The Race before Xmas

'Twas seconds to the start, and all down the line,

Many boats were over, except, of course, mine.

Other skippers were cursing, and sounding most surly

With much screaming between boats: “You’re OVER EARLY!”

But we’re off, fast and clean.  We charge up the course.

Tacking on top of the others, without any remorse.

I make it look easy, as I stay with each lift,

Tuned into the phases, my skills are a gift!

I was feeling almost giddy, as I kept the boat ahead,

I was planning replay the glory later in bed.

I rounded the top mark first; I was claiming the prize,

But I blew it all on the run with a spectacular capsize

Why aren't there any Lasers in the clubhouse.....

....this is the question the punters passing the DBSC at 2pm will be asking themselves this Saturday.

The answer: The Dick Tyrell Trophy race.  This is the most prestigious race the club runs each season, and it can be realistically won by by EVERY member of the club on the day.  It is a handicap start, and with the right weather conditions, weight, tactics and skills it is an open contest.

Dear Leader may be unbeatable in 7.65 knot N-E breeze with a run out tide, but then in a +25 knot westerly, a 100kg radial sailor on the maximum handicap doing granny-tacks might be the winning combination.  If you are between these two, then turn up because you have a chance to win!

The day starts early with Blackies' Learn to Race Session at 9am.  Racing starts at 2pm sharp for the Dick Tyrell Trophy (followed by the scratch event).  Finally, at 7pm we have our Christmas Party where you will be able to have the most fun in Sydney without the prospect of seeing DBSCer Dr G at St Vincents later in the evening.

Look forward to seeing all the boats out this Saturday.

Big Boat honours.....

As many readers of this journal would remember, we have a number of members who also excel in the big boats.

Two of our number have recently been honoured by the CYCA:

Ocean Racer of the Year - Roger 2 Hobart ("R2H")

Navigator of the Year - JJen.

At the international press conference after the presentation, the DBSCers spoke:

R2H, expounded on ocean racing: "...the only reason why I do it is so that I can better appreciate my time sailing Lasers out of Double Bay.  It is in Lasers that strategy, tactics, boat handling skills and physical endurance is tested, and not sitting on weather rail having large waves splash over you for a couple of days between vomiting violently."

JJen, proclaimed: "...this award vindicates that turning the map upside down works when going to Hobart.  I accept this award on behalf of all women, globally, who navigate boats, or cars, and have been subjected to ridicule for turning the map upside down."

Big Boat Report

Four boats presented on cool, breezy, sunny afternoon; perfect early summer sailing. Moths and super-maxies and pre-Hobart ocean racers added to the Harbour's traditional racing fleets.Yesterday's sou-easterly eased during the morning and, by the time of our start (at 2.00pm - thank you John V), a nor-easterly sea-breeze had come in. It was less steady than usual, with knocks and lifts and holes but it blew us around the course and challenged our ability to trim to the wind.

Time & Tide won the start, but the shackle which held the sheet to the genoa gave way 10 seconds later. Swift fixit by T&T's deckie had us racing again, but 100m behind. It looked like a long race for us, trying to pick up crumbs. 

Umbakumba led around the first mark from Chenonceau, and again around the Taylor's Bay mark. Chenonceau's crew had put a reef in her main, however, and it paid dividends Less overpowered, Chenonceau was strongly competitive, leaving Corinna behind and, further, T&T was still trying to make catch up, as we all took on the long work to the Sow'n Pigs mark. 

The mover on this leg was T&T; we trimmed hard and sailed to the variable wind, passing an uncharacteristically slow Corinna. Umbakumba still led as we turned downwind to Shark Island, and it was this leg that sorted us out. Chenonceau went for a kite set, but the halyard jammed and the crew had to drag the the great sail back in. Umbakumba and T&T were short-handed and kept our kites in their bags, but we poled our headsails and had smooth runs south. Corinna  set her kite successfully, and kept in touch, but could not push through the rest of us. By the time we gybed for home (with 18 footers whistling past) Umbakumba andT&T had pulled away, for a race to the finish.

We were on a broad reach and T&T poled first, and was into the lead before Umbakumba followed suit.  And that was decisive.

Across the line:

TIme & Tide
(30 seconds)
Umbakumba
(45 seconds)
Chenonceau
(3 minutes)
Corinna

We race again on January 18

Hope to see you then

Jonathan

Saturday, December 6

While there is no racing on this Saturday due to Sail Sydney, the club house should still be pumping.

