FROM THE HELM

With the March 2023 Groundswell full to the brim with articles due to the hectic finale to 2022 and the way our Anniversary year has started I do not want to go into great detail about any of the many events, functions and regattas, instead recommending you hear it straight from the source in this mammoth issue! A fantastic effort from all those who have submitted reports and once again our fabulous Groundswell team.

What I would like to focus on are the key events that have been organised to commemorate this very important 50th year of operations for the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia.

Firstly, and a date that has literally been ‘set in stone’ is the opening of the time capsule in the Clubhouse foyer. As it turns out 1 May 2023, is a Monday (a fairly underwhelming celebratory day of the week!) which from a logistical perspective is probably not a bad result as we are very limited in the number of people we can fit in the foyer to view the exhumation. Due to the lack of space this will be an invitation only event to many of our key contributors of the past 50 years. We will however be creating a visual of the ceremony in order for members to access it after the event and will have the contents of the capsule on display at the clubhouse for some time.

Following on almost immediately from the capsule exhumation will be an Anniversary Members Luncheon on Saturday 6 May. This will be an open invitation to everyone to attend (bookings required of course) where we hope to listen to some great stories from the past fifty years and will be a fitting way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Club’s first Board Meeting in 1973. Our marquee event has been earmarked as this year’s Commodores Dinner on Saturday 23 September with plans for it to be a bigger scale event than usual and encompass the official Jubilee celebrations as well as the traditional honouring of the Club’s Commodore. This will also be a ticketed event and held on site at the CYCSA Clubhouse so bookings will be limited to around 300 attendees. This event will include live entertainment, guest speakers and another quality food and beverage offer.

Some 50th anniversary commemorative apparel has been ordered from our great friends at MUSTO Australia. The Club’s official 50th anniversary burgee is already available and proving very popular amongst the membership base. Other commemorative items are in the pipeline along with a very special vintage shiraz which will be available in a magnum bottle from another wonderful Club partner George Family Winegrowers. I’ve been told that this drop will be ready to go right away but also perfect should you want to lay it down.

In order to stay up to date during an important year I encourage all members to follow the Club on social media (Facebook and Instagram) and let the office know if you are not receiving regular Club update emails and members’ draw results.

Wishing you all many memorable nautical moments! Stay safe.

Adam Hays General Manager

Welcome New Members

Over the last three months the following people have joined the Club. Please make them welcome.

Andrew Abbott, Sam Ahmad, Darryl Atkins, Michael Battye, James Belton, Stephen Brooks, Shane Case, Russel Chisholm, Mark Colreavy, John Convill, Stephen Cotton, Steven Crowe, Rupert Dowd, Adrian Edmonds, Sian Grainger, Lidia Hall, Steven Kemp, Dalice Kent, Charles Keyser, Yunfeng Li, Philip Magnusson, Grant Millard, Benjamin Murfett, Con Parashakis, John Power, Domonic Pronesti, Lesley Roberts, Jay Rogers, Tony Schnaars, Elizabeth Skelton, Mark Spartalis, Roxanne Trevor, Sophie Ward, John Watkins, Barry White, Peter Woite, David Wood

First of all, on behalf of all the Flag Officers, the Board and all staff of the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Andrew McLeod’s family and friends. Andrew unfortunately left us whilst taking part in February’s Lincoln Week Regatta, a deeply saddening time for all involved. I personally didn’t know Andrew but he was one of our own; a father, husband, sailor and from all accounts, someone who lived life to the fullest. I also want to extend my greatest gratitude to all who assisted in his recovery and the efforts that were made to revive him. Times like these are never easy but what it does highlight is the tight and caring community we have as part of the sport we all love and enjoy. I would also like to praise the work of the Port Lincoln Yacht Club who conducted themselves in the most professional manner one could imagine during this difficult time.

In spite of the tragic circumstances, the race did go on and what a race it was. Port Lincoln delivered one of the best with 50+ boats fighting it out on Boston Bay during the Lincoln Week Regatta after another tough battle across the gulfs for the Adelaide to Port Lincoln Yacht Race.

Victory in the IRC class went to Board member and newly elected Life Member, Geoff Boettcher aboard Secret Mens Business in both the race over and The Week with other classes seeing unbelievable performances from other CYCSA members. Keeping in mind this was the Australian National Keelboat Championship, well done to all who took part. From racing, volunteering and watching to telling a yarn at the bar to an interstate sailor, it all adds up to ensuring we, as a Club, put on a great show and are well represented.

Since my last report there has been a huge amount of activity both around the Club as well as the Club being very well represented numerous times both locally and interstate. This includes the three CYCSA teams who participated in the inaugural Dockside Festival, Derek and his crew waving the CYCSA burgee in the Sydney to Hobart on Sintara and Traci and Matt cruising the waters in Tasmania aboard Vellamo, just to name a few, whilst not forgetting our first team of youth sailors competing in the VIC Sailing League, finishing second overall. Whilst this is not a full list of achievements or activities or stories staying up to date via the Club’s social media is always great reading.

Whilst I am a power boat owner, it’s fair to say my roots lie within racing and how good was it to see the Etchells National Titles being sailed out of the CYCSA. The Club was alive and was truly buzzing. From John Bertrand, the eventual winner, Rob Brown, of Australia II an 18 ft skiff fame and a big crew from the eastern seaboard, all the competitors thoroughly enjoyed the regatta as a whole which obviously included the racing but most of all, they enjoyed the way they were treated by the CYCSA staff and members. For all involved, well done, you should be very proud. It almost feels like somewhat of a re-birth after some pretty dire years with COVID but it’s great to get back out on the water and see a national event delivered extremely well.

Another good news story I was fortunate enough to be part of recently was the New Members Welcome Evening. It’s essentially ‘Groundswell Live’. All committees and associations are represented and have a few minutes to explain what their association does and what value they can add to a new member. As you know we have several associations, so it takes a while to get through but the passion I see from all the representatives is truly inspiring, not only for me, but for the new members also. So, for the new members reading this, make the leap, join or be part of whatever takes your fancy.

Finally, something I see every time I am at the Club and something I experience on a day-to-day basis is the work of our volunteers. Our Club would not be what it is without the hard work of all of you great people so, if you are a volunteer, I applaud you and appreciate everything you do. I hope you like a drink because I challenge all members to also show your gratitude and offer any volunteers an offering from Ollie and his staff.

Signing off for now.

Nick Bice

Lady Thelma 'Joan' Neal AM DstJ

13/02/1931 - 28/02/2023

Wife of Eric and mother to Peter and James

When Sir Eric and Lady Joan Neal returned to South Australia in 1996 for Sir Eric to serve as the 32nd Governor of South Australia after many years spent in other states of Australia they continued their affair with the sea and joined the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia in 1999.

