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JUNE 2013
DOWNWIND Racing Association Newsletter CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Diary Dates
THE FUTURE : Yes, definitely a hot topic of conversation at the recent Yachting Australia SA Clubs conference which was held over the weekend of 22/23 June at our Club. The future not only of our own club racing, nor even SA racing but the sport of Sailing itself, particularly as it stands in the context of all sports across the country.
July Sat 6: Short-handed Standalone Destination Race Sun 7: Short-handed Standalone Destination Race Sun 14: Winter Race 5 (RSAYS F/M) Sat 20: Short-handed Race 5 Fri 26: Racing Association AGM
August Sat 3: Port Adelaide Sailing Club - Icebreaker Series Sun 4: Port Adelaide Sailing Club - Port Line Cup
The news is both good and bad and all club representatives received the benefit of some very timely advice which REX will take into account in coming planning sessions. Racing itself will definitely need to evolve if we wish to engage the interest of new participants. Research indicates that at the moment there are many perceived barriers to anyone who might have the slightest inclination to race or even learn how to sail. One way, however, to combat this is to institute measures which may promote camaraderie and, in effect, bring the “Fun” back into racing. Die-hard “purist” race boats/crews, for many reasons, are dwindling in number but there is a demand for some less-intensive race days which can be, in effect, a “transition” from the casual twilight racing to the “serious” Inshore and Offshore series-type racing. Change though, requires communication and understanding. Our Draft program for 2013/14 is almost finalised and will stand but I do anticipate that the 2014/15 season may need to include some differences such shorter series options and some stand-alone/social/Sunday Races. I do believe that this will enhance, rather than diminish the program we put together. Research by YA shows a rising interest in short regattas, short series and social “fun” racing. In short, we’re not sure WHAT we will do but there’s no doubt Keelboat Racing in this state, as in all states, will need to change if it is to survive the next decade. None of us are getting younger and unless we encourage and provide access for new people, our crew and volunteer numbers are guaranteed to taper off within the next generation. A long-term vision and subsequent changes are essential if we are to preserve and protect Racing at the CYCSA. As always a consultation/feedback process with members will be paramount as we proceed to address these issues. Another topic, which also emerged from the YA conference is CHANGE; things are also changing within the governance of our sport. With some new rule changes imminent I was reminded of the fact that not all keelboat racers can point to a long history of racing (via dinghies as a child/teen) or have benefited from the experience that is a natural by-product of racing in interstate regattas. I am one of those people. I love my sport but I am by no means an expert. The fact is that some of us, whilst we THINK we know the all the rules, flags and signals, simply don’t With this in mind REX will be conducting an information workshop in the near future. I anticipate that this extremely informative four-hour session will not only ensure that our members are made aware of the rule changes, they may also come away with some newfound and immensely valuable knowledge of Race Officer procedures ( particularly concerning course setting, start line and finishing protocols). I urge all racing members, both skippers and crews, to make the time to attend this session if at all possible. (DATES TBA) The short-handed and winter series are underway - more details within this newsletter, It’s great to see a gathering number of entrants in the Canegrass Destination Race to Port Vincent on July 6/7 (Guaranteed to be a great weekend, thanks to Greg Patten and Friends ) and I’d also like to remind people of the PortLine Cup date this year is Sunday 4th August (with regatta racing also on Saturday 3)
Sun 11: Winter Race 6 (CYCSA W/L )
Other dates to keep in mind are those at the end of August when the International Tall Ship Fleet will arrive on Friday 30. This will be the largest collection of Tall Ships since 1988 so perhaps a good reason to head into the River to see the fleet berthed at Inner Harbor over the weekend. The boats will also be open to the Public. More details to come.
Sat 17: Short-handed Race 6
I do hope you can join us for the Racing Association AGM on the 26th July and urge anyone who may wish to nominate for REX to fill in their nomination forms (available online) ASAP. And finally a HUGE congratulations to JESS and ADAM on the birth of baby Nathaniel. I’ve called in to see the happy family and Nate is one cute little boy. We look forward to seeing Jess around the club in a more social-relaxed role whilst she is on maternity leave.
TRACI AYRIS RACING CHAIR DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU