MHYC yachts stand out in the Combined Clubs

The final Sydney Harbour Combined Clubs Inshore Series race for 2023 was conducted by Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron on Saturday December 9 and MHYC yachts excelled.

In the 15 boat PHS Division 1, Toy Box 2 (Ian Box) took the race win and is second overall after for races.  There are 23 boats in PHS Division 2 and Wailea (Neil Padden) claimed the Saturday race win.  Wailea is second behind Stormaway (Jack Stening & Colin Gunn) in the series score.  In the 14 boat Division 3 PHS fleet, Escape (Dean Dransfield) placed second on Saturday.  Escape sits in fourth overall after for races with Waterborne Agan (OIoff Tromp) in second place. 

MHYC boats are dominant in the rating categories.  In Division 1, Toy Box 2 leads the ORC and IRC pointscores with Kukukerchu (David Ross) in second.  Stormaway tops the ORC and IRC leaderboards for Division 2 with Wailea in second.

There are three more races to conclude the Sydney Harbour Combined Clubs Inshore Series with the next race on January 20 being hosted by RANSA.  Results for MHYC competitors in these races also contribute to the Inshore Annual Pointscore.

To view the latest Combined Clubs Inshore Series results – click here

To view the latest MHYC Annual Inshore Series results – click here

Photos by Marg Fraser-Martin

Read more: MHYC yachts stand out in the Combined Clubs

Inclusive Sailing Easter Regatta

An Inclusive Classes Regatta was conducted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club over the Easter weekend attracting sailors from four Australian States and Territories and a team from New Zealand.

The Hansa 303, Liberty and International 2.4mR are all small keelboat classes enjoyed by sailors of all ages and abilities around the world. 

Twelve of the 31 sailors who competed in the regatta have some form of disability.  Sailors who are blind or have low vision, with deafness or hearing loss, wheelchair users and those with limited mobility – all raced with and against non-disabled sailors for four Open State Championship titles.  An acoustic buoy was provided for vision impaired competitors sailing solo in the 2.4mR and Hansa 303 one-person divisions.

The event incorporated the NSW Championships for 2.4mR and Hansa classes and was the inaugural NSW Para Sailing Championship with scores for eligible para sailors extracted from the open results.

While Sydney turned on some beautiful autumn sunshine across the weekend, the north-easterly breeze was slow to arrive on the first two days of racing. On Easter Monday, racing was finally able to get underway on time, enabling all divisions to complete a good number of races for their series.

Peter Russell (ACT) posted five race wins from six starts to claim the NSW 2.4mR Championship.  Charles Weatherly (VIC) finished with a two-point margin to daughter Ali Weatherly to win the NSW Hansa Liberty Championship.  Chris Symonds and Manuela Klinger (TAS) had a perfect scorecard in the Hansa 303 two-person Championship and Symonds backed this up with five wins from seven starts in the Hansa 303 one-person to secure two NSW Championship titles.

In the NSW Para Sailing Championships, Chris Symonds took out the Hansa 303 one-person and two-person competition, Ali Weatherly (VIC) was best in the Hansa Liberty and Peter Coleman (VIC) claimed the 2.4mR title.

There was a great atmosphere of friendship and cooperation between all the competitors and volunteers at the regatta, but one example of kindness stood out.  After two days of racing, vision impaired Kiwi Paulien Chamberlain was hot on the heels of Chris Symonds in the 303 one-person division and striving to keep ahead of Victorian Stephen Griffiths.  The breeze was freshest on the final day; 13-14 knots and increasing when this group started racing in the second session.  On the first upwind leg, Chamberlain suffered a mast failure and with just one further race to complete the series was destined to tumble down the order with a DNF and DNS to finish.  In a generous display of sporting spirit, fellow New Zealander Rhonda Ritchie retired herself from that race so Chamberlain could change into her boat to contest the final heat of the championship.  Chamberlain went on to secure her only race win for the series and maintained her second place on a tie-break from Griffiths.  Ritchie’s gesture was warmly celebrated at the prizegiving ceremony later in the afternoon.

