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December 2016
Congratulations to all WSC boats who competed in the Lipton Cup Regatta last month. This year four boats took out trophies in two of three divisions. Well done to Jaas, Hissing Sid, Seasomfin and LOL.
Despite the unusual number of abandoned races, the sailing season is progressing well and we continue to see new members joining the club. The issue of member retention is very much an area that the Committee of Management is aware of and will focus on in the new year when we begin the review of our strategic plan.
I’ve recently written to the Commodores of our adjacent sailing clubs to explore the possibility of interclub co-operation and working on projects of mutual interest such as the development of a Child Safety Standards for our clubs.
In closing, and on behalf of the Committee of Management, I'd like to wish all members a very merry Christmas, fair winds and good luck to all boats participating in any regattas over the holiday period, and that all have a safe new year and prosperous year ahead.
Simon van den Berg | Commodore
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Lipton Cup results
We hosted the 2016 Lipton Cup Regatta on 19 – 20 November. Congratulation to WSC boats Jaas, Hissing Sid, and Seasomfin, who took out the first three places in division 2, while LOL took out first place in division 3.
Once again the regatta was well supported by competitors. Hosting this regatta generates a small amount of income for the club, and provides both senior and junior sailors with a wonderful opportunity to participate in a highly competitive event. In hosting an annual regatta we also keep up to date in our race management practices and experience thus maintaining and developing a reputation for high quality regatta delivery.
I strongly believe the club has great capacity to deliver high quality racing for larger fleets and we should be proactively seeking those classes out to host their regattas.
Simon van den Berg
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New Year's Eve - access to the club
This year we are pleased to announce that an extension of time until 1:30am has been granted for our current liquor licence.
In order to provide a comfortable and safe environment whilst also ensuring compliance with liquor licensing requirements the CoM has decided to introduce some changes on how the club will be accessed on New Year's Eve:
- the total number of members and guests will be limited to 150
- free entry for members
- limited access or refusal may apply for non-members, i.e. due to capacity requirements
- a visitor fee of $10 per (adult) non-member shall apply
- members and guests must arrive together
- all groups will be greeted, checked-in at the door and issued with a wristband
- guests are to sign the visitor book
- members are to stay with their guest at all times
- BYO alcohol is not permitted - please support your club by purchasing from the bar.
Unfortunately there will be no live music as noted in the October Newsletter.
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Discover Sailing Day - Sunday 8 January
Peter Behrendt is still seeking helpers to assist in our Discover Sailing Day on Sunday 8 January 2017. If you can assist in activities such as boat retrieval, facility tour-guides, cooking on the BBQ, life jacket fitting, tower/ communications, and most importantly on-water skippers of OTB and trailable boats (6 skippers for each group) to help out on the day. Even if you can only volunteer for an hour - it all helps. If you are available please touch base with Peter.
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Social news
Great fun was head at the Xmas party last Saturday - fabulous food, dancing and there was even a surprise visit from Santa which brought delight to all the children (and a few adults)!
Thanks to all that worked so hard to pull off another fabulous event.
To keep up to date with our social activities, visit www.williamstownsailingclub.org.au/social-events/
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Sailing news
Club racing
Due to the high number of abandoned races this season the Sailing Committee will review the current program and where possible make changes so that more than one race can be scheduled. Some changes are noted below, further notices to competitors will be published on our website.
- 7 January - sprint series racing format
- 14 January - change of schedule with 2 races, course 2
Rosters
A race management support roster has been developed by the Sailing Committee. Sailors will be rostered on as backup to assist the race management team (Officer of the Day, duty crew, start boat), course boat or rescue boats as crew.
Sailors should bring their sailing gear in the event they are not required. The roster will be posted on the notice board at the club.
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Trailable yachts & trailer parking
We’re currently exploring better parking arrangements for the trailable yacht fleet on race days. We’ve noted that the grassed area is become a little congested in the foreground on Saturdays whilst there’s plenty of real estate behind the usual first to arrive boats. Trailer sailors might like to consider a ‘rig and launch’ policy so that others can also rig their boats in this area rather than on The Strand.
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Merchandise sale
If you are looking for a last minute present, or want to pick up some birthday presents for the coming year, we have some great WSC products available. Products available include t-shirts (adults and kids), fleece vests (men’s and women’s), fleece jackets (full and half zip), caps, beanies and stubby holders. Some of these products have been discounted. The club canteen will be open on Saturday 24 December from 9.30 - 11am for merchandise sales. See the special prices.
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Save the date!
Sunday 12 February will be our next social fishing event.
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Weather
Before starting your trip, ensure you get an up to date marine forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology and download the BOM weather app.
Do the '5 vital weather safety checks' when planning your boating trip:
- warnings current for your boating area
- weather conditions affecting safe navigation and comfort
- wind conditions
- wave conditions
- tide times
Read more information about how to use the five vital weather safety checks.
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TACKERS school holiday training programs
Are you looking for a great Xmas present idea for your own kids or grandkids, nieces or nephews? A TACKERS course may be a great present. The club will be running a variety of TACKERS 1, 2 & 3 training programs in the January school holidays.
If you have children or grandchildren, or friends who you think would like to do the courses, please come and talk to the TACKERS staff and helpers on Saturday mornings or email tackers@williamstownsailingclub.org.au. Information about the programs can be found on the club website.
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Help needed - volunteers…
Acting Secretary
The role of club secretary is currently vacant and is a critical role within the club. Over the past few months both the Commodore and Treasurer have undertaken many of the additional responsibilities of the secretary role. The Committee of Management (CoM) is seeking the assistance from any member who is able to undertake the role in an acting capacity. The acting secretary would be responsible for: distribution of monthly CoM agenda; taking minutes of CoM meeting and distribute to CoM; monitoring and responding to general emails sent to the club; receiving new member applications; arranging new member inductions meeting; liaising with Flag Officers, Treasurer and Membership officer on new member applications; and issuing access cards. Anyone interested in this role can contact the Commodore on commodore@williamstownsailingclub.org.au.
WSC office
The Committee of Management (CoM) is seeking the assistance from any members who can assist in the office on Saturday mornings. The role would be to assist the treasurer and acting secretary with general enquiries, welcome guests and tours of the facilities. Having another person in the office each Saturday between 10-11:30am means the club can welcome potential members and better service existing members.
Anyone wishing to undertake this role can contact the Commodore on commodore@williamstownsailingclub.org.au.
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Books
Racing Rules of Sailing 2017-20
Earlier this year, Australian Sailing announced the introduction of the first electronic-only edition of the Australian Sailing Blue Book. The 2017-20 Racing Rules of Sailing is now available from the Australian Sailing website.
Rules in Practice 2017-20
This book takes you through the key situations that occur repeatedly on the racecourse showing, from the point of view of each boat in turn, what you may, must, or can't do. The book also contains the new Racing Rules of Sailing in full, with all the appendices. The latest rule changes are highlighted, along with their impact on you as a sailor. Fine this and other great boating books at Boat Books Australia.
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