Keen (bird’s) eyes might have observed some changes at the club. Stage 1 of the DBSC Solar Project was completed this week, with the western roof section (the 2012 extension) entirely covered in solar panels.We estimate that this size system should generate more than the club’s power needs, and make it a net supplier of green electricity to the grid and the local community.Future stages will eventually entail covering the entire roof with Solar, and we have reached an in principle agreement to supply that power to our friends, the A18s – helping to make all sailing activities in Double Bay powered by the same force that gets us around the marks, Mother Nature.The club would like to thank the NSW Government for their generous help towards this project. We would also like to thank the army of people within the club who have assisted in making this possible.Stay tuned
Author: admin
Race Report – DBSC Sprints
6 sailors from DBSC and 1 from Vaucluse braved the rain and blustery southerlies with 6 short & sharp sprints and some nice fast hiking when the gusts hit. All boats started at the same time and despite some valiant efforts by the Radial sailors, Jason Wilkins and Geoff Boscoe in Standards dominated the races, splitting the bullets between them. Jason pipped Geoff in the decider with some America’s Cup style tactical match racing. Thanks to Simon Stone for running the show, canteen helpers, and those who were at the club early to sweep out the shed and sort through a large number of used sails.
Race Debrief presented by Brett Beyer
Brett will be offering a State Masters race debrief and Q&A at the club on Wednesday 24th Feb at 8:00pm. All members are welcome (even if you didn’t go to the States) to come and listen to his strategy, tips, tricks, and advice. Cost is $20pp – click [HERE] to book your spot.
NSW/ACT ILCA Laser Master Championships
The largest ever contingent of DBSC sailors travelled to Jervis Bay over the weekend for the State Masters, and for many the first time competing in a regatta. It was certainly a test of fitness and skill with 3 hours of intense sailing and 30kms covered each day in moderate to fresh southerlies, with some consistent waves to surf downwind.There were a total of 143 entries and DBSC filled almost a quarter of the spots with 15 of 77 Radials, 17 of 64 Standards, and 2 of the 9 females. Congratulations to all the sailors that attended and those that excelled in their divisions: Radial – James Tudball overall winner and 1st Apprentice, Gavin Blake 3rd overall and 2nd Apprentice, Andrew Cox 1st Master / Standard – David Newman 2nd Apprentice,
Coming Up
Wednesday 24 Feb – Twilight Sprints, Brett Beyer Twilight Program 5/10, and State Masters Debrief presented by Brett Beyer (8pm)Saturday 27 Feb – Club Championship 11 & 12Wednesday 3 Mar – Twilight Sprints, Brett Beyer Twilight Program 6/10Saturday 6 Mar – Learn To Race, Clean Up Australia Day 1/2, Metropolitan Championships at HHSC 1/2, DBSC SprintsSunday 7 Mar – Clean Up Australia Day 2/2, Metropolitan Championships at HHSC 2/2
60 seconds with Richard Au
1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat? Around 16 or 17 – a friend of mine took me out in his Swanson Dart, a sweet sailing 22’ keel boat.2. If money (and sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy? A new Laser would be nice. A cruising yacht would also be nice but I don’t have time for that, my little speedboat is already not being used enough.3. What is your ultimate sailing goal? Sailing faster! I’m a beginner in dinghies so tacking more efficiently and getting better at sailing by the lee.4. Tell us the story behind the name of your Laser? The friends of the previous owner of my boat thought he was a bit stuck up, a toff, so as a joke he named his first Laser “Toff”. This boat was his second Laser so it was called “Toftu”.
History Corner
The canteen has come a long way! Here’s an extract from the May 1958 news-sheet: “One of our members thought it a good idea to serve the lads a hot drink after the race each Sunday. A band of three or four women rallied forth never missing a Sunday, led by Mrs Slight, and the delicious cup of rich Cocoa together with biscuits was prepared for each member with a small charge of 6d, which goes towards Club Funds.”
Volunteering
DBSC is managed and run entirely by volunteers and that spirit is what makes it such a great place to sail and hang out. Aside from running races and making toasties, so much more happens behind the scenes such as RIB maintenance, electrical wiring, unblocking drains, finances, teaching, video & photography, grocery shopping, newsletter posts, and many more – all made possible by volunteers. There are always jobs to be filled, so if you are interested in volunteering, please email Andrew Cox and let him know. Not only fulfilling, volunteering will also help your boat move down the racks faster (as well as sailing regularly).
First Aid Training – 18 April
Do you know what to do if someone is unconscious or bleeding or stung by a marine creature? First Aid is an essential skill to have either in or out of the water. Just like sailing, if you don’t practice regularly, you will forget what to do when something unexpected happens. Even if you have had training in the past, it is recommended that you do a refresher every 1-2 years. DBSC will cover the cost of the training to be held on Sunday 18 April. Please register [HERE]
Clean Up Australia Day – 6 & 7 March
If you are sailing on the Saturday either in club Sprints or Metros, please consider coming in earlier and contributing to the litter pick-up at low tide around the club. If that doesn’t suit, then Sunday morning is also an option. Please email Kate McHugh to let her know.