AWKR OUR RACING LADIES AN AEGEAN ADVENTURE THE COMMODORE'S DINNER CRUISING THE MURRAY - QUARTERLY JOURNAL FROM THE CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
QUARTERLY JOURNAL FROM THE CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
AWKR OUR RACING LADIES
AN AEGEAN ADVENTURE
THE COMMODORE’S DINNER
CRUISING THE MURRAY
1
SEPTEMBER 2019
2
CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SA THIS ISSUE
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
President Dominic Rinaldi 4 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Treasurer Robert Ferguson
5 AT THE HELM WITH OUR GM
Geoff Boettcher
Brett Brown 6 COMMODORE’S REPORT
Peter Hall
7 NAVMIL A HAVEN IN THE CITY
David Murray
Chris Wood 8 CLUB NEWS
10 MARINE ACADEMY REPORT
FLAG OFFICERS
11 RACING REPORT
Commodore Jacqueline Heffernan
Vice Commodore John Sibly 12 BOATS AT THE CLUB
Rear Commodores Adrian Wotton
14 ROADTRIP GOES LIKE CLOCKWORK
Jeff Dinham
18 AWKR REPORT
PATRON The Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR 21 SCHOOL’S OUT AT THE AWKR
22 FROM THE GALLEY
STAFF 23 QUIZ NIGHT
General Manager Adam Hays 24 COMMODORE’S DINNER
Financial Controller Kerry O’Brien
Admin & Operations Manager Jenny Krogdahl 26 CRUISING THE MURRAY
Finance Manager Marina Segodina 27 MARITIME SAFETY ON KI
Marketing & Communications Mellissa Vahoumis
Member Services & Reception Sarah Belton 28 AN AEGEAN ADVENTURE
Marine Academy Operations Hugh Longbottom 32 CLUB CALENDAR
Boating Administrator David Royle
Events & Hospitality Manager Susan Laird
Head Chef Tony Bailey
Port Vincent Marina Manager Rob Marner
COMMITTEES
Members Committee Chair Jacq Heffernan
Fishing Association Chair Vlad Humeniuk
Racing Association Chair Mike Holmes
18
Cruising Association Chair Adrian Wotton
Social Association Chair Rosemary Gould
LIFE MEMBERS Arthur F Carolan
Geoffrey R Catt
Richard H Fidock AO
Graeme L Footer
John D Gerard
James A Henry (Dec’d)
Malcolm A Kinnaird AC (Dec’d)
Peter J Page (Dec’d)
EDITORS OF GROUNDSWELL Gay Footer, Mellissa Vahoumis, Pat Catley, 24
Dianne Schwerdt
Advertising & contributions to Mellissa: Telephone: 08 8248 4222
mellissa@cycsa.com.au Email: reception@cycsa.com.au
Web: www.cycsa.com.au
Groundswell is the official journal of the
Telephone Port Vincent: 0414 611 110
Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia Inc
Lady Gowrie Drive, North Haven
PO Box 1020 North Haven SA 5018
Registered by Australia Post
Publication No PP565001/00184
28
ISSN 1039-4230
Printed by Newstyle Printing
Graphic Design by Mellissa Vahoumis
Cover image: Game On – Game Over, but not forgotten… photo by Craig Evans 3
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
With winter behind us, I would like to thank all members who
made use of the Club’s slipping facilities during the winter months.
The Club’s slip facilities during this time of year are underutilised CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES
and provide a great opportunity to catch up on all your boat On 16 May 2019 an information evening was held at the Club
maintenance. I encourage you to support the Club with your slipping seeking to facilitate discussion around the Constitutional
throughout the year. changes proposed by the Board in the earlier EGM as follows -
Members are no doubt aware that the Club has had ongoing 1. The establishment of a sinking fund with the income of the
operational and load issues with the Jib crane. The Board has fund to be used to maintain above water assets.
investigated various options and has decided a new crane will be
2. The implementation of electronic voting for the election of
installed which is expected to be operational before the end of the
Board members.
calendar year.
3. Changing the date of the AGM from August to September
The financial year has now closed off and the accounts are finalised.
so members have more time to review the Annual Report
The Club remains in a healthy financial position despite a slight
prior to the AGM.
drop in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
(EBITDA). 4. Other minor administrative changes to update the
Constitution.
The drop in EBITDA during the year is primarily due to hospitality
not meeting its revenue targets. A tough economic climate, changes
in management, chefs and kitchen staff during the course of the year The information meeting discussed the above changes in detail
has not helped the situation. The recent appointment of a new chef and provided the Board with valuable information to formulate
has been well received to date and we can see improvements in the resolutions to be put to the members at the upcoming AGM
food and beverage area already. scheduled for 28 August 2019. The Board will finalise its
proposed changes to the Constitution before the AGM and will
As part of our General Manager’s pursuit of increasing revenue for
update the members in due course.
the Club he has introduced a Wednesday evening CYCSA members
draw which has grown steadily with members visiting in increasing I wish to thank all members for their ongoing support of the
numbers to enjoy the draw and a meal and hoping they go home Club and I look forward to welcoming everyone at Opening
with the jackpot as some already have. The evenings have a great Day on Saturday 26 October.
Club feel about them and I thank Adam and the sponsors for
facilitating this great weekly event.
Dominic Rinaldi
SINKING FUND President
I reported in the last edition of Groundswell on the status of our
sinking fund. I am happy to report that the value of the portfolio
at 30 June 2019 was $6.0m with an 11% holding in cash. The fund
has shown strong growth since its inception (10% at 30 June) and
continues to track well. This is a long-term investment for the Club
and the Board acknowledges the Fund will fluctuate over time.
Since our last Board meeting the Investment Committee took note
of the fact that the market had had a substantial increase in value
and resolved to take some profits on certain shares.