It kicks off at  9am when Blackie has his Learn To Race disciples seating, touching the hem, while he explains the intricacies of racing a Laser sailing before the group takes to the water for some practical training.

A little later, those who will be competing in Sail Sydney will start arriving to rig for the event.

Lastly, there will be those who will be arriving for a social sail (similar to our twilight sessions) or haven't read the weekly email.

Culturally tolerant membership.....

...despite the best endeavours of the politically correct, DBSC will again be having a Christmas Party, rather than a pagan-neutral function.

We invite all members to bring along their loved ones and/or least hostile acquaintances to the clubhouse for the 2014 Christmas Party on Saturday, 20 December 2014, starting at 7pm, and finishing when the last person leaves.

Dress is "smart casual", or "resort wear", depending on where you sit on the mortality tables.  Many of the women-folk wear a frock.  The least expected from the men-folk is "not sailing gear", but preferably slacks and a collared shirt.

To help with the catering, can you let Peter Collie (social@dbsc.com.au) know, or better still click on the following link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1D9YnMk1mQvaEsEdCwX15SgiOO-c6BkrRe_95xmFDMEE/edit?usp=sharing

2014/15 NSW State Championships at Belmont

The results of the State Championships have re-ignited the debate on "nature versus nurture."

The nature argument is reinforced by Ian's strong affinity with radial sailing (demonstrated by his recent performance in  the Rolex Vaucluse Challenge), while the nurture proponents points to Clare's stalking using "Find My Friends", and the careful scheduling of training, meals and studying commitments.

Dear Leader has weighed into the controversy, enlightening us with:

"Clearly, you need to have the correct DNA to be able to do the basics in sailing, and then you need parents who can instil the logistical and administrative skills to ensure the preparation is complete.  Unless you have both, you will not be the next Grasshopper who might be able to snatch the pebbles from me." 

A number of other DBSCers also flew the flag strongly.  Notable highlights include:

• as usual, Blackie ran a Learn to Race session just before each day's racing, and just made the starting sequence;
• Wawny ventured over the Harbour Bridge; and,
• Penguin averaged less than one collision per race.

DBSCers represented more than 10% of the total combined fleets (despite the mis-recorded affiliations on the results sheets).

One thing missing was the absence of a DBSC victory song sung to the music of Working Class Man.  Please review this example of what can be done with the tune, and revert with lyrics for a club song to be performed at the Christmas Party

Bonza effort.

Despite the schism of 1054.....

....and the Papist connection, we should help support the broader sailing church.....click here for details.

No club racing on Dec 6; enter Sail Sydney

DBSC will not be holding racing on 6 December.  All sailors are encouraged to enter Sail Sydney and race the regatta, even if it's only for the one day  we'll send a RIB up with our fleet for support.........

details on regatta.....

Sail Sydney is holding two two laser regattas. Olympians race while we slave at our desks (Tues - Thurs) and then they hold a second regatta for those with less testosterone and better manners. The amateur regatta was originally proposed 3 days, but the demands of Xmas long lunches during December, means the regatta has been scaled back to 2 days only

• Tues 2/12 - Thurs 4/12.  8 races.  Olympic type sailors (but also open to males on radials)
• Sat 6/12 - Sun 7/12.  6 Races.  Festivus for the Rest of Us.  Masters, youth and open divisions

I am told the Laser course will be in the vicinity of VYC's waters, but don't hold me to it.

Details here

1st leg of VYC challenge a success

First leg of the DBSC/VYC Challenge held last Saturday was a huge success.

Racing under blue skies (sans lasts week's lightning and thunder!)  in the 15-18 knot NE was tight, and in very good spirit.  Even better spirits were on display at VYC who hosted us post race with great food and imported beer!  

Thanks to John Vasey, our very forgiving PRO, for getting us away.  About 25 boats in each fleet, with Mark B and Finn leading the Standard and Radials home respectively.  Of more importance was the effort of the DBSC mid fleet flotilla.  Our 12th full rig and 10th radial beat the 5th VYC, so the points score was very favourable.  At the announcement of the scores (DBSC 39, VYC 92),  your commodore had to remind the cheering VYC faithful that this is a "lowest score wins" event.

Many from both clubs commented that "we should do this more often" (both the sailing and the drinking), and so we will look at combining the fleets on one of our upcoming non Pointscore "sprint racing" days.  At the very least it will give us some training for the 2nd leg of the challenge.

Old school, beer soaked result sheets below.  Apologies that not all finishers are on this sheet....we just had to get to their 5th boat before we went to drink their beer.

Luke