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FEBRUARY 2012
DOWNWIND Racing Association Newsletter CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Diary Dates March Sat 3:
Inshore R10 / IRC R9 / IRC D2 R5
Sun 4:
RSAYS Ladies R7
Wed 7:
Twilight Series 2 - R7
Sat 10:
J24 Aust Championships
Sun 11:
J24 Aust Championships
Mon 12:
J24 Aust Championships
Mon 12:
Adelaide Cup Public Holiday
Wed 14:
Twilight Series 2 - R8
Fri 16:
Island Cup Offshore R6
Sat 17:
Coaster R8
Wed 21:
Twilight Series 2 - R9 & Series Presentation
Sat 24:
Inshore R11 / IRC R10
Sun 25:
Vicsail Beneteau Regatta (RSAYS)
Wed 28:
Ladies Helm Twilight Race
Sat 31:
GSR / Inshore R12&13 / IRC R11&12 / IRC D2 R6&7
April Sun 1:
GSR / IRC D2 R8
Fri 6:
Good Friday
Mon 9:
Easter Monday
Sat 14:
Offshore R7 / Mini R5
Sat 14:
Coaster R9
Sat 21:
Inshore R14
Sun 22:
Resail Day (if required)
May
Well another Lincoln complete, and from all accounts it was a typical race with all the good and bad stories which make great conversation at the Marina Tavern or Yacht Club on Sunday. Congratulations to all who made the journey and especially those who posted a podium position this year. As we begin our windup to the Summer season, we are seeking feedback on this years’ program. Shortly, all Racing Association skippers will receive an email with specific questions and room for comment. I strongly urge all skippers in the coming weeks to talk with their crew and feedback their suggestions/comments so that REX can take the wishes of as many people as possible into account when planning for next year. We have received comments during the year about the Offshore Series and decisions may need to be made to change some elements of this series, again your comments in writing will ensure that your voice is heard and considered. When you receive this Feedback form, please complete it and send back to Jess as soon as you can. Unless we receive comments from all boats it is impossible for REX to make democratic decisions while planning for next season. On the topic of feedback, I attended a YSA meeting the other night where the ‘Gemba Report’ was tabled and explained by Ross Kilborn from Yachting Australia. The Gemba Report was funded by the Australian Sports Commission and directly relates to YA’s Sports Development Plan (available for perusal on Yachting Australia website under ‘member resources’). Essentially, the Gemba Report is a quantitative research study on the sport of Yachting in Australia. It would be exhaustive to list all the interesting points which came from the study but a few points which REX will consider in its future planning are some of these key insights: • Yachting rates 37th out of 46 sports when related to the word
‘Passion’. It also rates 34th out of 46 sports in participation numbers. • Yachting has an ‘exclusive’ image and is perceived as being an
‘inaccessible’ sport.
Fri 4:
Presentation Night
Sat 12:
Short-handed R1
• Yachting has a late starting age—similar to Golf.
Sun 13:
Mother’s Day
• There is a high level of interest among children, young adults and
Sun 20:
Winter R1
Sat 26:
Short-handed R2
families but barriers prevent a take-up of the sport. CONTINUED PAGE 2 DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU