City Council at the request of our local councillor Mr Cameron Caldwell so a heart felt thank you goes to both the council and especially Councillor caldwell for his ongoing support .
8.30 am Sunday Juniors :
There were a few obstacles in place with the cage extension only half done but that didnt stop all our keen young sailors getting their boats rigged and ready before 9.00 am and down on the beach ready to hit the water. Our up and coming Bic Skiff sailors had a few rigging issues but with a bit of rushing around we soon had them on the beach as well .
Our newly qualified dinghy instructor Charlie was again in charge of the briefing talking about safety then wind direction and what skillls they would be practicing ( tacking and Gybing ) and soon had everyone running to their boats ready for the saftey boat to put the course buoys out and once that was done they were off and running . We also had a request from one of our new sailors Claire to try sailing on her own so we set her up in a Tera and away she went and with a little bit of coaching from Charlie she was soon sailing around with everyone else so well done Claire . I actually spent the session on the shore which is a bit strange for me but with Jason and Guy in one boat and Charlie in the other they certainly didnt need me .
10.30 am Youth Training :
This group has hab some new additions lately in Lincoln and Ben both in Bics so its been a challenge for them to fit in with all the more experienced Bic sailors in Jade , Maddison and Daniel but they both seem to be enjoying the challenge and copying the more experienced sailors . We started the on water with windward leeward sailing then stretched the course from in front of the clubto all the way down to the red channel marker soagain a mixture of upwind and down wind sailing and thankfully minimum current unlike previous weeks . The laser sailors in Abby , Taylah and Ross are definitely improving in technique but still lack a little bit in there roundings and proper course but with them backing up in the open race later in the afternoon i am sure they will be ready for mid winter cup and Youth week . I shouldnt forget Maddy who has improved out of sight since her lesson with Jade especially the tacking part so well done Maddy and Jade for coaching.
1.30 pm Open Racing :
With the winds turning s/e at around 6/8 knots and the guys requesting three single lap races we set a start at the canal and an A mark right behind the yellow x in the middle of the channel . We set the start line a bit tight just to get everyones attention and a preferred starboard start . The pin was close to the shallows but it only caught one sailor out in Matt which only stuck him up for a second or to much better than last weeks multiple capsizes but we wont mention that will we Matt ! With no Tom Greg still had his hands full with everyone else especially Steve who was again really nailing the starts and showed good boat speed in his old boat . In the laser youths Ross was first home in their division with Abby a close second which on handicap would have meant Abby probably finished top three as she was sailing 4.7 against Ross and everyone else in radials and full rigs . In the Bics Jade just took off in the first too races having good starts where daniel be new to racing did struggle a bit although in race three he beat Jade around the course ? why well Jade got squeezed out of the start and had to start again . Where was Taylah ? well apparently I need to add ducking to her coaching when falling out of the baot trying to avoid Lincoln resulting in a good bump on the head !

Canteen : Our canteen is back up and running thanks to Kelly and the girls and next time I might have the first coffee rather than wait for someone else to try it first because it was just perfect for my taste buds , again thank you everyone for the hard work all our volunteers do .

REGISTRATIONS FOR MID WINTER CUP WILL BE OPENING SOON 

C U on the water
J Murphy

Hi Everyone , As you could see last weekend we are ready for second stage of the club extension which thankfully started on monday and the builders are hopeful they will have it completed by the weekend . For those who are wondering why we are extending the footprint its not to store more boats its actually to make more room for the boats we have as at the moment when the club is fully packed up there is barely any room to walk around inside so this should alleviate this issue , myself and Charlie cant wait its been a long time coming.
You may have also noticed that our canteen was again open thanks to a few of the mums taking it on just in time for the colder weather where a cup of coffee will surely be much appreciated and maybe the occassional pie!
8.30 AM SUNDAY JUNIORS :
With the water clearing up after all the rain early in the week it was looking like a good day for sailing and with 15 budding sailors signed on there were soon plenty of boats lined up ready to hit the water . With the winds shifting from s/w to s/s/e early Charlie set the course roughly across the water but we were sure we would have to move it later as it was predicted to go east . Wind speed was inconsistant basically around 3/5 knots so perfect especially for the new bic sailors to parctice tacks and especially gybes , these guys are so keen I cant wait to see them at the midwinter cup racing around in the green fleet . I should remind everyone that we have begun taking boat lease ( bic skiff ) names for the cup so there are only two boats still left available . Next weekend we will have at least two more sailors who want to try solo sailing after discussions last weekend so hopefully conditions will be light for their first go !
10.30 am Youth Training :
This very keen group of sailors are starting really excel at this training session so much so that we have decided to increase their actual race training skills by focusing on their race craft especially for the Mid Winter Cup in June . Abby , Taylah , Ross and Jade ( bic ) we have  decided need not only start practice but become more aware of the rules on the water as well which should be fun especially mark roundings , calling starboard , touching marks , touching other boats and when to call starboard . These rules do get used at mid winter cup but will definitely come into play for those heading to Manly for youth week . We havnt forgotten our new bic sailors as we will continue to bring them up to speed as well even though at this time none of them have decided to race at the midwinter cup but if they do decide the will be in the green fleet group which is basically straight line sailing.
1.30 PM OPEN RACING:
With the winds turning n/e at around 4/7 knots we decided to set the course in the main channel starting down near runners and heading to mark A just short of Ephriam , why so short ? yes you guessed it the current was raging . Instead of one long race we settled on three one lappers we seemed to make everyone happy well except Tom who hates the short races as he normally takes a while to get up in front and one lappers are just too short. We had Taylah , Ross , ( laser ) Jade and Daniel ( Bic ) out there amongst all the Adults and start one proved a bit of a challenge for them all they were watching the start boat but the current was really affecting them. Start two was a much better affair with all of them watching my hand signals and Taylah even one the overall start ( 4.7 ) in race two while the adults squabbled around the start boat . Steve had a blinder start in race one but apparently missed A mark and went too far allowing everyone to catch him so I think he was third .
Race two was again a bit hectic as everyone crowded the start well except for the youth which we set up in the middle of the start line in clearer air but the biggest winner on the day was the low tide sand banks which caught nearly everyone out when they all tried to go that little bit further and found sand . I did afterwards show the youth group what the channel markers mean as guides to the sand banks . Race three was a no go as the wind totally stopped and then on the way home went n/w but still flukey.
Sailing Camps : after cancelling camp one due to bad weather this weeks camp was a great success and I must thank all the assistants who helped everyone sail especially on monday when the winds were a bit strong and special thanks to Ross and Taylah for their efforts on the lasers  and Jades help with showing Maddy how to tack her Bic the difference with her sailing on tuesday was awesome . Rescue boat was very popular with both Abby and Taylah getting some driving practice so well done everyone .
UPCOMING:
First Aid Course this Saturday and yes there are still a couple f spaces left so if you want to give it a try just give me a call at the club
Mid winter Cup 26/27 june

CU on the water
J Murphy

Hi Everyone , Well who would have guessed that Covid would rear its head again just before easter holidays but here it is again so lets just hope that the queensland government cancels the lock down today so that everyone can enjoy their easter break where ever the want to be . Our Holiday camps will also be reliant on todays decisions so if the lock down continues past next tuesday unfortunately we will have to cancel at least week one . On the good news front if you happen to go past the in the next few days you will see the beginning of or cage extension project and although its no overall a big area it should allow us some space that we desperately nso thank you gold coast city council for helping us achieve this goal.

8.30 AM SUNDAY JUNIORS ;
Well we started the day well with 15 keen sailors signing on and rushing around rigging  boats including some bic skiffs and we soon had all the boats on the beach waiting for the briefing . As Charlie was away Ross stepped up to do the safety briefing and discuss the days sailing and I must say he showed a great enthusiasm for the job so well done Ross , Jason and Guy ran Sarah cooper yes the have been promoted well at least until Charlie is back ! So the conditions well lets just say terrible but luckily most of the group has sailed light winds before so they managed to find whatever wind their was especially the bics with Flynn , Tristan and Riley managing to at least get going but after half an hour it just died out so I was asked about capsize and of course said yes so next minute there were boats over everywhere with some good capsizes and some people just falling out . Luckily the water quality had improved greatly from early in the week otherwise the capsize request would have been no.

10.30 am Youth Training ; 
With Daniel in his new Skiff and Taylah , Abby , Maddy and Ross keen to get out there we had a quick briefing and with the return of at least some wind we sent them down to the canal then back up to a buoy at the club making it a close reach down and a broad reach back in the e/s/e winds . At first the sailing wasnt the best with everyone on the broad reach going right out into the channel with the raging current ??? but we soon had them sailing straighter lines and round the marks much closer ok occassionally two close right Ross and yes he did his penalties . With Charlie away Casey was out there with me and she was really impressed on how everyone is progressing and I have to agree especially amongst the lasers with everyone showing much improved skills as they work towards the midwinter cup in june then Youth week in July.

