Last Wednesday’s Twilight Race
During last Wednesday’s (7/12) race, the wind increased much more than expected. The Nolex 25 Seriously had a M.O.B. and Seriously ended up on the beach. Fortunately, the M.O.B. was wearing a lifejacket, and the boat has little damage.
We are currently investigating this incident and will report to the Club in due course.
It isn’t surprising that there are many opinions over how we run races and events. Indeed, the diversity of ideas is a good thing, it ensures we put on events that members want to do.
At one end, we have yachts which race to Hobart and could probably handle most weather events. At the other, we have new skippers and crew still learning about their boats and developing their skills.
We are currently looking at how we best manage the fleet when the conditions are marginal for some. Ideas so far include:
- No change, as it is always the skipper’s responsibility to start or continue to race.
- Self nomination on whether you fit into a beginner or seasoned sailor/ crew and set different limits for both
- Yacht weight/ length limits
- Racing to continue for the spinnaker fleet (which generally has more experience)
- The aggregate series race is cancelled, a non-aggregate replaces it.
If you have any ideas, please reach out to me or other members of the sailing committee.
Matching crews looking for boats and boats looking for crews
We recently had a matchmaking event linking boats with crew. If you are a crew looking for a ride, please speak to Ann or Jan in the office to help you find a suitable vessel. The same is true if you are a skipper. Skippers are also invited to new members’ nights, where they can meet new crew.
Non-spinnaker races on Saturdays
There is racing on some Saturdays for yachts that prefer not to fly a spinnaker. Look for ‘White Sails Saturday’ in the notice of race. https://www.rmys.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/RMYS-SUMMER-NOR-2022-23-V2.pdf
Non-aggregate races, longer courses for quicker boats
From next year, the option for quicker yachts is to have a slightly longer course when racing Saturday non-aggregate races.
Storm Series
There isn’t enough interest for a storm series, so we aren’t proceeding with this idea.
Recreational Boating
For those who prefer cruising of the motor or sailing kind, several events are happening- have a look on the website or speak to Justin Spangaro or Pat Milwright
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and give back to the Club. If you haven’t done it before, please put your hand up, especially when your boat is out of the water, or you are not sailing.
Stuck or unsure?
Everyone started not knowing everything about our sport, so don’t be concerned if you don’t know everything either. If you are confused, unsure or just need help, please speak to the office, me or another member for help. That’s what we are here for, and it is a great benefit of being a member of our Club.
If you have ideas, suggestions, rants or raves, please reach out to me or one of the other members of the RMYS sailing committee: Ann Rogers (Boating Admin.), Alan Watkins, Alex Toomey, Greg Paton, Janet Dean, Jurgen Pfeiffer, Michael Culhaine, Monica Jones and Ron Brown.
Happy Sailing
Jason McCutcheon
RMYS Club Captain
