Mudlark winter 2008
Transcription
Mudlark winter 2008
The WINTER EDITION, JUNE 2008 MUDLARK WHO IS THAT MASKED MAN? See Page 5 Picture: STEVE FOX STEVE See Picture: Page 5 FOX AGM: Monday, June 9 — Page 4 The official newsletter of Maylands Yacht Club Inc With PETER KERRIGAN Commodore’s Report W ELL folks, another season done and dusted. It was great to see such a good turnout for our Presentation Night. Congratulations to all of our Club Champions. They have once again set a very high standard for the rest of us to aspire to. I would especially like to congratulate Maryion Carter, who was awarded the Piglet Trophy for being the best club junior. Maryion is a delightful young lady and her family should be very proud of her. It was also fantastic to see such a good turnout of Past Commodores and Life Members at Presentation Night (See Pages 7 and 8). I think the count was seven Past Commodores and four Life Members. # # # Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find notice of our AGM (See Page 4). I urge all members to attend this important event. Many positions are filled by pre-arrangement, whereas others will need to be filled on the night. If you don’t turn up, we might just vote you in to something. # # # # FROM an administration point of view the season has gone without major incident. The club remains in a strong financial position and no major issues confront us in the short term. The major looming issue is City of Bayswater’s proposed redevelopment of the Bardon Park precinct. The club’s administration will need to be very wary of the implication of any such proposal so as to protect the club’s integrity. # helped at the club in some way throughout the year would really just look like our membership list. Thank you all for your hard work; I can assure you that every member is appreciative. # # # # IT was very heartening to see such strength in our juniors and with the untiring work of our volunteers in the training and junior fleets, the future looks bright. For me, the club feels much more alive and energised when there are lots of happy juniors about and I look forward to seeing them all back next year. ANOTHER important event is the Busy Bee scheduled for September 20-21. Please put at least one of these days aside to give us a hand. At this stage we don’t have a “to do” list, but Bob Jackson is working on it. One thing we do need to attend to is the repair of some of the training boats. Ken Patterson needs some people who can spare a bit of time during winter to repair various boats and pieces of equipment. Some jobs don’t require a lot of skill, like revarnishing spars or rudders; other tasks, like repairing leaking hulls, will require more skill. If you think you can help, please give Ken a call. # # # WELL, members, I am writing this late as usual, much to the annoyance of the editor, so I will sign off by wishing all members and families a very restful off-season. # # # May all those yachting widows get a few jobs done around THIS time of the year is also when we try, without overlook- the house, and I hope to see you all fit and raring to go next October. ing anyone, to thank all our volunteers. —The Commodore I can only say that to attempt to list everyone who has PRIZE NIGHT: Commodore Peter Kerrigan, left, chats to past commodore Kim Stephens and his wife Margaret. 2 LLOYD BLAKE talks to a veteran member who’s still soaring at Maylands Top Gun John S ENIOR sailor John Wood is eligible to be a Laser Great Grand Master competitor, but these days he’s swelling the numbers in the Mixed Fleet. John and his two sons were introduced to sailing in a Mirror 30 years ago in Adelaide. The boys moved on to 420 dinghy sailing and when their tertiary education intervened in sailing activities, John took to singlehanded craft — aircraft ! He switched to gliding and learnt to fly at Waikerie Gliding Club in South Australia’s Riverland. According to John, now 74, gliding is related to sailing through tuning in with the elements, but is much easier. A skllled pilot, John’s longest flight was 7.5 hours following the River Murray in to Victoria. After flying gliders for 15 years, John and his wife Ruth moved to Perth, planning to continue cross-country soaring with WA gliders at Beverley. At a local function John and Ruth met Sally and John Gaunt who introduced them to MYC. The single-handed glider pilot became a single-handed yachtsman. John’s first outing in his Laser, Sharnah, in a 15-knot breeze, caused more concern than his first solo flight. Soaking wet, John weighs just 69kg, so he struggled to control the boat. Switching to a Radial rig, John quickly adjusted to sailing in stronger weather. Now he sails a 4.7 in the Mixed Fleet. A true MYC stalwart, John joins a team of club volunteers every week, summer and winter, assisting with maintenance and refitting of equipment. He sees the future of MYC growing from the vigorous training program led by Rear Commodore Ken Patterson. Young sailors who graduate to Minnows and Lasers are a credit to the program; however, John rightfully points out the need for continued volunteer support. A recruiting campaign to attract learn-to-sail adults would help bridge the big age gap between junior and senior membership. He welcomes any development that will bring more members to MYC. A boardwalk cafe would be attractive for public and members’ use while exposing the club to prospective members. ABOVE: On a wing and a prayer . . . John Wood, left, joined the thrill seekers over Waikerie in South Australia. BELOW: Gentleman John provides a “subtle” reminder of valuable sponsorship. Maylands pictures: STEVE FOX 3 Annual General Meeting: Monday, June 9 EDITOR’S COMMENT THE Mudlark is going gangbusters but that’s only because some members are putting in the effort to write an article — or talk to us. It takes a lot of time to put together each edition, particularly the new-look production side of the job, so anything you can do to provide words and pictures is truly appreciated, particularly in advance of edition time. Unless you tell us about yourselves, we’re none the wiser — unless I unleash gun reporter LLOYD BLAKE and he digs out stories such as the one in this issue on former glider pilot John Wood. Regular columnists, including Carol and Kelvin Davis who are a full bottle on the Juniors, keep us up to speed with developments and happenings in their fields. I have already asked new Laser Full Rig Club Champion David Ponton to compile a yarn for the October edition, revealing a few secrets on how he achieved fantastic improvement in the 2007-08 season (that dobs you in, Dave!). Finally, a suggestion: Let’s make “Smart Casual” the minimum dress standard for club functions, such as Prize Night. Perhaps jeans, beanies and T-shirts could have a rest for one night of the year. — STEVE FOX PS: If you agree or disagree with anything in this issue and you’ve got something to say, send me an email for publication. PPS: Last issue we reported that Terry Gaunt represented Australia in Japan. He didn’t. Terry finished second in the Olympic 470 class and just missed out. Sorry for the misunderstanding, Terry. WHERE: Maylands Yacht Club. WHEN: 7.30pm. WHAT FOR: All committee positions, from the patron to the webmaster, are open for nominations or challenges. Your vote on the night might be crucial to the benefit of your club. WHAT ELSE: Immediately after the AGM, a general meeting will be held when you can rant, rave, praise and applaud people, and raise issues. INDUCEMENT: Cheese and biscuits, tea and coffee, bar open (after meetings). Does your dolly look like this? YOU COULD REPLACE IT WITH A STAINLESS-STEEL MODEL $200 AND YOU PROVIDE WHEELS FROM YOUR OLD DOLLY See Max Albury or call 9349 3739 4 Hi-ho Hoggie! Lone Mothie Dave Hogg tells The Mudlark editor Steve Fox what it’s like to be the only sailor in his class of boat in the Mixed Fleet A true believer I STARTED sailing at age 10 as a it is sad that cheap, good, medium-size “bailer boy” on a 22ft, wet, opendinghy classes have died and been redecked yacht at Claremont Yacht placed with very expensive fibreglass/ Club. The skipper of this boat was the kevlar dinghies. I refer to classes such as kind but strict Curly Strickland, who was the VJ, Moth, Cherub, Rainbow and always looking to get people out on the Kittykat (cat I know). They are being rewater. placed by 29ers, 49ers, hydrofoil skiff My apprenticeship in sailing was spent Moths, etc. on this boat, working my way up from the I have thought about upgrading to a never-ending task of bailing, to providing Laser to gain more competition, but I think ballast on the gunwale, to packing and that you will see me in the Moth for a seasetting spinnakers, to jib sheeting and son or two more. (I intend to look into then sheeting the mainsail. In a lot of maybe having a sail on one during the ways I am still doing my apprenticeship in Winter Series). sailing! Sailing in the Mixed Fleet has been After two seasons of fun but wet times revitalised with the influx of the Hartley with Curly, he felt I was ready to venture 16s, sailed by some very experienced and out and sail my own boat. My dad felt a competitive crews. On some days I feel Manly Junior was an appropriate boat, so very lonely with the Hartleys consigning with my brother as crew, I ventured out me to sail my own race, with me glimpsinto the world of skippering my own boat. ing views of them on the horizon. Suffice to say, everything I had learnt But when the wind gets up deserted me as soon as I had my own I am able to sail with them HANGING boat. Fortunately a grinning Curly came to on equal terms. I am happy IN: Dave my rescue with a kind tow back to the to try to beat my handicap Hogg, beach and some gentle words of encouras I use my Sunday sail as above, flies agement. a fun outlet. the Moth After two seasons of sailing the Manly Funny moments at Mayflag in Pigs Junior, I moved up to a Mirror and, to imlands? I think my antics ’ll Fly at MYC. prove my skills, sailed at Claremont and keep a smile on a lot of peoPictures: Nedlands which had a fleet of 100-plus ple’s faces, due to my capSTEVE FOX Mirrors. After sailing the Mirror until I was sizes and thus my belief that 16, I moved up to a Paper Tiger which the Swan River Trust should was a magnificent boat for a testosteronehire my services as a depth laden teenager. sounder! Into adulthood I moved around different I think Maylands is a club classes, crewing on Cherubs, Skates, with a good balance for the Kittykats, Tornadoes and indulging in a bit sailor: Good grassed rigging of offshore racing. I’ve been lucky enough area and testing sailing to sail on yachts from Townsville to Frecourses. There seems to be mantle and Gladstone to Darwin. very good-natured banter I arrived at Maylands at a time in my life between all sailors with no when I was looking for a sailing outlet to “prima donnas”, and everycomplement my time spent raising a famone prepared to help out in ily. I wanted to have fun but without the some way, such as training, pressure of “sailing for sheep stations”. moving boats in and out of I felt a single-handed yacht was what I the water and shed. needed and I had sailed on a couple of The club has a good old Moths in my teen years. The late Clem sailing club feel, which a lot Eaton took me under his “wing” in a simiof clubs unfortunately have lar manner to Curly and he encouraged lost. As for the future of the me to not dwell on the negatives and to club, there is a need for the learn from my mistakes. club to be regularly rejuveBoth Curly and Clem were very similar, nated with an influx of both gentlemen in the best way. youngsters, which I am Why have I stayed with the Moth? This happy to see has occurred is a question I regularly ask myself when I Unfortunately, at the club level in this this past season. am drifting around in two knots of wind. state, the class is dead, due to the modI think we need to keep pushing the MirThe feeling of sailing a Moth from the ern skiff Moth design being comparatively ror fleet because it is a good boat that can wings on a reach in 15 knots of breeze is hard to sail — and expensive. be sailed by two teenagers or an adult the thing that keeps me coming back. On the note about the Moths dying, I feel and youngster. 5 STATE LASER TITLES 2008 BEARDED BURBLERS OF BUSSELTON: Maylands Yacht Club’s Laser Radial representatives, from left, Ray Martin, Jerome Toonen, Picture: LLOYD BLAKE John Wallace and Alan Benn. R ADIAL skipper Alan Benn flew the flag highest among the Maylands contingent who competed in the WA Laser Association state championships at Geographe Bay, Busselton, over the Anzac Day long weekend. Wind conditions varied markedly — from an abandoned race after almost an hour in heat one, to a brisk final morning on the Sunday when it was cold, wet, breezy (about 17 knots) and steep waves were rolling. Overall we had two heats on the Friday afternoon (including the one that was abandoned), five heats throughout Saturday and two on the Sunday. Congratulations to Tim Castles, who won the Open title for the fourth consecutive year. The full regatta results of 73 Lasers can be viewed on http://www.laserwa.asn.au. From the MYC skippers — all 10 of us — sincere thanks to Martin Clark and Carol Davis who were on the beach to assist with dolleys before and after each day’s racing. Thanks also to the Geographe Bay Yacht Club which conducted a well-organised event on and off the water. And well done to the 4.7 juniors from MYC who stuck it out when the breeze picked up. — STEVE FOX Picture: AMBER BLAKE HOW THE MYC MEMBERS PERFORMED FULL RIGS (Fleet of 31) Lloyd Blake (7th out of 7) David Ponton 23rd (best finish 9th) Steve Fox 26th (best finish 21st) Lloyd Blake 31st (best finish 28th) RADIALS (Fleet of 23) MASTER David Ponton (6th out of 8) GRAND MASTER Steve Fox (4th out of 7) Alan Benn 12th (best finish 3rd) Ray Martin 14th (best finish 5th) Jerome Toonen 18th (best finish 7th) John Wallace 19th (best finish 15th) MASTER Alan Benn (4th out of 6) GRAND MASTER Ray Martin (3rd out of 6) Jerome Toonen (4th out of 6) John Wallace (5th out of 6) 4.7s (Fleet of 19) Owen Davis 14th (best finish 13th) Matthew Clark-Massera 16th (best finish 13th) Jack Clark-Massera 17th (best finish 14th) 6 MYC Prize Night And the winners are: SHORT-COURSE CHAMPIONS Laser Full Rigs: David Ponton Laser Radials: Kim Stephens Mixed Fleet: Jenny Pederick/John Gaunt Mirrors: Hugh Davis/ Alexander Port SHORT-COURSE CONSISTENCY Laser Full Rigs: Bert Brescianini Laser Radials: JeromeToonen Mixed Fleet: Michael Albury Mirrors: Hugh Davis/Alexander Port MOST FASTEST TIMES Laser Full Rigs: David Ponton Laser Radials: Kim Stephens Mixed Fleet: Brian Plumb/Doug Bonny Mirrors: Jack Clark-Massera/Owen Davis SAIL POWER LASER MASTERS Apprentice: Vince Rogers Master: David Ponton Grand Master: Ken Patterson Great Grand Master: Terry McCartney STEVE FOX TROPHY (Laser Full Rigs) Bert Brescianini MORNING FLEET Laser 4.7: Mattherw Clark-Massera Minnows: Hugh Davis JUNIOR OF THE YEAR (The Piglet Trophy, donated by the Blake family): Mary Carter MAX ALBURY MOST PROMISING JUNIOR IN TRAINING FLEET Callum Ferguson JIM & IDA BENNETT CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR Andrew Carter, pictured CLUB CHAMPIONS 2007-08 FROM LEFT: Kim Stephens (Laser Radial), Brian Plumb and Doug Bonny (Mixed Fleet), David Ponton (Laser Full Rig) and Paul and James Borrett (Mirrors). CONSISTENCY CHAMPIONS 2007-08 FROM LEFT: Andrew Nicholls (Laser Radial), Brian Plumb and Doug Bonny (Mixed Fleet), Ken Patterson (Laser Full Rig) and Alexander Port and Hugh Davis (Mirrors). LEFT: Bert (The Bandit) Brescianini won The Steve Fox Trophy for Full Rigs for the third time and shows his unbridled glee at having outfoxed the handicappers yet again. All Prize Night pictures by STEVE FOX RIGHT: Juniors at Prize Night included, from left, Hugh Davis, James Borrett, Matthew Clark-Massera, Jack ClarkMassera, Alexander Port and Ryan Borrett. 7 Saturday, May 17 ONE FOR THE ARCHIVES: Maylands Yacht Club was privileged to have seven past commodores, six of whom are still active sailors, join Commodore Peter Kerrigan, far right, at Prize Night. From left, they are Max Moore (who started his stint as commodore in 1969-70), Terry Gaunt (1974-75), Brian Plumb (1990-91), John Gaunt (1993-94), Ken Patterson (1998-99), Kim Stephens (2001-02) and Jerome Toonen (2004-05). FULL HOUSE (ALMOST): Commodore Peter Kerrigan addresses members at the 2007-08 Prize Night function. 