An Inclusive Sailing Forum was also held at MHYC on the Sunday evening following racing, attracting an audience of sailors, officials, administrators and other interested people.

Ali Weatherly outlined the makeup and activities of Australian Sailing’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advisory Group, Sarah Ross provided an update on World Sailing’s Para Classification Working Party and David Staley described the work of World Sailing’s Inclusion Development Working Party.  The open forum generated discussion on a range of topics with Hansa Sailing’s Chris Mitchell emphasising the importance of inclusive design and Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club Vice Commodore Julia Hornsby highlighting the value of sailing clubs taking a more inclusive approach.

Thanks to the race management and shoreside teams, especially the Sailability Middle Harbour volunteers, the event ran smoothly on the water and at the dock.  Gratitude also to photographer Marg Fraser-Martin who was on the water every day to capture the action.

Major inclusive classes events to be held in Australia over the coming year are:

• October 2024 – Asia-Pacific Hansa Class Championships at Southport Yacht Club QLD.
• November 2024 - Sail Melbourne and Australian Para Sailing Championships at Royal Brighton Yacht Club VIC.
• January 2025 - 2.4mR Australian Championships at Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club VIC.
• March 2025 - Hansa Class World Championships at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club NSW.

For links to the MHYC Inclusive Classes Regatta results, NSW Para Sailing Championships results, photo galleries and event information, visit the event webpage:  https://mhyc.com.au/sailing/regattas-championships/inclusive-classes-regatta

Photos by Marg Fraser-Martin

Read more: Inclusive Sailing Easter Regatta

Nominate a Young Person to Sail on HMB Endeavour

The Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation will support up to five young Australians to participate in a tall ship adventure.  On 15 February 2024, HMB Endeavour will embark on a 15-day voyage to Lord Howe Island, offering an unforgettable experience of blue water sailing in this exact replica of an 18^th century barque.  This will be a unique opportunity for the successful applicants to not only to learn to sail a complex eighteenth-century vessel, but also to gain life-long skills including teamwork and communication, practical decision-making, flexibility and resilience.

Successful applicants must be:

• An Australian citizen
• Aged between 18 and 24 on 1 February 2024
• Be available from 15 - 29 February 2024
• Be able to get themselves to and from Sydney at their own expense

There is no formal application form however ANMM needs to receive a written response by Friday, January 12.

Please see the information sheet for more details - click here

Read more: Nominate a Young Person to Sail on HMB Endeavour

Helly Hansen Women’s Challenge for the final race of SHWKS 2024

The Helly Hansen flag was hoisted at Manly Yacht Club over the weekend for the 29th anniversary of the Helly Hansen Women’s Challenge. There was a record number of entries for the yacht race on the Sunday with 42 boats listed across the two divisions. Conditions were looking dire in the morning with the fleet bobbing around with no wind in the Sow and Pigs starting area fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time. A call on the radio from maritime announcing a huge tanker coming in the heads created another difficulty for the race committee. As the breeze filled in there was a sigh of relief with the starting gun set to go off at 1pm for division 1 just half an hour later than planned in a moderate easterly breeze. Competition was tight on the start line with boats jockeying for position but both divisions managed a clear start with only one OCS across the fleet despite the outgoing tide pushing boats closer to the line.

The Overall results in Division 1 Bridget Canham took out first place on It Happens with Esprit (Christine Mah) coming in second place and MHYC boat Jambo taking third spot skippered by Stephanie Cook. In Division 2 Catherine Thornton-Rofe came in first place on Kaotic followed by Melody (Marike Koppenol) in second spot and Ace (Tegan Franklin) in third. Tracy Richardson took out first place for Division 1 in the All Female category in her Adams 10, Artemis.

The MYC Women’s Challenge was the fifth and final race of the Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series, now in its third year. The collaboration between Sydney Harbour Clubs CYCA, MHYC, RSYS, RANSA and MYC is now a popular staple amongst the women’s sailing fraternity.

