Sabot sailors,
Well, we have a long weekend coming up, and, in accordance with long standing VSSA practise, there are no formal VSSA events scheduled – in other words parents get the weekend off! That’s not to say that local clubs won’t still be racing, and I’m sure some of you will be out there practising hard for the upcoming 2007 State Championships – only two weeks away now!
On that subject, entry forms can be obtained by following the link below – don’t forget that they need to be rec’d by 17 March to avoid the late fee – this includes Novices as well! We are hoping for a large turnout again, especially if we can attract the Sunday training groups from clubs other than Black Rock Brighton, Mordialloc, Elwood and Port Melbourne….any chance your training kids will join us? If they are coming, please get your club rep’ to talk to me about parental support at the event. Don’t forget, it is free entry for the Novice Divisions….
A couple of comments about Entry Forms already received:
1. your YA Membership No’ must be quoted, and, if not provided, you will not be allowed to sail. This is an important insurance requirement. If you have any queries please talk to your club rep’. Black Rock YC is investigating the prospect of allowing kids without YA numbers to join the club at the time of registration to ensure they are covered by the necessary insurance however this is not confirmed yet and in any event will require another club membership fee to be paid if you are already a member elsewhere.
2. as per the Notice of Race, just because you have nominated a Division to sail in does not mean that the VSSA will necessarily allow you to sail in that division. This is not a problem for the majority of entrants, merely those who have either made a mistake in their entry or in the few cases where the VSSA needs to use its discretion under NOR Clause 3.7 – Division 3 to 5 inc’. Again, if you have queries call your club rep’ or myself.
You’ll be pleased to hear that the Accor Premiere Vacation Club 43rd Australian Sabot Championships and Kevin & Ross Wilson Sabot Week free event CDs have now been produced and are winging their way to APVC to be mailed out to you shortly. They look terrific, and will be a great souvenir for those who competed at the event. If you want a sneak preview of the shots go to Steb Fisher’s website.
Now for something completely different…..you’ll also be interested to learn, that in a repeat performance, Tim Hannah once again cleaned up at the State Optimist Championships last weekend at Sorrento – home turf for “our” Tim. In somewhat of a reduction in form from last year when Sabot sailors took 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th from recollection, Tim was supported this year by John Linacre 5th, James Morrison 8th and Will Llewelyn 9th. Best of the local Oppy skippers, also showing the benefit of experience gained in other classes, was Isabella Say from Sandy in 3rd – well done.
News of those who are moving on from the Sabots this year – there are a number of 29ers now in evidence and on their way to Victoria in which ex Sabot sailors will be chancing their arms this year! I can report they are all having fun and learning lots – the transition from single sail to triple sail, double crew and trapeze is a genuine test.
Buster Hooper tells me that Laser is currently marketing a well discounted Laser 4.7 rig package to attract kids leaving the junior classes – call Buster for information.
Enjoy your weekend, as usual don't hesitate to call if you have queries....
Yours in sailing
The Pres’
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