60 seconds with Ross Ramsay

How old were you when you first stepped on a boat?
About 12. The boating scene in Moree wasn't huge.

If money (and sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy?
I know I should nominate a sailing boat, but I've always fancied myself on one of those antique Halvorsen cruisers.

What is your ultimate sailing goal?
Can't say what the ultimate goal might be but at this stage just being part of the pack at DBSC races.

Tell us the story behind the name of your Laser?
The Beagle. My wifes suggestion which I quite like, though it does conjure an image of a slow old tub.

If you could add any ingredient to DBSC's world’s best toasties – what would it be?
Given I've never tried one the missing ingredient is my hands.

What are your second/third favourite hobbies (assuming sailing is #1)?
Tennis and book clubs

Describe what you do for work in less than five words?
Developing energy/infrastructure projects

What is the first international destination you will travel to (once we're allowed) and why?
Istanbul. I've just gone through a phase of reading books on the history of the Silk Road and Constantinople.

What is your favourite TV show, movie, and/or book?
Quest for Fire - I've always had a thing for caveman movies

Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know?
I've got 2 donkeys, Banks and Olive

Ross also enjoys champagne sailing!

Nobody got wet

In what is as close to racing as our members can get at the moment, last Friday the club hosted a debrief of the men’s and women’s Olympic Laser medal races with Brett Beyer.

This was an insightful and education evening and attendees are bound to be at the front of the fleet once racing resumes.

Brett Beyer coaching his earnest squad over zoom…

Updated Club Access

Please note that the public health orders have changed to limit movement beyond a 5km radius from your home. 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 people.

Also, you must NOT attend the club if:

(a)  you live more than 5km 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).

Roster from 28 August 2021

The volunteer roster will continue to be scheduled from the end of the existing lockdown. While it’s optimistic, it is easier to cancel the roster than scramble to schedule volunteers at the last minute.

When you receive the roster email, please confirm your attendance by return email.

Off the deck

For those missing the clubhouse banter, “ff the deck” drinks will continue on Saturday afternoons from 1700.

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.