PBYC DECEMBER RALLY 2012
To read all about the 1st PBYC Rally in detail with photos please CLICK HERE
EASTER CRUISE 2012
To read all about the cruise in detail with photos please CLICK HERE
CRUISING (November 2011)
As Summer has finally decided to put in an appearance it is time to get the Cruising Program underway.
WEEKEND
This coming weekend (26/27th Nov.) is scheduled for a Cruise Weekend and I propose we kick things off
with a rally/cruise for all. The plan would be to meet up at noon on Saturday 26th off Soldiers Point and
have a friendly sail up Pittwater, around Lion Island and return to Towlers Bay. This will take the form of a
handicap start so the finish should prove very entertaining. Naturally this will lead to a raft-up on the club
mooring with refreshments and then the opportunity to either stay for the night or head back to your mooring.
The overnighters will (of course) partake in the prize sharing for the day’s sail before retiring at a civilised
hour in preparation for a day’s activity on Sunday. Please let me know if you intend to join in as the program
may be modified according to the weather.
CHRISTMAS
Looking further ahead to our Christmas Cruise I am suggesting we make Lake Macquarie our destination.
Rough plan is to meet up on 2nd January and farewell the Pittwater-Coff’s Harbour fleet then retire to the
Basin for the night.
Up early on the 3rd to sail to Lake Macquarie and enjoy a few days on the Lake.
If there is a weather window and enough interest then a side trip to Broughton Island is also an option .
Looking to return to Pittwater around the 8th or 9th of January with the option of a few days up the river.
Again, please let me know if you are interested or have any other suggestions.
Fair Winds,
Jim Gordon.
GOLF DAY
The golf day on the 4th December is at Mona Vale golf club from 1pm and is a four ball
Ambrose competition. The price is $55 per player which includes a round of golf and sandwiches afterwards
in the club house. We need a minimum of 5 teams to make it work – RSVP’s by the coming Saturday
26th November. Please let Geoff know ASAP if you can make it and supply team numbers.
Contact Geoff on his mobile – 0410 679 395
CHRISTMAS CRUISE
Please join us for our Christmas Cruise to the Harbour for News Years Eve then on to Jervis Bay to return via Port Hacking then back to Pittwater and a cruise up the Hawkesbury. To review the provisionsl progran please CLICK HERE
Race & Raft
Please join us on Sunday 26 September at 12noon for our race. If you can’t make the race, please join
us for a BBQ at The Basin, the racing crews will be back by about 2pm depending on conditions but I will
be at the basin and finding a good spot for us all from midday.
We have mooring space at The Basin for your use, and this will give the opportunity for yachts to raft up.
For those of you that have membership with other sailing clubs, we are encouraging you to pick up one of
their moorings to ensure we can get the maximum number of boats at The Basin.
For those of you that are not racing, we are encouraging you to join us at The Basin for the BBQ from midday.
This is another great opportunity for us to socialise. This event is not being catered by PBYC so please BYO
food and drinks. PBYC will provide BBQ utensils, paper plates, cups, serviettes, cutlery and oil for the BBQ.
PBYC Golf Day
DATE:Sunday 23rd of May
ADDRESS:Palm Beach Golf Club, Palm Beach (Ph 9974 4079)
START TIME:12.30 pm sharp
FIRST TEE OFF:1pm
COST:$40 per head – for 18 holes of golf, food afterwards & prizes
RULES:Ambrose event with details discussed at 12.30 pm
DRESS REGULATION:Collar & Shoes
PBYC BROUGHTON ISLAND CRUISE – THE LOG
To read PART 4 of the BROUGHTON ISLAND CRUISE LOG please click LOG PART 4
To read PART3 of the BROUGHTON ISLAND CRUISE LOG please click LOG PART 3
To read PART2 of the BROUGHTON ISLAND CRUISE LOG please click LOG PART 2
To read PART 1 of the BROUGHTON ISLAND CRUISE LOG please click LOG PART 1
SUMMER SPRINT SERIES (Sunday 31st Jan 2010)
Dear Members,
Thought I would give everyone an update on the Summer Sprint Series that took place yesterday (31/01/10).