Congratulations to MHYC’s  Katie O'Mara and the crew of Birubi J70 Racing taking the overall win in Division 2 of the female helm. Tracy Richardson and the Artemis crew winning Division 1 of the all female crew. Thanks to the combined efforts of all the clubs hosting this year and a huge round of applause for Marg's Yacht Photos and her great shots out on the course.

We look forward to seeing more boats participate in the series next season.

To view Marg Fraser- Martins photos click the link below.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/rh8tlmhaen6usmovjh5v0/h?rlkey=ztn30p0co70v6qvxipb8ohf84&dl=0

For full results of the HH Women’s Challenge click here https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/23/results/series/3520/races/24190?handicap=5

For the SHWKS click here https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/27/results/series/2715/races

Read more: Helly Hansen Women’s Challenge for the final race of SHWKS 2024

Australia Day Harbour Parade

There’s no better place to be on Australia Day than sparkling Sydney Harbour! Here’s your chance to be part of the annual Harbour Parade where you can dress up your boat and crew and challenge for ‘Best Dressed’.

In 2024, the Harbour Parade will be part of the exciting new Harbourfest program which will take to the sea, shore and sky with an abundance of free and fun activities… and to top it off, all parade participants are now in prime viewing position for the annual Ferrython’s new race route (see attached).

Vessels of all shapes and sizes are welcome to join the flotilla. Prizes will be awarded to the winning vessel in each of the following categories:

• Budgie Smuggler Award — Best Small Vessel
• Best in the Biz Award — Best Commercial Vessel
• Hello Sailor! Award — Best Newcomer
• The Captain’s Choice Award — Best Dressed
• Going Overboard Award — Most Imaginative

In addition to the Ferrython front seat, all Harbour Parade winners will also gain exclusive access to the managed viewing area at Jeffrey Street Wharf for the Australia Day Live spectacular in Circular Quay where you can listen to the concert via FM simulcast and watch the choregraphed fireworks from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Registrations close 5:00pm AEDT on Monday 15 January 2024. Register here

Download the Ferrython Map here

Read more: Australia Day Harbour Parade

Combined Clubs Inshore finale

Saturday’s Combined Clubs Inshore Series finale, also part of MHYC’s Inshore Pointscore, was sailed in some testing conditions.  A gentle East South-Easterly breeze changed direction and strength as it passed over the harbour’s headlands and fanned out of the bays. 

At the conclusion of the Combined Clubs Series that attracted 59 boats for the seven races, MHYC boats dominated the leaderboard.  Toy Box 2 (Ian Box) was first in Division 1 on ORC and IRC and second on PHS.  Wailea (Neil Padden) finished on top of Division 2 on ORC and PHS, while Stormaway (Jack Stening & Colin Gunn) took the series win on IRC.  Innamincka (John Crawford) and Waterborne Again (Marc Tromp) finished first and second respectively on both the ORC and PHS series scores.

In the MHYC Inshore Pointscore Division 1, Toy Box 2 claimed the trifecta on ORC, IRC & PHS handicap.  In Division 2, Contentious (Brian Lees) took the win on ORC and Adams 10 One Design, while Small Gains (Don Colantonio) was best on PHS and Wailea took IRC.  In Division 3, Innamincka won on ORC and Waterborne Again on PHS.

MHYC Inshore Pointscore Results – click here

Combined Clubs Inshore Series Results – click here

Thankyou to Marg Fraser-Martin who was on the water for the final day of racing and captured all the action.....

Read more: Combined Clubs Inshore finale

Seven Islands Race Report

The Seven Islands Race was in fact abbreviated to a five islands race in 2023, ensuring all boats were back at the club in good time after a circumnavigation of Cockatoo Island. While rain showers crossed the harbour regularly throughout the day, the breeze held across the course to provide an enjoyable sail. 

