Archive for May 2016

There is an amendment to the WHWS Sailing Instructions

It brings the scoring system to be fully in line with the RRS and the standard TOPYACHT settings. See here.

The actual published results on the website are in accordance with this amendment.

With respect to final series results, it is unlikely that any boats will be disadvantaged by this change.

However, if any boat thinks they are we will review and if required amend the final series results to ensure that is not the case.

 

IMG_1633The Annual Prize Presentation was, as always, a glittering affair and despite some notable absences was well attended. On display were trophies, some of which have a long and significant history and are extremely valuable.  They provide a record of past achievements and past members.  When all set out they make an impressive display.

One trophy of special significance is the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Australia 1997 IMG_1647Commemorative Trophy.  This trophy is awarded to a club member for service to GFS over a long period.  This year the worthy recipient was Richard Imlay for his role in fostering and organising the GFS Junior Sailing program for several seasons.  The trophy was presented to Richard by out-going Club Patron John Notley (pictured).

 

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Another GFS Trophy of significance which was presented was the Balmain and Allan Trophy awarded to best performed yacht in the Twilight fleet over the entire season. This was presented by John to Malcolm Blomfied – BLUE CHIP.

 

IMG_1670As the Saturday fleet does not have a weekly prize presentation like the Twilight fleet more trophies are awarded for Saturday winners. Of special note is the sponsorship of the Down Harbour Series by Joe Walsh Rigging Services. We thank Joe for his continuing support. In Joe’s absence the Down Harbour Trophies were presented by Harvey Porter recently awarded Lane Cove Citizen of the Year.

Pictured is Harvey presenting the Joe Walsh Down Harbour Division 2 Trophy to Cec Williams – JOKA.

A full listing of this season’s GFS Trophies and the reason why they were awarded is here.

Following this race, races will be fortnightly, WHWS Race 3 is on June 5th.

WHWSThere will be a presentation of prizes in the Sailor’s Bar at DSC after Race 2 on Sunday.

The next presentation after Race 3 will be at BSC.

Thanks to Gerry Brooks (DSC) for this report. Last Sunday was a bit of a disappointment. Race 1 started in light winds of about 5 Knots from the North West. This held up for a while, but, sadly faded away as the afternoon wore on. The course was shortened at the Manns Point mark and about half the fleet finished.

Balmain Tiger led the first division fleet with X-Ray in second place. Delirium showed a clean stern to Red October in Division 2. Division 3 was won by Eau De Vie and in Division 4, only two boats finished before the deadline; Loose Change and Umzimkulu 2. The 5th Division consisting of six J70s was won by Y-Knot which took the honours from Juno by a margin of 4 seconds.

Congratulations Harvey!

Lane Cove’s Annual Citizenship Awards were held on Wednesday 11 May to recognise the outstanding contribution of individuals and organisations within the Lane Cove community.

HP2Councillor Deborah Hutchens, Mayor of Lane Cove, opened the proceedings with Councillors presenting Awards across 12 categories.

The evening culminated in the announcement of Harvey Porter as the recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award for 2015. Harvey has been the President of Lane Cove RSL-Sub Branch since 2001 and has been actively involved in a number of organisations including the Greenwich Flying Squadron.

Rosalie Lucas was the recipient of this prestigious award for 2014.

Photo: Alfonso Calero

The Combined Clubs (BSC, DSC and GFS) are very pleased to announce that as of Thursday (May 12) 65 yachts have been entered in the 2016 West Harbour Winter Series.

This year there will be in Five Divisions, with the 5th division being for a fleet of J70s.

Follow the link below to the Sailing Instructions. Note: There is also an amendment which includes Division 5  (J70s) – https://www.balmainsailingclub.com/racing/racing-results

Follow this link to entrants, divisions and handicaps:

https://www.topyacht.net.au/results/clubs/balmainsc/2015/kb/whws/01entr.htm

The level of interest in the measurement handicapping system being used in this years series, ORC Club is most pleasing. It is expected that as many as 18 competitors will be competing under the ORC Club measurement rule. ALL competitors will still be rated using the usual PHS which remains the events principal handicap. Those with an ORC certificate will be given PHS and ORC results.

 

The final race for the GFS 2015-2016 season was sailed in balmy conditions – warm temperature with little wind.  The wind apparently was somewhere from the North or North West or West, who could tell. There was barely enough breeze to fill spinnakers of those who decided to carry them.  In the case of Gwhizz they seemed to sail quite well without using a kite.

Initially the fleet in both divisions stretched out only to bunch up at the shortened course finish. In all a memorable day to end the season.

Provisional results –

Autumn Series

Blue Division               Foxy, Speedwell, Gwhizz.

White Division             Paca, Umzimkulu II and Flair equal second

Overall Series

Blue Division               Blue Chip, Gwhizz, Eggshells

White Division             Flair, Umzimkulu II, Paca

I would like to thank the starters Hugh and Xavier for their effort and dedication this season. Their involvement has allowed us all to sail and provided a consistent start regime.  Also thanks to the skippers and crew who have participated in Saturday sailing this season.

Upcoming events –

WHWS (entries via the Balmain Sailing Club website).  Race 1 – Sunday May 15

GFS Prize presentation – Saturday May 21 from 1500hrs.

 GFS SailPass
 GFS SailPass

Crew List
Entry
- here

GFS Facebook Group