What a day!

Families and friends on their chosen craft racing around the awesome Jervis Bay, with a moderate South to south east breeze that sometimes tricked even he most experienced local sailors. The fleet of 13 cats carved up the bay in 3 early races with frenzied activity at each of the starts. A compressed line made all competitors think about were best to position there attacks on each race. With some interesting attempts at dipping being trialed a bit of barging and bluffing practice as well can only mean one thing, its getting close to some serious cat racing on our wondrous bay. A quick look at the Hobie race calendar reveals that this coming weekend see's VSC hosting the Hobie state titles. 

So after a nice lunch break and a bit of friendly banter they all went back out for 2 more races. An interesting event took place at the start of race 4 two sound signals after the start, well from my position it was one of the funniest and scariest things I 've seen, disbelief , confusion and what do we do now all starring straight back at me the lone starter. GENERAL RECALL!!!  No way - not here not at Vinie! That hasn't happened in 30 years and Skewesy had nailed it, he thought the wild cat must travel faster then the speed of sound because he was gone, no turning back until a quick glance back reveled the unthinkable had happened. After I had gathered my thoughts we got the race under way with a great start and they all blasted away what a sight. Starting the last race of the day was as exciting as the rest of them  (I reckon Maca sets his alarm clock early as well) 

It was a great day's sailing plenty of positions changed during the day, some new crews out on the water, big smiles and lots of laughter. A big thanks to Maria who gave me a hand on the start boat in the early session.

Cheers Adam

Blown Away

Well, what a beautiful day Sunday 13th October. 

The best part was to welcome back James R. It was great to catch up with his life experiences of New Caledonia. Or just chat.

Three 16's got on the water about mid day, Mick and an unknown crew, Graham and Paul, and Scott and Simone. Graham & Paul made a spectacular return to the beach when the NorWester hit. The other two boats, returned with big smiles on their faces.

The main group of boats had made it to the beach only to be sat on to hold them down, before being de-rigged on the beach when the NW hit.

Then it was time to get the Waves rigged for some fun. Yes fast and furious - just ask our newest member Kayle, he didn't stop talking about the control or out of control ride he had. Wow!  The three boys were out to have a good time. Pat made an interesting stage left? Why Pat? Not long after Kayle was in and lucky Will had an out of controlled ditch but at-least he stayed with the Wave. All the way to the rescue part at the point. It was not until Scott and De were on their way out on the second Wave that they saw the second head of Kayle further out. Both Pat & Kayle enjoyed that sail.

There was a lot of questions asked about the Forster weekend. This is hear say Quinny did us proud. Pat with Upu said he came second infront of Mick, so a well done was my response but does Pat tell the truth?

Darryl and Sue enjoyed the weekend, Sue having the usual bruises to show off what a swing around the front of an hobie 18 will create. Darryl couldn't stop talking, if you go to one regatta it must be Forster! It has atmosphere as all the great old & young up and coming were there.

The rest of the motley group went over to Callalla Bay for an enjoyable weekend. That is Scott & Simone, Andrew & his crew. And others too many to remembered by this old sole. Sorry. I did hear that Tait and Kyle represented over there to, their dad Adam helped Scott out on that crowded beach front for space. The weekend was a success for the Callalla Bay Sailing Club.

So the rest of the afternoon was spent having a nice lunch prepared by three young girls. A few cold drinks and a slow completion of putting the boats back on their trailers. Sorry James, only a ride on the wave for your first return maybe next weekend, we all will be out there. 

It was also noted a one PS number plate was seen going along Elizabeth Drive with a new Hobie Wildcat. Bailey and Peter on Saturday joined a fleet of 16s on the water on Saturday arvo

- John & Clare, Peter & Nick, Mick & Pat and Andrew & Will. They were out there practicing for the World's by going on one tack for four minutes  in pairs then tacking to see which pair had the wind advantage? Peter said it was a surprise, the middle of the bay had the advantage, which had gone against his 18 experiences.  I think those 5 boat out there on Saturday had the best of the conditions. Envy is a virtu. They say.

For those that did hit the water on Sunday, it can be said they had a wild and wooly ride. It was noted those who didn't make it, were riding Ford or Holden home on the mountain.

See you next Sunday on JB.

