Hi Everyone , This year is really starting to take shape with preparations getting underway for our annual Mid winter Cup and then hopefully we will have a few sailors to do Youth Week at Manly the following week and what an experience that will be for them , we are organising having a safety boat for the event so that we can keep an eye on our sailors so if you are keen to what them go round yes we will be looking for boat crews so check with us at the office . We are also nearly ready to order the new club hats and shirts so if you want shirts please check with Abby as to the sizes you want so you dont miss out .
Finally I heard one of the funniest quotes on sunday when charlie referred to Felix,s footwear as Jesus loafers ! and if you want to know what it refers to you will have to sak Charlie trust me it was very funny.
8.30 am Sunday Juniors:
With the weather looking perfect for the morning if not a bit muggy we soon had the usual suspects signing on for 8.30 class and in a hurry to have their boats rigged and with 15 sailors on the lawn rigging both Teras and Bic skiffs yes it was a bit conjested but everyone managed to fit in and rig up and transfer their boats to the beach . From my point of view its great to watch people like Tristan , Lachlan , Jayce , Henry ,Harvey just to name a few so keen to get on the water especially as a few of them have transfered to the Bic Skiff which is always a bit of a challenge but they seem to be handling them really well .
From last weekends group two people have transfered to the 10.30 group for next weekend and I think we will see more transfering over as their eagerness to learn more about sailing increases and they want that next challenge so from my point of view bring it on boys and girls because we just love teaching you sailing .
10.30 am Youth Training :
As I said in the Juniors section this group is getting some new sailors in Lachlan and Jayce next week although Lachlan gave it a try last Sunday and I think although feeling somewhat daunted by the prospect of sailing with the more experienced sailors really looked to be enjoying himself and we even had Maddy back in her bic skiff .
So what did we set for training yes you guessed it the good old triangles which at first was a bit messy with way to many tacks to the top mark and bad bearaways but with lots of coaching from Charlie and myself we soon had everyone sailing around the course very efficiently . We then sent them all off to the yellow mark at the canal on a close reach then return on a broad reach with the more experienced sailors in Ross ( yes he is back from manly ) Abby and Taylah actually making it look easy on the upwind but a little coaching was needed downwind with outhaul ,vang and cunningham adjustments needed . We rounded out the session with whistle gybes and I have to say everyone really nailed these manouveres with no capsizes anywhere , if you want to see whats involved in whistle gybes check the guys out next sunday.
1.30 PM OPEN RACING:
With the 10.30 sailors now joining the Adults at the satrt line its certainly a busy place as the starters horn blows but with Charlies on water coaching from the Jet ski he has managed to keep them out of the usual start line mayhem although on Sunday the adults generall behaved themselves allowing everyone to have a clean start .
The course start / finish line was set between ephriam and Soverign Islands and with the A mark placed half way up Soverign then B mark back down to the east of C mark it was a good triangle windward leeward course for the conditions which were blue sky medium current and around 6/9 knot winds but very consistant winds .
Ben had a great day stirring up Greg and every time they rounded C near me all I could her was Bens evil laugh as he kept harassing Greg yes it was very funny . So who won well Ben did then Greg and third was Steve in the now non leaking boat so where was Tom well he was doing well until when rounding C to go back upwind he sheeted on hiked out and completely missed the hiking strap and all I saw were two feet disappearing over the side dont worry Tom we have all done that more than once .
So how did our to youth competitors ( Ross and Abby ) well I couldnt believe it myself until Charlie confirmed it they dead heated yes both bows dead in line as the crossed the line so well done guys thats how racing should be .
UPCOMING : First Aid Course will be held on Saturday the 17th of April moved from the 27th of March so if you are keen to either renew or have your first try at First Aid skills let the club know and book a place as their are a couple of vacancies still open cost is $90.00 full first aid and $45.00 for the annual cpr upgrade .
Charlie Bratton is off to Humpybong sailing club on the 9th and 10th of April to attend and sit for his full Sailing Instructors Licence so good luck Charlie I am sure you will pass
RSS Feed