Congratulations to Mitch White the crew of Infotrack who finished ahead of Kukukerchu (David Ross) and Revolver (Michael Ritchie) in Division 1.  John Crawford’s Innamincka was first home in Division 2, next was Shibumi (Bryan Moore) and Waterborne Again (Marc Tromp).

To view the results – click here

Despite the grey conditions, Andrea Francolini managed to capture some great photos of the Seven Islands Race...........

Read more: Seven Islands Race Report

Commodore's Update - February 2024

To read the Club Update from Commodore Rob Aldis  - click here

Read more: Commodore's Update - February 2024

Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship ends in a thriller

The 2023 Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC) was decided over two offshore windward/leeward courses today and Bob Cox’s Nine Dragons along with Jack Stening and Colin Gunn’s Stormaway, came away the victors, Stening commenting, “The final race was the most exciting I think I’ve ever done.”  

Competitors put yesterday’s Passage Race and awful weather behind them to concentrate on a completely different style of racing in the Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s (MHYC) hosted event today. The first race was a two-lap course in very light air, the second a three-lapper to finish the event, but the sun was out in full force. 

Nine Dragons, a DK46 with a sting in her tail, came into the day third overall in Division 1, but won both of the day’s races to win Division 1 of the Championship. Cox was nothing short of elated.

Cox beat yesterday’s leader, Gordon Ketelbey’s TP52,  Zen and Ian Box’s Toybox 2, in the first race. He followed up by beating MHYC Commodore, Rob Aldis’ DK46, Khaleesi and Zen in the second. 

So Zen claimed second place overall, Khaleesi third. Toybox 2 just missed out on countback in such a close series.

A stunned Cox was almost wordless this afternoon, discovering he had won across the board: IRC, ORC and PHS.

“The boat is running a set of offcut sails and yet the old girl is going better than ever. We are completely amazed that we won. We’re even more amazed that we actually managed to beat the TP52 (Zen) twice today. That’s our biggest achievement of the weekend,” he said.

Cox was full of praise for his fellow competitors. In part, he said, “In the last race Khaleesi had a good run and beat us for the first time ever across the finish line. They sailed well. We were absolutely on their tail though, so beat them on handicap.

“Julian Plante did our tactics and the whole crew sailed really well over the weekend,” Cox said, to cheers from his crew.

Stormaway, owned by Jack Stening and Colin Gunn, was sitting pretty in second place heading into today’s races and ended up winning Division 2. Stening said the pair’s thrill of the day came from the final race and it certainly made up for the day’s opening race.

“The first race was AP’d then we started in Watsons Bay. We had to get out the Heads in light air. We were last out! Then we worked our way up a bit,” he said of their fourth place finish. Sebastian Hultin’s Georgia Express won that race from Peter Farrugia’s Bullwinkle and Matt Wilkinson’s Foreign Affair.

A north-easterly breeze built to around 10 knots. Stening related: “In the second race, it was as close racing as it gets. We had a big fleet on a short start line  - both divisions - and it was an offshore start. We chose to go in the second line near the start boat. From there, we fought to cross the boats as our division approached the top mark.

“We were first at the top mark the first time. We were crossing two and three boats at a time and they were doing the same, all going flat out, leaving just a coat of paint between us all in a 12 knot breeze! It was wonderful.

“As we were coming into the Heads, we were getting 15-20 knot gusts, surfing with Bullwinkle and Foreign Affair. The two finished the Championship second and third overall respectively.

“We were surging and it was so exciting. The whole race was so exciting. You don’t often get that,” he said before adding, “Colin steered and called tactics; he did his usual good job,” Stening said.

“We were third over the finish line, but finished with Jupiter right on our stern (Ian Smith’s Jupiter won that race from Stormaway and Bullwinkle). “We could hear Billy Sykes (North Sails sailmaker) giving advice to the crew on Jupiter and I called out to him ‘What should we do’? He is a lovely man and a great friend,” Stening said, laughing.

For full results and all information, please visit: www.ssorc.mhyc.com.au   

Di Pearson/MHYC media

View the SSORC photo galleries - here

Read more: Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship ends in a thriller