8 Junior News C HANGES of sail colour were apparent in the second half of the MYC youth sailing events. Committed sailors have been trading their blue-sail Minnows to whitesail Laser 4.7 rigs. It was also great to see them ending the season sailing their 4.7s in the afternoons with the Mixed Fleet, thereby “resting” the MYC Mirrors from serious racing. For the final part of the sailing season, it was great to see Lasers out every Sunday morning sailed by Matt and Jack ClarkMassera; Owen, Amy and Hugh Davis; Sam Thiele, James Cohen and Michael Albury. Minnows have reduced in number with the defection of Jack and sometimes Hugh into the Laser fleet. However, it is great to see Andrew Britton (sailing Loaded Dog, the new Minnow hull recently made by IAN PAVEY and rigged from a retired Minnow. Thanks, Ian!) and Jennifer Carter skippering JAMM, joining in the Minnow races. There is already a new addition for next season, with one of the training students With CAROL DAVIS and ViceCommodore KELVIN DAVIS ABOVE: Minnows on the start line for the City of Bayswater Regatta. RIGHT: Commodore Peter Kerrigan points the way. Pictures: STEVE FOX buying a Minnow, Twister, to sail. Basically, as an overview, there were more sailors in the morning races at the end of the season than at the start, even if they had changed boats during the season. The 4.7 sailors also contested the first heat of the winter series, and plan to sail in more winter races. Several youth sailing events have also been contested over recent months, both at MYC and away. State Minnow Sailing Championships at The Cruising Yacht Club, Rockingham, Saturday and Sunday, February 23-24. Three MYC sailors – James Borrett, Jack Clark-Massera and Hugh Davis — represented MYC at the State Minnow Sailing Championships at TCYC. All competed in the main fleet as they are all now becoming competent sailors. Their TCYC mates were more competitive, while our sailors tried to better their own placings as they progressed through the seven-race championship. James competed in Mach 1 and was 16th in the “A” fleet. Jack sailed JAMM and was 18th in this, his last Minnow event. (Jack sold JAMM shortly after the championship and became a Laser 4.7 sailor.) Hugh sailed Droplet and had a highest 9 Junior News placing of fourth and finished sixth overall, ahead of his clubmates. This championship again helped our MYC members gain greater skill and knowledge under racing conditions where ocean tides and winds can be stronger than what they experience at Maylands. Continued SunSmart Schools Team Sailing Championship – Thursday and Friday, April 17-18 Owen and Hugh Davis were two-thirds of a team for their high school competing in this championship at the Royal Freshwater Bay Sailing Club (unable to get a third sailor from their school to make up a full team). Sunday, March 30 – MYC Picnic Day Wet and miserable conditions hampered What a beautiful day – and sailors and racing on day one during the school holifamilies were out in force. By returning to days, while still conditions stalled the secthe club’s grassed grounds for the picnic ond day’s start until after an early lunch. (instead of lazing about on Heirisson It was all a bit frustrating for these two Island as in previous years), it was eas- keen 4.7 sailors, but sailing is not always ier for many non-sailing members and “just plain sailing”. friends to join in the barbecue and camaThe competition, started nearly 20 years raderie after the social sail and before ago by our own Kim Stephens, was won the more serious events were competed for the second year by Rossmoyne Senin the afternoon — Tug o’ War, Le Mans ior High School. (Amazing what you learn start from boatshed door to sail across on the YAWA website, hey Kim!) the river and back, etc. and out of 19 Laser 4.7s, Owen finished 14th, Matt 16th and Jack 17th. Thanks to parents Many thanks to the parents who have assisted their children to benefit from sailing competitions on Sunday mornings at MYC. Keep up the good work and we look forward to more next year – bring a friend, too! Alan Benn will be running Laser sailing lessons on Sunday mornings from October to assist these sailors to improve their skills before their race in the morning. Come one, come all, and learn from one of our experienced club sailors. Canteen Capers Many thanks to the members, families, friends and passing cyclists and walkers (in increasing numbers) who have patronised the MYC canteen to buy drinks or their lunch. I am amazed how much hungrier people are if their sausage sizzle is already WALA Laser State Championships – City of Bayswater Autumn River cooked for them – even if it does cost 50c Geographe Bay Yacht Club, Anzac Festival and Regatta – Sunday, April 6 Long Weekend, Friday to Sunday, April more. Thanks to my volunteer chefs and Though MYC had only two Minnows the contribution you made to the club’s 25-27. entered for the two-race Minnow compe- (See Page 6) coffers. tition, a trophy was awarded by the City I have enjoyed finishing some embroiThree MYC youth members _ Jack, Matt of Bayswater as this was the biggest dery and chatting to lots of interesting and Owen _ competed in their 4.7s in fleet of junior sailors. these championships on Geographe Bay, people while serving food and drinks. Congratulations to Hugh Davis for tak- Busselton. Thanks to Karen Sibthorpe for helping ing out the trophy from the fleet of 19 out on weeks when I had other commitOur trio seemed to be having their own mostly TCYC sailors. It was great to see mini-competition in the second half of the ments. It is also great to see everyone the MYC juniors playing and chatting helping out, setting up and