Update: Don Deller Pittwater Weekend to go ahead

Dear Members and Friends of BPYC,

The Don Deller race weekend was abandoned last year due to a Strong Wind Warning.

However, I am pleased to announce that the 2021 DON DELLER Pittwater race weekend will be held on the 6th and 7th of February commencing with the OFFSHORE race from Obelisk Bay to Lion Island followed by the DOUBLE SPRINT Series Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Please see the attached Notice Of Race, Chartlet and Sailing Instructions. This exciting event is also open to boats that don’t regularly race with the BPYC, please contact me directly if you are interested in entering given we are getting quite close.

Any questions please write to bluespointyc@gmail.com or call me at 0411 100 093.

Michael Jansen (Commodore)
Blues Point Yacht Club

Happy New Year and Upcoming Races

Happy New Year everyone!

The BPYC wishes you all the best for a happy and healthy 2021 full of fantastic sailing on Sydney harbour. Speaking of which, below are some updates on upcoming races. Please check the updated race calendar for a full overview. The COVID-19 situation remains volatile and the the club is monitoring it very carefully. The BPYC will continue to strictly follow government and SA guidelines and regulations - if there are any changes, members and skippers will be informed as soon as possible.

BPYC-SASC Interclub series ‘Sheep Station Trophy’

Race 4 of the series will get under way as planned on Saturday 16 January 2021. Race 1, originally scheduled for 19 September 2020, is now rescheduled to Saturday 20 February 2021.

Here is a link to the entry form for these races.

Don Deller Weekend

The Don Deller Pittwater Weekend event is still tentatively planned for 6-7 February 2021. However given the current outbreak in the Northern Beaches area there is a chance the club will need to make changes to ensure compliance with regulations and keep everyone healthy - we will keep members and skippers closely informed.

Next BPYC Spring Series Race 8

The final race of the regular 2020-21 Spring series is planned for Sunday 10 January 2021. Information around this will be shared as usual closer to time.

Sue Heyder Christmas Race and Christmas Party confirmed for 05 December

Friends and supporters of Blues Point Yacht Club,

You are warmly invited to attend the club's annual Sue Heyder Christmas Race and the Christmas Party that follows.

This year, because of COVID and its impact, we're doing things a bit differently.

For a start, the Committee has resolved that because of the number of cancelled races in the Spring Series (and the limited opportunity to reschedule them), the Christmas race will now be a point score race for the series. More details to follow in the Notice of Race for that event.

The Christmas function itself will be a get-together at our 'clubhouse', the Blues Point Hotel, from 3pm to 5:30pm on Saturday 5th December 2020 (i.e. after the race).

BPYC is subsidising the event. For $10 each, attendees will receive a selection of food as well as 3 drink vouchers (available for house wine, beer and soft drinks).

The event will be held in the back half of the pub (restaurant section and outdoor area) and is limited to 50 people in total (due to COVID restrictions)., with a limit of 4 people per booking, on a first come first served basis for bookings.

You can book now, via TryBooking, at:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=684764&

If you need any further details, please contact me either by email or phone.

Cheers,

Bill

Bill Steenson
Secretary/TreasurerBlues Point Yacht Club
Ph: 0478617191

BPYC Spring Series 2020 - Report Lady's Day Race 6, 08 November 2020

Race 6 was the Annual BPYC Lady’s Day Race.

There is a brief recall of the experiences directly from our intrepid Lady skippers:

————————————

Alissa Braden, BLUE SKY

Having the opportunity to be able to skipper a J109 at 13 year of age and being able to place reasonably well was so empowering to say the least. At the beginning of the day in the pre-start, the nerves began to kick in but the great supportive crew and I pushed though and managed to have a great start.

We chose to reach to the East Channel mark which set us up for 1 spinnaker run to Manly West. This was great fun and we absolutely powered though, getting some 15-20 kt gusts and amazing lifts, helping us reach a max of 8kt boat speed. Once the spinnaker had been fully raised, I got extremely nervous for some reason and I started to shake after we got a bullet of 24kts, consequently making us round up. I was pretty terrifying but we managed to push though and get some great boat speed and smashed it though the relatively big offshore waves coming though the heads.

Although we had a small problem dropping the spinnaker we had a great mark rounding and on the first upwind leg, catching some amazing lifts and managing to make it all the way to the first top EC mark in 2 perfect tacks.

Overall, it was an extraordinary experience and I’d be honoured to do it again next year.

Congratulations to all the lady helms who competed in the race. It was challenging conditions and we all sailed well.

thanks, Alissa 

 ——————————————

Cad Currie, CONQUISTA

Ladies Day was adrenaline filled (for me at least) and a great race. Not having helmed Conquista at all (nor helmed a Ladies Day race for 10 years) and with more breeze than forecast, I was a little nervous, but benefitted enormously from a rather haphazard pre-race sail around the start line as I tried to get a feel for the helm (v handy that we didn’t all start at the same time… that’s all I can say).

Craig fortuitously added the tiller extension to lighten the helm, and with our stalwart crew in top form we soon settled into our positions. Once on top of the basics we were able to concentrate on the smaller adjustments to inch our way to success, with Chris constantly adjusting and often telling me to “stop pinching” (a common theme).  The course and breeze allowed Conquista to lift her skirts on the reach to Manly (eloquently said by Chris) so although we set up the spinnaker sheets we decided against the kite, it could have got interesting with our mix of regular and irregular crew who hadn’t sailed together before.

Pic (our tall ship expert) was invaluable in sailing us safely back to port, especially while she was juggling a celebratory sparkling wine plus cheese and biscuits on her lap. The perfect end to a great race.

Thanks for Chris for being my mentor, Bill/Joerg my usual crew mates who know the course inside out, and thanks to Craig (and other absent owners) for being brave enough to let me helm (especially as I hit a boat last time I helmed Ladies Day - but that’s another sailing yarn…). 

Cheers, Cad

 —————————————

Sneha Kadam MEGISTI

As we motored our way to Clark Island, Hugh asked me if I wanted to take over the helm. I happily took over, only to realise that he & Sam were not joking about me having to steer for the race that day! This would be my 5th time on a sailboat, so helming for a race was exciting but also a little daunting at first.

After a few tacks & surprise gybes (thanks to me), we discussed our strategy down the course. As always, Hugh was as calm as the wind that day & guided me to pick a point on land in the direction of the mark & head towards it. He told me to watch the tell-tales like a hawk.

Heading down towards Manly was amazing, until I had to work the waves just in front of the heads. Sam was amazing help as always, consoling me when I steered into the wind too much, slowing us right down. As I was on the helm, he was working the head sail by himself like a machine. 

Overall, it was an excellent day & I am so proud to have been the helms-woman for the Lady's Day Race aboard Megisti.

Thanks!

Sneha

 ——————————

Stefani – CELETE

Here are a few lines in my beginner English.

My husband and I came from Germany to Australia in December last year. We live in McMahons Point and watched the sailboats in Berry’s Bay very often. We always said we would like to learn to sail in Australia. After the bush fires COVID came and we could again only watch the boats. Then I met Alan through a mutual friend and he asked me if I would like to spontaneously helm his boat 'Celete' during a race. I said spontaneously NO. It would be crazy to do something like that without experience. But he didn't leave me alone and my husband did not leave me alone after I told him. So I did it!
The morning of the race I felt bloody scared. The first half of the race I was very tense. Especially when the boat once leaned over for a short time. But from then on it was pure fun. After this exciting day I can say that I was very happy to have been part of it. 

We had a lot of fun, met very nice people and would definitely do it again.

Stef

 ———————————

BPYC Spring Series 2020 - Report Race 4 11 October 2020

Race 4 was quite an event with the forecast showing we could expect 5 knots at 13:00 and building to 15 knots in the late afternoon. However, the weather gods didn't follow the forecast.  

When the gun went off at 13:00 it was blowing already about 12 knots from the NE which, as the day went on, built to a steady 16 knots, gusting as much as 22 knots through the day.

Course 1 was called with Megisti on scratch had a clean start as the gun (hooter) went off followed by Conquista, Blue Sky and Martela coming up the rear.  The racing was close with Megisti and Conquista being the first to turn west towards the Rocky Point mark. Blue Sky sailing in close under Middle Head in the slight swell and gaining on the leaders.

