Lou Abrahams’ Challenge successfully defended the Quantum Sydney 38 Victorian Championship hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club on the 20th and 21st April. Whilst the final points may suggest it was an easy win for Challenge, this was far from the case. Two of the races won by Challenge were by a mere 2 seconds and a 6th in race 5 opened the door for a close series. Chutzpah38 skippered by Bruce Taylor from RYCV started the series with a runaway win in Heat 1 and sailed well to finish second from Ian Murray’s Cinquante from RGYC which also won a heat.

The Corinthian Division was won by Clockwork owned by SYC members Frank McDermott and Gordon Mathers from the RBYC’s Audacious owned by Greg Clinnick and Paul Holden. In spite of winning two races, the class rule of not allowing a drop race and inconsistency penalized Audacious from a better overall result. Playground owned by Andrew Robinson also demonstrated good form to be placed 3rd in the Corinthian Division.

Racing on Saturday was sailed in a south easterly wind varying in strength from 12 to 20 knots which generally favoured the left hand side of the course. Interestingly, the elapsed times for the windward /leeward course ranged from 57 minutes to 1 hour 2 minutes. Given the target was a 1 hour race the Race Officer, Bruce Humphries did a great job.

Race 1 :- Chutzpah38 led from start to finish and whilst the crew had a scare on the final run to the finish with a spinnaker problem, they held on to comfortably win from Clockwork. Challenge and 38 Degrees South were over anxious at the start and were both recalled as premature starters but Challenge recovered to finish 3rd.
Race 2 :- Audacious, with excellent downwind speed held off a fast finishing Challenge to record a well deserved win. Clockwork threatened throughout the race to finish 3rd.
Race 3 :- This was a very close race which was won at the weather mark when Challenge was able force both Chutzpah38 and Clockwork to underlay the mark and cross the finish 2 seconds ahead of Clockwork which continued her great form.
Race 4 :- Clockwork aiming for the pin at the start, misjudged her run and was forced to restart and never recovered to finish 7th , spoiling what otherwise would have been a great day’s result. On the other hand, Challenge was able to catch the last wave of the day to beat Chutzpah38 across the line to win by the narrowest of margins after see saw battle run to the finish. Third was Cinquinte which had improved each race.

Conditions on Sunday were very different. An unusual shifting north easterly wind, variable in strength from 10 to 15 knots, played havoc with the fleet. Again the RO did a great job with the elapsed time of all three each race varying by only 2 minutes. On this occasion it was the right side of the course which was generally favoured, although positioning in the pressure was just as important.

Race 5 :- This time it was Cinquante that was the bolter and sailed extremely well to win convincingly. Those that went left including Challenge and Sierra Chainsaw suffered badly and never recovered. Chutzpah38, with Noel Drennan calling the shots and Playground also did well. Given Challenge’s poor result, the series was now wide open with any one of the four leading boats having a chance to win the regatta.
Race 6 :- What a race! This was the closest result of the regatta. At “the gate” at end of the first lap it was four abreast and very close. At the weather mark it was equally as close and it was only a lift at the very last moment and a crash jibe to port by Challenge that had her on a port jibe in clear air that gave her the jump on the fleet. 38 Degrees South skippered by John Chatham and Sierra Chainsaw sailed by the Mollison family, the early leaders, had their best races to fill the minor places.
Race 7 :- Unfortunately for Chutzpah38, going left was a disaster! She sailed out of wind on the first beat and was never a threat. Given the results of race 6, Challenge was now in a position where it had to protect its lead and conservative tactics actually paid dividends particularly downwind when it paid to jibe early to port. The conditions suited Audacious and whilst Challenge threatened on the final run to the finish, she was able to cross the line a clear winner by 5 seconds.

FINAL RESULTS

1. Challenge Lou Abrahams 3,2,1,1,6,1,2 16 points
2. Chutzpah38 Bruce Taylor 1,4,3,2,2,5,7 24 points
3. Cinquante Ian Murray 6,5,4,3,1,4,4 27 points
4. Clockwork Gordon Mathers/Frank McDermott 2,3,2,7,5,6,3 28 pts
5. Audacious Greg Clinnick/Paul Holden 5,1,7,6,4,8,1 32 points
6. Playground Andrew Robinson 4,6,9,4,3,7,5 38 points
7. Sierra Chainsaw Mollison Family 7,8,5,5,7,3,8 43 points
8. 38 Degrees South John Chatham 8,7,6,8,8,2,6 45 points
9. Adrenalin Ian Beer/Andrew Molnar 10,9,8,9,9,9,9 63 points

Ben Solly organized a very enjoyable function on Saturday night in the library at SYC. The same venue was also used for the presentation after the regatta and was well attended.

The regatta was very well run by Bruce Humphries and his on water team. John Chatham and Peter Cole attended to the conformance issues whilst Noel Allen and Darren Eger ensured the fleet behaved themselves with a jury presence on the water.

The Sailing Office in particular Monica and Sulis also did a great job organizing the event.

In summary, the Challenge crew, lead by Mark Bulka used their considerable experience to win another State Title for Lou. However, the competition has improved to the extent that any number of boats have the potential to win in the future. Rumour has it that another Sydney 38 is about to join the fleet in June, leaving the Southern Chapter Sydney 38 fleet in very good shape.

Rowan Simpson
Secretary,
Sydney 38 Class Southern Chapter

The 2013 South Australian Sydney 38 State Championships was held at Port Lincoln between 18th and 21st February, 2013 following the passage race from Adelaide. The 4 Sydney 38’s in a the passage race enjoyed close racing and did well to finish 6th (Shining Sea), 9th (Mille Sabords), 10th (Asylum) (By 2 seconds ) and 12th (White Knight) in light, trying conditions. Two Victorian Sydney 38’s, Chutzpah38 and Audacious sailed direct to Port Lincoln to make a competitive fleet of 6 to contest the championship.

Day one of the series was abandoned after a 38 knot sand storm scattered the fleet mid race. Fortunately damage was minimal and all boats were able to start the next day when 3 windward races were rescheduled. Conditions had moderated but major wind shifts provided challenged crews. Race 1 was won by Shining Sea with Audacious and Chutzpah38 finishing a close one second apart. Race 2 saw the fleet split between the right and left hand side of the course. Results were a turn around of Race 1 as those who picked the 30 degree shift to the left including White Knight and Mille Sabords left the rest of the fleet in their wake. Fortunately, Chutzpah38 and Audacious recovered but Shining Sea suffered a 6th place. Race 3 saw a new leader with Chutzpah38 having a good race to hold off the surprise packet of the series White Knight.

Race 4 produced the same result with Chutzpah38 sailing conservatively to keep both White Knight and Shining Sea at bay. Covering the fleet was difficult as illustrated by Audacious which threatened by going hard right. Racing was close and it was important to lead the fleet into the next shift! No further racing was held but everyone enjoyed the Club Marine Megga’s barbeque on a secluded beach at Spalding Cove.

The final day’s racing was held in less wind building from 8 knots to 13 knots. Chutzpah38 had a good day winning all three races leaving White Knight, Shinning Sea and Audacious to fight out the minor placings. Audacious suffered from traffic in Race 5 and a penalty turn whilst White Knight continued to impress to finish the day ahead of Shining Sea. At the end of the day, Chutzpah38, with 5 first places, won the series from White Knight. (Originally raced as Transfusion) Shining Sea finished third, one point ahead of Audacious.

At the presentation at the Port Lincoln Hotel Ball Room, the Victorians were made to feel very much appreciated for supporting the Regatta. The winning skipper, Bruce Taylor, on accepting his trophy thanked the locals for their hospitality adding that in his experience, the Port Lincoln Regatta was one of the most enjoyable he had attended. Everyone was made to feel welcome and the social aspects of the regatta were a highlight. There were functions on most nights and the Sydney 38 Crew Dinner provided a great opportunity for crews to mix. The sailing on Boston Bay is similar to Corio Bay where the next Nationals are to be contested. The water is flat and the wind shifts both challenge and frustrate tacticians.