In her early teens Joan met up with another great stalwart of the Club, Dick Fidock, and sailed with him in a dinghy out of the Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club returning home sopping wet one day much to the chagrin of her mother. A friendship was formed and a love of sailing instilled in her.

Over the years she encouraged Peter to sail first in a Sabot in Ballarat and then a Thorpe 12 in Brisbane.

While in Sydney Eric and Joan acquired a 42 foot Cavalier Yacht called Charisma and a friendship was formed with Kay Cottee, also owner of a Cavalier yacht. When Kay completed her solo round the world venture, as a friend and also in her roll as Lady Mayoress of Sydney, Joan was one of the first to greet Kay on land.

Lady Joan often recounted the story of her time ‘crewing’ on board Tess McGrath’s yacht, Leda, on an Adelaide to Port Lincoln race and declared at the end of the race that she was up for another.

In 2001 Lady Joan instigated the ‘Lady Neal Seamanship Award’ for both power and sail for Opening Day and this still continues.

Our thoughts are with Sir Eric and his family at this time.

Gay Footer

our members representing the Club at local, interstate and overseas events...

Since the December edition of Groundswell, CYCSA members have been representing our Club at no less than 10 major events. Our ‘Flying the Flag’ feature provides a summary of these events with detailed reports over the following pages.

Premier’s Cup - page 10

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race - pages 12-13

Defence Industry Cup - page 14

SA Sailing League - page 15

VIC Sailing League - page 16

Etchells Nationals - pages 17-19

Teakle Classic 73rd Adelaide to Lincoln Yacht Race & Regatta - pages 20-23

King of the Gulf - pages 32-33

420 Nationals

DownUnder Pro Australian IQ Foil Nationals

Iq Foil Nationals

The 2023 DownUnder IQ Nationals hosted by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron was my first national event on the IQ Foil and second event following Sail Melbourne in January.

I was happy with my course racing sitting fourth after day one. Day two was slalom racing in light winds which was a little tricky and I dropped back in the fleet. The wind looked promising for course racing on day three but unfortunately the wind did not kick in and there was no racing. I was really happy with the event. The people in the IQ community are really supportive and welcoming and I was able to learn a lot and I hit the water as soon as I got home to start training. I hope to head to Circolo Vela Torbole, Lake Garda in July.

Carter Baker

420 Nationals

Cycsa Youth Shine At 420 Nationals In Victoria

The 2023 Australian 420 Championships were held at Metung Yacht Club, Victoria from 2-6 January. Teaming up with Victorian Skipper Matty Goss from the Sandringham Yacht Club was great fun. The event was on the tricky and shifty waters of Lake King, part of the Gippsland Lakes.

There were plenty of ups and downs at the event and I was happy with three race wins and taking out third place overall and second youth team, qualifying for a place in the Australian Youth Team to head to Turkey in July.

I’m looking forward to the 420 Australian Championships heading to Largs Bay Sailing Club in January 2024 and maybe taking back the helm.

Carter Baker

Congratulations to YSF Squad members, Sailor Cowen and Sophie Ward who won their first Junior National Championship followed closely by Fraser Baker and Mitchell Young.

Sophie Ward on her experience“In early January this year I was lucky enough to travel to Metung, Victoria, alongside six other youth sailors from South Australia to compete in the 420 National Championships.

The week-long regatta was action packed and full of learning experiences and so many memories were made, all while being able to sail surrounded by the gorgeous scenery of Lake King. Everyone finished the regatta with high spirits and great results, it was an amazing experience!”

RACING ROUND-UP

The Pre-Christmas Twilight Series results were in Division 1, 1st G-Wizz (Greg Patten), 2nd Playground (Brenton Pegler) from Venom (Robert Dunn) in 3rd. In Division 2, 1st on countback was Magnum (Jim Heyen), 2nd Ruffian (Michael McGlinchey) and 3rd The Bottom Line (Fawcett/Haakmeester/Roper).

The Inshore Series has 18 races programmed for this season. With 13 races run, in Division 1 PHS The Tribe (Royans/ O’Connell/Martin/Dean) leads Playground with Dr Feelgood 3 (Wayne and Jason Coonan). In Division 2 Ocean Hawk (Steve Emery) is ahead of Kinetic Energy (Andy Shipp) and Rock On (Trevor Conyers). In AMS Division 1 Magic (Mike Holmes) is ahead of Dr Feelgood 3 and The Tribe and in Divison 2 Ocean Hawk is ahead of Rock On followed by Kinetic Energy

The CYCSA Short Offshore Series have had three races run. Seven CYCSA boats signed up for the series of five races. Kinetic Energy is leading on PHS and Sintara (Derek Morrison) is leading on AMS.

Just before Christmas the CYCSA ran the Queen of the Gulf, which is a race with only PHS results. Division 1 saw Dr Feelgood 3 in 1st, Magic 2nd and Clockwork 3rd (Harvey/ Lloyd). In Division 2 Locomotion (Peter Hall) 1st,Young Einstein (Rob Selleck) 2nd and Kinetic Energy 3rd State Championship IRC Division 1 results after seven races has Secret Mens Business leading Another Hooligan. State Championship AMS Division 1 after seven races has Magic in the lead from Dr Feelgood 3. State Championship AMS Division 2 after seven races has Ocean Hawk in the lead of Rock On.

I would like to thank the regular Duty Crew who volunteer to run all the races week in and week out along with the extra volunteers who assist when the CYCSA has needed additional support with big events such as the SAWKR and Australian National Etchells Championships. Thank you.

The CYCSA is grateful to all who help out and if you would like to volunteer please let us know.

I would also like to acknowledge our long time race sponsor Yalumba for their continued support. We are very grateful for their generosity and encourage our members to support the businesses that support our Club.

Inese Lainis Racing Administrator

NMAFC TWILIGHT CRUISING 01.02.23

Onboard Southern Investigator

It was a pleasure to host members from the Naval, Military and Air Force Club on CYCSA’s flagship training yacht, Southern Investigator (SI). Members experienced the excitement of sailing our 43 ft training yacht in brisk conditions on a recent Twilight.

They all helmed the yacht and participated in activities sailing SI capably. We followed the racing yachts with the crew learning how to sail a boat while being in close proximity of the racers witnessing some tight racing and tactics . The evening continued at the Club with excellent dining and excited conversations about the experience on the water and learning about the range of sailing opportunities offered by the CYCSA Marine Academy.

It was great to sail and spend time with our guests and I encourage more of our co-club friends to explore the sailing experiences offered by the Marine Academy.

