WA Sharpies

Another 3 Short Races @ MBSC

2012-01-30T15:41:00.001+08:00

The Sou Easter proved the winner in last weekends 3 short races at MBSC.

Gusting from 10 to 20 knots the Sou Easter coupled with a nasty chop and a procession of motorboats, ferries and jetskis made the conditions quite testing in Matilda Bay.

Race One had the fleet over eastly and a general recall. The next start was a little better for all other than for Impact that blew a goose a few seconds (rigging error) after the start. From the ass end of the fleet doing repairs the the boom it appeared Vita Brevis took the chocolates with Gordo and Wisemagic up the pointy end.

Race Two had Impact, Wise Magic and Gordo battling it out. In the end a little bluff and bluster from Impact had them pip Gordo at the death nell with Wise Magic a close third.

Race Three, SS broke a boom, The Pigs tore a heart muscle, Gordo blew a kite leaving Impact a comfy win with Wisemagic in second. A mention must be made of Vita Brevis who after winning race one were not sighted. Brendon did do a stirling effort putting the rescue boats away however.

Next week is the last hit out before the State Titles. Also Club Heat Three.

C.Mann

MBSC Back on the Water

2012-01-30T12:54:00.001+08:00

3 short races were on order for a moderate WSW (12 to 18knots). 6 Sharpies hit the water for some
close racing in the bay. International race officer Andy got us underway with a shortened 3 minute
sequence to get the races moving quick. All boats got away well for the first start except Impact,
who was a bit eager. Impact went back when the individual recall flag went up however they slowly
worked back to the pack. The short 2 lap windward Leeward races were a challenge. The breeze was
not a true seabreeze, and it was shifty. Vita Brevis got a jump on the pack with some nice pressure
and was first to the top mark, closely followed by Black Sun and Impact. The downwind legs were as
tricky as the upwind legs. The positions on the runs were changing rapidly with a few boats picking
some good gusts and sailing good angles to quickly make up the gap. Eventually Vita Brevis managed
to hold off a storming Impact on the final run to the finish. Unfortunately a little tangle in this race
saw Cow Rock retire back to the Bar, contemplating how Maniacs bullet proof rudder box managed
to dent their bow.

Race 2. This time impact got off the line clean, VB just above with Pigs, Black Sun close by. This race
panned out in similar fashion to the previous race except Black Sun sailed well downwind, getting
ahead on the first run holding position up the final work to lead into the finish. Vita Brevis Closed
in on Black Sun and gybed to the finish looking in a favourable position, but Keysie found his form
and picked the better angle to the boat and finished race 2 with the win, followed by Vita Brevis and
Impact.

Race 3.

A big shift on the line at the start of race 3 saw the boats battling to clear the pin. The fleet split,
some boat heading into the Southerly shift, but a few heading west, banking the almost sea breeze
would kick back in, which it did. However, by the time we got to the top mark all boats were back
together. The Liddle Pigs had an excellent downwind leg to put them in contention, with all boats
rounding the mark close together. Back to the top mark for the last time, Vita Brevis was in the lead,
with Pigs, Impact and Black Sun close behind. Once again picking the best lay into the finish was
crucial. Vita Brevis gybed first, then Pigs and the others. The Pigs came flying into the finish heading
for the boat with a nice gust, and got within a Flying Ant* of beating Vita Brevis over the line. 1st Vita
Brevis, 2nd The Liddle Pigs, 3rd Impact.

Overall after the 3 races the places were.

1. Vita Brevis
2. Impact
3. Black Sun

* Flying Ant - A measure used by a sharpie sailor to define the 3 boat length circle at a mark.

D. Meehan

Nationals Nearly Decided

2012-01-05T11:40:00.000+08:00

Reports Back from Queensland so far indicate Fresh to Strong breezes for most of the Series.

The three WA Boats are look like they have come up against a tough fleet to crack with many recent national champions lingering near the podium. An interesting note being South Australian Sam Mcloud's 'Warpig' a very new boat sitting in 3rd position overall.

Provisional Results:
Scratch Results
Handicap Results

Currently Gary Swan's 'Vicious' is the best placed WA sitting in 10th position overall, While Peter Cuthbert's 'Suicide Blonde' is the best place WA boat on Handicap in 5th place.

Good Luck to all for the last race.

We look forward to hearing their accounts of the series when they return home.

Christmas Time

2011-12-19T07:54:00.001+08:00

Hi All,

Three intrepid WA Sharpie crews are off to QLD for the National Carnival. Good luck to SS, Vicious and Suicide Blonde, we look forward to blogging and video on the website of both the on and off water activities.

It is almost time for the State Championships.

Once again MBSC is the venue, with racing over two days February 11^th and 12^th. Preparations are going well and we will gain from the experience Andy Curnow has gained from the ISAF Worlds.

Windward Leeward course format will prevail as we are at the mercy of Hughie with just two days to complete seven races. The plan is to complete four races Saturday with the final three to be completed Sunday.

Saturday night will be catered by Broadway Pizza, with the entertainment yet to be confirmed.

A Hard Day

2011-12-05T13:33:00.001+08:00

A Hard Day

The Sunday at Mounts was the final hit out for a couple of guys heading to Queensland (Good luck guys) and the weather was interesting to say the least.
We arrived at the club and the breeze was east to north east and dying rapidly, luckily for by the time the 4 boats (Impact, Wise Magic, SS and Vita Brevis) were ready to hit the water a 5 to 10 knot sea breeze had managed to sneak in.
With no race crew the 4 sharpies headed to Matilda and sailed windward leeward, between Matilda and the club. We were doing gates starts to get underway which were very successful.
All up we help 5 races, and the stars for the day were the vastly improved crew on Vita Brevis. Two Finland 470 sailors over in Perth to supporting the Finnish team for the worlds jumped on broad, Dave now being the heaviest on board was relegated to the wire. The upwind legs were a bit tricky heading into the bay, with the fickle Sou Wester proving to be quite fluky. The results changed a around for most races, But Maria (Helming) and Matilda (Sheet) showed the fleet how to sail in the light airs. 2 seconds and 3 firsts out of the five races was a pretty good start for a Sharpie career. The racing however was nice and close, with the gate start providing an even start for the 4 boats, all in all it was a great day, and who can complain about being sailed around the course by two expert Finland sailor then arriving back to shore to have the sharpie trolley in the water with 3 corona's ready to be drunk. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Thanks to Maria and Matilda for the sailing lesson, and you are welcome to join the sharpie fleet as any time.

Dave one wire

EFYC Blow

2011-11-29T07:45:00.001+08:00

4 boats hit the water for a start postponed slightly due to an issue finding the key for the rescue boat, but once the rescue boat was on the course the fleet got underway. A short upwind leg to the first turning mark in front of the club, then a flying reach to a wing mark, all boats apart from Vita Brevis carried kites for this leg.

Johnny Hilton on the Bastards hit the piss on the gybe, and damaged their rudder, so that was their day done, the other 3 boats negotiated the next mark and headed to Blackwall, all in close contact for the leg across to PC's. Swanny on Vicous hit the piss approaching PC's letting Vern and VB through. A beat up to north point walter then a flying 2 sail across to Dome. Vern (Blatantly Obvious) was leading coming into Dome with VB chasing them down fast, then a VB got hit by a bullet gust, hit the piss and damaged their main.

A long 1 sail (jib only) back to east freo up the drainpipe. Couldnt get a tow as the rescue boat was busy looking after the 125's that were swimming. Vern (Blatantly Obvious) maintained his lead to win, and Swanny (Vicous) survived to finish 2nd. VB got a buzzer for 3rd, but missed a couple of marks on their long slog back to the club. Anyway, it was good to see 4 sharpies on the water for an eventful day.

D Meehan

MBSC Ball Tearer

2011-11-21T08:11:00.001+08:00

What a ball tearer of an afternoon for sharpie sailing.

Five of the most dedicated boats hit the water after complete and methodical pre race preparations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gordo was the early leader from Impact, Blacksun and those ring in ex i14 blokes on wisemagic. mainy and the pigs were bring up the rear.

With the breeze very south and the first mark near crawley (due to cherub states) the first rear was a ball tearer.
As we rounded addison the breeze was nudging 20 in the gusts, it built all day. Gordo had a handy 20 second lead for Blacksun, Impact and Wisemagic as we made it back to addison from deepwater, but hit the piss on the drop jibe.

From there on it was a three way tussle with impact gaining the upper hand late in the day with floss on wire and dave the wizz in the middle. Only daves third time on a dinghy so he was doing well to have not made any major stuff ups.

With the race won Impact was storming down to Quarry before the jib sheets let go (well the knot I tied) and we were stuffed.
Wisemagic edged out blacksun, Impact held off Gordo after fixing the jib leads, mainy made it and the pigs were very clean after several swims.

Well done to the wisemagic crew that is there first bullet, lets hope it is not the last.

Close Racing

2011-11-10T11:50:00.000+08:00

A Video From the 2011 SA Sharpies WestLakes Regatta. Good practice for practicing sailing in a tight area.
Many things to avoid:

Other Boats
Edge of canal
Wind Holes
Parked boats
Many floats (do they catch crab there?)

PFSYC open day

2011-11-08T11:14:00.001+08:00

Perth Flying squadron was opened with all the normal traditions. A smoking gun, White dress pants, sail past and Sharpies in attendance. A 10 to 15 knot Westerly Breeze kept the fleet moving around the course.

5 Sharpies sailed in the open day race with 2 rigging up at PFSYC and 3 sailing up from MBSC. The course was simple 1 board up breeze and reach back in front of the club for as long as possible with a kite up.

Impact burnt the fleet off at the start choosing the pin which was on the layline. SS followed closely behind. Impact managed to hold their lead on the reach until a little communication error between the skipper and crew nearly caused a swim after the bottom mark. SS quickly sneaked by however a quick gust and impact took the lead.

SS took the lead again between the top mark and separation buoy. It was then a battle of weight on the wire with Moona on SS and C.Mann on Impact. Impact reeled in the lead held by SS close to the finish but were unlucky with pressure.

This weekend is 3 state selection heats on Saturday at EFYC. Please contact Gary Swan if you are going to sail.

MBSC Club Heat 2

2011-10-31T21:41:00.001+08:00

Club heat 2 was sailed on Sunday with a soft fluctuating ESE Breeze. It was quite a casual start from Matilda Buoy which meant everyone left the beach only minutes before the start. Starter Andy gave us a reminder 3 horn blow which was met with read between the lines responses from Mainy who was still getting into his wetsuit.

The course was W/L Style using Addison as the top mark and Club as the bottom. The start was a short line which tested a few as everyone was early. Impact was thinking about a Port Start but had no room causing a ruckus at the pin and breaking the start. Pressure was king on the water and Keysie proved once again that going the wrong way but staying in pressure wins. Impact managed to play the shifts well with the female crew scraping in for a second. Loaded Dice finished in third.

Peter Ivanac will probably attributing his form to jet lag after flying in the night before from America. Although bets are bets I hope he pays his jug bet with Impact.

This Sunday is PFSYC open day which the Sharpies have supported for a long time.
1430 Start. Course information can be found here or here(PDF). If you intend to sail please let Craig Mann know this week so he submit handicaps

Most boats are sailing up from MBSC. But dont forget to stop by the club for a beer afterwards.

Yes This is the New Pig, BUT IT ANIT NO PIG

2011-10-30T06:57:00.001+08:00

Sorry for the limited photos of Sam's new Macca Sharpie
But the Guard dog(as seen in the photo) trigged the alarm with me taking
photo's
What a slick looking boat, all crew hard at work trying to get on the water
next week, rudders and couple of issue to be resolved
Watch out in Qld
Still taking orders for new Australian Sharpie

Thank you Qantas
Boogs
.

GBYC club heat 1

2011-10-30T06:32:00.003+08:00

Saturday 29th saw the first heat sailed'
the fleet faced the starter with a light NW breeze around 5 to 10 knots
the fleet all got away together with Mozz alongside the rest.
At the top mark Suicide Blonde led from Suburban boys and The Uninvited.
On the second reach a temporary shift in the breeze saw Uninvited and Suburban drop their kites whilst Suicide continued on unhindered gaining a comanding lead that was not challenged from that point, the positions changed for Suburban and Uninvited several times with Suburban eventualy taking out second place.
Results
1st Suicide Blonde - Craig Pete and Brownie
2nd Just Suburban Boys - Snow Rod and Josh
3rd The Uninvited - Mozz Dean Mark Audett (guest sheet hand)

As I am off to NewZealand today I wont be writing a report for the next two weeks so if you are a Gbyc sailor feel free to fill in.

Cheers
Pete C
Busso

GBYC season underway

2011-10-25T14:55:00.003+08:00

Hi all

Last weekend saw the club opening day to kick the season off, as all fleets sailed together in a light short course the racing was uneventfull with the uninvited taking out the sharpie race.

Saturday saw the first points race of the season, three sharpies faced the starter over an olympic course. Being the last class away means that you canot change the course, as the tornado was almost back at the start.With 15 seconds to go the breeze swung from a light sw to n/e. The first work became a run with suicide blonde to windward of suburban boys and mozz in uninvited uncharectristicly late for the start.
Looking at the confusion on the faces of the skippers as to the course was gold, fortunately the crews prevailed and all went the right way.Getting to the bottom mark for the second time suicide led from suburban and were content to cover them, neither of these two had bothered to watch mozz who had taken a big dig to the right and was 50 meters clear. (talk in the bar was he cut the previous leg a bit short).

Into the last lap Suicide was able to close the gap on the uninvited but unable to pass leaving The Uninvited with Mozz, Dean and Tom winners from Suicide Blonde with Craig, Pete and Brownie leaving Just Suburban Boys, Snow,Rob and Josh in third.