Meanwhile Martela's was blindly heading towards Manly West mark (the Commodore set the course but had a different number in his head).  Half way across the heads, Martela  tacked to port after realising their mistake then saw how much more ground they had make up.  First around Rocky Point was Megisti followed by Conquista and Blue Sky gaining quickly in the freshening breeze. Last to round Rocky Pt was Martela, aiming to make Cannae Point in one tack.

After rounding Cannae Point and the fleet heading south, Megisti and Conquista were sailing in close proximity enjoying close race conditions on their way to the Shark Mark.  Somewhere in the vicinity of Steele Point they were passed by Blue Sky and soon after by Martela. 

Martela carried the spinnaker down the harbour and managed to keep it floating until a rather unpractised gybe at Shark Island.  Blue Sky was ahead having rounded Shark Island and set the asymmetric for the reach to the finish line.  

Just beyond the Shark Mark Conquista passed Megisti and it was now more of a drag race than a tactical one.

As Martela was closing on Blue Sky they must have thought "can we beat them"? 

It was a close tussle with Martela catching up, even ahead at times. This continued right to the line where it was too close to call.

I think it must be a first in a BPYC race with a dead heat for first followed by Conquista then Megisti.  A great day was had by all, with more wind than forecast and no damages reported.

Remembering David Swain

Dear members,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of David Swain's passing in the early hours of this morning.

David was the current Vice-Commodore and a founding member of BPYC. He held the position of Commodore for 3 years (1997 - 2000) and again for another 3 years (2008 - 2011). He was a strong supporter of BPYC and was much loved around the club and Blues Point Hotel (his local).

He will be sadly missed.

We invite you to leave your thoughts, wishes or memories of David in the comments field below.

Michael Jansen
Commodore
Blues Point Yacht Club

Race 5 25 October abandoned/ postponed

This morning's updated Bureau of Meteorology forecast at 05:40am has retained the Strong Wind Warning for today and tomorrow.

As per the club's risk management plan item 3.4, today's race is abandoned/postponed.  

Due to the racing calendar being very full, it will be difficult to reschedule the race. However, your committee will consider the possibility have the race rescheduled.

Michael Jansen (Commodore)

Blues Point Yacht Club

Covid-19 Update: Australian Sailing guidance

Message from the Commodore.

Dear Member,

Australian Sailing received advice from NSW Health last week regarding community sport in the current COVID environment. Sailors are requested to comply with the recommendations from the Chief Health Officer to all community sports organisations to avoid inter-regional mixing, in particular within the Greater Sydney area. 

NSW Health have requested State Sporting Organisations for water-based sports in Greater Sydney (i.e. Sydney Harbour), to designate at least three (3) ‘regions’. Australian Sailing have followed this request for the longer term benefits of the sport and proposed the regional zones as requested (click link). These designated local area zones are current until the end of September.

Over the next 5 weeks it is recommended, where practicable, that skippers sail with crew who usually reside in their own local area. The intention is to discourage travelling for community sport. If you live in Area A, you should, where possible, ideally sail with a crew who are also all from Area A. Given the somewhat arbitrary nature of the harbour divisions, skippers will need to decide how best they can comply with the new recommendations while still safely crewing their boats. 

The club does not have the resources or authority to monitor or enforce the new recommendations. As always, skippers take responsibility for the health and safety of their crew. 

The club understands that the introduction of the ‘Sailing Regions' may potentially limit some boats and crew from being able to compete. It has been decided (and agreed by other clubs on the harbour) that the results of races conducted during the period of the recommended restrictions will not contribute to any Pointscore. This decision has been taken so as to not disadvantage those skippers who may feel they are unable to race because they, or members of their crew, live outside the designated club region. At this stage, it is our intention to continue with the club racing program, until the government reviews this position, which is expected in the first week of October. The club shall keep you informed of any changes to that plan. 

Please be aware that these 'Sailing Region' restrictions do not - for the moment - apply to social sailing or cruising.   Nevertheless, we seek your assistance in conforming with the recommendations, where practicable. This is a unique change to how we normally sail and compete but is intended help ensure that sailing is seen to comply with NSW Health recommendations for sport in general.

Note:

·       It is still possible for boats from other regional zones to join us on the water for racing

·      It is still possible for all Members to come visit the Blues Point Hotel so long as the COVID-19 protocols implemented by the Hotel’s management are followed

·      Everyone is required to complete our Crew Contacts declaration (via SailSys.com.au) for each Club race you intend to participate

Yours in sailing, and please stay safe.

Michael Jansen

Commodore

Blues Point Yacht ClubPO Box 7040, McMahons PointNSW 2060

Spring Series 2020 Race 1 Report

The call was Course 5 with the possibility of being shortened if the wind didn't fill in. With a westerly that appeared to freshen a little, scratch boat Megisti crossed the start line at the pin end on a starboard tack. She appeared to be moving well, but ahead, it looked like a large hole half way to Fort Denison. That hole wasn’t the only one to affect today's competitors… 

As it turned out, it wasn’t the fastest of first legs, especially for the first two boats. Second to start, Conquista spotted Megisti off the northern end of Fort Denison, thinking for a moment that she might have already rounded the Fort. But no, just like Conquista, both were still struggling to reach the first mark of the course more than half an hour after the start.

Blue Sky started strongly at the pin end while Martela, tacked as the wind turned and then ran the line before crossing to make slow progress while trying to avoid that hole.

After rounding the Fort and heading east, Blue Sky set the Ayso and had to sail deep to mid harbour, into yet another hole. Meanwhile Martela sailed higher into Athol Bight with a symmetric kite... at least she had some semblance of a "breeze".

Each came close, but not too close, to the channel marker at the southern end, before rounding the Fort and heading on an even slower (is that possible!) leg towards Shark Island, gazing at the leading boats in the distance. Even Megisti’s kite didn’t seem to be of much help at that stage. (But more on that kite later).

By this time Megisti was well around and Conquista just passing the Fort.

Eventually a couple of decent gusts got them going again. Conquista took a wider line around the top end of Shark Island while Megisti opted for closer in.

Then it was a zig zag course down to the Rose Bay mark (“No, it’s not the Shark Island mark, it’s the other one”), with one particular stand-up paddleboarder seeming to be a fan of taking another zig-zag track that brought him across in front of Conquista a couple of times on the way to the mark. Who was stalking whom?

All competitors suffered around the course with a lack of significant wind making it both challenging and frustrating.

Rounding Shark Island Light, and due to the failing winds the call came to shorten course (Course 5 Short). Blue Sky came within a boat length or two of Martela as she continued to sail higher to the Rose Bay mark, pulling away from Blue Sky. Martela hoisted the kite as she rounded Rose Bay and straight-lined it to the finish. As Blue Sky passed Shark Is. she hoisted the kite but it wasn't until well past Shark that the issue got resolved, sailing strong with the finish in sight.

For Conquista and Megisti it was a zig zag course down to the Rose Bay mark (“No, it’s not the Shark Island mark, it’s the other one”), with one particular stand-up paddleboarder seeming to be a fan of taking another zig-zag track that brought him across in front of Conquista a couple of times on the way to the mark. Who was stalking whom?

Some helpful breeze and plenty of tweaking of the sails, Conquista rounded the Rose Bay mark a couple of minutes ahead of Megisti and then tried to find the best course to the finish having opted not to run a spinnaker. And so it was, when Megisti put up the kite she gradually overtook Conquista (at the breakneck speed of about 2 knots) and then opened up a gap of several minutes before the finish.

With barely a cloud in the sky and a bit frustrating in the light winds it was a lovely day on the harbour.

2020 Annual General Meeting Held

Owing the challenging Covid-19 situation the 2020 AGM was quite different affairs to usual. Normally we like to sit down for a very long lunch in the Blues Point Hotel with a bit of AGM business conducted between courses. This year a small group of members met in Lavender Bay, strictly adhering to social distancing guidelines, and got straight down to the agenda and completed the AGM in a record 13 minutes (sic).

Firstly, congratulations to Hugh Babington and Megisti for a clean sweep of the Spring and Autumn series as well as the overall Club Championship 2019/20. The other winners are listed in the Commodore’s report of the 2019/20 season which is attached at the bottom of the report.

Talking about the Commodore: the club would like to express a big think you to Chris Winston, who after 1 year as Vice- and 2 years as Commodore stepped down from the committee and handed the helm to Michael Jansen (if you haven’t met Michael yet, please find below a short biography).

The 2020/21 season BPYC committee will be: Commodore - Michael Jansen; Vice-Commodore - David Swain; Treasurer and Secretary - Bill Steenson; Ordinary members - Carl Braden; Joerg Klug and Hugh Babington. Thank you to Jeri Childers how stepped down from the committee.

At the AGM the club granted life membership to Dolf Gulicher for his exceptional service to the BPYC.

A warm welcome to Michael Jansen, 2020/21 Commodore of the BPYC

‘Outside of working as an IT Program Manager, I enjoy being on the water with mates and forgetting the worries of the world.

I started sailing in my early twenties on a Paper Tiger cat that I rebuilt from "junk" and had great fun.  My next foray into keel boat sailing was at MHYC on a Hood 23 "Namara".  Many years as a loyal crew, I started Wednesday sailing with the same skipper on an Adams 10 "The Force".  I started offshore sailing on a Cole 43 "Ruff n Tumble" including several Mooloolaba races and the 1984 Sydney - Hobart.

In 1985 I came over to BPYC racing on "F22 @ 10" with Alan Rintoul for many years while still racing Wednesdays on "The Force."

I also started sailing at SASC in their twilight races on different yachts and ventured on my 2nd Sydney - Hobart on A21 "Wide Load" a Swarbrick 41 from SASC and MHYC.  That was in 1989 and I can talk about that another time.

In 2000 I raced in my 3rd Sydney - Hobart with my friend John Cameron, a former CYCA Commodore on More Witchcraft.  
My last Sydney - Hobart on a Foundation 36 (look it up) was in 2004 and I actually crossed the finish line for the first time.

More recently I have been racing in the BPYC races on "Martela" the IMX38 never missing a race, and continue to enjoy the sailing and the people at BPYC.’

Report and Results for Autumn Race 8, 5 July 2020

Skippers, Crew, Club members and Supporters

With an on-time start boat, a 12/18 knot WSW wind, and a slightly diminished fleet of five starters, it was a pivotal moment when Megisti requested a delayed start due the massive CYC fleet powering across Clark Island at the beginning of our race. 

Sadly, Cap’n Hugh’s delayed start request was denied and so he instituted his own by about 14 seconds before proceeding to Manly on Course 3, followed by Clonnie and Conquista, the latter deciding not to fly a spinnaker but to goose wing most of the way to Manly. 

Martela, with its colourful, asymmetric spinnaker and loyal crew, had a good start, but seemed to lose speed after passing the Kentucky Fried mark and decided to take the longer course to Manly by heading towards Steele Point.

As excitement raged further down the order, Cap’n Carl’s Blue Sky experienced a minor twist in their asymmetric spinnaker just past Clark Island. However, it wasn’t long before the crew whisked the spinnaker down and up again to have Blue Sky flying high, heading due North to Manly, overtaking Martela near Middle Head. 

It was Megisti first round the Manly marks, followed by Clonnie with Conquista close on her stern.  Unfortunately, after passing Clonnie, Conquista suffered a sheet override as it headed towards the Eastern Channel mark.  Determined action by the crew sorted this out in time to avoid a close encounter with South Head.

As all yachts tacked back and forth from the Heads to Shark Island, Blue Sky managed to power past both Conquista and Clonnie. However, it was Megisti first across the finishing line, just over two minutes ahead of Blue Sky.

A cracking day of sailing for all, followed by an enjoyable get-together and presentation at our favourite Blue’s Point pub.

(Thanks to Sue-Maree, crew on Blue Sky, for this report).

Kind regards

Chris Winston
Commodore
Blues Point Yacht Club

Report and Results for Autumn Race 7, 14 June 2020

Skippers, Crews, Club members and Supporters

It was another lovely Winter’s afternoon and a good breeze for the second-last race of our 2019-20 season.  BPYC’s race coincided with the first race of CYCA’s Winter Series which had about 107 yachts across nine divisions plus eight Sydney 38s.  They were no doubt intimidated when they realised they’d be sharing the Harbour with four boats in the BPYC racing fleet, and pleased they weren’t racing against us

It was great to see so many boats out again, enjoying our wonderful sport.

