60 seconds with Thomas Beregi

1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat? 
8 years’ old but I started racing at age 12 in a VJ. The exhilaration of being out on the hiking boards on a heavy-weather reach got me hooked.

2. If money (and sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy?
A Laser. Nothing beats the independence.

3. What is your ultimate sailing goal? 
To keep sailing a Laser into retirement.

4. Tell us the story behind the name of your Laser? 
Circus Berserkus. It matches my sailing style - I spend far too much time with a less than desirable degree of control.

5. If you could add any ingredient to DBSC's world’s best toasties – what would it be? 
The toasties are truly great but in the old days (20 years ago) Paul used to make smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers and lemon sandwiches. They were superb and very much in keeping with the Double Bay vibe – a signature dish ?

6. What are your second/third favourite hobbies (assuming sailing is #1)? 
Apart from family, anything in boats. I maintain a fleet comprising a small yacht, an old tinny, a little rib, two windsurfers, an Optimist, a traditional timber rowing skiff and the obligatory kayak.

7. Describe what you do for work in less than five words? 
Consumer finance and debt collection

8. What is the first international destination you will travel to (once we're allowed) and why? 
An African game reserve. I’m fascinated by wildlife and our youngest is now at an age where he will appreciate it.

9. What is your favourite TV show, movie, and/or book? 
Anything by Mark Twain. He could really take the piss out of people, including himself, and society. I wonder what he would be saying if he was around today.

10. Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know? 
I have been a member of the club on-and-off for more than 40 years.

Thomas sailing at DBSC. Photo credit: Murray Stone

50th birthday, the movie

The much anticipated release of “50th birthday bash” is here! Many thanks to James Tudball of The White Tree, Australia’s leading provider of music and video for weddings and other events who put together this edit. Special mention goes to the NSW & ACT Laser Association for their financial contribution towards the cost of the footage, which was taken by Aero Media.

Once again, the club would like to thank the organisers and participants of this special event, in particular Diana Chen and the sponsors, PSA and NB Sailports. 

Restricted club access

The club is having work done on the roof over the next two weeks. There will be no access to the club this Thursday and Friday (12 & 13 August) and next Monday to Wednesday (16-18 August) while these works are undertaken.

The club may be accessed over the weekend in accordance with the Public Health Orders. The only reason you may attend the club is for exercise. 

If you attend the club, you MUST:

(a) check in using the QR code

(b) wear a mask inside

(c) not attend or sail in more than groups of two. If your attendance would result in more than two in the club or in the park, you must wait outside (or on the water, if you are coming back in) until your presence in the park or in the club would not result in more than two.

Also, you must NOT attend the club if:

(a)  you live more than 10km from the club

(b)  you have any symptoms or are awaiting a test result

(c)  you or anyone in your household are required to isolate

(d)  you have been to a case location at the relevant times (until you have observed the relevant requirements).

Medal race debrief (rescheduled)

The race debrief of the Olympic Laser medal races (men’s and women’s) has been rescheduled to this Friday at 6pm.

If you did not buy a ticket last week, it’s not too late to join. Brett Beyer will talk through replays of the races over Zoom. This is bound to be insightful and educational!

The cost is $10 per head and once tickets are purchased you will be provided with the zoom link.

Update on the Women's Regatta

Sadly, owing to the continued uncertainties of COVID restrictions, the club has made the decision to cancel The Women’s Regatta, which was scheduled for 26 September 2021.  This event has been an important part of Double Bay Sailing Club’s aim to support and promote women’s participation in the sport and the ILCA / Laser class. 

Thank you to everyone who had planned to be part of the event, both as volunteers and as participants. Those who have participated in previous events know it is an event like no other.

London calling

“Off the deck” drinks will continue on Saturday afternoons from 1700.

Last week we were lucky enough to have Matt Knight dial in from London who gave us a good update on all things Laser sailing in Europe.

Just some of the people who dialled in to “off the deck” last week

60 seconds with Robert Vann

How old were you when you first stepped on a boat?
Maybe 3 or 4? on the family Etchells in Tampa, FL.

If money (and sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy?
Island hopping on a Cal 40 has always sounded fun.

What is your ultimate sailing goal?
To stay competitive while keeping it fun.

Tell us the story behind the name of your Laser?
Tiburon - it’s Spanish for shark.

If you could add any ingredient to DBSC's world’s best toasties – what would it be?
Sliced apple.

What are your second/third favourite hobbies (assuming sailing is #1)?
Skiing and Surfing.

Describe what you do for work in less than five words?
Engineering support for the RAN.

What is the first international destination you will travel to (once we're allowed) and why?
Japan! I’ve been kicking around ideas for a Japanuary ski trip to Hokkaido.

What is your favourite TV show, movie, and/or book?
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Bill Murray at his finest!

Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know?
Just moved here in November after 5 years in California. Excited to be part of the local sailing community!

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Medal race debrief

This Friday at 6pm, the club is hosting a session with Brett Beyer, where he will talk through the replays of the two Laser medal races over Zoom. This is bound to be more insightful and educational than the channel 7 commentary!

The cost is $10 per head and once tickets are purchased you will be provided with the zoom link.

Off the deck

Please note that the club continues to observe the Public Health Orders and the only reason you may attend the club is for exercise. The rules are the same as last week.

In the meantime, we will continue to host “off the deck” drinks for those that are missing the post race banter. Last week was a lot of fun and there is room for more to come this Saturday at 1700. 

So good!

Is the answer to last week’s question…

The Olympic sailing coverage has been undoubtedly the best ever with deck cams, athlete microphones, on-water and overhead footage and live tracking.

photo: @sailingenergy

It was an absolute delight to watch Mara Stransky on her final day of racing finishing 3rd in the penultimate fleet race and 1st in her final race for the event. Mara was 14th overall at her first Olympics , which is an outstanding achievement and all the more notable after 18 months away from international events.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you no doubt know that Matt Wearn won the gold medal in the men’s Laser event, only having to finish the medal race, such was his lead.

Photo: @sailingenergy

Tom Slingsby, the 2012 London Olympics gold medal winner noted on social media this win was all the more noteworthy for the efforts of coach Michael “Blackers” Blackburn who “has now coached 3 back to back Olympic champions and has created a legacy in Australian sailing and the Laser class in general”.

Well done to Mara, Matt and Blackers, as well of the rest of the Australian Sailing Team!

Oh… and don’t forget to watch Matt Belcher and Will Ryan in the Men’s 470 medal race today – they go in with a 20 point lead and are unassailable so long as avoid any false start penalties.