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SEPT / OCT 2012
DOWNWIND Racing Association Newsletter
Diary Dates
October Wed 17: Twilight R1 Sat 20: Inshore R2&3 Sun 21: RSAYS Ladies R1 Wed 24: Twilight R2 Sat 27: CYCSA Opening Day Wed 31: Twilight R3
November Sat 3: SSSC Day 1 Sat 3: RSAYS Opening Day Sun 4: SSSC Day 2 Wed 7: Twilight (Sternchaser) Fri 9:
Offshore R2 (Haystack)
Sat 10: Coaster R2 Wed 14: Twilight R4 Sat 17: Premier’s Cup Regatta Sun 18: Premier’s Cup Regatta Wed 21: Twilight R5’ Sat 24: Coaster R3 Wed 28: Twilight (RSAYS)
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT REX thanks all members who attended our recent skipper and crew meeting. The presentation given by Captain Douglas Dow (Chief Marine Pilot Flinders Ports), Adrian Moore (Marine Operations Compliance Officer Flinders Ports), and Abigail Walters (DTEI) was informative and certainly illustrated how frustrating it can be for those on the bridge of commercial ships when confronted with sailing yachts. Of course not all past incidents have related to racing fleets in particular but we do recognise that whilst skippers believe that they are not placing their boats at risk when sailing in the proximity of commercial shipping, often those aboard the ships don't see it the same way. The Racing Executive made the decision long ago to avoid racing within the confines of the channel and our major shipping thoroughfares wherever possible but of course our boats often compete in races which are not under our own club auspices. All skippers should be aware that ships are not necessarily required to transit via the full length of the channel and that many ships may exit at certain points upon their own discretion. During the upcoming season Jess will continue to communicate with the Port Authorities in order to ensure that shipping movements will not impact on our racing, nevertheless we urge all members to recognise the inability of large ships to manoeuvre effectively in order to avoid collision. Opening Day is nearly upon us, a day where we can socialise and entertain friends at the club. The Racing Association will conduct the Kayak Trials as part of the Unforgettable Challenge once again this year. Adrian and his crew on School's Out won the Unforgettable Houseboat prize last year and we hope that many of our racing boats take up the challenge once again. Select four of the most adventurous go-getters in your group and nominate. The prize is well worth winning and we would love to see a racing yacht team secure this amazing prize once again. As the weather (slowly) continues to warm up we look forward to seeing you all at the club on Wednesday nights for Twilight Racing. Once again our wonderful sponsors Phil Hoffmann Travel, Yalumba wines, Doyles, Canegrass Saltbush Lamb and The Stag are supporting our twilight fleet and we look forward to another great season of mid-week racing. This is the ideal opportunity to get workmates, friends and family out on the water. I think that many of us take the ability to race as a given but I think we underestimate how enjoyable a twilight race can be for those who have had little exposure to Yacht Racing. It's a great way to showcase our sport so spread the word amongst your friends and colleagues; we'd love them to join us.
TRACI AYRIS RACING CHAIR DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
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SEPT / OCT 2012
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NEWS FROM THE RACE OFFICE
Welcome to Racing Season 2012-13! The upcoming season looks set to be a corker, and it will be nice to see everyone around the Club again after the quieter winter season. After last season, the REX circulated a survey to racing skippers to see what they wanted in the new program. We took all feedback on board and offered a wide range of series for skippers to nominate for this season. Nominations closed at the end of September, and I can confirm the following series will be going ahead: Club Inshore Series - Div 1 PHS & IRC / Div 2 PHS / J24 PHS & OD Coaster Series Offshore Series - PHS & IRC SA IRC Club Championships - Div 1 & Div 2 Twilight Series 1 & 2 We also have good numbers for all three Regattas and the Winter series. Speaking of Regattas, please turn to page 12 of this edition of Downwind for information on this years’ Sportsmed.SA Premier’s Cup Regatta. The Racing Association will be putting on a BBQ and entertainment on the Saturday evening of the Regatta - please register with me if you plan on attending for catering purposes. CYCSA’s Opening Day is only a couple of weeks away now! This year it will be held on Saturday 27 October. Don’t forget to contact reception for your guest passes and to register your team for this years Unforgettable Challenge. The prize is once again a trip on an Unforgettable Houseboat - won last year by ‘School’s Out’! If you are hesitating to register for the Challenge, just ask Adrian Wotton if he thinks it is worth entering! The Racing Association will be running the kayak challenge from Marina East, so pop over and say hi! I am always looking for people to write interesting articles for Downwind - anything from race reports to something funny or yachting inspired that you would like to share. You will see we have had a few contributions this edition, which I hope everyone finds interesting. Turn to page 7 for my favourite! See you all around the Club soon, and safe sailing!
