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A very variable light to moderate Southerly breeze greeted the fleet for the first races of 2020. It was a lovely day for the start of the Autumn Pointsocre, though the racing was made a bit trickier by the huge shifts and big holes, which meant big gains for some and losses for others. In one of the best moves of the day, at the start of the 2nd race Daryl Lawrence went right, while the rest of the fleet went left. Daryl got a huge lift and the gains he made meant that he almost lapped the fleet. Well played Daryl!  First over the line after handicap were: Standards: Michael Osborne (heat 1) and Nick Alexander (heat 2); Radials / 4.7s: Hugo Knight (heat 1) and Daryl Lawrence (heat 2). Hats off to Hugo for scoring a victory in his first race as an “official” DBSC member.Thanks to all last week’s

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The 2020 Australian Laser Championships, held at Sandringham Yacht Club, Melbourne, included Laser 4.7, Laser Radial and Laser Standard rigs. The Championships attracted large fleets as Australian and international sailors used the event to prepare for the Open and Masters World Championships in the coming months in Victoria.With 264 competitors from 26 countries competing, all eyes were on the elite level sailors. There was also a good representation of masters, middle-of-the-pack sailors and also a few newcomers to the class.  The national Championships provided a rare chance to be out there sailing with Olympic and World Champions, while competing in some fantastic big fleet racing and having fun.Double Bay was well represented across all fleets with some top 10 results as well as solid mid fleet performance.

Above: The large fleet ready to go. Photo courtesy http://www.lasersdownunder.com

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In November, many members were lucky enough to be present at the club to hear Olympic Gold Medallist Tom Slingsby recount highlights of his illustrious sailing career. For those who missed the incredible evening, a video of the event is now available for viewing HERE. Check it out for many great insights on Tom’s journey to become one of Australia’s best sailors, including the highs and lows on the way to success and the mind-set and dedication it takes to win. 

Tom Slingsby speaking with Martin White. Photo by Peter Collie.

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DBSC is hosting the 2020 NSW Laser Association Metropolitan Championships on 1-2 February. It is an important event for the club, with sailors coming from near and far to compete, and we want to put on a good show.We’re looking for members who do not wish to sail in the Metros to assist us and drive a RIB/boat on Saturday or Sunday. We currently need 3 RIB drivers and a Jazzman driver for both days. We also are looking for 3 canteen helpers on Saturday (lunch only) and 3 canteen helpers on Sunday (Breakfast & Lunch – will accept offers to do one of the two sessions). Thank you to those who have already offered to help.If you have not yet offered and can assist, please let Mark Crowhurst know HERE ASAP. 

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 A motley crew of about 20 sailors, many of whom appeared to have overindulged on festive leftovers, greeted smoky skies and a building N/Eer for the first day’s racing of 2020.  Because the Laser National titles were on in Victoria, DBSC hosted a series of sprints.  Mike Dunne and Tim Heath set a 15 minute windward/leeward course off Point Piper.4 races were held in the initially 12 knot, albeit somewhat inconsistent breeze before the wind eventually hit 25-30 knots, the chop built against an outgoing tide, the marks started drifting and we wisely decided to continue the festive season with early refreshments on the deck. Thanks to the canteen crew, led by Shirley and thanks to whoever filled the fridge with a variety of beers 🍻 . 

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As usual, twilight sprints will be on from 1730 (1700 splash) today!What better way to help celebrate hump day for your first week back on the tools than an evening sail on the magical Sydney Harbour!A decent Southerly is forecast, so do check conditions suit your skills before heading out.

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A few lucky members were present for the most wonderful of surprises last night when Mark Bethwaite set a club record which is unlikely to be beaten. Showing his trademark speed off the line, commitment and determination, Mark announced his engagement to the wonderful Jill Blaufelder at 6.50pm and they were married by 6.54pm!!!! A 4 minute engagement is a target to aspire for; To be honest, I’ve had first tacks off the start line that have taken longer. Along with all the well wishers present, all at DBSC wish Mr & Mrs B a long and happy life together

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After a near-perfect score card at the end of the penultimate day of racing, Tom Slingsby has clean swept another day of racing to clinch his maiden Moth World Championship with a day to spare. The event is being held at Mounts Bay Sailing Club in WA.After coming ashore, Slingsby told Sail-World that he was extremely happy with the win.“I just had good speed, I was starting well and I was just trying not to explode the boat, which I’ve done a lot in the past,” he said. “It feels amazing, the Moth Class I love it, I’ve been doing it since 2010, I’ve got so many good friends in the fleet.“I love the development and playing with the boat. I’m a Laser sailor and I’ve come over to this and I find it really enjoyable. I just somehow got the right package with the North Sails, Exocet boat, and

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We wish everyone a very happy Festive Season and hope 2020 brings nothing but good breezes your way. Please check out the holiday sailing schedule below. If you’re eager for more sailing over the holidays, our Top Mark Facebook Page is a great place let your DBSC mates know when you’re headed out. Also, please note the newsletter is taking a break and will return on 8 January. Wednesday 18 December, 5:30 start – Twilight Sailing with Brett Beyer.Saturday 21 December, 2pm start – Sprint Racing.Saturday 4 January, 2pm start – Sprint Racing.Wednesday 8 January, 5:30 start – Twilight Sailing.Saturday 11 January, 2pm start – Autumn Point Score (and we’re back to normal).

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It was a sea of DBSC sailors over the weekend at the Sail Sydney regatta. There was lots of podium action for our members, including Xavier McLachlan who placed 3rd in the 4.7s, Otto Henry who placed 2nd in Radials and Finn Alexander who placed 2nd in Standards. A notable mention also to Katie McHugh. Relatively new in a Laser, Katie gave it a go with the international competitors at Sail Sydney to get up to speed and learn as much as she can. Well done all!

Katie McHugh at Sail Sydney. Photo by Clare Alexander.

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