On Board Synergy

Aboard Synergy, a 40’ sailing vessel, we regularly host visitors who want to ‘see what sailing is about’ in the Twilight races. In the Twilight series there are two opportunities for members from our reciprocal Adelaide club (NMAFC) to join us for a Twilight sail. On this occasion we had the pleasure of hosting three guests. Following a quick safety briefing and explanation of winches we headed out for the race. Hoisting sail and a few practice manoeuvres before the start set the scene for the evening.

The start found Synergy in close quarters, with some excitement for the evening. Once the line was cleared and the fleet separated, we settled into a more relaxed mode and enjoyed the evening. This entailed a small amount of spray across the deck, some crew work as the urge dictated, a few friendly drinks, beautiful sunset and lots of banter with the regular crew. Sadly no dolphins! Although late to finish, the evening was completed with presentations to the winners and a delightful meal back at the Club.

Mark Hutton - Skipper, Synergy

The George Family Wingrowers Premier’s Cup Regatta was held over four races on the 3-4 December 2022 with Greg Borg as Race Officer. We were fortunate and delighted to have the Deputy Premier of South Australia, the Honorable Susan Close MP, in attendance to assist with the award ceremony and present the Premier’s Cup and we thank her.

A massive shout out and gratitude to our Regatta Sponsor George Family Winegrowers for their continued support. Thanks Nick!

Results

DIVISION 1

PHS – 1st Secret Mens Business (Geoff Boettcher), 2nd Dr Feelgood 3 (Wayne & Jason Coonan), 3rd Magic (Mike Holmes)

AMS – 1st Dr Feelgood 3, 2nd Magic, 3rd The Tribe (Royans/O’Connell/Martin/Dean).

IRC – Winner of Premier’s Cup 1st Secret Mens Business, 2nd Magic, 3rd Another Hooligan (Nicholas George)

DIVISION 2

PHS – 1st Ocean Hawk (Steve Emery), 2nd Outlier (Abbott / Riddle), 3rd Rock On (Trevor Conyers)

AMS – 1st Ocean Hawk, 2nd Outlier, 3rd Rock On

Walking into the Club in early 2022 I was approached by Paul Hicks who, in casual conversation asked me if I would consider coming on board Sintara with Derek Morrison who was planning his fourth and last Sydney Hobart with the added incentive that she would be the only CYCSA boat to enter the race that year and also to help Rob Human close in on 25 S2Hs.

The Sintara crew had survived a tough race in 2019 and had found days of running down wind in strong conditions a real challenge for the helmsmen, a fact that many crews underestimate in choosing their teams for the Hobart. Steering downwind under spinnaker and consistently holding true wind angles of 150 to 160 degrees in 25 plus knots day and night takes some skill and experience and is physically and mentally demanding on the helm and the boat. Apparently this was where I would be of some use and the stage was set for a slow build and progressive commitment to the campaign. Mark Hutton and Rob Human were to also join the team, each of us only committing on the basis that the other two were coming! The three of us have all sailed many miles together along with Dan O’Connell.

My last S2H was in 2016 in Two True and as an owner, I know that the time, effort, cost and stress of getting a competitive boat to the start line then to the finish and finally back home to Adelaide, is considerable. It was going to be a different experience coming on board as a crew with none of those responsibilities for my tenth Hobart.

Through the winter series we all got to know the boat and each other as crew and positions were tested and changed. Sintara is generally easier to handle on all points of sailing than my first 40. The Haystack Island Race is a mandatory qualifier for S2H and with our crew set and new Doyle sails all on board we set off with just three other yachts and on this occasion the race proved a real wake up call for the preparedness of the boat and crew. Drenching rain and 40 knot plus easterly squalls off Point Marsden saw Sintara break all jib halyards and forced a bare headed retirement from the race with two reefs still in the main. We had fortunately completed enough miles to meet the qualifying requirements for the Hobart.

The next few weeks saw Guy Wogan Provo, Jo Pilmore and Derek working flat out to prep the boat for delivery and in due course the race. Leaving in early December with Hugh Longbottom in charge, a good few days were spent in Portland waiting for a favourable weather window which saw the boat and crew getting safely to Sydney by mid-December.

I joined the crew on Christmas Day and was filled in that Sintara had cleared all safety audits and radio checks and had signed on at the weather briefings. Our crew, now all assembled, consisted of myself, Rob as the official navigator,

Mark, Guy and Aaron Low on one watch with Dan O’Connell and Paul Hicks, Craig Fleming, Paul Judge and Jo on the other watch. Derek was also navigator and reserve helm with Louise Hicks in charge of the galley and back up for either watch as and when needed. Five up, five down, four hours on during the day and three at night.

The Boxing Day start on the Harbour was as spectacular as ever. Clear sunny skies after fog in the early morning and a 15 knot NE saw Sintara on start line 2 in Division 3 racing into a classic windward work out of the harbour, tacking at the perimeter marks, ducking starboard tackers and avoiding the Sow and Pigs mid harbour.

We cleared the Heads in good shape and hoisted the S3 for the long run south. By late evening the breeze had settled so we hoisted the S2 with a forecast of building northerlies for the next two days. By the 27th the breeze was a steady 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots. With me at the helm the call went out to drop the S3 which was not flogging but under load and chose the sunrise to let go with the head pulling away from the first panel in a burst of torn sail cloth and luff tape. Some hours later Derek let on that the S3 had been repaired at least once before having torn at the same seam! Without a chicken chute, instead carrying an S2, an assy and a Code 0, we went for a poled out headsail which still saw the boat skip along at 12 to 14 knots for hours on end. This saw us abeam of Green Cape by mid afternoon on the 27th. It was a twenty-four hour run of over two hundred nautical miles.

The northeaster stayed all night in the high 20s and built into the 28th as forecast. Early morning on the 28th we were mid Bass Strait and the forecast read on the weather models well and truly came down from the north to meet us. A steady 35 knots and gusts into the mid 40s saw us surfing down spreader high ocean rollers with a breaking wind wave on the top, the boat reaching a top speed of 18 or maybe even 19 knots (as reported by GWP) with only a storm jib and two reefs in the main.

Reducing sail when sailing downwind needs some forward planning. Where do you go in these conditions if the wind goes to a steady 45 or 50 knots or more? The next move after dropping the jib is a trysail or bare poles and that means coming head to wind, dropping the main and flaking it onto the boom. Not an easy physical task for a crew with an average age of around 60. Sintara as a cruiser/racer comes with a boom bag and so we turned into the wind, rigged the boom bag as a precaution, ‘grannied’ the boat and headed off on the preferred gybe ready for anything! The trysail was never needed!

By late on the 28th the wind had swung into the south and we punched into a steady 30 knotter, the big cruiser/racer now finding her optimum performance to handicap rating against our Division 3 competitors. The TP 52 downwind flyers were already in Hobart and eyeing off the Tattersall Cup. Conditions on Sintara were now a bit more difficult with some sea sickness and a possible case of COVID causing a shortage of windward berth sleeping options and fatigue was now becoming a factor.