JESS HARGREAVES RACING MANAGER
DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
3 SEPT / OCT 2012 Page 3 DOWNWIND
MARINE ACADEMY COURSES
RYA Day Skipper Theory The CYCSA Marine Academy is a RYA/ YA Shore based Training Centre. Our Day Skipper Theory has been broken into 2 manageable parts. The course is conducted in the Kinnaird Room from 7pm till 10pm on weeknights. To complete Day Skipper theory you will need to do both "Navigation" and "Seamanship and Safety". All courses include Day Skipper theory packs and Almanac. Day Skipper Theory Full Course Cost: $695.00 Members / $795.00 Non Members For dates see below, Navigation + Seamanship & Safety Navigation - 9 weeks Dates: MONDAY NIGHTS 7.00pm - 10.00pm 22, 29 Oct, 5, 12, 19, 26 Nov, 3 Dec 2012 Cost: $465 Members / $550 Non-Members Seamanship & Safety - 5 weeks Dates: TUESDAY NIGHTS 7.00pm - 10.00pm 20, 27 Oct, 4 Dec 2012 Cost: $275 Members/$330 Non-Member. Click here for bookings and course information. Sea Safety & Survival Certificate An intensive two day course that delivers up-to-date information and current techniques in an interactive and safe learning environment. The course includes a practical wet drill where candidates will become familiar with the deployment and use of a life raft and flare detonation which should greatly enhance the chances of survival in the event of an emergency at sea. Date: November 3 & 4 2012. Cost: Members: $290 / Non Members $350 Click here for bookings and course information. Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP) This certificate is required for all people using VHF and HF Marine radios. Feel confident and secure knowing how to use the boats radio. Dates: TUESDAY NIGHT 7.00pm - 10.00pm 16, 23 Oct. Cost: Members $220 / Non Members $260. Click here for bookings and course information. Start Powerboating - State Boat Licence Gain a boat licence practically without sitting the DPTI test. The CYCSA Marine Academy recommends this course as an essential requirement to be a safe and confident all round power boater! Dates: Courses are run at the start of every month. Cost: Members $200 / Non Members $240 Click here for bookings and course information.
