Greenwich Flying Squadron

Dear Members

It is now just on a month since regrettably due to the Covid 19 situation, we had to close GFS and bring our sailing season to an abrupt end. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of uncertainty about when we are likely to be able to re -open the Club and resume racing. However, I would like to take the opportunity to assure you that it is still business as usual for the Committee behind the scenes and that we are aiming to re-open the club and recommence Club activities as soon as changes in restrictions allow.

To bring you up to date – at our recent monthly Committee meeting (held virtually) we undertook a review of GFS’s financial position and discussed the best way to manage our club events that are scheduled over the next few months as well as our preparations for the 2020/2021 season.

I am happy to report that despite some loss of revenue from Twilights and social events GFS is in a sound state financially. However, given the uncertainty of pandemic we are trying to reduce expenditure wherever possible and this has meant that the purchase of new start boat (previously approved by the Committee) has been put on hold until we have a clearer picture of when the Club can resume normal activities.

The 2019-2020 season’s race results have now been finalised and we will be publishing these on the website shortly as well as in the next edition of Humbug. The formal Trophy presentation will be held later in the year in conjunction with an anticipated Club re-opening.

We remain hopeful that we will be back racing for the start of the new season but will continue to keep all scheduled Club activities such as the AGM, finalisation of next season’s program, safety audits and Skipper’s briefing under review.

You will be aware that under current NSW Public Health guidelines sailing is recognised as an acceptable form of exercise. A recent update from Transport for NSW also states that it is permissible to have more than 2 people onboard providing there is four square meters of space for each person. While hopefully this will provide an opportunity for members to have a break from isolation please remember the overriding requirement is that “unless you have an essential need to be out – stay home.”

In the meantime, the Committee is looking at ways of maintaining member involvement in the Club. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for news items, sailing articles or competitions that you think would be of interest to members.  We also encourage you to keep in touch and view updates via the GFS website and Facebook.

I hope that you all stay healthy and well.

Pam Joy

Commodore, Greenwich Flying Squadron

gfscommodore@gmail.com

Please see the link to the list of entrants as from yesterday afternoon (more have yet to be added), the Sailing Instructions and the Course Maps for the 2020 West Harbour Winter Series.

Race 1 is scheduled for Sunday the 3^rd of May, however, given that the racing is in essence meant to be for fully crewed boats, the current social distancing rules are such that we will not be racing this Sunday.

However, in the spirit of optimism we are pushing forward with race preparations so that as soon as it is safe to do so, we can get out and go racing (hopefully in time for race 2).

Race divisions will be published prior to the first race that we sail (allowing for late entries).

ORC Measurement Handicapping

We would like to encourage as many boats as possible to participate in the ORC fixed measurement handicap racing.

• The BSC introduced ORC Club handicapping to the West Harbour Winter Series in 2016 and 22 competitors took part.
• If you have a production boat, getting a ratings certificate is relatively simple.
• ORC measurement handicapping uses a transparent velocity prediction program to determine a boats performance.
• ORC uniquely gives race organisations the opportunity to handicap boats based on wind strength across three wind ranges.
• ORC certificates also include short-handed, non-spinnaker, inshore and offshore ratings [the BSC uses non spinnaker ratings for our twilight series].
• the BSC is the only club in Australia that utilises ORC handicapping using the wind ratings provided on an ORC certificate. 
• ORC Club certificates are an affordable means of participating in a measurement handicapping system [$90 p.a. through Australian Sailing in 2019].
• You or your sail-maker need to measure your sails and input the data into your ORC Club application.
• You can create a free account with ORC and download the certificates of thousands of other boats that hold a certificate and compare your ratings.
• Apply here.

If you have previously held a certificate, we will use your most recent ratings up until the completion of the third race of this series, after which time each participating boat will need to supply an updated ratings certificate. We will then reprocess results retrospectively. New certificates are issued after June 30, 2020. They are generally processed quickly by ORC. You will need to chase AS who ‘administer’ the ratings certificates.

Please see the link to the Notice of Race for the 2020 West Harbour Winter Series scheduled to commence with race 1 on Sunday the 3^rd of May 2020.

It is likely that the social distancing rules associated with the Covid 19 Pandemic will be such that it is unlikely that there will be a race on the 3^rd of May.

However, in the spirit of optimism, we are hopeful that the series will proceed soon; possibly in time for race 2 [although it is likely that clubs will remain closed for post-race beers and BBQs].

It would be of great assistance to us if those who intend racing [subject to conforming with social distancing rules], would enter as soon as possible so that when we commence sailing we will be prepared in terms of setting up division and handicapping.

Competitors from GFS, PRSC and DSC who have paid their club’s annual race fees do not need to pay to enter, however we do require you to enter this series [see the link below]. Competitors from the BSC who have paid their 2019-2020 series Block Entry do not need to enter. Please see the current list of entrants.

Competitors from the BSC, or from the other clubs who have not yet entered can do so without paying until we announce the first actual race day.

ENTER HERE

Thanks in advance and take care.

Sincerely,

David Stenhouse

The table below addresses the status of common water-based activities under the current Public Health Orders. Further information – https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/covid-19-update.html

Social distancing and social gathering rules are to be observed at all times during any of the below activities. The latest information on social distancing and social gathering rules are available on the NSW Government  website.

When on a private boat, because it is not a public place, the restriction on gatherings of more than 2 people does not apply. However, the skipper is to ensure there is 4 square metres of space for each person on board. If there is not 4 square metres of space per person, the skipper will not be complying with the Public Health Order.

If you are satisfied you meet all the criteria, please still only boat locally.

Remember, social distancing and social gathering rules apply at all times – including at the boat ramp and on your boat.

Skippers must also remember their other safety responsibilities regarding safety equipment, alcohol consumption, keeping a proper lookout and proceeding at a safe speed.

For the latest information on Coronavirus and current restrictions, members of the community are encouraged to check the NSW Government website for regular updates.

There will be no racing this Saturday and going forward, all club activities have now ceased for the season. See the Commodore’s message below.

Following consultation with GFS Committee members and with consideration of Sailing Australia’s guidance to Sailing Clubs (March 19 2020) and the Federal Government recently released COVID-19 guidelines for community sport  (March 18 2020) I advise that all Greenwich Flying Squadron sailing and club activities are now suspended until further notice.

This includes all yacht and dinghy races, social events and meetings. Members may continue to use the Clubhouse to access their dinghies, tenders and yachts but all social gatherings and use of clubhouse facilities are prohibited. 

GFS will continue to monitor and assess risks in relation to members’ health and safety and review this advice in line with changes in Health guidelines.

Thank you for your understanding and on behalf of the Committee I apologise for any inconvenience and distress that this may cause to members

 Pam Joy

Commodore, GFS

The Greenwich Flying Squadron Policy on COVID-19 is that we ask all users of the facility to follow Federal Government advice.

For general advice please see:

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

Everyone must practise good hygiene to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading.

*Visitors to the club do so at their own risk. If you are in a high-risk group (poor health, age) our advice is to stay away*

We encourage all of our members and visitors to familiarize themselves with these key prevention strategies to minimise the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

• DO NOT ENTER the Club if you are unwell (particularly cough/sore throat/fevers/flu like symptoms), have potentially had contact with a case of COVID-19 or someone who is unwell in the past 14 days, or have travelled overseas in the last 14 days.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• Maintain a social distance where possible – 1.5 meters
• Avoid handshakes/hugs
• Sneeze into your elbow or a tissue not hands
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Signs placed inside the club outline hygiene suggestions and hand washing technique. Please adhere to this information. Signs at the entrance to the Club ask people not to enter if they pose any level of threat.

If you have been diagnosed with the virus and have visited the club in the 14 days prior to diagnosis, please advise the club by email to gfscommodore@gmail.com

Thank you for your assistance and apologies for any inconvenience.

Please make sure when you are the last to leave the clubhouse that the doors are locked and the alarm is set. If it has been used also please check the member’s fridge is locked.

You need both your key and card to enter the club. Details regarding the alarm were sent to all eligible key and card holders.

The places for the GFS Australia Day races for yachts (Twilight and Saturday Series) are below.

First place winners will be invited to Sydney Town Hall to receive their Medallions in March.

Medallions for second and third places have either been handed out at the club or can be picked up there.

In more sad news: former GFS member, sailor and documentary producer Rob McAuley passed away on Tuesday 14 January 2020. Rob had a long and productive career in journalism and film dating back to the Melbourne Olympic Games and had many years with Film Australia. He was a great friend and mentor to many people in the film industry.

His publications include  the TV movie ‘The Hunt for HMAS Sydney’ which Rob directed.

His friendly and jovial nature were the essence of life at GFS in the nineties and beyond after a distinguished sailing career with the CYCA. The last boat in which he competed at GFS was the Etchells Raptor.

The two links below give an essence of who Rob was.

CYCA Archive Project Part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFx0m1JZEfw

CYCA Archive Project Part 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IZp6jFdxZo

There is a great tribute to Rob on the CYCA website https://cyca.com.au/vale-rob-mcauley/ . A true sailing legend.

2020 marks the 6^th edition of the combined club’s West Harbour Summer Series.

Race 1 of the 6 race series commences this Sunday the 19^th of January at 1300 hours.

Entries via the Balmain Sailing Club website ASAP.

Please be reminded that this is a Pursuit Race. Entrants and their individual start times will be listed here by no later than 0900hrs on the morning of the race.

The Sailing Instructions and Course Maps are available online.

Regards,

David Stenhouse. BSC

It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Elaine McLaughlin past member of GFS and wife of longstanding member Bill McLaughlin.  Elaine died peacefully at home on January 9^th with Bill and her family by her side.

Elaine had a very long association with GFS, sailing for many years with Bill in our Cruising Division then more recently supporting Bill, daughter Leigh, her partner Margie and son Mark racing on Folklore on Wednesday nights.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Elaine’s Life on 21 January at 2.45 pm at Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road Vaucluse.

On behalf of all GFS members I express our sincere condolences to Bill and his family.

Pam Joy

Commodore

On behalf of GFS Members a belated ‘well done’ to Christian Beck and crew for their efforts in the recent Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

InfoTrack finished the race for line honours in second place and were 3rd IRC in Division 0 and 18th IRC overall.

As first Yacht out of Sydney Heads, the Jack Rooklyn Memorial Trophy and Cannon were awarded to InfoTrack. InfoTrack also received the CYCA Trophies for second over the line and third in IRC Division 0.

This covers shortening the course for Saturday series races. Sailing Instructions (Full and Cockpit versions) on the Yachts – Racing Information page have been updated. Changes in bold type.

14.         Shortened Course. 

a. If a course is shortened after the start, Code Flag ‘S’ displayed at a rounding mark indicates that the course has been shortened.  All yachts after rounding the mark shall proceed directly to the finishing line.  If a Division Flag is also displayed with Code Flag ‘S’, the course is shortened for boats in that division only.

b. The course may also be shortened either at a mark of the course or other suitable location. The Start boat will fly a Blue Flag to signal they are on station and Code Flag ‘S’ at the finish. Yachts should pass between the club mark and the start boat from the direction of the previous mark of the course.

20.       Finish Line. 

a. When finishing, boats must pass between the Club mark and the Blue Flag on the Clubhouse mast or on the Blue Flag on the club launch.  The Clearance mark does not apply at the finish.

 b. Where the finish is from the Club launch the line will be set at an appropriate position relative to the last mark passed. The Start boat will fly a Blue Flag to signal they are on station and Code Flag ‘S’ at the finish.

 c. When a finish buoy has been set a yacht must not re-cross the finish line after it has finished (pass around the buoy end of the line). Also see SI 26(b).

d. In Twilight and Saturday Races, a finish line may be set from the club launch without a pin end buoy. Code Flag ‘S’ and the Blue Flag will be flown from the club launch and the line set between the launch and either the green navigation buoy at Greenwich Point OR the green navigation buoy at Balls Head OR the ferry wharf at Longnose Point OR the flag mast at Hunters Hill Sailing Club OR the flag mast at Balmain Sailing Club depending on the last leg of the course being sailed.

e. Note:  RRS. Rule 31 applies at the finish.