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

Check out a full write up of the event HERE.

You can see the results HERE and event photos HERE.

You can see write ups of the event on the Laser 2020 event web site HERE.

The best way to stay in touch with this and all the Laser 2020 events is with the Laser2020 app which you can get free on the AppStore HERE or PlayStore HERE.

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 volunteers for putting on a great day of racing, including PRO Jules Hall who was assisted by Clare Alexander on the Jazzman, COTD: Matthew Knight, and CoCOTD: James Leaver. As always the toasties were delicious thanks to the canteen crew who were assisted this week by Michael Osborne and Pat Levy. 

Photo by Matthew Knight.

Big Boat Report

Written by: Stephen Quain

Despite 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 square run across the harbour.

From Taylors Bay to the S&P mark was one long reach-very enjoyable.

For the most part we also had a tight reach back to Shark Island with just 2 tacks to make the mark and another reach home with varying winds and direction.

Positions over the line: 

• Sanity (at 3.09)

• Pleasure 2 (about 3.12)

• Chenonceau (at 3.15)

• Rockhopper (est. 3.20)

• Smitten (est. 3.25)

As usual some of us retuned to the club deck and a shared a drink watching the 18s return with several new boats in their fleet.

A much better afternoon than expected, thanks to all.

A calm start to the Big Boat Race. Photo by Peter Collie.

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. 

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

Twilight sprints to ease you back to work...

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.

A brief report after a brief day of brief sprints

 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 🍻 . 

Help DBSC shine during the metros on Feb 1 and 2

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.