putting away 4.7 fleet, but were gaining useful experiwith their TCYC mates after enjoying a the chairs and tables, helping raise and ence about sailing a trapezoid course. sausage sizzle at the cub. They were also learning about sailing on lower the canteen hatch and generally making the club a friendly place to “hang The Laser 4.7s on the water during the more open water where you sometimes morning, along with the youth training can’t set a landmark as a bearing to head out”. Mirrors, showed how colourful our patch to on your way to the next mark. Thank you! See you same place, hopeof the river can look when a reasonable All three MYC sailors completed all eight fully same fantastic weather and wind, number of boats are sailing. heats in the varying wind/swell conditions later this year for the next sailing season. Picture: MAX ALBURY WHAT a day it was on Picnic Day on Sunday, March 30: blue skies and an easterly with enough puffs to get you planing. There was a terrific roll-up among members and a great spirit throughout the day — and the club barbecue worked overtime to satisfy the hungry. A fleet of Lasers, Hartleys, Minnows and Mirrors set off at their leisure for a run down to Heirisson Island, then a tight reach and beat back to the club. Thanks to the ever-reliable Lynne and Bert Brescianini, who kept the canteen and bar ticking over. Special thanks to immediate past commodore Jerome Toonen, who became chief organiser of lawn games and novelty sailing races. Thanks to Ken Patterson and his support boat helpers, including Andrew Nicholls. Admittedly we had perfect weather, but it seems the switch from Heirisson Island to the club as the picnic venue was popular. Perhaps next year we can drop in a couple of buoys — one in Claisebrook Cove and one near the island — for a Club-Claisebrook-Heirisson-Claisebook-Club race. A handicap start would give the Minnows and Mirrors a big chance. — STEVE FOX 10 With Rear Commodore KEN PATTERSON Training T HE season ended with the training group testing their skills on the Minnows. These little boats make an ideal starting boat for the little tackers. They are simple to rig and look like great fun to sail (I have yet to put one to the test). Leslie Wild became the proud owner of a very smart-looking boat that will be a force to reckon with once Leslie has it sorted out. Maryion Carter, a continuing member of the training group, has also acquired a Minnow. She now sails the former ClarkMassera boat JAMM and will also be very competitive. The race series that started after the YA certificate courses were completed saw sailors becoming more proficient at reading the wind direction and keeping the sails working, especially when sailing into the wind on a close-hauled course. However, there were so many changes of skippers, crews and boats (Mirrors, Minnows and Laser 4.7) that doomed any AWARD WINNERS: Callum Ferguson and Maryion Carter. scoring system for a trophy series. We had great fun anyway. # # # # CONGRATULATIONS go to Callum Ferguson who was named the Most Promising Trainee and received a small award, sponsored by Max Albury, at the club’s Prize Night on Saturday, May 17. Well done, Callum! We look forward to seeing more of you next season! At the same function Maryion Carter was named the Junior Club Person of the 2007-08 season and was awarded the Lloyd Blake-sponsored Piglet Trophy in recognition of her wonderful club spirit and her willingness to help with selling raffle tickets each club day. Congratulations Maryion for an award that is very well-deserved! (Piglet was the name of Lloyd’s boat before his venture to France, after which it became Le Petit Cochon, French for Little Pig). # # # # ONE offshoot of the training this year has been the expression of interest from some parents keen to have a go themselves. Sebastian’s Engdahl’s parents, Lars and Josephine, as well as Gregor and Yen, parents of Leslie and Donal Wild, are keen to become involved. I can see the club Pacer getting some work again next season. Picture: KEN PATTERSON M OST of the club Mirrors are in need of some TLC, mainly for a paint job and replacement of the shredding sidestays and forestays. Anyone willing to lend a hand? If so, please let me know. There is also a need to have an “advanced skills’’ coach to assist in taking our young sailors to higher levels of competitiveness. We have some of our Laser 4.7 and Mirror sailors showing great promise. The commitment could well mean no more than running one or two coaching clinics over the season. Anyone interested? JUNIORS AHOY: A Minnow splits the Mirrors at Sunday morning training off Bardon Park. Picture: LLOYD BLAKE 11 MEET THE MEMBERS Vince Rogers chance to bring friends and prospective members to the clubhouse to meet the friendly Apprentice Master crowd and talk about sailing,’’ Vince said. “Events that encourage partners ASER Radial Apprentice to spend time at the club would Master Vince Rogers is an exspread the word, too.” ception to the general MYC A newcomer to the sport, demographic of seniors holding Vince learnt to sail in the MYC sway. training program in 2007. He He is keen to encourage mem- bought an old Laser and gave bership growth at the club and the boat a major refit inside and is puzzled why Try Sailing Day out. The finished boat is a credit is no longer held at the club. to his skills. Questioned on strategies to He says attracting sailors in grow membership, Vince made the 25-45 age group is the way simple yet sound suggestions. forward. This requires promo- L He believes we