SOUTHERN CHAPTER SYDNEY 38 ASSOCIATION
2014 / 2015 SEASON REPORT
Whilst the standard of Sydney 38 racing in Victoria is strong with “Phoenix” (Brenton & Jen Carnell) in particular, having a stellar year winning both the National and State Championship, the new “kids” on the block, “Icon38” (Kirwan Robb) are threatening to take over that mantle. However, the number of active competitors has declined. Unfortunately, “Playground” (Andrew & Gayle Robinson), a big improver in recent years and “Mille Sabords” (Stephane Howard), a regular competitor, are now both on the market. “Cinquante”, owned by RGYC Commodore, Ian Murray, who has been a huge and generous supporter of the class, has found it difficult to compete in class events and his absence has been missed. On a sad note, the co owner of “Adrenalin”, Ian Beer, passed away earlier in the year. Whilst not actively racing, Ian will be missed by the Sydney 38 family.
Nevertheless, “Audacious” (Greg Clinnick and Paul Holden), “Chutzpah” (Bruce Taylor), “38 South” ( John Chatham & Kate Mitchell) and “Sierra Chainsaw” (Mel, Andy & Pat Mollison) have continued to enjoy close One Design racing throughout the season. Chris Mrakas, the new owner of “Challenge” did well to compete in the 2015 National and State Championships, gaining much needed experience. Chris has now decided to concentrate on offshore events in the lead up to the 2015 Sydney to Hobart.
So it was a case of quality not quantity in 2014/2015. The racing was close, the regattas successful and the focus is now on the 2016 National Championships at Geelong in the New Year.
2014 / 2015 Highlights
1. 2015 Quantum Sails Victorian Championships
The 2015 Quantum Sails Victorian Championship was hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club and won convincingly by the reigning National Champion “Pheonix” from Royal Geelong Yacht Club. The series was reduced to a single day of racing on Saturday, April 18 due to a blow out on Sunday with 25 to 35 knot wind squalls and driving rain. With an impressive scorecard of 2,1,2,3 and a final tally of eight points “ Phoenix” was a clear winner over “Icon38” in their first Sydney 38 regatta with “Audacious” third on a count back from “Playground”. The Corinthian result placed “Audacious” first from “Playground” and “Sierra Chainsaw” which could not sustain her early sensational form.
The Saturday night social at Royal Brighton Yacht Club was well supported where videos and slides of recent regattas were displayed. Thanks to the President’s wife, 100 cupcakes decorated with the Sydney 38 logos not only looked good but tasted good as well!
Many thanks to the Championship sponsors, David Eickmeyer from Quantum Sails and Ronstan for their continued support.
2. 2014 / 2015 AUS Sailmakers Sydney 38 Summer Aggregate
15 of the 17 scheduled races were sailed over the last summer. Whilst most races were held at Sandringham Yacht Club on Sunday mornings, the results from the Lipton Cup sprint series hosted by the Royal Yacht Club Of Victoria were also included. To allow competitors time to compete in other events such as the Sydney to Hobart and other offshore events, 3 drops were allowed. The series was won by “Audacious” from “Playground” with “Pheonix” third overall. On average, seven Sydney 38’s participated in each race.
The sprints are popular because multiple races are had each day with each race taking no more than 45 minutes to complete.
Thanks to Sam Haines for sponsoring the series. Sam has since joined North Sails who have agreed to be the new sponsor of the 2015 / 2016 summer series. To date, two days of racing has been completed in the North Sails Summer Sprint Series with “Icon38”, “Phoenix”, “Chutzpah38” and “Audacious” all winning races.
3. 2015 Winter Series
Five Sydney 38’s participated in the 6 race series hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club. The event was won by “Ikon 38”, from “Phoenix” with “Audacious” third.
4. 2015 Morris Finance Pre Season One Design Regatta
Without doubt this is a favourite regatta on the calendar. The Royal Geelong Yacht Club is a fantastic host and the regatta not only provides an opportunity for Sydney 38 sailors to get away for the weekend but also to get crews organized for the new season. This year the racing was held on the weekend of 26th and 27th September. Racing was close but Sunday’s light and variable winds provided a challenge for some. The regatta was won by “Icon38” from the local Sydney 38, “Phoenix” followed by “Chutzpah38”
Again, our sincere appreciation goes to Ian Murray of Morris Finance for his support and to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club for their hospitality.
5. The 2015 / 2016 Sydney 38 Southern Chapter Sailing Calendar
The calendar is posted on the class website.
6. Appreciation To Office Bearers
On behalf of the Southern Chapter owners, I would like to express their appreciation to the President, Greg Clinnick, out going Treasurer, Andrew Robinson, Chief Measurer and his team, John Chatham and the rest of the Executive for their commitment to the class. The membership has been well served by this committee.
7. 2016 Nationals
Plans are well under way to host the 2016 National Championships at Royal Geelong Yacht Club where we hope to attract interstate interest and encourage non participating local Sydney 38’s to charter their boats. The Association has insurance and charter contracts in place to encourage participation. Sponsorship has also been arranged to not only limit costs but to provide affordable social activities for participants. Geelong offers great sailing conditions and we are looking forward to a great series. Special appreciation must go to Ian Murray and his company Morris Finance for their support of the Championship.
Rowan Simpson,
Southern Chapter.