Tactically we had sailed our preferred track based on wind and current models and forecasts for the first two-and-a-half days. Derek had really mastered Expedition and was able to update weather models and adjust our heading accordingly. The real challenge was where to set up on the race track for the last 18 hour approach to Tasman Island. Pre-race models showed light and variable winds coming from all directions for our arrival into Tasman on the 29th and indeed that’s what happened. Most times being out to sea pays off with a shift into the SE being the usual pattern but this time, of course, a 5 to 10 knot SW funnelled in off the hills close to land while 20 miles away out to sea. We took 12 hours to cover those 20 miles while we watched a handful of Division 3 competitors slip through close to the cliffs inside of us. The joys of yacht racing!

Finally abeam of Tasman at around 1900, the new breeze filled in from the NE and held until the finish. We passed the Iron Pot just before midnight, the worst possible time to sail up the Derwent with the shut down until dawn a very real risk in most years. For us this was not so as the breeze held at around 10 knots and despite the obvious excitement for all on board to be so close to the lights of Hobart we kept the crew on task and played the shifts up the river until crossing the line at Battery Point at 0205 on the 30th.

We were mid fleet over the line, 14th or so in Division and just behind mid placings in the Corinthian division of 34 yachts who raced with no professional paid crew.

The warm welcome from a small but enthusiastic group of family and friends on arrival in Constitution Dock assisted by the traditional celebrations at the Customs House Hotel brought back fond memories of my own campaigns in True North and Two True. Those hours in the pub gave us time to talk about all the reasons why we won’t ever do this crazy race again then a few rums later thinking how it just might not be the last time to Hobart!

Thanks to Derek for the investment in time, money and preparation that it takes to get a boat out of Adelaide into this race and to all my fellow crew for getting us there safely and in good company.

Andrew Saies

As I write all of our Start Yachting courses are fully booked for the remainder of the season. However, we still have places available in our powerboating and longer sailing course in April. We are currently undertaking a range of courses on weekdays for those who may have time to spare. To this end, please contact me if you are interested in weekday training opportunities, either one on one or in a group. We do have the flexibility to tailor package training for those who can make time available on weekdays.

As the sun sets on another summer of boating activity at the Club the Marine Academy begins its planning for the 2023-2024 season. In particular I invite members who may be interested in undertaking our ‘big’ navigation course in the classroom to make contact with me. This is the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course, one evening a week for 10 weeks (three hours face to face each week) that covers the gamut of navigation, tides and seamanship. It is equally applicable to powerboaters and cruising yachties. Think of the opportunity as an investment in your and your crew’s peace of mind and safety just in case the GPS system we nearly all rely on goes into a downgraded mode at some time in the future. Our Competent Crew and Day Skipper Live Aboard courses remain popular with fantastic feedback from those spending three to five days aboard Southern Investigator. Pictured below are the group from the January 2023 Day Skipper Practical Course.

Course feedback -

“The Day Skipper course led by Pete was a great experience. Being live aboard for five days a lot of content can be covered with the opportunity to skipper the vessel - a significant step if you don’t own your own yacht. Also being crew for the other participants increases experience as we learn together. The course was well organised and well run and the vessel was perfect to stay on with five people. With the addition of some adventure crossing the gulf I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to hone their skills”. - Chad

David Royle Marine Academy Principal marine.academy@cycsa.com.au

Hentschke

It has been an exciting and busy couple of months for myself and the fleet of Elliott 7s. Along with courses we have had the boats compete in the Inaugural Defence Industry Cup and the South Australian Sailing League in the Port River.

The Defence Industry Cup saw four teams compete for the inaugural cup. Congratulations to team BAE. Fifteen teams competed over the three qualifying sessions for the SA Sailing League.

Congratulations to our YSF Under 22 Team and Robin Deussen and his open team for qualifying the CYCSA for the finals in May. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make these regattas happen.

The summer squad has kicked off with eight members training on a Tuesday night. A warm and exciting welcome to Mitchell and Olivia Young, our newest squad members. This squad will focus on building teamwork, tactics and strategy and of course, boat speed/handling. This summer squad will be a great opportunity for the Performance Team to train before the Sailing Champions League: Asia Pacific Final which will be held in May 2023. Next up for the YSF - Australian Sailing Keelboat courses, Discover Sailing days and the Winter Squad.

Maddy Salter YSF Head Coach

The brainchild of the author (seeking any excuse to go sailing) is the Inaugural Defence Industry Cup, run on Friday 9 December at the Queen's Wharf in the heart of Port Adelaide as a pre-cursor to the Dockside Festival.

The idea of the Defence Industry Cup is to promote camaraderie between defence industry folks in a safe, friendly environment to help build skills and teamwork in what for many would be a new experience. The event was held during the normal working day with four teams on identical Elliott 7 boats from a variety of local defence companies (BAE Systems, elmTEK, Bureau Veritas) over four short races in very light winds.

The event brought a number of non-sailors to the sport who picked things up very quickly for a fun day. Everyone gained something from the day to look back on. Bragging rights on the day went to BAE Systems with Bureau Veritas in second, with prizes being awarded by CYCSA Commodore, Nick Bice. We plan to make this an annual event with all teams vowing to return in 2023.

Mike Holmes CYCSA Vice Commodore

The 2022 Maughan Thiem SA Sailing League was held on the 10-11 December at the Inner Harbor, Port Adelaide as part of the Dockside Festival, a brilliant initiative driven by Event Director Harry Fisher and Nick Bice. This event attracted the best sailors from South Australia and involved a total of 15 teams representing the following clubs - Cruising Yacht Club of SA, Adelaide Sailing Club, Largs Bay Sailing Club, Brighton Sailing Club, Port River Sailing Club, Port Lincoln Sailing Club, Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, Christies Sailing Club and Wallaroo Sailing Club.

The CYCSA Elliotts were towed around to the Port by the CYCSA sailing team and volunteers under the leadership of Maddy Salter and the CYCSA Youth Sailing Foundation squad members. The racing involved a series of qualifying races preceding the finals. Races were typically short, 10-15 minutes, high intensity windward leeward managed professionally by the CYCSA Duty Crew.

A big thanks to PRO Darryl Emery and the ever reliable John Collett and his team of Neil Pentecost, Bill Walker and Ben Page. Thanks also to umpires Wayne Thompson and Tim Went. The CYCSA was well represented in the regatta fielding three teams of CYCSA members including the CYCSA Youth Team comprising Carter Baker on helm and his crew, Thomas Gordon, Sailor Cowen and Murphy Cowen. All three CYCSA teams made the finals.

