4.7's flourishing, starts compressing

We've built quite the fleet of 4.7's. Well done kids. So much so, they've earned their own start. No longer will they be gassed by radials off the start. 

Now that we've got 3 starts per race, we're going to have to jam the fleets closer together....watch out for one start being the 5 minute warning for the next fleet.  

On-water volunteers needed too!

If you know someone who likes the great outdoors, likes sailing or just wants a useful hobby, DBSC is looking for volunteers to help on-the-water.

Members should canvas not only friends but also their loved ones.  Maybe your parents who used to be helicopter parents can get involved again during your adult years?  Maybe you have an aunt who has lots of cats, and talks to herself, who wants to meet new people?

Without PRO, COTD and CoCOTD volunteers we just don't race.

Call out for Canteen Crew

We're asking/begging for help for the canteen on Saturdays.

Our Canteen Crew Captain, Paul, is going to be unavailable for some weeks during the season (including this week) and we're calling for crew to help out.

If you can volunteer even a few hours, please have a word with Andrea (filling in this week), Paul, or anyone on the Politburo.  It will be very much appreciated. 

Racing continues 2pm Saturdays

The first 2 weeks have been gusty, windy westerlies. Very testing conditions.  It certainly won't be the same this week. get down and enjoy a sail in the sunshine.

At time of writing your correspondent is reading tea leafs and indications are for sunny skies and a Nor Easter. Fingers crossed. 

1.00pm - briefing

1.30pm - splash

2.00pm - first starting signal.  

GPS Race Tracking

There's been plenty of chat on the DBSC deck about implementing some form of GPS Race Tracking. So, we are going to initiate a trial using a free tool called RaceQS - it's an app that you install on a smartphone.

To get the best possible data we would like as many members as possible to participate.  To participate, please do the following:

1. Get a waterproof case for your smartphone (if you don't trust the waterproof-ness of the case you might like to use an old phone, buy a used phone form eBay, or get a cheap Android handset)
2. Download the RaceQS app
3. Log onto RaceQS website http://raceqs.com/ and set up a profile.  NOTE: USE THE FOLLOWING NAMING FORMAT FOR YOUR BOAT NAME IN YOUR PROFILE:
   If you sail a full/standard rig: F-FIRSTNAMELASTNAME-DBSC
   If you sail a radial: R-FIRSTNAMELASTNAME-DBSC,
   If you sail a 4.7: 4.7-FIRSTNAMELASTNAME-DBSC.
4. Bring your device down to the club on Saturday.  You can 'preset' the start so your device only tracks from 2pm.
5. Race Committee/Super Users will upload courses and pull boats into each class post-races, with the goal of being able to watch race replays together back at the club over a beer - spotting the shifts we missed!

Michael Gentry will give everyone a quick overview at the briefing this coming Saturday (10th September) and will be able to answer any questions.

Racks: re-organised

In a benevolent autocracy, DBSC Commodore has the ultimate discretion in allocating racks to the membership.

In a tradition started by Dear Leader, The People's Prince uses the following factors in determining rack positions:

• have fees been paid or arrangements made;
• have you contributed to the club unasked (e.g. sweep the toilets when you have felt they needed it);
• sailed so often that the Commodore has become annoyed helping lift your boat to the penthouses;
• regular competitor;
• did your fair share of COTD, co-COTD, PRO, canteen and 18s duties; and,
• not been "hard work."  

There have been some major changes to rack plan so members should refer to the noticeboard to confirm they are in the correct spot.  If you are not in the correct spot, you will need to move your boat this weekend with the help of others.

Any comments or complaints should be sent by email to: commodore@dbsc.com.au

DBSCer wins the boat.

A battler wins the prize.

The People's Prince, reports:

"Josh won boat
Justin a sail
Peter Collie won top and bottom section
Some bloke from MH won top section.?

Are you the COTD?

This Saturday is the official start of the DBSC season where results count towards the silverware.  Are you the COTD? 

Tonight is Rules Night....7.30pm, 24 August

It's getting serious.  Sprint day is this Saturday. First heat of Club Championships the following week. You need to know how the rules apply at the start, the top mark and the bottom mark. 

Mike Leigh (coach extraordinare) is hosting a Rules Night, where you'll learn how the rules apply, how to make them work for you and how to avoid trouble. It promises to be fun and informative. 

We're asking for $10/ head to cover Mike's time.  

All DBSC members and friends welcome. Tonight. 7.30pm, Wednesday 24 August.  BYO dinner. Drinks available at our club.  The more the merrier. 

Yoof in Keil.

HD delivering for DBSC again.

In his first European media conference, HD exclaimed:

"Awesome, best experience ever! It was tough and tight racing. I learnt a lot and am now keen to put into practice here!"

Laser 4.7 World Champs were held in Keil over July/August.

262 boys from 38 countries registered and some of our youngest DBSCerss went over to test their skills and eat lots of pork and cabbage.

There were 14 boys from Australia with the best result 20th from a WA sailor. 

Jack Littlechild 102nd
Mark Louis 189th
Henry Davison 215th

It was windy (in a Baltic way and not a Sydney north-easterly, although it might have had something to do with the cabbage) and the boys learnt a lot. 

The action continues.