Next week sees the first club heat with Bullit aiming to hit the water for the first time in a couple of seasons at the club. Hope we can stay close to them to make a race of it. With Pete and Craig taking Suicide blonde to Brisbane we should be able to learn from the wealth of experience Kym has to offer. On the subject of brisbane we have yet to secure the services of a sheet hand so if any one is keen contact Pete or Craig

Till next week
cheers
Pete c
Busso

East Meets West

2011-10-25T07:48:00.002+08:00

Not a bad days sailing at Mounts Bay.A good fleet turned up for the first club championship race of the season with 7 starters in the sharpie fleet.

The first part of the race was in a West South westerly breeze, the start was good with all boats lining up well and tussling up to first mark.. Dimension Polyant (Vita Brevis) managed to take the lead, closely follow by Loaded Dice, Black Sun and Impact and pretty much everyone else close by.DP managed to hold her ground on the reach across the bay, then rounded Addison first along with 20 or so Flying Fifteens.

The rest of the sharpie fleet had just as much fun dodging the Fifteens as we rounded Addison with Impact performing some slick manoeuvres to dodge the 15's and make some gains to start to threaten for the Lead. DP worked to keep clear air and managed to maintain a lead over Impact and the fleet as we headed towards Deepwater Spit. Then near majestic point the breeze died. All boat were now in a floating race, or on opposite tacks or gybes or both, heading in the same direction (which wasn't anywhere quickly).

Keysie Made good ground heading to the Nedlands side of the river managing to hang on to the lead group overtaking the back half of the fleet.Finally the leaders rounded Deepwater with a couple of Hobie 16's near by to make things interesting.

Heading back to Addison, the two leading boats were only 10m apart, one in an Easterly (Impact) and one in a Westerly (Dimenion Polyant).The easterly won out, and Impact skipped away to take a commanding lead. The now run back to Robins (this was supposed to be a beat) became the final leg as thankfully MBSC shortened the race at this mark, giving us enough breeze to sail home and watch the second half of the rugby.
1) Impact
2) Dimension Polyant
3) Wise Magic

Next Sunday is another club heat, so head down for another sail and beers afterward. Watch out for CHOGM road closures in the City.

Techniques for Combating Waves

2011-10-25T07:33:00.002+08:00

Thanks to Moes Tavern for this footage

MBSC Opening Day

2011-10-11T06:41:00.001+08:00

A small but eager bunch turned out for MBSC Opening Day. Six locals and and two from over the bridge enjoyed a 10 to 12 knot SE breeze and a three lap windward leeward trac.
Al Tidy Road from just shy of Rockingham just to see what was happening and scored the job sheeting for Pete Ivanac. Al then sculled a few beers the rode some 40kms home. No wonder he won a moths worlds and collectively the rest of us have won nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pete Ivanac enjoyed an early lead, Mainy was having alsoughts of trouble getting under the boom he recons it is getting lower each year. With many mixed and matched crews the level of sailing was not spectacular but remained close for most of the day. SS and the Ivanac crew lead until as with the EFYC opening he sailed to the wrong top mark!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the end Impact stoll a win, SS second and Gordo an unlucky third.
Plenty of beer was consumed on the lawn after the race and a few tales told as always.
Craig Mann

MOFSC Sharpies defect for Fireballs Worlds

2011-10-10T08:12:00.001+08:00

The majority of Sharpie sailors at MOFSC have taken up the offers of sailing Fireballs for the upcoming Nationals and World Championships to be held at the club from the 27th December 2011 to 7th January 2012.
Ally Boocock and Trevor Date have both taken up roles of skippering secondhand Fireballs and are already training most weekends on the prestene waters conditions off Mandurah.
Ally is skippering a club Fireball called 'Cowboys' with crew Katie Mitchell and Trevor is skippering Darren Reynolds Fireball 'Gattaca' wih Darren as forward hand. The fleet has been boosted with such skippers as Gordon Lucas making a return to Fireballs. A great many of overseas compectors from UK, Europe and Asia are making the trip downunder and the renown SA fleet will be also very strong and compective which also have ex Sharpie sailors involved.

Therefore the Mandurah Sharpie fleet look like hitting the water in January 2012 for the second half of the sailing season.

Good luck to the WA Sharpies attending the QLD Nationals.
Trevor Date

Sharpies get wet for EFYC opening

2011-10-04T20:58:00.001+08:00

7 Sharpies hit the water for opening day at East Fremantle Yacht Club last weekend. With a typical laid back East Freo start, and the subsequent confusion of which of the two identical days buoys was the first mark the fleet was underway.

The light to moderate, and shifty conditions saw the fleet stretch out, then bunch back together by the time we rounded PC's (Bishop) mark, a short 2 sail (though for some reason Swanny thought it was a reach and stuck his kite, No Travis on the wire and 25kg lighter and shorter -was the excuse) across to Point Walter North and then a square run down to Armstrong near the Flying Squadron. At this stage all the boats were pretty much together and it was anyone's race. Dimension Polyant (formerly Vita Brevis) was first to round Armstrong on their way to Brickies, the rest of the fleet promptly followed. Blatantly Obvious headed to the West and Dimension Polyant to the South, Blatantly Obvious managed to make gains as the lackluster sea breeze tended to the West and rounded Brickies first, closely followed by Dimension Polyant.. This work ended up being the decider, as it was a procession to the finish line via PC's (Bishop).

It was an excellent start to the season, and a gentle 5 to 15 knots to wet the appetite and it was great to see all

Blatantly Obvious
Dimension Polyant (with new sails)
The Dogs

Thank you to EFYC and the bar staff, yes last to leave were the sharpie fleet again

The camera was active and on Vern’s boat, due to sensors issues is still being edit, will be load to the web soon. Hopefully we will see a good turnout of Sharpies at Mounts Bay this Sunday for their opening day. (who will get the Go Pro camera privilege on the boat, spin the wheel???)

Dave/Boogs

Register Online

2011-09-18T13:31:00.000+08:00

You can now register online for the 2011-2012 Sailing Season.Visit the new membership page under Class button.

Simply Fill in the form
Click Submit
Follow the Payment directions to send your money through to the treasurer.

MBSC Winter Sailing 4th September

2011-09-01T12:22:00.000+08:00

Hi All,

We have 3 boats confirmed for sailing on Sunday but we would love to see a few more for some good racing. Please let me know if you can make it 0411 887 308. BOM is predicting 15-20knot westerlies so get on down for a ride and a beer.
Pete

ps Carbon fibre porn for the week.

Triangle-Sausage-Triangle hits the water

2011-08-08T10:36:00.010+08:00

Stuart McDonnell re-launched TST on Sunday under a sunny blue sky. A few beers in the sun followed by a sail in the river accompanied by "SS", followed by a few more beers capped off a great afternoon at MBSC. Look forward to seeing you all the next Winter Sailing on 4th September for some real racing.

GBYC Winter series

2011-08-08T09:44:00.003+08:00

After two successful heats so far the third heat was a no show due to the absence of the breeze so possibly on next sunday.

The story so far

Heat one was sailed in 20 to 25 knot breezes with a 3 metre onshore sea.
Reminisent of sailing on port philip bay in a southerly!!
With Suicide blonde the only sharpie out they had no trouble in relegating the sports boats and cruisers to fight out second place with a good win in the conditions
Other sharpie sailors Snow and Mozz sailed on wattsys s97 Skyrider but almost perished from hypothermia when the rough seas knocked over the coffee and dislodged the blanket covering their knees, but all is well as they survived.

Heat two saw 15 to 18 knots and much flatter water. This week two sharpies made the start with Mozz, Dean and Tom joining Pete, Craig and Brownie for the two races.
In both close encounters Suicide won from The Uninvited and the happless cruiser fleet brought up the rear.

Whilst only two sharpies good to have a dozen or so mixed boats on the water.
hopefully the other sharpies will venture out next time.

Some interest from some of the juniors parents in purchasing sharpies so if you talk to one push them along, can only be good for the class.

With Brisbane nationals on the horizon Pete and Craig have booked accomodation and flights, now need to convince Brownie or find a willing sheet to sail on Suicide for the nationals, looking forward to it as the last RQYS carnival was a cracker

Well thats it for the moment
till next time
cheers
Pete C
Busso

MBSC Winter Series Sunday 7th August

2011-08-01T08:21:00.003+08:00

Congrats to Stuart McDonnell who bought "Triangle Sausage Triangle" over the weekend. Stuart joins MBSC after living in Tasmania(for far too long), and I'm sure will make an worthy competitor in the class.
Stuart intends to get the boat wet this Sunday (along with a couple of other confirmed boats) so please show your support and find your way to the yacht club for a sail this Sunday. Please throw us a line if you can make it.
Welcome mate!

Interview with Class Patron: John Cuneo

2011-07-25T15:34:00.001+08:00

AGM - Outcome

2011-07-12T11:45:00.001+08:00

Hi All,

The AGM has come and gone and we welcome Dave Meehan into the position of Measurer.
Other Committee positions stay the same;

President              Craig Mann
Vice President      Gordon McKercher
Secretary               Brendon Green
Treasurer              Peter Ivanac
Measurer               Dave Meehan
Publicity                 Rhyss Edwards

The sailing schedule will be similar to last season, provisional dates.
EFYC Opening Sept TBA

MBSC October 15^th

GBYC TBA
MOFSC TBA
Shelley TBA
Perth Flying Squadron Opening Day November 6^th.
Metro, State Selection and Travelers Series November 12^th EFYC and 27^th MBSC.
Nationals Dec 28^th Jan 5^th RQYS

WA State Sharpie Titles Feb 11/12^th MBSC.
Note at this point we are limited to Melville Water East and Matilda Bay from 8 am to 1 pm Sat 11th and Sunday 12^th 8am to 4.30pm. Be aware we may need to commence racing as early as 0900. Upside is more time for a drink on Saturday afternoon!!!!!!!!!!

We have started preparations for the 2013/14 Nationals here in Perth. The intention is to request a 7 day format from the National body similar to the QLD trial.
Discussions have been undertaken with several venues and a decision will be made shortly on the favored location/s.

The Website will continue to develop including more video footage to be posted with the Go Pro Hero.
Thanks to the regular contributors your efforts have help to attract as many as 400 hits some weekends.

Regards,

Craig Mann
President WA Sharpies

AGM

2011-06-27T07:55:00.002+08:00

Calling all WA Sharpie Sailors

The AGM has been set for Sunday 10th July 3:00pm @ Mounts Bay Sailing Club

If you have any suggestions on how we could improve Sharpie Sailing in WA please dont grumble about it. Come along to the AGM and contribute your ideas.

An invite from the President:

Hi All,

The time has come for the AGM.

Sunday July 10, 1500 at MBSC.

We now have boats sailing at no less than five clubs, giving us expanding opportunities to promote and grow the class profile and numbers.

The local racing format continues to evolve, adding in additional short course formats to many race days.

Our turn to hold the National Titles is quickly approaching and a few important decisions will need to be made shortly. My view is WA should host a shortened series over Seven days simiar to the QLD Trial. The one week option has high level of support at National, State and Club level and most see this as an integrat part of the future.

Please come along and support your class association.

Cheers,

Craig Mann

MBSC Winter Series

2011-06-23T08:51:00.006+08:00

Time to dust off the boats Ladies and Gents.
MBSC Winter series kicks off on Sunday the 3rd July. The first race starts at 12AM. At the very least you need to come down and have a beer with me for my birthday.
Drop a response if you expect to be there.
Pete

ps In the mean, time we leave you with a "Ohhh Faaaaaarrrk!!!" moment from Impact at the 2007/2008 WA Nationals for a bit of inspiration. And yes, it was a very close miss.

In The Market for an Upgrade?

2011-05-31T12:00:00.000+08:00

If you are in the market for an upgrade this might be the time to snap up a bargain. With hulls now being manufactured with the rejuvenated South Australian mould there is some bargain second hand boats around.

A Number of Good boats have come up for sale recently in SA. Check out the Classifieds page.

Carbon Booms/Poles

2011-05-27T12:42:00.002+08:00

Mmmmmm... tasty.
http://www.sharpies.com.au/NationalSite/NatImages/Carbon/index.htm

MBSC Presentation Night

2011-05-16T10:43:00.000+08:00

Friday the 20^th is Presentation night at MBSC.

Scratchy Details so far. Has anyone else heard anything?

A great time to catch up and have a little bit of input into next seasons sailing calendar before it is finalized. Plan is similar to last season on both a club and assn level.

Sharpie AGM dates will be announced soon.

The Traditional Easter Cocktail Party migrated to Bali this year!!!!

I did not get an invite but my wife managed to be there!!!!!!
Creeper and Moona obviously selected the guest list carefully this year as the women out numbered the men 3 to 1.

Could this become annual event in Bali?

Cheers

Craig

Port Lincoln Frostbite Regatta

2011-05-09T07:47:00.000+08:00

The Port Lincoln Yacht Club invites you to the 2011, 28^th Annual Frostbite Regatta to be held on the Sat 11^th June and Sun 12th, Queens Birthday Long Weekend.. (SA)

Each year the Regatta hosts various intermediate and senior classes. The likely classes to attend are Sharpies, Fireballs, Lasers, Herons, Cadets and Yardstick Fleet. All classes are welcome and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Last Year Vita Brevis made the 27 hour straight journey over to represent WA and sailed to 4th Position. It was an epic journey which we will never forget. The current national champion Camel with his crew on "One Hump or Two" are tipped to make an appearance all the way from Tasmania.

If your interested the NOR is here

The Club website is here

GBYC 16th April

2011-05-01T18:53:00.000+08:00

It seems Pete C is unable to mention Craig’s crap starts or good starts, so here’s the news from a different angle.

As Pete stated, this week was the last race of the season being the last club heat. Just Suburban Boys held a slender lead from Suicide Blonde and The Uninvited going into the race, so the resultant champion was decided on the final siren.

Strong consistent winds could have led to a great close race, but that’s not how it turned out.

The breeze was difficult to read as it was almost non-existent. The Uninvited was surprisingly late for the start, and lack of wind led to a two boat race...Suicide Blonde led at the first mark and the wing mark, after excellent drifting skills. Just Suburban Boys mustered some hot air which enabled them to drift past Suicide Blonde whilst approaching the bottom mark.The course was shortened, and it was neck and neck to the southern seas and the finish line. Just Suburban Boys were victorious and received the final siren.57 minutes later The Uninvited joined the rest of the sharpie boys and a few well earned drinks were shared.

GBYC Trophy Night will be held Saturday 7th May 2011. Congratulations to Snow, Rob and Josh – Club Champions 2010/11

Yours in Sharpies

Lynn L

MBSC Season Finale

2011-04-18T12:19:00.003+08:00

It is all over for this season at MBSC. A hand full of Sharpies made it onto the water in the very light and very variable northerly, westerly sometimes easterly breeze. Mainie probably had the right idea and sailed home mid race. With the Sharpie bar transformed into a wild west saloon a good crowd rocked up to spill plenty of beer and wine on the lawn while watching and endless stream of punters riding the Bucking Bull. A brave group of revellers were still kicking around 2am!!!!!!

Up coming events:

WASSA, AGM Date tba (Time to start arranging WA’s next Sharpie Nationals!!!!!)

Opening Days around September/October after another winter in the paddock.

GBYC 2nd &9th April

2011-04-13T07:57:00.003+08:00

Hi all
Just a quick update on club racing over the last two weeks,
2nd april club heat 6

As I am not allowed to mention Craigs crap starts I will just give the results

1st Suburban boys
2nd The Uninvited
3rd Suicide Blonde

9th april Some series of some sort

To be fair I wont mention Craigs good starts so here are the results

1st Suicide Blonde
2nd The Uninvited
3rd Suburban Boys

This week is the last race of the season being the last club heat, all to play for on this one, Suburban Boys hold a slender lead from Suicide Blonde and The Uninvited with the resultant champion being decided on the final siren,good luck to all.

Get well soon to Brownie who went under the surgeons knife yesterday for some repair work on his elbow (claims he wore it out working the sheet so much) Pete and Craig think it had frozen from inactivity. Must point out that brownie does not have a computer. Suicide needs to find a fill in for the week end.

till next week
cheers
Pete C

2011 Swansea Worlds

2011-04-04T11:57:00.002+08:00

The Swansea Worlds took place over the weekend at the newly opened Camel Yacht Club. From the report it looks like everyone had a blast on the flat water of Great Oyster Bay. Looks like a sequel will follow so mark your calendars if your anywhere near there next year.

Full Wrap up

GBYC 26th march

2011-03-30T10:05:00.005+08:00

Saturday saw 10 knot breezes from the north west with a promise of a sw change

three boats fronted the starter with Suburban boys wining the start as usual,
Suicide blonde yet again had to play catch up whilst Uninvited had reverted to days gone by with a 2 min deficit on the gun.

Suicide was able to get into a slightly better breeze and overhauled Suburban boys by the top mark. Surprisingly Uninvited was on the stern of Suburban.

At the end of second triangle Suicide had pulled away to a good lead and Suburban boys and uninvited split tacks. Uninvited led suburban boys half way up the last work as Suicide rounded the top mark for home.

On the way to the finish the sw kicked in for a bit looking like giving Suburban a dream run to make up lost ground however this was short lived as the nw came back

Final results were
Suicide Blonde
Uninvited
Suburban Boys

Next week is the club heat six which is still anyones

Cheers
Pete C

Jim O'Grady

2011-03-28T14:56:00.005+08:00

I had the pleasure of chatting with Sharpie legend Jim O’Grady this afternoon. He and Bob Sampson had been reminiscing about how good they used to be when the topic moved onto the Alan O’Grady Perpetual Trophy and it’s were abouts. Conclusion it must be lost as the Sharpie lads have a history of being louts and a compete lack of responsibility.

As usual Bob did some detective work, which was not hard as he knows I’m class President and bingo the Trophy is in my safe keeping and up to date with Peter Chappell’s name on the Trophy once more. Once PC is back from the World 5oh’s I will try and arrange to represent the Trophy and post it on the Web.

For the past 5 or 6 years the Association Trophies have been house at MBSC. EFYC had a club heat on Saturday looks like Vern took the chocolates from a half a dozen starters. One would suggest he would have the trophy in his clutches again.

MBSC had three boats on the water for 4 short races. Alan Thomas guided Impact around for 3 wins and a 2^nd. Great effort with a very sluggish Craig Mann in the bow.

This weekend is Club Heat 6 at MBSC. It is any ones guess who will win so get down and hit the water.

MBSC Club Heat 5

2011-03-22T20:03:00.008+08:00

Best I could do with the fairly poor footage. Let me know if you think a higher res version is needed. We can do a lot better.

MBSC,Cock of Canning and EFYC

2011-03-21T13:13:00.002+08:00

Unfortunately I was on Work duties this weekend so could do little more than scratch at the glass and wish I was out on the water.

MBSC had Club Heat 5which proved to be a bing dong battle between Keysie in the smoking Black Sun and Gordo in Loaded Dice. Both boats had there fancy new Walker Sails and brought along there a A games. Impact was out with Ian Sluggie Sampson on the helm, SS had the Go Pro on board, so I will look forward to the footage. Pete is suggesting it will be a bit of a comedy act and he will need the bleeper on some of the colourful language.

Sluggie is convinced he won the start and was looking good before the legs gave way after 60 seconds if hiking. With the course a 4 lap windward leeward in Matilda Bay Gordo and Keysie took control with little separating them for the 50 minutes if sailing. Impact came to grief during her first Jibe, Nick Davis you are not alone, as Sluggie tried to jibe the boat like Martin Websters 50 foot Cat. Brendo and Picker ended up on the plate with Sluggie having a little rest in the leeward side. Unfortunately the pole broke during the swim and it was race over and back to the bar. Picker suggested Ian actually broke the pole while they were trying to right the old girl as the salt water had made him a little thirsty. Nothing much has changed in the 30 plus years I have know Sluggie he was as good as last to leave the bar, with girl in tow and talk of stopping off on the way home for just one more beer.

At the Finish Line It was Black Sun by 2 seconds from Loaded Dice with SS taking out Third. With two races to go in the Club Champs scores are very close between Keysie, Gordo and Impact. The last two titles have been decided in the dying seconds of the last race so it is shaping be another triller.

Paul Green comfortably took out theCock of the Canning from a mixed fleet at the Shelley Sailing Club. The race was a loop around from the Club, Mt Henry Bridge and around to Shelley Bridge before finishing back at the club.

From the results in todays paper Vern took out line honours at EFYC on Saturday with the Bastardo’s collecting first on corrected time. Apparently the Dog’s were barking and snapping at heels most of the afternoon.

GoPro is GO

2011-03-15T11:17:00.007+08:00

WASharpies is please to announce the addition of a state of the art, HD GoPro video/still camera to our marketing arsenal. The camera is tonka tough and comes with a multitude of attachments, allowing your creative minds go wild. The challenge is on to create an exciting and action packed WASharpie promotional video along with regular YouTube uploads. The camera should be operational by 27th March, possibly sooner depending on postman pat. For more information go to www.GoPro.com and for a bit of eye candy http://gopro.com/videos/tv-commercials/surfing-with-daize/

Blur @ BSYC

2011-03-12T11:34:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Paul Bulley

Keep them coming!

The West Writes about Sharpies

2011-03-08T18:35:00.000+08:00

The West has written the article about the WA States in its Saturday Edition. Good to see the media did respond to the emails. Thank you also to Craig for writing the article.

GBYC return to racing

2011-03-08T13:06:00.003+08:00

After a layoff due to race week sharpie sailing returns to GBYC this sunday. The format is a short course series. Please note the start time is 10.30 am not the normal 14.30

Since the enjoyable states weekend we have had two races due to work I have been unable to write a report so the short version is-;

Club heat 5
suicide blonde took first place on the last leg in a good race the day was a reverse of the last state heat with the breeze starting at 5kn before building to finish at 20+. Lead changed several times with suicide getting away to a good early lead in the light only to be run down to be last as the wind shifted fortunatly we were able to run down snow and the lads on suburban boys to snatch the lead. Mozz ,Dean and Jess came a close third with Merv, Neil and Greg fourth

Highlight of the early part was merv dipping the sails in 0 knots of breeze the up side of that was by the time they had righted the boat and bailed out they lost about 20 meters.

The next weekend saw an impromptu series as racing was cancelled due to race week. Four boats started with Bullit replacing Mervs Spiny Norman. Kym took out the first race before retiring to the beach as Greg had developed a head ache. Race two in much lighter winds saw Suicide lead all the way only to go to the wrong mark allowing Suburban Boys to snatch the leadat the last mark. Race three was hotly contested on the lawn and in the bar as the wind had died cant beat a few coronas on a warm day.

TO THE BUSSO BOATS 10.30 START SUNDAY (and anyone else who might turn up)

Cheers
Pete C
Busso

Sailing Anarchy

2011-02-23T08:03:00.003+08:00

Just in - WA Sharpies feature on international website Sailing Anarchy.
Get on and take a look while it's still there - http://www.sailinganarchy.com/

Check out the forum post http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtopic=119088

Kim Taylor Returns

2011-02-21T11:26:00.005+08:00

A weekend of watching Sharpies race around the river was too much for Kim Taylor. After selling his beloved sharpie three years ago the pain was too much to for him to resist the offer to skipper Run to Paradise. The old skills came back and the master helmsmen clearly won the start with a magical display on the pin end. With an obvious lack of boat speed the magical talent came to the fore, with Kim opting to bang the left corner and see what happens. As the fleet tried to pick the shifts and thin bullets coming off the freeway Kim and his immense talent allowed him to sail around the bewildered and many disbelieving crews and skippers to hit the lead at Addison. Unfortunately the breeze quickly picked up to 18 plus knots and the boat was left wanting and she was quickly burnt off down hill.

The Three Liddle Pigs were proving troublesome however while attempting to free the kite sheets from the bow suffered a rather nasty nose dive and took a long swim and as week know pigs don’t like swimming.

Impact took control of the race from the ever green Keysie and applied a loose cover on the work to Anderson. With a good lead and the race under control after some great kite work from stand in wireman Poida Ivanivichische from

Croatia

(distant cousin but almost identical in looks to Peter Ivanac) on the down hill to Dolphin East, who wever skipper Craig Mann rounded Dolphin Spit not the Buoy. Luckily Dave the sheet hand picked up the error as we slipped on a loose cover on Blacksun and “politely” suggested that I was a stupid, illegitimate child that deserved a close sexual encounter with a wild boar. As we limped back to correct our wrong Keysie took control and had Blacksun firing up hill with Pete Connor and star recruit Alex Cameron on wire could taste victory.

All looked like a precession to the finish as we rounded Anderson Keysie had a 30 second lead and a straight forward reach to Crawley and a short leg to the finish. That was until the breeze increased from 18 to 22 to 20 to 30 with some big easterly squirts. The leg turned into ride of the year and the little drown dog almost came off the leash. Keysie had to drop his kite to make Pelican Pt while Impact staggered past on her ear. Hitting the lead was Great however a 35 footer had anchored in front of Crawley making the approach a little hairy. With the breeze now in the high twenties the drop jibe at Crawley was a little nasty. Both boats made it around with only minor curing, but a lot of ass puckering. Impact held off a rampaging Blacksun for a very lucky 5 second win.

Not to be out done and ever the showman Kim Taylor (Run to Paradise) had a spectacular swim in front of the Club to entertain those watching on the balcony. Kim your skill as a skipper is legend however few can entertain on or of the water to such a high degree, time to get Lex and Sluggie Sampson in shape and on the water.

Next week at MBSC is Family Fun Day, we need half a dozen boats out from mid morning to assist with the day and promote the class.

Sunday 13^th is the Three of a Kind.

Lets put in as many teams as possible, always a good day.

Andrew Gill is off to the US (Vegas) for the World under 20 Magic Championships. With a 12 mth working visa we are not expecting him back for a while, good luck and enjoy. I’m sure he will keep us updated.

Chappell Puts on a Clinic

2011-02-14T06:39:00.008+08:00

Picture by Peter Kovesi

With the Championship in the balance PC put on a clinic for all to watch. A quick review of the Bible had The Lizard tuned to perfection and she was in a class of her own today. With blistering boat speed and tactical brilliance in the extremely shifty conditions PC and the boys were unstoppable.

A big nasty port and starboard incident that left SS with a shredded main sail hurt Kym early on the first leg and a big switch in breeze caught Kym Nisbett out half way up the first work and he did well to battle back into Fifth.

Tim Reger was finding his straps after struggling to come to grips with The Legends intrinsic characteristics.
Second brought him into podium contention. Heading into race seven it would be a race between The Lizard and Bullet for the silver wear. With the breeze start to fade and the shifts getting bigger anything could happen.

Almost on script PC nailed the start and the first shift and was away to a blistering lead. Bullet was in second however the damage had been done. The breeze soften as the race neared it's finish and many tales of woe where to be told at the Bar.

Thanks to Brett Mcinerny for taking the photo you now see on the top banner. Brilliant photo from majestic point. Download Hi Resolution Version. If you know of anyone else who was taking photos please tell them to send them into washarpies@gmail.com

More Photos By Peter Kovesi

Results:

State Championships Results									Drops = 1
Sail #	Name	Skipper	Race 1	Race 2	Race 3	Race 4	Race 5	Race 6	Race 7	Drop	Total
788	The Lizard	Peter Chappell	1	3	2	7	3	1	1	7	11
880	Bullit	Kim Nisbet	2	2	1	3	4	5	2	5	14
918	Legends	Tim Reger	6	4	8	5	10	2	3	10	28
891	Vicious	Gary Swan	3	5	5	11	5	11	6	11	35
821	Impact	Craig Mann	5	1	9	2	17	12	7	17	36
923	Mona	Nick Heggart	15	10	6	6	6	3	9	15	40
910	Vita Brevis	David Meehan	7	16	13	4	1	7	21	21	48
901	Blatantly Obvious	Vern Tidy	4	13	12	20	2	4	19	20	54
873	Blacksun	Graham Keys	9	14	21	10	8	8	8	21	57
800	CowRock	Greg Creeper	11	6	16	8	7	10	28	28	58
894	Suicide Blonde	Craig Francis	12	8	14	9	16	6	10	16	59
908	Wise Magic	Peter King	8	7	15	17	18	13	4	18	64
922	Blind Date	Trevor Date	13	12	3	14	13	19	12	19	67
904	Who let the dogs out	Byron Renfry	17	9	20	1	9	15	20	20	71
803	Road Kill	Paul Green	22	11	17	12	11	9	16	22	76
879	Loaded Dice	Gordon Mckercher	14	28	7	13	15	16	15	28	80
807	Just Suburban Boys	L. "Snow" Francis	16	20	11	22	12	18	5	22	82
805	SS	Peter Ivannac	10	17	4	15	21	28	28	28	95
862	Mainiacts	Paul Main	20	18	28	16	14	20	18	28	106
872	Three Liddle Pigs	Mike Liddle	21	19	18	23	22	22	14	23	116
604	Red A	Cliff Burton	19	15	19	19	20	28	28	28	120
839	Sweet 16	Keith Swinton	28	28	28	18	19	14	13	28	120
820	Los Trios Bastardos	John Hilton	18	28	28	21	28	21	17	28	133
916	Ruthless	Tom Batt	23	21	10	28	28	28	28	28	138
787	Rash Decision	G Hilton	28	28	28	28	28	17	11	28	140
907	Oragami Underwear	Alex Boston	24	28	28	28	28	28	28	28	164
734	Run to Paradise	Tony Aisbet	28	28	28	28	28	28	28	28	168

Five Down

2011-02-13T06:55:00.002+08:00

Five Down Two to Go

With five heats completed in 18 to 25 knot gusty and shift Easterly breeze yeasterday most of the fleet have successfully
rehydrated and will head back onto the water at 1000 today.

As predicted PC was his usual self, managing to work his way to the front in most of the races. Kym Nisbett is like a rollroyce
just turn the key and off he goes. He and his Bullet team, lead in 4 of the 5 races a some point to be right in the hunt to challenge for the title.

Heat winners so far:

Lizard
Bullet
Impact
Who Let the Dogs out
Vita Brevis

Nick Davis gets and honourable mention for his up wind abilities, as yet he has not mastered the jibing technique of a Sharpie.
A couple of mechanical breackdowns has also hampered his campaign.

Vern Tidy has managed to crash into every sharpie, keelboat and spit post so far, one call during the days was with 6 eyes on the boat how
could you not see us!@#$%*.

Vita Brevis were terrible early however found some form in the last two races.

Skiff "Leg End" Scott Glaskin plans has put together a crack crew during last nights celebrations and will has a run in the final two heats.

Swinton turns to the Sharpies

2011-02-11T21:27:00.001+08:00

Swinton Joins Sharpie Fleet

In a last minute deal Keith Swinton has joined the fleet for the 2010/2011
Australian Sharpie State Title Fleet.

Swinton will sail on the Kim Leunig Sharpie Development boat with local Alan Thomas
and International Sailor Chris Plummer from The Royal Tasmainian Yacht Squadron.

We are sure Keiths sailing skills are up to the test but how will be go on Saturday Night.
I suggest he has a lot to learn in regard to old fashion post race rehydration techniques.

States Changes to SI's

2011-02-11T13:43:00.000+08:00

Please note the following amendments to the Sailing Instructions. These will also be posted on the notice board.
SI Ammendment 1
SI Ammendment 1 Attachement B
Also Note the booking of race areas on the Swan river SOPYC has booked the following areas

MWE Saturday 16:30 Onwards
MWW Sunday 16:30 Onwards

See This Attachement for definition of race areas

In Other News the 1st Prize has been changed to the following:


One Day this will be small change. C Mann

Cya Tomorrow

WA Sharpies Passes 100 Posts

2011-02-10T11:28:00.003+08:00

Looking at the post counter we have officially passed 100 Posts on this website. Thank you very much for reading it!

In other news during the lead up to the states various media outlets have been helping promote the event. So far we have had our president giving his tips to 91.3 Sports FM this morning. If you missed it Listen to the podcast

The Voice has spoken

Also Sail-World Australia has posted this article

Help Find our boats

2011-02-07T09:24:00.006+08:00

With the number of boats for this years State Titles tipped to be in the 30's we are finding boats in sheds everywhere. We need to reconnect with anyone who has a boat in their shed so we can entice them to dust it off once again.
Please dob in anyone you know who has a boat in the shed so we can find all these boats who are hiding in sheds waiting to be wet again.

Boat Details *Required

Sail Number* Boat Name*
Scrapped? Has the hull been stripped, holed, burnt, written off....

Current Contact Details *Required

Owner* Email*
Address Phone*
Suburb
Post Code

Previous Racing Information Please provide as much information as possible

Club Last Sailed Date Last Member
Previous Owner
Previous National/State Results

Boat Condition (Measurement?, Sails, Hull Type....)

Sou Easter takes it's toll at MBSC

2011-02-06T21:02:00.002+08:00

Seven Sharpies ventured out into the blustery Sou Easter for Club Heat 3.
Vita Brevis joined the fleet after a short rest after a strong showing in Black Rock Nationals and Tim Reger was out on The Legends preparing for next weeks States.

With the breeze gusting between 18 to 25 and the usual easterly wind shifts Melville waters was to prove a little tricky.
Work one to King had Impact a few boat lengths in front of Loaded Dice with Reger, SS and Vita Brevis close behind.
Impact and Loaded Dice took to the North on the run to Hallmark while Reger, Vita and SS took headed south and hooked into the gust of the day. Although they looked good all 3 took a spill when it came time to jibe and let the two leaders off the hook.

Loaded Dice handled the reach from Hallmark to better than Impact and moved into the lead. Regers race ended when the trap wire snapped on the reach, Keysies forward hand decided to jump through the main ending his day, Vita Brevis wrote the course on the back tank but in Chinese and they could not work out were to go and were not smart enough to follow the other boats and mixed up a few marks.

After a switchy beat from Armstong to Bond and a similar run to Bartlett Loaded Dice had a hand lead form Impact and SS.
Luck was on Impacts side as both Loaded Dice and SS took a belly fulls of water in the gusty conditions. Impact went onto win from Loaded dice and SS, Vita was lost in action as was Run to Paradise.

But the fun was not over. Gordo in Loaded Dice miss judged his approach to the beach and ran up the boat ramp at around 12 knots and then capsized to windward avoiding serious injury to anyone but his pride. He now has a busy week repairing some concrete rash on the port chine.

Once again beers at the bar solved all the worlds problems.

EFYC Weekend Pics

2011-02-06T08:20:00.005+08:00

EFYC Pictures 5-2-10

Pictures By Fiasco.

Anyone Got some words to say about the day?

2011-02-04T09:06:00.000+08:00

States Preparation

2011-01-30T19:43:00.002+08:00

9 Sharpies braved the squally conditions at MBSC Sunday afternoon in one of the last hit outs before the upcoming State Titles. 3 Short races saw a few retire with torn heart muscles, one broken rudder box, a vang fitting pull out of the bulk head, one main exploding and a set of lowers giving way was some of the damage. Obviously a bit of neglected maintainence and poor form due to a few large hangovers. This was a good result though as one less race allowed for more drinking time.

The big winner for the day was class stalward Paul Main who had the old girl moving nicely managing three seconds.
Keysie was easing himself back into to Perth groove and looks a winner with his new sailing jumper, the old one was christened in 1971so was due a spell. Craig Mann o Impact was sporting an additional 5kg on the belly and looks more more prepared for a twighlight regatta than dinghy sailing, lucky the crew are on the ball and managed a little self disipline over the christmas period.

With a couple of weeks to go all is in readiness for the States, 25 startes looks a secure and although unlikely we could get to the magical 30.

Saturday Night is a Roast beef and pork rolls with salad, beers and drinks from the Sharpie Bar, with Heath Marshall cranking the tunes. $25 bucks covers the meal and entertainment, please confirm with craig_mann@bigpond.com your numbers as we are almost sold out.
I can add to the catering 7 days prior so let me know or go hungry soon.
I will do a kids meal deal if you email me.

Send your entries in early as it will be busy on Saturday morning.
Find the entry forms on the downloads page or here:
NOR
Registration
SI's

Basic format:

First possible start 1000 sat and Sunday.
Canteen open 12 noon
Bar 1300 Sharpie Bar approx 1600
Band 1800
Meal 1700
Drink and Party to very late.
Sleep were you fall and sailing from 1000 Sunday
Hopefully Beers By 1300

2011 Swansea Worlds at CYC (Camel Yacht Club)

2011-01-27T07:51:00.000+08:00

YOU GUESSED IT, THE BIGGEST WEEKEND IN WORLD SAILING IS BACK ON THE CALENDAR!

Back with popular demand is the SWANSEA WORLDS!

Set on the magnificent waters of Great Oyster Bay, Swansea, Tasmania. These waters over the years have seen some of the best sailors going head to head on and off the water! After a five year absence the biggest weekend in March is back on. So start planning now, with only 7 weeks till the starters gun fires! Entry to this magnificent regatta can be lodged with the email addresses at the bottom of the notice of race. So check those wheel bearings, or book those flights, and come on down to see how a regatta should be run!

Please forward on to all interested paries, and hope to see you there

All the best from the

Swansea Regatta Office

NOR

2011-01-25T19:38:00.001+08:00

Happy Birthday RHYSS

The team from vita brevis

GBYC Since christmas

2011-01-25T11:24:00.002+08:00

Hi all
Apologies for the laxness of reports but the grapes are agrowing and the gear to pick them needs to be ready (busy with work)

GBYC has run a few races over the last three weekends with good conditions for sailing, the regular boats are as competitive as they have ever been sharing the wins. Suicide blonde won the first long race of the year with guest skipper Hoppy of bullit fame coming up with the goods as "regular" skipper craig had family comittments. Short course series was the next one with snow sheeting for mozz on the uninvited again the results were spread around standout performance was spiny norman wetting the kangaroo in each of the three races, Merv claims the crew lost concentration causing him to drop the tiller, this may be open for dispute.

Last weekend saw the club Australia day regatta with three races over the two days, with "regular" skipper craig out with family comitments 125 sailor Jordan was enlisted to sail on Suicide Blonde and did a sterling job with two seconds and a third. His only fault being taking notice of "master" tactition brownie no one usually listens for good reason, Suburban boys took out the honors for the weekend. Greg from spiny norman filled in on the uninvited and was excited to only have one capsise from three,vast improvement.

This week sees the club heat so all will be primed for that.
Looking forward to the state heats some chance Kym in bullit may be a starter.
need some info regarding times ect if possible as unable to locate it on the website.
cheers

Pete C
Busso

Christmas

2011-01-24T08:12:00.002+08:00

So how was Christmas for everyone?

Surely there was someone wetting a sharpie over the break (Besides the Nationals). Post your stories in the comments section on what you have been up to over the holidays or send them in via email. I'm sure we are all sick of my Nationals write-ups what have been happening around home.Especially since the States are nearly here.

I know MBSC have had a couple of short course series. Wheres our report?

Nationals Chug - A - Lug

2011-01-20T09:04:00.000+08:00

WA Tried hard but I believe it was TAS who won eventually. Also check out the girls teams having a go.

68th Nationals Photos

2011-01-13T15:54:00.002+08:00

Blacksun Goes for the kite around the top mark Photo by Terrence Benade

My Name is Brendon

Some Photos here
http://picasaweb.google.com/TerrenceBenade/SharpiesNationals2011#

Thanks to Terrence Benade

Unfortunately most of us were on the water sailing hard so there is a lack of photos this year.

2011/12 Nationals: Shortened Format

2011-01-13T14:40:00.000+08:00

Next Years Nationals have been promoted at the the recent 2010/11 Nationals with a shortened program being passed at the National Conference.

The Venue for the National is : Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly, Brisbane. (Not sure if it was flooded or not?)

Significant Dates:

Thursday 29th Measuring / registration
Friday 30th Invites back to back
Saturday 31st Heats 1 and 2
Sunday 1st Lay day
Monday 2nd Heats 3 and 4
Tuesday 3rd Heat 5
Wednesday 4th Heat 6
Thursday 5th Heat 7/ Prize night.

I have heard out treasurer Pete Ivannac has already booked his accommodation. The New format will be trialled in Queensland which hopefully captures the changes in all of our lifestyles. (Busy Busy Busy) I have started the counter once again, Time is ticking!

National Conference

2011-01-13T11:10:00.004+08:00

The National Conference was held during the Nationals at Black Rock over the Christmas New Year period.

Several ideas have been tossed about over the past few months. Although not able to attend in person the

general discussion keep coming back to a few key points:

There is no substitute for the sailors and association/s promoting our class and sailing if we want to keep strong fleet numbers.
The National Association will assist with funding to promote more junior and female participation in future National Championships.For QLD National all states will receive $300 for the first ranked Junior and or Female skipper to assist with travel costs.