Rowan Simpson
FINAL SERIES RESULTS

1 Chutzpah38 Bruce Taylor Vic 11 points 3,3,1,1,1,1,1

2 White Knight David Knights SA 20 points 5,1,2,2,2,4,4

3 Shining Sea Andrew Corletto SA 22 points 1,6,3,3,4,3,2

4 Audacious G Clinnick/P Holden Vic 23 points 2,4,5,4,3,2,3

5 Mille Sabords Stephane Howart Vic 31 points 4,2,4,5,5,6,5

6 Asylum Derek Morrison SA 40 points 6,5,6,6,6,5,6

The Victorian fleet of ten active Sydney 38’s enjoyed a number of regattas during 2011 / 2012 and the 2012 / 2013 season is set to be more competitive and exciting than ever before! We have introduced a more comprehensive summer aggregate to complement the regular ‘Sunday Morning Sprints’ with participation levels at 90%. Competition is extremely tough and Lou Abraham’s “Challenge” no longer dominates the racing. Ian Murray’s “Cinquante” crew regularly make their way up from Geelong and have been rewarded by currently leading the summer aggregate series. “Clockwork” owned by Gordon Mather and Frank McDermott is also sailing well and winning races. “Audacious” owned by Greg Clinnick and Paul Holden as well as “Chutzpah38” skippered by Bruce Taylor are also prominent.

2011 /2012 Highlights
1 Victorian Championships
The 2012 North Sails Victorian Championship was hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club on the weekend of 21st and 22nd of April. The racing was sailed in a variety of testing conditions ranging from a drifter to 25 knots. The ten competitors enjoyed close racing in a no drops series. “Challenge” owned by the 85 year old legend, Lou Abrahams and helmed by the very talented Mark Bulka won the series by a convincing 13 points from Sierra Chainsaw (The Mollison family) which also won the Corinthian division.
2 Morris Finance 2012 Pre Season Regatta
The Morris Finance Regatta was held at Royal Geelong Yacht Club over the weekend of 15th and 16th September. The Series was won on a count back by “Cinquante” skippered by the local and sponsor Ian Murray from Lou Abrahams “Challenge”. The seven race series was sailed in predominately light and testing conditions. “Clockwork” (Gordon Mather and Frank McDermontt) sailed consistently on both days and did well to finish third overall and won the Corinthian division.
3 Winter Series
The eight race winter series was won by Challenge with a perfect score from Audacious and Chutzpah38. This was the first One Design series held over winter and proved popular an average of eight starters each day. Race days were scheduled one day a month in lieu of the ORCV Winter series held fortnightly. The series was a success and based on feedback may be held once every three weeks next year.
2012 / 2013 The Season So Far
1 Lipton Cup
One Design Racing was on display for the first time at the Lipton Cup. Usually a two day handicap event, the RYCV accommodated the needs of the 38 fleet by hosting a three race scratch event on the Saturday of the regatta in November. Whilst race one was marred by an individual recall which affected all but one boat in the fleet, racing was typically close. “Cinquante” was the boat of the day with “Clockwork” also having a good regatta to finish second. “Challenge”, after a poor first race, fought back with a 1st and a 2nd. A good fleet of 9 Sydney 38s took part in the regatta.