The day started early and thanks to Ken Berkeley and Graeme Perry we had a start boat, the chaps lent us their cracking little Haines to run about Pittwater collecting marks and laying them ready for the coming days action.
The weather was fine with a good nor-easter of 14 knots forecast for the afternoon and as we settled on the start line conditions where as close to perfect as could be asked for. With half an hour to the start Quest ll came steaming past the start boat with Brendon declaring that he was just off to find some crew and should be back for the start.
Seven boats decided to compete for the honour of the Summer Sprint title and the following six where soon milling around the start line sizing each other up. Blueprint, Liquidity, Boambolo ll, Flying Colours ll, Quest ll and Happy Hour. The usual quips and comments were heard between the boats and it was obvious this was going to be hard fought from the start. Despite this the start to the first race was quite sedate and it was obvious that Brendon had found his crew, one point that was noticed was that Scotty was on the helm of Blueprint…..he has to do it some time I suppose!!
About six minutes after the start a yacht was seen bearing down on the start boat at a rate of knots, abandon ship procedure was put in action and just before we jumped Finesse swept round the start boat with John politely requesting directions to the first mark whilst surrounded by grinning grand children……The first five boats were pretty close heading for the bottom mark and the jockeying for position heading for the finish line was exciting stuff to watch, however in the end Liquidity just eased out Flying Colours ll across the line this despite Jim and crew leading for most of the race.
On handicap Boambolo ll won the first round and the boats all caught their breath before the next race, all except Flying Colours ll which was seen passing unknown packages to the start boat !!! (it was actually a couple of coldies as the starter had stupidly forgot to pack beer in the esky) Interestingly the transaction did not go unobserved by the rest of the fleet and suspicions were running high by the start of race two.
Race two started with a little more gusto as the competitive juices were running a little more and Finesse actually managed to start at the same time as the rest of the fleet. Obviously the newly embarked crew of Quest ll had managed to catch up on the drinking as the well oiled machine flew across the start line first to much pride on board.
The second foray was again a close run affair with again the final leg to the line showing some distinct tactical manoeuvring that eventuated in Liquidity beating Quest ll over the line by a mere 30 seconds. With the last boat over the line in a total time of just 47 minutes odd, the competition was really hotting up. On handicap Liquidity took the honours for the second sojourn and it was all to play for in the last.
A twenty minute break and it was off for the last, unknown to the boats at this point any of five boats could still win the series and you could see the determination in the faces of all the skippers. Hmmm all except one that is, as Finesse seemed quite happy to be floating around on the other side of Pittwater with 3 minutes to the start (turns out the kids were still enjoying their swim and had not quite grasped the concept of the starting procedure) The start this time was a blur as all boats seemed to hit the line at once, except one that crossed the start about 2 minutes later with everyone still grinning!!!
By now Sunday afternoon was quite busy on Pittwater with many yachts returning from weekends away, and it was getting quite tough to pick out our fleet, but we did see Liquidity flying down the eastern side, seemingly overtaking most of the boats. From this point on it looked like the fleet had tripled in size as it was joined heading south by a flotilla of other yachts heading home. Murmurings of this will be interesting on the bottom mark were heard on the start boat as two thirds of the yachts heading that way did not realise that the other third was about to do a sharp right hander at ramming speed, but thanks to some timely advice to a number of them by the commodore any potential catastrophe was averted and all headed for home for the last time on the day.
Again Liquidity pushed home to take line honours ahead of the next four boats that were only separated by 40 seconds. In the wash-up Boambolo ll won race three on handicap and it was all over bar the shouting.
A series win for John, Helen and crew and congratulations to Team Boambolo ll
In summary a cracking days racing had by all and I can’t wait for the next opportunity to get out, so if you missed this race you can still get going for the next one. The bigger the fleet the greater the fun.
Bloody Marvellous !!!!
Geoff Croshaw
Vice Commodore – Racing.
RACING UPDATE – Jan 2010
Dear Members,
The first half of the season breezed past us at a rate of knots, all of a sudden we were at the Christmas break. Well happy new year to all.
The racing fleets have been average this year with the number of participants not quite to the levels that we would like, although I suspect a lot of this has to do with the chaotic weather we have had in the first half, from storms to calms to squalls and back again, and that was just one race !!!
There are five twilight races left in the season and any number of boats could come out with a series win, make sure you take part in as many as possible, you have to be in it to win it, and don’t forget your can still qualify for a Club Marine $100 voucher towards your insurance if you take part in 8 of the 12 races in the series
The usual suspects are heading up the weekend fleets with three more races left in the summer series.
The summer Sprint series is on 31st January, this will be the normal format with three sprint races on the day the first away at midday. Even if you have not been involved in the weekend races to date this is a good opportunity, with the whole series on a day and CAT 7 safety. Get yourselves a crew and get to the start line.
It may seem early to mention, but I want to get in your diaries first so plan for the presentation night on Saturday 3rd of July 2010. It’s gonna be a cracker of a night and we would like as many as possible to join us.
I am still keen to get class races happening within the club, so if you know yacht owners who sail the same boats as yours, get them to join up and let me know the details and we can get this up and running.
Some of the more unusual moments this year so far include……The boat that decided to jettison it‚Äôs prop during a race series (some people will do anything for that extra knot) …..The boat that decided to abandon a Twilight and turn the engine on 3 minutes before a great southerly turned up and swept the fleet to the finish (it’s all about timing)….and of course the boat that decided that cleaning up the boat in front of you could be a cunning plan to get an advantage (It’s always gonna end in tears !!!!!)
I am sure there will be a few more of these to highlight before the year is over……..in the meantime have a great second half of the season.
Fair winds
Geoff Croshaw
Vice Commodore Racing.
PBYC Broughton ISLAND CRUISE
Now that the fleet has returned from the cruise to Broughton Island there is much to be done collating stories and photos as well as sorting fact from fiction. In the meantime here is a quick sampler of some of the highlights of our trip:
- Challenging day sailing with freshening sea breezes
- Opportunities to try out different sail configurations
- Pristine white sandy beaches with beautiful clear water
- Testing terrain for cross country hiking
- Island sunsets while enjoying beachside sundowners
- Reef snorkelling at the Island
- Fresh fish for dinner
- Swimming with Grey Nurse Sharks
- Ripping run back to Pittwater with boat speeds of up to 12 knots
and that was all on just one yacht……..
Fair winds
Jim Gordon
Vice Commodore Cruising
CARL GONSALVES 1950 – 2009
Carl Gonsalves was one of the original founding members of the Palm Beach Yacht Club. He sailed his beautiful timber ketch “Van Dieman” with his partner Caressa. Although his sailing background was of world standard Carl really entered into the laid back spirit of the PBYC. Every race saw “Van Dieman” loaded with anyone who wanted a ride.
Both Carl and Caressa very generously made available their boatshed for all the after race activities, these were truly some of the very best times, with everyone sitting on old paint tins or boat cradles around a roaring barbeque.
We extend our heart felt sympathy to his children young Caressa and Carl.
Sincerely
Tim and Susan Lammert
Racing Update for September 2009.
Dear members,
This year, at the end of each month, I will be sending you an update of all things racing within PBYC.
To kick off this month the update is quite extensive and includes an amount of important information so please keep reading.
Unfortunately the Raft and Race on the 27th of this month had to be cancelled due to the weather conditions, a wise decision it turns out as a quick visit to Pittwater on the day of the race enabled me to consider taking up surfing on the western shore!!
The spring series day on the 13th of the month was a success, with once again the seven boats involved enjoying the sprint format.
The series was eventually won by Flying Colours ll, who registered two 2nd and a 3rd on handicap for a total of seven points. Well done to Jim and the crew!
On the 9th of October we head into the start of the Twilight series for this season, and I am sure the skipper and crew of BowWow will be keen to successfully defend their title, although I suspect there are quite a few boats that will be keen to take the honours this year.
All starting times and procedures are the same for twilights this year and if you are not sure of this either call me on 0410 679395 or go to the racing section of www.pbyc.com.au which is updated on a regular basis.
There have been a number of changes to the PBYC racing this year and I will outline these in detail below.
Safety Checks
As always all yachts planning on racing will be required to ensure they are up to the correct safety standard required. This year the club has changed the requirement for Category 7 safety checks, this means that if your boat passed Cat 7 safeties last year you do not need a physical inspection this year and can utilise the self assessment form that is available at the Forms and Programs section of www.pbyc.com.au. If you are new to the club and therefore you need to have a physical Cat 7 inspection completed for racing within Pittwater, please contact me at oslix@live.com to arrange.
All Cat 7 compliance needs to be completed prior to the 31st of October 2009, any boats not compliant by this date will not qualify for points scoring within the Twilight series.
Category 5 safety checks will continue to be based on a physical inspection and these are to be completed on the allocated day of Sunday 25th October 2009, please contact me to arrange a timeslot for your boat to be assessed, this should only require half an hour and can only be completed on board each boat.
Any participation in races that take boats outside of a line from West head to Barrenjoey head will require Cat 5 safety.
As always if you have any questions regarding Safety requirements and checks then call me on 0410 679395 or drop me a mail to oslix@live.com.
If you are not sure of the equipment and capability requirements for each safety category, these are available in the forms and programs section of the web site.
Post Race Venue
This season we have a new post race venue for all races (twilight and weekend).
We have been offered the resources of Palm Beach Golf Club to enable us to get together after each race and discuss all of the tactics we should have used, and obviously would have if only for the circumstance!!!
PBGC will offer the ability for members to purchase food and drinks after each race as well as ensure that we have a great location to carry out presentations etc.
As the season gets warmer PBGC will provide the members of PBYC an outdoor BBQ and bar so we can purchase steaks etc at the club and cook it just the way we like it washed down by our favourite drinks.
I would encourage all who take part in races to also join in the after race activities as it is a great part of the whole experience.
Participation Incentive and after race prizes
Thanks to the official sponsors of the PBYC Twilight series, Club Marine Insurance, we will be able to offer a participation incentive for this season’s twilight series.
All boats that complete a minimum of 8 twilight races during the season will get the opportunity of winning a $100 voucher to be redeemed against future cost of insurance with Club Marine.
As PBYC has 15 of these vouchers available for the season, there is a very high chance of being the recipient of one if you hit the qualifying number of races.
As always I am looking for donations for after race prizes, if you have any appropriate items through your businesses etc that you would like to donate, I would be very grateful to hear about them, three or multiples of three are a good amount to donate as this keeps the issuing of these delights even.
Crew as Members
To all the skippers out there, as small request from myself and the committee…If you have crew that race with you on a regular, maybe you could encourage them to take associate membership with the club. For just $45 they can enjoy the massive social status of being a member of PBYC as well as direct communication from the club on a regular basis.
Well that’s about it for this month, please contact me on 0410 679395 if you have any queries, ideas, issues, opinions or just need a good yarn…..!!!!!
See you on the water and at the GOLF CLUB after the first Club Marine Twilight race!
Regards
Geoff Croshaw
Vice Commodore – Racing
Cruise to Broughton Island (Jan3 -13th 2010)
With the renewed interest in cruising activity over the past six months it is proposed to organise a cruise to Broughton Island in the first 2 weeks of January 2010. John Buggy has kindly volunteered to be the Fleet Captain for this event.
In order to prepare for a trip like this there are a few steps to take regarding vessel preparation, crew competence and safety equipment. John has also offered to conduct a brief two-hour essential coastal navigation course for those who wish to participate. It will include the mapping of way points to help the boats cruise together.
The first part of the trip will require some night sailing in order to arrive at the Island in daylight. To ensure everyone is comfortable with night sailing we intend to take off to Sydney Harbour after one of the Friday Twilight races (either 6/11/09 or 20/11/09) for a weekend away (weather permitting).
In addition you will need the Safety Equipment that is required by Category 4.