There is support for the shorter formatted series in QLD (9 days) and plans to develop a 7 day option.
A National Website will be developed with state sites linking from this.
Carbon Poles and Booms will be trialed in SA over the next 12 Months. These are now cheaper than Alloy options. A report will be tabled in 12 months.
The Constitution needs up dating as it was last done in 1996.
The Boat ownership and measurement certificate system has been allowed to lapse. If you have recently purchased a second hand boat you may not have a valid measurement certificate. IE Impact has been measured at 4 nationals and had two owners since the certificate was last updated. This will help keep track of boat ownership and any measuring issues.

WA can boast having the National Country Champions with Dave Meehan, Rhyss Edwards and Brendon Green taking out the title.

Keysie was surely the best placed over 60 finishing 9^th over all in a stellar performance on and off the water.

The States Titles are quickly approaching so prepare your boats and crew for Feb 12^th and 13^th.

Saturday will be a big night at MBSC so come along with friends and family.

Meals will be available, to avoid disappointment pre book with craig_mann@bigpond.com

Final Race Report

2011-01-12T10:56:00.001+08:00

After 10 days of competition the final day of racing at the nationals was upon us.
We were met with light conditions a few of the boats that had battled to survive the strong wavy conditions now had a chance to prove their skills and speed.
The first start we lined up for was a general recall, our first of the series, and true to his word the PRO used the Black flag on the second start.
The second start was clean, but the breeze has shifted left during the sequence, so it was a pin bias.
A flukey first beat saw the fleet split, and at the top mark Vita Brevis was in 2nd, in close proximity to 2 mc's and a Dj, and Pig Out.
Positions on the shy reaches stayed fairly stable, but the next worked proved as tricky as the first with 20 to 30 degree shifts to try and take advantage of, whilst the wind was still moderating left.
The run saw the fleet bunch again and saw the leaders skip through the pack to their rightful position, All Scooped Out, One Hump or Two and Pig Out led the fleet around the leeward mark just ahead of Vita Brevis and 2 MC's and a DJ.
The PRO had finally decides the the breeze had tended far enough left to warrant shifting the top mark. The tricky conditions still prevailed, but it seemed that boats that sailed for the pressure seemed to do best, and the positions around the next didn't change much but a couple of the local Vic boat wise to the tricky conditions closed in on the top few. Not much changed until the final work, Pig Out had the lead in the light conditions, and Sam did not look back, 2MC's, One Hump or Two and All Scooped out battled for the minor places. Whilst Vita aimed to hold of the local Victorians. It was a close finish between second, Third and Fourth, with All Scooped Out beating One Hump or two and 2MC's and a DJ dropping back to Fourth. Vita Brevis and local Vic Boat Ostentatious battled to the line, but as the breeze clocked further left at the finish, Ostentatious managed to squeeze through the line from below Vita Brevis pipping them on the line. Keysie on Blacksun was the next WA boat across the line in 7th, Loaded dice slipped back a bit in the light conditions but had had a great regatta.

The series results are below, Black Rock Yacht Club hosted an excellent Regatta. The sailing conditions were challenging but fair, and the venue was and hospitality were second to none.

Also it was great to see 3 WA boats in the tops ten. Loaded Dice, Blacksun and Vita Brevis all battled hard in the windy conditions and have proven the Sharpies in WA are truly alive and kicking and are up there with the best in the Nation.

LW Sharpie National Championships 2010

Hosted By Black Rock Yacht Club

Place	Sail No	Boat Name	Skipper	From	Sers Score	Race 7	Race 6	Race 5	Race 4	Race 3	Race 2	Race 1
1	T900	One Hump or Two	Drew Latham	O	10.0	3.0	1.0	3.0	1.0	[3.0]	1.0	1.0
2	SA909	All Scoobed Out	Dave Higgins	O	12.0	2.0	[36.0F]	2.0	2.0	1.0	2.0	3.0
3	SA877	Pigout	Geoff McCloud	E	14.0	1.0	2.0	4.0	[4.0]	2.0	3.0	2.0
4	SA831	2 MC's and 1 DJ	John Heywood	O	27.0	4.0	3.0	5.0	3.0	[36.0F]	7.0	5.0
5	V847	T.O.T.L.A.T.F	Rod Allen	E	37.0	10.0	4.0	[13.0]	5.0	7.0	4.0	7.0
6	V745	Ostentatious	Aaron Hirst	O	39.0	5.0	8.0	1.0	7.0	[36.0F]	9.0	9.0
7	WA910	Vita Brevis	David Meehan	C	39.0	6.0	7.0	6.0	6.0	6.0	8.0	[8.0]
8	SA915	Don't Poke the Bear	Anthony Turton	O	41.0	13.0	6.0	8.0	[36.0F]	5.0	5.0	4.0
9	WA873	Blacksun	Graham Keys	E	45.0	7.0	5.0	11.0	[20.0]	4.0	12.0	6.0
10	WA879	Loaded Dice	Gordon McKercher	E	60.0	[18.0]	11.0	7.0	8.0	8.0	11.0	15.0
11	SA896	Moe's Tavern	David Snoad	G	69.0	17.0	9.0	[23.0]	13.0	10.0	10.0	10.0
12	V887	The Fat Controller	Peter Isaacs	O	77.0	11.0	12.0	18.0	[23.0]	9.0	16.0	11.0
13	N902	Maniac	Ian Richardson	E/C	78.0	9.0	[19.0]	17.0	11.0	12.0	15.0	14.0
14	SA925	Under the Radar	Peter Kirk	G	79.0	8.0	14.0	19.0	19.0	[36.0S]	6.0	13.0
15	SA830	Sugar Daddy	Brad Windram	J	89.0	16.0	16.0	[20.0]	10.0	16.0	19.0	12.0
16	V835	Psycho Therapy	Grant Nichols	E	89.0	12.0	15.0	12.0	18.0	14.0	18.0	[36.0F]
17	SA817	Nightmare	Bronte Flint	C	90.0	14.0	17.0	10.0	16.0	[36.0C]	17.0	16.0
18	N819	Irish Frog	Chris Ablett	E/C	91.0	19.0	13.0	[24.0]	9.0	17.0	13.0	20.0
19	N812	Rocket Fuels	Marc Ablett	C	103.0	[31.0]	10.0	14.0	22.0	15.0	20.0	22.0
20	SA914	The Fox Hat	Ken Smith	E	104.0	20.0	21.0	9.0	15.0	[36.0S]	21.0	18.0
21	N751	Proud Aussie	Rick Shortridge	E/C	104.0	15.0	[36.0F]	15.0	17.0	11.0	27.0	19.0
22	Q903	Silent Butt Deadly	Rick Outhred	E	128.0	27.0	23.0	[36.0O]	12.0	13.0	29.0	24.0
23	V851	On Tour With the Bea	James Simmons	O	134.0	21.0	36.0F	21.0	14.0	18.0	24.0	[36.0F]
24	V852	Crews Control	Mark Fleming	E	140.0	22.0	36.0F	22.0	21.0	[36.0S]	22.0	17.0
25	V823	Hasta LaVista Baby	Peter Stuchbery	G	143.0	29.0	25.0	16.0	27.0	[36.0S]	23.0	23.0
26	V813	Princess Fiona	Tom Fowler	E	163.0	32.0	18.0	28.0	24.0	36.0S	25.0	[36.0O]
27	V840	Furnace of Afflictio	Michal Wright	G/C	164.0	23.0	22.0	27.0	26.0	36.0S	30.0	[36.0C]
28	T610	Head	Dave Golding	O	166.0	24.0	36.0F	26.0	25.0	19.0	36.0F	[36.0F]
29	N815	Road Kill	Nicholas Marzano	J	178.0	30.0	20.0	25.0	36.0F	36.0S	31.0	[36.0F]
30	N918	Shazam	John Fisher	E/C	179.0	36.0S	36.0S	36.0S	36.0F	[36.0S]	14.0	21.0
31	V592	Riff Raff	Peter Roberts	G	179.0	25.0	24.0	30.0	36.0F	36.0S	28.0	[36.0F]
32	N773	Sheet Faced	Kevin Rosenbaum	C	183.0	28.0	36.0F	29.0	28.0	36.0S	26.0	[36.0F]
33	V829	Bowling For Burgers	Stephen Fankhauser	E	202.0	26.0	36.0F	32.0	36.0F	36.0S	36.0F	[36.0F]
34	WA734	Run to Paradise	Tony Aisbet	G	204.0	33.0	36.0F	31.0	36.0F	36.0S	32.0	[36.0F]
35	V61	TBA (Heavyweight)	Tony Coulter	O	216.0	36.0F	36.0F	36.0S	36.0F	36.0S	36.0F	[36.0C]

Nationals Heat 6

2011-01-06T06:28:00.000+08:00

Hi All

The Web page may not get updated with results as Rhyss Edwards media officer and sheet hand on Vita Brevis is on his way home to Perth. Unfortunately his father has suffered a stroke this morning, we trust he is ok.

Vita Brevis was on he way down the ramp when Rhyss was given the news and headed to the airport in his sailing gear.

Given that Vita grabbed the nearest able bodied person, Greg Creeper volunteered but was considered to more disabled than able after several large drinking sessions. Rumour has it he has made Hunter S Thompson look like a Laser sailor with his efforts over the past week. Instead they grabbed Jo Mitton's son and who just finished at the cadet nationals, 7^th in a hefty breeze was a good effort.

Once again old man Keysie was on fire with a 5^th showing his skill in the wind and waves. Gordo was 11^th and continuing the good form after a surf at one of Melbournes famous beaches yesterday. Tony was DNF.

SA lad turned Tassie local, Camel teamed with Drew Latham and Nick Carter to win the title with one heat to go. It looked like Dave Higgins was going to take the race and have the series tied going into the last race however a mainsail halyard failed and they suffered a DNF.

From all accounts the series has been a ripper, with good winds and plenty of cold beer at $4 a stubby.

Cheers,

Craig

Nationals Heat 5

2011-01-05T07:37:00.000+08:00

Well a change in the weather pattern has finally been observed with the breeze shifting to a lighter SE. It was also very shifty compared to other days with 20 degree shifts observed while racing. The first race start was abandoned. The second start was much better however Vita Brevis was blocked out from the pin and had to bail out and take everyone's stern on port.

Although it looked bleak it was the right way to go as all of the boats who went to shore fell into a hole. Except for 4 of the VIC boats and Vita who was 2nd around the top mark. Go figure! Ostentatious read this shift well and lead by half a leg at the end of the race.

All Scoobed out and Pig Out took the other places for the day after working their way back into the fleet. Currently after 1 drops 3 WA boats are in the top 10 just!

After the racing was states night with the usual suspects turning out to contest the chug-a-lug. The WA fought hard to get into the semi finals however the TAS team were the eventual winners. Photos and Videos are under umpire review and will be posted soon for all to judge.

Nationals Heat 4

2011-01-03T07:53:00.000+08:00

Another heat has been completed at Black rock with the halfway point of the series now reached. I'm sure we will see some of the crews loose the game faces and start to relax as the leading pack has jumped to a commanding gap. The conditions once again were pretty much the same as other days 17-20 knots from the south with a building swell.

Vita Brevis got away to a good start taking the left hand side of the course to round the top mark in second place and maintaining it until the bottom mark. Later they lost that form giving the kangaroo a drink at the bottom mark. They fought back to finish in 6th place. Keysie must of been in awe as he too decided to capsize after seeing them and a few more times after that aswell finishing in 20th place. Gordo was consistent and finished in 8th place. Overall results (without drops) puts 3 WA boats in 5, 6 and 7th places respectively.

Aisbett had a spectacular fall over the side before the start with his crew choosing to make him swim for the boat. Later on he broke a rudder so will be making some repairs this morning. Once again the same few are dominating the places with Camel and Higgins on the podium. After lending them a boom 2MCs & 1 DJ had a great day taking 3rd. Once drops are calculated they will be back up there with series results.

New years @ Black Rock

2011-01-01T08:51:00.000+08:00

After a stinking hot day in Melbourne where the mercury worked its way over 40 degrees at 5pm it was very refreshing to cool yourself down with an amber ale. Being New years eve there was also more cause for celebration. The Victorian sharpie association put on a fun night for all with a dance floor, band and plenty of fun. Keysie showed us his fantastic dancing skills.

Onto the racing. I guess thats why Keysie partied so hard as he came out of the day with a 4th place. Vita Brevis managed a 6th place and after dropping the tiller and loosing Moona over board Gordo still managed an 8th place.

It was disappionting to see many boats chose to not leave the beach with the strong northerly conditions scaring a few people. However as the race continued the conditions improved and the breeze was not as shifty as predicted. The day was not without casualties with the waves taking their toll on some boats snapping preventers and pulling fittings out of the deck.

Word on the street is there are a few very new boats on the market as their owners upgrade to the newly refurbished SA mould. It would be a good time to buy if anyone is interested.
So far we know of the following boats:

Blur
The Fox hat
All Scoobed out
Pig Out
Moes Tavern

Nationals Heat 2

2010-12-31T07:33:00.000+08:00

Note to self: Keep the mast pointing in the air.

Black rock once again turned on great sailing conditions with the standard Southerly dropping in just in time for racing. The swell built constantly through racing and proved challenging to negotiate.

Keysie was once again up in the results with an 12th with Gordo just holding him off to finish in 11th place. Vita Brevis finished in 8th place after rounding the bottom mark behind both keysie and gordo and taking the left hand side.

The moral of the story being that Vita once again went for a swim when going for the kite drop at the bottom mark. Mistakes like those really hurt. Gordo was impressed with his teams effort in the race saying that he stepped outside the box and tried some different sail trim which worked a treat in the swelly conditions.

Today we have WA like weather forecast with 40 degrees and most likely a high land breeze that the seabreeze will not be able to fight out. The locals say in these conditions can prove very shifty.

Nationals Heat 1

2010-12-30T07:07:00.001+08:00

Black rock once again turned on some spectacular racing conditions with the sea breeze coming in right on queue. From there the swell built rapidly and while we were racing reached close to 1m in parts of the race course (particularly at the gybe mark). It was on for young and old both uphill and downhill with some of the best testing the water temperature.

From the pin at the start it looked like many boats were OCS at the start however only 1 was pinged by the race committee. Working into the waves uphill was a constant battle of whitewash. The steerer had to be alert. The main had to keep boat surging and the trap had to make sure he avoided getting washed backwards from his position. After the 5th wave in a it gets hard to maintain that rhythm.

Downhill you hang on for the ride. And make sure you keep it upright.

Keysie was up there in the results with a 6th and Vita Brevis 8th place by half a bow. Both recovering well from capsizes early in the race. Gordo was right next to Keysie until the last top mark when they went for a swim resulting in a 15th. Once again Camel showed the fleet how to do it followed closely by Geoff McCloud and Dave Higgins.

Today lighter conditions are forecast with a large high pressure system lingering to the east.

Invitation Races

2010-12-29T06:36:00.001+08:00

The fleet took to the water yesterday to warm up and shake off the nerves before the real national series starts with 2 invitational heats. Black rock turned on some perfect sailing conditions with 16-20 knots from the south which did not move around too much during the day either.

Keysie proved he's still got it with a 6th and 9th positions. Gordo got off to a good start with a 12th and 15th. Vita Brevis bent a spinnaker pole in the first race. We figured we must have run over a china man on the way here. However we quickly recovered running back in to get our spare and making it for the second race. The second race we picked up a few positions on the last leg to finish in 5th place. Aisbett managed to make it round the course finishing ahead of a couple of boats in the second race.

Results here

The podiums for the day were dominated by Camel and Dave Higgins finishing 1 & 2 in both races proving they will be hard to beat through the series.The first heat has similar weather conditions forecast with a high still in the bight.

Afterward we all shared a few (some too many) beers in the bar. Although the sharpies are conventionally Corona drinkers we have given them up in favor of the sponsored Broo Beer with carton after carton being drunk by thirst sharpie sailors at the low price of $4 ea over the bar. We managed to break Brendon out of his round before it got messy and took a ride down to the local pizza shop for dinner.

Committed Stupid Dumb idiots

2010-12-27T18:56:00.000+08:00

Was the call from the Gallery in the bar.

There were 4 of them who decided that a warm up was worth it in waters off Black rock yacht club. The conditions were exhilarating. Maybe that's the stupid coming out in me as Vita Brevis was one of them.

All WA participants have successfully arrived at Black Rock Yacht Club ready for the start of the 2010/11 Nationals. Although not totally in one piece they are now ready to race. At the moment a SSW has set in around 20 knots. Which on the bay in kicks up a bit of swell. We estimate around 2.0m.

After out practice session a couple of brews were enjoyed back at the club. The new flavor of the month is the sponsored Broo beer which is walking out the door at $4 a pop. I think they might need to order more.

Tomorrow looks to be light on the bay for the invitation heats.

GBYC club heat 3

2010-12-20T11:31:00.003+08:00

Saturday was club heat 3 and with a promise of 15 to 25 knot breezes all was set for a epic showdown between the four contenders, all skippers were nervous in the rigging area as the pressure was on them to get their boats away to a good start. On the way out to the start the breeze filled in to about 15 to 18 from the s/e swinging a bit to the west but holding reasonable pressure.

On the start Suicide got away first closely followed by Suburban and the uninvited and spiny norman, problem the gun didnt sound till Mozz got to the line and merv went the wrong side of the start boat due to a barging incident,Mozz in the uninvited cotinued up the first work while the others set about restarting.

Heading to windward for the second time it was Uninvited from Spiny, Suicide and Suburban. With the exception of mozz the places swapped with each tack and the lead mozz had was down to a few boatlengths on the run.

Into the breeze for the third time Mozz in the uninvited lead from Spiny Norman and Suicide Blonde with Suburban Boys close behind. Suicide hung left whilst Spiny and Suburban went right with Uninvited trying to cover both options. At the mark Suicide had closed the gap to be in second with a bit of a gap to Suburban and Spiny. The breeze had gone west a bit by now making the first reach square and the second to tight to fly a kite.

Into the breeze for the last time it was Uninvited, Suicide Blonde, Suburban Boys and Spiny Norman.The breeze being s/w meant it was a one tack run to the line, Mozz, Dean and Jess in The Uninvited held on to win. Suburban Boys made good use of stand in forward hand Pete 118kg Ravenscroft to be all over Suicide on the beat to take second and Spiny in fourth.

Nothing like a good race to finish the year, makes relaxing analysing the race with a few beers whilst the sheet hands wash and pack up most enjoyable.

Results

1st The uninvited
Mozz, Dean and Jess
2nd Just Suburban Boys
Snow, Rob and Pete
3rd Suicide Blonde
Craig, Pete and Brownie
4th Spiny Norman
Merv, Neil and Greg

With 3 different winners so far the race for club champion is alive and well
as there is no sailing till the 8th Jan Hope everyone has an enjoyable Xmas
Good luck to those going to the Nats

Pete C
Busso

Boxed in Sharpies

2010-12-16T20:41:00.000+08:00

After a long afternoon on Tuesday all 3 Sharpies travelling to Melbourne in the sea container are successfully stowed. The packing exercise was relatively smooth with master chippy Gordo building the frame in the container to stack the boats. Keeping the plumber away from the construction site with his sledge hammer was a challenge, but once Boogs was tasked with Corona logistics (Supply of Corona's to Rhyss and David who were somewhere in the container trying to strap boats down) he had a job to do that he seemed extremely experienced at.
Also congratulations to Paul in 862 for your win at MBSC on Sunday, the results were;
1st
Mainiacts
Paul Main

2nd
Fiddle Pigs
Micheal Liddle

3rd
Run to Paradise
Tony Aisbett

Good luck to all crews competing at the nationals this christmas. More updates will follow so watch this space for more news.

MBSC Club heat 2

2010-12-06T15:34:00.003+08:00

Hi ALL,

The last couple of weeks has seen a fair bit of banter between State Presidents in the lead up to the Nationals and National Conference. Some interesting ideas and some great input from the active associations and some more left field ideas from the less active States. Nothing that has not come up before or again in the future.

To keep you all in the loop the main consideration at a Nationals level is the trialing of a Program over 7 days.
Other than SA we seem to be between 30ish and up to 50 for the Championship. QLD has proposed a 7 day format for the 2011/12 series This was accepted last year and has ended up a 9 day series due to a few forced alterations. Most feel a 7 day event would attract more starters and at least than half to cost to both host clubs and competitors. Hard work on the ground is still the key issue and introducing new and recyled sailors to the class.

The Local fleet has a number of relatively new sailors to Sharpies including two junior skippers along with occasional appearance of The Son of Don steering Original Sin when not on 420 duties. After having assisted in Wise Magic changing hands I have received an order for a boat from a past Champion as plans are in place to return for the Perth Nationals.

Wise Magic was out in the morning with TJ doing the official handover and familiarization session with Peter King.

With the breeze West SW and between 8 and 12 knots it was going to be an interesting day. Not just the normal SW pattern. Half way up the first leg we had some big separations. The poor starters had gone west and picked up a massive westerly shift, Impact was pinned by SS and Gordo was forced to the south lay line, and effectively last place. The Pigs had streeted the fleet to lead at club, Vita had bailed early and dug all the way west to be next around and probably a good minute behind the Pigs, the rest were toast and fighting for scraps after one leg.

The reach to Addison was a soft mongrel run. Not unless you have three flee weights on board (Original Sin all of 180kg ringing wet) who flew down full wiring and back into the pack. The Pigs, VB then a gap to SS, Loaded, Original Sin and then Impact at Addison. VB worked west of the rumb line taking the lead and clearing out on the work to Robins, the rest battled it out getting in each others space on the work and run to Addison. SS, Loaded Dice and Impact spent the rest of the race in close contact and pulling away from Original Sin and the Pig’s. With VB at least 3 minutes ahead the race was for second, SS was assisted by the great sheet hand Sam Abbott, Gordo was inspired while Impact had to put up with the incompetent skipper.

VB was cruising to a massive win after a rather lackluster start to the season. All the best in Melbourne.

Fort the rabble the decisive move came late in the race at Quarry where the mark had been replaced by a temporary bouy. Luckily for Impact the alert and knowledgeable forward hand Andrew (Magic Fingers) Gill spotted the mark earlier than SS and Gordo and Impact was able to close the gap. Great calls by stand in Sheethand Allan Thomas (Father of Steve (the God) Thomas) had Impact on winners all the way up the final leg and into second place. The action not over with yet with Gordo having to duck SS on the line rather than inflicting significant damage to SS’s Starboard midships. Pedro was later found guilty by the Balcony Jury and ordered to buy for the bar or walk the plank and Gordo was fined for not protesting in the allotted time and bought for the now rowdy mob.

This Mob was lead by none other than Graham Keysie Keys (assisted by Scott Glaskin) who had been let down by Drew Mitton not fronting and hence had downed several hundred middies by 6pm. As a reward Keysie hosted a rather entertaining presentation the like that has not been seen since past Commodore Matt Jahns passionate performances. As a result the bell was rung many times including right down to 3rd place getters.

Graham Keys leads the Presentation of flags

On a sad note we mourn the passing of Joe Creeper and pass on or thoughts and sympathy to Greg.

Next weekend is another short race series at MBSC.

Written By Craig Mann

GBYC club heat 2

2010-12-05T17:13:00.002+08:00

Well what a difference a week makes!!!
after the breeze dropping out for the start last week this week saw a 15k westerly at 2pm, on the way to the start it built to about 18k swinging to the sw.

At the gun it was Spiny norman at the boat and the uninvited courtesy of mozz's new watch away first followed by Suburban boys and Suicide blonde 15 sec later, it was a drag race to gain accendency by the first mark Merv "the little master" rounded first follwed by Suicide, Suburban and Uninvited close behind.

By the gybe it was still spiny from suburban, suicide and uninvited, some clever sailing from "regular skipper"craig put suicide into second in hot pursuit of spiny.
the breeze kicked in a bit for the next windward. At the top for the second time spiny opened up a lead on suicide and suburban with uninvited a bit back. All boats split tacks for the run closing up the gaps.

As the breeze kicked a bit more the places stayed the same finishing with a good two sail reach to finish, as the gaps were not too great no one risked a kite in fear of being carted off the course.

End results were
1st Spiny norman Merv,greg and neil
2nd Suicide Blonde Craig Pete and Brownie
3rd Suburban boys Snow, Rob and Josh
4th The Uninvited Mozz, Dean and Jess "iceman"

Funny how no one whinges in a good breeze

cheers
Pete c

Vita Brevis exerts her influence in the flukey Easterly breeze off Busselton

2010-11-30T09:48:00.006+08:00

fluky easterlies


A few beers before bed time

A small band of 4 metro Sharpies joined in with the Busselton regulars to fight out the “New Country Championship”. With BOM forcasting 20 to 30 knot easterlies we were hopeful of some flat water blasting on Saturday and praying we would have some breeze Sunday.

Right on queue as we prepared for a nice afternoon on the water the Sou Easterly slowly died off until It was around 8 to 12 knots for our first start with the famous busso bullets and lulls and 30 degree shifts. Vita Brevis and Suburban boys took the left, Impact the middle and the rest the right. The left paid the middle got hammered And the right was ok. Vita took out first from locals Suburban Boys and Suicide Blonde. Race two had Vita the Suburban Boys and Poida having a good battle. Vita held off the other two as they battled each other on the final leg for a comfortable 2 minute win.

Sunday’s breeze was 8 knots and just managed to hold in until we hit the beach, allowing perfect unrigging weather. Every one had a taste of the action in race one with Impact looking the goods on lap one of the race before Gordo picked two rippers on the down hill legs to chalk up a well deserved win. Vita took a big gamble mid race with a big inshore move paying a heavy price and finishing a long last. One boat length separated 2^nd to 5^th , Suicide Blonde, Impact, Suburban Boy’s and SS.

With the 6th place from Vita opening up the regatta it was all to sail for in the fourth and final heat. A 30 degree wind shift with 30 seconds to go had Vita favoured and a further shift on the down wind leg set up a soldier course. Vita took the win to wrap up the series and gain a bit of confidence before the Melbourne Nationals from the Suburban Boys and Impact after consistently poor performances by he skipper bringing in Third for the race and series.

Vita Brevis now takes a commanding lead in the travelers series and is the official State Team representative at the Black Rock National Titles. Good luck to Vita, Black Sun, Loaded Dice and Run to Paradise in Melbourne.

The racing was followed by a few quiet beers and a little fence mending by The President. Our thanks to the GBYC, volunteers and the caterers for a great event and sensational Saturday night meal.

Keep the boats on the water and we look forward to seeing you in Perth in February for the State Titles.

Written By Craig Mann

More Pictures

Country Champs Results 2010-11 Season			GBYC
Sail #	Name	Skipper	Race 1	Race 2	Race 3	Race 4	Total
911	Vita Brevis	David Meehan	1	1	6	1	9
807	Just Suburban Boys	L. "Snow" Francis	2	3	4	2	11
821	Impact	Craig Mann	4	4	2	3	13
879	Loaded Dice	Gordon Mckercher	5	5	1	5	16
805	SS	Peter Ivannac	6	2	5	4	17
894	Suicide Blonde	Craig Francis	3	6	3	6	18

	Entrants	6	6	6	6	6

Progressive results

GBYC Official opening day

2010-11-23T07:56:00.002+08:00

Saturday saw the opening day at Busso
A light NE breeze was on offer reported to swing to the west later.

Due to "regular skipper" Craig "family comittments" constant whinging last week it was decided he needed a week in the reserves to refocus for the metro vist,
teaming up with Ali and Jake in his own boat On the Day for its annual outing.

Suburban boys had the normal line up of Snow, Rob "chopper" and Josh

Suicide started with Brownie "turbo"(never stops whining) Pete and guest front man Jullian on board.

Uninvited had Mozz and Dean with Jessy "the iceman" a late withdrawal.

Spiny norman had only Merv as Greg woke up sick and Neil had to go to perth
Merv then took the opportunity to sail in a 125 for the day.

The course was an all in windward leeward affair, Mozz won the start and had a good break at the first mark with the others all bunched up after the wind swung to the west, at the bottom mark all four were together not sure of the placings.

The rest of the race chopped and changed with the wind eventually going right around to settle back in the NE, made the course layer look famous, at the finish it was the uninvited from suburban boys, suicide blonde and on the day.

A few beers on the lawn whilst the sheethands unrigged and washed down, as Jess was away the Uninvited was still on the lawn when I left.

Well done to Mozz and Dean (looks like Jessy was holding you back) maybe the lighter weight helped, but in all fairness the boys did everything right to take the gun.

Looking forward to next weekend as should be good sailing and a few laughs
see you all then

Pete C
Busso

Busselton Country Championships

2010-11-22T14:19:00.002+08:00

Hi All,

Busselton this weekend.

The Four races will constitute the WA Sharpie Assc Country Series. The Winner will receive a mystery prize, rumoured to be either a $10,000 sails package and personal instruction from Sharpie Great and custom sail maker Andrew (Hip's) Harry or more likely the mothballed Metro Trophy (if I can find it ) and a carton of Corona's. Trophy last seen by John Hilton 2007. John Please let me know if you have it?

Heat winners on Saturday will be expected to slide the plastic once the sun has gone over the horizon.

With Three to Four boats out regularly and Kym Nisbett's boats refurbished and ready to race the Metro Clubs could soon be out numbered and out gunned in our annual pilgrimage.

Planning on windard leeward format as with the last 4 races. With the forcast showing temps in the high 20s' and 15 knot SE winds it will be a great weekend and everyone will be in with a chance.

For those intending to come down for the weekend please let me know so we can organise enough beer and food.

Results of the previous 4 races will be posted on the website this week. It would appear, Vern is the early leader closely followed by Team Vicious and Vita Brevis. All the rest have either had breakages or no shows and are carrying discards.

Cheers,

Craig Mann
Edit:

Traveller Series Results 2010-11 Season			EFYC		MBSC
Sail #	Name	Skipper	Race 1	Race 2	Race 3	Race 4	Total
901	Blatantly Obvious	Vern Tidy	3	2	1	1	7
891	Vicious	Gary Swan	2	1	2	3	8
911	Vita Brevis	David Meehan	1	3	5	6	15
821	Impact	Craig Mann	6	9	3	2	20
805	SS	Peter Ivannac	9	9	4	5	27
904	Who let the dogs out	Byron Renfry	4	4	11	11	30
862	Mainiacts	Paul Main	9	9	6	7	31
879	Loaded Dice	Gordon Mckercher	11	11	7	4	33
737	The cows are loose	? Renfry	5	9	11	11	36
923	Mona	Nick Heggart	7	9	11	11	38
734	Run to Paradise	Tony Aisbet	11	11	8	8	38

	Entrants	11	9	9	8	8

Busselton State selections & Traveller series

2010-11-19T09:59:00.006+08:00

Well, we hope you are all looking forward to the Busselton Traveller Series (I know I am). Hoping for a good crowd this year. Nothing like camping out with the boats, and afternoon (or morning)beers on the lawn with your mates. Here's a photo from past years to tempt you. Plenty of ladies making their way down this year so bring the missis along!

Poida

ps R.I.P. Trevor (ie the Trevor's Carpets van in the photo)

State selections & Traveller series hts 1-4

2010-11-16T10:48:00.003+08:00

Photo by John Hilton

EFYC and MBSC hosted some great racing Saturday and Sunday, with the first heats of the State Selection and Travelers series.

Thanks to all the volunteers from both clubs and Brendon and Cheryl Green for the use and operation of the boat to lay the course on Sunday.

As I was busy testing the water quality and depth of the reach during race one and later saving the life of a poor ant sailor (possibly some exaggeration), Impact missed heat two I will guess a little at the results. We considered applying for average points however that would have meant some paper work and less time to drink beers so dismissed the idea. Not to mention the average of last is still last!!!!!!!!!!

A good 20 to 25 was on offer in the confines of the Drain Pipe which in itself is fine, it is all the dumb ass pleasure craft drivers that have been on the piss all afternoon that the problem. Race one had Impact and Vern were dueling for the first lap before Vita Brevis hit her straps and took control. Swanny and the boys in Vicious were showing glimpses of promise. Impact and Vern tried to avoid each other and both hit the piss, Vern recovered, Impact was in the pond for a big swim and tangled kite. Driver Error and Owner preparation of equipment was to blame. SS had gear failure, Mainiacs was going well however blew up a spreader and also had to retire along with problems on Mona causing her to come in during race two.

Vita took out the win from Vicious not sure of the rest, probably Vern 3.

Race two and it was very solid, Vita had the lead only to swim at the bottom mark, allowing Vicious to take out the win, Vern piped Vita on the wind when the sails touched the pond again.

Saturday and it was a more comfortable 15 knots give or take from the SW.
Everyone had a turn at leading and both races finished with most of fleet within a minute.

Lot's of fun and a taste of what Busselton and the State Champs in February have in store.

Vern took out both races, Vicious a 2 and 3, Impact a 3 and 2. For those interested Brendon emailed the rule of the finish line and Impact did have room on the boat at the finish. Not that I was sure at the time!!!!!

Great performance by POIDA Ivanac showing what a great purchase 805 was and that is as good as he said he kept telling us. Fantastic to see the Great Men Al Hopping and Wade Henson gracing the sharpies again. Mainie was a happy camper with his team finding their groove, Tony A made it around both races and bar at Mounts shut early due to a lack of staff. Probably a good thing as for once I could drive home.

A great couple of days both on and off the water.

Next weekend looks quite at both clubs due the (PIR) Perth International regatta and the loss of brownie points in many camps, hopefully we will see a good turn out at Busselton. The Mounts Bay boy's plan to camp at the club and the plastic may even make the trip.

Please if you intend to travel or are looking for a crew let me know as this will assist Busso in catering and how much beer to have on order.

The more the merrier and it would be great to support the Busso boy's.

Cheers

Craig Mann

More photos courtesy of John Hilton

PFSYC Open Day

2010-11-08T09:41:00.002+08:00

The Sharpies and 3 5oh's joined up for a good day at the Squadron. Greeted by a switching 12 knot breeze that finally touched 18 knots as we finished.

With the breeze moving through a good 20 degrees the first work was a ripper. It was anyones guess who would make it first to Smith until Poida on SS pull a glamour bit of south and streeted the fleet. The day was now more about winding in Poida than anything else.

Down wind in the marginal conditions the 5oh's had it all over the Sharpies and set about chasing Poida. They did a good job and by Armstron were pretty close. Back to the Sharpies, Impact went west down hill and picked up on Poida but the fleet flew by with great breeze down the middle. VB, Impact, Keysie, Mainie were all close at Armstrong with the 3 Liddle Pigs lost looking for goldy locks. Donnie Mc retired and headed home for a beer and Tony was a bit late to start.

SS was playing it cool and holding a loose cover. The old girl was going well and Poida was having a ball. After another Smith, Armstrong run Vita had wound in Poida and his pizza pirates on SS and Impact was closing. An increase of presses helped as Light weigh Larry on the bow of SS was no match for 100kg Brendon on VB and 95 kg Gilly the Magician on Impact. By Smith it was VB,Impact by a nose and SS. The Pigs were now found and causing some grief to Keysie.

At Hall Mark with just a short beat to the finish it was VB by 10 seconds from Impact and 20 seconds to SS. Impact was all over Vita Brevis and half way to the Squadron had the advantage. it was now just a matter of keeping a nice tight cover. Impact held on to win by 15 seconds from Vita and Poida and his Pirates on SS. Well done Pete you had the old girl wound up and put the wind up the rest of us. Good Work. The flat Hilly main looked a treat!!!!!!!

See those of you brave enough at EFYC next Saturday and the rest of you Sunday at MBSC.

Some photos from the Weekend.

Donnie Mc

Hi Boogz

Images provided by Rick Steuart please contact ricksteu@bigpond.com if you would like to have a look at more or purchase them.

MOFSC Open Day

2010-11-08T09:35:00.000+08:00

MOFSC Opened its doors to competitors on Saturday for it Club open day. Mandurah turned on a moderate SW'er with a small swell. Enough for the sharpies to pick up some waves downwind. 2 Sharpies were on the water and 2 505's. Blind Date got off to a good start showing a bit of pace up the first work however Vita Brevis found the right gear to beat them to the top mark. From there on it was a great sleigh ride with blind date trying desperately to catch up down wind with their nice new Sydney swans coloured Hill kite. Vita Brevis extended her lead out to nearly a minute by the end of the race. As for the 505's, well I heard that one got beated by his son in a 420! Hmm a bit of practice needed maybe?

Blind Date is looking ever so red after the winter. With a new paint job one would wonder if Datey actually does any real work...or just spends his time doing sleeping next to his boat! Well done to Datey and his crew. It was also good to see a few Sharpie legends down the club like Rube Gabrielson. Sharpie still runs through his veins.

Thankyou to MOFSC and its voluteers for a great day on the water.

GBYC The Uninvited does the unexpected

2010-11-08T07:50:00.002+08:00

Sunday saw the short course series 1. as the cruisers were doing an offshore race sharpies racing was held in the morning with a 10 30 start.
with Brownie away, think he was at the media launch and after party for a new flavor iced tea, my very lovely wife Cheryl was enlisted to fill in, (she sometimes reads these)unfortunately sunday saw her ill and unable to participate.
A few calls to prospective crews drew no response so suicide stayed in the shed. As we were duty boat "regular skipper" craig "family comittments" and I teamed up with Brendon Mozz on the rescue boat.

The start of the first race saw 5 knots of nw building and swinging. At the gun the big suprise was The Uninvited,with Mozz,Jessie "ice man"Sheehan and Dean "mister"Dixon on the line mixing with Suburban boys, Snow "extreemely cocky", Rob "galvanised" Nail and Josh "mister" Beard, and Spiny norman staring Merv "rowdy" forster, Roger "the hard core"Paine and Greg"mister"stewart.Roger HC of Woody Nook Wines had taken time out from his Quest to break all his bones whilst bike riding, to sail, hope to see him back in the sharpie soon.

The racing was tight with all boats having a share of the lead and a wrong tack meant you could lose shitloads but could gain the same with a good one.
Suburban boys took out both races in the end but a good test for rusty crews and to tune boats.

Race two had a nice 12 k nw breeze blowing and the race was much like the first with Suburban taking it out, Rowdy had a few moments with greg reaching on the run, claims to have eaten an off prawn, saw Roger THC ducking for cover and not sheilding rowdy, typical sheet hand
Next week sees the return of Brownie so should have 5 boats in the water as the fleet gathers momentum.

Thanks to Brendon Mozz for his help on the rescue and all the material he shared about his dad (Mozz) which will end up on the site through out the year.

Beers and burgers were the order of the day on the lawn after,and although I was unable to stay I am sure the conversation was about the best display of rescue boat duty to date, the whole fleet kept safe!!

Well done to Snow Rob and Josh on the two wins

see you next week

Pete C
busso

PFSYC Open Day

2010-11-04T13:25:00.001+08:00

The Perth Flying Squadron Open Day is on this Sunday with the Sharpies invited. I believe that the Sharpie Class has a long history with Perth Flying Squadron with many Sharpies sailing out of there in the past. Come along on Sunday and have a sail and beer at this great club. The courses will be using the fixed river marks.

Revised Start time 1430 for Sharpies.

Email Craig mann

If you are intending to sail please let email Craig Mann so we can let PFSYC know numbers.

Download Courses
Download SI's

Cya on the water... or in the bar.

Register for the season

2010-11-02T11:37:00.003+08:00

With the start of the Association Races on the 13th November boat owners are reminded to register your sharpie for the season. Registration is necessary to sail in association races and provides the funds to support this association.

The registration forms, NOR, SI's and Calendar are available via the Downloads page

Save our Treasurer some pain and send your documents into him early via email and bank transfer to avoid the hassle on race day.

Thankyou

Your Sharpie Committee

GBYC 1st club heat

2010-11-02T08:17:00.003+08:00

Saturday saw the first club heat at GBYC. Wind was a NW at around 12 to 15 knots, Three sharpies faced the starter in Suicide Blonde, The uninvited and Just suburban boys, Merv was going to start but opted to go on a girls trip in a dodgy bus to the races, turned out sailing would have been a better option!

After last weeks debacle of a start "regular" skipper Craig "family comitments" Francis had reread his starting techniques manual in un updated version and was keen to implement it, in what was to be an epic battle of bro versus bro against Snow "a bit cocky" Francis in Suburban Boys. Both boats were on the line with the possibility of breaking the line for a change. The uninvited with Mozz "I got here early so there is plenty of time", still on the bank at the gun getting over the line 9 minutes late.

The other two had a classic duel through out with only a few lengths separating them all day, not sure what it was like on suburban boys but the pressure on suicide was huge. "regular" skipper Craig "family comitments" never shut up all day, fortunatly we had Brownie to absorb all the abuse, showing why it good to have little sheet hands as they must be used to it.

At the end Suicide managed to cross the line a couple of lengths clear of Suburban with The Uninvited closing their deficit to about 41/2 minutes , good race had by all with the customary few beers after whilst the sheet hands unriged and washed down ect

Next week is a Sunday race so if you turn up saturday you will be on your own.
Sharpies are duty class so we need to fill the second rescue crew, if you know any one hanging around give us a call.
Pete C
GBYC

East Freo 30th October

2010-10-31T13:33:00.001+08:00

With the not enough starters for the Indian Ocean Classic, Mounts Bay on a break for a week the only place left for a sail was at EFYC. We called it preparation for the upcoming State Selections in 2 weeks time. The river turned on a fluky Easterly for Blatantly obvious and Vita Brevis to sail with.

I'm not sure how long it is since Vern Tidy has last sailed but it is long enough for a blue tongue lizard to find a home in one of the sail bags. When the crew went to open the bag they got a bit of a fright.

EFYC from my memory has been a very sociable club but they are very precise with their start times. The Start box had start signals for the skates up and both of them were still rigging on the beach. Then came the sharpies turn and we were still rigging. It was mostly just a hurry up and the starters reset the sequence for us.

Onto the racing Blatantly obvious got away to a good start and lead all the way to Point Walter. However after surfing a stink boat wake for a while and picking a few nice shifts upwind to miller Vita Brevis took the lead and held it as we sailed back to the club. The last 200m into MtLyall Blatantly obvious kept in pressure and managed to get inside mark rounding rights on Vita. From there it was a struggle to the finish line with Vita taking at the mark and Blatantly obvious weaving through moored boats to find pressure and finishing 10 seconds ahead of Vita Brevis.

Arriving back at the beach Swanny and Ash had arrived to have a chat. And a few beers for Swanny (I'm not sure that a diet of Beers is going to help him loose 8kg in 8 weeks). It was a nice day to be on the water. Thanks to EFYC Volunteers and we look forward to the State Selections in 2 weeks

We also learnt back on the beach that a after a shark attack off Garden Island Fremantle Sailing Club had called off racing at the Indian Ocean Classic. Not only had the sharpies avoided a shark biting them but also the $120 nomination for no Sailing

The sharpies will be on the road again to MOFSC and PFSYC Open days to Sail next weekend. Look forward to seeing you there.

Nationals prep

2010-10-28T09:33:00.003+08:00

With Nationals at christmas time there are a couple of boats that are keen to hit the road.

Over the weekend our VP Gordon signed up heavyweight grinder (120kgs) for his campaign. So watch out for them on the next tight reach.

Keysie has expressed interest and has twisted Drews arm to sail on the wire for him.

So far that makes 4 boats for the trip over with Vita Brevis and Run to paradise. An offer to share a sea container with the flying ants (who are sailing in Parkdale) will help distribute the costs but if we could fill it with just Sharpies would be a bonus.

Do you need a real holiday over the Christmas?

Not long now

GBYC "family comitments" on hold

2010-10-25T13:39:00.004+08:00

Saturday saw the return of "regular" skipper Craig F "family comitments" to the fleet, all was ready for a good race with Snow "cocky",on suburban boys, Mozz on the uninvited and Suicide Blonde all keen to taste victory. A nice NW breeze of about 15knots with a possible swing to the SW later, the start saw the usual jockeying for position, finally the gun went then about 30 seconds to a minute later the fleet started in what would have to be one of the worst displays of starting I have witnessed made more unbearable by being on the last boat! When questioned "regular" skipper Craig F claimed he had read a book on tactics by some bloke called Uffa Fox and by starting last you have the opportunity to go either way unhindered, what a crock of sh%#

First work saw the lead change several times with Suicide coming out on top and holding that for the next two laps. Snow "not so cocky now", on suburban boys stayed close in second with mozz throwing all sorts of strange tacks to try to get by but loosing a bit of ground. The last work and Suicide had opened up a bit of a gap and looked the goods, at this point about 100mtrs from thwe top mark the ever observant forward hand pointed out the large gust coming from what looked to be the SW.
"regular" skipper Craig F "family comitments" acknowledged the gust then both set about trying to make the knowall sheet hand be prepared for the hit. In typical sheet hand mode Brownie dismissed the sugestion refusing to look, probably dreaming of iced tea and ginger nut biscuits, and just sat in the middle of the boat.

When the gust hit it was a header resulting in the boat tacking and almost going in the piss, filling with water but not wetting the sails. After a flogging with the jib sheets and tiller extension Brownie blubbered out he had done nothing wrong he had done nothing!!! exactly!!
Tip for sheethands just because you are allowed to rig and unrig boats, wash them down ect you are not the knowledge on the boat and need to listen to the other wiser crew members, particulary the forward hand.

Suicide was able to get the water out and cross the line in first from suburban boys and the uninvited.
Mozz showed a few patches of brilliance and is to be watched.
Next week is the first club heat so maybe see a few more out.
Pete C
GBYC

Ronstan Regatta update

2010-10-25T13:23:00.000+08:00

As I see it Vita Brevis is the only boat confirmed for next weekend.
The rest of us have (EFreo boys as well) crew issues, or lack of motivation etc etc.
I will wk with Pete Ivanac to see if we can get SS on the water Saturday.
Entries must be forwarded to FSC Wednesday this week.

Impact needs to regroup and do some repairs after ruining two mains and a kite in the past two sails.

No racing scheduled at MBSC for the Sunday.

MBSC Club Heat One resail

2010-10-25T13:21:00.002+08:00

With 8 Sharpies lined up and a building seabreeze we were in for some fun, spills and gear failures.

Cowrock had dusted off a seasons cobwebs and with star crew Sarah and Grinder ron the boat were clearly going to fly.
Vita Brevis was keen to put aside some poor form and show there State Title win was not a flash in the fan result.
SS was on the water only to have gear failure to a faulty jib halyard that had been replace during the week. Thankfully the mast was not ruined and Louis is fixing the problem. The Pig were home early as the gold spar tip finally failed. Lucky I have supplied them with a replacement (ex Mainie) and they will be on the water for Squadron Opening.

The first work was tight, Impact leading with Cowrock and Vita on our tail. The reach was a ripper, VB took the lead and it was not long before Cowrock with 120kg plus on the wire found the groove in the 22kn plus breeze. A major mess at Deep water between two S80's a hobie cat saw Impact surrender the lead to Cowrock that picked the gap and ricked life and limb in a tangle of boats and a hobie that had know idea.

Vita hit the piss leaving Cowrock and Impact to fight it out. After some seriously close calls with windsurfers and stink boats Cowrock kept up the good work leading at Addison and Robbins. Keysie, Vita and Gordo were all having a good battle the rest were retired.

Cowrock poped the shute at Robbins 30second and with failing memories and strenght headed for University bouy, missing a complete lap of the course. Impact survived the ball tearing reaches and made it back up to Robbins with a big lead over Keysie.
However disaster soon after with the Impact spinaker blowing apart. Bugger we were to miss the best ride of the day. Keysie would have caught us but dropped his kite early thinking the UNI to Quarry leg was to tight and letting us off the hook. Vita Hit the piss again!!!! allowing Gordo to take second.

The Corona's were very pleasent after the race and we hope to see Grinder again a Cowrock was transformed.

Cheers,

Craig

Mofsc Kicks off Season

2010-10-25T10:25:00.001+08:00

The OTB mixed dinghy fleet kicked off the season with a Club Championship Heat last Sunday in a fresh 20 knot southerly sea breeze with Lasers, 420, Cherub, Sharpies, 505 and a Hobie 17.

The start time was 1pm and with a forecast of a strong sea breeze later in the afternoon the starter set a short inshore course which was great for the spectators. Sharpie 'Blind Date' got the jump at the start but capsized soon after on the goabout which opened the door for the 505 and Sharpie 'Witches Couldren' to battle in out around the track. The 505 extended her leed throughout the race with 'Blind Date' moving through the fleet and in the end only seconds seperated them at the finish followed by 'Witches Couldren' and a fast finishing Cherub.

After the finish the sea breeze freshened in with a strong 25 knots with everyone getting back to shore safely.

TDate

Near miss @ EFYC

2010-10-25T09:06:00.001+08:00

Thanks to John Hilton for posting this video

GBYC 16th oct

2010-10-18T15:41:00.002+08:00

Saturday at GBYC saw a light NW breeze around the 5 to 10 knot mark, tipped to swing to the SW during the day. Three sharpies faced the starter, Suicide blonde with Pete (regular skipper Craig F away with "family comitments") Brownie and Greg, Suburban boys, Snow Rob and Josh and the real Uninvited with Mozz, Dean and Jess.Kym, Merv and Roger still to hit the water. Close racing prevailed with only boat lengths separating all three. Suicide led the first lap from Suburban and Uninvited, who seemed to loose their way a bit as the lap progressed, Mozz sugested the lack of marks on ropes played a part (that old chesnut!!). Suburban boys grabbed the lead on the return part of the sausage and held on to win the race in a fading breeze from suicide and uninvited. As the boats headed for the finish the breeze kicked in. Mozz went for a good run whilst the others headed for the shore. Good race after all. Had to decline Brownies offer of an ice tea and ginger nut biscuit, in favour of building fleet morale over a few beers.
Untill next week
good sailing
Pete C

MBSC short race series

2010-10-18T12:12:00.001+08:00

With the Perth International just around the corner and the 2011 Worlds in sight MBSC and the volunteers from EFYC had a practice event with all fleets racing in the confines of Matilda Bay. Congrats to all the volunteers as the starts and finishes went off with out a hitch most classes finished 4 races with the Sharpies enjoying a 5th. Starter Andy provided an interesting day with short 2 lap races progressing to a time limit over 2 hours rather than a set number of races. Andy also had both start and finish lines operating which allowed fleets to be starting and finishing at the same time. A 3min start sequence also kept the fleets moving.

We had a nice 14 to 16 knot WSWer with the course legs of around 600m.Race one saw a little confusion as half the Sharpie fleet (6 boats)headed for the RPYC wing mark. Once we had this figured out racing wasa little more orderly. Mainiacs rounded the top mark first, Blacksun somehow managing to just make it to the start line on time then chose to go around a RPYC mark thinking they were the black sheep, Impact and Vita Brevis quickly realised their error and cracked off and followed Mainiacs around.However their glory was short lived with Impact and Vita Brevis quickly passing down breeze.

Vita Brevis and Keysie were looking good in the first two races with Impact, Mainy and 3LP sniffing about. Race three turned out to be the turning point,Impact and Vita were OSC with Impact restarting Vita sailed on the win the race but being punished for her error. With a good results in race 4 and 5 Impact took out the series and vindicated her last place in race 3. Keysie showed his normal style and hit thebar early forgoing race 5 an a crack at the title.

The series was a great success and with more of these scheduled our boat skills will improve.
A special mention must be made of Three Liddle Pigs series, as they were often near or in the lead early and Mikes starting technique is improving every race.

NOTE:
IT IS IN INTENDED WE WILL RESAIL CLUB HEAT ONE THIS WEEKEND.
THE LONG RANGE FORECAST LOOKS GOOD.

WE ARE HOPEFULL OF GETTING 5 OR MORE MBSC SHARPIES TO THE RONSTANREGATTA 30/31 OCTOBER TO JOIN THE 505 FLEET. HOPEFULLY SOME EFYC BOATSWILL BETHER AS WELL.
ENTRIES ARE ON THE FSC WEBSITE. THIS IS A BIG EVENT AN WEE NEED TO MAKE A SHOWING.

Email your entries asap to me and I will send them in if we can get the numbers.

Cheers,

Craig

MBSC Club heat 1: Blownout

2010-10-11T14:56:00.000+08:00

Well what a start to the MBSC season. Sunday was a blowout at MBSC as a rain front passed over the race area.
The sharpies left the beach at 20 to 2 and it was a blast of a 2 sail reach down to the start at near addison. Once down there the conditions were difficult to handle with close to 30knot gusts blowing through. Many crews took a swim.
From there the Race committee chose to change to a SW course starting over near Quarry. We played follow the lamb over to quarry. Hoisting a kite and blasting down through the bay. It was a nice ride. Other fleets abandoned their race but the some of the sharpies retired with damage and by the end there wasnt many left to start a race. It was a good choice to retire to the bar.
Next week is a short race series starting at 1400.

Day one GBYC

2010-10-11T11:00:00.002+08:00

Saturday saw the first day of racing after last weeks false start. Three sharpies faced the starter for three short races, breeze was around 12 to 15 from the NW. Suburban Boys, Suicide blonde and The Uninvited fought out the day. Mozz and Dean purchased Uninvited from Merv and spent the winter refurbishing it, credit must go to attention to detail to make the boat into an exact replica of the old Sidewinder with a different sail number, The racing was close with plces changing through out with Snow, Rob and Josh on Suburban boys winning from Suicide blonde with Pete, ("regular" skipper Craig F with "family comitments") Brownie and Julian, and Uninvited/Sidewinder with Mozz, Dean and Jess.

Race two saw Mozz win from Pete and snow.

Race three was again close but with the absence of the finish boat there was some confusion over what was the correct finish,Suicide quite clearly went the right way winning by an unconfirmed 12 to 15 minutes, but I did hear Snow and Mozz claiming similar victories in the rigging area after. Good to be back on the water regardless of the result, sailing sharpies is always a buzz.

Next week should see Kym in the water and possibly Marvyn if circumstances permit.

Pete C

GBYC FIRST RACE

2010-10-08T14:50:00.002+08:00

Well tomorrow brings us the first race at GBYC for the season, after last week's cancellation due to some under achievers playing a replay footy game all is ready. Looks like a lesser breeze forecast than last week but should be ok. Hopefully see a few starters for the warm up, not sure how many but will report after the event. As with all sharpie reports these will contain a reasonable amount of truth but may be adjusted in the interest of a good story. Take this opportunity to wish a good season to all on behalf of the busso sharpie fleet.
Pete C
Busso

Friday Quiz

2010-10-08T10:34:00.002+08:00

Who, where and when?

Winner claims a jug on Sunday.