DON DELLER TROPHY and Pittwater Weekend - 17 & 18 Feb 2024 - Post Race REPORT

Post Race REPORT

This year’s Don Deller was an outstanding success despite the fickle winds at multiple times through the race. 

With four entrants from SASC

·     Delinquent

·     Lunacy

·     Shambles

·     Double Dutch

and three entrants from BPYC

·     Blue Sky

·     Money Spinner III

·     Starfire

The fleet got off to a great start except for Starfire finding herself OCS and with the light wind, took almost 6 minutes to restart from the course side.  Shambles and Blue Sky took off towards North Head while the remainder of the fleet did their best to stay in touch.

By the time Starfire got to South Head she was in a better position than Money Spinner III and a few others as the winds were more favourable on the eastern side of the harbour.  Her improving position was not long lasting as she was soon under North Head and struggling to get out of the harbour.

Shambles went further east than anyone else before tacking onto a great lay line taking her beyond Long Reef with Blue Sky to leeward but staying close.  These two were to continue to tussle for the lead until the finish in Pittwater west off Palm Beach.

By Long Reef the fleet was quite spread out.  Starfire and Money Spinner III were close to each other on several occasions.  Double Dutch decided to hug the shore while Lunacy and Delinquent continued between the shore and the lay line set by Shambles.

At times, boat speeds starting with a zero were observed on board the yachts, as the wind was quite fickle throughout the race.

Shambles, Blue Sky and Money Spinner III each set a kite as they rounded Barrenjoey and sprinted to the finish line west of Palm Beach with a freshening breeze.

Lunacy retired just north of Barrenjoey Head

The author was unable to track the other yachts but learned that Lunacy retired just north of Barrenjoey Head while the remainder of the fleet crossed the line and reported their finish time to the Commodore.

The boats found their berths at RMYC Newport and celebrated with a beer or three before heading to the showers followed by dinner in the bistro.  Having made a booking for 28 people, I think I may have counted 30 people, each introducing themselves and discussing the race, as they experienced it.

Once most guests had completed their main meal, former BPYC Commodore, Michael Jansen welcomed all attendees and gave a brief recital about Don Deller who was a founding member of BPYC and the inaugural Commodore. He worked tirelessly keeping the club in a strong position, recruiting new members and new boats to join in the friendly racing at BPYC.  It was due to the above efforts Don had put into the Club, that the Don Deller Race was named in his honour.

Michael then handed over to Vice Commodore Carl Braden to read out the results and was ably assisted by Treasurer Ann Davey with the prizes and merchandise.

Carl thanked the SASC entrants and called up each boat to present them with some “welcome” BPYC merchandise including a BPYC wine glass and BPYC beer cooler.   As Lunacy had retired, the “special encouragement” prize (for last place) was presented to Starfire.

Third place was awarded to Double Dutch.

The Vice Commodore deemed first place a draw - awarded to Blue Sky and Shambles with the Don Deller Trophy to be held for 6 months by Shambles/SASC and a further 6 months by Blue Sky/BPYC.  Shambles and the other SASC entrants are also invited to the BPYC AGM on 20th July 2024 where all the prizes for the 2023-2024 season are presented to the winners.

Herschel Smith (Shambles) invited BPYC members to participate in the two SASC races to Pittwater through the year.  Their next race is the Bob Brown on 28th March (Easter Thursday) with an overnight in Coasters Retreat.

All present agreed that this year’s Don Deller was a fabulous event with camaraderie, new friends, great food and anticipation of the race in 2025.

Race 2 - Autumn Series: BPYC-SASC SHEEP STATION Race 4, 3rd Feb, 2024

BPYC members are invited to join in the club’s Race 2 of the AUTUMN SERIES.
This is Race 4 of BPYC-SASC Sheep Station Trophy. It is run with SASC’s Mixed Fleet, on Saturday 3rd February 2024 and is the final in race of the Sheep Station Series.

The race is a fleet start as per the SASC race schedule for the Mixed Fleet.
… see the Sheep Station Series SAILING INSTRUCTIONS here

SHEEP STATION SERIES
BPYC-SASC Sheep Station Trophy is a popular inter-club mini-series kicked off with Sheep Station Trophy Race 1 on Saturday 29 November 2022. The results of the Sheep Station Trophy races also count towards the BPYC Spring Series season point score.

Sheep Station Trophy Series Results

With the fourth race of the Sheep Station Trophy held on 3rd Feb, the results were tightened between SASC and BPYC.

Racing in her debut regatta, the Triton 24 “LOVEBITE” the smallest and slowest, competitor from BPYC, was awarded a 3rd on handicap in Race 3 and 1st place in Race 4. A very good series result considering she had a 7th in Race 1 and in a 5th in Race 2 after taking her own time as the finish boat had packed up (a little early perhaps). It is great to see a new competitor improve with each race.

Click HERE to view the results

Race 1 - Autumn Series: BPYC-SASC SHEEP STATION Race 3, 20th Jan 2024

Race 1 on the BPYC AUTUMN series calendar is Race 3 of the Sheep Station Series with SASC. Please refer to the SASC Sailing Program for race details, courses and start times.

RACE RESULTS:

Blues Point was well represented in the 3rd race of the Sheep Station Trophy series.
On corrected time, Blue Sky was awarded 2nd place and Lovebite awarded 3rd place.

Click here to see Race 3 results and the Series Pointscore

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BPYC members are invited to join in the club’s Race 1 of the AUTUMN SERIES. This is Race 3 of BPYC-SASC Sheep Station Trophy. It is run with SASC’s Mixed Fleet, on Saturday 20th January 2024. This is the final in race of the Sheep Station Series.

The race is a fleet start as per the SASC race schedule for the Mixed Fleet.
… see the Sheep Station Series SAILING INSTRUCTIONS here

SHEEP STATION SERIES
BPYC-SASC Sheep Station Trophy is a popular inter-club mini-series kicked off with Sheep Station Trophy Race 1 on Saturday 29 November 2022. The results of the Sheep Station Trophy races also count towards the BPYC Spring Series season point score.

Sue Heyder Race and Christmas Lunch, End of Year Celebration 3rd December, 2023 - REPORT

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

Our Christmas Sue Heyder Christmas Trophy race was won by Conquista (Alan Bull) Congratulations to Conquista, declared the winner and the Trophy will be formally presented at the 2024 AGM

The day started at 10:30 with the Sue Heyder Christmas Race, west of the Harbour Bridge. Participants crossed the line and cleaned up their boats and headed to the clubhouse, aka Blues Point Hotel, for the traditional BPYC Christmas lunch which is a heavily subsidised event for financial members and therefore, yet another reason to join up!

Here are some of this year’s photos and some of last year's photos taken at this outstanding celebration.

If you have any questions, you can contact me directly on 0478617191.

Best regards,
Bill Steenson
Commodore
Ph: 0478 617191

Blues Point Yacht Club
www.bpyc.com.au
PO Box 7040, McMahons Point NSW 2060

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 2: 2023-24 Spring Series

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

The second race of the Spring Series will be held this Sunday 27 August 2023, commencing at 12:00noon.

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

RACE REPORT:  Read the report for Race 2 HERE

RACE 1: 2024-25 Spring Series

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

Final Race of the Season

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

The final race of both the Autumn Series and the BPYC Club Championship will be held this Sunday 9 July 2023,  commencing from 12:00noon.

******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).******

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

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

+++ 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

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

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)

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

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

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.