Photo by Thomas Kuhne
4
FROM THE HELM
With the midst of winter well and truly behind us I think I speak for
everyone in looking forward to some impending warmth and nice
springtime weather as our on-water activities begin to increase. The Since our last Groundswell we welcome to the CYCSA team our new
marina is already becoming a hive of activity as members start to Head Chef Anthony Bailey. Tony brings with him nearly 30 years’
prepare their boats for the season ahead. experience in the culinary industry, most notably as Head Chef at
The Cornwall Boutique Hotel in Launceston Tasmania, Salsa Bar
The Club’s financial year ended on 31 May and the lead up between & Grill in Port Douglas and as owner/head chef of iconic Adelaide
then and the AGM in late August is a very busy period for our Italian Bistro, Rigonis. The Adelaide CBD’s loss is now our gain as
administration team. Considerable time spent with the external Tony has impacted straight away by changing the menu, tweaking
auditors checking figures, practices and processes dominates this popular dishes and ensuring all ingredients are house made. The
timeframe. I am pleased to inform that our 2018/19 audit went entrée choices now incorporate an entire or ‘build your own’
very well and must therefore congratulate our dedicated Finance platter or mezzes plate of fresh, seasonal local items, perfect for pre
Controller and Manager. main consumption or to accompany a bottle of wine on a Sunday
The weekly ‘Members Draw’ initiative commenced in April and has afternoon. Look out for Tony’s 20 hour slow cooked smoked brisket
grown at a rapid rate. We now see a regular strong gathering of as it is unbelievable!
members on Wednesday evenings enjoying the happy hour pricing,
new dinner menu and general banter. Having already handed out MARINE ACADEMY
$1650 in cash jackpots, it is easy to see why it has become a weekly Thank you to all members who donated during the annual
ritual for so many members. With the opportunity of five minutes of subscription invoicing. Your voluntary donation goes a long way
‘housekeeping’ time it allows me to keep those in attendance up to in assisting the Marine Academy growth. The Marine Academy had
date with Club initiatives and current topical items. We are getting another solid year in 2018/19 and we are confident of further
regular feedback that members (even those unable to attend) are development. These funds are very important in assisting this
enjoying the immediate email informing of who has won/missed development by way of purchasing items to improve our training
out on the cash jackpot. Greenhill Finance Brokers Members Draw vessels, safety and training equipment for both shore based and on
#15 worth an impressive $1050 was won by weekly attendee John water courses and the education and training of instructors. This
Hill. We now welcome Georges Wines as the new members draw financial year also has an amount of budgeted capital expenditure to
sponsor, with Nick George also generously donating a two pack of assist with an Academy 1 upgrade. We are currently working hard
his exceptional wines to be drawn as a door prize weekly ensuring on identifying potential options for Academy 1 that will no doubt see
that someone’s going home a winner every Wednesday! Thanks again us grow our introduction to new sailors and therefore converting
Nick. into potential new members into the future.
When the Twilight Racing Season commences on Wendesday The Marine Academy has commenced an exciting relationship to
9 October our weekly members draw will switch to Thursday run a pilot program with ‘The Road Home’ formerly known as the
evenings to ensure it does not clash with the racing. ‘Repat Foundation’. Check out the Marine Academy report on page
The annual dredging programme has concluded with a larger than 10 for further details,
usual amount of 32,000m3 of material removed from both marina
mouths and the outward channel. Access should be improved for UPCOMING EVENTS
the coming season. We continually work alongside DPTI to ensure Keep up to date with Club events and key dates that are coming
all agreements are upheld and continue to investigate areas of soon on page 32.
improvement.
I wish you all warmth and safe boating as we enter into the Spring
The racing programme has been released and we look forward to an period.
exciting season for all competitors. The current growth in the larger
keel boats at the Club will raise the CYC’s profile of racing in both
South Australia and interstate. Proof of this may be visible during
this seasons Teakle Classic Adelaide to Lincoln Race which hits a Adam Hays
landmark 70th year in 2020. General Manager
5
COMMODORE’S REPORT
It has been an incredible few months with so much happening at Thank you to our wonderful volunteers as it really makes a
the Club. Committee meetings, social events and working on Bula difference to those organising events to have that support. You are
has made winter zoom past! indeed the lifeblood of the Club.
The past 12 months have seen a number of staff movements On a personal note I would like to thank all our members who
but I am now very pleased that I am hearing more compliments have offered very useful advice when working on Bula. That is what
than complaints. Our new Head Chef Tony and his team have hit makes the Club environment so important to us. We can moor our
the ground running with improvements being made immediately. boat anywhere but our Club has it all. Fantastic dining area, beautiful
Their positive attitude has spread to all parts of the Club which is BBQ area, outstanding facilities and most importantly, members!
wonderful to see. Your experience, advice, assistance and chats over the stern of the
Our social life has been kept busy with so many events at the Club. boat is what makes our Club so important to us. It is indeed our
Quiz Night was great, Adam’s Members Draw has been massive, sanctuary, our refuge.
new members morning teas are very well supported and the Spring is just around the corner, then its Opening Day. Big things are
recent Commodore’s Dinner was absolutely fabulous. Thank you happening this year so stay tuned and make sure you have the date
to Rosemary Gould and her amazing Social Activities Association. firmly set in your diaries - Saturday 26th October.
Australian Sailing held their annual state conference at the Club in
July which covered a number of topics including marketing your
club activities, mentoring and succession planning, SheSails initiative
(increasing female participation at all levels), SailPass (introductory
membership), Out There Sailing (programs aimed at 12-17 year Jacq Heffernan
olds), REVsport, and successful Committee Governance strategies. Commodore
We will be hearing much more about some of these initiatives
soon.
Volvo Penta D8-IPS800 VOLVO PENTA V8-430-CE/FWD
Volvo Penta D8-IPS800 is a perfectly matched package, powered by the Volvo Penta Forward Drive V8-430-CE FWD is a totally integrated package,
in-line 6-cylinder D8, a 7.7-liter, common-rail diesel with a twin entry turbo, and powered by the 8-cylinder, 6.2-liter, freshwater-cooled, direct-injected gasoline
supercharger for incredible low rpm response. Working together with a perfectly engine with catalyst. Working together with the perfectly matched FWD Duoprop
matched IPS15 pod, twin counter rotating propellers and the Electronic Vessel drive and the Electronic Vessel Control system, enabling optional electronic features,
Control system, this package offers excellent maneuverability, long action range this package offers great versatility, low noise levels, very low emission levels, and
and low emissions. impressive acceleration power.
Don Morton Marine
leading the way in all your Volvo Penta needs
70 Humphries Terrace
DON Kilkenny, SA 5009, Australia
MARINE KILKENNY 08 8347 0011
6 www.donmorton.com.au
NAVMIL
OUR FRIENDS AND A HAVEN IN THE CITY
an added benefit to CYCSA Senior Membership
The CYCSA and the Naval, Military & Air Force Club of South A wide range of functions and activities are conducted including
Australia (NMAFC) have had a formal membership relationship monthly wine luncheons hosted by some of our state’s premium
since 2017. This follows a close and long-standing affiliation between viticulturists to allow patrons to enjoy the hospitality facilities by
a number of members of each club, particularly those with military way of pre-luncheon drinks in the Imperial Room before dining
or defence connections and a love of the sea and outdoor life. in the Colonel Downes Dining Room. These occasions are well
This agreement, upon application, allows Senior Members of the supported and a fantastic way of ‘mingling and tingling’ with the
CYCSA to enjoy all the benefits of the NMAFC ‘full paying town winemakers and other fine food and wine enthusiasts.
membership’ and in reverse all NMAFC members are welcomed The ‘Long Tan’ room offers members 24-hour key code access to a
upon application to the benefits of our associate membership. For ‘safe haven’ in the city where you have access to an honesty system
obvious reasons though, these reciprocal arrangements do not of beverages and a peaceful area which is regularly used as a movie
include voting rights. This arrangement has currently seen over 100 viewing or small meeting room. All audio and visual usage can be
NMAFC members join the CYCSA, receive gate access, attend social arranged by pre booking.
events, enjoy hospitality discounts along with credit facilities as well The NMAFC are introducing their ‘BBQtivo’ concept on Friday
as benefit from discounted Marine Academy instruction and avenues evenings during the summer months where members can enjoy a
to participate in social sailing through Twilight patronage. stylish drinks and BBQ atmosphere.
Moving forward, both clubs would like to further encourage the Both clubs are very keen to expand on their relationship by way of
benefits that co-membership can provide in order to build the ‘Interclub competitions’ some of which are planned soon. Reciprocal
relationship with our friends in the city. In a nutshell, it adds value to quiz nights and snooker tournaments are just two ideas that will be
both club’s memberships at no extra cost. advertised shortly. The NMAFC houses a wonderful billiards room
The NMAFC offers a grand premises on Hutt Street that has seen with two full sized tables and cues in an impressively traditional
the club mature gracefully over its 140 year existence. The Members surrounding. Any snooker enthusiasts at the CYCSA who would like
Bar in the heart of this impressive building can be accessed Monday- to represent the club can make their interest known to the CYCSA
Saturday for coffee, full bar and food offerings, as well as a library General Manager, Adam Hays.
area with all up-to-date literature and tabloids on hand. Meeting To find out more about the NM&AFC please visit their website at
rooms and accommodation are also available. It is certainly a http://www.navmil.org/
sanctuary in which to relax as you are kindly asked to switch phones
off or to silent while on the premises.
77
CLUB NEWS
FISH OUT OF WATER
SALA Exhibition at the Cruising Yacht Club of SA from 1 August to 25 September 2019
The Club has had a splash more colour over August and September with the CYCSA holding an exhibition of works by local marine life
artist, Jenny Berry, as part of SALA, the South Australian Living Artists Festival, a statewide festival of Visual Art.
Her collection titled ‘Fish out of Water: Realistic Portraits of Australian Fish’ has been a popular attraction at the
Club and is inspired by life-giving oceans and the fascinating creatures that reside there. Art for lovers of fishing,
boating, snorkelling and scubadiving. A beautiful collection, a must see for ocean lovers and well worth visiting.
NEW MEMBERS
Over the last three months the following people have joined
the Club. Please make them welcome.
Sam Ahmod Dragisa Jovicevic Tom Melville
Michael Sierp Tim Kildea Andrew Ryneveld
David Swinton Ben Page Peter Ralph
Joshua Tregenza Ian Rutter Alistair McFarlane
Andrew Thompson Karl Ats Debra Readings
Kay Gibbons Marc Doecke Rob Whyte
Phillip Jolly Trevor Butcher Steve Wrayford
Thanh Kieu Jeffery Foster
Blue-ringed Octopus
Welcoming some of our newest members to the Club at our most recent ‘New Members’ morning tea
WEEKLY MEMBER’S DRAW
Congratulations to the Club’s second winner of our mid-week
Member’s Draw. Club Member John Hill walked away with the
record jackpot of $1050 from Draw #15 in July.
We also welcome Georges Wines onboard as the new draw
sponsor, with a great bonus for our members. All patrons (18+)
who attend the Club on Wednesdays receive a ticket upon entry for
a chance to win a fantastic Georges Wines door prize. Draw #17
door prize winner was Denby Steele, who received a bottle of 2018
Georges Clare Valley Watervale Riesling and a 2016 Georges Clare
Valley Shiraz. Congratulations Denby!
Just remember to ‘pop’ in on a
Wednesday evening for a meal or to
take advantage of our generous happy
hour prices, as you never know what
you could be leaving with! CYCSA Hospitality Manager, Club Sponsor, Nick George
Susan Laird with John Hill with Denby Steele
8
CLUB NEWS
WELCOME NEW SPONSOR
Welcome new Club sponsors Bravo Sails. Luke and
Anne Burrow have partnered with the Club for a
Silver sponsorship package which also includes the
naming rights for the Bravo Sails Coaster Series.
Luke, a long time CYCSA member, can provide you
with racing and cruising sails, sail covers and boom
bags and Bravo can satisfy all your upholstery needs
and furlers and running rigging.
If you’re seriously getting the boat ready for this
summer, give Luke a call.
Bravo Sails is a proud local sail loft run by CYCSA Members Luke and Anne Burrow and based nearby at the Yacht Squadron. They are
renowned for great customer service and quality, custom made racing and cruising sails, upholstery and canvas products.
Luke and Anne first met at the club as rivals in twilight racing. They have made lifelong friendships at the CYCSA through racing, being part of
the Social Association and cruising on their family yachts Esprit and La Vie.
Luke has been around the club since he was fourteen, racing on many yachts, enjoying the competition and camaraderie of some legendary
skippers and crew. He has represented the club in Sydney-Hobarts on six different CYCSA yachts and in about 30 Adelaide-Lincoln races. This
year he was thrilled to be recognised as CYCSA crew person of the year aboard Shining Sea.
With all of this keelboat experience, Luke has sailed with or made something for most of the boats at the CYCSA. Whatever your sailmaking or
canvas needs, give him a call on 0411 618633. He will meet you on your boat and take the time to discuss and design your next project.
There are not many jobs where you can truly mix business with pleasure and it is a real pleasure for Bravo Sails to be a Silver sponsor of the
CYCSA.
