Over 20 die hard sailors braved some of the wettest weather in recent times for heats 3 and 4 of the Autumn Spring Point Score.Conditions were extremely testing with a shifty SW breeze coming off the land, and spilling onto the course in all directions at all speeds.In Standards, Geoff Kirk and Andrew Simpson got the gun, while in the Radials Peter Collie then David Airey both took home a win and a grin.Thanks to Ash Deacon and Nick Alexander for running the races and Wade and Richard Au for Captain of the Day.
Category: Latest from Double Bay Sailing Club
Coming up at Double Bay
Wednesday 22 January, 5pm – Twilight Sailing. Saturday 25 January, 2pm Start – Sprint Racing for Australia Day Long Weekend.Wednesday 29 January, 5pm – Twilight Sailing.Saturday & Sunday 1-2 February – DBSC hosts the Metros. For more info and entry click HERE.
DBSC Scales New Heights
Three DBSC members, Andrew Cox, James Tudball and Peter Speed, successfully summited Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, arriving at the top of the 5,895-metre peak at 7am on 11 January. The expedition involved 7 days of gruelling trekking and acclimatization over some 60km, before commencing the summit attempt at midnight, climbing 1.3 vertical kilometres over 7 hours on a dusting of fresh snow, to arrive both exhausted and exhilarated at the peak. The team was back down off the mountain in time to celebrate Andrew’s 50th birthday on 12 January. Watch out for some impressive sailing performances from the summit team, fresh with an overdose of red blood cells and toughened-up quads.
Worldwide Publication
We’re happy to announce that Brett Beyer’s article on rules at the top mark has been republished on the International Laser Class Association’s website. Everyone should check it out HERE and re-read the article as there has been some misunderstanding of top mark rules by DBSC members. This lack of understanding was showcased by several top mark incidents (and some of the off-water discussions that followed) in the last few weeks of the spring season. Hopefully Brett’s article can clear up any confusion.
Coming Up…
Wednesday 15 January, 5pm – Twilight Sailing. Looks like it will be a wonderful 15-knot NE breeze under warm sunny skies… so join us! Saturday 18 January, 9am – Learn to Race. Come along if you want to learn more about Laser boat handling, balance, boat posture, trim, starts, tacks, gybes, boat set-up and any other race management fundamentals. Please email Martin White HERE if you are planning on attending.Saturday 18 January, 2pm Start – Spring Pointscore Heats 3 & 4.Wednesday 22 January, 5pm – Twilight Sailing.Saturday 25 January, 2pm Start – Sprint Racing for Australia Day Long Weekend.Saturday & Sunday 1-2 February – DBSC hosts the Metros. For more info click HERE.
View Tom Slingsby’s Conversation at DBSC
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.
DBSC at the Australian Laser Champs
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
2020 Racing Begins
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
Big Boat Report
Written by: Stephen QuainDespite a heavy smoke haze and no wind around lunchtime, we decided to race with a predicted 15-knot SE breeze and a flat sea – and so it was.Time and Tide did not make it from Balmain, and a late withdrawal was Chris due to Corinna springing a leak on the mooring-so he spent the afternoon bailing her out-hopefully being able to rectify the leak.Peter Collie started us as arranged: 4 boats in line with Sanity slightly late but not for long.The first reach was slow for about 10 minutes, but the breeze came in, which Sanity and Pleasure 2 made the most of, to round the Point Piper mark 1st and 2nd followed by Chenonceau jousting with Rockhopper, and Smitten not far behind.Welcome back Mike after a long absence, despite the appearance of her sails, Rockhopper sailed very well in the conditions. We had a near
Surprise!!!!! surprise!!!!!
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