The top four teams from this event have received a formal invitation from National Sailing League Director Mark Turnbull to compete in the Sailing Champions League: Asia Pacific-Final in Sydney in late May. Plans are already underway to ensure the CYCSA has representation at this event in both the Youth and Open Divisions.

Greg Allison Sailing Operations Manager

FINAL RESULTS

1st Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club

Helm: Sandy Higgins

2nd CYCSA

Helm: Robbie Duessen

3rd Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club

Helm: Ben Hinks

4th CYCSA

Helm: Greg Allison

5th CYCSA Youth Team

Helm: Carter Baker

6th LBSC

Helm: Ash Emery

In late January our YSF Squad members competed in their first interstate regatta, the Victorian Sailing League final, which was a part of the Festival of Sails in Geelong, Victoria.

The team of Carter Baker, Sailor Cowen, Sophie Ward and Murphy Cowen performed exceptionally well in a very competitive fleet. The team won the Under 22 division and came second overall.

The team were the youngest average entry, proving that their time and training on the Elliott 7s gave them an advantage coming into the regatta.

The team and I were very grateful for the opportunity and I’m super proud to say they will be competing in the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in their fleet of Elliott 7s.

The YSF Youth Team did a fantastic job flying the flag for South Australia representing the CYCSA and Largs Bay Sailing Club.

Thanks to sponsors MUSTO, Geoff Boettcher, Jason Ward and the CYCSA for making this happen.

Maddy Salter YSF Head Coach

Nationally and internationally the Etchells Class is recognised as one of the most competitive one design yachts with extremely close racing a standard of the class. In January 2023, after long breaks in racing due to Covid, our Club hosted the first summer Championships in three years. Nine races were held over four days with 25 boats entered from most mainland states.

The fleet included three past World Champions skippers, numerous crew member World and Australian Champions and a number of international crew. Adelaide and North Haven turned on spectacular weather for the event with wind ranging from 20-22 knots down to 8-10 knots with clear sunny skies.

Australian yachting legend John Bertrand in Triad 2020 (RBYC), alongside crew George Richardson and Lewis Brake, took out the 2023 Australian Championship in a dominating display winning with a race to spare. Bertrand praised the hospitality, race management and weather conditions in Adelaide and said it was a pleasure to be back sailing Etchells in Gulf St Vincent after a number of years.

“This week we’ve been blessed with the weather, it’s been absolutely beautiful stuff, little sea breezes that are quite fresh sometimes, you couldn’t have asked for anything better –Mother Nature did herself proud,” he said.

“It’s a real privilege to be out here and again, it’s still the best racing in the country in terms of one design racing – it’s absolutely superb.”

“They’re beautiful boats even though they’re a very old design. We’re talking about supreme racing, particularly in these types of conditions you couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Peter Merrington, Steve Jarvin and Ian McKillop (CYCA) in First Tracks held the regatta lead early in the event but could not hold off Bertrand in the second half of the series. Third overall was Chris Hampton in Tango (RBYC), with Samuel Haines and English Laser sailor Elliott Hanson as crew.

CYCSA’s Robbie Duessen, David Snoad and Jessie Mitton won the Corinthian Championship on Shoulda Gone Left and was placed 6th overall as the top South Australian boat.

Jean-Claude Strong (RSYS) on Flying High was the first female helm with Sam Newton and Seve Jarvin and placed 5th overall while David Dunn (RSYS) with Brett Perry and Sandy Higgins placed 7th overall on Great White Hunter, the boat with a combined average age of over 55 years.

A Race Management partnership with the Adelaide Sailing Club, strong inhouse support from our racing staff and the welcoming and super friendly approach of our hospitality team made the event a fantastic success. It was great to see the Club so alive for the whole week.

A SAILOR’S PERSPECTIVE

The Etchells Nationals hosted by the CYCSA was a resounding success on and off the water. The CYCSA’s facilities are ideal and probably one of the best in the country. The feedback I received from all the competitors was extremely positive with many praising the staff on an excellent job of looking after everyone.

The running of the regatta on the water, headed by Race Officer Malcolm Hughes, was faultless and made much easier by perfect weather for the series. Numbers were a little on the light side for this event but with the first major summer nationals since Covid and the mould 11 issue (which seems to be sorted now), we were pleased with a fleet of 25 boats. The smaller numbers made for much easier launch and retrieval. Also having the boats in close proximity to the bar made everyone feel very comfortable.

Onto the racing: the regatta was won by the spritely 76 year old John Bertrand along with two young very gifted sailors, George Richardson and Lewis Brake. I must say from our point of view all of the fleet but John especially, because he was next to us on the dock, were very helpful when quizzed about sailing these very specialized boats.

The top ten boats were all very well sailed which made it difficult to stay up there. You need to be able to start well, be on the line with boat speed and to be able to hold a lane. Positioning uphill and downhill was critical and gear changing has to be automatic.

Our crew, Dave Snoad, Jessie Mitton and myself, got a lot out of the regatta and sailed well enough to finish 6th which we were happy with. The lack of enough sailing and racing in the lead up to the regatta was probably our downfall (our last race was the Victorian States in March 2022) but we feel our boat speed is becoming comparable with that of the fastest boats. After the regatta we got together and passed on all the information (rig settings and changes to our boat to make it faster) on to all the other SA boats that did the Nationals with the expectation that if we can have a stronger fleet we will become quicker also. If anyone else would like to see it let me know.

A SNAPSHOT OF THE OTHER CYCSA BOATS THAT SAILED...

Whisper - skippered by Jason Ward with crew of Silas Nolan and Darren Jones (Twirler) finished 13th. They clearly had the speed in most conditions but lacked consistency, their best result a well sailed 4th. Would definitely improve with more time in the boat. OCB - I think Original Cheater Boat, I don’t know if I am allowed to say that but it is out there now, skippered by Caillin Howard along with Nick Bice and Ben Morrison-Jack finished 16th. They also had their moments but definitely lacked time in the boat. They only sailed the day before the series and hadn’t sailed for a couple of years but that’s enough excuses for their shitty races. They were pretty consistent with a best result of an 11th.

Another One - skippered by David Royle with James Belton and ex-CYCSA Coach Dale Geddes finished 22nd. I don’t think you can gloss over this as I am sure they would have liked and expected to have had a better result. The good news is there is all upside and not much wiggle room below them. Potential is there as the old adage says 'you're only as good as your last race' goes well for them as they had their best result of a 15th.

Dave Royle needs to be commended as our Fleet Captain as it was really all his work to get this regatta off the ground and be such a resounding success.

73rd Teakle Classic Adelaide To Port Lincoln

This year, the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the CYCSA, the highly successful Teakle Classic Adelaide to Port Lincoln Race and the Lincoln Week Regatta took place from 17-23 of February 2023.

