Hail the New King

It was a difficult week of sailing for our team of World Championship sailors in Split, Croatia, with fluky winds resulting in long days on the water and only 6 or 7 races sailed.

But there were no complaints from at least one of our team members because we have a new World Champion!  Martin White won the well-deserved title in a large and competitive fleet with a convincing 7-point lead over a hard charging Italian who came prepared with his own support boat and coach.  Our Learn to Race program at Double Bay Sailing Club has just entered a new league, and the phones have been running hot with applicants.

Martin White on the Winner's Podium

Mark Bethwaite narrowly missed out on his 13th World Champion title (of which he already has 10 in the Laser class), coming second by an agonising one point to his German rival.  Our other team members, Rod Barnes, Mike Dunne, Gerry Donohoe, Richard George, Simon Stone and Pat Levy, all had a great time, and were frequently spotted training in the pub.

Our new club coach, Brett Beyer, came away with his 12th Laser World Champion title, equalling the record by any sailor. Our good friend, Rob Lowndes, achieved a very credible second after leading for the early part of the event.

Youth Wrap

The 2017 NSW Youth Championships were held at South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club over the long weekend.  

We had a strong contingent at the event, with credible performances from all, including 6th for Jack Littlechild and 8th for Zac West in the Radials, and 2nd for Mina Ferguson, 3rd for Daniel Costandi and 4th for Sylvie Stannage in the 4.7s.  Ryan Littlechild got a 4th in the 420s.

Well done to everyone.

Brett Beyer Wednesday Program

We have had only four people sign up to the Brett Beyer Wednesday program so far, out of 20 who indicated interest.  We need six more people for this program to run at the advertised cost.  

If you need an excuse to get out of the office and come sailing on a long summer’s Wednesday afternoon, then this is it.  And David Huber has offered to write a weekly doctors’ certificate for all participants.

With the program slated to start on 18 October, this is urgent.  It is $300 for 10 weeks.  And it is first in best dressed, if that claim still has any weight.

So, could you please email commodore@dbsc.com.au ASAP if you’re in.  

And don’t forget – twilight sailing starts this Wednesday at 5.30pm splash – let us know you’re coming via Peter Collie’s Doodle poll.

Season Opening Sailors’ Dinner

We will be shutting off RSVPs to the Season Opening Sailors’ Dinner soon, so please respond as soon as you can via this link.  The price is $90 per person, which includes a two-course dinner and a group-shared beer, champagne and wine tab of $30 per head.  

This will be a very fun night at a very special venue, so get your tickets and come along.

NSW State Championships

Double Bay Sailing is hosting the NSW State Championships on 18/19 November.  This will be a huge event, with up to 200 boats expected, in both Open and Masters fleets.

It is a very exciting event for the club, and provides a rare opportunity to sail in a large fleet.  If you want to race that weekend, you must sign up to the event, which is conducted by the NSW/ACT Laser Class Association.  The cost is $60 for entry – sign up here.  

And, while you’re there, don’t forget also to sign up for the Coast Championships to be held at Gosford Sailing Club on 21/22 October.  Could you please let Ian Alexander know if you plan to attend (email laserrep@dbsc.com.au), as he is coordinating transport and accommodation.

New DBSC Facebook Group

We have our very own closed group on Facebook for post-race banter, pre-race banter, on-water banter, and any other sort of banter.  Double Bay Sailing Club – The Top Mark is the place to go, so just request entry to this exclusive club to find out all the latest. 

New Members

We are delighted to have an ongoing stream of new members.  Our latest crop are:  

Chris Perrin, who has joined from the UK and followed his destiny in acquiring Mealy’s boat of the same name (one dad joke allowed per year).  He was down at the club last Saturday, with his wife, Sally, and was seen taking his craft for a sail wearing shorts and a T-shirt.  It was a little chilly on Saturday and, although the rest of us were feeling cold in our three-layered sailing gear, he was heard to remark that it was perfect weather to sunbake in your underwear in Green Park.  

Mina and Jack Ferguson, both of whom are ex Opti sailors (Mina and Jack are Australia’s current #1 female and male Opti sailors respectively!).  Both are now in Lasers, and sailing over from RSYS.  As noted above, Mina put in an excellent performance with a 2nd at the NSW Youth Championships, and Jack also doubles up in a 420.

Please look out for them and make them feel welcome.

Survey Instalment 4

This is the last survey instalment, covering the topic of property.  

Thank you all again for participating in the survey – we hope you have seen all your comments listed in the last few newsletters.  If anyone has any responses to our responses or any further suggestions, please talk to one of the committee members in person.  We are keen to hear your views and to implement whatever ideas we can.

Property

• Ongoing structural maintenance – forward planning for piles project is in place
• Bigger hot water system – this is under investigation (to be confirmed)
• Lockers / pidgeon holes for gear – this is not on the current agenda
• No gear on the floor in the boat rack area – please be courteous and do not leave gear on floor
• System to keep change room floor less wet – suggestions are welcome
• Work bench – on the future capex list (not imminent)
• A/V system – on the future capex list (not imminent)
• Outdoor lounge suite / bean bags – on the future capex list (not imminent)
• Better modern lighting in the formal part of the club – this is not on the current agenda
• Keep club as is, its feel is perfect – this is the plan
• Don’t spend more – fees are already high – there is no current intention to increase fees further
• Respect for club equipment – please let people know if you see disrespect of club equipment
• Replace the Paul Adam RIB – this is not on the current agenda (it is in good order and fit for purpose)
• Re-key to improve security – this occurs from time to time (but is not planned this year)

Big Boat Race

The big boat race this Sunday, 8 October will start at 2pm EDST.  At least five boats have signed up (Corinna, T&T, Chenonceau, G-Force and Smitten) – please let us know if there are any other takers.  

John Vasey has kindly offered to provide a start and a mark at Point Piper.  Watch out for the A18s start at 3pm, while we are sailing the leg from Sow’nPigs to Shark Island – there has not been a problem for years, but keep your eyes skinned!  VHF 72 please.

Seabreeze promises an idea 10-15 knot nor-easter.  See you on the water!

This Week's Snapshot

1. It will be sprint racing for the long weekend this coming Saturday.  Briefing at 1pm, first warning signal at 2pm.
2. Vale John Messenger, founding sailor, long-time member and former Commodore
3. Welcome to our new members, Richard Lee, Matthew Knight, Ryan Littlechild, Campbell Patton (and his mum Christine).
4. The Brett Beyer Wednesday program is now open.  It is limited to 10 participants, so first in best dressed.  Email commodore@dbsc.com.au.
5. Please RSVP here to the Season Opening Sailors’ Dinner, which is for active club participants – sailors, non-sailing members, volunteers.
6. The fourth instalment of survey results focuses on the topics of youth, social and volunteering.  One more instalment to come.
7. Coast Championship at Gosford Sailing Club to take place 21 – 22 October.
8. Big boats to race 8 October.