2 Summer Aggregate
As an incentive for owners to participate more and to keep interest levels high the summer aggregate has been extended to include more than the Sunday morning sprint series. Races such as the Lipton Cup, Sail Melbourne and Club events have been included this season. Based on the support thus far the format has been well received. Unsurprising, it would appear One Design racing is alive and well. After 8 races, “Cinquante” and “Challenge” lead with 13 points from “Audacious” not far behind.
3 Club Marine Series
Whilst not a scratch event, it is interesting to note that Sydney 38’s dominate the leader board after 3 races. Whilst a well sailed and rated Beneta 45 is leading the series, ,“Clockwork” is second, “Audacious” is third, 38 Degrees South is fourth and “Chutzpah38”fifth. “Audacious”, “Chutzpah38” and “38 Degrees South” (John Chatham) have all won a heat. This series is the feature event of the IRC summer calendar in Victoria and the results to date reflect the competitiveness of the class.
4 Festival Of Sail
Planning is well under way for this regatta scheduled between 25th to the 27th of January 2013. With interstate entries expected from “Zen” (Gordon Ketelbey, NSW) and “Shining Sea” (Andrew Corletto, SA) a big fleet of 13 boats should make for a great regatta. In order to accommodate a request from RGYC, the passage race from Melbourne to Geelong will be included in the seven race series with a provision for one drop. Again, Ian Murray “Cinquante” has agreed to sponsor the event through his company “Morris Finance” and the Southern Chapter very much appreciates his on going commitment to the class.
SUMMARY
The Sydney 38 fleet in Melbourne is very healthy, participation levels are high and the standard of racing has improved. The addition of “Playground” (Andrew Robinson) and “Adrenalin” (Ian Beer and Andrew Molnar) have not only increased our numbers but improved the competition. “Cinquante”, no doubt is the big improver and along with “Clockwork” demonstrates that success can be achieved with perseverance and effort. We also look forward to seeing Andrew Mollison helming “Sierra Chainsaw” again after recovering from serious injury.
The proposal to introduce the masthead spinnaker as the standard configuration has been the subject of much debate in Victoria and opinions are divided. Owners have been encouraged to vote by submitting their proxies at the AGM.

Rowan Simpson,
Secretary,
Southern Chapter.

Young Australian of the Year Jessica Watson, has upped the stakes for the seasoned sailors of the Sydney 38 fleet in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart this year. Behind the fame and glory of the large maxis, last year’s ocean race proved it ain’t over until the smaller fleet crosses the line.

In one of the closest and most challenging finishes the race has seen, it was the Sydney 38 fleet that provided a nail biting photo finish in the 628 nautical mile race, with the first two Sydney 38s finishing 29 seconds apart.

Jessica Watson, skipper of Ella Bache – Andrea Francolini ©
Last year’s winner, Eleni, is taking to the high seas again under the name TSA Management but it is the yacht that came second, renamed Ella Bache, that has the sailing community buzzing.

Jessica Watson will be at the helm of Ella Bache, and showing her usual flair and commitment to breaking records, her and her crew have been training intensely for the last few months.

Ella Bache has an average crew age of 19 while the defending champion TSA Management average age is well into their forties, you would be forgiven as seeing this as the young vs the oldies.

But Jessica Watson is adamant that their age is not a defining factor, saying recently ‘I think it’s surely about the experience and the way you go about things more than an age.’

Do not discount any of the eight yachts in the fleet winning the handicap honours.

The Goat, winner of the national championship earlier this year, has its sights on the Tattersalls Cup. Mark our words, just as it was last year, the most exciting race will be in the Sydney 38 fleet.

Sydney 38 fleet – Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race website

by Jacqueline Levett

NOTICE OF MEETING & BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SYDNEY 38 ONE DESIGN CLASS ASSOCIATION

TO BE HELD AT THE RSYS, PEEL STREET, KIRRIBILLI

7 PM MONDAY 17^th OCTOBER 2011

NOTES

1. Only members who are in good financial standing may attend the meeting and vote.

2. A quorum consists of 25% of the membership.

3. Members entitled to vote may appoint a proxy.

4. Nominations for the Executive Committee must be received in writing, signed by two members of

the Association and accompanied by the written consent of the nominee.

5. Nominations must be received by the Executive seven days prior to the AGM

AGENDA

1. President’s Report 2010/11

To receive the report by the President of the Sydney 38 Class Association

2. Financial Statements 2010/2011

To receive and consider the Financial Statements, 30 June 2011, together with the report of the

Treasurer

3. Calendar

To receive and consider the Class Event calendar for the 2011/2012 sailing season.

4. Election of the Executive Committee

4.1 To elect a member of the Association as President

4.2 To elect a member of the Association as Treasurer

4.3 To elect no fewer than two further members of the Association to the Executive Committee

Note that the current President, Treasurer and Executive Committee members are all standing for re-election

Mark Griffiths – President Greg Clinnick – Treasurer Executive Committee Geoff Bonus, Peter Byford, Andrew Corletto, Lou Abrahams, Rowan Simpson

5. Resolutions

To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following special resolutions by the required two thirds majority of those present or by proxy and entitled to vote.