The gala week included the Australian Yachting Championships, an event we have not had in South Australia for over twenty years. The competition was spectacular, the Adelaide to Port Lincoln race populated by 29 yachts and the regatta fleet standing at 52. As the results demonstrate, the CYCSA was well represented taking a handsome share of the prizes and trophies.

Teakle Classic Adelaide To Port Lincoln Race

We could not have wished for a better day to start the annual pilgrimage to Port Lincoln: good winds, flat seas and a genial sun. Trackers on, the multihulls had first start, followed by the rest of the fleet, most heading 228 degrees across the gulf and down to the first waypoint, Marion Reef Beacon. As the fleet started to string out, every boat had one goal in mind, to get as far as possible along the course before the wind dropped out. Across the bottom of Yorke Peninsula the wind stayed in, dropping marginally, so that with appropriate sail changes it was possible for some of us to scoot along the foot to Cape Spencer in relatively good time. The multihulls shot ahead and, like the TPs, competitively navigated the leg up to Donington despite the drop in wind conditions, finishing much earlier than the rest of the fleet. Winds on this leg varied between 6 and 12 knots as forecast and required close attention to shifts and current to take every advantage of shortening the time to the finish.

Race Over Results

Line Honours went to Robert Dunn’s Trimaran Venom from the CYCSA, finishing with an elapsed time of 14:46:21. Division 1 IRC Honours went to Geoff Boettcher’s Secret Mens Business finishing 1st on IRC and 1st on IRC Overall. In an interview after the race Geoff was enthusiastic about the boat’s win, especially after a five year dearth, commenting that it was a challenging race between all the Division 1 boats, which were ‘close at Marion’ and close again at the finish particularly in the case of Gordon Kettelby’s Zen (1st on ORCAP and 1st on ORCAP Overall) with SMB having to ‘fight for every inch’ to take out a classy win for the boat and the CYCSA. Derek Morrison’s Beneteau 47.7 Sintara had its best result ever, coming in 1st on PHS, 1st on AMS, 1st on PHS Overall and 1st on AMS Overall, while also winning the CYCSA Trophy for the race over on PHS. Delighted with the team’s results Derek was quick to praise his crew for their solid performance from start to finish.

Schwerdt

73rd Adelaide To Lincoln Race Results

MONOHULLS

DIV 1 IRC Secret Mens Business, Zen, Another Hooligan

DIV 2 IRC Bacardi, Papillon, Magic

IRC Overall Secret Mens Business, Zen, Another Hooligan

D1 AMS Sintara, Smuggler, Game On 2

D2 AMS Bacardi, Papillon, Faster Forward

AMS Overall Sintara, Bacardi, Smuggler

DIV 1 PHS Sintara, 3 Cool Cats, Reverie

DIV 2 PHS Faster Forward, Bacardi, Audacious

PHS Overall Sintara, Faster Forward, 3 Cool Cats

DIV 1ORC AP Zen, Smuggler, Reverie

DIV 2 ORC AP Bacardi, Faster Forward, Magic

ORC AP Overall Zen, Smuggler, Reverie

MULTIHULLS

PHS Venom, Peccadillo

OMR Venom, Peccadillo

Venom

LINCOLN WEEK REGATTA 20-23 FEBRUARY 2023

The Schedule of Events for the four days of racing in Boston Bay and Spencer Gulf was book-ended by two days of Windward/Leewards (Monday and Thursday), with one Long Race and a Bay Race in between. Tragedy struck just as the first race got under way when a mayday call was made regarding an MOB emergency. This triggered rescue operations on land and sea and the rest of the fleet being sent back to the marina. We were all deeply saddened to learn later that we had lost a fellow sailor, and it was a sombre community that gathered back on shore. Racing was cancelled, as were all official engagements for the rest of the day.

Called to a briefing on Tuesday morning we held a minute’s silence in honour of Andrew McLeod. We were then informed that the family had given their blessing to our going ahead with the regatta since this would reflect what Andrew would have wanted.

Despatched to the boats we made ready for a Windward/ Leeward to cover Monday’s missed racing followed by a Long Race around Boston Island, finishing at the Clubhouse. Excellent winds saw the fleet leap into action at a healthy pace. Some confusion regarding the Bickers Islands rounding in Divisions 2 and 3 saw two boats head round the islands while the rest of the Division 2 and 3 fleet rounded the Bickers Islands Buoy, leading to a post-race protest hearing before results could be posted for the day’s sailing.

Megga’s BBQ Race on Day 3 started with light winds which lightened further leaving those who went left on the course in a hole while others, noting the front-runners’ loss of power, sneaked round behind Bickers Islands to approach the finish line from the opposite direction, picking up speed and pipping the slower boats at the finish line. The beach celebrations, while somewhat subdued, provided just the right atmosphere for racing crews and friends to relax, talk, sample the BBQ and swim before returning to the marina. Once again the Protest Panel was kept busy, holding court under umbrellas on the beach at a respectable distance from the celebrations.

Two Windward/Leewards with light winds of 12-14 knots saw out the last day of racing with boats in all divisions challenging for podium finishes. Such tight racing made for an exciting end to the regatta with an early finish wrapping up the week. Several more protests kept the Protest Panel busy until all results could be finalised for the regatta presentations later that evening.

Thursday night’s Presentation and Cocktail Party was well attended by competitors, family, friends, Port Lincoln Yacht Club Officials, Volunteers and all who, in one way or another, made the annual sailing event, culminating at the Port Lincoln Hotel Ballroom, run successfully. As always the highlight of the evening was the presentation of trophies and the engaging speeches that flowed thanking competitors and organisers alike. The racing community is once more indebted to the members of the Port Lincoln Yacht Club for their huge effort in creating such a memorable week. Thank you from all of us.

Di Schwerdt

Lincoln Week Regatta Results

The results show just how closely contested the regatta was this year.

Secret Mens Business took out a one-point victory over Zen in Division 1 IRC, with Zen taking 1st over Another Hooligan on PHS. In Division 2 IRC Cockwomble finished well in front of Reverie which was only one point in front of Julian Newton’s Game On 2. In Division 3 IRC placed first over Bacardi and Lincoln Mentor.

The Sports boats in Division 4 PHS saw Lee Haakmeester’s Outrage-Us place first in front of Todd Bartlett’s Bohica and Bill Van Riet’s Mighty Fine Lyons on equal points. Division 4 SMS placed Outlier 1st followed by Bohica and Outrage-Us. Division 5 PHS saw Crosshair take 1st followed by Carbon Credit and Venom with one point between them.

