Race 8 SPRING SERIES Sat 25th Nov - BPYC-SASC Interclub Race 2

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Race 8 on the BPYC season SPRING calendar is Race 2 of the Sheep Station Series with SASC. Please refer to the SASC Sailing Program for race details, courses and start times.

The race is scheduled on Saturday 25th November starting approx 1255hrs.
See the Sheep Station Series SAILING INSTRUCTIONS here.

SHEEP STATION SERIES
The Sheep Station Trophy Series is an inter-club challenge between the SASC and the Blues Point Yacht Club. The Sheep Station Trophy series consists of four races — there will be no discards. Starting times and courses are shown on pages 16 and 18. Yachts entered in the Mixed Fleet Series may be selected to match the number of entries from the BPYC if there are not sufficient yachts entered in the Sheep Station Trophy Series. The Saturday Spring/Summer Pointscore Sailing Instructions will apply for this series

Race 7 November 12, 2023 of the BPYC season SPRING calendar

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Dear members, friends and supporters of BPYC,

This Sunday commencing from 1:00pm is Race 7 of the Blues Point Yacht Club Spring Series. This is a handicap start - with the start time for each boat listed under 'Race Start and Handicaps' below.

Prize giving will be at the Blues Point Hotel from about 5:00pm. 

Please note that the Sailing Instructions have been revised, particularly in relation to OCS and penalties (see clauses 7, 8 and 14). The revised SIs are attached and are also available at BPYC_Sailing_Instructions_2023-2024 - revised 08nov23.pdf - Google Drive


Handicapping, etc.

After successfully running the Ladies Day race as a single mixed division, we are intending to do the same again.

As mentioned prior to that race:

"The logic behind this change relates to small overall fleet size, giving skippers the ability and flexibility to choose spinnaker or non-spinnaker for each and every race, more common courses for all boats (including, you'll be pleased to hear, MANLY) and encouraging skippers and crews to try spinnakers in suitable conditions if they so choose.

The Sailsys team is comfortable that the handicapping system will manage this mixed fleet approach with slow boats given concessions and faster boats given time penalties after each race."

Racing-related documents:

The full calendar of races for the 2023/24 season (Spring and Autumn Series and other events) is available on the BPYC website at Current Season Calendar — Blues Point Yacht Club (bpyc.com.au) .

A copy of the BPYC Sailing Instructions is available at this link. 

Details of the BPYC courses are at this link and available on the website.

The course will be announced by radio (channel 77), fifteen (15) minutes before the start time - in this case 12:45pm for the 1300hrs start.

NOTE:
Since 1 January 2022, the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) require that ALL persons competing in a race including one-off crew must have a current Australian Sailing (AS) number, issued by an AS-affiliated club (of which Blues Point Yacht Club is one).  Skippers are responsible for ensuring that this is complied with. Current financial membership of BPYC, which runs 1 July to 30 June, comes with an AS number.  Go to Membership & Sailpass — Blues Point Yacht Club (bpyc.com.au) to renew or join, or to purchase a Sailpass.

If you have any queries or need assistance with this, please contact me directly on 0478617191.

Race Start and Handicaps

The race start will be a radio start, with a countdown of 10mins - 5mins - 0mins. 

The handicaps and corresponding start times for each yacht are as follows:

******Other boats must stay clear of the starting line and clear of those on their ultimate approach to the starting line (RRS 2 and 24.1)******

Post-race Prize Giving and catch-up

Whether you are racing on Sunday or not, please join us at the Blues Point Hotel for the post-race prize giving, analysis and catch-up.

Tide 
Low tide (Fort Denison) 0815 hours: 1.67m
High tide (Fort Denison) 1438 hours: 0.43m

Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for Sunday:

Consistent with that forecast, at this stage there are no wind warnings for Sydney enclosed waters during our race window.

The Committee will review the forecast closer to the race and communicate any changes in arrangements ahead of the race.

Shipping on Sydney Harbour:
At this stage, there are no shipping movements during our race window.
Information may change without notice from BPYC.  
For the latest information, go to https://www.portauthoritynsw.com.au/sydney-harbour/

Safety audits
One of the conditions of entering a BPYC race series, as either a series entrant or a casual entrant, is to have a current Category 7 Safety Audit, as well as comply with the BPYC Addendum in relation to equipment for the category of race they are entering. (The Spring and Autumn Series are in enclosed waters - Cat 7 races).

If you have any queries, please contact me on 0478 617191 or by email.

Raffle

Don’t forget the raffle every Thursday night at the Blues Point Hotel, with 10 meat trays to be won each week, as well as the chance to win the cash jackpot. You can also enjoy a fine pub meal while participating in the raffle.

Come along and support the raffle which is the club's primary source of income and allows the club to maintain low membership fees for every member and substantial prizes for each race.  (And remember that if you help run two raffles, you receive a food and beverage voucher).

Look forward to seeing you on the water or in the 'club house' soon.

Cheers,


Bill

Bill Steenson
Commodore
Blues Point Yacht Club

PO Box 7040, McMahons Point NSW 2060

www.bpyc.com.au

Race 6 - BPYC-SASC SHEEP STATION Race 1

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Race 6 on the BPYC season SPRING calendar is Race 1 of the Sheep Station Series with SASC. Please refer to the SASC Sailing Program for race details, courses and start times.

See the Sheep Station Series SAILING INSTRUCTIONS here

SHEEP STATION SERIES
The Sheep Station Trophy Series is an inter-club challenge between the SASC and the Blues Point Yacht Club. The Sheep Station Trophy series consists of four races — there will be no discards. Starting times and courses are shown on pages 16 and 18. Yachts entered in the Mixed Fleet Series may be selected to match the number of entries from the BPYC if there are not sufficient yachts entered in the Sheep Station Trophy Series. The Saturday Spring/Summer Pointscore Sailing Instructions will apply for this series

29/10/2023 - RESULTS:
The race was held in light winds of 7 to 12 kts with one gust to 18kts at 14:00. However, it was a pleasant, sunny afternoon on Sydney Harbour. Congratulations to all entrants.

SHEEP STATION Race 1 results

Race 5: 2023-24 Spring Series "Ladies Day" race

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Our next race is Ladies Day on

Sunday 8th October 2023
with a start time of 1300hrs

Dear members, friends and supporters of Blues Point Yacht Club,

This 5th race of the BPYC Spring Series celebrates women in our sport where each yacht needs to have a lady on the helm to contend the winner’s prize. Start time is1pm (daylight saving time) with prize giving in the Blues Point Hotel from 5:30pm

This is a handicap start - with the start time for each boat listed under 'Race Start and Handicaps' below.

Racing-related documents:

The full calendar of races for the 2023/24 season (Spring and Autumn Series and other events) is available on the BPYC website at Current Season Calendar — Blues Point Yacht Club (bpyc.com.au) .

A copy of the BPYC Sailing Instructions is available at this link. 

Details of the BPYC courses, for both 'Open' and 'Non-Spinnaker' Divisions, are at this link. 

The course will be announced by radio (channel 77), fifteen (15) minutes before the start time - in this case 12:45pm for the 1300hrs start.

NOTE:
Since 1 January 2022, the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) require that ALL persons competing in a race including one-off crew must have a current Australian Sailing (AS) number, issued by an AS-affiliated club (of which Blues Point Yacht Club is one).  Skippers are responsible for ensuring that this is complied with. Current financial membership of BPYC, which runs 1 July to 30 June, comes with an AS number.  Go to Membership & Sailpass — Blues Point Yacht Club (bpyc.com.au) to renew or join, or to purchase a Sailpass.

If you have any queries or need assistance with this, please contact me directly on 0478617191.

Race Start and Handicaps

The race start will be a radio start, with a countdown of 10 mins - 5 mins - 0 mins. 

The handicaps and corresponding start times for each yacht are as follows:

******Other boats must stay clear of the starting line and clear of those on their ultimate approach to the starting line (RRS 2 and 24.1)******

Post-race Prize Giving and catch-up

Whether you are racing on Sunday or not, please join us at the Blues Point Hotel from 4:30pm onwards for the post-race prize giving, analysis and catch-up.

Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for Sunday:

Consistent with that forecast, at this stage there are no wind warnings for Sydney enclosed waters during our race window.
The Committee will review the forecast closer to the race and communicate any changes in arrangements ahead of the race.

Shipping on Sydney Harbour:
At this stage, the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR (passenger/cruise) will be departing the OVERSEAS PASSENGER TERMINAL at 16:30. Boats finishing the race near to this time should keep well clear of this vessel and any supporting craft.
Information may change without notice from BPYC.  
For the latest information, go to https://www.portauthoritynsw.com.au/sydney-harbour/

Safety audits
One of the conditions of entering a BPYC race series, as either a series entrant or a casual entrant, is to have a current Category 7 Safety Audit, as well as comply with the BPYC Addendum in relation to equipment for the category of race they are entering. (The Spring and Autumn Series are in enclosed waters - Cat 7 races).

If you have any queries, please contact me on 0478 617191 or by email.

Raffle

Don’t forget the raffle every Thursday night at the Blues Point Hotel, with 10 meat trays to be won each week, as well as the chance to win the cash jackpot. You can also enjoy a fine pub meal while participating in the raffle.

Come along and support the raffle which is the club's primary source of income and allows the club to maintain low membership fees for every member and substantial prizes for each race.  (And remember that if you help run two raffles, you receive a food and beverage voucher).

Look forward to seeing you on the water or in the 'club house' soon.

Cheers,
Bill

Bill Steenson
Commodore
Blues Point Yacht Club

Race 4: 2023-24 Spring Series

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Race 4 on 24th September 2023
The race start time is 1200Hrs.

Dear members, friends and supporters of Blues Point Yacht Club,

The fourth race of the Spring Series will be held this Sunday, 24 September 2023, commencing from 12:00noon.

This is a handicap start - with the start time for each boat listed under 'Race Start and Handicaps' below.

Race Start and Handicaps

The race start will be a radio start, with a countdown of 10mins - 5mins - 0mins. 

The handicaps and corresponding start times for each yacht are as follows: (will be provided closer to race day)

Race 3: 2023-24 Spring Series

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Race 3 on 10th September 2023 is the Allan Rintoul Memorial race.
The race start time is 1200Hrs.

Dear members, friends and supporters of Blues Point Yacht Club,

The third race of the Spring Series will be held this Sunday, 10 September 2023, commencing from 12:00noon. This race is the Allan Rintoul Trophy - named after a great friend of the Club, our late Commodore, who served from 2011 to 2014 -  with the winner receiving a handsome trophy (a platter, actually).
www.bpyc.com.au

NOTE: All crew must be active members of an AS affiliated club. Join our club.

RACE 1: 2024-25 Spring Series

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BPYC 2023-2024 SPRING Season gets underway

Dear Members and Friends,

The next race on the BPYC Calendar is Race 1 on Sunday 6th August with the start time of 1200hrs.

With this in mind, skippers and crew are reminded that an Australian Sailing number is required to race, so it is the perfect time to ensure you and your crew's BPYC membership is renewed to gain or retain your Australian Sailing number.

As mentioned in previous correspondence, the Cat 7 Equipment Audit and Additional BPYC Safety Amendment forms must be current (valid for 12 months from your previous Audit). If they are now out of date, please book your Equipment Audit inspection for the 2023-2024 season. These can be booked by sending an email to bluespointyc@gmail.com or phoning the Commodore.

Your Committee has updated the Sailing Instructions and the BPYC Calendar, both are here on the BPYC website.

Looking forward to a great 2023-2024 season where I hope to see you on the water and back at the Clubhouse (ie., Blues Point Hotel) after Sunday's race for the prize giving and we can all say hello.

Cheers,
Bill Steenson
Commodore

NOTICE OF RACE and ENTRY FORM: BPYC DON DELLER PITTWATER RACE, 6 MAY 2023

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Dear members, friends and supporters of Blues Point Yacht Club,

  The Don Deller Race to Pittwater (which was postponed from its original February date because of wind warnings) will now take place on Saturday 6 May 2023, with overnight berths available at RMYC Broken Bay.

 The Notice of Race and Entry Form are available here, reflecting the new race date - and the new date that entries close on: Friday 28 April 2023.

 All entries for the original (February) race remain valid, provided that you are using the same boat. (These entrants will not need to pay the entry fee and berthing fee again).

 New entries will need to provide an entry form with details of the yacht being entered, proof of insurance and proof of Cat. 4 safety audit.

 Even if you are not planning on sailing to Pittwater, please join us for dinner and the awards presentation at RMYC Broken Bay on Saturday evening. (There will be cars returning to Sydney after the dinner if you need a lift).

 If you need any further details, please check the attached Notice of Race or give me a call on 0478 617191.

 Best regards,

 Bill

Bill Steenson

Commodore - Blues Point Yacht Club

PO Box 7040, McMahons Point NSW 2060

Ph: 0478 617191

Don Deller Trophy and Pittwater Weekend

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+++ PLEASE NOTE, DON DELLER HAS BEEN POSTPONED, SEE FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE +++

Good afternoon members, friends and supporters of BPYC,

 It's that time of year when we make our preparations to head to Pittwater for this year's instalment of the Don Deller Trophy.

The invitation, Notice of Race and entry form is attached. The Sailing Instructions are also attached.

The race will commence in Sydney Harbour on the morning of Saturday 18 February, with the finish line just inside Pittwater. (Full details are in the race documentation).

 

Yachts are welcome to either enter the race or 'cruise in company' up to Pittwater. We are arranging for overnight berths at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, which is also where we are having dinner and the presentation of race prizes. Members are very much encouraged to come to the dinner and presentation even if they are not racing.

If you have any questions about the event or anything associated with it, please contact me directly.

Best regards,

Bill

Bill Steenson

Commodore, Blues Point Yacht Club

Ph: 0478 617191

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It's that time of year when we make our preparations to head to Pittwater for this year's instalment of the Don Deller Trophy.

The invitation, Notice of Race and entry form is attached. The Sailing Instructions are also attached.

The race will commence in Sydney Harbour on the morning of Saturday 18 February, with the finish line just inside Pittwater. (Full details are in the race documentation).

Yachts are welcome to either enter the race or 'cruise in company' up to Pittwater. We are arranging for overnight berths at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, which is also where we are having dinner and the presentation of race prizes. Members are very much encouraged to come to the dinner and presentation even if they are not racing.

If you have any questions about the event or anything associated with it, please contact me directly.

Best regards,

Bill

Bill Steenson

Commodore, Blues Point Yacht Club

Ph: 0478 617191

BPYC Christmas Lunch and Year End Celebration

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It’s not over yet but the fat lady has begun to sing her Covid swan-song and we are returning to some degree of post-pandemic normality. Therefore, among much excitement, the traditional BPYC Christmas lunch took place once more in the clubhouse, aka Blues Point Hotel, on Saturday 10 December to be enjoyed by the skippers, crew, members, supporters and friends of the BPYC. This is a heavily subsidised event for members and therefore yet another reason to join up!

It was a glorious day outside with brilliant sunshine but sadly no wind - so the decision was taken to keep the boats on the mooring and proceed straight to the pub to get on with what we do second best. The next race on Sunday January 15 has been re-designated the Sue Heyder Christmas Race instead. If nothing else, the pandemic taught us to be agile.

Actually, if you have experienced a BPYC social event before then there is not much to be added here, you get the picture: it was another great social occasion, with yarn, laughter, delicious food and perhaps a glass of wine or two surplus to requirements for some of the punters. Here are some increasingly playful photos of this outstanding celebration.

The BPYC wishes you and your loved ones a fantastic summer, a great start to 2023, and, if you celebrate it, Merry Christmas!

See you on the water in 2023,
The BPYC Committee

Sheep Station Trophy Race 1 (BPYC Race 4)

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Once more, the BPYC and our friends at the Sydney Amateurs are joining forces for the 2022 BPYC-SASC Sheep Station Trophy. This popular inter-club mini-series kicked off with Race 1 on Saturday 29 November 2022. This year the results of the Sheep Station Trophy races also count towards the BPYC season so our regular entries Blue Sky, G-Whizz, and Starfire all competed for glory in both series> Conquista meanwhile copped a DNS due an electrical fault in her engine.

Standard BPYC races get under way with a staggered handicap start, the Sheep Station races however use a high adrenaline fleet start, which together with the unfamiliar large number of competitors (10 in total) and a nearby CYCA start line caused some initial confusion. But not for long and the yachts soon beat their way upwind from Shark Island towards Kirribilli. The duel of the day was between Blue Sky and its SASC nemesis Clueless, a stripped Farr 30 race boat. The ever capricious Sydney wind gusted at 20kts in this early part of the race, leading Blue Sky to opt for their aptly named chicken chute, a smaller asymmetrical spinnaker, for the downwind leg. Unfortunately the direction of the dying down breeze handed an advantage to boats with large symmetrical spinnakers, so race Blue Sky now had to come from behind. With clever tactics and precisely executed manoeuvres she not only managed catch Clueless but in fact overtook the entire fleet to claim line honours on the day. G-Whizz equally sailed a superb race finishing only 7 minutes behind Blue Sky and deservedly won the race on handicap. The normally intrepid Starfire however sadly did not have the most successful of afternoons, finishing 8th over the line and 10th on handicap. The sail choices of a Nr 2 Genoa left her a little underpowered up-wind while the asymmetrical spinnaker forced her to take unfortunate angles on the downwind leg, flying the kite shy and causing some tricky situations for the crew.