The predicted Westerly arrived which allowed Course 1 (Rocky Point).  BPYC hadn’t sailed this course for some time, so it was a good opportunity for navigators and crew to re-acquaint themselves with the location of the Rocky Point and Cannae Point marks.  

As usual, Megisti was the first boat away with only one task: to keep all other competitors behind her.  The others' handicaps had shortened by two to three minutes since Race 6, so it was going to be a harder task this time.  Conquista was next to start, followed by Martela ahead of Blue Sky by one minute.   Blue Sky decided it was time to add more sail power in order to overtake its friendly rival and so broke out the Code 0.  It set well but still wasn’t sufficient to catch Martela which carried a symmetric spinnaker from broad to shy between Bradleys SWM and Middle Head.  This allowed her to keep building on the one-minute lead.  

After rounding the Rocky Point mark, Conquista tried her spinnaker to take advantage of the fresh Westerly, but after some trouble with setting, decided to abandon it before leaving Middle Harbour.  At this stage, Megisti was still in the lead.
After rounding the Cannae Point mark, Megisti opted for the Eastern Channel whereas Conquista chose the Western Channel.  This seemed to make a difference, because the latter had passed the former by the time they’d reached Steele Point.  Meanwhile, Blue Sky was still unable to catch Martela, and indeed, unable to see any of the other competitors in front of them, scattered as they were amongst the CYCA fleet.  Was Blue Sky destined to come last?

The picture wasn’t clear until about half-way between Shark and Clark Islands on the way to the finish.  Conquista was well ahead, Martela not that far behind her, but Megisti was further North so there was a chance for Blue Sky to avoid last place.  And that is how it finished.

Congratulations Conquista on a race well sailed!

Chris Winston
Commodore Blues Point Yacht Club

Report and Results for BPYC Autumn Race 6 (Trevor & Finn Memorial), 31 May 2020

Skippers, Crew, Club members and Supporters

After a break of more than two months due to Covid-19 restrictions preventing racing, it was liberating to be back on the water.  Considerable cloud cover and a cool wind had competitors donning warm clothing and jackets before the start, but by the time we reached North Harbour, the cloud had broken and we were treated to a lovely, sunny, Winter’s afternoon.  

Handicaps had tightened a little, and with two of the main rivals, Blue Sky and Martela on the same starting time, the scene was set for a good race.  Of the two, Blue Sky had the slightly better start, leading Martela by 5 seconds.  On Blue Sky, it looked like start to Manly would be one tack, but a wind shift and a Manly Ferry required some action by the crew, constantly trying to maintain their lead over Martela.  Meanwhile, Conquista, which had started 9 minutes before Blue Sky and Martela, was endeavouring to keep that lead.  However, it was not to be, and she was passed by both not long before the Manly West mark.

As usual, our scratch boat, Megisti, had cleared out early and maintained her lead even after the Manly East mark.  She was seen heading South again with a well-set spinnaker and Cap’n Hugh and crew Sam intently concentrating on keeping it that way, and keeping the bigger boats behind.

Blue Sky with an asymmetric spinnaker, maintained a good lead over Martela with a symmetric, squeezing her out from an attempted passing manoeuvre at Sow and Pigs.  However, the faster Martela achieved coverage and passed Blue Sky before the Eastern Channel mark.  Now it was up to Blue Sky to do the chasing, while Martela had her sights on Megisti, still with a comfortable lead even after rounding Shark Island.

Meanwhile, Conquista, which had taken a much longer course between Many West and Eastern Channel mark, had caught up considerably with her symmetric kite, and was not that far behind Blue Sky just after Steele Point.

So it was all down to the final leg from Shark Island to the finish.

However, little could be done in the lightening winds and in one of the tightest finishes in many races, first to last was only separated by 4 minutes and 16 seconds, and second to last by 1 minute and 4 seconds.

Congratulations Megisti on winning the Trevor & Finn Memorial race!

(PS, For more information on the hard-working Trevor & Finn, former stalwarts of BPYC, see “The Carpet Cleaners” at Poets’ Corner on the BPYC website).

Return to Sailing and Racing with BPYC!

Skippers, crew, Club members and supporters

Remember those days of great sailing on Sydney Harbour and especially the cut and thrust of competitive racing, followed by pleasant banter and refreshments at our favourite club house, the Blues Point Hotel?

Well, the Hotel may not yet be fully open for business, but I’m pleased to advise that after a change in NSW Government restrictions, assisted by Sailing Australia, we can return to racing and sailing (see https://www.sailing.org.au/news/nsw-may-update-relaxation-of-restrictions/).  

We must remember that Covid-19 is still present, so there are restrictions to be met.  Four square meters per person on board is no longer required, but there must be no more than 10 people per boat, and 1.5 metres distancing on board whenever reasonably practicable.  Crew lists and contact details will be required for tracing purposes, hand sanitiser must be provided and surfaces must be cleaned to minimise infection, in line with published health guidelines.

BPYC has updated its Risk Management Plan and I’ve attached our new publication “Minimising Risk of Covid-19 Infection when Sailing with BPYC".  This must be followed conscientiously so we can minimise the chance of Covid-19 infection as a result of the relaxation of some restrictions.

When Do we Resume Racing?

Our next race will be on Sunday 31 May 2020.  This is Autumn Race 6 and will be the Trevor & Finn Memorial which was previously Autumn Race 5.  

Autumn Races 3, 4 and 5 are formally abandoned and no points will be awarded for them.

A formal Notice of Race will be sent to skippers and members next week.  In the mean time, please study the attached document, take note of its requirements, send it to crew who may not yet be members of BPYC, and plan your return to racing with Blues Point Yacht Club.  

It will be great to see our burgee flying once again on Sydney Harbour! 

Chris Winston

Commodore BPYC

Here is a link to the BPYC document Minimising Risk of Covid-19 Infection when Sailing with BPYC 

Suspension of BPYC Activities

BPYC Members and Supporters

In view of the required, escalated response to Covid-19, the Committee of Blues Point Yacht Club has suspended all races and associated events until further notice.  Any racing fees already paid will be held in credit unless owners request refunds.

Due to the closure of licensed premises, our Mega Meat Tray and Cash Jackpot Raffle at the Blues Point Hotel, held each Thursday evening, has also been suspended.

I hope everyone keeps fit and well, and I know we all look forward to returning to our normal lives, including yacht racing, as soon as possible.

Kind regards

Chris Winston

Commodore, Blues Point Yacht Club

Report and Results for BPYC Autumn Race 2- Errol Hazelwood Handicap

With our usual start/finish boat, Free ‘Neasy, still out of action, Starter John borrowed a replacement, a distinctive blue and white Hood called Itchy Feet.  Hoods were competitive yachts back in the day, and it’s interesting to compare to designs today (even back then, Hoods were somewhat controversial).

We had a starting (and finishing) fleet of five yachts with even the wet-weather averse Cap’n Carl campaigning Blue Sky.  At various times, the sky was a mixture of clouds delivering rain, and clear blue.  Sail selection was a challenge for those who had alternatives, but by the second time around Course 2, all had had a chance to reflect on their choice in a wind that went from about 4 to around 15 knots.  G-Whizz was able to demonstrate the ease of its one-sheet reefing system.

The long course meant that surely some yacht would be able to pass Megisti which has had a considerable share of podium finishes this season.  This was especially the case since all yachts competing, except Megisti, had been given a reduction in their handicap after Race 1 of the Autumn Series.

As it turned out, passing Megisti wasn’t where the main action was happening.  G-Whizz, Conquista and Blue Sky were having an interesting tussle between themselves, as well as negotiating a large fleet of 18-footers racing on the Harbour.  For G-Whizz, this also involved a close encounter with a couple of large spectator boats who seemed to be concentrating on the 18-footers and not anyone else racing on the harbour.

Ultimately, no yacht passed Megisti.  Blue Sky came in second, about six minutes behind the winner, and Conquista came third, just 17 seconds ahead of G-Whizz, which she passed about half way along the last leg of the course.  That just left Martela to cross the line and allow Starter John and crew to motor home after a damp day on the water.

Report and Results for BPYC Autumn Race 1, 1 March 2020

Skippers, Crew, Club Members and Supporters

The forecast was for a warm, sunny day with a nor’easter at around 12-15 knots and little swell coming through the Heads – a perfect Sydney Harbour sailing day.  When the reality followed the forecast, it seemed all there was to do was to enjoy a beautiful sail.

