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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