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MARCH/APRIL 2011
DOWNWIND Racing Association Newsletter
Chairman’s Report…
Diary Dates
April Sat 2:
Great Southern Regatta R1&2 / J24 State Champs R1, 2&3 / Club Inshore Series R12& 13/ IRC R11&12
Sun 3:
Great Southern Regatta R3 / J24 State Champs R4, 5&6
Sat 9:
Macdonnell Sound Offshore R7 / Inshore Offshore R9 / Combined Offshore Mini Series R5
Sat 9:
Coaster R9
Sat 9:
RSAYS Multihull Series R8
Sun 10: RSAYS Women’s Racing Series R8 Sat 16:
Club Inshore Series R14 / J24 Club Inshore Series R19&20
As we begin to wind up a racing season we immediately look ahead to the next and it was refreshing to receive some constructive feedback from some of our racing skippers. The recent Program Forum at the RSAYS reinforced to racing committees of both clubs that, whilst we need to continually keep tweaking, essentially our racing programs are meeting the needs of most members. Eight CYC Keelboats and two J24’s were represented at the forum, joining spokespersons for 11 Keelboat, 2 multi hull and 4 Etchells from the RSAYS. Whilst some CYC skippers were unable to attend the forum they were thoughtful enough to provide me with their thoughts on paper beforehand. In essence we have received direct feedback from the skippers and crews of 34 boats from both clubs. Votes were taken on a number of questions and subsequently these views and comments will be taken into account as we work on our program for the next Summer racing season. It’s not too late to have your say, and I welcome your comments on the following issues: SUNDAY RACING: some skippers have indicated that they would like to see two Sunday races (one before Christmas and one after). These races would enable sailors from other clubs and junior sailors to join us. It is hoped that some Trailerable boats could enjoy a casual race on these days as well. TWILIGHTS: The two combined twilight races were deemed a success and two stand-alone Ladies Helm twilights were advocated and well supported at the forum. RACE START TIME: Should we start earlier toward the end of the season? General consensus so far is that any race day needs to provide at least two hours of good racing but crews should be able to be socialising on the patio by around 4:30 MULTI-RACE DAYS: This issue is a sharply divided one. What is the ideal blend of single and double race days? Should we only conduct multi race days for regattas or are they a mandatory component of the inshore series?
Sun 17: Resail Day Fri 22:
Good Friday / End of Season Celebrations at Port Vincent
Sat 23:
Easter Saturday / End of Season Celebrations at Port Vincent
Sun 24: Easter Sunday / End of Season Celebrations at Port Vincent Mon 25: Easter Monday / ANZAC Day / End of Season Celebrations at Port Vincent Tues 26: ANZAC Day Public Holiday / End of Season Celebrations at Port Vincent
May Fri 6:
Racing Association Presentation Night
Sat 14:
Short-handed Short Course Series R1
Sun 22: Winter Series R1 Sat 28:
Traci Ayris
Short-handed Short Course Series R2
COURSES: Again, this is a divided issue but both Windward/Leeward racers will be accommodated and those who prefer beacon/fixed mark races will more than likely prefer the Coaster series. Many skippers have indicated the necessity of RO’s planning races which can be shortened as necessary. LONG WEEKENDS: Feedback so far indicates that racing on long weekends is not preferred. OFFSHORE: Feedback indicates a strong desire among most offshore skippers for more flexibility with courses and perhaps the inclusion of a “Destination” type race (more than likely to Port Vincent). The issue of running “short” offshores (ie: 60nm) within the gulf is another divided one, some hate them, others enjoy them. I invite all skippers who intend to race next year to jot down their thoughts on these and any other issues and send to Jess as soon as possible so that we can plan a program to suit the majority of those out on the water next season. SHORT HANDED: REX is currently considering an option whereby the Short Handed series could potentially encompass two divisions: one for the “purist” two hander and another which will allow boats to race with up to four aboard (for boats with general crew numbers 7+) and be handicapped accordingly. The object behind extending the existing parameters of short handed racing in its current form is to encourage more skippers to consider racing on these dates. We understand that it can be hard to gather a full crew in the cooler months so this type of racing could appeal. A separate start would be provided if this second division were to obtain enough numbers to constitute a fleet. If you would consider nominating for this type of racing please let Jess know as fleet numbers will dictate whether a second fleet is viable. PRESENTATION NIGHT is just around the corner, we’re planning some comedy and musical entertainment so bring your partners along. We’re taking nominations for Crewperson of the Year and Yacht of the Year. Please remember that “Crewperson of the Year” is not limited to the elite racing crews, it’s an award which recognises the person on your boat who consistently does so much more than jump aboard on race day, the person who is always there for that working bee and who goes out of their way to fix things when they break. If you have such a crew member and believe that they are consistent, talented, proactive, dedicated and irreplaceable then please put their name forward for consideration. In closing, if you haven’t yet made plans for Easter I urge you to join us at Port Vincent as we combine with RSAYS members for a great weekend of racing and onshore activities.
DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU