Race Report - DBSC Sprints

6 sailors from DBSC and 1 from Vaucluse braved the rain and blustery southerlies with 6 short & sharp sprints and some nice fast hiking when the gusts hit. All boats started at the same time and despite some valiant efforts by the Radial sailors, Jason Wilkins and Geoff Boscoe in Standards dominated the races, splitting the bullets between them. Jason pipped Geoff in the decider with some America's Cup style tactical match racing. Thanks to Simon Stone for running the show, canteen helpers, and those who were at the club early to sweep out the shed and sort through a large number of used sails.

Solar Project

Keen (bird's) eyes might have observed some changes at the club.

Stage 1 of the DBSC Solar Project was completed this week, with the western roof section (the 2012 extension) entirely covered in solar panels.

We estimate that this size system should generate more than the club's power needs, and make it a net supplier of green electricity to the grid and the local community.

Future stages will eventually entail covering the entire roof with Solar, and we have reached an in principle agreement to supply that power to our friends, the A18s - helping to make all sailing activities in Double Bay powered by the same force that gets us around the marks, Mother Nature.

The club would like to thank the NSW Government for their generous help towards this project. We would also like to thank the army of people within the club who have assisted in making this possible.

Stay tuned for Stages 2, 3, 4 and 5!

Electronic Payments

EFTPOS has finally arrived at DBSC! From this Saturday, you will be able to pay for your toasties, snacks, drinks, and spare parts using your card or phone. The tab book will be phased out over the next few weeks, so please ensure you settle your account as soon as convenient.

Sail Cam

Have you ever wondered what the conditions were like in Double Bay or just wanted to study the clouds over the harbour? Look no further, the DBSC Sail Cam is for you! Click [HERE] to access or via our website under About Us. Press the play button to start.

Rack Reshuffle

A rack reshuffle is scheduled for this Saturday after sailing. If you are unable to stay behind to help, please ensure you store all your gear inside and/or on top of your boat to make it easier for the volunteers doing the moving.

First Aid Training

As part of DBSC’s commitment to safety, we have once again organised first aid training (including CPR) for our members, to be held on Sunday 18 April. There will be a morning and afternoon session for a duration of 3.5 hours, with some self-paced online study prior to the practical. Fees will be covered by DBSC, however places are limited. Please register your interest [HERE].

Clean Up Australia Day

As part of the club’s commitment to sustainability, we will again be doing Clean Up Australia Day this year. While the official day is on Sunday 7th March, this year we will also have a session on Saturday 6th March to make it easy for everyone to attend. To work with low tide, we are looking for volunteers at 0830-1030 on Saturday 6th March and 0945-1145 on Sunday 7th March. Please email Kate [HERE] and let her know which session you would like to help with.

History Corner

The approval for the clubhouse on the current site was not smooth sailing. A petition carrying 153 signatures was sent to Woollahra Council objecting to the building based on its impact on the natural beauty of the park. Despite these objections the clubhouse opened on 5 April 1959.

60 Seconds With Mark Bethwaite

1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat? Seven - a P Class trainer in Torbay Auckland

2. If money (and sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy? The ultimate Fine Wine - a 100m super yacht with 10 guest suites, 10 Lasers in the aft lazarette plus RIBs etc. This Fine Wine would position at future Laser Master Worlds locations (other than Lake Garda) or the Caribbean, Med etc - wherever the water temperature is above 27 degC

3. What is your ultimate sailing goal? My goal was an Olympic medal - I had my chances but am firmly on the skids now…

4. Tell us the story behind the name of your Laser? Few things get better as they get older - Fine Wine is one and Laser sailors are another

5. If you could add any ingredient to DBSC's world’s best toasties – what would it be? Incapable of improvement!

6. What are your second/third favourite hobbies (assuming sailing is #1)? Golf and adventure travel - cycling, hiking etc

7. Describe what you do for work in less than five words? I chair a defence contractor

8. What is the first international destination you will travel to (once we're allowed) and why? Malpensa (Milan) to reunite with my Laser on Lake Garda

9. What is your favourite TV show, movie, and/or book? Best movie in recent times Zero Dark Thirty - the take down of Osama Bin Laden

10. Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know? It was my privilege to succeed Don Roach as Commodore of DBSC - our great little club owes so much to the character and efforts of that man

Start of the second heat of the 1972 Olympic Regatta - we could win the start but not the finish…

Coming Up

Wednesday 17 Feb - Twilight Sprints & Brett Beyer Twilight Program 4/10

Saturday 20 Feb - Learn To Race and Autumn Point Score 7 & 8

Wednesday 24 Feb - Twilight Sprints, Brett Beyer Twilight Program 5/10, and State Masters Debrief presented by Brett Beyer

Saturday 27 Feb - Club Championship 11 & 12