This basically requires all the normal gear for a Twilight race and the following items:
406 Mhz EPIRB
Marine Radio (VHF)
Compass ‚ fixed and hand bearing
Charts, pencils, dividers, etc
GPS (at least hand held) , borrow one if necessary
If you are interested in joining in this adventure then now is the time to start preparing. Your Cruising Committee is prepared to help make sure you are ready but it is very important to understand that each vessel must be self-sufficient for the voyage, both in terms of safety and also supplies. There are no supplies on the island and no collectable fresh water, so you must take everything you need.
We will have a skippers‚ meeting after the first Twilight Race (9/10/09) to discuss each boat’s state of readiness. At this stage there are six boats planning to go (Free Spirit, the other Free Spirit, Yantara, Jandu, Bow Wow, Flying Colours)
FAIR WINDS,
Jim Gordon,
Vice-Commodore Cruising
Trophies & Trivia with the Commodore-Saturday 27th June 2009
The presentation evening has been organised for Saturday 27th of June at the Palm Beach Golf Club. The evening will be a mix of fun, food, trophies and trivia. So make sure you reserve your table early.
The event will commence at 6.30pm with food and drinks served throughout the evening. There will also be a trivia competition which will enable your table of guests to test their nautical knowledge for the kudos of being the smartest crew.
This year there are a large number of boats in the club that are due to gain recognition for their performance during the racing season, as well as a number of non racing accolades, so make sure you are there to get your moment of fame.
The cost for the evening is $50 per person or $375 for a table of 8 which includes food and drinks. All crew, family and friends are welcome to join us, so why not rally up your team and book a whole table for a fantastic night out.
There is a limit to the amount of spaces available so please get your reservation in quickly by emailing me at oslix@live.com no later than the 21st of June, as you can imagine there is a lot to organise so it will not be possible to accommodate last minute requests.
PBYC Golf Day -Sunday 3rd May 2009
PBYC golf day will be held on Sunday 3rd of May 2009 at the Palm Beach Golf Club.
Despite a heavy schedule of international tournaments, Palm Beach Golf Club has been able to allocate a day for us this year to stage what may be considered the highlight of their season the 2009 PBYC Golf Challenge. The event will tee off at 11.30am and will be a four ball Ambrose event followed by sandwiches and canapes in the club house. This distinguished event will only cost you $35 per person to enter or you can book a complete four ball and bring your crack team for $140, you may even wish to enter a four ball of crew playing under your boats name….
Expect the whole event to go through to at least 5pm and longer for those that wish to take up residence in
the bar. There are prizes and of course kudos and bragging rights at stake so get your names in quick and start training your teams.
EASTER CRUISE – 10th-13th April 2009
Easter is this weekend and for anyone interested in a cruise over the long weekend, we have the following agenda.
FRIDAY 10th April – Overnight at Hallets Beach (next door to Refugee Bay) where we plan to meet up with some members from the COASTAL CRUISING CLUB as they also plan to meet at Hallets over the Easter Period. The beach at Hallets is always popular for a pre dinner get together or BBQ.
Saturday 11th April – Go for a sail to Maitland Bay, weather permitting
AUTUMN SERIES – 5th May 2009
The series will consist of 3 races on the day with the first race commencing at Midday then the following as soon as possible after. The course will be a simple top and bottom mark with single rounding and finish, the races will be determine individually as either. North or South prior to the start of each and will be defined by the start boat in the usual way. The courses will be as follows -
Northerly (Green Flag) – SL, NM, SM, FL
Southerly (Red Flag) – SL, SM(P), NM(P), FL
SL – Start Line
NM – Northerly Mark
SM – Southerly Mark
FL – Finish Line
The marks will be laid and will be the Standard PBYC buoys and the start line will be as usual for Twilight racing. The series will be Cat 7 and the end of season handicaps from the Twilights series will be in place for the boats competing.
Due to light there will be no opportunity to raft up after the series and therefore we will be convening at Palm Beach RSL at the end of the day for vittles and race results, presentations etc.
PITTWATER REGATTA – 28th & 29th March 2009
For more details about the Pittwater Regatta please review this PDF file – PITTWATER REGATTA
PITTWATER-COFFS RACE
For all the details on the Pittwater to Coffs race click on this link PITTWATER COFFS
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