Preamble

The Class rules have not been reviewed for several years. A number of administrative matters need to be addressed to more accurately reflect how the Association is managed and take into account changes in circumstances over time. These changes are considered largely cosmetic and will not impact the integrity of the one design racing principles of performance of the Sydney 38.

Two resolutions that were passed at the last AGM (increase in the maximum crew weight to 800kgs and the deletion of the ISAF Group 2 sailor classification) have been reflected in the redrafting of the rules.

Resolution 1

To adopt the redrafted class rules as the rules used to govern the class effective immediately.

6. Other Business

To consider other business that might be brought forward in accordance with the Rules.

Mark Griffith – President

2011 MORRIS FINANCE SYDNEY 38 PRE SEASON ONE DESIGN REGATTA

The traditional season opener for the Victorian Sydney 38 One Design fleet was sailed on Corio Bay last weekend. Hosted by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club and sponsored by Morris Finance, the regatta provided the opportunity for crews to shake off the cobwebs and practice their skills before the summer season officially gets under way in the first week of October. The Royal Geelong Yacht Club was very welcoming and made its facilities available throughout the weekend for crews to feel at home and organized a barbeque on Saturday night for crews and families to socialize. The Marina Management organizes berths for visiting yachts and the Club provides a competent Race Management team to ensure the racing is well run.

Seven Sydney 38’s competed in conditions that tested both their patience and skills. Four races were completed on Saturday and three on Sunday. The weather ranged from light and variable on Saturday morning to gusty north westerly to 22 knots on Saturday afternoon. With little wind forecast, Sunday’s  conditions actually provided the best conditions with the wind building to 12 knots before fading to less than 8 knots in the afternoon. Racing was close with 4 different heat winners. Finishes were close with the local boat “Cinquante” leading the point score at the conclusion of day 1 of racing followed by ‘Audacious’ 5 points separated the top 5 boats. However, with three wins, consistency saw “Challenge” top the point score at the end of the regatta. At the presentation, Mark Bulka, the helmsman on “Challenge”, congratulated the other competitors on their performances, indicating he felt the standard of racing had improved and suggesting winning the regatta had not been easy.

Race One :-  With a very unstable air mass over Corio Bay, it was anyone’s guess where the wind was going to blow from. However, it was “Cinquante” who eventually picked up the north westerly to hold off a fast finishing “Audacious”. The boats on the right were clear winners on the run to the finish leaving “Challenge” and “38 Degees South” wallowing in the centre of the course.

Race Two :- After relocating the start, “Sierra Chainsaw” showed form to lead from “Challenge” in a two boat race sailed in 15 knots of  breeze. However, a jibe set at the last mark saw “Challenge” grab the lead and lay the finish without gybing to win the heat.

Race Three :- This race was shortened to one lap after the wind changed direction yet again. Jibs replaced spinnakers on the run to the first. It was with some relief for the “Audacious” crew that they  were able to find the new breeze to hold off “Cinquinte” and “Challenge” who both threatened to take the lead. It was quite a sight to see “Clockwork” with her orange spinnaker under full power further to the east charging, when those ahead were almost becalmed. However, such were the vagaries of the conditions that anything could have occurred.

Race Four :-  After another course change,  it was “Challenge” very close to being a premature starter, whotacked to port at the start, cleared her air and picked up a right hand shift to lead from “Cinquante” after the first lap. She was able to extend the lead at the finish to win comfortably to complete the days racing. “Audacious” sailed well to recover from being OCS at the start of the race. to finish fourth. 

Race Five.:- Day two of racing began with a building wind from the south east of about 8 knots. “Clockwork” and “Challenge” enjoyed a close race with “Clockwork” leading to the top mark. The left side of the course was favoured at this stage. “Cinquante” made it clear of her preference and “Challenge” followed suite. She was able to gain the ascendency over “Clockwork” by going left and held her lead to the finish.