The CYCSA Marine Academy runs a large selection of courses including the Yachting Australia Keelboat Program and Sail Cruising Program, check out our home page. DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
4 SEPT / OCT 2012
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RACING ASSOCIATION SPONSOR
BOAT PROFILES Check out the CYCSA Website and have a look at our Boat Profiles. We currently have 6 or so boat profiles and we want more! Check out this great profile of Shining Sea:
Want to see your boat on the home page too? It’s easy! All you need to do is fill out this simple spreadsheet and provide us with an awesome photo of your boat. DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
5 SEPT / OCT 2012
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DYNEEMA ROPE LIFELINES
For ever we have been using wire for lifelines. Often we find corrosion, kinks and wire strands breaking at stanchions and to replace lifelines you need special equipment which often means hiring a Rigger. One alternative which is becoming more popular is to make your lifelines out of high tech rope. One such product is Dynema and finally the racing rules of sailing make it legal for racers. Cruisers have been able to this for a while, but the endorsement by the top authority in Sailing makes the choice a safer one to make. The new Racing Rules of Sailing due out in January 2013. So why should you change to Dyneema? One reason is you can do it yourself. The are several options on the market for the DIY boater. You can purchase the Dyneema line and use standard fittings for the ends, or you can use Dyneema lashings to tie to the pulpit and pushpit. One choice you have is to splice the line yourself or have a professional do it. If you buy the line from a rigger or chandler they can splice it to the length for you. Dyneema is cheaper and the line is stronger than stainless steel as well. Dyneema and Spectra are the trade names for HMPE single-braid lines. Weight – Converting to Dyneema from SS is a HUGE weight savings. Dyneema is15 times stronger than steel on a weight-for-weight basis, and 8 times lighter than the equivalent diameter in steel wire. Wear and Tear – Dynema is more forgiving that wire and easier on the body. One thing to be aware of is sun damage, to Dyneema some experts recommend replacing it every 5 years due to. To make your lifelines first Measure the distance between the pulpit and pushpit attachment points through the stanchions. You can use a piece of line for this small enough to pass through the stanchions. Tie the line on the pushpit run it through the stanchions and tie it to the pulpit. Mark where the attachment points are on the line and then remove the line to measure between the marks in a straight line. Tell the person making up the line for you and tell him what fittings you are using so they can subtract for those. Attachments – now you have the length and the line spliced the forward end is simply luggage tagged onto the pulpit. At the aft end you can also use a fitting like these ” X-Tra Length Splice Line Turnbuckle ” (7 inches throw) to terminate the lifeline at the aft end and to tension the lifeline. You can also make jacklines out of Dyneema. ISAF lifeline rule's Description: ISAF 2013-2016 Racing Rules of Sailing are out, and as promised, Dyneema lifelines are fully legal, and allowed to be hiked off of. 49.2 When lifelines are required by the class rules or the sailing instructions they shall be taut, and competitors shall not position any part of their torsos outside them, except briefly to perform a necessary task. On boats equipped with upper and lower lifelines, a competitor sitting on the deck facing outboard with his waist inside the lower lifeline may have the upper part of his body outside the upper lifeline. If the class rules do not specify the material or minimum diameter of lifelines, they shall comply with the corresponding specifications in the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations. Source: http://www.myboatsgear.com/mbg/product.asp?prodID=2526
DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
6 SEPT / OCT 2012
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PHIL HOFFMANN TRAVEL TWILIGHT RESULTS RACE 1 17 OCTOBER 2012
CRUISING A 1: RAPID 1 (KEITH FINCH) 2: VERTIGO (JAMIE GOODE) 3: TWO TRUE (ALEX SAIES)
CRUISING B 1: MEDOSA (BRIAN SMITH) 2: MINNON (JOE MEZZINI) 3: TBA (DOUG WATSON)
AMAS COMMUNITY & NATIONAL SYSTEM INFORMATION DAYS During October and November AMSA and state & territory maritime authorities will be hosting a number of information days around the country. The information days provide opportunities to learn more about AMSA’s operations and new maritime legislation coming into effect in 2013. The regional locations will focus on National System-related information, while the broader AMSA community locations will cover the National System plus other aspects of AMSA’s operations. Each AMSA Community Information Day will include two presentations from senior AMSA officials: 1.
An introduction to AMSA – Who we are and what we do - 10am
2.
Maritime reform – What’s changing, and where do I fit in? - 11am
the new Navigation Act 2012
the new Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessels) National Law Act 2012
the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
the Australian International Shipping Register
AMSA staff members will also be available from 10:00am – 4:00pm throughout the information days to talk to you about:
new laws for ships and domestic commercial vessels
safe shipping, particularly in protected reef environments
Australia’s marine environment protection arrangements
the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 and the Australian International Shipping Register
AMSA’s search and rescue role.
