DECEMBER 2011
1
DOWNWIND Racing Association Newsletter Diary Dates January Sun 1:
New Years Day
Sat 7:
Coaster 6
Wed 11: Twilight Series 2 - R1 Sat 14:
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Our Ladies Helm Twilight races are proving to be a huge success. Stepping slightly sideways from the semi-competitive regular races of the Phil Hoffmann Travel Twilight Series, it seems that members and guests of the fairer sex are enjoying the fun of bumping regular skippers aside to have a crack out on the track themselves. Judging by the patio talk it’s a fair bet to say more than a few ladies are proving their worth behind the wheel and crowd numbers are testament to the fact that crews are also finding these nights to be a lot of fun. We were also treated to a visit from Ladies Night co-sponsor EverettBrookes Jewellers. With Christmas on the horizon, their array of sparkly temptations certainly captured the attention of more than a few members. In a drive to raise funds for Presentation Night and to purchase new hand-held VHF radios, Jess and I have been conducting raffles on twilight nights. To date we’ve raised more than $500, so I’m pleased to say that our Duty Crew and Race office will be able to replace their antiquated units in the coming weeks. Phil Hoffmann Travel has kindly provided us with some extra prizes for our fundraising raffles, and we thank all racing members and guests for their support.
Inshore R7 / Multi R7
Sun 15: RSAYS Ladies R4 Wed 18: Twilight R2 Sat 21:
Kaesler Cup / Inshore R8
Thur 26: Australia Day Standalone Twilight Sun 29: Chairman’s Cup Sun 29: RSAYS Ladies R5
February Wed 1:
Twilight Series 2 - R3
Sat 4:
Offshore R4
Sat 4:
Coaster R4
Wed 8:
Twilight Series 2 - R4
Sat 11:
Inshore R9 / IRC R9 / Multi R9
Sun 12: CYCSA Crabbing Day Sun 12: RSAYS Ladies R6 Wed 15: Twilight Series 2 - R5 (RSAYS) Thurs 16: Lincoln Briefing (RSAYS) Fri 17: Offshore R5 / IRC R8 Mon 20: Lincoln Week Regatta Tues 21: Lincoln Week Regatta Wed 22: Lincoln Week Regatta Thurs 23: Lincoln Week Regatta
REX recently voted on the request by some members for us to split our twilight fleet into two separate divisions and I am pleased to announce that the Phil Hoffmann Travel Twilight Series now comprise of Cruising A and Cruising B results. Regular readers of Downwind will recall that a high priority for REX this year is to build up a strong Duty Crew volunteer base. Our loyal band of volunteers onboard CYC1 and CYC2 generously give their time to help us conduct races every week but REX is mindful of the fact that we need to expand our pool of volunteers if we expect to facilitate a full racing calendar in the coming decade. One thing which may not have been communicated effectively to date is that we are not asking for people to dedicate every racing day, it is the hope of REX that we can identify some racing members who may be happy to learn race boat procedure on an on-going basis and become part of a pool of people we can call on as needs occur. We thank Bradd Hausler for his commitment in learning to drive CYC1 under the tutelage of stalwart skipper Ron Yeates and we would certainly welcome anyone who may wish to help our Race Officers record and check results on Race Days. Still on the topic of Race Procedures, we are presently researching new technology and onboard procedures to develop a system which will work best for our racing membership. Race Officer John Gibson has begun experimenting with IPADS and Video Cameras in a bid to determine the best way of streamlining and authenticating race results and I will keep you posted on his progress and conclusions. Some recent events in the Protest Room have highlighted the urgency of developing an improved results system but it has also come to light that our volunteers have, at times, had difficulty in identifying boats on the water. We do urge all members to ensure that their sail numbers match those recorded in the Race Office as it is nigh-on impossible for our volunteers and Race Officers to record and identify groups of boats if sail numbers are hard to identify or, worse still, missing completely. At time of writing, our Sydney-Hobart entrants are making their way East and we wish the crews of Two True and Patrice IV all the best for this years’ race. I will certainly be following their progress on Yacht Tracker. On behalf of REX, I wish all racing members a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you all back on the water in the New Year.
TRACI AYRIS RACING CHAIR
Wed 29: Twilight Series 2 - R6 DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU