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The Reef
2009-2010 Training update With the season rushing up towards us we all have plenty to think about and do in preparedness for this racing season. Take care, the eye in the sky is hibernating at present but will soon be on watch again. From our elevated position in the tower we see many interesting things, not always directly connected with sailing. Like the 'lady' who raised a certain finger to us one balmy dog-walking afternoon when politely requested to use the poo bag she was carrying. To his credit, her escort obliged, without rude gestures. On a similar theme, all kinds of nautical property is irresistible to some dogs. Last season the DO (not the same one) had to be requested - via the PA for the owners' benefit - to wash a suit of sails, and on another occasion, the transom of a Minnow. There were probably other instances we missed. Then there was the Sunday morning when a bunch of skin divers gathered for a chat BETWEEN the buoys when the trainee boats were about to head for home. A little nerve racking. Usually they snorkel between the buoys and the end of the reef and seawards from there but they don't always use flags and it can be very hard to see them. Bear in mind if you decide on some a.m. practice. The tower is manned - or personed! on Sundays from around 10a.m. to derigging time. We record boats leaving the beach, check this list against the sign-on sheet - PLEASE all sign ON and OFF, every Sunday this season, specifying crew and any strange borrowed sails - and during races are constantly counting sails on the water and heads beside boats if anyone capsizes. We are in radio contact with the rescue boats and between us make sure everyone enjoys the day and comes home safely. We look forward to the start of the new season. Pam and Mike.
This seasons Training will be scheduled a little differently than previous years. The first 4 weeks of sailing (October) will be dedicated to last years post Christmas trainees who missed a number of sessions and to further introduce them to spinnakers and to encourage Sunday afternoon racing.
committee and you can appreciate the value of the effort put in by a small and regular group of volunteers that assist Thomas and myself with the training programs. Without the assistance of these loyal and dedicated volunteers we would not be able to run these extremely beneficial programs for the well being of the Club.
So don’ t underestimate the value of your sailing knowledge and There will be a experience. Theory Session You’ d be surTraining is an invaluable part of the Club and is scheduled for prised how reextremely rewarding for all involved these trainees, warding it is the and indeed for anyone who has missed see a trainee suddenly appreciate and previous 2nd theory sessions. This will be understand what you’ ve just shown scheduled for the end of September. them. So why not get involved and volunteer some time into the training proIf anyone is interested in attending please grams. contact Paul Hardie. For any information regarding the training The 2009 Adult course will commence the programs at BYC please contact either: first week in November. As in previous years it is imperative that club members Paul Hardie assist with both Adult and Junior Training. phardie@ozemail.com.au These programs are essential for the continued success of the Club. Simply have a Thomas Ruther look at the ex trainees on the current nathom@optusnet.com.au
The European Experience Can you have it all in one season? Yes you can. We’ ve seen some wild weather causing a little disappointment in the Club training programs although, on a positive note, I had a few more Sundays to sleep in! But my son Leo and I got to feel the real extremes when travelling to Europe over the New Year. Coming back to Australia meant getting out of a white dream of 10
inches of snow chilled to -15 °C at my parents’ place in Germany and returning to 30 + ºC of dryness in Melbourne. Well, a brief transit in Singapore softened the shock a bit! Thomas Ruether