Lady Hobie

Navy Day

Fun day was had on Jervis Bay. The club shared it with the 8-10 Navy ships from a variety of visiting Countries. We all looked up into the Sky to watch the Navy Helicopter perform off the Point. During the races two Water Police went through on their Seadoo  ski-doo ,what ever they are called? The club also had a guest visit from the Tri Owned plastic boat oh its called a Getaway, however they were very unsocial, they only wanted to see Navy Boys?

Well back to Racing, John gave us  5 races on the day, where we had an offset buoy for all races. The two in the morning, where John made a special comment of “Over the lines by a certain youth boat” then “2 boats being recalled”

It could be said the current was running against us at the top mark. This sent a couple of boats for gybes to get back up to the mark., that was frustrating.  It was interesting to see the brotherly Fortier’s find enough wind to tip in after the second race?????

Congratulations to Howard, it was noted your boat completed all races on the day.

Thanks to the Pascoe Family for a great Lunch break, where we had a nice visit from the Skews family.

The afternoon did itself proud, the wind built up to 15 knots for the last race. The most interesting thing noticed was the amount of times the poor new buoys got underneath hauls or sideswiped by a number of different boats in different races, they stood up to the task, which is good to see. 

            Thanks to Andrew & Mick ( I think Pat did the pulling of the sand bags) for the great job they did on the boat ramp, a lot less stress when bring boats down & up.

Thanks’ to Donna, John and Adam for the start boat duty.  Except for to top mark in the morning was set so that the current or swell was running with greater pace than the on coming wind, which made it interesting for the novices, a few words were offered up to the Gods.

I’d like to wish the boats that go to Forster or Callalla , all the best. Do us all proud and come back with the trophies.

Special Wishes to the Newly Weds. We all know who you are. Have a nice Honeymoon.



Lady Hobie (with a little help from Big John)

Who is "Lady Hobie"???

What a great day, 12 boats on the water at some time during the day.

Welcome Uncle Mick & Karen Kenny, who are made a spectacular entry to their warm up for the World’s Grand Masters. However it’s not good to have two blind people on one boat. It was noticed they headed off to the hazard marker off Plantation Point. Mick did say that the reach back was the best sail of the day! From their second race came the question why do the battens keep getting caught when tacking, the wind was a bit light!

Glad to see our new 18 member Daryl & Chloe out there, disappointing to hear the deck needs some repairs. See you back after Forster ready to give the other 18”s a run for their money.

Congratulations to Will’s new crew Ben who had his first experience of racing on Jervis Bay, the skipper was pleased with your performance. It must be also noted they had Mick Butler ‘s old but still new boat. Their place of 3rd and 6th is a credit to you both. Patrick you better watch out or you may lose the honor of number 1 crew.

Dobbo & Helen did let Rowen & Rowie beat them in the first race, what a gentle man you are Dobbo!

Sorry, Egbert’s first day back sailing after dropping his mast last season was not great. The new rigging needs some adjustment is the rumor going around.

Quinnie made it out for second race, which is good for the 18” fleet. Unfortunately the wind dropped. For Dobbo & Uncle Mick they both made great improvements in the second race..

Oh yes Scott had a gun crew of Ellie and Banjo, who seemed to enjoy the conditions. Which is pleasing for the young girls.

Look out for Jeremy and Rana especially Jeremy as he is the skipper at the top mark, he has been known to mark other boats. But be aware Jeremy changes sails to be inconspicuous.

They was another two stand outs on the day, Dianne & Howard, went out one up. Howard only for a jolly, but Dianne to do well with the above mentioned sticky Jib It is also noted you were a little under weight De.

Thanks to Kerry for kitchen duty and Graham with Paul on start boat duty. All had an early day.

Lady Hobie

New sailing season kick off

What was already shaping up to be a pretty, scenic day on Jervis Bay with light E/ENE winds was further enhanced by the presence of 10 very colourful Hobie 16's (well except for 'upyazall' maybe, who's younger years could well be some time ago) and 2 Hobie 18's. Nice to see Tait and Donna on their crisp and bright looking 16, and welcome to Darryl and Sue as new members to VSC . Good to see them and also Jeremy rock up on their 18's, hopefully that sets a trend, as there'll be plenty of competition of the 16's this season in light of the upcoming Worlds.