In the end everyone agreed that it was yet another cracking day of racing on Sydney Harbour in the company of great boats from the SASC, and some post-race hospitality – we can’t wait for the next Sheep Station race.

The next BPYC race (Ladies Day and Spring Race 6) will be Sunday 13 November 2022 from 1pm.

Race 3 BPYC Spring Series - Spinnakers both ways

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The BPYC Race 3 kicked off at midday on Sunday 25 September 2022, another glorious spring day in Sydney. The forecast was for light winds so some eyebrows were raised when the starter announced Course 3, Manly, our favourite but also one of longest courses. Would the fleet be bobbing in the water off Nielsen Park with limp sails while the beers got warm? Not so as it turned out. The fleet once more consisted of Starfire on scratch, followed by Conquista and G-Whizz (5 and 6 minutes behind) while Blue Sky was looking to roll up the field from behind.

At the start the wind was light south west around 4 to 6 knots from the start for about 45 minutes to an hour perhaps slightly favouring the boats starting earlier. In such conditions it wasn’t long before the colourful sails came out with all boats except G-Whizz enjoying a long spinnaker run heading up into Manly.  

Upon rounding the buoys at Manly West and East the fleet was still quite well spaced out in the order of the start. The BOM had predicted a wind shift, which duly occurred just as the leading boats started their return leg. The standard afternoon Sydney Nor-Easter sea breeze kicked in with wind building to 10-12 knots. Starfire and Conquista both quickly readied their kites again so Blue Sky, still flying a spinnaker in the south westerly was watching boats coming the other way from the north, also under spinnaker - pretty interesting conditions. The angle of the wind on the way to the East Channel marker favoured the asymmetrical spinnaker on Startfire on this leg and she began to pull away from the competition. Conquista flew its large symmetrical spinnaker very shy when suddenly, with a nasty ripping sound, the cloth tore all the way. The usual chaos ensued but thankfully the full complement of crew on board Conquista managed to take the shreds down with reasonable swiftness and only a modicum of (very) flowery language before she was on her way again.

The scene was set for another showdown between the two leading boats, who rounded the final mark at Shark Island at the same time. Once more the wind was straight behind, Starfire went for speed and popped the asymmetrical spinnaker again but had to take a longer course to stay with the wind whereas Conquista, deprived of the (now shredded) kite, chose to run before the wind with their large headsail poled out on the most direct route back to Clark Island. In the end Conquista made it over the finish line only a few boat lengths ahead of Starfire, with G-Whizz and Blue Sky following in due course.

In all the course only took two hours to complete so well done starters for sending us to Manly (and crews for getting back) – the beer certainly was still cold for the usual yarn and race post-mortem in the pub.

Race 4 – the Allan Rintoul Trophy – is scheduled for Sunday 9 October at 13:00 (the first race in daylight saving time) – we hope to see you there.

Race 2 BPYC Spring Series - a whiff of spring

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And it was yet another glorious day to sail with the BPYC. Race 2 got underway at noon on Sunday 11 September. Four competitors entered: Blue Sky, G-Whizz, Starfire, and Conquista. The forecast was for light winds so the fleet was to complete one of our less used courses, #6 Short, which rounds Fort Denison, heads over to Nielsen Park and back to the start & finish line between Clark Island and the navy buoy.

Once on the water it turned out the BOM didn’t quite get it right as there was a mostly steady breeze to complement the sunshine, perfect sailing conditions and a whiff of spring in the air. After starting on handicap only minutes apart, Starfire, G-Whizz and Conquista chased each other to Fort Denison in close pursuit. Then their skippers decided to deploy different tactics. G-Whizz and Conquista left their spinnakers in the bag for the downwind run towards KFC (i.e. the safe-water mark of Bradley’s Head), while Starfire’s crew appeared intent on maximising their season tickets at Taronga Zoo. Though once she had their kite flying Starfire leapt forward and rounded the AS mark at Nielsen Park first. But where was Blue Sky? In their rear view mirrors, the crews on the three front running boats admired the artistic shapes of Blue Sky’s spinnaker, manoeuvres that were sure to maximise Blue Sky’s opportunity to play catch-up on the return leg. Beating back towards Clark Island the wind did provide some interesting shifts, forcing some competitors to throw in unexpected tacks. Overall G-Whizz sailed most consistently and crossed the finish line first. Conquista managed to sneak up on Starfire and inch ahead on the very last tack to claim second place. And after a solid second half of the race Blue Sky had made up a lot of lost ground to finish only minutes after Starfire. Well done and congratulations G-Whizz.

The next BPYC race is on 25 September at 12pm.

And while we have you, a big thank you to all our members who have already renewed for 2022-23. For those still on the fence, the club offers a grace period until the end of September, during which the sign-up fee for renewing members is waived. If you are contemplating whether to renew or not - now is a good time. Please remember, as per AS regulations, before you can race with us (or any other AS affiliated club) you need an active AS number, which is included in the BPYC membership. New members are of course always welcome, you can sign up or renew online on this website.

Race 1 BPYC Spring Series – Sydney Harbour at its best

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What a show Sydney Harbour put on for us for Race 1 of the BPYC Spring Series. Sunshine, a reasonably steady breeze and special appearances from a pod of dolphins and a seal made for beautiful sailing on course 3 up to Manly and back. Lots of regular BPYC sailors & skippers were unable to join unfortunately (including GWhizz which was busy winning its Division of the West Harbour Winter Series) and the somewhat depleted fleet consisted only of the intrepid Starfire and Conquista. 

While Starfire, skippered by Hugh Babington, was fully crewed with a set of regulars, Conquista was skippered by co-owner Sue Cumbo and operated with a skeleton crew, some new to the boat (and yes, all current AS members, as is the requirement nowadays). 

Beating into the Nor’easter, Starfire defended her lead all the way to Manly, though when rounding the buoys Conquista was only seconds behind. On the downwind leg coming back, Starfire carried her asymmetrical spinnaker beautifully all the way to the finish line, gybing as she went along and handling the occasional hour glass in style. 

Conquista was in full pursuit all the way but given the unfamiliarity of many of the crew, the spinnaker stayed in the bag. In the end Starfire crossed the line several minutes ahead of Conquista, a compelling win on a beautiful day on the water.

Race 2 of the Spring Series is on Sunday 11 September and we look forward to seeing more boats on the water.

Spring Series Race Calendar & Sailing Instructions Published

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28 August marks the start of the new season, kicking off with Race 1 of the 2022-23 Spring Series.

What’s new?

After a couple of seasons that were heavily disrupted by Covid-19 we are planning to return to our regular cadence of 2 series, Spring and Autumn, with 8 point scoring races each scheduled every 2-3 weeks on average. Find the calendar here. What is different this season is that we have incorporated the popular BPYC-SASC Interclub ‘Sheep Station Trophy’ as regular point scoring races (while still constituting a miniseries with our friends at SASC). This allows us to mix up race times a bit with regular BPYC races still scheduled for Sunday and the four interclub races on Saturday. Also new is a pre-planned make-up slot in case we have to abandon a race earlier in the season. During the autumn series we are planning a couple of offshore events, including the Don Deller Race to Pittwater - which is always a highlight - and another similar event out of the Heads. Of course we are planning our Sue Heyder Xmas cruise and lunch.

There have been a number of small updates to the Sailing Instructions, which we ask skippers and first mates to review. For crew the main point to remember is that for all races with the BPYC (and all other Australian Sailing affiliated clubs) an AS number is required. If you are not a member with us or another AS club yet, or if you haven’t renewed yet, we encourage you to become a current member now - membership is a very reasonable $80 (+$30 for new members) and will include your AS number for the whole membership year. If you just want to dip your toe in and join one race you can follow the link above and purchase a $15 SailPass (temporary membership) for one day/ race. Finally, if you have a yacht and want to race, or have a mate who wants to race their yacht - please let us know, we would love to welcome new boats to the fleet.

If you have any questions please send us a message bluespointyc@gmail.com or give Bill Steenson, our commodore a call on 0478 617 191. We are keen to get back on the water 28 August, see you there and in clubhouse afterwards!

Joerg Klug
Secretary BPYC

AGM & Long Lunch in the Pub - Celebrating our champions and looking forward to 2022/23

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On Saturday 23 July, BPYC held its AGM lunch and annual prize-giving, with a great selection of food and drink provided by the Blues Point Hotel. Our thanks to the chef and all the staff for putting on such a great spread.

It was also a chance to see several faces that haven’t been at BPYC events for quite a while – including former Commodore Ross Heyder coming all the way from Perth for the event, as well as founding member and former Commodore Jim Lee.

As part of the AGM proceedings, the club elected the Committee for 2022/2023.

Ross presented the Sue Heyder Cup to the crew of G-Whizz (skippered by Ann Davey). Outgoing Commodore Michael Jansen presented the race prizes, assisted by Committee members, as well as prizes to the team having sold the most raffle tickets during the season.

The winner of the Club Championship, being the overall winner of the 2021/22 point score races was Conquista skippered by Alan Bull, with Starfire (Hugh Babington) in second, and Blue Sky (Carl Braden) third.

For more details on the club’s achievements for the year and the full list of prize winners, please see Michael’s Commodore’s Report.

The club also introduced the ’David Swain Cup’ to commemorate six-time Commodore, the late David Swain – which is awarded to the member who the committee considered had made the most significant contribution to the club for the year. Fittingly, the inaugural winner was one of David’s crew on Martela, Michael Jansen.

You can see photos from the event here.

The draft Race Calendar for 2022/23 was presented. It sees the welcome return of the separate ‘Spring’ series and ‘Autumn’ series, after a shortened (combined) series in 2021/22.

The first race of this new season will be on Sunday 28 August (UPDATED, previously 21 August) and the full race calendar will be posted on the BPYC website. If you’re interested in entering as either a series or casual entry, click here.

Safety Audits are due prior to the first race, so please contact the Committee via bluespointyc@gmail.com to arrange a mutually convenient opportunity to conduct the audit of your boat.

Bill Steenson
Commodore 2022/23

REPORT: June Long Weekend, Cruise-in-Company to RMYC Port Hacking

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There were three yachts from BPYC and two from SASC who braved the chilly W-SW'ly winds and significant swells.

Departing Chowder Bay around 1100hrs in what seemed like a rather light breeze from the west, Blue Sky was keen to try an untested spinnaker from the sail wardrobe.  She was soon followed by Samphire and Le Mistral, Money Spinner III and G-Whizz heading towards Sydney Heads for the two to three hour sail south to Port Hacking.

This part of the trip, heading south along the Sydney beaches and Port Botany, was relatively smooth going for the travellers although some extra layers were required to keep the cold SW'ly at bay. Some of the skippers later mentioned they recorded as much as 28-30 kts!

Rounding Cape Baily Lighthouse to enter Bate Bay, we could see Cronulla in the distance.  Sadly the huge sand hills of Wanda and Greenhills are now long gone but a few of us on board recalled how we used to visit with our families to climb the hills, then slide down on a sheet of cardboard. I guess that is the cost of progress to build the city we now have.  I often wonder where the construction industry is mining their sand today...

The final run into Port Hacking was more of a work with the wind strengthening from the SW.  Fortunately it didn't take too long before we had to navigate down to Gunnamatta Bay where we turned to starboard making a beeline to the RMYC.  The marina assistant was most helpful directing us to pre-booked berths and made us feel very welcome.

Most of the crews headed to the bar for a debrief over a few beers and even some chips or salt'n'pepper squid.  Others took a shower before joining us on the terrace.

There was a pretty strong turnout for dinner with several loved ones and friends joining from Sydney by car.  
The bistro atmosphere was such that any rehearsed speech was not practical as there was significant noise with other guests dining and enjoying the company of their friends.

The feedback I received was very positive, with skippers and crew thanking the club for organising such a lovely destination over the Queen's Birthday long weekend.  A suggestion received was to extend the trip to Shell Cove (Shellharbour) with a stopover in Port Hacking then a stop in Shell Cove before returning to Sydney Harbour.  

.....A thought for the Committee.

Michael Jansen (Commodore)

Blues Point Yacht Club