should reintroduce Try Sailing Day, advertise in local newspapers, put MYC signs in local business houses, on bulletin boards in shopping centres and erect MYC roadside signs on sailing days. We should tell prospective sailors just how little it costs to join our club. When prospective members visit, give them a tour of facilities, introduce them to club executives and provide a smart brochure describing membership benefits, our training program, opportunities for volunteer work and the fees. “Some non-sailing social events would give members a tions to encourage past yachties to make a comeback, even if they haven’t been in a boat since their teenage years. They would probably be family people happy to buy an inexpensive boat, particularly if they have children keen to be introduced to sailing. Vince points out that any expansion of the Learn-to-Sail program would require a much bigger volunteer force and more club boats, so it was much easier to target young adults who were former sailors. Vince is a strong supporter of modernisation of club facilities and establishment of a riverfront restaurant for the benefit of members and the public. with LLOYD BLAKE Andrew Nicholls Apprentice Master in waiting L ASER Radial skipper Andrew Nicholls was the big improver in the MYC summer season. Andrew takes a lesson from every race and this friendly young man disguises a very competitive nature as he heads towards Masters eligibility in the 2009-10 season. A graph of his results (he sailed every event this past season) demonstrates how he consistently fought back and improved his performance. In the first few weeks Andrew finished 5th, 6th and 7th, then struck with a 1st. Holding his score within the first three places for almost a month, he plummeted to 11th.. The following week Patches ’n’ Scratches took 2nd place. A dip to 7th, then Andrew was back into minor placings for a few more weeks. Keeping his score in single figures in a potential fleet of 20 boats ensured a grip on the Consistency trophy and sailing every race allowed him the luxury of dropping his worst events. Pressed for secrets of success, Andrew said he always talks to the faster sailors who readily share their knowledge, he reads lots of sailing books and on the water he tries to sail close to a faster boat. Importantly, Andrew practises everything he learns. House He enjoys the friendly MYC atmosphere and would like to see more fun sailing, such as the cruise to Matilda Bay. Andrew learnt to sail in a Mirror and was taught by his father. He has watched the growth in the number of families at the club and is another member who supports a promotional campaign to bring competent sailors out of retirement, along with their young families. “They just need to know MYC exists and how reasonable the cost of sailing can be at a good family club,’’ he said. With Rear Commodore BOB JACKSON THE next busy bee is scheduled for the weekend of September 20-21. A list is being prepared for the busy bee, so if anyone sees a job that needs doing, please send a note to: [email protected] so that we can use the time on the days most efficiently. New hand-dryers have been bought for the men's and women's toilets and should be installed by the time you read this. The dryers are the automatic high-speed variety and should be much more efficient than the old ones and lift the quality of the toilets for those hiring the venue. 12 Starboard! But to avoid a Mac attack you’ll have to shout out O So there's this pirate with a parrot. And this parrot swears like a sailor; I mean he's a pistol. He can swear for five minutes straight without repeating himself. Trouble is, the pirate who owns him is a quiet, conservative type, and this bird's foul mouth is driving him crazy. One day, it gets to be too much, so the guy grabs the bird by the throat, shakes him really hard, and yells, "QUIT IT!’’ But this just makes the bird mad and he swears more than ever. Then the pirate gets really mad and locks the bird in a cabinet. This really aggravates the bird and he claws and scratches, and when the guy finally lets him out, the bird cuts loose with a stream of invective that would make a veteran pirate blush. At that point, the pirate is so mad that he throws the parrot into a freezer. For the first few seconds there is a terrible din. The bird kicks and claws and thrashes. Then it suddenly gets very quiet. At first the guy just waits, but then he starts to think that the bird may be hurt. After a couple of minutes of silence, he's so worried that he opens the freezer door. The bird calmly climbs on to the man's outstretched arm and says, "Awfully sorry about the trouble I gave you. I'll do my best to improve my vocabulary from now on. By the way, what did the chicken do?" UR only Laser Great Grand Master sailor, Terry McCartney, admits to being at the centre of several near-miss incidents afloat. Partially hearing-impaired, Terry finds himself very busy keeping his Laser on track and often does not see or hear another boat nearby. He requests loud shouts of “Starboard!’’ Sailing at SoPYC and PDSC, Terry has been in keel boats, Signets, Sharpies and GP14s. Experiencing the difference between helming and crewing in a boat, Terry found adapting to the Laser a tall order. As crew there is time to observe other boats, plan tactics and suggest strategies. Terry said: “As skipper I tend to just concentrate on boat speed. It was hard for me adapting to a Laser, where you have to do everything!” A member of MYC in 1968, Terry built and sailed a Signet dinghy when club membership strength was based in crewed fleets of GP14s, Herons and Signets. Supporting MYC ashore, Terry served as secretary, and later, as Rear Commodore House. While he claims to have no accent(!) Terry confesses to being a British migrant and says his early introduction to sailing was on the English Norfolk Broads, racing Hornets on reservoirs and sailing a 7m cruiser in the English Channel. Terry is very supportive of training programs which may not necessarily be on the water. There are sailing experts available via YWA who received ashore and afloat, Terry is are keen to visit the club, presenting spe- happy if the call is simply: “Get out of the cial topics. way!” — LLOYD BLAKE Always grateful for any sailing advice 2008-09 Opening Day Oct 12 13 Here comes the judge! By ALAN BENN T HIS is a description of the first protest seen at MYC in a long time. Do we all sail that well and inside the rules or do we just tend to not bother with protests? Or does everyone take their penalties when required? The incident happened at the finish of one of the morning 4.7 Laser races. rules: If there is any doubt, the overlap situation is regarded as staying the same. In this situation the panel initially had some concern regarding the overlap because boat L said that “boat W came in very quickly on a gust”. If there was no overlap at, say, three boat lengths and boat L had called this (early and often), then he may have had some defence in denying boat W room, if in fact he did get an overlap very late and of some doubt. THE VERDICT BOAT L was disqualified for not giving the required room. Boat L also at no time did any circles to allow exoneration. Boat W was allowed redress for hitting the finish mark due to L’s actions. THE PROTEST JACK Clark-Massera (W) protested Matthew Clark-Massera for not giving him room at the finish line. Description: Two Lasers were approaching the finish line from St Annes in to an easterly breeze, both on port tack. At position a, the windward (W) boat had an overlap and maintained this all the way up to the line. Boat W hailed: “How am I going to get across the line?” Leeward boat L replied: “You’re not!” and luffed up to prevent W getting inside the mark. The incident was caused by boat L confusing the finish line with conditions at a starting line – which is often marked out by the same marks. At a starting line, where the end of the line is “indicated by a mark surrounded by clear water”, you do not have to give room to an inside boat. As Kim Stephens demonstrates very well on most starts, he won’t let you get inside and above him and will force you inside the mark so you have to go around and try again. At the finish line, though, the situation is different. The mark at the end of the line is treated just like another mark of the course – a mark that you are required to pass on a particular side – and, as such, you are entitled to room to pass this mark. As usual, getting room is dependent on the inside boat having an overlap at the two-boat-length circle. In this case the call from the windward/inside boat should be for “room” – not as was called in this case. Everyone strongly recommends that ARTWORK: Mr Squiggle these calls should be like voting for the Bayswater mayor _ made early and often! Make sure you both understand that there is an overlap even before the circle and it is maintained at the circle. ACK and Matthew’s Minnow (JAMM) sold via The Mudlark’s Classifieds in the autumn issue. The Clark-Massera boys now sail Laser 4.7s. The new owner of Don’t try to claim that the overlap situaJAMM is Andrew Carter on behalf of his daughters Jennifer and Maryion. So, tion suddenly changes right at the circle no name change was necessary. JAMM is now Jennifer and Mary’s Minnow! as this is specifically mentioned in the Wb Lb Wa La J AGM: Monday, June 9 (SEE PAGE 4) 14 With Rear Commodore JOHN WALLACE Laser Radials THE 2007-08 season has ended with the Radial fleet averaging more than 10 boats a race. A new formula was adopted by the committee for the season which provided trophies according to the fleet size. This allowed trophies to be awarded down to 5th place in all competitions for Radials. Congratulations to all the trophy winners. For those who missed out there’s always the Winter Series or next summer. The major trophy winners were: Club Champion Kim Stephens Consistency Series Andrew Nicholls Short-Course Champion Kim Stephens Short-Course Consistency Jerome Toonen Most Fastest Times Kim Stephens The Club Championship was a clear-cut win to Kim – not quite a perfect score as he had to carry a second place. Ray Martin was a clear second with the other results well spread. Andrew won the Consistency by five points, with Jerome second, then half a point back to yours truly and another half a point to Alan Benn. It is quite incredible that placings can be determined by such small margins after 23 races with four drops. The half-point was caused by a dead heat in one race. If you want to check your placings, full results can be found by following the link on the MYC website. # # # # THE breezes during the second half of the season were lighter which makes for testing days at Maylands – trying to find the puffs and pick the wind shifts. The racing was always close throughout the season with any mistakes causing places to be lost. # # # # THE summer sailing didn’t finish with the end of the Maylands program as the State titles were held in Busselton at Geographe Bay Yacht Club over the Anzac long weekend. The venue was great with lots of space