Rear Commodore WILL SHARP on what’s happened and what’s coming up on the water in 2014-15
TWILIGHT SAILING ELCOME TO THE 2014-15 SAILING season at Beaumaris Yacht Club! There has been a lot of action on the sailing front - here are the highlights and important issues:
Race Management 2014-14 has thrown up early challenges for the Race Management team. In August we said goodbye to Chris Perkins who has moved to Hayman Island for work. Chris was an integral part of the BYC Race Management team and over the past few seasons has had an almost flawless attendance record, skippering a Rescue Boat virtually every Sunday. He has been (gently) reminded that if he happens to be on holidays in Melbourne one summer Sunday we expect him to be spending that day on a Rescue Boat…. We also farewelled Pam Sharp from the Tower in September. Pam has been a mainstay of the BYC Tower team for several decades but has had to step down to take care of her husband Les. Pam’s skill, experience and wit will be sorely missed from the Tower. Pam and Chris, if you are reading this then you know our door is always open and your seat/steering wheel is always available should you return. The Club is always on the lookout for keen people to join our Race Management team. If you are interested in becoming involved in some capacity then I encourage you to contact a member of the committee.
New Optimists Earlier this year the Club was successful in its application to VicHealth for a grant to purchase another two second hand OziOpti Optimist dinghies from the Yachting Victoria Boatshed. The Club hopes to secure a third round of funding in 2015 which will facilitate the purchase of two more Optimists, bringing our total to six. A fleet of six Optimists is a prerequisite to regis-
ter as a Tackers training centre which BYC plans to do by the end of 2015. The additional Optimists have also allowed the retirement of three BYC Minnows. This will reduce the maintenance load on the Club and their sale has helped to offset the cost of building two new Optimist trolleys which are useful to move the significantly heavier Optimists on the beach.
Green Fleet The Club has begun work to implement a Green Fleet program in 2015. The plan is to run the Green Fleet program once a month in the second half of the season. This program aims to further increase the skills of both our existing junior sailors as well as those who participate in the Tackers summer program in January. The aim is to expand on this next season. The exact details are still being finalised so watch you email inbox for more information in the coming weeks.
3193 Sailing Cup Proudly sponsored by Beaumaris Community Bank Branch, the 3193 Sailing Cup is now in its second year and it’s coming to BYC on February 1, 2015. This is an inter-club event between Beaumaris Yacht Club and Black Rock Yacht Club. The event was a great success last year at BRYC when it was run in conjunction with the RS class traveller’s series. Approximately sixty boats competed in a handicap race with the 3193 Cup being awarded to BRYC for the greatest number of boats in the top ten, as decided by yardstick. Our own Peter and Lauren Kemp in Bebop were the fastest boat on the day, beating every other boat on the course on corrected time. This year we hope to see a strong fleet from BRYC to support this relatively new local event. There are trophies galore so spread the word and let’s make this a success for sailing in the local community.
Trolley Storage Finally, a short health and safety message from your committee. Many of you will have noticed the recent rise in the number of large A-frame trolleys, mainly used for Pacers. While a practical storage solution has yet to be determined, can the owners of these trolleys who do not currently store them on/under their boats please take care when returning them to the storage area after use. All trolleys should be stored in such a way as to not present a hazard to those moving past them or those who are trying to access their boats or gear. This includes not storing trolleys in walkways or near the entry door under the stairs. We all have a responsibility to keep the area tidy and safe for others. See you on the beach!
The twilight sailing series is back on in February 2015. Every Thursday evening from 6pm, the sailing is casual, the mood is light and the bar will be open. Come on down for a mid week burn!
NEW BYC MERCH New season BYC polos are available to order with new colours and logos on offer. Contact Will Sharp for ordering info.
OTB Marine Official supplier to Yachting Victoria, OTB Marine is a specialist dinghy, skiff and SUP supplier stocking all manner of gear and equipment from the big names in sailing. Head on down and check them out! Showroom: 6/347 Bay Rd Cheltenham Phone: (03) 9917 2554 www.otbmarine.com.au
ISAF iPhone App Want to know the Racing Rules but don’t want to lug a blue book around? Get the new smartphone ISAF RRS app. Just 99c in the App Store, have the Racing Rules at your fingertips. Great for settling arguments and discussions quickly. Study the rules anywhere to know just where that boundary is and how far you can push it.
Shipmate iPhone App At a regatta and cant find a chandlery? Get your hands on a Shipmate directory which lists all the chandleries and marine services in Victoria. They also have a great free iPhone app out so you have access to the entire directory wherever you are. Visit www.shipmate.com.au for more information.