Australian Yachting Championships 2023

It was great to see so many out-of-town yachts competing for this trophy. In Division 1 IRC, Geoff Boettcher’s Secret Mens Business placed 1st in the Australian Yachting Championships (the first South Australian boat ever to win this), 2nd was Gordon Ketelbey’s Zen with Nick George placing 3rd on Another Hooligan. In Division 2 IRC Andy Dyer’s Fresh took 1st place with Andrew Smith’s Tasmanian boat Cockwomble 2nd and Alan Woodward’s Reverie 3rd.

In Division 3 IRC Brett Avery’s Bacardi placed 1st in front of Alex Newman’s Arch de Triomphe with Brad Dennis and Matt Stephens placing 3rd on Lincoln Mentor on a countback from Born to Mentor.

In Division 4 SMS Outlier won over Bohica and Outrage-Us while on PHS Outrage-Us outflanked Bohica and Mighty Fine Lyons. In Division 5 on OMR Gerald Valk’s Crosshair narrowly beat Peter Hawker’s Carbon Credit for 1st with Craig Unthank’s Sknot coming in 3rd.

In all, close racing and fierce competition made for an excellent racing event with many podium finishes coming down to the wire.

It’s surprising how quick Christmas comes around! On Sunday 4 December 2022 Head Chef Camillo along with his kitchen staff and hospitality team were ready for 32 very excited children along with their parents, grandparents, family and friends.

The day itself was glorious with perfect weather, though perhaps a little too warm for Santa. The patio area was festive and buzzing with children’s excitement and they were awed with Ryan Razi, the performing trickster.

After the magic show some fun dancing worked up their appetite and Chef Camillo delighted everyone serving plates of Christmas shaped watermelon trees, sausage rolls, fairy bread, pizza wheels and meringue snowmen followed by paddle pops and drinks.

With lunch over, everyone could hear Santa’s bell ringing and in unison very loud voices sang Jingle Bells and excitedly ran over to the marina to greet Santa. In CYCSA tradition Santa arrived by boat, this year on the Club RIB assisted by Marty Heffernan and Joe Mezzini.

Each child was given a fantastic present and, as always, a bag of Christmas mixed lollies to take home compliments of Smyth’s Confectionery. Thank you to Club members Glenda and Jim Smyth who have generously donated the lolly treats for the children over the years.

With presents opened, ice-cream wiped from chins and photos done, it was time for Santa to say goodbye. Santa’s bell rang again and the children jumped to their feet to farewell the jolly man by waving and blowing kisses.

The days leading up to the event were a busy time for the Social Association Committee buying and wrapping the presents and ticking everything off twice.

Overall it was a stupendous day. Thank you to all the CYCSA staff. Gratitude also goes out to the small but awesome SAC committee for their dedication, enthusiasm and fun-loving ways.

A special thank you to Santa, Geoff Catt and his Elves Joy Hutton and Cheryl Marshal for helping. Thanks also to the SAC Committee, Rosemary Gould, Jacq Heffernan, Jenny Murton, Ann Marie Wallage and Adrian Wilson. Cheers to everyone.

We now look forward to our next children’s event, the Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 2 April 2023.

Giorgina Gauci (Giorgi) Social Association Chair

Cruising Association Update

We have been enjoying better weather now with a delayed start to summer and it is great to see so many boats out of their berths and cruising the gulfs.

What happened over Christmas? Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln and Tasmania were popular destinations along with Port Vincent. I have been keeping an eye on Traci and Matt on Vellamo as they explore all of Tasmania.

Our regular Second Saturday Cruising BBQ has been well supported and the Cruising Association are grateful for the prizes and continued sponsorship from Charlesworth Nuts, thanks to Chappy’s son Mark for their generosity. With their support heating has been purchased for the Port Vincent Clubhouse thanks to Darren Harvey for his investigation and organisation of this

Marty’s Magical Mystery Mangrove tour is planned for April or May and will be handed over to Rod Hunter due to my unavailability so watch this space.

It’s going to be a big year and we are looking forward to the special 50th Golden Year Jubilee events to celebrate with our fellow Club members and friends.

Thank you to the growing Cruising Committee and volunteers and particularly to Harvey Grantham and Cellmed for offering a great deal on portable defibrillator packages to Club members. If you are interested please contact me via CYCSA reception. A number of us have already taken advantage of this great offer. Thank you Christine Harvey for making this happen, it will make our Club and cruising together a safer place.

Safe and happy cruising to all and best wishes for those doing an Autumn cruise.

Marty Heffernan Chair, Cruising Association

BeReady Sadly,onaverage,only9% ofpeoplewhosufferSCA outsidethehospitalsurvive. Butsurvivalratesofover70% havebeenachievedwherean automatedexternaldefibrillator (AED)programmehavebeen successfullyimplemented. AEDsaredesignedtohelp peoplewithminimaltraining usethemsafelyintense, emergencysituations.They havenumerousbuilt-in safeguardsandaredesignedto deliverashockonlyiftheAED detectsonisnecessary.

All Associations Christmas Bash

It was a fantastic night for our annual All Associations Xmas Bash on 10 December where 100+ members and guests enjoyed a balmy evening, many dressed for the occasion in their Christmas kit.

Under the tree were a pile of raffle prizes which were drawn by barrel boy, Ethan. Well done to all winners and many thanks to all who donated to the raffle.

The Fishing Association announced their annual fishing competition award winners and drew the major prize of a spot on an upcoming fishing charter valued at $300 so congratulations Joe Laforgia, you’re going fishing.

The Associations are an important part of Club life and this end of year joint event is always enjoyed by all.

BeWilling Anyonewithminimaltraining canuseanAEDtohelpsave alife.Quickactionbythefirst persononthescenecantruly makeadifference. Caling000intheeventofSCA iscritical,asisperformingCPR onthevictim.Butthechances ofsurvivalfromSCAfallby10% everyminuteandthesingle mosteffectivetreatmentis earlydefibrillation—providing ashocktotheheartwithinthe firstthreetofiveminutes.

BeAble Costingaslittleasapersonal computer,anAEDiseasyto useandmaintain.HavingAEDs readilyavailableinyourleisure orsportsclubmakessense, andcanbethedifference betweenlifeanddeathfora victimofSCA.

Remember,timeto defibrillation,themostcritical factorinSCAsurvival,canbe reducedifanAEDisclose byandcanbebroughttothe victimquickly.Everyminute thatpassesbeforedefibrillation reducessurvivalratesby10%.

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Note:Scheduledmedicinesandspecialisedquipmentarenotprovidedbut arerequired.Alistcanbeprovideduponrequest. RUGGED(CODE:AFAKGM)RRP$195.Size43x30x15cm. Othersizesavailable.