The added value of Race Officer of the day Egbert had perhaps less to do with setting a proper race course, but more with keeping the !#$%tards honest, as on several occasions teams squeezed across the start line early.

See the race results for more details; the performance of youth team Wil & Patrick is noteworthy, they consistently sailed fast in all races, well done guys! And if Jeremy and Rana manage to sail as well down wind as they did upwind, I can see some trophies change hands at the season's conclusion. 

Egbert

The Season Wraps Up

The footy season has dinted the numbers but those that sailed enjoyed a delightful day and a gentle nor-easter. Dianne continues to improve as she comes to terms with the speed of her new boat. The Doopers shone in the light conditions taking all three line honours. The fortiers were again showing signs of 16 envy, rumour is, something they will soon cure themselves.

What a great season it has been and lets hope everyone has a relaxing off season to gear up for the Hobie states and then to welcome the world to our little slice of sailing paradise next year.

See you on the water

New Boats on the Beach

Racing began a little later than usual due to Dianne surprising us with her new arrival – Hobie Girl, a very nice looking Hobie16.

Then there was the late arrival of Mick Williams, the come back king with his new $200, 70’s model Hobie 16 – UPYAZOL.  Some members wouldn’t have even met this Hobie 18 legend from the past.  After some blood, sweat and almost tears, she was ready to race when the rock star current Australian Hobie 18 champ Richard Quinn rocks up to skipper UPYAZOL.

Pat and Will sailed hard and fast in race 1 sporting a new Hobie 14 main supplied by Hobiecat Australia thanks to Steve Fields.

The heavy weight Hobie 18 sailors had UPYAZOL smoking in race 1 & 2. I’d forgotten how impressive Uncle Mick’s trapezing style was!

Speaking of old sailors, I had my wonderful wife, Helen crew for me.  Things were tight with Pat & Will on the down wind to the finish. 

Graham showed some speed on the downwind leg and was hard to shake.

Egbert and Sebren crossed the line first in all four races.  Quinnie  sailed UPYAZOL one up after leaving the owner on the beach after lunch.

Thanks to Jeremy, Rana and John for race management and all involved in the delicious lunch.

Macca

5 Knots for a Fleet of 5

A small fleet of 5 hobie 16’s took to the water on Sunday in a slight sou-easter. In race 1, Scott gave the fleet a 1 minute head start but sliced through the fleet to take out the win. In race 2 James made a good start and led from start to finish with Scott and John hot on his tail. During lunch, the breeze swung nor-east and strengthened slightly much to the delight of the everyone. With some crew swapping, the fleet of 5 took to the water again. In race 3 Dobbo and Dianne couldn't hold a last downwind charge from James and Tait and race 4 wrapped up a very pleasant day on the water.

Jezza

Quinny Wins National Crown

Over the new years holiday, several Vincentia Sailing Club members traveled to Melbourne to compete in the Hobie Cat National Championships. Racing was held over 5 days with the race committee hosting over 60 races across 9 divisions. Crews from Vincentia competed in 3 divisions bringing home national titles in 2 of those.

Father and daughter team of Richard and Rachael Quinn won the Hobie 18 division with an outstanding performance on the final day of racing. Quinny produced 2 first places in the final 2 races and overcame a 6 point deficit to clinch the title by 1 point. Last year's title holder Jake de Rooy and Rohan Gillmore also sailed well to place 3rd in the 18 division.

In the Hobie 16 fleet, family combinations again proved successful with father and son team Mick and Patrick Butler winning the masters division. Patrick stepped into to crew after Mick's crew Worsty was unable to compete at the last moment, allowing Mick to successfully defend his title from last year. Andrew and Will McKenzie brought home 3rd place in the Hobie 16 masters fleet to complete the podium places for the Vincentia Sailing Club.

Also representing VSC were Hobie 18 sailors Glen and Michelle Gilby and Hobie 16 sailors James Rhodes and Tait Fortier, and Pete and Bailey Skewes. Congratulations to all the Vincentia sailors, for more details on the race results check out the Hobie Nationals website, www.hobiecatnationals.com.au or the Vincentia Sailing Club website, www.vincentiasailingclub.com.au.