The NSW/ACT Laser Metropolitan Championship will be held this weekend at Hunters Hill Sailing Club, on the other side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The forecast on Saturday is for a moderate southerly so it’ll be a quick blast straight out of the bay, then a nice reach all the way to the start line. A tow is also available for those who want to preserve their energy. The breeze will be much lighter on Sunday so most of us will be catching a ride. If you haven’t already done so, enter online via the link below and email Rod Barnes to let him know that you’ll be attending. Departure from DBSC is 12:00pm on Saturday and 9:45am on Sunday.The Notice of Race, Online Entry, Sailing Instructions, Venue Information & Logistics, Electronic Sign On/Off, and Results are all available via the NSW/ACT Laser Association website and Australian Laser App [HERE].HHSC
Category: Latest from Double Bay Sailing Club
Race Report – Sat 27 February
A light wind day with the threat of rain only allowed one Club Championship race to be completed. Winners of the day were Sylvie Stannage in the Radial and Nick Alexander in the Standard fleets. We were once again joined by the Australian Sailing Team / Australian Sailing Squad exhibiting their skill in the light breeze and some impressive roll tacks.Thanks to the volunteers Michael Osborne, Kate McHugh, John Conroy, and Derek Hand on the water; Paul Adam, Shirley Roach, Mark Gray, Diana Chen, and Steve London in the Canteen.
Important pre-race discussions
Race Report – Sat 13 March
A very large Naval ship, the 18 Footers JJ Giltinan Championship, and numerous CYC fleets all made cameos in Saturday’s race, which made for an action packed afternoon. Despite the amount going on in such a condensed area, there were no incidents on the water. Murray Stone did go head-to-head with a 70ft motor yacht, with Murray coming out as the winner. Credit goes to all the sailors for great seamanship.The forecast was spot on; the sun shone all day and a beautiful NNE gradient filled in which led to some fantastic racing in both fleets. For once it should be acknowledged the Radials were better behaved on the start line that the Standards! At the end of the day, the winners were: Standards – Steve London (Point Score 9) and Nick Pellow (Point Score 10); Radials – The Tudballs – Ian (Point Score 9) and James (Point Score 10).Thanks
National Masters Championship Format
Planning has commenced for the 2022 Oceania & Australian ILCA Laser Master Championships and here is your chance to have your say on the format of the event going forward. We are caucusing views to feed into the planning process and considering two options for the 10 races. Option 1: 10 races over four days – Friday to Monday – with 2, 3, 3, 2 races per day (same format as previous years)Option 2: 10 races over five days – Monday to Friday – with 2 races per day (allowing the weekends for travel)Please let us know by the end of this week if you would like your opinion to be considered.Click [HERE] to submit your response.
History Corner
Performance awards for the 85/86 Season:Most number of breakages whilst competing in club racesThe best imitation of the TitanicBest imitation of an icebergThe most number of capsizes in Double Bay while trying to get to the first markRetiring skippers award – the spirit was willing but the knees were too weak
First Aid Training
As part of DBSC’s commitment to safety, we have once again organised first aid training (including CPR) for our members, to be held on Sunday 18 April. There will be a morning and afternoon session for a duration of 3.5 hours, with some self-paced online study prior to the practical. Fees will be covered by DBSC, however places are limited. Please register your interest [HERE].
Clean Up Australia Day
As part of the club’s commitment to sustainability, we will again be doing Clean Up Australia Day this year. While the official day is on Sunday 7th March, this year we will also have a session on Saturday 6th March to make it easy for everyone to attend. To work with low tide, we are looking for volunteers at 0830-1030 on Saturday 6th March and 0945-1145 on Sunday 7th March. Please email Kate [HERE] and let her know which session you would like to help with.
History Corner
The approval for the clubhouse on the current site was not smooth sailing. A petition carrying 153 signatures was sent to Woollahra Council objecting to the building based on its impact on the natural beauty of the park. Despite these objections the clubhouse opened on 5 April 1959.
60 Seconds With Mark Bethwaite
1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat? Seven – a P Class trainer in Torbay Auckland2. If money (and sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy? The ultimate Fine Wine – a 100m super yacht with 10 guest suites, 10 Lasers in the aft lazarette plus RIBs etc. This Fine Wine would position at future Laser Master Worlds locations (other than Lake Garda) or the Caribbean, Med etc – wherever the water temperature is above 27 degC3. What is your ultimate sailing goal? My goal was an Olympic medal – I had my chances but am firmly on the skids now…4. Tell us the story behind the name of your Laser? Few things get better as they get older – Fine Wine is one and Laser sailors are another5. If you could add any ingredient to DBSC’s world’s best toasties – what
Coming Up
Wednesday 17 Feb – Twilight Sprints & Brett Beyer Twilight Program 4/10Saturday 20 Feb – Learn To Race and Autumn Point Score 7 & 8Wednesday 24 Feb – Twilight Sprints, Brett Beyer Twilight Program 5/10, and State Masters Debrief presented by Brett BeyerSaturday 27 Feb – Club Championship 11 & 12