National System Information Days will feature a presentation followed by Q&A session. AMSA and state/territory maritime officers will also be available before and after the presentation to answer any questions you may have about the new system. Copies of the latest compact guide to the National System and accompanying fact sheets will be available to all participants. Further information on the Community & National System Information Days is available HERE.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA SESSION TIMES: AMSA Community Information Day (Including National System information) Wednesday 22 November 2012 10am - 4pm Stamford Grand Adelaide
National System Information Session Friday 23 November 2012 5pm-8pm Port Lincoln The Marina Hotel & Apartments 13 Jubilee Drive Lincoln Cove Marina
DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
7 SEPT / OCT 2012
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GREAT IDEA FOR OFFSHORES‌.?!
JAPANESE firms have showcased incontinence devices that combine a nappy with a personal bidet, removing waste before cleaning and then drying the wearer as they sleep. A number of companies taking part in this year's International Home Care and Rehabilitation Exhibition in Tokyo had their automatic toilet-cum-washlets on display, aimed at Japan's burgeoning senior care market. Salespeople demonstrated how a U-shaped cup fits between the wearer's legs and contains a sensor that activates a suction mechanism when triggered. Waste is moved rapidly away from the body before a bidet spray-cleans and then blow-dries the area. The cup is connected to a duct which moves the waste into a tank. "This machine is intended to ease the burden for caregivers, especially at night, and it also helps those in bed stay clean," said Daizo Igawa, manager of Muscle Corp, as he demonstrated the firm's "Robohelper" automatic toilet. The demand for incontinence products in Japan is rising as the population ages, and a change in public insurance schemes now allows this kind of device to be rented. Tokyo-based Mammary, which also markets gloves to aid breast self-examinations, sells its "Smilet" at 580,000 yen ($7147), a price the company recognised was beyond the reach of many families. "Now you can rent one under the insurance program at 3000 to 4000 yen a month," salesman Yamato Ishitate said.
Read more here. Thanks to Jacq Heffernan for sending this article in and giving everyone a giggle!
DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
8 SEPT / OCT 2012
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THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF RACING
1.
Thy boat shall be of minimum weight and shall not leak, for when thou are beaten thou shalt not blame thy craft.
2.
Thou shalt trim thy sails according to Bethwaithe, for thus fly the birds of the air and they are right, for out of the sky they falleth not.
3.
Thou shalt have neutral helm, both upwind and down, for thus sayeth the god Elvstrom and thou shalt have no other gods before him.
4.
Thou shalt not choke thy gear. Likewise shalt thou bear away and ease sheets through waves, for loss of way leadeth to Leeway and the anxious pulling on of the sheets. Verily I say unto you, this is the cardinal sin upwind.
5.
Thou shalt study the wind pattern of the day, whether the gusts be long or short, whether directions be true or changing, for the wind god Huey is indeed fickle.
6.
Thou shalt concentrate down wind, even more than upwind. Behold, if thou ridest the waves, thou shalt indeed enter the Kingdom of the Trophy Winners.
7.
Thou shalt not lose thy temper in light airs, for when thy competitors have all lost theirs, thou shalt indeed be placed at the right hand of the Local Member Almighty at the Great Presentation.
8.
Thou shalt ensure thyself of a good start, for it is easier for A class to pass through the eye of a needle than for a boat in the ruck to gain the starter's gun.
9.
Thou shalt be aware of the rules, for when the forces of darkness cry 'starboard' when they have it not, thou salt reply: "Go to Hell, from whence thou hast cometh."
