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It is with sadness that we note the passing of ‘Bill’ Wilson. Bill along with his brother Tim took on the responsibility of laying the start/finish marks for twilight races and the custodianship of Pegasus.
Bill’s death notice appeared in today’s paper.
WILSON David Paget Avonmore (Bill)
Passed away on Monday December 18th, 2017.
Devoted and much loved husband of Lilly, dearly loved by his brothers Tim and Peter, and in-laws of Wilson’s and Markos families including many nieces and nephews.
Bill’s Funeral Service will be held in the East Chapel of the Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 199 Delhi Road, North Ryde on THURSDAY (December 21st, 2017) at 3.30 pm.
This year the maxi yacht Infotrack (sail number SYD 1000) is sailing under the GFS banner to Hobart. Infotrack, previously Perpetual Loyal, is now owned by regular GFS Twilight competitor Christian Beck, his brother Darren another GFS regular is also part of the crew.
Perpetual Loyal was rewarded last year after modifications were made by breaking the Sydney Hobart race record set in 2012 by Wild Oats XI, by four hours 51mins and 52secs, finishing in the time of 1 day 13hrs 31mins 20secs and culminating in second overall and second in Division 0.
We wish both Christian and Darren all the best for a safe, fast and successful race.
The position of Infotrack can be followed throughout the course of the race on the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race site or here.
The Twilight duty roster has been updated again (December 8, 2017). Please check the roster yet again to see if your boat is rostered for duty.
It is important to attend if you are rostered to share the load on the night.
The updated roster is on the Yachts Racing Information page or Yachts Twilight page or HERE
All yachts registered at GFS are invited and eligible to sail in the West Harbour Summer Series.
Races are held every second Sunday commencing on January 14, 2018.
Please see the link to the 2018 West Harbour Summer Series Sailing Instructions.
We have also created Course Maps.
The list of entrants and start times list of entrants and the allocation of Divisions and Start times can be found via the ‘Results’ section of the Balmain Sailing Club’s website.
If you intend competing and your boat is not listed, please enter using Top Yacht via the Balmain Sailing Club’s website, or by clicking here by no later than 10.30am Sunday.
The West Harbour Summer Series will consist of 6 Pursuit Races.
There is no entry fee payable for competitors who have paid their full season race fees at the Drummoyne Sailing Club, Greenwich Flying Squadron and the Parramatta River Sailing Club.
Next Wednesday December 6 is the annual visit of Youth Off the Streets to GFS. Please read the following message to ensure that all runs smoothly on the night.
“We are asking yachts that normally tie up alongside before the racing to keep the two sides of the pontoon clear from 5:00 pm so that members can launch tenders from the sides if need be. This will allow yachts clearer access to come alongside to pick up visitors.
We want to take extra care with our visitors and keeping the pontoon readily available will help.
Also a reminder to skippers to offer the visitors life jackets if they are not strong swimmers.”
Last Saturday, November 18, saw the conclusion of the Spring Series with Race 8. The day proved challenging with some heavy gusts hitting the fleet as the battled around Course 19.
The series places in Division 1 were –
1st TISM 11 points
2nd Blue Chip 15 points
3rd Gwizz 21 points
In Division 2
1st Paca 9 points
2nd StarElan 16 points
3rd Umzimkulu II 27 points
Well done.
The latest issue of Humbug is available HERE.
It is a brilliant edition with some great stories, quiz and a photographic competition for you to enter.
For a nostalgia kick you can see Humbugs back to 2003 by clicking on the Humbug tab above.
We email Humbug to members. The last was on Tuesday November 7. We of course don’t agree with the classification but if you did not find our Humbug email please check your junk mail folder.
A few photos taken by Geoff Lucas of the sunset and light conditions for the most recent GFS twilight. The twilight race started with a whimper and finished with a bang when a 20 knot southerly kicked in. The first half of the race (all the way to Goat Island) took 2 hours while the return for some took 20 minutes.
Geoff took the photos with his iPhone camera.
Twilighters and Saturday Sailors
A 5 month construction of a new wharf off Longnose Point, Birchgrove began last week.
You’ll note from the image above, the existing wharf is being entirely replaced by a structure which will extend a further 12 metres into Parramatta River. You can see all the details on the RMS web site HERE.
The area under construction is contained within yellow marker buoys. PLEASE KEEP CLEAR !
Congratulations to intrepid GFS Commodore David for his seventh (?) placing in the recent Laser World’s in the GGM Class. A very credible result considering the 60 odd boats contesting the GGM and 75+ classes.
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The event was conducted by the Mornar Sailing Club in Split, Croatia. Geoff Lucas also contested the 75+ class.
A healthy crowd of skippers and crew attended the skippers’ information evening on Wednesday September 27 at the GFS clubhouse.
Is is an essential that all participants in GFS events are made aware of their requirements and the clubs responsibilities.
If you missed the evening please read the summary of the presentation here. Have your crew view it as well. This presentation is also on the Yachts – Racing Information page.
The night culminated with a tour of the Water Police vessel and off course the extended discussion on the fabled ‘Deck of All Knowledge’.
A very important key learning from last night…
If you have an on-board emergency and need to call for help,
in order of priority:
(i) Call VHF 16
(ii) Marine Rescue (02) 9969 3270
(iii) The Water Police at Marine Area Command (Balmain) – (02) 9320 7499.
….CALL “000” AS A LAST RESORT….
Equipment auditors will check the the equipment listed on the Category 7 form available on the GFS website (here).
A detailed description of the required items which has been supplied to auditors is available here.
It was good to see boats well-prepared for their audit – as you can see it kept the GFS Auditors very happy!
Yes it was a windy afternoon. Course 30 kept the fleet between Spectacle and Snapper Islands and the ‘top’ mark at Longnose Point.
Please note that the starters flew the WHITE flag to signal the start of Division 2. See the Course sheet for details.
The wind was so bad that as yet the results have not appeared on the website. I’m sure they will shortly!
Well done to those that braved the windy conditions.
Chloe, Paca and StarElan