Clinicalconsultant&CYCSAmember: HarveyGrantham 0435050257

Fishing Association

2022 AWARD WINNERS

Whiting: Maurice Vast

Snapper: Peter Schembri

Game Fish: Richard Pope

Scale Fish: Vadis Rodato saw the return of the Ballast Head Cup Regatta in Eastern Cove, Kangaroo Island with the CYCSA as the race organising authority. The event in 2022 was cancelled due to yet another COVID outbreak in the South Australian community and a strong wind forecast.

This year, the twenty-first anniversary but the twentieth running of the event, saw warm and light conditions from the south east provide classic summer day weather for the race. There were only four starters, all from the CYCSA, and only one first time new entrant and again a no show from the many Squadron boats cruising the bay at this time of year. Nominations, sign on and briefings were done in a very abbreviated manner given all present were very familiar with the rules of engagement and the prizes on offer. The W (Wood), S (Saies) and F (Footer) flagged buoys were set in the conventional triangular course in the bay and the catamaran, Even Keels (Andrew Stark), took up station for the start line on the four metre depth weed line midway between Rocky Point and Strawbridge point. Under instructions from the Organising Authority, represented by Adrian Wotton, the Race Officer, Andrew Saies, conducted the race start and management from the deck of the big cat ably assisted by a visiting shack owner who has watched the race for years and was pleased to be part of the event. He was particularly useful as a race asset when it was discovered that he held a gun and firearms licence legitimising, perhaps for the first time, the legal use of the start cannon.

The cannon went off exactly on cue at 1300 and the fleet of four got away cleanly on a reach to Rocky Point gybing at this mark within metres of each other. The long first run saw the fleet separate with the perennial Marnico stepping out on the back three who remained in close company at the lee mark at American River. The next short windward work closed some gaps but overall the line positions remained unchanged.

The second lap saw the ten knot SSE fade to five knots and midway down the run it looked like the finish was going to be a protracted drifter for all but Marnico who had widened the margin on the back three 40 footers. Race Officer Saies then issued one of those race variation instructions by radio that can only ever be done in a BHC regatta, “All boats except Marnico will proceed to the finish line immediately and by whatever means they so choose.”. After some debate on some boats about the cryptic nature of this instruction the engines of the last of the fleet were all heard running as they motored directly to the finish to post very close finish times just behind Marnico who completed the course under sail alone. Typically, minutes later the southerly built to 15 knots!

The beach gathering and presentation this year was a subdued and brief affair due to the small numbers with a Race Officer who was still only hours on from stepping off a yacht in Hobart having completed the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Thanks to all on the day who helped get 2023 off to a great start.

Andrew Saies Race Officer

Results

Fastest and winner of the Ballast Head CupMarnico, G Footer

First and winner of the Ballast Head TrophyRogue, S O’Brien

Best handicap placed first time entrant and winner of the Jamie Cowell Trophy - Rogue, S O’Brien

This event takes a bit of effort to pull together and remains well off the entrant numbers of its past when as many as 20 yachts in two divisions would face the starter. Those numbers justified organising onshore support such as a sausage sizzle or a local food truck and, for a couple of years, live music on the beach at the presentation.

The future of the Ballast Head Cup remains again in the hands of the CYCSA and its associations. Perhaps a combined Cruising and Social Activities Association event that pulls together some local Kangaroo Island activities over three days of the New Year might encourage more to make the journey south and thereby justify the effort made in conducting this annual regatta.

The King of the Gulf Regatta is run by the Multihull Association of South Australia out of the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron and organised by David Eldridge. The event comprised of five days of racing with a passage race from Adelaide to Port Vincent scheduled for Friday 3 February, two windward/leeward races on Saturday, a long race on Sunday, two windward/leeward races on Monday and a passage race back to Adelaide on the Tuesday. The two passage races were standalone races and the four windward/leeward races and the long race made up the regatta.

There were 20 boats in the the fleet with several multihulls coming from interstate. The CYCSA was represented by G-Wizz, Marnico, Vulcan and Golden Cowrie in the Monohull Division, Venom in the Multihull Division and Tonga Tinga, a catamaran, raced in the Cruising Division with the monohulls. The forecast for the weather for the passage race was for 30-35 knots and the decision was wisely made to postpone the race until the next day for safety reasons not only for the yachts but also for the official boats to safely make the trip across. The crew on G-Wizz however had a yen for a strong wind race so they set off on the Friday, completed the course, had dinner and a bit of a rest and left Port Vincent around 4am on Saturday and made it back to the Club in time for a shower and a coffee before heading out to the start line to do it all again. The crew all declared they had a great race but most were a bit skeptical. This time the conditions were much milder with 10-15 knots of breeze.

Sunday and Monday saw light conditions in the mornings with slightly more breeze in the afternoons. The officials managed to fit in one windward/leeward race on Sunday morning followed by the long race to the Orontes and back and two more windward/leeward races were completed on Monday followed by the passage race back on Tuesday.

The social program for the King of the Gulf involved the local community with the Port Vincent Sailing Club hosting the Saturday night dinner, the Coast Guard providing the BBQ meat and the Bowling Club ladies the salads for the Sunday evening held in the marquee on the lawns at the Port Vincent Marina. The presentation dinner was held at the Port Vincent Bowling Club. All were friendly, convivial functions enjoyed by competitors and locals alike.

The Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron took out most of the accolades for the regatta with Quantre-deux, skippered by Lloyd Cushway, taking out his third Monohull King of the Gulf crown as well as a second for the passage race over and third back. Stealth, sailed by John Herbert and RSAYS Club Manager Adam South, came second with Blue Diamond, skippered by Mail Denton, third. Wild Child, skippered by RSAYS Vice Commodore Peter Murfett, took out Division Two in the monohulls. The Multihull King of the Gulf crown was won with blistering speed by George Owen from the Sandringham Yacht Club on Charleston with Carbon Credit (Peter Hawker) and Goldfinger (Ian Mac Dougall) taking the minor placings. Tearaway, raced by Geoff Kneebone and his crack crew, won the Multihull State Championship. Our Club did not take out any of the majors but we did manage several individual race placing with Venom winning the passage race over in the multihull division, G-Wizz the first windward/leeward race and the long race and Marnico the fourth windward/leeward race.

A very pleasing aspect of the regatta was the appearance of several of the ‘Women on Water’ graduates who showed themselves to be highly motivated and competent crew and emerging skippers. They were certainly a valued addition to the regatta and we hope to see more ‘WOW’ graduates in the future.

Drawing praise from all competitors was the Race Management Team with the Principal Race Officer, Jock Ross and his team, doing another outstanding job in Port Vincent while being ably supported by Roger Oaten back in Adelaide. Perhaps the unique and endearing qualities the King of the Gulf committee and participants strive for in this regatta is best summed up in the following KOG Facebook post by the New South Wales boat The Stig. They had just competed in Geelong Week where they won all their races. They are programmed to compete in Lincoln Week, we wish them luck.