for rigging and an excellent body of water to sail on. The conditions varied from a drifter on Laser Full Rigs I HAVE read, researched and collected comment on Laser sailing by sailors in several countries. Condensing a range of comment on downwind sailing and eliminating repetitive and complementary views, this collective gives a broad overview of what a host of Laser sailors have said in many forums over several years on sail-by-the-lee. SAILING dead downwind, your wind indicator will point along the centreline of your hull. To sail by the lee, bear away until the wind indicator will begin pointing almost in line with your boom. Keep bearing further away from dead downwind to a by-the-lee course until you see the wind indicator start to rotate wildly; this heading is the edge of your by-the-lee course for that wind and that boom angle. Tell tails help detect by-the-lee airflow on the sail. Most important: always have flow on the back (leeward side) of the sail. Sailing by-the-lee is not only fast, it provides increased boat stability. You are on a broad reach with the boom on the “wrong’’ (windward) side. Let your boom out past 90 degrees to the centreline of the boat. the Friday afternoon, with big shifts, to consistent breezes on Saturday and Sunday, ranging up to 17 knots. Trapezoid courses were used with the windward mark in the vicinity of the jetty. There was a short chop which was running at about 45 degrees to the wind which meant that the starboard tack was very bumpy and the port much more enjoyable. The Sunday morning races were a little stronger and made for some good rides – gybing while surfing on a wave is almost effortless. There were 23 boats in the Radial fleet with Maylands represented by Alan, Jerome, Ray and myself. Alan had the highest placing with a third in one of the heats on Saturday which caused a lot of cheering at the pennant presentation that night, as all the other pennants went to those fresh-faced youngsters! The weekend was most enjoyable, the venue excellent and the race organisation very efficient. # # # # SEE you during winter or next season and don’t forget to work on the fitness level. With LLOYD BLAKE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPS: While some of the hot shots are sailing by-the-lee, others prefer to occasionally sail by-theshiraz, including your columnist Lloyd Blake and Steve Fox. In light air, go out to 35-40 degrees past it. In stronger air, just 20 degrees past it, and in heavy air, no more than five degrees. For the entry point of the wind to the sail to be the leech and the exit point to be the luff (defines “sailing by the lee’’), you need to always head considerably lower than dead downwind. On the leeward leg of any course, supposing the leg is set correctly — that is, the direction of the leg is in line with the median true wind direction with wind direction and the leg direction matched — sailing by the lee means you will not be heading towards the leeward mark. On starboard tack, (by the lee) you will be heading much more to the left of the leeward mark. On port tack (by the lee), you will be heading much more to the right of the mark. You will sail a longer (but faster) distance to the mark. Being more stable, surfing waves becomes easier, too. Sit on the rails inside with one knee on the bottom of the cockpit. The vang needs to be tensioned correctly. Have a tell tail on the top batten; it should fly parallel to the batten. If it goes up, vang too loose; if it hides behind the sail, vang too tight. Same rule applies for vang tension on reaches. 15 Classifieds FOR SALE GOLDEN OLDIES: I have a 1928 Dodge Brothers tourer that needs full restoration for sale at $2250. It has wooden spoke wheels with a big side-valve six, three-speed gearbox and brakes on all wheels! Body is disassembled for storage and moving. A complete car with lots of spares. I also have a 1927 Chev truck needing full restoration for sale at $550. Wood spokes, four-cylinder, three or four-speed gearbox, brakes on rear wheels. Disassembled. Lots of spares, including rear steel spoke wheels. None of the timber tray or 'C' cab. Want to know more? Contact Ed Bart at: [email protected] or call 9295 1664 or 0401 900 120. HERON: Sugar Baby. Very competitive, timber hull. Rigging & spars in good condition. Sails are average. $1500 negotiable. Contact John Gaunt on 9445 2448 or 0407 101 217. Boat is stored in Doubleview. Maylands Yacht Club (Inc) Cnr East Street and Fourth Avenue East Maylands WA 6051 (Postal) PO Box 5 Maylands WA 6931 Clubhouse: 9271 7332 (race days only) Secretary: Alan Benn 08 9271 1232 or 0429 101 703 Email: [email protected] Website: www.members.iinet.net.au/~myc Thank you to our sponsors Aylesbury’s Framing (Kim Stephens) Andrew Nicholls Bruce Lee BW Truck Parts Brian Kent Brian Plumb Carter’s Armature Rewinds (Ossie Carter) Emergency Computers (Andrew Carter) Healthway Ida and Jim Bennett Include Pty Ltd (Bob Jackson) Jerome Toonen John Gaunt and Anne Christie John Wallace Ken and Sandy Patterson Kelvin Davis Leisure Pools Lloyd Blake Max Albury Max Moore Milbold Pty Ltd (Alan Benn) Northern Districts Chiropractic Centre (David Ponton) Paul Borrett Peter Kerrigan Rob Hermans Sail Power Marine (Grant Alderson) Steve Fox Terry Gaunt Terry McCartney Vectis Digital Graphics (Ian Pavey) Vince Rogers Wally and Joy Davis The next issue of The Mudlark is the Spring Edition and is scheduled for September 1, 2008. Contributors and advertisers are asked to forward all submissions to editor Steve Fox at [email protected] 16