Our first Sprint Series day is Sunday the 9th of October, this is now just two weeks away !
Daylight Saving starts on Sunday 2nd Oct right after Opening Day this weekend and the first twilight race is on the 6th – thats next week !
The Annual General Meeting of the Vic Association will be held after racing on Sunday 9th October in the member’s library at Sandringham YC.
The association encourages all skippers to attend with your crews even if you are not racing on the first day of the season. Matters will be discussed that concern you!
As your annual class subscription is also due on the 1st October, it would be a good idea to go online to the Victorian page of this website where you can most easily pay the annual fee of $50 per person online. Don’t forget to identify yourself when you do !
For more information on any prior matters relating to the AGM you should contact the President Doug MacGregor on 0400 584 067.
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The club recently held a keelboat information evening where a number of changes coming up were discussed, some of these are very important and the information covered can be accessed here :
syc.com.au/keelboat-information-evening-documents
One of the matters covered is the annual MOB declaration, please note that this is due by the end of October and boats not lodging this form will not score points in club racing.
Entry for our summer series and for twilight racing is now open and you will find a very welcome reduction in entry fees. The Sprint Series is now $80 and the Twilight Series is $100 – your club is looking after you, a parting gift from Kate Mitchell our recently crowned ‘Past Commodore”.
If you have any queries on this please call Doug on 0400 584 067 or Simon on 0413 870046
Arguably the toughest regatta of the year (due to the weather), the 2016 Monjon Securities J24 Winter series has been the closest we have had in years. The top 4 boats each scored multiple race wins over the 15 races. The depth of the talent in the fleet echoed in the final score with only one point between each of the top three boats. The result was only confirmed with the OCS of a back marker on the last day which impacted on the discards. Of note were the performances of John Neville and his Vice Versa team on 20 points, leading until the final day only to come third despite three thirds on the day. Brendan Lee winning the most races, 5 including two on the final day coming second 19 on points and Simon Grain winner on 18. Consistancy wins the day and Simon’s worst race in the series was a third, with a crew who have sailed together throughout the season, they competed in all the races despite the bitter Melbourne winter. Two new comers to the fleet impressed, Stephen Byrne with two seconds on the last day fourth overall and Jack Fullerton sailing his beautifully prepared Two Dogs. This regatta serves as a start to the season, which could see as many a five Victorian boats in contention for the 2017 Australian Championship in Cronulla NSW.
When I read the text message that announced that David Suda and Herschel Landes were selling their J24 , I was not surprised. Current Australian and Victorian Champions, 2016 twilight series winner, David crowned 2015 Victorian Keelboat sailor of the year, they were exiting their extensive association with J24 on a high.
Whist David steered Pacemaker to 3 National titles and multiple state titles, it was Herschel who put the teams together. Both Herschel and I bought our first J’s in 1986, in 1988 we sailed against each other in the World Championships in Sydney where his crew included two World Laser champions, American Ed Baird and Australian Stuart Wallace, Ed steering, later went on to win a J world championship and sail in the America’s Cup. The following years Herschel’s team included Campbell Rose and Addie Bucek, both Olympic representatives, Addie a World Champion.
It was his insight that put these teams at the front of the pack. Herschel also had an eye for the future of the class. He was the principle person who introduced a culture of youth sailing to the class, he along with Damian Lee both worked tirelessly to attract a new breed of junior sailor. Herschel was instrumental in moving the class from Royal Brighton Yacht Club to its current home, Sandringham Yacht Club, a move which not only saved the class, but gave it a new focus, currently boasting the most competitive fleet in Australia.
Herschel sought out the best sailors, both Damian Lee and Australian Cadet Champion Luke Mathews had a stint at steering his boats, but it was the combination of David Suda also a Cadet Australian Champion, steering and Luke trimming that gave them the edge. Apart from multiple titles, they represented Australia in two J24 World Championships, Sardinia and Melbourne 2006.
I spoke with Herschel and reminisced some of the high’s and lows of his 30 years of J24 sailing, many of which I witnessed.
On the low side was wiping out in 30 knots in the 88 Worlds whilst trying to avoid a boat sinking collision with Nick Chapman and Ian Torode, Sailing in front of the Manly Ferry an act that almost cost them, the boat, a fine and the exit of the entire crew, and later that day a T-Bone collision on port tack, only stopping the boat sinking by stuffing the brand new Genoa into the hole. I also experienced disaster as a guest helmsman, Herschel and I sailed in Metung in 30 knots, with the spinnaker up, only to tear the rudder off the back of the boat, resulting in us tipping over and shredding his brand new mainsail …oops.
There are many on the high side, with Luke Mathews steering Herschel told me of the fastest kite run he ever did an estimated 17 knots totally out of control on Lake Macquarrie , their first National Title in Adelaide, backed up with a second in Melbourne against the newly crowned 2016 World Etchell Champion Ben Lamb. How ever I believe they sailed their best this year, despite the absence of Luke Mathews following a horrific accident, the team of David Suda, Damian Lee, Rachel Suda, Heschel Landes and Sam Clayton won both the 2016 J24 National title and arguably the harder 2016 Victorian title.
I have sailed against Herschel and his teams for over 30 years, longer than anyone else I have competed against, we have been fierce and some times bitter rivals on the water, no matter what the event, it has always been sailing against each other to the maximum. I will truly miss that. To Herschel, David and the Pacemaker crew, all the best in whatever direction sailing takes you……….
Starting July 15th 2016 and running until August 15th 2016, for standard North design OD orders confirmed with a 50% deposit and delivery late October, North are offering 10% off.
For more information click here to go to the North Page
Dave West sailing ‘Ace’ powers to windward on the Saturday
The Mexicans are coming!!!!!
Will this be the cry from the border as we prepare for the up-coming NSW States in November and Australian Titles in January 2017. We’ll see…
The Wet Tech Rigging Cronulla J24 Short Course Regatta, started under the watchful eye of Cronulla Sailing Club Principle Race Officer Dave McLachlan. A stalwart at Cronulla who can remember when the Club last hosted a J24 State and Australian Titles back in the mid 1980’s, just like yesterday.
With a solid 18 plus knots from the west and a course set inside the confines of the Port Hacking Estuary, all boats set a jib on the first day. The first race was taken out by the visitor from Sandringham Yacht Club Ron Thomson driving his sister’s boat Wildfire, by 7 seconds to J24 stalwart Hugo Ottaway in Bruschetta IV from Sandringham Yacht Club and a further 30 seconds back to Dave West in Ace from Middle Harbour Yacht Club. The Short Course format with legs of no more than 800 metres ensures close fast racing with the field complete within 4 minutes first to fifteenth.
The second race saw Bruschetta IV again perform taking first followed closely by Wildfire and then to John Crawford our NSW J24 Class President from MHYC in Innamincka taking third. The Third race started soon after in a steady westerly with 20 plus knot bullets hurtling down port Hacking. The third saw Mr Consistency Hugo first with Cronulla contender Barry Ryan in Pinot second and Ace again third. A pattern was emerging…
Downwinds are getting fresh to exhilarating in the short course format
Racing continued with Wildfire returning to the podium followed by Ace then Bruschetta IV, at this stage the Cronulla locals were getting restless. Race PRO made the call to conduct a fifth race for the day knowing the forecast for Sunday wasn’t the most pleasant. And here Team Cronulla showed its tenacity, Pinot first over the line to Wildfire and then Bruschetta IV.
The next day, 3 races were planned to achieve the series as dictated. With the wind abating all decided the Genoa was on. Race 6 saw Barry Ryan return with first, Innamincka and the ‘always there’ Bruschetta IV. Race 7 and again Hugo Ottaway rose to the top with Cronulla local Dave McKay in Stockcar second and Ace in third.
The penultimate race of the series and the PRO calls for three laps, Ace completed the series on a high followed again by Bruschetta IV and Pinot in third.
Sunday’s racing is glamour Cronulla
The presentation was conducted back at the sailing club, taking in the fantastic views from the head of Gunnamatta Bay as all the competitors enjoyed the fruits of the BBQ provided by the always present CSC Volunteers lead by Dennis Mclaren and Ken Mackay.
As you can guess Mr J24 Hugo Ottaway finished in first, followed by Wildfire and Ace in third.
The Cronulla Sailing Club would like to thank its primary Sponsor Wet Tech Rigging and its supporting sponsors Macquart Marine, Quantum Sails, Cronulla Marina, AUSSEA Sailing School, Spot-A-Yacht and Afloat Magazine. Without this support the event would not have been possible.
The Club would also like to thank its volunteers, the Cronulla Sailing Club is run by sailors not employees, and the leader of those volunteers in organising the J24 regatta is Fiona Campbell, without her drive and attention to detail this event simply would not be the success it is.
The next event for the club is the NSW State Titles over the weekend of 6-7 Nov. This is shaping up to arguably be one of the best and most closely contested titles in recent years, with an expected field of 20 plus boats, State, National and World Champions all competing on the waters of Bate Bay.
Just look out for those Mexicans….
Story by Mick Reynolds – (Great work on the whole regatta and story Mick – without you this would not have happened at all, you and your team deserve a huge vote of thanks – Ed)
And the OD results are …
Series Results [Class ET] up to Race 8 (Drops = 1)
As this is going to press the competitors at the Wet Tech Rigging Cronulla J24 Short Course Regatta will be either lowering boats into the water, cleaning out all the accumulated junk from a summer of club racing or simply catching up with old friends and acquaintances made in previous years.
The Cronulla J24 Fleet has seen a surge in interest and over the past 3 years has resurrected a regatta to support the J24 Class and to promote participation in sailing for all who wish to be involved.
12 boats have entered with an expected final number on the start line tomorrow of some 15, possibly more, J24 one design boats.
The Cronulla Fleet is lead by the forever young, David McKay with his race boat Stockcar plus his personnel fleet of 2 other J24’s. Hot on his heels will be Barry Ryan with Pinot, Clinton Hood in Vertigo and Steve O’Rourke in Cini O’ Bryne, last years scratch winner with Steve Quigley on the tiller.
Visiting boats include Hugo Ottaway from Victoria sailing Arthur Crother’s Chaotic, John Crawford, NSW Class President with Innamincka and David West on Ace, both from Sydney Harbour, all getting some insider knowledge on the Cronulla venue host for the November NSW Championships and the Australian Titles in January 2017.
The racing is sure to be close with a windward/leeward course of no more than 800 metres. Conducted in the waters of Bate Bay or the confines of the Port Hacking Estuary should strong winds come into play (forecast to happen ! – ed).
The Regatta is proudly supported by Wet Tech Rigging, Macquart Marine, Quantum Sails, Cronulla Marina, Afloat Magazine, Spot a Yacht Photography and AUSSEA Sailing School.
All results will be posted on the Cronulla Sailing Club website at www.cronullasc.com and the Cronulla Sailing Club J24 Facebook page. Standby for a full race report next week.
Article by Mick Reynolds (The ‘motivator’ at Cronulla)
Watching Two Dogs being christened by Jack’s girlfriend was the culmination of a three year youth program achieving what we had all hoped for, another keen boat owner.
Jack Fullerton entered the J24 world as a youth crew, before graduating as skipper on one of two youth boats, sponsored by class members John Neville and Simon Grain and subsidised by Sidetracked Entertainment Centre, Sandringham Yacht Club and the Victorian J24 association. The J24 class in Victoria has fostered youth sailing, which this year saw Steph Strong and her all girl crew and Jack’s boys team sail in the State titles amongst several past and present Australian Champions.
Following the state titles, Fly Away J came on the market and Jack leapt at the opportunity to get his own J24. I first heard of the purchase when I saw him working on the boat straight after signing the deal, returning the J back to its original name ‘Two Dogs’.
Nothing is more satisfying than seeing the next generation of sailors, getting their teeth into the best one design sailing world wide, it’s the future of our class, well done Jack, welcome and fair sailing in your new boat ……. enjoy……………
Luis came to us at the nationals and did such an impressive photography job for us (for nothing) that I am delighted to be able to promote his J24 pictures and his normal business photography services.
In 2004 Luis hung up his apron for the last time as a qualified chef who has worked in the USA, Europe and Caribbean. He had owned a bar in Port Douglas, tossed prawns on a trawler for a season. He has extensive and varied experience as an employer and an employee in a range of settings.
Luis’ fascination with images started quite young. He decided to take his love of image making to the next level where he went back to school in 2007 as a mature age student to study and immerse himself with other people with the same mindset. This lead him onto a couple of commercial photographers who he still assists to this day in between shooting his own stuff.
Says Luis, “I always enjoyed sports, growing up I played soccer for the local club during my teens, then it was all about Surfing/Skateboarding/Snowboarding/Photography. As a qualified chef I had the opportunity to travel and work all over the world, during this time I decided to follow my passion for sport photography. Once I arrived home for good, I went back to school to study full time Applied Photography for two years, here I was able to get in contact with commercial photographers, The Herald Sun and other sporting photography companies. After several years of this I decided to start SPORTSNAP and when Doug MacGregor contacted me about photographing the J24 Nationals, I was thrown in the deep end so to speak … Which was a good thing…”
Find pictures of your boat if you were at the Nationals or Vic States at www.sportsnap.com.au
Competitors can download images for free, just follow the prompts to checkout…
Having just photographed the Vic States Luis is becoming a seasoned sailing photographer … and his pics are sensational. I am sure Luis will travel to photograph any regatta anywhere, (other work permitting). Talking about other work, Luis is an accomplished professional photographer in the business world too.
He works for many commercial clients ranging from event photography, wedding photography, product photography, portrait and houses for interior designers, architects and builders. Check his work out here www.luisferreiro.com
I am happy to recommend that you call upon Luis to photograph your next project !
Says Luis, “After living on the coast for many years in Port Douglas I never got involved with sailing?? ….. I wish I did…”
‘Stompin’ John Neville rounds ahead of the Black Prince
True to recent form, the real regatta results centred around who would come second, sad really, but the Black Prince is supreme, almost untouchable. I say ‘almost’ because he is, ‘Mr J24’ Hugo Ottaway creamed one off him and ‘Stompin’ John Neville almost did.
In the challenging lighter conditions National Champion ‘Pacemaker’, skippered by David Suda (aka The Black Prince of Sandringham’), sailed what could be described as his best ever regatta. Despite an uncharacteristically larger number of average to poor starts, the Prince silently slipped through the fleet to record a perfect score after the drop. Many thought it would be game over from a position like that however, with great boat speed and excellent tactics it didn’t seem to matter. “Did you see him go past?”, asks my crew, “no, must have gone the other way up or down”, “which way was that?” they ask, “well not the way we went, that’s for sure”. We had a bad regatta.
So who did come second. Well he isn’t a J sailor, none of the crew are J sailors, but they are all bloody good, 49er and top dinghy sailors. Michah Shuwalow is the SYC club coach – seems he knows his stuff. Simon lent his spare boat ‘Make My Jay’ to get him on the water and told him to sail it like a dinghy – looks like that worked ! MMJ might be worth just that little bit more – better rewrite the ad !
Michah Shuwalow – 2nd overall in Make My Jay
And third, collecting the bronze medallions was a resurging Hugo Ottaway ‘Mr 24′, consistent across the regatta and absolutely blitzing Dave in race 3, could have made the Princes’ pedestal a bit wobbly right there Hugo.
This year’s 2016 Monjon Victorian State title saw 20 entries including two from South Australia and two from New South Wales. The depth of talent included past national champions and multiple runners up all vying for a top finish. In true J 24 spirit the regatta began with many boats not passing the maximum crew weight of 400 kgs, (the Jet crew lost 10kg in the last week before) of particular amusement was Brendan Lee running up and down Beach Road wrapped in a plastic garbage bag.
Day one and I was somewhat alarmed to see the measurer (Mr J24) walking down the marina armed with a pair of bolt cutters and blatantly cutting the life lines off an offending yacht – not as alarmed as the owner ! However it was quickly fixed and then ready to sail, despite the concerns of the owner.
The weather range was from 0 to 15 knots with direction the full 360 degrees, fortunately this settled, however there was no consistent pattern making it a fresh challenge every race. With lighter winds, some awkward slop at times and an often tight 20 boat fleet, clear lanes were not easily found, so back in the pack quickly meant further back.
This year we saw new faces in the front pack with Michah Shuwalow second overall and Stephen Byrne in ‘Code Violation’ scoring a 2 & 4 in the last two heats. The race for the minor places was tight with one point between second and third and three points between fourth and sixth. Of special note was the performance of ‘Stompin’ John Neville and crew on Vice Versa, finishing 5th, who made a rush just to get to the start line after repairs from a major collision several weeks prior. They were a regular appearance at the front of the pack only losing one race to Suda on the line. John has become a class stalwart in Melbourne, always with a quip and a smile and soon to take on the running of the Vic Assn from ‘Wee Dougie’ who has done an immense and amazing job of running the association for the past 3 years. We will miss the briefing and presentation speeches from Doug. but as you all know, ‘Stompin’ John has his own brand of humour and presentation. Never a dull moment in Melbourne !
Who could have imagined a couple of hours waiting for wind on Sunday morning at the ‘Balmy Regatta’. Don’t know who started it but we have a new light weather sport – ‘Boat Ball’. With all the boats milling around a small ball is being thrown from boat to boat, some catch it and some don’t, which means a boat scramble to pick it up. Hours of aimless fun in the sun with many dipping into their attitude adjuster supplies – well what the hell, we may not even get to race. But we did.
Boat Ball is in full swing as we wait
A light SW came in and we got away to two smooth water races in the sun and warm conditions – purrfect sailing. Even yours truely put in a better one. He who chose to win banged off another two bullets, visiting ‘Other Dougie’ on the three legged donkey ‘El Fideldo’ and Dave ‘Westie’ West sailing local boat ‘Fly Away Jay’ cemented their 4th and 7th positions. Thanks for coming guys- always a better regatta with you here. Brendan Lee was in there at 6th after having just weighed in finally.
Back in the pack the normal fun loving, hard sailing J crews battled it out, better in some races and down in others – there have to be lots of stories that I don’t know about, I think there was a man overboard somewhere and I know there was plenty of mark yelling at times. Ron beat Janette on points, but Janette won the Thommo Cup – not sure how that one worked out, maybe it was done on PHS this time. Warren Campbell on ‘J Force’ was suddenly fast, blitzing the starts, seems he discovered a huge amount of ‘long time’ water in his forward buoyancy tanks – goes better without it. Nothing wrong with the boat now!
There’s the usual people who get in the same people’s way – you know who you are – there’s the little races within a race actions, the fight for second last place, the younger crews on youth boats and the older guys hanging in there. Once again the women sailing in our fleet is running at about 40% (a much prettier fleet than some), we have female skippers and crews with incredible talent enjoying competitive racing in the J24 fleet. Eat your heart out skinny boat class !
Massive thanks to the sponsor MONJON, SYC race officials who only flew one Black Flag and the interstate competitors who travel thousands of kilometres to make our regatta, of national standard. Thanks also to Luis Ferreiro for taking the most amazing pics out of a less than visually exciting regatta. I will be doing another article featuring more pics from Luis. To see his pics go to www.sportsnap.com.au
With a final score of 5, all bullets, it is no surprise that the Black Prince of Sandringham is once again crowned Victorian Champion.
Day 2 got off to a slow start with the fleet drifting around playing ‘boat ball’ whilst waiting for the wind to settle. Finally two races were held in perfect light balmy conditions. The Prince ran away with the day’s races and that was game over. Well done Dave and crew.
Michah Shuwalow edged ahead of Hugo Ottaway by one point to take second.
John Neville had a great regatta taking out 5th in OD and first in Handicap from Steve Bryne and Simon Picket.
Full report and pics to come. Results on SYC site.