1.30 pm OPEN RACING;
With our youth sailors now joining this group we had a fleet of 12 boats at the start line which Charlie set ( yes he turned up at 11.30 ) down at the canal with A set over towards crab and a third buoy back toward the club which set up a very tricky run to the finish . The current was so strong that we had to reset the start three times before she stopped dragging the anchor but finally we were ready to start . Ross tried a port start but was nailed by everyone on starboard which caused a collision but yes he did his penalty and still finished first ( Radial ) out of youth . Matt mixed it with the leaders as did Steve so each race was well contested . Race two saw Ross start on starboard with Abby close by and Taylah ( 4.7 ) starting with the group as well . As I said the run to the finish was tricky as you really had to sail in the lee to keep speed then as you approached the finish it was fifty / fifty if you gybed or not which made for some wild finishes as their was more to be gained by staying in the lee , just ask Matt how wild it was heading for the finish . Charlie is reallly learning the trade as when he set the finish he was chuckling to himself because he new it would be a tricky run to the line , I have taugh him well.

Upcoming ; 
Closed Easter Weekend 
First Camp 6/7 April ( Covid dependant )
Mid Winter Cup 26th / 27th June

CU on the water
​J Murphy

Hi Everyone , Yes its been a very wet week starting on Sunday with absolutely wild wind and rain making pretty uncomfortable packing up all the gear but thanks to Scott , Kelly , Ross , Taylah Daniel Charlie and me we managed to put everything away and even get the powerboats out of the water ., no washing required !
My usual coaching sessions on monday , tuesday and wednesday also cancelled due to a combination of rain , wind and absolutely filthy water conditions but its all looking good for this weekend with a return to blue skies >
We will be having a teaching session in our canteen this Sunday morning in response to enquiries by parents asking how they can help and it will include  training on our coffee machine as its an integral part of its past successes , The training will be carried out by Casey evens who is a fully qualified barista operaator , so thank you Casey for volunteering to help .

8.30 Sunday Juniors :
You guessed it despite the threatening weather we still had 15 keen young sailors sign on for their sunday sailing fix and we soon had a mix of Tera,s and Bic Skiffs rigged and on the beach ready to sail.
Charlie was again in charge of the briefing as he only has a couple of weeks to go before he sits for his full instructors certificate so practice is essential .
The winds were from the n to n/e at around 4/8 knots which really tested our new bic sailors with them all struggling a bit as its the most wind they have ever sailed in Bic so every mistake was punished with collisions and capsizes but that part of the game right guys ! The Tera sailors didnt fair much better either but with a lot of coaching from the shore and powerboat everyone was coming to grips by the end with a lot of smiling but tired sailors returning to shore . The return to shore timing was perfect as the winds picked up to 8/15 knots with some nasty gusts mixed in and considering the average age is 8 it was a good call.
10.30 am Youth Training
With conditions becoming a bit testing we only had two Lasers and one bic out on the water and for linc in the bic for only his second session it was a definite challenge but he did well in winds gusting 16 knots . Ross and Taylah in lasers struggled with the nasty gusts as we had set a course with close reach and broad reach runs . There were lots of roundups and the occassional swim which was all about the mainsheet and how to compensate . We worked hard getting everyone to use more main but the moment they forgot the boat just rounded up with Taylah finally capsizing . Ross was keen on gybes so I coached him through a few and he soon had them down much smoother but still just a bit to hard on mainsheet. Then we had Taylah who picked up a passenger in Charlie yes Charlie and Taylah on a 4.7 rig and yes it was very funny watching him trying to fit under the boom something like a beached whale and their were some comments about greenpeace coming to refloat him ! Abby and I couldnt stop laughing and then you guessed it they capsized and apparently there was a lot of whining but guess who had the mainsheet? yep very funny.
At the first lightning strike that was it back to shore then the rain started pelting down and that was it .

RACING CANCELLED 
Upcoming
Barrista training sunday the 28th 9.00 am
Easter camps nearly full
CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY 4/4/2021
MID WINTER CUP 26/27 JUNE

CU on the water
J Murphy