Race Six :- In one of the closest finishes of the series, “Clockwork” crossed the finish a mere metre in front of “Cinquante” to win the race in a dying wind. “Sierra Chasinsaw” dropped out of contention by going right on the run. For those “on the ball” that was an indicator for the final race. of the day.

Race Seven :- After a very congested start, “Cinquante”, the main threat to “Challenge”got away well and chose the left side of the course.  “Challenge” started slowly, saw “Mille Starbords “ sailing well on the right, tacked into a knock and thereafter forced “Cinquante” further to the left. “Audacious” sailing her own race was always a threat and protected the right side of the course  to take out a well deserved win to complete the series on a high note. “Cinquante” fell back through out the race to allow “Challenge” a series win by the slender margin of 2 points.

.FINAL RESULTS

1. Challenge                                Lou Abrahams                12  Points

2. Cinquante                                Ian Murray                    14  Points 

3. Audacious                               Greg Clinnick                 15  Points 

4.  Sierra Chainsaw                      Mel Morrison                 18  Points

5.  Clockwork                             Gordon Mather                23  Points

6.  Mille Sabords                         Stephane Howarth           33 Points

7. 38 Degrees South                     John Chatham                 36 Points

 The Corinthian Trophy (No professionals) was won by Audacious with Sierra Chainsaw and Mille Sabords second and third.

With the addition of another Sydney 38 to the fleet,(“Playground” Andrew Robinson) there are now 11 Sydney 38’s on the bay.  If the racing on the weekend was any indication of what lies ahead, the fleet can look forward to a great summer of racing! Many thanks on behalf of the Sydney 38 Southern chapter to Ian Murray of Morris Finance and the Royal Geelong Yacht Club for hosting a very successful weekend of racing.

 Rowan Simpson

20/9/2011

Whilst primarily designed as a One Design class, the Sydney 38 yacht continues to be competitive in both IRC and AMS handicap events. This was illustrated in the recently completed 2011 ORCV seven race Winter Series. Sailed in a variety of conditions from light to gale force winds, two Sydney 38s namely Lou Abrahams’ “Challenge” and Bruce Taylor’s “Chutzpah 38” virtually match raced throughout the series to be placed 1st and 2nd overall in the Division 1 of the IRC event and 2nd and 4th respectively in the AMS event.

Counting two wins, a second, two thirds, a fourth, and dropping a DNF “Challenge”, finished with a series score of fourteen points, four points clear of “Chutzpah 38”. Both Sydney 38’s had dramas in the windy races with “Challenge” experiencing steering problems in one heat and “Chutzpah 38” breaking a spinnaker pole.  Up to five Sydney 38’s competed in the ORVC event providing great racing and interest. However, with the lead changing within each race, and three points separating the boats going into the last race, it was apparent from the start that there was a race within the 44 mile passage race to Geelong.

“Challenge”  started on “Chutzpah 38’s”  hip rounded the first mark ahead and maintained the closest of covers on “Chutzpah 38 crossing the finish line three minutes ahead after seven hours of racing. No doubt their competiveness pushed both boats to do well on handicap. At the end of the day Bruce, forever a gentleman, congratulated Lou on sailing “a beautiful race”. Little did he know, the pressure he and his crew had applied to a very wary “Challenge” crew.

It was great to see “Cinquinte” owned by Ian Murray make the effort to sail from Geelong to compete in most of the races. The enthusiasm of  Stephane Howarth sailing her “Mille Sabords” cannot be denied and it was great to see “Fullynpushing” owned by Andrew Griffiths and the new addition to the fleet “Playground” owned by Andrew Robinson out on the water for the last race of the series. “Audacious” owned by Greg Clinnick and Paul Holden joined in the fun for the last couple of races and demonstrated she cannot be ignored.

The ORCV is to be congratulated for running the series and listening to owners who felt the previous passage race to Geelong was too long. The provision for shorter courses made for a testing yet  enjoyable race in difficult conditions. The photos such as those supporting this article were also well received and a promotion for yachting generally.

