Author Archive
The GFS Annual presentation recognised achievements in races over the 2014 – 2015 sailing season. More importantly it provided an opportunity for skippers and crew to meet, greet and discus a range of topics in a relaxed atmosphere on the ‘Deck of Knowledge’.
The presentation itself rivalled the Eurovision Song Contest in both style and substance. We were fortunate to have Peter Notley and the inimitable Joe Walsh to present some of the awards. We were also honoured to have our own sailing icons present for the event – Keith, Hans, Alan and Mick.
Commodore David managed to get through a huge number of awards in an entertaining and efficient manner.
Commodore David addresses the extended Deck of Knowledge
It was an event not to be missed. The snacks provided were excellent and we thank Glenda, Pam J, Lesley and Pam B for their effort in providing and distributing food to all corners of the clubhouse (sorry if I missed anyone).
As some award recipients were not able to attend their skite plates are on the window sill in the entry foyer of the club. There are also some Australia Day Medallions as well. It would be appreciated if these could be collected.
Full listing of 2014 – 2015 prize winners
Under grey skies Race 1 of the West Harbour Winter Series started on Sunday with 55 yachts (and 1 catamaran) contesting in the four divisions.
The winds were light and variable which made for some testing sailing. The course was shortened allowing all fleets to finish.
A good day was had by (almost) all.
Tana vying for the lead in Black Division at the first mark off Snapper Island.
The next West Harbour Winter Series race is Sunday – August 9 – Race 7. There will be a presentation at Drummoyne Sailing Club – Sailors’ Bar after the event. Prizes will be awarded for Race 6 courtesy GFS and Race 7 courtesy DSC. Overall series results and the winning club Trophy will also be presented.
L’Atitude – WHWS Race 6
A final reminder –
The start for all WHWS races will be in the triangle between Cockatoo Island, Longnose Point and Greenwich Point.
Race information will be relayed on VHF 72
The Sailing Instructions and Results for the series are below:-
An invitation is extended to owners of eligible boats to enter the third annual West Harbour Winter Series comprising of 7 point score races starting on May 17 and ending on August 9th.
The Organising Authority is Greenwich Flying Squadron (GFS). The Notice of Race is here.
Skippers have been advised by email but if you missed the communication and want to sail in the series entry can be made from the link below. Please respond by May 10.
The results for the Saturday Summer Series for Blue Division were not updated after being adjusted to rectify an error in recording the finish. Apologies for any confusion.
A crew member from Blue Chip, Phil Lambe, sent this message to Mal Blomfield who is lost somewhere on the Western Front.
Please let Phil Hare know if there are issues. The results in the Yacht Results are not complete.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.From In Flanders Fields by John McCrae (1872–1918)
Lest we forget
The ANZAC log passing the club pontoon
In true ANZAC tradition the departure of the GFS fleet was delayed by weather conditions. This proved to be a good thing as it allowed GWhereareyou to start as they travelled from their new mooring at Coasters Retreat.
Course 10 proved elusive as the pre start fleet searched the western front for the location of the start boat which was nicely camouflaged along the Birchgrove shore. It was very hard to pick a course in windless conditions but the choice seemed to work with the resulting wind direction. The Blue fleet set off after the bugle sounded and headed for Compass.
Solitude revelled in the conditions and led the race right up until the last post. The fleet stayed as unit for much of the race and it wasn’t until the charge to the finish that the Chippies made a break on the others. At the finish Chloe, Speedwell, Eggshells and Gwhizz finished within a minute to end hostilities.
Honour roll – Solitude, Speedwell and Blue Chip. In Red the depleted unit headed into battle with the F troop momentarily leading the charge but falling. From then Joka took up the charge and continued to increase their lead with military precision. Flair battled the elements and attempted to make up lost ground. Zig Zag came home like the charge of the light brigade. Joka took the honours and in the true spirit of mateship the F and Z troops couldn’t be separated and tied for last.
Luckily we all made it back before the gusty change, thunder, lightning and hail.
Autumn Race 7 Results are here
GFS Young 88’s Andiamo Gerry Morcombe and Mind Over Matter Julian Todd competed in the just concluded Young 88 NSW Championships. The series results are here.
Autumn Race 6 the penultimate event of the season saw grey skies and looked foreboding but the rain held off and the wind hung in for a good day on the water. A good group met back on the deck after the race to discuss the merits or not of the day’s sail and possibly lynch the person who writes these reports.
The full talent of report writing which could deserve such treatment is on exhibition in the full race report which is here.
Next Saturday in the true ANZAC tradition is the final race of the 2014 – 2015 Season. The Flair reenactment of the landing on the GFS pontoon generally went un-noticed as we farewelled one of the F-crew after the race as he left for Gallipoli.
Sound Track Crew’s Victory Dive
Although the planned race to Manly and return for all divisions did not come to fruition, the starters and the ‘Deck of Knowledge’ in all their wisdom decided that a somewhat shorter course was in order.
Soundtrack was the ultimate winner and you can see the crew’s victory dive in the photo.
All the goss on the race is here.