Then at 1115hrs, Starter John phoned to say the start boat had no steering, so no start boat available.  No problem, Commodore Chris was prepared with a radio start script, all boats were notified and happy with this late change to starting procedure (thanks, everyone!).

All boats expected to sail did so, and some reported their start had been perfect, crossing the starting line exactly on time.  How strange it is that this only happens when there’s no start boat.

It was great to see Clonnie racing again with the fleet – let’s hope she’s a more regular competitor, with Cap’ns Ian and Jeri.  And though she wasn’t racing, Celete was also out, accompanying our fleet.  Always a good competitor, let’s also hope Cap’n Alan can soon have her in racing form.

On this day, Martela was in the capable hands of Cap’n Michael and crew.  Results show that they were only 50 seconds slower than Blue Sky in elapsed time.  Yes, they should perhaps have been faster, but they didn’t employ the special sail set used by Blue Sky.

Course 3 had been chosen, so Manly West and Manly East were the top marks.  Etesian had an Oops moment and took the Bradleys Head Safe Water Mark to Starboard rather than Port, before realising their mistake, re-tracking, and taking the SWM to Port.  There were a number of dices between G-Whizz and Etesian on the way to Manly which made for an interesting passage.

Manly Yacht Club (I think) had set the start line for their dinghy races directly across the rhumb line from the Harbour to the Manly West mark.  Within their rights to do so of course, but dodging dinghies added to the challenge for our skippers.

Megisti had a good race, leading from the start and never passed.  Cap’n Hugh and only crew, Sam, did a great job, including flying their spinnaker.

Ah, spinnakers, now there’s a mystery.  It turns out that on a J/109, the asymmetric spinnaker can be flown upside down yet still fills and gives good boat speed, so good in fact that Cap’n Carl did not politely request that it be reset, as one might have expected.  How lucky he was that another club member who wasn’t even in the race happened to be on the Harbour and captured the image for posterity.

The final result was that the race was won by the smallest boat.  The boat that had navigation problems with the SWM came second, and the boat that came third sailed with an upside-down spinnaker.  Naturally, it was presented with its bottle of wine in the same orientation!  

What a great day!

Congratulations Megisti - 2019-2020 Spring Series Winner!

Proving once again that it isn’t always the size that wins you the prize, the smallest yacht in the fleet, Megisti, won the 2019-20 BPYC Spring Series.

Congratulations to owners Hugh Babington and Joe Zahra.  Hugh is the helmsman with regular crew, Sam Bugeja and Joe.

Three wins and four seconds, plus sailing in every one of the eight races, gave Megisti its Spring Series win. 

Can’t wait for the Autumn Series to see if she can continue to keep the bigger boats further down the podium each week and claim the Club Championship at the end of the season.

Report on BPYC Spring Race 8, 12 January 2020

Recovered from their Christmas revelry, the Fab 4 (not John, Paul, George and Ringo) but Blue Sky, Martela, G-Whizz and Megisti, lined up to compete in the last race of the Spring Series.  The Series winner was probably beyond dispute given Megisti’s handy five-point lead, but with only four points between second and fourth, who would be the podium finishers?

The combination of a good SSE breeze around 15 knots and the second-longest course in the suite meant every yacht had a chance to do well, and plenty of water and time to do the opposite.

Megisti found the going tough, but after around two hours racing, the gap between the winner, Blue Sky, and second, Martela, was just over four minutes, and there was slightly less than two minutes separating second and third-placed G-Whizz.

Report on BPYC Spring Race 7, 24 November 2019

I think every one of the participants in Spring Race 7 would agree that it was an absolutely perfect day for some fun on our wonderful harbour.

The wind was just right - if anything, maybe a little light - and all boats managed to get around the course with little difficulty.

First home was Blue Sky, who oddly enough was the only boat to hoist a spinnaker, followed by the inimitable Megisti who finished just 10 seconds ahead of Martela.  Conquista and G-Whizz closely followed Martela over the line. The closeness of the race is clear in the below results table.

Some might be keen to know how the season is panning out, so below are the summarised pointscores.