Rowan Simpson

12/9/2011

Winter is well and truly upon us and if you are like me, you are counting down the days to summer and lookingto escape up to the tropics. Despite the conditions, there is still plenty of 38 sailing available with winter series racing at the Harbour, Pittwater and
Victoria and we have race reports from each of these series below as well as information on Port Lincoln week where the inaugural SA state titles will be held in February 2012.

Probably the most important news of late (and which you should by now all be aware of) is that the association membership fee has been dropped to $250, which is a substantial drop on where it has been, and is now at a level that there is no reason not to be a member, particularly given the member only benefits that are available now, or soon will be. Credit for the drop in fees needs to go to Greg Clinnick for his efforts in cost cutting.

Hopefully by the time you receive this email, the new web site will be live. If not it is not far away and will offer greater functionality and ease of use as well as having additional
sections such as members only sections for  supplier discounts and a trading post for boats, sails and other gear.

For anyone looking to replace running rigging, Sydney rigging is offering a 10% discount to association members before end October, and there is a full price list on the members’ only
section of the new website.

We will shortly be distributing the proposed amendments to the class rules for voting at the next AGM.
Regards

Mark Griffith President

AUDI  CYC
Winter series report by Larki Missiris

Cursing (Freudian slip? I think this is meant to be Cruising) Yacht Club of Australia Audi Winter  Series this year attracted over 130 yachts which races in 12 divisions including
a Sydney 38 division. The Sydney 38‘s were able to attract seven starters which were the first group off on a scratch start at 11.25am. Race results were determined by performance handicap system over the ten race series.

With the first three races out of the four being a shortened course due to the light conditions
Wild One owner Larki Missiris took full advantage of the conditions winning four straight races, with the crew on Outlaw, Alan and Tom Quick sailing a faultless race in race 5 taking the podium finish and beating the next Sydney 38 Calibre G Bonus/ R Williams by more than 7 minutes over the line who were able to claim second and Livewire P Barnes in third spot.

Race 6 was a different story with Sydney waking to a cold measurable wet Sunday the breeze around 15 knots out of the south and by mid afternoon gusting to 25 knots from
the south / east. Three yachts from other divisions hitting Sow and Pigs reef due to the north cardinal marker missing, with another yacht came to grief hitting the rocks at Steel Point off Nielson Park. The Sydney 38 fleet reveling in the conditions with some great kite runs with speeds of 13 knots reported on the day.

Sally Warneford’s Sydney 38 Thirlmere being steered by Vanessa Dudley champion Laser sailor taking out race 6 in style with a handicap win as well as first Sydney 38 home. The
other place getters on the day were Calibre G Bonus / R Williams and Next I Mason / M Wenke finishing third.

The crew of Thirlmere continued where they left off the previous week with a win in race 7
for a second week in a row just holding Wild One out by 13 seconds for second
spot and Next in third.  Pleasant sailing condition in a 10 knot breeze out of the west as well as a sunny day with most competitors wearing shorts and t-shirts. The only hazardous objects on the harbour were the Manly Ferries and those container ships which come in the harbour that morning creating an obstacle to some competitors.

Getting down to the business end of the season in race 8 competitors were getting their boats scrubbed leaving nothing to chance. With light wind forecasted the Sydney 38
fleet started in a north/west breeze at 5-7 knots with the race committee having
no choice but to shorten the course as the breeze was dying out all day. Wild
One taking advantage of the shortened course winning race 8 with Outlaw Alan and
tom Quick in second place and Livewire Phil Barnes in third.

Larki Missiris owner of Wild One taking his fifth win in eight races is in an unbeatable
position with only two races remaining to determine the series winner.
After a short AP in race 9 due to the lack of wind the Sydney 38 fleet were started in a 7-10
knot north/north westerly breeze which was build to 15 knot by the afternoon. A
fully course was sailed in perfect conditions. Bruce Foye The Goat picking up
his first win for the season with Livewire second and Next in third.

Due to the excessive winds on the last race of the Audi Winter Series the race committee
abandoned race 10. The breeze on Sydney Harbour was 30 knots gusting to 45 knots
with the committee announcing the abandoned of race 10 just before 11.00am. A
great series was had by all the Sydney 38 owners with good close racing hopping
next year to attract a larger fleet to contest the Sydney 38 Audi Winter Series.