10. Thou shalt seek clear air, but not sail off on flyers, for verily I say unto you: "What shall it profit a man to inherit the lead if he loseth half a mile when the northerly cometh?" I say unto you, there are three graces in sailing: The first is brains, the second is money and the third is much practice. The greatest of these is practice, unless thou sailest the proud ocean racer, when the greatest is money, for the others may be bought with this money. Onward Christian sailors.... Thanks to David Coats for sending this item in. David came across the article many years ago in a TAA in-flight Magazine and thought it fitting to send in, given the racing season is upon us. DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
9 SEPT / OCT 2012
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CLUB INSHORE RACE RESULTS RACE 1 6 OCTOBER 2012 DIV 1 PHS 1: ANOTHER PLANET 2: TWO TRUE 3: SHINING SEA
DIV 2 PHS 1: DR FEELGOOD 2: TAURUS 3: ROCK ON
DIV 1 IRC 1: TWO TRUE 2: ANOTHER PLANET 3: SHINING SEA
J24 PHS 1: ‘TBA’ 2: GOOD COMPANY J24 OD 1: ‘TBA’ 2: GOOD COMPANY
DIV 1 SA IRC STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS RACE RESULTS RACE 1 6 OCTOBER 2012 1: TWO TRUE 2: LUCETTE 3: SHINING SEA
COASTER RACE RESULTS RACE 1 13 OCTOBER 2012 1: WAR & PEACE 2: STOCKCAR 3: ALLIANCE
OFFSHORE RACE RESULTS RACE 1 13 OCTOBER 2012 PHS 1: SHINING SEA 2: WHITE KNIGHT 3: BLUE MAX
IRC 1: SHINING SEA 2: WHITE KNIGHT 3: KINETIC ENERGY
DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
10 SEPT / OCT 2012
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IRC REPORT Good News
After 2 aborted attempts to get to Pt Lincoln weather Gods smiled on the 27 September (4knts Easterly). Weighed and fully measured Sextant (an X34), and also did some measuring on Speakeasy. Both yachts received their current certificates on 10 October 2012. We also managed to get 6 yachts weighed on Thurs 4 October – venue Blue Sky (Thank you Peter Bolton). Weather perfect with 4knts from the west. Peer Gynt, Vertigo, Enchantress, Liesl, Asylum, and Arcadia. Thanks to Doug Gladman & Paul Bull for helping me out on all 6 yachts. Luckily YA and RORC are processing quickly at present and we have received at least two thirds of our certificates back.
Bad News The general apathy of IRC owners to revalidate their certificates well before the season starts. A few had valid reasons waiting til we could get 6 yachts together in suitable weather for a weighing day, however most just left it too late. With an excellent program for 2012-13, we look forward to a great season and close results.
~ William Strangways
DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
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SEPT / OCT 2012
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ORONTES RACE REPORT - TOM ABBOTT (ASYLUM)
Light easterly winds were predicted for the first offshore race as a high was passing over Adelaide this weekend. We did in the end at least have a steady breeze that held up throughout the afternoon and evening. On Asylum, we used this race to build up skills for the Sydney to Hobart later in the year. The start at around 1300 hrs was the lightest part of the race with winds at 3 knots building to 5 from W/S/W during the first leg to Long Spit (north / west – 22 nautical miles approx). Sailing on port with a changeable breeze (225degs), required us to set the code zero for a while. We found ourselves in competition with Shining Sea, Vulcan, and White Knight and reached Long Spit in that order. Asylum rounded the mark at 4.33pm. On board our navigator was using Expedition software to help run sails and sailing angles to their optimum. We did follow the yachts ahead but elected to take a starboard tack and head out to sea making use of the outgoing tide and possible stronger breeze. With winds of 7 to 8 knots at 190 – 150 degs, we were able to hits speeds of over 6 knots on this southwesterly second leg. We covered the eleven nautical miles with our number one head sail in just over two hours, ending the leg with several tacks having passed Vulcan and White Knight. It was 6.38pm when we rounded the Orontes beacon scaring off a flock of birds from the tower. Being in second place it was important to do well on this last leg home to Adelaide. We hoisted the code zero again as the breeze had strengthened to 9 knots and was backing to between 140 – 150 degs. This sail was held to the finish line which seemed easier to find this year. The main drama on the run home was a large cargo ship crossing our path on a possible collision course. The ship’s deck lights just grew larger and larger. It did finally pass us with little disturbance in the breeze. We crossed the finish line at 9.38pm holding onto to second position over the line. A comfortable first race completed!
DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU
12
SEPT / OCT 2012
DOWNWIND • CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RACING EXECUTIVE WWW.CYCSA.COM.AU