Luke & Anne Burrow
Bravo Sails
NEW PRODUCTS EXCLUSIVE TO ELECMARINE
SAILMON
230/415v Distribution by Licensed Technicians
12/24v Battery Systems & Management
Generators | Chargers | Inverters
The most experienced sailmakers with the Green Energy | Solar | Wind | Hydro
Watermakers | Desalinators | Icemakers
best machinery. We design, manufacture,
RACEGEEK
Instrumentation | Navigation | Communication
Audio/Visual | Lighting
alter, repair and install: Complete Marine Management
Mechanical & Rigging Services
Racing & cRuising sails
sail coveRs & boom bags
© Zerogradinord
upholsTeRy
FuRleRs & Running Rigging
EXPERT ADVICE, SUPPLY, INSTALL & SERVICE
www.elecmarine.com.au | info@elecmarine.com.au
We offer expert advice & reliable service – we come to you! Peter: 0419 828 646 | Silas: 0404 479 150
Luke Burrow // CYCSA member for 30 years // 0411 618633
www.bravosails.com.au
9
CYCSA MARINE ACADEMY
Update
The new season’s training program has just been published on the There are many exciting opportunities available for new and existing
Club’s website under ‘Training – Book a Course’. members who wish to partake in the multitude of training programs
We have programmed over 40 training events from August through that the CYCSA Marine Academy offers.
to April next year that cover many aspects of water-based pleasure. Over the past three years the Academy has seen over 640 trainees,
In particular we are ensuring there are a number of opportunities some of whom have taken part in the Clipper Seattle Panama to
to keep up to date with safety at sea. These range from navigation New York race, the Adelaide to Port Lincoln regatta and interstate
theory and radio licence training, to safety day training aimed at not racing, including the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta and sailing
just the yachties amongst us, but also those who cruise and fish in with the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria, racing from Melbourne to
powerboats. Tasmania.
Highlights also include the return of our new Women’s Boating We even have one of our former female trainees currently
Essentials, our first Day Skipper Theory Course in a number of years preparing for the acclaimed Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in
and as always the opportunity to undertake one-on-one training to December 2019.
suit your particular needs. Recently five members of the Cruising Yacht Club of SA raced on
Please feel free to make contact by phoning the Club or at: Clockwork in the Brighton (Victoria) to Blairgowrie destination race.
marine.academy@cycsa.com.au For the full report on Clockwork’s race see page 14.
David Royle Hugh Longbottom
Marine Academy Principal CYCSA Boating Operations & Marine Academy Instructor
SETTING A NEW COURSE
The CYCSA Marine Academy is delighted to be on board with this
great initiative with The Road Home.
Thanks to Senator David Fawcett along with major sponsor
Northrop Grumman Australia and supporting sponsors Raytheon
Australia and SAAB Australia, The Road Home is offering five
veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence
Force a five day accredited sailing program titled ‘Setting A New
Course’, where they will be qualified at the completion of the
course as Competent Crew.
The course consists of a Two Day Start
Yachting component followed by a Three Day
Live Aboard Sail component incorporating
Christine Harvey on Clockwork
sailing in the Gulf St Vincent and a number of
safe harbours around Adelaide.
This program and equipment is provided
free to our veterans thanks to the wonderful
supporters mentioned above.
Maya Davis on Sanya Serenity Coast. Clipper Race USA.
Photo courtesy of Clipper Race
10CYCSA RACING ASSOCIATION
Round Up
This season’s Port River Marine Winter Series has just been
completed. The series was predominantly sailed in light winds
with some boats struggling to record a finish in the first two
races. With 12 CYCSA boats we made up half the numbers in
the combined fleet. In Division 1 Magic (Richard Harries/Brett
Brown/Ian Metcalfe) dominated in both AMS and PHS with Dr
Feelgood (Jason Coonan) close behind in AMS after missing the
first two races. In Division 2 PHS Kinetic Energy (Andy Shipp)
won by a single point from Rock On (Trevor Conyers) with From
Russia With Love (Mike Holmes) third. Division 2 AMS was taken
out by RSAYS’s Rival (Stuart Shimeld) over Rock On (Trevor
Conyers) with Kinetic Energy third on a count back.
Mention should also be made of the Squadron’s annual running
of the Plympton Cup which was Race 3 of the Winter Series. A
CYCSA boat again led the fleet and this year it was won by Dr
Feelgood (Jason Coonan). Magic’s Richard Harries & Ian Metcalfe with William Strangways (centre)
At the time of writing our Short-Handed Series has two
races remaining for its series. Unlike the Winter Series the
two handers have been dealt a tougher hand with the winter
weather with two races being lost to strong winds and rain.
The fleet numbers have remained fairly consistent with six
boats nominated. However, with member’s travel and other
commitments, it’s been hard to get all of them on the starting
line at the same time. After four races The Bottom Line (Lee
Haakmeester and David Fawcett) hold a slender lead over
Ruffian (Michael McGlinchey and Peter Lucas), last year’s winner,
with Squadron boat Take 5 (Steve Martin and Paul Foster) in
third place.
Some of the Short-Handed fleet have also recently completed
their annual Port Vincent Dash and were joined by one fully
crewed entrant to make four boats. The forecast for both days
was for great weather and this was proven to be the case.
Squadron boats took the first two places with New Morning 3
(Rob Large) first and Take 5 second with Aquila (Mark Johns and Winter Series presentations
fully crewed) third. Unfortunately The Bottom Line retired with
drone problems.
The Racing Program for the 2019-20 season was published in
July and is now available on the Club’s website. Notice of Race
and Sailing Instructions are to follow soon.
Safety auditing will continue be the focus of attention for
owners - preseason with our Equipment Auditors undertaking
mandatory safety audits on all boats before racing in the
2019-20 season. More information on this initiative will be
provided by newsletter to Racing members as it becomes
available.
David Royle
Racing Manager and Boating Administrator
From Russia With Love crew
11BOATS AT THE CLUB This is another in the series of articles aimed at providing you with an insight into new boats and other boats of interest at the Club. Contact Pat Catley through the Club if you are interested in having your boat featured here. GYPSY Dave and Anne-Marie Swinton’s new Bertram 35, Gypsy, has recently found a new home in A row at the CYCSA. The Bertram 35 Flybridge is a renowned and capable hull worldwide known Anne-Marie and Dave onboard Gypsy for its tough build and sea keeping abilities. Built of fibreglass/GRP, the capable hull with 255HP twin diesel Volvo Penta engines, re- upholstered fit-out inside and of course the biggest cockpit in her the new GAME ON class, Gypsy is ready for seagoing adventures and a fun summer on Julian Newton, together with a skilled crew, enjoyed racing his Elliott the water. ESPX Game Over and Thompson 8 Game On with success. However When Dave bought Gypsy the upholstery had been refurbished, the time had come to move up to a new challenge with a larger, LED lights installed, a canopy and clears added, plus some other more powerful boat. Stepping aboard Julian’s new Game On you equipment to make life comfortable. With the full cockpit camp know you are on a pure racing machine. The boat, previously known style enclosure Gypsy is perfect for all weather conditions and as Maserati while moored at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, won entertaining while at rest. the 2019 Nationals MC38 Championship in New South Wales. She In 1960 Bertram Yachts pioneered Ray Hunt’s deep-vee hull design in was owned and sailed by one of Australia’s most famous yachtsmen, the offshore boating category thereby setting an industry standard Neville Crichton. Julian considered changing the name to Game for builders in its class. Now, almost six decades later, many builders Changer but prefers Game On. have adopted this technique. The new Bertram Yachts are reinventing The MC38 raises high performance one design yacht racing to a new the industry standard taking construction and luxury beyond the level. Four-time America’s Cup designer Harry Dunning partnered status quo. Gypsy is fitted with a Garmin GPS map 962X with Airmar with McConaghy Boats to design and build the latest of the one transducer. The shower/head has an electric toilet and the shower is design Grand Prix racer. The engineering has been done right and great rod storage for the enthusiastic or casual fisherman. The well light with its systems properly integrated into the boat to ensure fitted galley has a two burner gas stove, with grill and oven, plus an the MC38 delivers high performance racing in a One Design Class. Engel fridge and sink. The gas fitting extends to outside for the on- Designed for international, interstate or interclub racing, the MC38 deck barbecue. Carpets line both inside and throughout the cockpit. has a removable carbon keel-fin for ease of transport. The legendary Bertram 35 Flybridge has a Classic solid build known The hull, as expected of a 3200kg 38 footer, is of Carbon/E-glass for its spacious and comfortable cabins that will sleep six easily. composite. The custom build McConaghy is known for its visible This 1986 model is a bit smoky and not as efficient as later models carbon both inside and on the deck. The MC38, from masthead to but fits the budget and still has so much to offer at this level. With keel-tip is all carbon – all performance. A McConaghy build and a huge rear deck, forward V berth, and massive living area, Dave finish quality ensures strong fast and identical boats for maximum has spent a couple of overnights offshore locally and intends to go racing without the need for maximum crew. further for longer stays as his confidence builds. With a 3.5 metre beam the twin wheels enable the helmsman to He started his love of the water with kayaks then moved to a move across with ease and allow the crew of seven or eight to Haines 17 footer and now has this delightful vessel. Dave’s family get on with their jobs. Instruments on the boat include five B & G enjoy fishing but admit the lull of the water makes them all very Racing instruments with wireless systems while the engine is a diesel sleepy! Cruising or anchored while watching the sun set on a velvet sail drive. sea, the Swinton family has good times to look forward to. Below deck accommodation is light on. Julian suggests some bean Thank you Dave for your time and patience. I hope you, Anne-Marie bags or makeshift cots for Category 3 which it can achieve to with your family and friends, have all the fun and adventures you do the Lincoln. The galley is non-existent at this point but will be wish for. temporarily installed for Category 3 racing. 12
BOATS AT THE CLUB
Boat speed on an MC38 can reach 20+ knots on the right day. This is something Julian and crew are keen to discover. They are looking
forward to it being a very tidy well-sailed craft that gives huge enjoyment whilst being a shade wet, given that’s what they are used to!
the new GAME ON
Julian admits that sports boats are in the blood and this is just a larger version of what they have been sailing, albeit far more powerful and a
little more tricky to sail. An 11 metre boat with a 19 metre mast and 180 square metre spinnaker - what could possibly go wrong?
Julian has been a Club member for more than ten years and told me “Love my yachting and like it fun and fast….this suits the brief.”
The new Game On will make its home in Marina East at the Club, all ready for the coming season. Thank you Julian for your time and I wish you
and your crew every success out there on the water.
Pat Catley
the new GAME ON
GAME ON takes out PORT LINE
PORT LINE CUP 10 & 11 AUGUST 2019
The weather certainly suited the boat and the downwind legs
were just epic with boat speeds over 20 knots and just holding it
all together through the gybes was challenging. It was our last race SA owned and operated since 1965
in the current boat before moving to the new MC38 and it was
certainly a fitting way to go out.
The crew had a hell of a lot of fun and sailed her extremely well • ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS
getting all gybes done without putting her on her ear, which in the • Technical Sales & Service Dealer for
Port Line can see you on the beach…. • Raymarine, Garmin, Icom & more...
-aM •
Overall a great race and win in AMS and overall PHS to see
Game On out. SEA | LAND | AIR
Julian Newton • Marine radios & satellite phones • EPIRBs & PLBs with GPS
• Navigation instruments • Marine entertainment systems
• GPS, AIS • Thermal night vision cameras &
ICS
Photo by • Autopilots satellite TV
Chris Mandalov • Radar • Marine radio surveys for charter &
• Echo sounders/sonar commercial craft
• Fish finders • Ocean racing compliance
• Plotters & charts • Electronic distress flares for
• Aircraft VHF marine, land & air applications
ICS also has • Outback HF, UHF
• Satellite phones
• Ham radio equipment
• Commercial two way systems
• Spot and in reach messaging & tracking
• Aerials, cables & connectors
8 Nile St, Port Adelaide SA 5015 Ph: 8447 3688
intcom@internode.on.net www.intcomsys.com.au
1313CYCSA/RSAYS ROAD TRIP GOES LIKE CLOCKWORK
Melbourne in the winter-time was not at all what I was thinking We didn’t get lost in spite of having me as the navigator, and the fact
when I first signed up for a Start Yaching Course at the CYCSA that we were the lead boat all the way. Luckily I had plenty of sage
Marine Academy almost two years ago. advice from Bob to keep us on course. Christine Harvey filled the
Actually I was thinking more of cruising shimmering turquoise third womens position as she ably manned the radio throughout
tropical waters and large fruity drinks with umbrellas. The reality has the race displaying her solid radio skills gained on a recent CYCSA
been quite different, but no less enjoyable. Radio Operators Course.
When I heard Bob Schahinger from the RSAYS was looking for Once back in St Kilda we peeled off our wet weather gear, warmed
crew to travel to Melbourne in July and race his lovely Sydney 38, up with a hearty dinner at Leo’s Spaghetti Bar, then the games really
Clockwork, I ditched a family birthday party, and said yes straight away. began, with a late-night Jenga championship at super cool 29th
Apartment on Fitzroy Street.
So, a CYCSA/RSAYS joint venture was formed to go on a road
trip and take on the Vics in the ORCV Blairgowrie Passage Race, Big thanks go to Bob Schahinger for his generous support of
followed the next day by the Women’s Skippers and Navigators Race. women’s sailing, having taken Clockwork to Melbourne for the
Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta in June, then inviting more of
For the start of the Blairgowrie race, the weather was crisp and us along for the Blairgowrie Ladies Race in July.
sunny, the water glassy and the wind was slight and very shifty.
Spinnakers went up for a downwind passage across a very calm Port A great four days was had by all and everything went – like
Phillip Bay. Luckily spinnaker trim is my favourite thing, and I got to Clockwork!
do hours of it that day.
We managed to cross the finish line of a shortened race before the Cate Blackman
cut-off time, coming in 12th of the 20 boats which finished, from
a field of 49 entries (Clockwork the only SA boat). We were then
treated to a beautiful orange-glowing sunset on the horizon as we
gently cruised into the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron marina for the
night. At the presentations, we narrowly missed a podium finish on
corrected time, coming 4th on PHS.
The next day, conditions were very different, with grey skies, and
winds around 15–20 knots to start the womens race, until the wind
dropped out, then picked up again, prior to the rain starting just
after we crossed the finish line.
We were lucky to have a very experienced skipper in the lovely
Helen Willmer, who did a fantastic job of steering us to first place on Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, Presentation night.
line honours (second on PHS). Crew: Hugh Longbottom, Cate Blackman, Maya Ueda, Helen Willmer, Paul
Collier, Christine Harvey, Bob Schahinger (Skipper) and Guy Wogan-Provo
Fishing Association Update
After some wintery weather and strong winds which stopped a
number of us from getting out, we had a string of nice days, with
some good sizes being caught.
Pictured are a couple of cracking entries for our Club Fishing
Awards.
CYCSA Members - If you’ve caught a beauty, we’d love to see it
and encourage you to submit your catch for consideration in this
year’s awards. Entries close 1 November 2019 and the awards
will be presented at our annual Boating and Fishing Showcase on
Friday 22 November. Vadis with Blue Fin Tuna, Port MacDonnell
For more information on our fishing awards and criteria, please
visit our Club website.
Upcoming FA Events - Diary Dates:
Sunday 10 November 2019 - Cockling Day at Goolwa
Friday 22 November 2019 - Boating & Fishing Showcase
Sunday 1 March 2020 - Crabbing Day
Romeo with Snapper, Wirrina
14PROFESSIONAL
PROFESSIONAL
QUOTED
QUOTED &
& HASSLE FREE
HASSLE FREE
COMPLETE
COMPLETE MARINE SERVICEFACILITY
MARINE SERVICE FACILITY
DO
DO YOU NEED TO
YOU NEED REPAIR,MAINTAIN
TO REPAIR, MAINTAINOR
ORSELL
SELLYOUR
YOUR BOAT?
BOAT?
Operating
Operating at
at our location for
our location for over
over35
35years,
years,Port
PortRiver
RiverMarine
MarineServices
Services has
has grown
grown intointo South
South Australia’s
Australia’s
leading marine waterfront service and repair facility. Based on the Port River at Largs North, we specialise
leading marine waterfront service and repair facility. Based on the Port River at Largs North, we specialise in in
extensive repairs and complete vessel maintenance, including antifouling and
extensive repairs and complete vessel maintenance, including antifouling and polishing. polishing.
In
In addition
addition to our recognised
recognised services
servicesand
andfacilities,
facilities,we
weoperate
operateaa premium
premium boat
boat brokerage
brokerage representing
representing
Maritimo
Maritimo and
and Highfield as the
Highfield as the South
SouthAustralian
Australianagents,
agents,and
andare
are the
the manufacturers
manufacturers of the
of the award
award winning
winning
Theodore
Theodore 720720 series. Should
Should you
yoube
belooking
lookingfor foraasecond
secondhand
handboat,
boat, our
our boat
boat brokerage
brokerage hashas
thethe backing
backing of of
our service
our servicefacility
facilityand
andcancanmake
makethe
thesales
sales process
process easy.
easy.
Utilising our
Utilising our closed-door
closed-door under
under cover
coverrefit
refitand
andservice
servicesheds,
sheds,7070boat
boathardstand, wetwet
hardstand, berthing andand
berthing 70 70
tonton
shipship
lift,we
lift, we service
service and maintain
maintain aa wide
widerange
rangeofofgovernment
governmentdepartments,
departments, racing yachts
racing and
yachts recreational
and boaties.
recreational boaties.
Weare
We are aa trusted
trusted name for
for boat
boat repairs
repairsand
andmaintenance
maintenanceandandpride ourselves
pride onon
ourselves ourour
workmanship,
workmanship,customer
customer
service
serviceand
andattention
attentiontotodetail.
detail.
Completing over
Completing over 10,000
10,000boat
boatlifts,
lifts,our
ourexpertise
expertiseininboat
boathandling is second
handling to none.
is second to none.
Are you
Are you looking
looking to
to get
get work
work done
doneon
onyour
yourboat?
boat?Don’t
Don’tdeal
dealwith
withamateurs,
amateurs,deal with
deal thethe
with professionals.
professionals.
Got
Got aa cheaper
cheaperquote?
quote?We
Wewill
willbeat
beatany
anycomparable
comparable quote
quotebyby5%*.
5%*.
“We make boats our business”
“We make boats our business”
PORT RIVER MARINE SERVICES
PORT RIVER MARINE SERVICES
9-11 Allan Rice Court, Largs North SA 5016
9-11 Allan Rice Court, Largs North SA 5016
All Hours: (08) 8242 0788 | enquiries@prms.com.au | www.prms.com.au
All Hours:
*Terms (08) 8242
and conditions apply.0788 | enquiries@prms.com.au | www.prms.com.au
*Terms and conditions apply. 15PORT RIVER MARINE SERVICES Coming End of 2019 16 www.prms.com.au
EXPANSION | STAGE 1 OF 3
17AWKR
Numbers of South Australian women and boats competing
in AWKR continue to grow...
Hosted annually by the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS)
and sailed off St Kilda in Port Phillip Bay over the winter long
weekend in June, the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta was
founded back in 1990 by past RMYS Commodore Gai Clough as a
womens only regatta to encourage as many Australian women as
possible to compete in the sport of sailing. Today the regatta is one
of the premier events in the Australian sailing calendar. This year’s
AWKR attracted the largest fleet ever with 39 boats spread over
two divisions and 250 women sailors primed for close racing and
competitive camaraderie. The fleet included entries from every
Australian State, the Northern Territory and New Zealand.
Coinciding with the rise in numbers has been a significant increase
in the calibre of competition. Designed as an inclusive regatta,
AWKR this year involved a greater number of elite women sailors
than before, including past and present Olympians competing with
experienced national finalists as well as with those relatively new to
sailing at this level. 2019 proved a heady mix including Olympians
Karyn Gojnich (who has represented Australia three times over
a 20 year sailing career) and Danielle Kennedy (nee Dube who
has represented Canada) as well as Jo Breen (with 15 solo ocean
crossings under her belt and a double-handed Melbourne-Osaka)
and a women’s team from the Australian Defence Force competing
together at AWKR for the first time.
2 9 t h AU S T R A L I A N WO M E
Running up to the regatta, AWKR offered a series of lectures a Sydney 38 which also made the journey by sea. Barbara Parker,
at RMYS as part of its usual coaching initiative and this year the RSAYS, skippered Mrs Overnewton, a Bavaria Match 38 generously
individual sessions were live-streamed on AWKR’s FaceBook page lent to us by Les Norton of the RMYS. It is no coincidence that
for those of us unable to attend in person. Speakers included Sophie rumours of the quality regatta are fuelling this pleasing growth. As
Ciszek, professional sailor and part of the all-women crew finishing we look to the future here in SA we hope that others will enter
2nd overall on IRC in the 2018 Rolex Sydney to Hobart on Wild their boats in the Women’s Series in South Australia so that our
Oats X – Ocean Respect Racing; Sharon Ferris-Choat, ambassador for clubs can continue to send our own talented women sailors to
the Magenta Project which works to inspire women’s sailing globally national regattas.
by promoting and supporting women’s sailing at the elite level,
and Mel Hitchen-Haw, Head coach at Mornington Yacht Club, who MRS OVERNEWTON
provided an insight into racing techniques and strategies.
The day before the regatta numerous boats were out practising,
Word of mouth continues to draw many more into this unique mostly familiarising themselves with borrowed boats and the local
Australian event and the steady growth of AWKR over the past conditions. From the South Australian contingent, under Skipper
decade bears witness to the growing pool of talented women sailors Barabara Parker, Mrs Overnewton’s SA crew ran through its kite skills
scattered around the country. South Australia is a case in point. executing numerous gybes and peels in a breezy 11-12 knots. It was
For most of the past decade there has been one team of South certainly good to be back on board! Barbara Parker helmed with
Australian women competing in a borrowed Melbourne boat. Those Robyn Riedel as strategist and trouble-shooter, Di Schwerdt on
who competed came back to Adelaide full of enthusiasm for the mainsheet, Tess Gordon and Mel Barclay in the pit, Carolyn Ramsey
opportunities this event offers to all women who have ambitions and Adrianne Ralph trimming, Julie Bernardo on the mast and Sophie
to expand their sailing skills and experience. Here at home the Bishop on foredeck.
Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron has consistently encouraged
women’s sailing by, among other initiatives, hosting the Women’s Friday night’s briefing demonstrated that most crews were keenly
Series over summer and through the Foundation’s long-standing interested in the weather report and, after last year’s distinct lack
support of the team members representing South Australia at of wind, this year’s promise of plenty. Three days of northerlies, with
AWKR. For the last two years two teams have represented our the second and third day anticipating quite a bit of breeze raised
State and last year a number of other SA women also crewed on everyone’s spirits. We were more or less guaranteed there would be
Victorian boats. This year four SA teams competed, with three of the no drifters this year but we would have to look out for odd shifts of
teams taking their own boats. Mary Ann Harvey, CYCSA, skippered wind with significant wind shifts between city buildings. Sailing in the
School’s Out, a Bavaria 40 Cruiser which made the long sea journey lee of skyscrapers was always going to make the regatta interesting.
around from Adelaide. Janet Thornley, RSAYS, owner and skipper Morning briefings at 8:00 were short and to the point and quickly
of Balancing Act 2, trucked her 11 metre One Design boat from became a focal point for crew breakfasts and coffees – a good start
Adelaide to Melbourne. Helen Willmer, RSAYS, skippered Clockwork, to the day!
18AWKR
some damage. Ocean Respect Racing had been involved in a collision
before the start and pulled out of the race. During the race, SA’s
Balancing Act 2 came to grief, and a number of other boats retired
because of the conditions, thinking it more prudent to be satisfied
with five out of the six races. The 2019 Australian Women’s Keelboat
Regatta ended up being a memorable experience in more ways than
one!
Di Schwerdt
Mrs Overnewton crew
E N ’ S K E E L B O AT R E G AT TA
The opening races on Day 1 proved a testing time for the crew of
Mrs Overnewton. Gear failure in the form of the nose-cone coming
away from the end of the spinnaker pole came as a bit of a surprise
leaving us without a spinnaker for two of the three scheduled
Saturday races. Our work-around was to peel to appropriate
headsails to accommodate as best we could the different wind
strengths presenting in the first two races, drawing on the entire
sail wardrobe on the kite legs, except, of course, the kites. The
traveller was also jammed making it difficult to manoeuvre the main
into position. What changed was a bit of mechanical help from the
‘Boat Buoys’ who leapt aboard to re-attach the pole end and fix the
traveller between the end of the second race and the start of the
third and last race for the day. We made it to the start line with less
than 30 seconds to spare and, with our equipment in better order,
raced happily in the remaining sunshine and shifting winds. In all, it
was a great day for sailing with a number of spectator boats out on Mrs Overnewton
the water enjoying the event and cheering us on.
Windy conditions for Sunday’s two races, one short and one
long, provided a great work-out for all crews, not least those on
Mrs Overnewton, and most competitors were pleased with the
day’s racing. Ocean Respect Racing with Katie Spithill on the helm
continued its run of firsts with hot competition from Chutzpah and
Jungle Juice, but with a final race still to go the results had yet to be
decided.
While neither rain nor wind dampened our enthusiasm for getting
out on the water on Monday morning questions were raised about
whether we would race or not with the wind continuing to build.
Once the decision was made around 11:00, the fleet headed for the
start-line, but with 30 knots gusting and up to 35 knots seen in the
second half of the race, consummate crew work was imperative on
most boats, including Mrs Overnewton. Most of the fleet had reefed,
but it was not long before a few of the boats had sustained Photos courtesy of Bruno Cocozza Photography
19AWKR BALANCING ACT 2 Owner/Skipper: Janet Thornley I had previously raced in the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta but this year Balancing Act 2 made its debut appearance at AWKR as did my crew who were all new to what has always been for me an exciting and vibrant weekend of racing. Karen van Riet was the mainsheet hand, Claudia Larose Bell was on jib trimming, Emma Janet Thornley’s Balancing Act 2 with the mast down Watson on spinnaker trim and pit, Tracy Dauginas in the pit and on the mast, while Olivia Henry was on foredeck and jib trim. it was the second time they had been involved in a dismasting and Unfortunately ours was not a good regatta. After some rapid wind it brought back some traumatic memories. We were surrounded by shifts and quick maneuvering to avoid other boats at the leeward support when we arrived back at the marina. The team from Ocean mark, in our second downwind leg of the first Saturday race, our Respect and other fellow competitors who had also retired were all spinnaker halyard became stuck at the top of the mast and we were there to greet us. Lots of hugging and talking took place and I know unable to get the kite down. In all my time of racing this boat such my crew and I really appreciated it. The second wave of support a thing had never happened before. The team worked out a way came when Clockwork and School’s Out came back in. To me this is of neutralizing the spinnaker so we could turn the boat round and sailing at its finest where the community rallies round and supports head back to the marina, hand-furling the spinnaker to take all the each other. A big thank you to everyone and all the Boat Buoys. air out of it then lashing it to the side stays. I jokingly told people Presentation occurred later that day after the race. It was a big we were half way to Tasmania before we managed to turn around. surprise to receive an award for sportsmanship, persistence and I was proud of the way we sorted this out by ourselves with the resilience. At the time my emotions had the better of me when only casualty being a small rip to the spinnaker. Once back at the accepting the award but it was really appreciated. All my crew dock we sent Alan up the mast. Although the cause of the problem deserved that award and I wish I could have given them all a medal. was easily identified and rectified, the halyard had jumped out of the They are an awesome team and I was proud to be their skipper. sheave box and jammed at the top of the mast - we were unable to Despite the carnage that we experienced at this regatta we are all compete in the other two races scheduled for that day. The regatta keen to give it a go again next year. Balancing Act 2 is on track to was essentially over for us and we were all very disappointed. be back again for the next sailing season. The new mast is getting Day two was uneventful for Balancing Act 2. Winds were about 15-20 its finishing touches and I will be making a decision on the mainsail with regular gusts over 20 knots. We sailed conservatively with a soon. See you all out on the water! reef in the main and two-sailed it for much of the two races with the spinnaker making an occasional appearance. My aim was to finish both races without any dramas, not to break anything and to get our CLOCKWORK sailing legs. This was achieved! Skipper: Helen Willmer Day three brought very strong winds with some carnage happening The regatta was a real buzz for the eight crew on Team Clockwork in the prestart manoeuvres. Again my aim was to just finish the race – a real mix of age and experience. The crew, including Amelia and not break anything. That of course didn’t happen. We had a Clement, Christine Harvey, Sharon Lienert, Jacqui Cole, Mary reef in the main and were only two-sailing it on the downwind legs. Callery, Helen Willmer (helm), Sarah Buckley, Lisa Brock, Jacki While on one of the downwind legs, without warning the rig gave Ackers and ground support Helen Kearney, all helped to keep us up way. One second it was up and the next second it was down. Luckily there with the best! We had huge smiles for second over the line the mast fell forward not injuring anyone on the way down. After the in Race One and for bringing in a 1st on Event Handicap in Race initial disbelief, it was all about making sure everyone was safe and Four. Accolades must go to Bob Schahinger and his hardy crew for regrouping in the cockpit. Once one of the support boats arrived braving the winter elements on the trip over from Adelaide. It is and we reassured them that we were all okay we went into retrieval the generosity of these club members that helps to grow the sport mode. At the front of the boat I had a better view of the situation of sailing! Clockwork remained in Melbourne and a South Australian and realised that the mast had broken in two places, one spot near team was able to score a fastest time in the Ocean Racing Club of the top which is what would have brought the mast down and a Victoria’s Women’s Skippers and Navigators race. Thanks also to the second break where it hit the deck. The top part was under the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron Foundation for its generous water so I couldn’t get a clear look at what had given way or broken support of our AWKR campaign. in the first place. Unfortunately while we were retrieving the jib one of my crew sustained an injury. Her leg was in the wrong place at the wrong time and the remnant of mast bounced onto her leg and squashed it for a brief moment between mast and deck. No break, fortunately, but a big bruise gave her a sore leg for many weeks. The jib was retrieved and then we had help come aboard. Two of the ‘Boat Buoys’ appeared with a pair of bolt cutters. Their concern was that the mast that was in the water could potentially put a hole in the boat. Everything was cut and thrown overboard. We managed to keep our boom, spinnaker pole and a few bits and pieces. My only regret afterwards was that I couldn’t definitively say what brought the mast down (though I had my theories) and I lost a perfectly good mainsail. I’d like to say that I was a picture of control while this happened but the lip started to quiver and the tears started to fall when the knife went through the mainsail. Once everything was clear we headed back under our own steam to the marina. I was again proud of how my crew handled themselves. For some of them 20
CYCSA’S SCHOOL’S OUT AT THE AWKR
SCHOOL’S OUT
Skipper: Mary Ann Harvey
For three years the School’s Out crew had been hoping for a windy
June long weekend, and this year we got it! The forecast was for
10-18 knots over the regatta with 30 knots on Monday. We were
excited to race in conditions that would suit us. On day one the
Race Committee did very well to get three windward leeward races
in, anticipating there may be no racing on the last day with that
forecast. We experienced a few issues which showed in the results.
After the day’s racing we talked about what we had done well, then
discussed the mistakes we had made and what we needed to work
on. This really set us up for better teamwork and communication for
the rest of the regatta.
Day two was our day. Race Four was another three lap windward
leeward. We had a great start and with excellent crew work and School’s Out crew
trimming it was a faultless race for School’s Out. The wind was
building and we had just enough time to get the now mandatory very busy racing programme. The camaraderie both on and off the
PFDs on before we were in the starting sequence for the ‘Long water is incredible.
Race’. Again we sailed really well in some very close racing with the School’s Out crew included Mary Ann Harvey (helm), Robin Townsend
top five boats finishing within a minute of each other on corrected (tactician), Marion Toy (main trimmer), Peta Oliver (trimmer, heady
time. We achieved a third and a fourth against strong competition, and brace), Helen White (heady and spinnaker trimmer), Mary Beth
both races within 30 seconds of first place. Aiken (strings), Jo Pilmore (mast and bow) and Kerry Parker (bow) –
The wind came as promised on Monday. Boats were in trouble an awesome bunch!
before the start. Regatta leader Ocean Respect Racing withdrew after I would like to acknowledge Adrian Wotton’s ongoing support of
a collision and there was even a delay called within the starting women’s sailing at the CYCSA. On behalf of the crew, I would like
sequence as gusts hit 28 knots. Personally I was looking forward to thank Adrian for his generosity, enthusiasm and time in allowing
to the challenge. School’s Out is a very reliable boat to sail in heavy us to compete on his beautiful boat, School’s Out for the last three
weather and I was sure with our combined abilities and strengths regattas.
that we would be fine in those conditions, and we were.
What is fantastic about the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta
is that it gives women sailors of all ages and experience the
opportunity to develop skills and demonstrate their abilities over a AWKR photos courtesy of Bruno Cocozza Photography
School’s Out
21You can also read