Series Results

Handicap:

Wild One   11  pts  L Missiris

Livewire     20 pts   P Barnes

Next          21 pts   I Mason /  M Wenke

Outlaw       24 pts   A and T Quick

Thirlmere   29 pts   S Warneford / L Jamie

Calibre       31  pts   G Bonus / R Williams

The Goat    33 pts   B Foye

Scratch:

Wild One  14  pts L Missiris

Outlaw     18  pts A and T Quick

Next         19  pts I Mason / M Wenke

Calibre      24  pts G Bonus / R Williams

Thirlmere  25  pts S Warneford / L Jamie

The Goat   34  pts B Foyed

Livewire    36 pts  P Barnes

Victorian report

The Victoria fleet  has a more relaxed sailing program over the winter, with some of the boats a complete break whilst others are enjoying some less serious club racing and catching up with the maintenance list. The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria run a series of interclub races every second Sunday throughout winter, and for the hard core, this racing is where you will find the strongest competition.

A number of Sydney 38 are competing this year, and in IRC division 1, Chutzpah38 and Challenge are currently 2nd and 4th respectively after 3 races. To date the conditions have been a bit puffy and on more than one occasion the 38 brigade have been practicing their chinese if you get my drift. That mast head configuration certainly tests the limit sometimes….. It was great to see Cinquante make the effort in race 1 to come across from Geelong to play with the fleet. All of the owners are looking forward to our preseason 38 regatta at Geelong in September.

Pittwater report by Chris Dawson Eye Candy

Well looks like CD has let us down but not to worry Chris, I will provide my completely unbiased report:

We had a good turnout with all but one of the Pittwater fleet turning out for the winter
series, which was a light hearted pursuit series, where crews could enjoy the
scenery of beautiful Pittwater while sipping cocktails , well this is what it was meant to be, but as you can imagine inevitably there is all ways one crew who exhorts others to participate in racing “one Design”. I am pleased to say that despite this unseemly peer group pressure, Old School remained true to the concept of winter racing and started on its allotted time, where the crew were able to enjoy refreshments accompanied by classic music without interruption by yachts barging in at marks without overlaps (well that was the plan anyway).

After the dust of combat had settled, Eye Candy emerged victorious in Division 1, which is a
credit to the competitiveness of the twenty five crew lining its rail, while Old
School came out third, one point behind missing second on a countback to a well
sailed but extremely raucous F40.

Inaugural 2012 SA State Championships

The inaugural South Australian State Championships will be held during Pt Lincoln Race Week in February 2012.

With the increasing number of Sydney 38s in Adelaide – all based at the CYCSA- it was
decided to hold a South Australian state title as part of one of the best
regatta weeks in Australia.  The Lincoln Race Week held in Pt Lincoln  following
the Adelaide to Lincoln Bluewater Classic, is held on some of the best sailing
waters in Australia.  The waters of Boston Bay provide flat water, nice breezes,
sunshine and the hospitality of Pt Lincoln and the Pt Lincoln Yacht Club results
in a memorable sailing experience.

“We will do everything we can to make it a hugely successful event.  We have appointed an
extra National Race Officer to assist Stewart Ross in our race management so all
is looking good for a great week .” said Regatta Chairman, Steve
Kemp.

Dates to note are: 2012 Lexus Adelaide to Port Lincoln Yacht Race – Friday 17th February and 2012 Lexus Lincoln Week and SA Sydney 38 Championships – 20th February to 24th
February.

A number  of Victorian boats have expressed interest in coming across for the SA
Championships and bolster the growing SA fleet which should result  in some
excellent competition and close racing.  Berthing of boats during Lincoln Race
week is usually at no charge and special packages are available from the CYCSA
for interstate boats heading up to Adelaide to compete in the Bluewater
Classic.

For interstate crews, the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre is best source for
accommodation information.

For more information contact either the Port Lincoln Yacht Club at www.plyc.com.au or [email protected]
or SA Sydney 38 Fleet Co-ordinator,
Andrew Corletto at [email protected]