Sabot sailors,
I trust you are all now back at school or work, and getting back into club sailing.
Last weekend was a great return to seabreeze sailing (where was it over Christmas and New Year?) – I was at Black Rock YC with the boys and the SW breeze kicked in nicely at around 15-20 kts. Matthew Taylor was the only finisher (having sailed the “long” course instead of the shorter Sabot one – read the instructions!), ahead of Jacob Freeman, Alex Jackson, Kira Freeman and Brodie Coutts (some great reaching in the waves there Brodie). Good to see Alex back in the Sabot after a Cadet campaign which included their recent Nationals in Hobart. Ultimately however the breeze and a building sea defeated most of the sailors, but it looked exciting. Gus Ekberg meanwhile was sailing the 125 with dad, Richard, and Penny Irwin and Kate Jenkins were also 125ing. Nick Taylor and Tom Jenkins were also trying out the 29er, so a good turnout of ex and current Sabot sailors.
In this vein, I am happy to report all/any club results in this enews service, but I need the clubs to provide the information. Club rep’s over to you?
Couple of bits of news/information this week:
2007 Victorian Sate Sabot Championships
The NOR for this event will be on the website shortly, but make sure the dates below are in your diary. Hosted this year by Black Rock YC, as in prior years, the state championships will be held over two weekends – 24/25 March and 31 March/1 April. Boats should be able to be stored at the club for the week in-between. Again, as usual, there will be a Novice Fleet for those that have not done a state championships before, or who are still learning the finer points of Sabot sailing. Most of our local fleet competed at the recent National Championships at Sandringham YC so we would expect a big fleet on the main course as well. We welcome the Black Rock junior training fleet to both weekends – similar to the Brighton arrangements last year.
2007 Lidgett Cup
All Sabot sailors should now have entered the 2007 Lidgett Cup timetabled for 17 & 18 February at Davey’s Bay YC. This is a fantastic event for all srandards of Sabot sailor – from learn to sail right through to top Nationals competitor – fun but lots to learn. Herewith is an extract from the last enews providing entry details – alternatively follow the links below or via the Davey’s Bay website.
Always a good fun weekend eligible yachts may only enter online at www.daveysbay.org.au using the entry form. Entries should have been lodged by Friday 2 February 2007. However, entries lodged after Friday 2 February shall pay an additional entry fee and can be lodged at the club up to 1200 hrs on Saturday 17 February 2007. Entry fees are just $25 prior to 2 Feb 2007 or $35 after 2 Feb 2007.
To assist with the catering over the weekend, please pre-order your lunch and Saturday evening dinner requirements on-line with your entry.
If you do join in, we would ask your assistance with boat delivery. While boats can be delivered on event days from 0800 hrs, if at all possible, to ease congestion on Saturday morning, we encourage as many people as possible to deliver boat(s), either - Sunday 11 Feb 0900 to 1900 hrs or Friday 16 Feb 1700 to 2030 hrs. Access is via Davey’s Bay Rd, Marathon Dve, thru’ stone gates into Brookwood Dve. If you wish to deliver outside these hours, please call Shane Davies 0408 316 995 or Richard Starkins 0412 554 887.
Finally, as in past years clubs, parents and coaches with suitable power boat(s) are encouraged to bring them to the event. If you are able / planning to bring a boat:
1. could you please advise, by return email to jeni@efg.com.au, copied to peter@efg.com.au
- the details of the boat.
- whether you are able to accommodate other people on the boat.
- if you / your boat has a VHF or 27 MHz radio.
2. due to the fact that the Davey's Bay jetty has been removed and will not be rebuilt in the time for the event, could you kindly endeavour to launch power boats at the Frankston or other public ramp and motor around to the club. In past years all power boats have been able to be moored on club moorings on the Saturday evening.
New motor for “TUDS” - the Sabot duck
You will all be pleased to learn that the VSSA has been able to trade in our old motor and upgrade to a new Mercury 40hp 4 stroke motor – being installed by Bay Marine next week. We have been able to afford this from a surplus gained at the recent National Championships. Trading in and upgrading like this keeps our assets up to date, “saleable”, and more importantly reliable.
Who doesn’t know why the duck is called TUDS? Strange name I hear you say…… in fact the naming rights were acquired by a syndicate of ex Sabot parents headed by ex VSSA President, Richard Starkins, at the President’s Dinner in 2005. They graciously agreed to name the boat after another ex VSSA President, Ian Tudball – TUDS to his friends and acquaintances. Tuds was a great asset to the VSSA for a number of years not only administering the class but also spawning a son, James, who took out the State Championships twice in 1998 and 1999, and went on to become a fantastic sailor in other classes inc’ 420 and 29er.
That’s your lot for now,
Yours in sailing,
The Pres’
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